Noise on trunk card

[Guest_imported]

I recently changed out a system to a MICS 0x32 with the new "T" series telephones. Now the customer is complaining about noise on the lines, when making an outside call. I noticed on this site earlier that if I replaced the LS/DS trunk cards with Global Analog trunk lines this would take care of the problem. It has made it better, but the customer is still unhappy. does anyone know any other solutions to this problem. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[MWM]

... Noise is inside switch or from the outside???

As an old telephone installer, I might FIRST isolate the problem to be inside or outside.

Probably the noise appears on one or more lines, but not all lines. In the winter, moisture can cause noise on outside cable pairs.
---- If you do not have test equipment that can read noise levels directly, then try to move incoming lines to different ports. Does the noise follow the incoming line or does it stay with the port?

If it stays with the line, then it is an outside line problem.

You can perform a basic test by seizing the line by going off-hook and then dialing a single digit, which lifts the dial tone and allows you to hear the line more directly.

Also, I have had customers turn up their volume to max and then complain of background noise.

Yours,
Mike

 

[Guest_imported]

I checked the lines at the D-marc and they are fine. The customer siad they did not have this problem until we changed out the system. Even when we turn down the volume you can still hear the noise. I moved the lines to different ports, changed out the LS/DS cards to different LS/DS cards and then changed them to the Global analog trunk cards. I read in a trade publication about the problems of noise on the Norstar's. Obviously Norhtern doesn't think there is a problem.

 

[MWM]

... they hear noise when making an outside call? But NOT on receiving a call??? Hmmm.

BTW, I can no longer take the protestations of clients at face value. So many times, it seems, they are not connecting the dots correctly. Of course, why should they? They are not trained in these areas. But since they issue them with confidence, it causes doubt about your own troubleshooting skill.

Also, I have not have problems with noise in Nortel systems.

You checked at the D-Marc... Is the inside cable in (presuamably) good shape and not likely to have been damaged?

In summary, trust the force and your test equipment. After failing to solve a couple of noise problems I spent $600 for a SideKick meter that directly measures noise. Then you can SEE the noise level and show the client. This is much, MUCH better than judging by ear.

Or find a friend. One of the most helpful people in this business was someone I met when I was stumped and went to the Yellow Pages and called someone and told him I would pay his regular rate for "consultation." Most people will try to help someone who asks. We have been sharing work ever since.

Yours,
Mike

 

[vcsltd]

I have experienced this very same problem. It would seem that some customers have very good hearing.
Nortel has stated that they are aware of the problem and have determined that it is located on the Trunk Cards. They have promised a fix, ...someday...

 

[Guest_imported]

yes- there is some background noise you here with the mics/ cics with an open line. Sidekick wont help since its for POTS lines. I just always hope they wont notice, but it is never as clear as your buttset at the demarc.

 

[vegasnortel]

This is a HUGE problem for the ICS! Unless they are running straight digital with a T-1 card, you will have the noise from the analog to digital conversion of the POTS analog lines.

I feel your frustration on this one, because it's about the only big flaw of thier system, but call quality counts in my book! Other than that, the ICS is terrific!

Rich

 

[vcsltd]

I've had problems with this in the past and have either had to swap out the T sets for M sets, or swap out the ICS for the earlier DR5.1 systems. Unfortunately Nortel keeps saying they will fix the problem, but as usual never seem to get to it.

 

[regent23]

My system has this noise problem as well - the lines from Verizon have a very low hum (verizon techs say they are clear), problem is the system takes that hum and amplifies it.