sundance-communications.com/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems Comdial Telephones & Systems VM dead after connection attempt with DX-80

I have a DX-80 system with software version F39 and a 7271c VM card. I am new to the system and have been reading all the documentation and information I can find online. I have been able to connect to the Corporate Office DX system using a USB/serial cable from RadioShack with the Keylink DX software. I had never been able to connect to the DX-80 using the PCDBA software.

As I was researching the problem I came across the information that the PCDBA version must match the software version in the DX-80. The software/documentation CD that came with the system was for version A33 so I assumed that it was correct. After pulling the VM card off I found out that was an inaccurate assumption. Turns out the system has the F39 version installed. I found the A39 version of PCDBA and information that said it would connect with a F39 system.

I attempted this a few times and every time it came back with "Pre Connection Failed." After this, the lights on the 7271c were not blinking. I tried calling into the vm system and it did not answer. I tried restarting the 7271c a few times and instead of the normal 4 beeps it would only do one longer beep. The power light is on, the HD light toward the bottom flashes a couple times during a restart, but the App light near the top right of the board isn't on at all. I've also tried restarting the whole system a few times and no luck.

I tried connecting to the VM system on COM 1 using Keylink and the system wouldn't connect. Previously, I had backed up the VM system using a null modem cable connected to COM 2 using a terminal program. When I connected using this method the screen showed Operating System not found.

Obviously, this is a big problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Where did you purchase the system? Can you ask them for some on-site help? Do you have documentation (installation manual)? What is your expertise in programming the DX-80 and the VM?

You seem to be confident in trying dealer/installer-type procedures. That's good in a way---but now your system doesn't work good--that's, like you said--"a big problem".

You need the right kind of software to communicate with the DX-80--but you also need the expertise to proceed to program. You may need some on-site help.

The 7271c appears that it may have some corrupted data on it. Not a good thing. A qualified technician might be able to get this corrected---or---you may need a new flash card with VM sofware on it. Again---make friends with a Vertical/Comdial technician.

Regular Comddial moderators will jump in and have other/maybe better solutions. Good Luck.

Pull the power lead off the VM or pull it out. Cold start the system, go into programming through the telephone, if you get in and can scroll through programming then shut down and put the VM back in and fire it up. Press the VM button and if it works stop and post back here. If it doesn't you probably damaged the flash card. I can replace that if you need one.

Key question, where did you purchase the system as Racedog asked.

We purchased the system from the previous office tenants who, I think, purchased it from the tenants before them who originally had it installed. As far as my experience goes, this is my first time programming a phone system. However, I have done a lot of serial communication and am comfortable with computer programming. The documentation CD came with the system so I have read through all the manuals. But like I said in my original post, the PCDBA version is not correct. Maybe the system was upgraded after the original installation.

Mark: Do you have any thoughts on why I haven't been able to connect to the DX-80? I would rather backup the DB before doing the cold start so I wouldn't have to reprogram the system from scratch. Is it true that PCDBA ver A39 can connect to a F39 system?

My plan was to do the DB backup first thing and then get into the extension/UCD reprogramming I need to do. But now getting the VM online is definitely a higher priority.

Do I actually need to do a cold start, or would doing a power cycle with the VM out do the same thing? This would at least keep the DB intact before I can figure out why I'm not connecting.

I don't know if this is helpful or not but since the VM has quit working I have been into DB programming via a DET.

there is an A39 and an F39 - some computers experienced a language error on one of them but I don't recall which. To answer the question, A&F are the same except for some language support issue with one and that only has a problem on some computers so in a perfect PC both would work. You can search here for this issue as it was discussed at length in a few threads. Also, just because your serial adapter works with the Keylink doesn't mean it will work with pcdba, the systems are finicky that way.

I think programming through a phone is easier. You will need to do a cold start to rule out a gremlin as the reason you can't get in. You can scroll through the programming and note any changes from default instead of doing a back up.

A power cycle with the VM re-installed should bring the VM up and running. If it doesn't come up, power cycle it again and try to connect to it with keylink as it boots up and see what it tells you. BTW, trying to connect with pcdba and failing would have no relationship with the VM going down, these issues are unrelated. When you boot the system with a VM board in place the VM programs the DX80 to know its there and to behave accordingly.

I pulled the VM out, did a cold start, and did some DB programming. Then I reinstalled the VM and restarted the system but the VM still did not work.

I did a second power cycle trying to connect with keylink and had no luck with that either.

I was supprised that the VM died after trying to connect to the DX-80. I didn't think connecting to the DX-80 would effect the VM, but I just wanted to give the background of what I was doing when it died.

I would be surprised too, I don't see where there is any connection, unless you got close enough to damage it with a static discharge.

PM me if you are in need of a new flash card, or you could send me the whole card and I will troubleshoot it here for you.

I guess the DX80 is working OK? are you able to connect with PCDBA? Why don't you upgrade it to 42 or 44 they're more stable with no connection issues.
Mark

The DX80 appears to working ok but I still have not been able to connect with PCDBA. I think upgrading sounds like a good idea.

I just sent you a PM about the flash card.

I am actually here to post another interesting thing that happened tonight, but I have had this happen too.

It was a while ago so forgive me, but I was working on a DX 80 F39 with 7271.

I WAS able to connect with PCDBA, but when I used Keylink DX software on the voice mail, everything was ok - I was able to see and "talk to " the voice mail, but it shut down when I removed the cable (Or when I exited - I forget which)

Sick feeling in stomach - reboot the whole system and I believe it came back.

It happened twice, so needless to say, since it hurts when I do that - I don't do that anymore.


Tonight's "adventure" began when I inadvertently fat fingered while reprogramming routing box 801 for nights - during night hours (tonight )

The voice mail AND auto attendant stopped answering , and tripped the ring on incoming calls.

Eventually I figured out that when I changed system time to 2 PM and rebooted, it started working and I was able to restore routing box 801.

I post this - not to hijack the thread, but so that maybe this will give you some ideas.

Good luck with your "ghost in the machine".

Doctor Dialtone, while we appreciate your input and information, it's a bit off-topic for this thread. Also, you already told this story in another thread .

Please try to stay on topic when responding to existing threads, and in general, please only post information once to help keep the forum interesting.

Thanks!

Justin