CICS Slot Tabs, NT5B40GA will not fit

[bodifrench]

So many questions...

I ordered an replacement 4 line card that matched the exact one in this CICS, only to find that it would not fit. After comparing the new card to the old, I found that the edges of the original card were filed down to make it fit.

I found a thread that hints at why the tabs are there, but I do not really understand completely.

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=607648

Were the Tabs added to new CICS models to prevent older cards from fitting or is it the other way? Why?

Why would a major supplier of refurbished Nortel equipment, stuff this incompatible card in this unit and sell it? (not ranking on them, just need to understand) Should I check all the CICS I support for these filed down cards?

The unit has been incredibly reliable for many years.

Thanks

 

[exsmogger]

My experience has been that NT5B40 cards that have had the edges filed down will work fine in a CICS or MICS. Any trunk card will fit and work in the expansion trunk module so I have to suspect this change was made by Nortel to force customers to buy the newer and more expensive NT7B75 trunk cards. So the cards are not incompatible, but you should be charged less for the NT5B40 cards than the NT7B75. Charging the same is just dishonest.

Brian Cox

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

 

[MarvO1]

Not to worry with CICS systems, but MICS trunk modules may overload the power supply when using the older cards. The notches are really there for a reason. Your major supplier might not have know better.

MarvO said it

 

[MarvO1]

I said it backwards. Older cards are fine in CICS and Trunk modules, but pull more current against a MICS power supply. Not a problem, UNLESS system is fully loaded.

MarvO said it

 

[bodifrench]

My concern with the "Major Supplier" is that it's just not very professional. My clients think their phone system is bubble gum rigged. I expected this to be a simple swap. d

Will a second board (making it a 8x) overload the CICS?

I planned to use the 3 good ports on the broken board in the second slot. I ended up not using the second slot, too concerned that it would cook/overload the unit.

FOR THOSE WHO MUST DO THIS.
1. You will need to remove just a hair less than an 1/8" from each edge of the card.
Be very careful, there is a trace VERY close on the connector side of the card along one of the edges. DO NOT go more than 1/8" on that edge, as you will most likely doom the card.

2. On each side of the card are the letters A B C. The slot ends right in the middle of the B. No need to cut/file any higher than that.

The card will fit perfect, and lock right into place.


Thanks for the info!!!! You guys are always incredible.