Starplus DHS PC Programming 2

[bjsmithco]

Any idea how to connect the Starplus DHS Programming utility to the DHS system via a modem? Do I just plug into an analog port or what?

I used to be able to connect via direct cable connection to the RS232 port, but for some reason I no longer can. I've tried different COM ports, but I just can seem to make a direct connection. I thought maybe another route by modem might work. Any ideas?

Gotta love Vodavi documentation!

 

[trabra]

Which DHS do you have, DHS, DHSE or DHSL? I haven't worked with the E or L but know about the original, small unit.

 

[bjsmithco]

My system is the original DHS with Feature Pack 2 and an early version of Feature Pack 3 installed. I have the programming software for both versions, but neither one works.

 

[trabra]

Are you plugging into the DB9 connector on the main/CPU PCB and accessing the system through the DHS programming utility? You have done this in the past and it just stopped working? Also, have you tried to access the database through a telephone to ensure that you can get in that way?

 

[bjsmithco]

I am trying to connect to the main system board's DB9 connector to my laptop using a serial cable (that I've use for other management devices (such as routers, switches, etc.) I can successfully enter the system from a telephone, but was trying to avoid the time-consuming process of updating the system from a phone. I was able to get into the system via my PC and the programming software once and successfully downloaded the current configuration, but I can't for the life of me get back into it. (Since that one time, I have had several reconfigurations of my laptop to aid in connecting to various networks and hardware appliances.)

When I attempt to connect, the password window pops up. I enter the appropriate password and the connection immediately fails with no delay and no indication that it even tried to connect. I'm assuming that the problem is with my laptop configuration, but I don't know what the DHS system is looking for in terms of port settings (Such as data bits, stop bits, flow control, etc.). (I'm a network admin who has recently inherited responsibility for this little telephony monster.) Thanks for the help!

 

[trabra]

bjsmithco

To do PC programming the system must have an Options Module installed. The Options Module mounts as the 2nd card on the right hand side of the cabinet. You have two DB9 connectors on the Options Module, one the left and right sides of the card. The left DB9 is for SMDR (Station Message Detail Recorder) output and the right DB9 is used for PC programming and connecting the external caller ID module. I can get you the DB9 pin outs but it's just a Null Modem cable. If you can't access through the right side DB9, either you haven't set up the PC correctly (as you mentioned) or you have an Option Module problem. I've had several location (3) where that Options card has gone out and actually had to replace them. I couldn't find anything in the installation manual that address PC programming and think that Vodavi sent an addendum with the software with the programming details?? How many lines and telephones are on this system and do you have Voicemail? Let me know these details and I will advise.

 

[bjsmithco]

Thanks for your help. Here's the configuration:

1 KSU with 2 fully installed 3x8 modules, plus the Option module

1 additional 3x8 module physically inserted in the KSU but otherwise not connected to anything except the KSU

2 2-port SLT Adapters, only one of which is in use at present

6 CO lines, one of which is used exculsively for the SLT Adapter

15 internal lines all with DHS key executive telephones

System Revision No. is K12UV3.F02.

Programming is accessible from any telephone, but not via the laptop connection to the Option module. As I mentioned above, when I attempt to initiate a connection to the board, the program errors out before it even has a chance to connect. I've tried both the FP2 and FP3 versions of the programming software and get the same results on both.

 

[trabra]

bjsmithco:

The reason I asked about the number of tels, vmail and config was to see how complicated it would be to reprogram if you default the system. With 15 phones and lines assigned to the SLT Adapters, if you default and still can't get into the PC admin, all will have to go in through telephone admin. This is just me but I find the DHS to be easily programmed with a telephone to the point that it takes more time to get a PC set up and working than to program with the telephone but that's my opinion and if you haven't used the phone much, I can see that it could be difficult. Do you have any PC admin documentation other than the install manual? Would it help to have the DB9 pinouts?

In my opinion you really only have a couple of options at this point. If you are sure that your computer should be connecting, you have a bad Options Card or the system has bad data in it and has block you out of PC admin. I would default it before spending the money on another Options Mod.
Keep me posted!

 

[bjsmithco]

Thanks again! I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. I'm going to try one more time with a different PC just in case I hose the COM1 port on my laptop. Then I may just default the system again. The one time I was able to get in, I did manage to download the database so I will have that available to help even if I can't connect directly. When I purchased the PC Programming software I basically got two floppy disks with the FP2 and FP3 versions of the software. No documentation, except for Vodavi's glorious context sensitive help file which is so well designed that when you press F1 from the Communication Setup window it tells you that "this window is for setting up your communication parameters"!

I'll keep this thread updated as I have something to add.

 

[trabra]

How are you doing with this problem? Did you reboot the system?

 

[bjsmithco]

Haven't had any time to devote to telephony as I am installing a big, shiny, new server on my network. It's a whole lot more fun. I'll probably get back to the phone system in a week or so. The boss is actually looking at trading it out for the Vodavi STS system which has built-in voice mail (unlike our current third-party outside voice mail). I'll update this when I get to dink with the phones. Thanks again!

 

[trabra]

Vodavi has a voicemail system the integrates very well with the DHS called the Dispatch. You already have the single line adapter and your software level looks good! Could save a few bucks and you could get a new Options module with the savings. Just a thought. By the way, I've worked on this system since 1998 and if you will try using the telephone for programming, after you get familar with it, you won't waste time connecting the laptop again.

 

[ravnz5]

I Agree with trabra!!

 

[bjsmithco]

I've actually been looking at the Dispatch system as an add-on. One of the local Vodavi dealers was leading me to the impression that I could switch out the DHS system for the STS system at a cost not much more than just adding the Dispatch to the existing DHS. That doesn't make much sense to me given that I can find the Dispatch system on-line at fairly reasonable prices. I'll post more when I get approval to move forward.

 

[trabra]

bjsmithco:
I think that you are "righton" with this as I have STS pricing and you can get the Dispatch brand new at a fraction of the cost. You can find the Dispatch on the secondary market as well as ebay if you shop around at quite a savings. Just remember the system uses harddrive storage that could potentially have some mileage on it and isn't Flash memory WARNING: If you purchase the Dispatch "used" or on the secondary market the software level is critical. Vodavi Dispatch was Y2K compatible but when 2001 hit the systems that had older software started having problems with losing messages and various issues. I downloaded the updated SW from Vodavi, loaded it and the systems have worked perfectly ever since. I rarley have trouble with this product and like it as well as any other that I've used. You can't beat it for the money. I will pull the files, if you want, and get the SW level needed. Let me know.

 

[bjsmithco]

Thanks, tabra. In unraveling the rat's nest of wires I inherited in my phone closet, I discovered that we have an SLT port adapter & SLT port expander installed but unused. Is there a way I can place a fax machine on one of these analog ports and enable it to answer calls on a particular CO line? Right now the fax is connected via a separate analog line that doesn't enter the DHS system. It would be nice to use a digital line if possible to allow me room for another analog device that wouldn't interfere with the fax which must be available 100% of the time. Any insights would be greatly welcome and very appreciated.

 

[trabra]

bjsmithco:

Inside on the SLT Adapter and the Expansion SLT (Mounted in the same box)you have 3 RJ11 connectors on each ckt board. You take one digital extension "IN" and you get two Analog stations "OUT" (DHS is built on ISDN/BRI 2B+D technology). The Analog device can dial 9 + which will search for an available CO line from high to low depending on how many COs you have and if they are all in the group. Incoming is another issue as you must point a ringing line to the Analog extension. If you are wanting this for outdial modems or fax it will work very well but on the incoming side, I will need a bit more information as to the application to provide a solution. I hope this helps and let me know what you are wanting to do with the incoming calls.

 

[bjsmithco]

I've been successful with the SLT for a conferencing analog phone and a modem. The only gotcha is that dialing "9" doesn't grab an outside line as I would like. We can use the *3n, to grab a specific outside line, but users have a hard time remembering that. Any idea how to enable the "9" from an analog line? Other than that, I've pretty much got this sucker up and humming (except for one dead DHS station number which I just bypassed).

As far as the fax goes, it currently is on a dedicated analog line that doesn't enter the DHS system at all. After mulling it over, I've decided to leave it alone as it must be available 24x7 to support our numerous remote sites.

Thanks again for all the incredible tips. You've been extremely helpful!

 

[3rc]

One of the programming options of a DHS is Key or PBX to make 9 grab a line choose pbx it still wont effect keysets other than they can also dial 9 for outside line,plus still use thier keys to select lines programmed to those keys.

 

[bjsmithco]

My System Type is set to PBX already. Still don't have the "9" option available. But thanks for the response anyway!