ATT 945 4-line Phone + Cordless Question

[phone_troll]

Hi All,

I've got a site that uses ATT 945 4-line phones and they are happy with them. We've run into the need of adding another phone, but the location is a nightmare to run cable to. The only way is to surface mount the cable and hide it with raceway, which will look really ugly in this case.

So, I'm thinking about adding a newer 4-line cordless phone. Are you guys familiar with adding just a single cordless handset to an already existing 4 line phone system? Any conflicts I should be aware of?

I'm thinking of something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/RCA-25420-1-...2822375&sr=1-9&keywords=4+line+cordless+phone

I do not care about intercom or voicemail or whatever not being available. All I need is the ability to answer calls on lines 1 through 4. Voicemail and intercom and whatever else will be handled by the regular AT&T phones.

Thank you!!

 

[LoPath]

I use something similar.... I use a Panasonic cordless SIP DECT system. Not sure how the AT&T phone programming goes, but our Panasonic one is quite simple. It gives us a web interface that lets us assign which lines go to which handsets. It would be worth a look at the manual to see how that's setup. If you have to do it on each handset, it could be painful.

LoPath
Maintain HiPath 4000 V5 & V6, OpenScape Xpert V4, Xpressions, Contact Center

 

[phone_troll]

daNice.

There's virtually no programming with the AT&T unit. The largest effort is having the 4 copper trunks from telco extended into each phone. The most I have to do is set the time/date and maybe change each phones extension.

I just want to know if I can add a cordless phone somehow into the mix, that handles all 4 lines.

 

[Dexman]

The AT&T 945 is referred to as a NoKSU device. Such devices mimic the functionality of a traditional KSU. The phones communicate by signaling each other via line #1's wiring.

Having said that...such devices are intended to be used within a "closed system" meaning that only certain phones can be used. Connecting other types of phones could cause problems with features...such as Hold.

Another possible issue would be hearing a low-level high pitched whine in the background. That is the signal the stations use to communicate with each other.

To see if any limitations of introducing a non-system phone into the mix can be tolerated, wire a traditional single line cordless phone to line #1 and experiment.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[RLSbutton]

I looked up the pic of these and I just ripped out a whole 14 extension office that was using these ATT phones. The amount of wiring and power supplies was like a rats nest. The guy who set it up, helped me set up the E-MetroTel UCx solution. One CAT6 cable to each Avaya 1140E phone, was so much cleaner.

With that said, I remember the office had some older clunky Panasonic 4 line phone with a wireless 4 line handset in the mix. It was pretty old technology and sat in the corner of their design library covered in dust. So you might be able to find a 4 line cordless handset from Panasonic such as this one and throw it into the mix.

Here is a link to a newer one.

http://panasonic.factoryoutletstore...42&chid=4272&gclid=CLCj26mfx9MCFUOewAodp5gJfA

Joseph Sus Jr. Nortel Emetrotel Consultant

http://www.joetheucxguy.com

 

[phone_troll]

You guys are awesome. Thank you both for the info!!

Hey RLSbutton -- do you happen to know the exact model of the older phone you pulled out? I can source used/out-of-stock equipment.

I got my RCA 4-line cordless phone in and will be testing it later this week. I don't have much hope, but it's worth a shot.

 

[RLSbutton]

Here is the model number:

Panasonic KX-TG4500B

Joseph Sus Jr. Nortel Emetrotel Consultant

http://www.joetheucxguy.com

 

[phone_troll]

Isn't that the newer model you linkeed me to in your previous thread? I'm looking for the older version, just in case there are any differences. I will be buying it tomorrow.

 

[curlycord]

Why go old?
You are looping analog lines so this should be a no brainier especially since you don't care about intercom & vmail.

You loop lines from one device to another plain and simple....no such thing as being compatible or the need to care if old or new when intercom & vmail is not required.

Have you looked into Analog extenders?
Do they have a network cable at this far end or a hub near it?




________________________________________

Add me to LinkedIN

**New Allworx Forum**

=----(((((((((()----=

http://www.curlycord.com

Toronto, CAN

 

[Dexman]

Before purchasing anything, I would still suggest hooking up an SLT to line #1 to make sure that whatever sound is generated by the 954s won't be a distraction to anyone using that line on the non-system phone.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[curlycord]

Dexman are you suggesting there is a noise when On Hook?


________________________________________

Add me to LinkedIN

**New Allworx Forum**

=----(((((((((()----=

http://www.curlycord.com

Toronto, CAN

 

[Dexman]

Not necessarily unhook. I'm thinking of audible noise in the earpiece during calls. The signalling used by these phones can be heard by many. I think that it is either a faint whine or clicking. That is why manufacturers warn about where to install DSL filters when using these phones. I think that filters must be installed ahead of all of the station wiring.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[RLSbutton]

Oh Sorry Phone Troll, thats the only serial number I know for the Panasonic 4 Line Wireless sets.

There are such easier ways to do all this today without analog lines, but you get 5 stars for the effort out of making the most of your Plain Old telephone service.

Let us know your outcome!


Joseph Sus Jr. Nortel Emetrotel Consultant

http://www.joetheucxguy.com

 

[Dexman]

What type of telephone wiring currently exists in the customer location? If it is two or four pair UTP, you could always install a small telephone system such as an Avaya Partner ACS and do away with the 945's. Then, you could add a cordless SLT and assign as many lines to it as the customer wishes.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[phone_troll]

It's POTS broken out into 4 lines into each phone. We have a monster NEC SV9500 waiting for them when they move to their new location, but they don't want to spend much money in adding another phone. They have 6 working phones and just want to add 1 that can answer all 4 lines. It's definitely inconvenient, and challenging, but it's nice to get paid to learn.

I'll definitely get back to you guys on what happens here.

RLSButton -- that was probably the correct model as Panasonic doesn't make it anymore.

Thank you guys again, a lot of info here

 

[curlycord]

Do they have a network cable at this far end or a hub near it?"


________________________________________

Add me to LinkedIN

**New Allworx Forum**

=----(((((((((()----=

http://www.curlycord.com

Toronto, CAN

 

[curlycord]

Looks like too expensive to go through the network so never mind.

Suggest you test Dexmans theory with your test set or analog phone.


________________________________________

Add me to LinkedIN

**New Allworx Forum**

=----(((((((((()----=

http://www.curlycord.com

Toronto, CAN

 

[Dexman]

Please post the test results.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[RLSbutton]

You can still buy the phone on the grey market, that is, refurbished or used.

Joseph Sus Jr. Nortel Emetrotel Consultant

http://www.joetheucxguy.com

 

[Dexman]

Early on, the OP mentioned that new cables would need to be surface mounted. With a new office in the works...along with an NEC, system, I'd be reluctant to spend anything on the 945s.[flush]

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/