atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems ESI Telephones & Systems 25 pair to modular or patch panel

Hello, 1st post here...

I have an original ESI IVX and would like to get rid of the 66 block on the wall in our utility closet. I would like to find a modular patch panel that I can just plug into. I am prepared to put connectors on the co lines and extensions. What I would like is a modular patch panel ready to accept the port card 25 pair connectors. Any ideas?

Thanks

Kevin

As a real estate mogul and a CG, it is obvious you have not read the TOS for these forums.

We do not give out information not found in user guides. If someone wants to assist you via off-line, that is another situation. You might want to contact a qualified installer in your area. Please check the "Installers" tab above.

Thank you and enjoy the board.

Hello Kevin To Tech-Talk
The most important information is which ESI system you have. I am aware of the term "original IVX" but to be very honest that is just slang terminology used most commonly by Ebay sellers. It actually doesn't narrow down much the system you have. The best way to determine this is to snap a picture and send it either here or to my email which can be found in my profile.

As far as converting from 66 block to a patch panel I would like to know the reasoning and the future value you expect from the conversion.

Also, How many lines are you using and how many extensions?

Awaiting further info!

I think if you have a Cat5E or higher backbone then the cables, even the ones designated for phones should be on a patch panel (preserve the integrity of the cable for other uses) then putting the ESI ports on a patch panel makes perfect sense for easy phone moves. If everything is CAT 3 then don't waste the money on Patch Panels just punch them down.

Thanks for the responses.

Sorry if I stepped on toes. I read the guidlines, unless I missed something I am looking for hardware, not anything that should be offensive. I am looking to replace a 66 block with a modular setup. I have owned this ESI since 94/95 or so. I moved it to this location in 2000 and will move it again. Modular makes sense to me. I would imagine I am not the first to think this way. From what I see it has 2 25 pair connectors maybe they are 4/8 as it appears the CO and extensions appear on each port. If someone makes or sells a patch panel that accepts a 25 pair cable all set up for the esi than that is what I am looking for. I will crimp ends onto the CO and extension lines. I used cat5 when I wired the phones and internet at this site. The way I see it, with this little phone system as plug and play, near portable setup, it will last me for many more years.

I will post a picture

Thanks again.

Kevin

Pics Removed for resizing

That install looks like an accident waiting to Happen!

You? installed it?

Why is the bottom block hanging off?

because brackets cost 1.75


:rolleyes:

It looks like the back of my van...

The bottom braket needs to be replaced. It was installed in a bad spot and gets hit. The modular will all be on the shelf.


Is this the original IVX? Phones have the park 1-3 keys

Yes,

Thanks John Grider

The patch panel works!


Can you help me with a new hard drive?


<img src="https://www.soldonkevin.com/phone/telephone/p1246318.jpg" width=600 height=500>

83SanDimas is needing a hard drive for his Original IVX.

I'll try to make the story short.

83SD requested the above Patch Panel be custom made in order to organize the previous install. Now the mess in the closet has been cleaned up but the system hard drive has failed during power down/power up.

FYI The hard drive failure was caused by a fellow ESI Tech. I won't mention his name but his initials are JJ. Just the other day he and I discussed the hazards of working on older equipment and I know he put some kind of Voo-Doo hex on it just to prove his point.

83SanDimas is not looking for anything free. If anyone has a hard drive I would like to help him out.

FYI..... it was NOT me or anyone at Phone Solutions.... I'll see if I ca get a drive for him.

I believe you can still get that stuff from ESI??

e-mailed 83SanDimas

On behalf of the customer I would like to say thank you to everyone trying to assist this customer.

We have a rare occurrence of an end user/customer willing to listen to veterans in the business. What is rare about that is frequently when the end user doesn't hear what he wants to hear (or read in this case) he goes elsewhere. In my personal communications with 83SD I have found him to be open minded. That also is rare in this business.

Having said that I feel it is important that we look into 83SD situation as the professionals we are. Here is how I see things.

The ESI system 83SD has went out of production around 90-92. It is clearly around 16 years old. That is of course if I have my dates correct. In order to revive the system a hard drive must be acquired and installed. Once that has been done there are no guarantees on the life of the hard drive we put in place. I'm assuming any hard drive found that is cost effective will be a reconditioned one and it won't come with a warranty. I hate to break it down this way but what we will be doing is equivalent to a heart transplant on a 90 year old man that has terminal lung cancer. The original IVX was a quality system in it's day and if any reader out there has one doing the job it was intended to do then the old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" applies.
That is not the situation here. In my opinion the most cost effective solution is a later version ESI. The reason I say that is I want 83SD business to be focused on Real Estate, not the day to day problems of a dying telephone system.

Several members will be offering 83SD a replacement hard drive and I know these members quite well. They are honorable business professionals attempting to satisfy a customer as they should. Since prices will be discussed those communications will take place privately. I request that 83SD take full advantage of the knowledge being offered. My friends here can do much more than just quote a priced on a component.

We are standing by!

Thanks guys,

I am very happy with everything that John has done for me. Yes I am trying to maximize my existing system. I can get my hands on a exact replacement drive(unformated). Does that work for me and if so how does the op system go on? Forgive my ignorance. I have no install disks for this system. So am I needing to send the unit to someone or would someone be selling me a formated ready to go drive?

FYI, the drive did not reboot on 1st install. She was noisy before I sent the unit to John so no surprise she failed. After a few attemts (and much head thrashing on the drive, she booted long enough to test the panel.

My goal was to resperate this legacy system and keep it on life support for a while. Long enough for me to research a new system. I am looking for some type of IP phone system (voip) with remote access. I am not familiar with the capabilities of the new systems but was impressed with a Talkswitch system I saw recently. I liked the ability to be at home with a fast internet connection and still be on the office system as if I was local.

As a followup, ESI has an interesting and quite intelligent solution for the replacement drive for this system, even though like John said it's pretty old. Instead of replacing it with another drive (refurb or otherwise) ESI wil supply an adapter to allow a Flash Card to be retrofit just like the newer small Comm Servers!

Although a replacement sytem may truely be a good idea, the old one would definately be more functional and have a renewed lifespan with the Flash memory versus a new HD!

The fact that ESI actually has a retrofit solution with newer technology for their systems that are this old says alot about the company! IMHO

83SanDimas,

I'm confused about something: If this ESI system has been such a great system for you, and lasted THIS long, WHY would you be looking anywhere besides ESI for a replacement system. They have plenty to offer along the lines of VOIP capabilities.

Justin

Hey Justin

Actually I am not looking elsewhere, I just mentioned something that had features I liked. I talked with John about buying a system before we started the repairs on mine and will go to him first for his recomendations. He has worked closely with me and deserves my patronage.

Kevin

Thank You Kevin for the vote of confidence. Implementing a VOIP extension in your home which is connected to your office system is an ESI option. As a matter of fact they are darn good at it. I won't hesitate to be humble at this point and give credit where credit is due. I personally will be a few names down the list below Justin (5years&countin), Jim (Phonesol) and several others when it comes to your possible VOIP solution.

As it stands now myself and other fellow board members are working the numbers & options.

We need to know the following:

How many workstations in your office?
How many incoming lines in your office?

WOW! I just read through that complete list of anecdotes and diatribes regarding this customer and you guys are GREAT!

Point of order though.

Did he ever get fixed up? I feel like a guy watching a DVD that was screwed up just at the point of the movie when I was going to find out 'Who dunnit?"

Let me know what the end result here was guys!

Thanks,

E

Welcome booger21. As you are watching through some of the posts just look at the time & dates of the postings. That will help in determining what is current. As far as this one is concerned it is very active, join in.

BTW, It appears you are from the Amarillo area. Good to work with you again if this is who I think it is!

EDIT: To delete advertising. This topic is nearly two years old.