I have been recruited to fix numerous problems at a small resort. The system is a Mitel SX-200 ( I don't know the series - maybe an EX?)

I am very experienced at shooting physical troubles & all those are now cleared. There are several extensions that are dead at the switch. After checking the amphenol connectors at the back of the 2 cabinets, it is clear that water had gotten on the cabinet backs some time ago, because 2 of the amphenol connectors are BADLY corroded. I did what I could to clean them up - with no improvement. All the dead extensions are connected through those 2 connectors. I don't know how, but others in the same are still functioning.

I have a plan to fix this mess without replacing the switch. There are 4 total unused amphenol connectors on the back that are not corroded - 8 DLC slots are vacant. Assuming the DLCs are still good, they could be moved to the vacant slots & reprogrammed/activated. I am going to try to locate another tech that can do this, as my skills on programming are limited.

Any suggestions on this plan & how to coordinate programming & moving of the DLCs? You can't program a vacant slot - a DLC must be present - correct? There are no spare DLCs around.

Thanks.

You can program a port without the DLC present or if possible do a move command. A tech with Mitel programming experience should have no problems with your scenario unless the DLCs are damaged due to the corrosion you found.

The most helpful (best practice) thing to do is a cut sheet with all info on the current DLCs including physical location on terminal blocks and then the same info from where the DLCs will be relocated along with corresponding physical location on the terminal blocks.

Truly, I would try to find a replacement cabinet. The problems are probably going to get worse. Hint: Empty cabinets are pretty cheap on E-bay. So are demo/training systems. As long as the part number on the cabinet is the same, you shouldn't be down for more than an hour. BUT, Take pictures and make drawings and mark the cables BEFORE YOU START!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks much for the suggestions. E-bay is a good idea. If I replaced only the cabinet, would program settings remain intact - with no need for programming?

Replacing the existing cabinet with an identical part number cabinet will work just fine. Everything will be 'in there', like Prego. Unless there is some other hidden damage. Can't imagine how/what, but strange things do happen to water-damaged equipment, from all makers.

LightningHorse is correct. All of the programming lives in the Processor card, which is the one that has a CF card sticking out of it(Or a place to put a CF card). If you re-install it within, say 3 or 4 weeks, it should keep all programming.

Still, if there has been water exposure, you may want to check and make sure that the little piece of paper (called a MOSS sheet) is still in the cabinet. It details all the options, and if the system ever became "defaulted" (or you had to change a processor) that paper would be worth its weight in gold.

One caveat here: The DNIC cards can be pulled out "Hot" but do not try that with processor or control cards.

I don't know if it is the main cabinet, or really what system varient, yes it looks newer. Replacing the cabinet is good. Of course depending on how its connected, you may be able to use an older one.

If it's the main cabinet on a ML/EL system, first thing I'd do would be to get a copy of form 4

Always a good idea.

PM Sent!