ACS 6.0 Interference 1

[kurmann]

I installed a 4 port Partner Messaging R 1.0 Voicemail Module today to an ACS 6.0.. the 4 Port Partner messaging unit is in slot 5. While I was there the customer started complaining about a whining noise on all 11 of their phone lines and all of their extensions. Its not major interference but it is noticeable all the time..

I had 2 different Partner Messaging Modules so I tried the other one in the system as well to make sure the new module I put in wasn't causing the problem and the same exact slight whining, humming noise is present when the other Messaging Module was replaced .. When I power the system down and then back on there is no interference for about 3 minutes or so on each occassion after the startup, but the damn noise always came back..

Customer says previous to my arrival the lines did not make this noise and he demands I remedy the situation.. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[Dexman]

It's possible that the power supply in one of the modules in the 5 card carrier is causing the noise. What are the other cards in the carrier?

Here is something you can try:

Back up the ACS and the voicemail, power down and unseat all expansion modules. Power up and listen for the noise on the extensions connected to the ACS processor. Power down and reseat the module in slot #1. Power up and check for noise. Power down, seat the module in the 2nd slot and continue along until all modules are seated.

 

[kurmann]

The Modules are in the following order

ACS 6.0 in Center Processor slot
308EC on far left
400EC 2nd to left
206e 2nd to right
Partner Messaging 1.0 on Far Right


The only new thing I put into the system is the Partner Mesaging Module, which I tried 2 different units and the low buzzing or humming noise was present with both Messaging units attached.

Is it my responsibility to replace the processor or any other faulty card if the system is over 2 years old? I just sold them the Partner Messaging Module, but they are insisting that I fix the noise no matter what right away- presumably out of my own pocket .. I burnt this Partner Messaging module in for a full week while I could learn to program and test it so I sincerely doubt it would have caused the problem since it did not cause te problem on my own ACS system and 2 units were tested with the same result, but try telling the customer that.. Everything in the office is our fault..

 

[Dexman]

While it may not have any effect on the noise issue, I know that from reading other posts by lead/senior techs, that 400 type modules need to be located to the right of the voicemail card. I am not 100% sure the reason why, but switching the cards so you have the 308EC, 206e, processor, Partner Messaging and then the 400EC might be a good idea.

Since power needs to be removed from the 5 slot carrier before modules can be added or removed, I'm beginning to wonder if the power supply in the 206 module or the 400 module is the culprit. The 206 is an old card and old power supplies can do some strange things.

Not being a vendor, I can't really say what recourse you have. My primary job is that of a CO technician for an IXC/CLEC and have to please our customers otherwise they'll switch carriers at the drop of a hat. Vendors, upon seeing old modules in a Partner system, will often tell the customer up front that they (vendor) will not be responsible should an old module not power up properly.

My thought is still to unseat the modules, check for noise and then add additional modules one at a time.

 

[kurmann]

Thanks Dexman, I'm going out there tommorrow after hours so I'll check the modules one at a time, I'll also swap the 400 module to the right of the Voicemail, I think I'll try that first, If that doesen't work than I'll start from scratch with the processor as a stand alone unit..

Unfortunately it is going to be quite time consuming as anytime I powered down the system and then powered it back up the noise was not present for the first 3 to 5 minutes or so on the restart, which might also point to a power supply issue with one of the modules..

 

[Dexman]

One thing to remember when you swap the 400 and the voicemail modules around.

Even though the 400 card does not have any physical ports, the processor, when assigning ports to Hunt Group 7, will treat the module as if it had, I believe, 6 ports. (Do a quick check to see which ports are currently in Hunt Group 7 just to be sure. My memory isn't what it used to be ).

Don't be surprised if you end up changing the ports assigned to Hunt Group 7 after the modules have been placed into their final locations.

 

[kurmann]

Problem Solved..

Thanks DexMan! Ended up that all of the modules including the 308ec had to be to the right of the Partner Messaging Module .. So I have the Partner Messaging Module installed on the far left of the 5 slot carrier.. I had to change the customers extensions 18,19,20 etc.. since they no longer existed, but atleast their is no more noise.. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Dexman]

No problem!