MOH - HiPath 3550 1

[Revzer]

After receiving such a brilliant response to my last query i thought i would try something which could possibly be a little more complex; well, for me.

When our old engineer was setting up our system, i asked him if we could have some pre-recorded audio playing as MOH; like a WAV file or something similar. At the time he said he would need to order a 'card'...but nothing ever materialised.

At this moment in time all we get on hold is an incredibly simple midi tone tune which i would like to change if possible.

What are the steps to achieve an audio file playing as MOH? Would i need some sort of extension card installing?

Thanks in advance.

 

[donb01]

I can't tell you if you can change the current file on the system, but MOH typically requires a port on an Analog station card (SLA). You would connect a music source to a matching transformer - Atlas Soundolier makes the one that I typically see, sbut I can't remember the part number right offhand. The matching transformer connects to the analog port. The exception to this is if you have a music device with a 600 ohm output, in which case you can connect that directly tot he analog port. After you connect your device to the analog port you go into the config and designate that port as your hold music port, and there might be another flag where you have to say your hold music is coming from internal or external (might be the same place you designate the analog port). With any luck it will work right out of the gate, but if not you MIGHT have to do a soft restart on the system. I'm trying to remember back to when I had mine if I had to reset it to switch sources or if it just worked, but for the life of me I can't recall. Obviously if it just works you won't have to do the restart )


Don Bruechert, Voice Comm Analyst II
CareTech Solutions @ Holy Family Memorial
Manitowoc, WI, USA

 

[cody64]

Hi, The card your old tech was talking about is an EXM, it is a music interface card that connects to the motherboard in the system and has a 2 wire input for an external music source. This card also provides the isolation required between the system and audio supply. The system automatically detects the card and uses the input for music on hold. I had a quick look on ebay and there quite a few on there, the only requirement to fit it is to power the system down while you fit it. If you look at the motherboard of the system you will see a small edge connector right at the bottom under the point where the analog extns are connected. There is a slot in the plastic chassis for the exm to clip into.

The alternate way to connect music is via an analog extn, the port does need a loop to be across the port at all times and be aware that normal extn voltage, 48V, is present. Don't connect the audio output from your device directly to the extn port if you don't want to blow it's output. You would need at a minimum a transformer with say a 2k ohm impedance across the system port and say 8 ohm across the audio side. I use audio output transformers. If the resistance is too small on the system side the transformer will run hot from the line current. There is also a suggested connection drawing in the Siemens help file using a resistor and 2 capacitors. Once this connection is made there is a programming change under Aux equipment where you can specify the analog port that will be the music input. The system will change the port type to external MOH. From experience the system will start using this port once the programming is uploaded. I have had instances of this method stopping and removing it from the programming and reentering starts it off again.

 

[Revzer]

I am really interested in trying to fit one of these EXM cards. So as i look at the system which is wall mounted, i am looking at the left side underneath the analog extensions...I am guessing it should be obvious from there.

I have three questions if you could answer these the best you can please;

1) If i want to run one audio file on a loop. Whats the best external source option?

2) How do you power down the HiPath? Is it from the Manager software.

3) You say it automatically plays MOH from this external source, so there is no software changes needed at all?

 

[LoPath]

My 2 cents, I recommend this device:

https://www.amazon.com/IntelliTouch-Hold-Plus-OHP-8000-MP3-Music/dp/B001PBTSZG

Just fill the thumb drive with MP3's and it will loop through them all. It comes with a bunch of royalty free music and has software that will let you record voice messages over the music if you so desire.

LoPath
Maintain HiPath 4000 V5 & V6, OpenScape Xpert V4, Xpressions, Contact Center

 

[Revzer]

Thank you for that. I am looking at this card...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Siemens-E...e-Free-post-/292007144284?hash=item43fcfb6b5c

Im guessing you wire from where the white clip is and the red and white wires sticking out?

It seems I need to wire from an amp into this card. The card above seems to have 4 wiring holes, so I imagine two wires for R and 2 wires for L. Will they be marked up as positive and negative?

 

[LoPath]

From the Unify support portal:

The EXM Module (Part Number S30817-Q902-B401) has four screw terminals, which two do I connect my external music source to?

Connect the external music source to terminals 1 and 2 of connector X2.
Terminals 1 and 2 are on the left-hand side of connector X2 (nearest the middle of the module).
NOTE #1 The system should be powered down before connecting the EXM Module.

LoPath
Maintain HiPath 4000 V5 & V6, OpenScape Xpert V4, Xpressions, Contact Center

 

[Revzer]

Thankyou for finding that, that should make sense when the card arrives hopefully.

Is there a way to safely power down the hipath, or do I switch it off?

 

[cody64]

If you have access to the programming software make sure you have a backup of the system then just pull the power plug to turn it off. Did you find the connector on the motherboard where the EXM connects? Once it is installed you don't need any programming.

 

[Revzer]

I'll definitely save a .KDS before, if that's the way to do it.

I had a look down the side of the motherboard, and the only PCB edge connector I can see is directly underneath the Serial port. It looks the same size as the edge connector on the card I've ordered.

Things are coming together nicely.