Norstar MICS 4.1 upgrade

[asynk]

Hello, I have some questions about upgrading a Norstar. I am a Meridian/Succession tech and no very little about this but I was thrust into it.

A customer has a Norstar MICS 4.1 (non-XC). They are adding some analog and digital station modules and thus are adding the 2nd 6 port fiber card. Prior to doing this, I think i found in the NTP that u must have the XC version in order to use that 2nd card. So I started pursuing software upgrading and it is very confusing. Some upgrades require another cartridge and u have to be concerned about the voice mail version.(which I don't know but it is an application module if that helps).

Should I just go with a 4.1 XC to minimize issues? I don't want to have to reprogram the entire system or have to make the customer have to buy extra upgrades for voice mail or an intermediate upgrade(after 6.1 I think). Please advice asap!

 

[norstarboy125]

well your no doubt going to need to upgrade to xc sft. and really 4.1 isn't getting any newer i would upgrade it... to check your NAM's sft press f983 enter pswd the display will read mbox,aa,othr press the digit 9 and it will tell you...good luck

 

[Deweyhumbolt]

If I were in your shoes, I'd just slip in an MICS 4.1XC card and forget about it. There are upgrade tools that would allow you to save programming. Most techs here seem to always want upgrades. 4.1 works fine.

Adversity is Opportunity

 

[telecm]

If you need modules in the 2nd 6 port fiber card you need upgrade the Nosrtar ICS Modular after Rlse 6.1 only need XC software if you have a Combo 6 port fiber card.
Remember of the 2nd port fiber card you only used 4 fiber modules.
You need the first 6 port fiber card in slot 2 and the 2nd 6 port fiber card in slot 1.

 

[Dasheen]

u need xc if u plan to use another 6-port expansion card. Trunk mods have to be installed on the 1st expansion card.

 

[asynk]

I found a 4.1 XC refurbished but they asked if I had USA for CAN. I pulled the version from this Norstar and get:

Version:
SP: 30NdG04 NAT
From the chart I found this is 4.1 and it doesn't specify USA or CAN. I need to order this asap can someone help me determine if I need 4.1 XC USA or CAN?
Thanks!

 

[Deweyhumbolt]

Get the one for the Country where the MICS will be installed.

Adversity is Opportunity

 

[hawks]

Like dewey says get which ever country you are installing the software in. You have 4.1 standard which don't specify NA or Can. But once you go to XC then it does.
Hope this makes since.

 

[asynk]

Okay. I am upgrading this tomorrow. If I backup with remote tools, power down and replace the 4.1 software card with the 4.1 xc card into the same nvram module, power up and restore the backup, will everything work as before? Someone told me I would have to reprogram the whole system and that is beyond my skills. I'm confident I can get through adding the fiber module and all though.

 

[550spydr]

Love the 4.1 software load. Very few issues...

 

[exsmogger]

When you upgrade, do the software first. You should not lose programming. After the system boots up with 4.1XC, then add the second 6-port card. Of course, power down before adding software or hardware. The R4.1 backup can't be restored to a R4.1XC system, but as I said you should not lose your programming. Good luck.

Brian Cox

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

 

[asynk]

Well, they tell me that a tech told them that the NVRAM battery is old and would lose program on a power loss. I'm hoping that was just speculation due to it's age or someone wanting to sell them something. We will see how it goes. If it goes badly I will go back to 4.1 and do the restore and just pass on the job and not charge them any time.