I would like to upgrade from ACS R2.1.0.1 to R6 I need advice

[Jd925]

Hi, I just got a small partner acs system I was told it was the latest version. However that was not true. And we want the R6. I read online that i can get a card and slip it in to upgrade. That costs 350.00 but i paid 800 for the system. ( thats another question is this a good price for what i got? came with 4 euro 18D phones, 5 slot carrier, voice mail, 10 boxes, and 1 400ec.) But besised that ... Is thier a cheeper way to upgrade? If i find somone willing to sell their card is that legal? Or is there some kind of licence issue? Thanks for the help. Jake

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi Jake,
An upgrade card only works once. You need a brand new card for this to work. Sounds like you bought an EBAY system. A new upgrade card will update the software, but not the hardware. There have been a few enhancements in hardware. Power supply for one.
-Chris

 

[Jd925]

Hi, not an ebay system, from a freind but thanks for the info how does the price look? Fair 12 digital sets 2 w/o screens

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi Jake,
I'm in Canada, so the pricing is skewed. Considering it's a used system, the vm sounds like a VS R4 at best. So it's old. Why not price a few out used in your area?
Also, figure out what you need for lines & stations and price equipment out. New will be more, obviously, but trouble free. Depending on problems down the road, new may be cheaper ... or not. How long did your friend have the system?
-Chris

 

[Jd925]

Mid 90's It has been shutdown and boxed up from 2000 until now. I have been hesitant to leave it on the last few knights. I have heard of the powersupplys giving out, and i dont want a fire from that. It's in my house so im not concerned with vm realy i only use 2 of the 10 mailboxes anyway. How much life do you think its got left? I will only be using about 12 digital sets and about 3 analog sets. Im using 2 station cards. one is the proc 10-17 and the other i belive is a 308.

Jake

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi Jake,
You're fine. Leave it on. When they fail, they might smoke, but just shut off. The supply is fused as well. So, you are in no danger at all.
That system will probably run for years & you'll love it. Keep in mind that the cooler they run, the longer they last. I have an ACS in my house too. It makes like so much easier.
-Chris

 

[Jd925]

Thanks, Would you recomend a fan mounted above the unit? What devices might you recomend for a house> I like the door phone idea but --- its ugly is there other brands out there? THANKS Jake

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi Jake,
I wouldn't worry about a fan, just mount the unit where it stays at room temperature. Treat it like a computer (it is), a UPS later wouldn't hurt either. Then you can still use the phone when the power's off.
The door phones by different manufacturers work fine. Some use a CO port, at least they keep ringing, which the Partner doesn't. A pet peeve of mine.
-Chris

 

[jlshelton]

I'm one ofthe nuts that recommends a fan for the ACS. I have two dual-ball-bearing computer fans mounted at the top of the 5-slot carrier. (Don't get cheaper fans; some have only 1000 hour useful life.)

Advantages: System runs cooler
Disadvantages: More likely to suck in dust, requiring periodic maintenance. Fan failure would block natural convection leading to rapid overheating. Fans don't look pretty on top of chassis.

So, a good hack for a home system if you can keep an eye on it. Not a great idea for a customer installation.

Rule of thumb: Every 10 degrees (F) temperature drop doubles the life of electronic equipment.

 

[Dexman]

I recently mounted a cooling fan about 2" above the top of the installation I maintain. (Church installation. Wing of the church added in the mid 1950s, but no central air conditioning was installed.)

The telephone closet that the system is located in is below grade and the air temp does not exceed 80*f, but there is very little air movement.

I went the fan route after I lost 1 port on the ACS R6.0 and the Partner Mail VS R4.1 started to act up. Ended up replacing the ACS 6.0, upgraded to a Partner Messaging 6.0 and mounted the fan.

I also purchased an indoor/outdoor thermometer to keep track of air temp & humidity levels both near the system and up at the ceiling near the fire alarm system's heat sensor.

No problems since then.

 

[itpphoneguy]

Well, the new style five slot cabinet helps a lot. Route the wires under the entire cabinet, not through the holes just under the cards in the old style cabinets. If the mounting location stays around room temperature (70 deg F), you don't need to go to extremes. If the area gets hot or has no air movement, then use a fan or two. Watch for dust buildup.
Dexman, if you have the old style carrier, replace it with the new type. If you have a two slot carrier, destroy it and buy the five slot carrier.
jlshelton, you are absolutely right. The failure curves are exponential with temperature. That's for the individual parts for every make of every electronic thing.
-Chris