Merlin Legend System keeps going down! 1

[ridel1]

It looks like the power supply keeps going out on my system. Is there a battery that can be replaced or should I replace the power supply or could it be something else?

 

[gregarican]

First I would try reseating the power cable in the P/S module, and then try plugging into a different power receptacle. If the issues persist then I would shop around for a replacement P/S module. There's tons of vendors on the Internet that sell Merlin equipment. Personally I use TWAComm.Com as a rule.

 

[gregarican]

As an FYI, typical refurb prices I see are in the $300 range for a replacement P/S module.

 

[jlshelton]

Check the Legend documentation about the different models of power supply; older ones are limited in how much current they can supply. If you have a heavy load of boards and phones, you may be over-taxing the PS. Typically, that would result in intermittent phone problems, but could cause the PS to be flakey.

Do you have a dedicated UPS (uninterruptable power supply) for the Legend? Generally a good idea. Use of one will help you confirm whether you have any AC supply problems, since you'll hear the UPS beep, yet phone operation will continue.

 

[ridel1]

Thanks for the info what type of ups should I purchase for this system?

 

[jlshelton]

A fully loaded Legend carrier (not including expansion carriers) is rated by Avaya to consume about 160 watts of power, with a peak current of 5.4 amps. (Note that 5.4 amps at 120v is more than 600 watts, so that peak current is not at all typical.)

In selecting a UPS, figure out how many minutes of power you want, and select a unit that can handle the watt load. Most UPS specs will show how many minutes they will run at a stated watt load.

For example, check at

http://www.apcc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=27&tab=models

for some sample units from American Power Conversion (APC). This page lists several units, and you can check out the run-times.

Since you haven't mentioned long-term blackouts, you probably only need a few minutes of protection, though seems like 30 minutes is a good idea - to allow for phone use during an emergency.

There are many good brands out there. Tripp-Lite, APC, Best come to mind. You can use the UPS units sold for computer usage, and can get some good bargains at the larger computer stores. Look for brands that offer a guarantee of equipment protection (like $50k coverage if there's a lightning strike).

In the long run, a UPS requires maintenance. Batteries should be tested annually, and replaced perhaps every 5 years. Your customer will need an ongoing process if they are counting on perfect uptime. That's beyond the scope of this article. All we're trying to do here is improve things from intolerable to 99% reliable.