Max Distance 1

[GSmitherman]

Does anyone know what is the max distance I can connect a MLX phone to the PBX? Have one building approximately 1000 feet away and need a MLX phone there.

 

[tdaugirdas]

A 1,000 ft is supposed to be the limit - but if you are using CAT5e or better cable - it should go a bit further.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[2BAvoice]

In my experience cat 3 will go further than cat 5, which has more resistance per running foot. It is not so much a matter of pair to pair cross talk as signal loss. In some cases I have gone 1600' with cat 3 and minimum number of connections. You know what we used to call JK-wire and a 700A4 Connector on both ends, one plugged into the switch and the other end into the phone.

Maybe I have been lucky. In your case if the wire is already there, give it a shot. Maybe roll out some temporary wire to test if you don't have it in place. Run about 100 extra feet and test it. Keep terminations/cross connects to a minimum.

 

[papagigo1]

I have many MLX phones working in excess of 3500 ft using 20AWG (airport) field cable.
Don't forget the IROBS, or the MLX sets won't last a lightning season !!

Mike

 

[SYQUEST]

If you have spare pairs, you can always double up on the copper or use 19 or 20 AWG wire. That should reduce the resistance due to distance!

....JIM....

 

[merlinman]

Heed what papagigo1 says.

He does those types of connections ALL THE TIME.

AND, DO NOT FORGET THE IROBS.

 

[dagwoodsystems]

Page 142 (System Capacities) of the System Manager's Quick Reference says:

Distance limitations. All telephones within 1000 feet of the control unit, except 4400-Series and MLX telephones. 4400-Series telephones with 26-gauge wire must be within 2000 feet; with 24-gauge wire within 3000 feet. MLX telephones must be within 3000 feet. IROBs if needed.

If 26AWG supports MLX phones at 2000 feet and 24AWG at 3000 feet, then it seems very reasonable that 20AWG could support an MLX phone at 3500 feet. Clearly our manual advertises the theoretical limitiation while papagigo1 has given us a practical view of what can actually be done.

By the way, anyone know if these extra-long distances come into play in carriers that are at their 96 unit load max?