Physical Button to Play Message

[PilotCaptainMorgan]

Is there a way to use a normally open button to dial a code? I have a button that can lock a door if needed and I would like for it to trigger a page to come over the PA. I have figured out how to make a page via voicemail pro and a short code (thanks to this forum) but I can not find any kind of interface that would let me dial a short code from a contact closure. The only way I can think of it is to take a phone apart and solder the button to a programable button on the phone.

 

[budbyrd]

Ring down analog phone set to dial the shortcode. When you make the contact the system sees it as a off hook and dials the shortcode. I used to use it for time tones for school class changes.

 

[William C290]

Yes, you can use a normally open (NO) contact (like a button or relay) to trigger a short code (e.g. for a PA page) on an Avaya IP Office system — without tearing apart a phone. There are several clean and reliable ways to do this using external devices designed specifically for this kind of integration.

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You can use an ATA like the Grandstream HT801, Cisco ATA 191, or even Avaya's own analog station modules (like IP500 Analog 2/4/8) — paired with a simple Auto Dialer or DTMF dialer board.

How it works:​

1. Connect the ATA port to your IP Office as a regular analog extension.
2. Wire the NO button to a DTMF dialer device or auto-dial relay. Devices from companies like Viking Electronics or Algo often support this.
3. When the button is pressed, the dialer:
   
   • Goes off-hook.
   • Sends the preprogrammed short code (e.g. *71).
   • Optionally plays a message or leaves the line open for voice.
4. IP Office routes the call per your shortcode to a Voicemail Pro module or PA trunk.

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If your PA system supports audio input (or if you're already using a paging interface), something like:

• Algo 8301 SIP Paging Adapter
• Viking PA-2A or DVA-2WA
• CyberData SIP Paging Gateway

These devices often have:

• SIP extension registration (like a phone).
• Contact closure inputs.
• Ability to trigger a call, play a message, or open a paging port.

Example:​

• Configure Algo 8301 as a SIP extension in IP Office.
• Program it to auto-dial a shortcode or multicast page when a relay closes.
• Connect your NO button to its contact input.

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Some advanced setups use:

• Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or even a USB relay board to:
  
  • Detect the NO contact.
  • Trigger a USB modem or analog port to dial.

This is more custom and DIY but useful if budget is tight and you're tech-savvy.

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• Soldering onto a phone board – unreliable, not scalable, and voids warranty.

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Pro Tips:​

• Make sure your short code is accessible from the analog or SIP extension.
• Ensure the extension has permissions to initiate the paging call.
• Use a dedicated VM Pro module that auto-routes or plays a prompt if needed.
• For emergency buttons, use devices that support supervised contact closure (fail-safe).

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