TVS50 as Standalone Answer machine 4

[crobg]

I am helping a non-profit organization that thought they were buying a standalone voicemail system (Panasonic KX-TVS50). They currently have one phone line that a volunteer answers. Since the volunteer is only part time she is calling people back on basic questions that could be answered by an auto-attendant. That is why they purchased the equipment. They had hoped that they could use the equipment to setup an answering machine/auto-attendant/auto-information line setup. Basicly someone could call listen to a menu, have questions to commonly asked questions answered or leave a message. The volunteer would then clear the messages daily and return them.

I am doing the setup as a favor to my parents. In reading the installation guide it seems that the system requires a PBX, Key system or some other type of phone system. Is this correct or can we connect the CO line directly to the system to accomplish what we are looking for?

 

[Trotski]

This System requires a PBX or a Key system to work

 

[crobg]

Does anyone know where can a get a used 1 station system that is compatible? It does not need to be digital or completely intergrated.

 

[Trotski]

Look on Ebay for a small key system, panasonic will work better but most systems will give you some kind of service

 

[KXTDdude]

Whoa there...The TVS-50 will do this without a KSU/PBX/KEY System. It acts just like a single line phone. It does come factory default looking for a KX-TA624 Version Y581A or higher.

The TVS-50 installation manual says:

Port Settings...
There is no need to change these in a typical installation. Only change these parameters when using a CO (central office) line directly to the KX-TVS50.

I have only installed the 50 with a Digital Panasonic system. I would do quick setup and define the PBX as an older system. It defaults to the kx-ta624.
Then go onto port service and tell it to answer port 1 day as custom 1. Then call that port (from a cell phone and when it answers enter #6 *998 5 4 1 to record custom #1.
This is assuming you have hooked up a terminal. Use hyperterminal with a 9 pin null modem, be sure to set you properties to handshaking=none!
You can't get into mailbox 998 if hyperterminal is logged in. So back out with the \ key (or is it /?), till you get the > symbol. Go luck...

 

[crobg]

I can't seem to be able to get connect through hyperterminal. I have it set to 9600,8,N,1. I have tried all three hand-shake combinations. (Hardware, software and none.) I am using a RS-232C cable with a Null Modem adapter that is brand new. The terminal emulation is set to vt100.

I set the dip-switches to setting 5 (1=1,2=0,3=1,4=0) and connect the HyperTerminal. A message flashes up on the screen stating:
Checking Flash Memory Cards.
Please wait...
then all I get is a > prompt. Per the mannual a warning should appear stating that I should set the dip-switches back to the normal position before continuing and a menu should appear. Am I missing a step?

 

[cwc3]

yep after you set switches back you should see
> hit enter a few times!!

 

[crobg]

I have done that. Still no menu.

 

[rivet]

chk this site for how to with hyperterm

http://www.ablecomm.info/tvs50-ans.htm

 

[crobg]

I have followed the directions on the site and it did not work. Thanks all for your suggestions and help. I will be contacting a local dealer for assitance as I have probably done some damage to the unit.

 

[Leemondcomm]

Check your lead. The manual does confirm the pin out.

 

[crobg]

Still not working. Everything unit acted like it was supposed to when I had the wrong cable (power light flashed after a minute or so after power on) and when I did get the right cable no flashing power light and now menu at the HT screen. I still am only getting the > prompt. I have built a cable per the installation manuall and am getting the same resaults. Thanks again for all of the help.

 

[cwc3]

sounds like a bum unit!! you are using 9600,N,8,1 and
no flow control with vt 100 emulation on hyperterminal right?

 

[crobg]

Yep. Very frustrating.

 

[cwc3]

ship it back to your var!!

 

[crobg]

** Update **
Sent back the old one and I can get into the programing mode of the new one just fine. I should be able to get it from here. Thanks for the help.