Future Digital Circuit Cards 2

[rickster1]

Hey Gang,

We have a Definity G3si, Release 11 software. The next time we purchase a digital circuit card, should we go with the older, cheaper TN754B, or the newer TN2224B. We are not planning to expand much and don't have any 6400 series phones. We do have a number of 8400 series. Just looking for opinions about support, future software releases, VOIP, etc. Thanks. Rick.

 

[4merAvaya]

84xx sets will work on either 2-wire or 4-wire packs. One of the other issues might be spare slots in your switch. You get 24 ports in one slot with the 2224.

Kevin

 

[rickster1]

Yeah Kev, we do have a lot of slots, cause some years ago we purchased a port carrier. Thanks for checking in.

Rick

 

[orypecos]

I have been told many times by onsite technicians that once a 8400 series phone is used on a 2 wire circuit pack, it will no longer work on a 4 wire pack. I haven't seen this is person though. It is like the phone remembers that is was used as a 2 wire system and doesn't want to work on a 4 wire system. So this might be a problem if u buy older 4 wire circuit packs.
I don't know if there is any "end of support" issues for circuit packs, but that might be something to look into.

 

[rickster1]

Hey "O"

Our 8400's are currently used on 4 wire, so I hope they don't have trouble if we go to the 2 wire. We also don't have any 6400 series phones which are well suited for Definity G3 Release 6.1 or higher, but won't work with the 4 wire.

 

[mikeydidit]

rickster I would go ahead and install the tn2224b and Tn793b.

1.They will let you get the most of your carrier space.
2.They also use less of your inhouse cabling.
3.At one point you may find it cheaper to install 6400 series sets than 8400's. (been there with the 7400 series)
4.These new packs will be supported longer than the older packs are.

Hope this helps.

Mike Jones
LSUHSC

 

[OldPhoneGuy]

I have been told many times by onsite technicians that once a 8400 series phone is used on a 2 wire circuit pack, it will no longer work on a 4 wire pack.

That's a bunch of baloney.

 

[rickster1]

Yo Mike,

I can get an 8 port TN754B for $395. I would guess that a 24 port TN2224B runs about $2500? Is that right?

Thanks,
Rickster

 

[lopes1211]

If price is a big issue, get the 16 port 2-wire 2181. You'll save some carrier space, some money over the 24 port, and be able to begin migrating to the newer sets.

-CL

 

[rickster1]

CL

Thanks for your input.

Rick

 

[OldPhoneGuy]

Check with Metrolinedirect.com. They show TN2181s on sale for $249.00 and TN2224Bs for $1299.00. They are good people to deal with.

 

[Toni269]

I saw some TN2224's on EBAY yesterday starting about $700, new in box, if you're looking to save you could take a chance on that but remember you still need to pay Avaya for certification/maintenance in addition to the cost of the card if you buy from an un-authorized dealer.

 

[rickster1]

OlPhguy and Toni,

Anybody buy their cards without Avaya certification? I would guess you would get a 1 year warranty, and your flapping in the breeze after that. Thanks, guys.

Rick

 

[OldPhoneGuy]

We are self maintained and purchase refurbished port cards. Most vendors offer 12 month to 18 month warranty. We don't have maintenance with Avaya. We have maintenance with another company that covers carriers, power supplies and processor complex circuit cards. I keep a crash kit on site that contains one of everything as far as circuit cards go. I maintain two G3SI Release 6.3 switches and a Release 5 intuity Audix. The only time I call Avaya is with big time software trouble. I have been here for three years and have called them once to get a patch applied.

 

[orypecos]

I myself always liked the 8434 phone, so wouldn't ever replace an 8434 phone with any of the 6400 series phones. Even though the some of the 6400 series of phones have some features that the 8434 doesn't.

 

[mikeydidit]

Rickster, don’t be afraid to buy for the secondary market. I have bought most everything we have purchased with the last 8 years from secondary market vendors, with great success and savings. I have been working on this G3R for about 11 years now and I have seen 2 station packs go bad. That’s a pretty good batting average. Like the
Old phone guy mentioned, I even get a better warranty than Avaya gives at a better price.


Mike Jones
LSUHSC

 

[rickster1]

I copy mikey. That secondary market can save you big bucks as long as you know who you are dealing with. Old Phone guy mentioned Metrolinedirect.com. Any other "good guys" out there to deal with? The G3's run like horses (knock on wood) and we don't want to feed them any bad oats.

 

[mikeydidit]

Rickster1. I have to do nation wide bids on purchases over certain dollar amounts. These are the vendors and their phone number that consistently come in low bid. I have had some like you stated (that were less than reputable). These are all good company’s to do business with.

1. Vibes Technologies
Jay Durbin
1-877-468-4237 ex 6264

2. Telecom Technologies
Joe Florin
1-800-682-0255 ex 13

3. Control House
Michael DuMoulin
1-888-595-9001

Give these guys a call next time you are looking for sets or circuit packs and they will save you money.


Mike Jones
LSUHSC

 

[rickster1]

mikeydidit,

Thanks for the info. Give that man a star! Myself and the rest of the gang are noting those names and numbers.


rickster1