ASM 8+ Intermitent Problemos

[TrekTech]

We're working on this BCM 400 right now, with 4 ASM 8+ modules in it. For some reason, random ports on the ASMs will fail, and lose dialtone/talk battery. This can be fixed with a simple DISABLE/RE-ENABLE to the port, however, it is happening more and more frequently, and on all ASM modules. Im thinking it may have something to do with MWI Lamps on the Analog phones we're using... They seem to cause a clicking noise, over the wiring, when the light flashes. Is this normal? Has anyone seen anything simmilar to this?
p.s - The data rack containing the BCM is not grounded, could this be a problem?
Any help with this issue would be much appreciated.

 

[MagnaRGP]

Check the vintage of the ASMs (especially the 8 port). There was an issue with them failing that is specific to a particuluar date range (or was it serial number range?).

Anyway there is a technical bulletin on Nortel's site which documents this very issue. These will be replaced.

 

[TrekTech]

Thanks, but the problems seems to have been caused by MWi Lamps on the analog telephones, connected to the ASMs. Apparently, Message waiting indication uses a large enough portion of the voltage, to bring down ports on the ASM. Not sure whether MWi ever works correctly with older model phones, or whether it just has issues when outputting to many sets.