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Wiring Opinion on Parnter systems
- Thread starter BHAX
- Start date
This is a common topic on the Merlin forum, and Avaya finally answered with a 25-pair Amphenol connector on the 024 TDL 24-port station card. (The latest Merlin Magix phones use a single pair.)
Pertner's heritage is certainly more self-install and home/small-office, which may push the belief that modular connectors are "easier." But both novices and pros could benefit from cards with 25-pair connectors shipped with a "harmonica" that breaks out modular jacks for those that want them.
Pertner's heritage is certainly more self-install and home/small-office, which may push the belief that modular connectors are "easier." But both novices and pros could benefit from cards with 25-pair connectors shipped with a "harmonica" that breaks out modular jacks for those that want them.
The modular plugs is a historical attempt on AT&T's part to make all their systems cross-platform compatible for upgrading and common parts purposes. While it may be dated in today's world of AT&T, Lucent and Avaya entities and spinoffs, it has/had its merits when introduced. The idea that you could simply install a 206 Merlin system to spec, then upgrade to a 3070, Merlin II, Spirit, Partner or even System 25 by simply unplugging and replugging was innovative and standards-creating. Very much ahead of its time in the 1980's, probably a step or two behind today.
If you consider today's systems rooms with all the patch panels and integrations, the "patch and play" concept is very valid for many installations. Using TowerMax protection and Cat 5e patch panels, I have several customers whose locations are built around that KISS premise. Less total connection points and with connection points that can be entered and tested by untrained customers with the assistance of Help Desk personel from long distance means faster, more focused repairs at less cost. For these folks, the ACS is a dream, with IPOffice following on in good stead.
So yeah, dated, but still very valid in ways the original designers never dreamed of in their future.
If you consider today's systems rooms with all the patch panels and integrations, the "patch and play" concept is very valid for many installations. Using TowerMax protection and Cat 5e patch panels, I have several customers whose locations are built around that KISS premise. Less total connection points and with connection points that can be entered and tested by untrained customers with the assistance of Help Desk personel from long distance means faster, more focused repairs at less cost. For these folks, the ACS is a dream, with IPOffice following on in good stead.
So yeah, dated, but still very valid in ways the original designers never dreamed of in their future.
itpphoneguy
Technical User
It takes hours to "harness" Partner and Magix systems. It is nice to be able to troubleshoot by plugging the phone directly in. The harness-bix combination keeps others from playing "operator". That said, I prefer the Amp connector solution. It's neater and more reliable. The best part is that it forces good installation habits to some degree and keeps fingers out of the system.
I really like the TDL sets on the Magix.
-Chris
I really like the TDL sets on the Magix.
-Chris
The main reason for the amphenol on a 024 TDL is there is not the physical room to put 24 modular jacks on the module. If I were still installing I would also prefer amphenols to modular jacks on the modules. Much neater and cleaner, and is more likely to keep end users away from the phone equipment.
Brian Cox
Brian Cox
they didnt ask me before they designed it (must of been one of those calls I didnt return) 
I prefer the amp pigrail arrangement over the modular
as to ease of testing I use the 2 pair mod tap (?) adapters that plug right into the 66 block so I can just as easily test on a 66 block as a modular processor.
I prefer the amp pigrail arrangement over the modular
as to ease of testing I use the 2 pair mod tap (?) adapters that plug right into the 66 block so I can just as easily test on a 66 block as a modular processor.
itpphoneguy
Technical User
Hi skip555,
Same here except we use BIX in Canada, I like that better than 66's. We use a bix clip the same way.
Same here except we use BIX in Canada, I like that better than 66's. We use a bix clip the same way.
I emulate the amphenol by making my own pigtail using a RJ-11 crimp tool on a piece of 25-pair. I tie-wrap it to the card or chassis and make the ends to perfect length, with a right-angle bend in the wire in front of each jack in the card (this ensures stress-relief for the card connections, to prevent an all-to-common issue). I discourage the customer from swapping/moving extensions. If they need to do it because of high-turnover or some such, I sometimes sell them 2-pair jumper wire and a punch tool. Most of my Partners and Legend/Magix have the covers on!
Man, would I hate to have to troubleshoot your system by phone with the customer! I guess one of the training issues would be teaching the customer the color code? What happens if a module blows and takes down the system? How could you swap a module or yank one to get the system back up? Do you also supply them a set of snips and extra tie-wraps as an emergency kit? Sorry, that would never be allowed to fly in my shop, no dis intended.
ive got one I did a while back where
we set up a patch panel in the equipment room and we have line cords coming out of the partner cabinet with labels as to the ext number this way when they move the desks around or soemone moves offices the customer can go to the equip room and just move the line cord to the proper jack in the patch panel
customer has been real pleased with it and Im getting ready to do another office of his the same way .
it also works when I get the service call ext xx is staticy , weve swapped phones and its still staticy. I can just have him move it to a spare port untill we can swap out the 206 card
like 392 I would not be real keen on providing a punch tool and crossconnect wire to the customer
itpphoneguy
Technical User
Hi All,
We just have the customer plug the phone directly into the port on the card if they are technical. Otherwise, we go in. I like the fact that the system side of the wiring is fixed, so is the station side. (notice I didn't designate the connection type)
The worst systems to troubleshoot have either the station or system wiring punched directly on the other. Send a new tech into that!
-Chris
We just have the customer plug the phone directly into the port on the card if they are technical. Otherwise, we go in. I like the fact that the system side of the wiring is fixed, so is the station side. (notice I didn't designate the connection type)
The worst systems to troubleshoot have either the station or system wiring punched directly on the other. Send a new tech into that!
-Chris
creampufff
Vendor
I think it's a bitter sweet situation. If you design it so that the customer can plug and play then, eventually we'll all be out of a job, or at least loose a ton of money in service calls. The less the customer keeps their hands out of the switch the less headaches I have and the nicer the switch stays. Call me oldschool but I like cabling everything out to blocks.
itpphoneguy
Technical User
Hi creamuff,
I agree to an extent. The biggest problem is the customer changes things and denies doing it. He/she wants warranty (you goofed last time you were in). Try and prove otherwise.
I keep things so neat that changes are noticeable. Also, other techs that follow tend to follow my lead. If they are a pig, the customer can see that right away.
-Chris
I agree to an extent. The biggest problem is the customer changes things and denies doing it. He/she wants warranty (you goofed last time you were in). Try and prove otherwise.
I keep things so neat that changes are noticeable. Also, other techs that follow tend to follow my lead. If they are a pig, the customer can see that right away.
-Chris
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