atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems Vodavi Telephones & Systems Starplus 616 Flex voicemail

We have a used Vodavi Starplus 616 Flex phone system that included voicemail at its previous location. Is voicemail for the 616 FLEX a separate "box"; we have only the main unit with programming module 3.

Any suggestions on a voicemail system working with our 616 Flex would be greatly appreciated.

Jay Cordova
Springboard Creative/Atlanta

Are you saying that you didn't get the voice mail unit and need a suggestion on what works with the system or you have the unit and need to know which one you have, I'm a little unclear on your post.

If you got it, there would be a separate unit for the voice mail.

[This message has been edited by dtmf (edited May 21, 2003).]

My one and only attempt at Voice mail on a Analog Vodavi was not a shining success. This particular system was a 1224 with a third party VM unit. It was a "rig" job at best and worked fine until they wanted to do Auto attendant as well. If you are going to have to purcahse a voice mail for the unit I would personally suggest maybe swapping to a Parnter or other small system with voice mail built in. Others may have had better luck than I, that's just been my experience. I just never could get the message lights and other features to dependably integrate.

[This message has been edited by JOHNYREB (edited May 21, 2003).]

We still have quite a few Vodavi 616 Flex systems out there that we service. They all have one thing in common---no voice mail. I really like the little system but even back in the early 90's---92 & 93---I sold them with the stipulation that when voice mail was needed---then another system would have to be purchased.
Not that you can't put something on the system--with Single Line Adapters being purchased for each VM port----the over-all factor is this---the system wasn't made for Voice Mail and ANY voice mail system put on it just won't work like you would want it to. Just my humble opinion. If you only need a few mailboxes--call your local carrier and ask if they have a voice mail service. Use that for a year or two---if you feel that you want more control & features--or you need more mailboxes, then trade in the Flex for a new system with an integrated VM. I think you'd be better off.

Jay
You said that they had Voice Mail with it at the original location, they had to of had Single Line Adaptors as Racedog mentioned. My question is why didn't they send the unit with the system? I would have to agree with the other techs on this, if you can't get the one that was with it (I would think it would have been part of the deal) Them it's really not worth your time or trouble to invest in another one that really isn't going to do nothing but give you nightmares. They just weren't built for voice mail.

Is it possible the unit on the wall was a Battery backup unit(BBU) instead of VM?

Thanks so much for the quick replies. The 616 voicemail was a third party system and from what you all have said, it must have either used single-line adapters or been even less integrated.

From your responses, we are now looking at a used Vodavi digital 14/28 system configured with 8 lines in and 16 extensions, AVP voicemail (80 hours or so, unlimited mailboxes) with computer, and twelve 1414-71 phones all for under $950 including shipping from California and some phone tech support if needed.

It's supposed to be a good used system in good condition, and I've been impressed with the folks at US Telesystems I've been talking to about this. Does this sound like a good deal to you?

Also, does anyone know about a chip Radio Shack may have produced to make non-Y2K compliant AVP voicemail systems Y2K compliant?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Jay Cordova
Springboard Creative/Atlanta

dtmf,

I never answered your question. Our phone tech brought the previously "working" voicemail "box" in, hooked it up, but never could get it working after much effort. I never was clear on the problems, but I don't recall that he ever tried single-line adapters as part of his efforts.

But like I said, you all have convinced to look into the used system with truly integrated voicemail.

Hate to keep bugging you, but any advice on selling our 616 FLEX system? Incoming line 2 is inoperative, leaving only 5 lines. We have 12 phones - 10 "enhanced" and two "executive" - all in fine condition and black. System works great, very reliable. I've been advised it may be best to donate the sytem for a tax deduction of $700-$800 instead of trying to sell it. What might you do if you were me?

Sincerely,

Jay

JOHNNYREB,

Turns out I was confused and the other box was actually an older office phone system that the owner removed. After our first lengthy power failure, I put our 616 system on a 600W UPS system and that's worked great during subsequent lengthy power failures.

Well....Jay....I'll think on this for awhile---but I'm getting this feeling, and scratching my head......
I've got some questions for you.
1. Are you working with a local telephone person who is familiar with Vodavi and AVP voice mails?
2. Will you get a one year warranty on the Vodavi AND the AVP?
3. Are the SLI's included in that $ 950 price?

The reason I'm scratching my head is that I refurbish those 1400 series phones for about $69 each plus shipping. For 12 phones that would be about $ 875. I take the phones completely apart and re-do all the rubber button contacts, because after 6 or 10 years of use, the buttons don't work so good anymore. Believe me, I don't make a whole lot on that price--what with the time involved. My point is....for $75 you're going to get a 14/28 KSU, SLI's, and a Voice Mail. That's where I start scratching my head. More power to you if that's the deal---but I have yet to sell a used voice mail. I don't trust them...however if you get a 1 year warranty, maybe it's OK. I personally would not warranty a 5 or 6 year old hard drive. All this is just food for thought.

JWRacedog:

Our local phone tech is experienced with phone systems in general, but I'll have to find out about the 14/28 and AVP. I need to have warranty protection spelled out, but they (he - Dougles Cohen) said they'd warranty any equipment problems for some time. Their larger clients are regularly upgrading to new systems to ensure that voicemail doesn't go down. He addressed the HD issue himself and said it's smart to go ahead and switch out the drive every five years or so. SLIs are the phones? Yes, they're included, $35 each in good working condition, not refurbished and with a few normal abrasions from normal use. Systems mostly come from a large chain of furniture stores in California that switch out for new systems every 3-5 years, hence he has many used systems that are that age. I must say the guy's been very up front that the phones are not refurbished but in good working order and that the voicemail HD is not new and should be replaced at about 5 years of service. Says it's an off-the-shelf drive and they'll help via phone with new drive if needed. He guarantees good working hardware and replacement of any problematic hardware (though we didn't discuss a warranty period). I've talked to several of his Techs and they all seem to know this stuff backwards and forwards. I'm a skeptic by nature and get good "vibes" from everyone at this company. They've been in business since 1983, and he says they're the largest supplier, installer and servicer of Vodavi systems in the West, although I'm taking his word for that. They certainly seem large, busy and very knowledgeable.

They'll supply manuals for the system and voicemail. I don't know phone systems but have an EE degree from Ga Tech will read and learn what I have to for non-hardware maintenance. Still have to get a reaction from our phone tech, who is good but doesn't have the expertise you guys have here.

They'll give us at least one hour of free phone support for setup, and my experience so far tells me he'll also help more via email when asked. So far, they seem service and not sale oriented. Like I said, "good vibes" from everyone there so far.

Thanks for the heads up on the phones. I'll ask him about this. If we do this deal, we'll see, and I'll let you know the results. Who knows, I may have more questions for you on refurbishing the phones myself or buying some from you. $70 is certainly a good price.

If you're interested, these folks said they have 77 14-series phones, unrefurbished but working fine, sitting around in their warehouse for $35 each.

Any ideas on the best way to dump our old system and recoup some portion on any new investment? Donation? Ebay?

Thanks again for you help and advice. So glad I found this forum.

Jay

Jay

Looks like you have done your homework. The SLI's refer to the Single Line Adapters or Interfaces that are necessary for the phone system & voice mail to interface. I think the 1428 does it with SLI's (or SLA's) and the 2856 uses single line cards.

Selling your old system to another local business is the easiest way to recoup investment---ebay is always an option---donation depends on what your bookeeper says.

Good luck.

Jay, with your background you can probably fix the inoperable line 2 of the old flex with little trouble. A line port getting knocked out is the most common problem we have here in FL with all the lightening. If you'll take the cover off the KSU you'll see a series of 3 ohm resistors right where each line comes in. Whenever a line goes out on us, 9 times out of ten it's one of those resistors adjacent to that particular port. Good luck.