Panasonic PBX for Rotary Dial Telephones

[RotaryRose]

Re : Looking For A Suitable PANASONIC PBX System for 6 x Rotary Dial (PULSE) Telephones.

Hello To All Rotary Phone Gurus . . . .

. . .I would just like to introduce myself . . .and pass on a warm G'day to you ALL . . . .all the way from Australia : )

Thanks to all you Americans . . .I now have it bad . . . . .and it's contagious . . . . .I have officially got the Rotary Dial 'BUG' . . .and it's all the fault of that Beautifully designed -  Classic Western Electric (W.E.) #202 (*As Pictured).   From the moment I saw it - I had to acquire it . . .and so it continued.   Then came the 50AL Candle Stick . . . .THEN . . . .the #302.   But no . . .I wasn't done yet . . . .Then came the Siemens 366 Wall Phone . . . .followed by the GPO 232 King Pyramid (with bell Set #26).   Please tell me - can this disease be cured ? (as if I would want it too anyway ha, ha, ha ).

I have to admit - when I first started this little crusade in collecting phones it was a little daunting . . .and actually, it still is . . . .hence my little dilemma.

Now, I don't just want to look and admire them . . BUT . . .to be able to CALL Each and Every One of them in a Panasonic PBX configuration.   

I am hoping to have the good fortune in locating a Rotary Member - whom can supply a Panasonic PBX to suit my needs - and is willing to SELL it.

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I would like the Panasonic PBX to provide the following Functions :-

* Be Able To Connect my 5 x Rotary Dial (PULSE) Telephones (*As mentioned 'Below') + 1 x (DPT) or (DP) Digital Proprietary Telephone (in order to be able to Program the PBX).

* 1 x (DPT) / (DP) - Digital Proprietary Telephone ( In order to Program the PBX on Ext. 1)

* Able To Use ANY Phone and . . . .
(i) CALL / RING 'ANY' Extension . . . . .and . . .(ii) CALL / RING 'ALL' Extensions. (* First Person to PICK-UP on the 'ALL' Extensions CALL - has the 'Talk Path').   
N.B.: If EVERYONE is able to PICK-UP at the SAME time, on an 'ALL' EXTENSION CALL ('Party Line') - and Speak TOGETHER - that would be a Bonus too.

* The Panasonic PBX is able to ACCEPT RJ11 Connecting PLUGS - as ALL my Rotary Dial Telephones have this Connecting PLUG at the end of the CORD.

*Able to be Connected to a 'STEP DOWN' Transformer (240 Volts to 110 volts Alternating Current (A.C.) 100 Watts).   This is because I believe the Panasonic PBX operates at 110 Volts @ 100 Watts in America . . .and . . .as I wish to Purchase the Unit here . . .I would want to be able to supply a suitable Power Transformer - in order to operate it here in Australia.

**  This PANASONIC PBX will NOT be CONNECTED TO AN 'OUTSIDE' PUBLIC EXCHANGE NETWORK.   NO EXTERNAL PHONE CALLS WILL BE MADE ON THIS PBX.   IT WILL ONLY BE UTILISED FOR 'INTERNAL' / IN-HOUSE - EXTENSION -TO-EXTENSION CALLS within the Building.  **

* I would like to utilise as FEW DIGITS as possible to CALL EACH EXTENSION.  For example, if it is possible to CALL EXTENSION 2 . . . .by simply doing the following :-
1.  Lift Up HANDSET
2.  DIAL 2 . . .or #2 . . .or *2
3.  EXT. 2 RINGS
4.  Speak to Person at EXT. 2

#####################
My Phones include :-
* W.E. #202 . . . . with a #302 Subset
* 50AL CandlStick . . .with #302 Subset
* Siemens 366 Wall Phone
* GPO 232 King Pyramid w/ Bell Set (#26)
* W.E. #302

ABOUT - 'ROTATONE' - (Pulse-To Tone Converters) :

I have heard that in order to maximise  the FULL use of the PANASONIC PBX (for Rotary Dial PULSE Telephones) - it is necessary for the ROTARY DIAL PHONES ( connected to the PBX), - to have the ability to DIAL '#' and '*'.   If this is the case, I have also heard that in order to do this - the Rotary Phone MUST have a 'ROTATONE' (Pulse -To- Tone) Converter . . as sold by 'Old Phone Works'.

Do I need to BUY 5 x of these 'ROTATONE' Converters and INSTALL them to EACH of my Rotary Dial Telephones ??   Will this 'ROTATONE' Converter allow me the ability to utilise as fewer DIGITS (eg. #2 . . or . . .*2) to CALL my EXTENSIONS

I understand that the PANASONIC PBX can convert (PULSE-To-DIAL) within the Unit itself - but I think this is ONLY useful for 'OUTSIDE' (External Public Exchange Network) CALLs.

Dear Rotary Members - if you are willing to part (and willing to SELL) such a Panasonic PBX, that can suit my needs . . .I love to hear from you . . . .and would be grateful for any assistance.

Once again, thank you . . .and I hope to hear from you.

kind regards
Julie-Anne

 

     

[Owain]

I would like the Panasonic PBX to provide the following Functions :-

* Be Able To Connect my 5 x Rotary Dial (PULSE) Telephones (*As mentioned 'Below') + 1 x (DPT) or (DP) Digital Proprietary Telephone (in order to be able to Program the PBX).

* 1 x (DPT) / (DP) - Digital Proprietary Telephone ( In order to Program the PBX on Ext. 1)

The smallest PBXs don't need a proprietary telephone to program, and in any case the default programming will probably be suitable for you.

* Able To Use ANY Phone and . . . .
(i) CALL / RING 'ANY' Extension . . . . .and . . .(ii) CALL / RING 'ALL' Extensions. (* First Person to PICK-UP on the 'ALL' Extensions CALL - has the 'Talk Path').   

To call/ring ALL extensions you would need to set up a hunt group with all extennsions in it, and dial the number for the hunt group.

OR you wire one extension socket back into a line input, so when you dial the extension it presents as an incoming external exchange call. You set up the incoming line ringing assingments on the extensions accordingly.

N.B.: If EVERYONE is able to PICK-UP at the SAME time, on an 'ALL' EXTENSION CALL ('Party Line') - and Speak TOGETHER - that would be a Bonus too.

unlikely to be possible, although it is possible to put a call on hold and add in another extension on conference.

If you add paging speakers I think you can do a 'meet me' page.

* The Panasonic PBX is able to ACCEPT RJ11 Connecting PLUGS - as ALL my Rotary Dial Telephones have this Connecting PLUG at the end of the CORD.

Okay, see individual models for details, although if you get one with wiring terminals it shouldn't be too hard to wire to RJ11s.

*Able to be Connected to a 'STEP DOWN' Transformer (240 Volts to 110 volts Alternating Current (A.C.) 100 Watts).   This is because I believe the Panasonic PBX operates at 110 Volts @ 100 Watts in America . . .and . . .as I wish to Purchase the Unit here . . .I would want to be able to supply a suitable Power Transformer - in order to operate it here in Australia.

Not only is Aus electricity a different voltage it is also a different frequency (50Hz not 60Hz) and that may cause problems with the Pana power supply. A UK spec model might be better, but can you really not obtain one in Aus?

EBAY     EBAY

**  This PANASONIC PBX will NOT be CONNECTED TO AN 'OUTSIDE' PUBLIC EXCHANGE NETWORK.   NO EXTERNAL PHONE CALLS WILL BE MADE ON THIS PBX.   IT WILL ONLY BE UTILISED FOR 'INTERNAL' / IN-HOUSE - EXTENSION -TO-EXTENSION CALLS within the Building.  **

* I would like to utilise as FEW DIGITS as possible to CALL EACH EXTENSION.  For example, if it is possible to CALL EXTENSION 2 . . . .by simply doing the following :-
1.  Lift Up HANDSET
2.  DIAL 2 . . .or #2 . . .or *2
3.  EXT. 2 RINGS
4.  Speak to Person at EXT. 2

They usually have the option of a 2 or 3 digit numbering scheme. * and # are not required for calling extensions, only for using features or programming. I think most models have alternative codes to * and # for using pulse dialling extensions anyway.

I think they also have the option of 'hot line' dialling to an extension, if you have an extension with no dial it can be used for answer-only or to call a designated internal 'operator'

ABOUT - 'ROTATONE' - (Pulse-To Tone Converters) :

I have heard that in order to maximise  the FULL use of the PANASONIC PBX (for Rotary Dial PULSE Telephones) - it is necessary for the ROTARY DIAL PHONES ( connected to the PBX), - to have the ability to DIAL '#' and '*'.   If this is the case, I have also heard that in order to do this - the Rotary Phone MUST have a 'ROTATONE' (Pulse -To- Tone) Converter . . as sold by 'Old Phone Works'.

As above, you only need * and # for programming or using features, for basic use there are alternative codes to * and # for using pulde dial extensions.

[RotaryRose]

Hi Owain,

Hey .  . . . you have a GPO 232 Pyramid as your 'Piccie' (but no Bell Set on this one) . . .Beautiful ! : )

Thank you for your kind response . . . .and a very knowledgeable one at that too.

I adore the fact you broke your responses into segments . . .brilliant . . . .it certainly made it a lot easier for me to understand and absorb. 

What can I say . . .except that I do feel like a little bit of a 'dill' - particularly as you located a Panasonic PBX on Ebay (Australia) in your response.  Thank you Owain.   At the time of researching - I had trouble sourcing anything on Ebay . . but alas . . .'when it rains . . .it pours' . . .so I'll be sure to get my skates on and pursue these exciting leads.

Owain - I have been able to source and download a number of Manuals for these Panasonic PBX's - which is how I have 'educated' myself - to a certain degree, regarding some of the specifics on these PBX's.   I'll be sure to take extra attention regarding the 'Hunt Group' option - when Programming.   Also, thank you for you 'heads up' regarding Power Source details (50 - 60 hz Frequency).  It seems that even the Voltage seems to vary from Model to Model. . . .interesting.

It is a shame about the 'ALL' Group Extension PICK-UP and Talk feature . . .but, like I said . . .it was only a bonus.  I am more than happy to be able to CALL 'ANY' INDIVIDUAL EXTENSION - Thank you.

Owain - do you own a GPO 232 Pyramid ?  (as pictured). 

Once again - thank you for your kind response . . .it is gratefully appreciated : )

[Owain]

Owain - do you own a GPO 232 Pyramid ?  (as pictured). 

My pyramid is actually a Demonstration Set No 6, so missing some of the internals.

I currently have 15 telephones in the lounge and don't ask me how many in boxes. I like 8782s and anything in an Ambassador profile case.

[RotaryRose]

Hi Owain,

Good News - I have had a look at the Panasonic PBX's you so kindly highlighted for me . . .and as a result, I have put a Bid in.  We'll see how we go - 3 Days to go.  It's a KXTA-308 + 2 Handsets
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Panasonic-KX-TA308-Telephone-system-2-display-handsets-/270781616781#ht_500wt_1156

I must say - I think I may like the superseded / older Panasonic PBX Models . . .as they may be 'easier' to set up and manage.  (not being a particularly 'Tech Savvy' person).  My only concern is that I hope it can cater to ALL my RJ11 CORD PLUGS on my Rotary Telephones ?

Owain . . . with regards to your last comment (Pyramid Demonstration Set No. 6), I think I found one on Ebay (UK).  Please See Below :-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-GPO-222-demonstration-SET-no-6-Collectors-PHONE-/250854558012

. . .Does that look about right ?

Wow - 15 Telephones . . .that's Amazing !  Have you got these 'running' on a Panasonic PBX also Owain ? You would need a KXTD-816 or KXTD-1232 for that number - surely.

[gpo706]

Owain covered all the bases there for you I suspect.

Manuals here:

http://wedophones.com/PanasonicManualsLead.htm

Versions - "Hybrid" systems (tone or pulse) - 308 - 3 incoming lines, 8 extensions, 616 - 6 in, 16 out, 1232 - 12 in 32 out.

I settled for a 616, thats plenty for your average not utterly mad phone collector!

Addendum:

Your last post crossed over mine - yes you can have 15 or 16 running off a 616, the extensions are numbered from 21-36 (I know not why), 21 is used for your prop phone for programming, 22 is the designated DSS console.

If you don't use a prop or DSS then you have 16 extensions free.

But it gets better - each extension pumps out 4 REN, so you can hook up 4 phones on one extension so 4 x 16 = errr, you do the math...

I found the 198 page manual for you, good luck with your bid.

service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/KXTA308.PDF

Oh, and my UK 616's only take RJ11 sockets, apart from the CO lines which are standard GPO/BT PST sockets, cost me a bloody fortune in adaptors and ADSL filters to get it working!

[RotaryRose]

Hi gpo706,

Thank you for saying hello . . . and thank you for the kind forward, with regards to the Manual(s) : )

Yes - I see . . .so the 'Numbers' relate to the Maximum amount of Lines the PBX can accommodate . . .hence, in my case the KXTA-308 is ideal . . .8 Extensions. 

gpo706, I can certainly see how addictive acquiring these wonderful phones really is . . .it's living Art.  I take it that you adore the Pyramid phones too . . .is that correct ? 

gpo706, you mentioned the word 'HYBRID' ( TONE or PULSE) in relation to Panasonic PBX's.  May I ask you . . .does this 'HYBRID' Version relate to the more Modern Panasonic PBX's ( such as the KXTDA-30, that I found here in Australia on Ebay - *Please View Below)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Panasonic-TDA30-Phone-System-4xPSTN-4x-EXTs-3x-Handsets-/120750020840?pt=AU_BusinessTelephones&hash=item1c1d4318e8#ht_2327wt_1141

Here 'they' advertise the PBX as a '30' Model - but it does not allow for 30 Extensions . . .but rather only 4 EXTENSIONS.  Interesting ?! 

In this Model (KXTDA-30)- it seems that ROTARY DIAL TELEPHONE (EXTENSIONS) connect to a 'XDP'.   Is 'XDP', just a 'Fancy' Acronym for - PLUG into the 'Back of the (DPT) - Digital Proprietary Telephone' ?   Does this mean that when the (DPT) RINGS . . ..the Rotary Dial Telephone also RINGS ?   This is not really good, if you want to enjoy the 'RINGS' of your Vintage Phones operating.

I hope you have a great day gpo706 . . . .and you also Owain !

[Owain]

Hi Owain,

Good News - I have had a look at the Panasonic PBX's you so kindly highlighted for me . . .and as a result, I have put a Bid in.  We'll see how we go - 3 Days to go.  It's a KXTA-308 + 2 Handsets
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Panasonic-KX-TA308-Telephone-system-2-display-handsets-/270781616781#ht_500wt_1156

I must say - I think I may like the superseded / older Panasonic PBX Models . . .as they may be 'easier' to set up and manage.  (not being a particularly 'Tech Savvy' person).  My only concern is that I hope it can cater to ALL my RJ11 CORD PLUGS on my Rotary Telephones ?

You might have to do some wiring but that's not too difficult.

Owain . . . with regards to your last comment (Pyramid Demonstration Set No. 6), I think I found one on Ebay (UK).  Please See Below :-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-GPO-222-demonstration-SET-no-6-Collectors-PHONE-/250854558012

. . .Does that look about right ?

[Edited]That's it, but mine has original cordage and the terminal block that goes on the end. And I certainly didn't pay that sort of money for it!!!

Wow - 15 Telephones . . .that's Amazing !  Have you got these 'running' on a Panasonic PBX also Owain ? You would need a KXTD-816 or KXTD-1232 for that number - surely.

I have a 10-extension Minimaster PABX which does pulse dialling only, if  I want to play with them.

I must actually confess the 15 phones in the lounge doesn't include the 2 linesmans' phones and 4 field phones in boxes on top of the display cabinette; I forgot about those.

[Owain]

gpo706, you mentioned the word 'HYBRID' ( TONE or PULSE) in relation to Panasonic PBX's.  May I ask you . . .does this 'HYBRID' Version relate to the more Modern Panasonic PBX's ( such as the KXTDA-30, that I found here in Australia on Ebay - *Please View Below)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Panasonic-TDA30-Phone-System-4xPSTN-4x-EXTs-3x-Handsets-/120750020840?pt=AU_BusinessTelephones&hash=item1c1d4318e8#ht_2327wt_1141

Here 'they' advertise the PBX as a '30' Model - but it does not allow for 30 Extensions . . .but rather only 4 EXTENSIONS.  Interesting ?! 

The TDA30 is the series name of the system, it's capable (with expansion cards) of going to 52 extensions.

"Hybrid" just means you can mix propretary and standard phones.

In this Model (KXTDA-30)- it seems that ROTARY DIAL TELEPHONE (EXTENSIONS) connect to a 'XDP'.   Is 'XDP', just a 'Fancy' Acronym for - PLUG into the 'Back of the (DPT) - Digital Proprietary Telephone' ?   Does this mean that when the (DPT) RINGS . . ..the Rotary Dial Telephone also RINGS ?   This is not really good, if you want to enjoy the 'RINGS' of your Vintage Phones operating.

the XDP ports are allocated, IIRC, separate extension numbers to the DPTs, but that may depend on the system model.

[gpo706]

Owain is my "snitch" for Pana stuff, he's well recompensed too (not), but I thank him profusely...

I wouldn't dare venture further than the "hybrid" systems, - pulse and tone, because I'd be well out of my depth.

Julie-Ann, I adore pyramid phone but have just a 232 here, as for bakelite it sells for ludicrous prices here so I have a 332, a 312 and a 311 on the wall, I really need to wire the 311 up!

Most of my stuff is on shelves or in boxes like Owain, and there's a lot of junkers.

I went through a phase of getting linesmans phones, and think I have satiated that addiction and the batteries -about 14 sets gathering dust.

BTW - very nice collection you have.

My fav linesman phone is -

http://www.britishtelephones.com/t704.htm

It's a vampire for batteries though...

[RotaryRose]

G'day Owain,

Aggghhhhh . . . . .Wiring . . . .did you mention Wiring Dear Owain ?!  Did I mention that the only kind of 'Wiring' I am familiar with is what I hang my Collette Dinnigan Dresses on - in my cupboard : )

Perhaps I should have mentioned that I am as good at 'Wiring'  . . . as a man searching in a woman's handbag (blindfolded), looking for a set of keys.   In my case - I have a everything you could possibly imagine in that Handbag - so it would not be an easy feat. (ha, ha,)

Okay dear Owain . . . now that my blood pressure has lowered and I have sat down . . .perhaps I can organise the SELLER to organise this 'Retro-Fit' . . .or recommend someone to carry out the job correctly.  

Obviously, I will have to INSTALL a 'female' Socket on the PBX to ACCEPT the RJ11 PLUG (from my Rotary Telephone(s)) . . .is this correct Owain ?  Would you know of the 'Technical Name' of this DEVICE that I require please Owain ?

With regards to your Phone - that is a lovely Telephone.  Yes I adore that style too.  Strong Design - yet feminine lines - if you know what I mean.

Mmmm . . a Minimaster PBX hey . . .sounds pretty advanced Owain . . . .but the fact it specialises in DIAL only is pretty good.  You certainly have a comprehensive collection Owain - quite eclectic (Field Phones - that is a War Phone isn't it - Yes - must be ?!).  It must be nice to rotate your Collection around - and enjoy ALL your Phones in different locations.  In my case, I would like the #202 on the bed stand . . .the 50AL on my Coffee table . . . .the Siemens 366 in the Kitchen . . . .the #302 in my Office . . . .the Pyramid on the Hall Table . . ..and finally (if I have a (PT - Proprietary Telephone - as Extension 1) Telephone to aid in Programming) in the Garage.

[gpo706]

Nope - the extension sockets are female RJ11, even in the UK which doesn't use the bloody things.

Hence all the palaver with adaptors for me.

[RotaryRose]

Hi Gpo706,

Thank you for the Up-Date on your message : )

Thank you for your kind wishes - ie. my Bid on Ebay (Australia).  Yes - it will be a wonderful step - in actually having them ALL come Alive . . .sensational !

Thank you for your kind forward regarding the 198 Page Manual.  I will certainly book Mark it - in preparation for intense reading if and when . . .I win my Bid.    In addition, I am somewhat jealous that your KXT-616 does already accept RJ11 PLUGS directly into your EXTENSIONS Sockets . . .very cheeky.   Yes - I can understand the further 'Heartaches' involved when connecting a PBX to an External Public Exchange.  In this regard . . .I consider myself very fortunate.  This would certainly be a job best left for the true expert.

thank you gpo706

[AE_Collector]

the extensions are numbered from 21-36 (I know not why)

Presumably you "know not why" the extensions don't start at "1" or "01"?

Traditionally "0" was reserved for operator (of the PBX) access. "1" could have been used but in N America at least it is considered a special access code for Long Distance and while that has no effect on PBX stations it is still seen as a special code. Also, in the dial pulse electro-mechanical switching days a first digit of a number that begins with "1" could casue mis-dialing problems since a "1" can easily be inadvertently generated just by going off hook. Therefore "1" was usually not used as a first digt for phone numbers.

Pretty much every PBX I ever worked on had stations starting with "2".

Terry

[RotaryRose]

Hi Owain,

Wow . . .52 Extensions on the TDA30 !  That is truly a commercial Unit.
I was only looking at it on Ebay (Australia), as it seemed reasonably Priced - and included some Phones.

I guess the thing was - when I read this . . .was that I did not wish to have (DPT's) connected to my PBX . . .in addition to my 5 x Rotary Dial Telephones. (Hence 10 x Telephones altogether - if I had to connect the Rotary's into the back of the (DPT's).

Thank you for explaining this Owain : 0