Norstar Flash and 6-Port expansion Module

[atzcs]

Does anyone know - does the Norstar flash have any problems with a 6-port expansion module? I have an 824..and if I put in the 6-port expansion module, the voicemail crashes. I see this by hooking up a terminal cable. It boots, has a critical error and then halts. If I remove the 6-port, it runs fine. The Norstar Flash is not plugged into anything on the expansion card, in fact nothing is plugged into the 6port at this time. If the card is in the unit...it crashes.

Also, when I pull the 6-port from the 824 (powered off of course) the system loses all configurations and I have to reporgram it. Don't know if that is standard

I was going to order a new expansion module, but wanted to see if anyone knew of problems first.

 

[Guest_imported]

Do you have 2 digit mailboxes on the flash? if so reinstall the flash for 3 digit
does the phone ksu come up with the 6 port plugged in? if not the 6 port is faulty
check the software version of the 8x24 should be a minimum of 30MUL07 ( Canada )
not sure of the states. CRITICAL: make sure the flash is terminated on the core ksu although it sounds like you have...

 

[atzcs]

I am running 3 digit extensions/mailboxes.

The Flash is plugged in to the last port on the main KSU

The software on the 824 is DR5.

And yes, the KSU does boot with the 6-port plugged in. I pull the 6-port module and all settings on the KSU are lost. Again, I guess that could be normal when pulling an expansion card, I am not sure.

 

[mroberts]

The Norstar DR5 software should be NT5B24CH or DH in order for the Flash to work properly. You can find this number on the small PCMCIA software card.

The memory is stored in the sw cartridge on the DR5. There is a little capacitor (battery) inside the cartridge. It isn't the pulling of the card that causing the memory loss, it's the powering down part. Replacing the cartridge will correct the problem.

MRoberts

 

[atzcs]

I'll check the DR5 software version. As for the memory loss - I can power down the system, and bring it back up without memory loss. (Some loss of time on the clock...but I imagined the battery was getting older) If I power down and insert the 6-port I don't lose memory...it's only pulling the module.

I found a 2-port copper on the web for $50 so I am gonna take my chances and try the card. At that price it is worth the gamble and I only need one port. I have a 12x0 and I need the additional trunk lines!

 

[mroberts]

Well, it couldn't hurt! That's a very strange problem. Haven't heard of that one before.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful....

MRoberts

 

[atzcs]

No need to apologize. I appreciate all the help! I have assumed it was a bad card, just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking some incompatability.

 

[Guest_imported]

it is normal for the system to lose its configuration when you remove a 2 or 6 port expansion card. It is not normal for the flash to stop working when you install a 6 port expansion card. does the flash start to work when you remove the 6 port?

 

[atzcs]

Yes, the Flash works just fine when the 6-port is not in the unit. To troubleshoot, I connected a serial cable to the flash. When it boots with the 6-port in, it suffers a critical error and halts. Take out the 6-port, and it runs lika champ! I always use a serial cable when entering my mailboxes as I find it easier to enter names and mailboxes by keyboard. That's how I identified the problem. I discovered it was related to the 6-port by pure trial and error. I removed it, and the system worked.

 

[Guest_imported]

o.k. this is just plain weird! I have never run across that. at what point in the boot sequence do you get the critical error? does it pass all the tests and fails when starting access? I think you have the problem pegged...... just curious.

 

[atzcs]

Exactly - it passes all tests, then fails when starting access!

New part arrives today, I'll post this afternoon if it works.

 

[atzcs]

For those who are interested - replacing the expansion module fixed the problem! I downed the system, installed the new card, connected the 12x0 and rebooted. Flash came up just fine with the new expansion card. I got my lines going and everyone is happy! I could have saved myself 2 days if I would have replaced the card from the start!

Thanks for the help.