Nickel Rejection Gate?

[Connu]

I very quickly got the Grandstream HT802v2 ATA connected to the Internet and was able to login using a browser.  The default password is listed right on the back of the unit.  The interface has been nicely upgraded, but unfortunately, it actually makes entering the myriad parameters more difficult since they are now organized on multiple pages making older instructions harder to follow.  At least the search facility works well.

Setting up Voip.mc.com was easy enough and I very quickly had the HT802 registered and a blue light on the first FXS port.  This indicates that the port is provisioned correctly and I quote, "That's it! You can now make a phone call."  I get dial tone, can dial the number, there is a brief pause like the call is about to connect, and then a fast busy.  Now what?  I'll try contacting tech support this morning.  In the meantime, does anyone with experience using the Grandstream ATAs have any thoughts or recommendations?

[Connu]

Success!  My 96-E-10 dials, connects, mutes the handset transceiver, accepts a dime or quarter to re-enable the transceiver, then allows all change including nickels (when requested by the operator if they still existed).  Everything is reset (relay armature set to the left) the next time the phone is taken off hook. 

The ATA SIP history file was empty, so I assumed I had a SIP issue to deal with.  I'm not sure why, but I created a SIP subaccount and registered it with the ATA instead of the main SIP account and that worked fine.  It's just as well since it will allow me to set up another subaccount and phone number for another payphone at some point. The Voip.ms Grandstream HT setup instructions were correct otherwise but be sure to set polarity reversal and rotary pulse support to for semi-postpay and postpay payphones.

On to my next phone...

[Stan S]

Why are payphones like potato chips? Because you can't have just one.

[RDPipes]

Why are payphones like Gold-diggers? Cause I can't afford either.

[Connu]

Why are payphones like potato chips? Because you can't have just one.

Amen.  Just bought a nice Gray #11 paystation (my first paystation... the price was right) and a bunch of new parts including some double coin relays and porcelain daisies, one with a pot metal shroud and the other with Bakelite.  This stuff is getting harder to find and more expensive by the day - more like a bag of gold than potato chips!

[Stan S]

A warning from someone who lived it. At the height of my ILLNESS I had 53 3 slot payphones on shelves from floor to ceiling in a large room. Every model Western from a circa 1912 50A up to Western 1234G 10 button Touch Tones in every color. Also assorted Grays and practically every model and color AE. There are 24 pictures in Ron Knappen's payphone book of phones from my collection. Thirty years of collecting. One day I walked into that room, looked around and a little voice in my head asked WHY? I realized I didn't have an answer so then and there I decided that it's all going. It took two years for it all to be gone. It can become a sickness. Be careful! You don't need the hardware. It's the knowledge that's important.

[Connu]

I'm rely not a collector of anything.  I just like cleaning, restoring, and generally fixing things.  3-slots have been especially fun.  I've learned a lot fast.  Now, can you tell me how to defeat and or rekey the 10-L locks.  I have several that are missing keys and I'd love to get them working again.  There was someone named Jodi who could create a key for your 10-L lock, but they no longer have a website.  Has anyone else taken the reigns?

[Stan S]

Connu I assume you are on facebook. Get in touch with John Rousseau. He is a REAL locksmith. He does the locks and keys for the payphone guys. His work is not inexpensive but given the cost of a 10L lock and key these days it's worth it. I forgot. I don't think Jodi will be doing any locks and keys for the next few years. However, that will depend on the parole board.

[Connu]

Thanks Stan.  I assumed Jodi died not that he was in prison!

[TelePlay]

I assumed Jodi died not that he was in prison!

As stated in this reply from 2018

https://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20563.0

events that took place several years earlier ended the excellent payphone lock and key cutting service he had been providing.

[Connu]

That sucks.  I guess I'll have to try John.