Magix R3 PRI - Faxing issue 1

[Textron68]

We have a Merlin Magix R3, two cabinets, with a PRI for outside calls. Layout as follows:
Proc
100D - Tandom tie to another Legend R7
412 TDL
024 TDL
024 TDL
100D - PRI

Merlin Msg
016 TTR
024 TDL
100D - To be used for intra-company tied to Cisco (not set up yet)
024 TDL

We reconfigured the system several months ago getting rid of some 412 TDL cards and an 800 card due to adding the last 100D. In order to limit the amount of physical moving the PRI was moved up from cabinet 2 to cabinet 1. No issues to begin with. Now, after several months, the location is not able to send faxes reliably and I am unable to get a stable connection dialing into the system. Voice traffic is stable, no dropped calls and no noticable speech breaking up or tunnel sound. I have had the system rebooted, replaced the DS1 interface cable and had the LEC test the circuit. This is a traditional T1 PRI, no special IP garbage. I'm thinking I may have to swap positions of the Merlin Msg and 100D and put the PRI back into Cabinet 2. Any ideas out there before I reconfig again?

 

[SYQUEST]

Have there been any unusual error alarm codes? Who is the provider and what is the CO switch type? The module position or cabinet should not be an issue, but strange things can happen. Are the faxing issues inward, outward or both? Have you checked all the station ports on the 016TRR module? That would be the obvious item to check or replace. The modem for remote is a different issue. My experience with them is varied regardless of the facility (analogue or digital) with which you are connecting (TDM). Where I would get garbage on a POTS or PRI call, then hang up and call back, and it would work fine, and this being served from the same CO switch.

Just one thought, your Magix is properly BONDED/GROUNDED according to Avaya's & NEC requirements?

....JIM....

 

[Textron68]

The system is several hours away by plane, so have to rely on local user to provide intel. Since I am not able to look over his shoulder, walking through maintenance error logs didn't provide any answers, he didn't read off anything that pointed to trouble on the PRI or 016 TTR. Providor Verizon, 5ESS ATT Custom. Faxing issue both ways. Sometimes fails before xmit sometimes half way through. Same on recieve. I have had them call me using an analog phone from a couple of the fax locations, the ports are clear. The faxes also fail from the tandom side and unable to get reliable connection to the other system either. System is properly grounded.

I agree that moving cabinets shouldn't make a difference. It could be poor/dirty contacts on the back plane on that slot, but agian, with nothing showing in the errors (that I'm aware of)... I've been working on these systems for 12 years and still runing into issues that I haven't seen.

 

[merlinman]

My question would be, did the vendor make a change and not tell anyone?

Perhaps to a VOIP Based PRI?

That's what these issues sound like to me.

http://home.comcast.net/~merlinman

 

[SYQUEST]

Another thought, what is the clock setting for the PRI? Should be set to PRIMARY and LOOP. A mis-configured clock option could cause those types of problems.

....JIM....

 

[Textron68]

Thanks for the input guys. I've got our local contractor checking on a few things. They handle mainly our wiring, but they know enough for us to walk them through some simple programming. I've also got them to make contact with another vendor who is more Merlin knowledgeable just in case we have more problems. I will post back, probably Monday, with what we find.

 

[Textron68]

Jim,
Right on the nose. The system clock was set to Local. We are not quite sure how that occured. I know that when we set it up it was LOOP. My guess is it didn't come up clean after a power drop. Anyway, the trouble has been resolved. We greatly appreciate the input. Here is your star!!

 

[SYQUEST]

It is funny how those power hits will glitch the system and change things! I am glad this fixed the problem. Thanks for the star.

....JIM....