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How do I connect my PBX Phone System to HAL?

Solution
Related Product(s): All HAL Software

A PBX phone system acts as a switchboard by allowing multiple incoming phone lines to be directed to different extensions and by giving local phones access to different outgoing phone lines. For instance, an incoming call can be routed to a person at one extension while two other people at two other extensions each place outgoing calls. With PBX systems, an additional digit, such as "9", must sometimes be pressed before an outgoing call can be placed (see the PBX system's literature for its requirements). PBX phone systems are generally installed in businesses, but are sometimes used in private residences.
 
There are basically two different ways to connect HAL to a PBX phone system. The first setup allows HAL to use the phone line at the same time that someone else is using the phone line. The second setup allows either HAL or another extension to be used, but not simultaneously. There are advantages and disadvantages for each option.

 

To Use HAL and Another Phone Line
This method will be preferred by most home automation installers.
Advantage :
  • HALbasic: Allows HAL to retrieve information from the Internet, even when a phone line is already in use.

  • HALdeluxe and HAL2000: Allows Internet information retrieval and/or communication with HAL over the phone even when a phone line is already in use.
Disadvantage:
  • HALbasic: Uses the PBX's Central Office (CO) and extension resources

  • HALdeluxe and HAL2000: If the PBX doesn't pass Caller ID information through the PBX extensions, a separate Caller ID device will need to be connected to the Central Office (CO) lines to be monitored via a "Y" telephone adapter.
Installation:
Connect the voice/fax/data (VFD) modem line input (telco) to one of the PBX extensions, and program the extension to ring when HAL is to answer the phone (from more than one CO input as well). Connect the VFD modem line output (phone set) to one of the PBX CO line inputs. The PBX extension connected to the other side of the VFD modem will provide dial tone for the CO input.

 

Download a high resolution (JPEG) copy of this diagram for printing (right-click on link and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As"). File size is 222Kb.


To Use HAL or the Phone Line
Advantages:
  • Works well if the PBX doesn't have any additional Central Office (CO) inputs

  • Works well if the PBX doesn't pass Caller ID information through the extensions and there isn't a separate external Caller ID device

  • Works well if call services provided by the phone company are being used that can't be achieved through the PBX
Disadvantages:
  • Can't speak with HAL while the phone line is in use

  • PBX may not know when the phone line is in use by HAL

  • Call features of the PBX can't be used by HAL
Installation:
Connect the incoming phone line to the line input (telco) of the voice/fax/data (VFD) modem. Connect the line output (phone set) of the VFD modem to the PBX's CO line input.

 

Download a high resolution (JPEG) copy of this diagram for printing (right-click on link and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As"). File size is 210Kb.




 

 
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Related articles Can I use the phones in the house to talk to HAL?
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How do I set up HAL to use two different modems, one for retrieving Internet information and one for telephony features (recording voice mail messages, etc.)?
Article details
Article ID: 58
Category: Diagrams
Date added: 2012-12-05 15:13:10
Views: 1107
Rating (Votes): Article rated 3.2/5.0 (34)

 
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