sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Executone-Isoetec Telephones & Systems Need information and help regarding Executone PBX install

Hi guys,

First, I just wanted to say "Hi" and introduce myself. My name is Gavin, I work in IT, and I love computers and technology:)

Now, I don't really do any phone stuff...at all. My present employer decided to migrate to a PBX system and just sort of sprung it on me. They went with an older Executone, I think the model number is "PBX: BE9USA-7426-KF-E." I got that off of the side of the PBX box. Apparently it was purchased from a defunct business. So, a couple of things:

1) Does anyone know where I can find manuals for this thing? I've searched google, and found nothing. I couldn't get through to Executone via telephone.

2) I'm rather unsure of how this thing gets wired up the phone lines...are there are books out there I could pick up to figure this out?

3) I'm sort of worried about how old this ting is. Well, not so much the PBX itself as the computer that runs the Repartee software. It's a 486 with 3-900MB SCSI drives. I'm afraid if it goes down, I'm a) not going to be able to find a ny drives for it and b) won't be able to get the Repartee installation media. Is this a valid concern? Should I suggest they get something a bit newer?

4) Should I just pay someone to do this?

Thanks in advance!

Gavin

If You really know Nothing about phone systems...This one is not a good place to start!

The Executone IDS Systems were solid as a rock, Back in the day...

Executone has gone out of business, Inter-tel was supporting the system up until about 1 year ago.

Most of the systems I worked on had the executone brand of voice mails attached to them, I've only ran across very few that had the Repartee VM's.

That being said, Find somebody near you to check out the equipment and maybe install it.

Welcome to the Board!
To answer your questions in correct order;

1) There is a link above that will take you to the manuals section.
2) The correct manuals will give you all the information needed to wire it up, & program it up.
3) The voice mail system is another issue in that you will have to acquire the correct manuals for it as well.
4) Yes, if your wise you will.

The model # you quoted was incorrect there should be something else that will tell you what type of system it is.

The are a load of questions that would need answered before anyone could clearly say if you could accomplish an installation of this system.
I would obtain a knowledgeable person employed in this profession to come see you and give you their professional opinion.
*There is also a link above for some of the best installers around.
If I can be of any assistance please feel free to PM or E-mail me.

Thanks and again

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it! Yes, I really don't know anything about phone systems. Usually if I don't know something, I can just figure it out, but that doesn't seem like a good route to take this time. It's sort of critical that we have phones:)

I have 3 numbers off the system, a PBX#, Hybrid#, and Key#. The PBX# I gave previously was wrong; I didn't realize it until now. The # is: BE9USA-74227-PF-E. Does that seem a bit more correct?

What are you opinions on using an supported PBX? I realize that these things are meant to work basically forever, but it might be nice to be able to call the company for support.

I got the links to the manuals, thanks!

My boss just contacted me and wants to know if they should buy a Medley system that has all the components; phones, install CDs, documentation, passwords, etc. They previously had a Medley at the old office, and it wasn't full featured enough, hence buying the current system. I guess they're just hoping it'll be easier to setup/maintain.

I've got half a mind to build a Linux/BSD/Solaris machine running Asterisk to do this job.

I suppose I'll call an installer and see what they say. In the mean time, do you have any other words of wisdom or helpful hints?

Thanks a BUNCH!

~Gavin

The Medley was a nice little system. We still use one. It is quite user friendly to install and maintain.
That said, it is also very old and it is a hard drive based system. If your 7-8 year old hard drive goes south, the system is down. How many 7-8 year old hard drives do you have working in your computers?
The IDS is a rock solid system, but is also quite out of date and definitely anything but user friendly.
How about encouraging your boss to look at something from this century?
If this were IT, your boss would be trying to build a functioning current network using all Pentium I machines running Windows 95 and that era of routers. Is it possible it can be done? Sure is. Is it advisable? No.

The Medley ' might ' be a solution, depending upon how many lines and phones you need

Fully maxed the system held 4 port cards each one was a 4X8 = 4 outside lines and 8 digital exts, The phones had to be the M64.

Also on the medley, it has a Big 'ole Hard Drive....hard drive craps...no more phones..

Back to the IDS system you currently have, how many slots for cards are in it?

there were 3 different cabinets, the 84, 108, and 228, the 84 has 5 slots for Combo cards and 2 universal slots for ' other ' cards.

the 108 has 9 slots for cards, and the 228 had a lot more(can't remember..)

Hey guys thanks again for the updated replies. After looking into it further, we've basically decided to ditch the IDS. I think we're either going to lease a new system, or we go to VoIP since we already have CAT-5 to the phones. I guess now I just have to decide whether to go with a software IP-PBX (Asterisk/SoftPBX on Linux/BSD/Solaris) or some hardware solution.

Anyhow, thanks guys!!

You should consider buying a real phone system. The IDS is/was rock solid. If that's what you are used to, then buy a hybrid system that combines TDM and VoIP. Don't put all of your eggs in one basket with plain VoIP systems. They are about three years (guessing) from being truly reliable and that's a conservative estimate. VoIP is into it's third roll out in 15 years and still full of bugs.

I'd be conservative with my money if I were you and cover my investment in both directions. Your potential IP choices are somewhat narrowed and risky at best. You will need to have a full-time IT person on staff who understands the global PSTN in order for this software to work properly. You will also need to invest in high-quality online battery backup equipment for all hardware on the system.

You might want to discuss your needs with these folks . They service your area and will give you an unbiased and proper assessment for your company's needs. I have worked with them for several years and know that they have been fair and professional.