Remote System Restart of KSU Below 4.0 Release 1

[mby12wwbtektips]

Is anyone aware of a way to use Remote Set or Browser Tool to remotely restart a Norstar KSU that's older than release 4 (e.g. NA-MICS-DR 3.0, T1 Release 1)?

I'm already aware of ways to initialize the system remotely, however this process wipes out the database. Occasionally, there's a need to restart a system to resolve certain issues. MICS 4.0 and above have an option under Maintenance to restart the system but I wasn't able to find such option in lower releases.

Thanks

 

[Arr]

But...

Multilink makes an add on remote addressable power switch. Connect device to the 110, connect Norstar to the device, connect telephone line to the switch, set passwords and voila, a remote repower tool.

Cheers
PhM

 

[mby12wwbtektips]

We've looked at that option. However, some of the customers we work with have a specific policy against disruppting/resetting power to their system. They fear that due to potential hardware issues, their system may not recover from a power reset. They have however agreed to let us reset their system through software to resolve sticky problems that need to be resolved quickly. Also, some of our customer contacts have told us that other techs have been able to do a software reset but didn't know how it was done.

Thanks

 

[Arr]

mby,
If there is a software reset on older systems I am not aware. Possibly those that think there was were misinformed by the on site tech who just did a quick power down/up. Amounts to the same thing.
Unless the Norstar is in really tragic shape a power down/up won't hurt it one little bit.
Anyone else?

Cheers
PhM

 

[executone]

A software reset is the same as a power down/up reset.

The only problem I have had was if the battery was bad in the older KSU and the system lost its programming.

A reset clears some real strange problems, sometimes.

If you find a way on the older systems please post for all to learn.

thank you, and Good Luck!!

 

[curlycord]

I dont think there is a way to restart any norstar ksu without powering down...only on the pbx's can this be done.

To clear bugs we do the system startup but like you say that wipes out the memory however that is the only way to get rid of bugs in a system 90% of the time.

Prehaps telling us of the problems you are having would be better so that it can be resolved in a proper way.

http://www.spoctel.com

 

[mby12wwbtektips]

I've encountered a variety of issues that were resolved by resetting the system. Some of these include system's failure to forward calls as well as system's failure to detect resources such as trunk modules and/or cartridges.

In MICS 4.0 and above, we've been able to resolve most of these issues by performing a software reset via Remote Set Tool. For example, in MICS 4.1 this option may be accessed as follows:

-Log in as Installer
-Navigate to Maintenance > Diagnostc tools > System restart > Restart system?

We were unable to find such option in KSU releases below 4. This would be a useful utility as it forces the system to go through similar steps as when its power has been reset. The obvious advantage is that it can be done remotely to quickly resolve any urgent issues. Another advantage is that it does not require a power disruption (hard reset) which may not be as safe as a software reset depending on the age of the system and state of its electronic components.

 

[Arr]

mby,
Executone's point is about all that I've ever noted WRT old electronic components where a Norstar KSU is concerned. When you change to the older hard drive based voice mails yes absolutely. But not the KSUs. They are so solid there is a lot of notice where other things go wrong before a KSU will fail utterly. For instance a common failing with the Compact 6/16 DR5/DS is a complete system reset at random preceded by dropping of external calls. A processor breakdown in the supervision area is likely. Often my customers express similar concerns about the old electronics. I usually make the counter point that as this is THE most important computer in the whole organization (usually) wouldn't it be better to plan its replacement than suffer its break down? Unfortunately Norstar is SO reliable that it is not often in the capital replacement plan of any company. Computers and processors and flat screens and the latest Microsoft whatever ... oh yes certainly. But rarely the voice computer. ?? I don't get it myself. Oh well. Double time and a half for that Fri afternoon callout and system replacement.
I will now pack up my soap box.

Best of luck.
PhM

 

[curlycord]

I forgot all about the maintenance shutdown...probaly because I have never had to use it.

I agree the KSU's are solid and have only replaced 1 power supply in my time.

Resetting though is only and aspirin and not the cure...perhaps some software upgrades are needed or do the hard re-program with the startup procedure to clear those issues.

http://www.spoctel.com

 

[exsmogger]

Arr,

Seems the perception is that computers and networks are expected to glitch, but the phone system is expected to operate flawlessly year after year after year ...... Few seem to give their phones a second thought until the day the KSU dies or a power surge blows out that unprotected MICS with the 10 expansion modules. That's when we get the frantic call from an interconnect looking for a replacement system NOW! Somehow the perception needs to change to one where protecting and backing up the phone system is vital if not mandatory.

Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com

 

[executone]

I agree the Norstar is the most stabile and reliable system I have worked with. I had one take a direct lighting hit and all it did was lockup phone system. It defaulted the Flash voicemail.

We cannot change the way people think of there phones. They do not realize it it there main means of communications to the world outside of there office. It is just as important as there computers, and they should treat them that way.

Enough ranting, I got to go reprogram a system a customer defaulted.

 

[curlycord]

"They do not realize it it there main means of communications to the world outside of there office. It is just as important as there computers, and they should treat them that way."

So true.....and they get expensive furniture instead lol.

http://www.spoctel.com

 

[Arr]

Wheee

http://wwww!

Ouch what did I start?

PhM

Truth hurts.