GE Four Line Business Phone (Made by Thompson)?
Q.I'm looking for a multi-line (2-4) line telephone that is capable of Intercom, Paging, Handsfree, Conference, and Transfer functions. I just saw a GE Pro Series Four Line Business Telephone at Staples that seems to meet my needs. Its $139.95 per copy. I'm curious if anyone is familiar with this phone and can comment on its performance. Its made by Thompson Consumer Electronics and is the model 2-9451-A. I don't understand how, absent a switch, it can distinguish between different intercom and paging stations, which is says it can do using two digit station numbers. This phone also includes what it calls an Adanced Data Port system which permits the plugging in of a fax machine. Also a dedicated headset jack. The "system" can have up to 16 phones.
A.I have a pair of Bell/Sonecor 5200's that are much the same as you describe. They work by sharing the #1 extension and using that pair to transmit high-frequency (100kHz-ish) control and communication signals. The indicator lamps, paging and intercom signals are carried via this HF carrier. They didn't work for me, because I wanted to have two different #1 extensions. So half their features sit idle. Live and learn... when you say you wanted two different #1 extensions, do you mean you wanted the line 1 on each phone to be different and the line two to be common? As long as you have at least one co line as a common, you should be able to make that line the one that shares the signals. the Mobicel system (similar to one sold at Staples as Brother Quattro system) uses line 2 for the data/intercom. Some allow you add on certain modules that can connect doorphones/ music on hold/ and caller ID. If you think you may need some of these in the future it would be good to look for a system that can use them now. If you're using just a couple of lines and don't need many features then practically any of the systems would work. Just remember that they are not interchangable between brands, though. Since ALL co's need to be wired to each extension, then it is easy to have any line available for a fax or modem at any extension. I have used an earler version of these ( less the fax funtion). A client of mine bought a bunch and hired me to install and program them. They worked as advertised. Unfortunitly several of them were hit by lightning and he never wanted to spend the money to replace them. As an earler poster stated each phone sends "date" over one of the lines and this allows them to communicate intercom and line status info. Each phone must be "initalised" when instaled as well as an intercom number assigned.
Other Questions :
Business Phone Services. Make VoIP phone call from Outlook ?
I'm using RingCentral right now and it works great with Outlook contacts and so-so with BCM. I'm working with them to integrate it better... Cool service!On most laptops, you just need a headset (either cheap that plugs into the sound ports, ...
A good deal for low-cost, low-usage cell phone service ?
Lots of features, including voice mail, text messaging (15 cents to send, free to receive), caller ID, etc., all included. No extra "system access fee" either. Virgin Mobile sells several different phone models, starting as low as $49. Ph...
Best Business Cell Phone, Made In China ?
"All of the cell phone makers are moving to China, and we have to follow our customers," explains Melvin W. Boldt, BMI's founder, chairman and CEO. Indeed, both of his company's two largest customers, whom Boldt declines to name, have in effect...
Asterisk PBX on Ethernet ?
I'm very interested in this discussion about asterisk pbx. I realized a little pbx with a TDM400P card and it worked well. Now I'd like to try another solution with more phones. Doug says I could use IP phones on ethernet....this seems interest...
FCC Regulated Charges on Telephone Service ?
Are FCC regulated surcharges, which may be separately stated as a recurring monthly charge on a retail customer's telephone bill, subject to the Massachusetts sales and use tax on telecommunications services?Local telephone companies recover some...