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4 Line Handset ? Do they exist ? 1

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stampingstan

Technical User
Jul 25, 2006
7
GB
I am trying to source a single handset that can accept 4 off analogue lines.

I want a single phone on the desk rather than 4.

4 lines would be 2 x PABX extensions, 1 x different PABX extension, 1 PSTN.

All are currently analogue lines and some (2) have call recording (analogue) equipment attached.

"Ulytel 4" is a 2 line version of what I want, but Ulytel have gone bust !.
Any help/advise appreciated.

Thanks,
Stan.
 
There are alot of 4 line analog phones out there. AT&T used to make them and still may. Search google for multiline phones.
 
kwing,

Maybee I'm mis understanding technical specs, but I've been searching GOOGLE all morning, and only seem to be able to find what I understand to be single (digital?) handsets/extensions with a single line cord that have a capability of monitoring 4 (or more) lines that pass through the same PABX.

My scenario requires 4 x Annalogue cords direct into the same single handset. (the lines originate from different sources + have some annalogue based call recording attached)

Regards,
Stan,

 
Search for an ATT984 and there are several other 4 line phones out there.
 
Maybe you need to search (4 line phone) and not "handsets"

LkEErie
 
Thanks All for responses.

ATT945 - Looks like it might be the what I'm after.

Now struggling to find a UK based supplier (I forgott to state I'm based in the UK).

Before I buy direct from US, can anybody confirm that US phone will just plug in and work in UK.

Thanks,
Stan.

 
Panasonic and RCA also make 4-line phones. I was going to suggest going to office max until I saw the way you spelled "analogue" and then just assumed...

Some of the phones will have 4 individual jacks, and some will have two 2-line jacks and then you have to wire your wall jacks appropriately and be sure to use 4-wire line cords instead of the really cheap ones that only have the center pair.
 
a small key system that is expandable beyond four lines is really a better investment long term

what happens to your 4 line phones when you need to add a fifth line ?
 
Skip raises an excellent point. With these types of "noksu" systems, you can't expand beyond 4 telephone lines.
 
The AT&T (VTech) 945 was designed for the US market so I don't think it will work in the UK.

This may be a situation where you might want to consult with a local telephone equipment vendor so that they can fully assess your needs and sell you a telephone system that will serve you well for years to come. [smile]
 
Thank you all for your various comments.

My scenario is a cluttered Control Room desk, and I'm trying to rationalise various seperate phones on various exchanges into one neat single desk telephone solution.

Expansion isn't a real concern, the main Siemens Realitis PABX can accomodate most of my expansion requirements.

I have consulted my regular telephone equipment supplier who couldn't provide a solution, so knowing that such a device had been available in the past I started searching the net for my own solution. My regular equipment supplier is fairly large corporate company, who don't perhaps deal in "one off" specials, so I may explore the smaller local business that may be more receptive to this relatively unique scenario.

This is where I'm at now...
I'm currently evaluating the suitability of the AT&T devices that have been suggested.
e.g. Are they US only - will they work in UK ?
I don't need to considder a 5th line - I will worry about that if it ever happens, as money's not a big factor - I could just discard the 4 line phone and start again if it ever occured.
I would prefer to find a UK supplier.
I will also investigate the Panasonic and RCA devices that donb01 has mentioned.

Thank you all,
Stan.
 
The other question that comes to mind is.... If you have a pbx, why can't you have the stand alone analog lines on the pbx? Then just have a pbx phone with line appearances for all the lines/extensions you need.
 
One option, bit of a sledge hammer option.

Go Voip:

One 4 FXO port Gateway

One (free) SIP server (OnDo or TrixBox)
and
IP Phone (recommend Aastra range).
Bit of head scratching later and you shoud have a nice little set up.


Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004
 
Again thanks for comments but ...

Routing all lines through PABX and then having a single extension with line appearance has several other issues to overcome.....

PABX is not local to Control Desk where I'm trying to reduce this telephone count. (approx 200mtrs with difficult cable runs).
Some lines arriving local to control room couldn't easily be routed through PABX.
Analogue call recording equipment is attached local to the control room rather than the PABX. (limits the VOIP options)
One line is an extension on the seperate PABX of a trading partener (so I'm not sure I could route that through my own PABX).

I'm still chasing the 4 line analogue phone as this would be the easiest solution, but I will have to considder things like a single extesion with 4 line appearance when I've exhausted this option.

Regards,
Stan.
 
I'm thinking Panasonic U.K. has pretty much the same 4-line sets we have in the U.S. The something 4000 is a cordless with a wired base unit. A little pricey, but it ought to work for your purposes.

It must be like looking for a needle in a haystack when you want to search for a product in the U.K. market. I tried looking for 4-line phones with U.K. ties and I didn't find anything. The sheer volume of results of American sites would drive me to drink :)

I don't know how compatible US phones are to your system, but you might be able to "import" a phone. I did find a link that pretty much lists all of our 4-line offerings on one site
I have never bought anything from these guys, and I probably never will, but here it is.

LkEErie
 
FYI,
the vast majority of US phones will NOT work in the UK. However, I have found the odd Canadian one has.

Stu..

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004
 
Oh and btw. Unless it is BABT approved, it is illegal to connect it to the UK PSTN....


Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004
 
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