sundance-communications.com/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems Nortel Telephones & Systems Norstar Meridian DR3 - 824

When an electrician had caused our phone system to go down, we had to have our vendor to come out and re-program everything. They say I need new software. And that it will take 4-6 hours to set it all up. Basically about $1600. I find this hard to believe. I've heard 2 different stories. Both of which, people say that the system does have batteries in it. Can these be replaced? Do I need to upgrade our software? Thank you.

what did the electrician do to cause it to go down.How many phones do you have and do you have voice mail?
I see now that you are at DR3,you should upgrade to DR5.1,you could also put a small UPS on your system and then reprogram with your current software.The batteries(capacitor)are not field replaceable.

[This message has been edited by openwire (edited July 25, 2002).]

I'm not sure what the electrician did, but we do have an old norstar meridian backup. I'm not sure why that would not have worked. What features does the Dr5 software have that dr3 doesn't? Couldn't I just get by w/getting a new ups? Thanks for your help.

I agree...I would upgrade to the DR5.1. I'm not sure about the different features b/c I dont think I've ever worked on DR3.... You could get by with a new UPS but make sure you find out how long it will hold in the event of a power failure.

I agree with the battery backup even if you upgrade. It is alays a good decision. I would also request program manuals and some training if upgrading so you can progrm system yourself and save some money in the furure. If they upgrade they should give you some kind of warrenty also. Just my thoughts. Good Luck!!

Inside The data cartridge for 824 DR3 and above there are two batteries they could be replaced or you can buy a Data cartridge and make sure they will install a new battery inside.so you don't have to upgrade if you don't want but the system need to be reprogrammed in any case so might as well upgrade your s/w to DR5 .

Good Luck

Are their special ups' for phone systems?

any UPS will work. Keep in mind if you have a UPS that is 3-5 years old, chances are the batterys might be bad. I agree with the software upgrade to DR5. Make sure you get one with that is new or is refurbed with a new battery. The battery should last a few years at least. $1600 seems high for programming on that system. Get the Electrician to pay for part of it.

I also believe you should upgrade your software and put on a ups. But, I would invest some money into Norstar's manager for windows which allows you to program and backup from your desktop so you dont have to ever re-program your system even if your batteries fail in the future.