merlin connection cords and humm on tv

[orypecos]

I have a Merlin 410 and related phones that I want to test. Is the connection to the phones made by the same type of cord that is used to connect computers in a network? I have a bunch of those cords and they look like that they would work.
Also, when I have the 410 control unit plugged in, it makes a humm on my tv. Does that mean that the 410 system is bad? Maybe the electroyltic capicitors gone bad in the power supply? I don't hear hummm on the phones.(I had a regular at&t cord before that I tested with before, but no longer have.) And if the capacitor is bad, is that something that I can replace? I am a electronic tech, so i have all the equipment.

 

[franke]

The cords are standard 568-B, straight thru, so a patch cord will work fine provided it is straight thru and not a reversing cable.

Since the 410's are rather old, it's possible the the power filters are degrading. You could start replacing parts, moving the system to an outlet not on the same circuit as the TV, or possibly run it thru a small UPS or even a decent surge protector that might help clean up some of the noise.

franke

 

[orypecos]

How do I tell if they are reversing cords?(I am not familiar with computer connection cords)

 

[franke]

if you look at the plugs side-by-side, the colors will be the same, in the same order on a straight thru cable.

a reversing cord (usually used in the data world to connect one hub to another, etc.) the colors in positions 1 & 2 on one plug will be in position 3 & 6 on the other plug.

franke