Help required choosing the right device for the UK
JeremyW:
I hope I'm in the right place. Please let me know if not. Briefly:
1) I used to use a Linksys SPA3102 but eventually gave up as I was experiencing dreadful echo on incoming PSTN calls - a common problem with that device.
2) For the last couple of years I've been using a Grandstream HT-503 which was working perfectly until a firmware 'upgrade' broke it - incoming PSTN Caller ID no longer works and, even with older versions of the firmware, call quality overall seems to have deteriorated, so I'm looking to make yet another change of device.
After much searching I came across the OBi110 which appears to be the right kind of device but I'm hoping to get some feedback from UK users who use it on a BT line before spending yet more money on a VOIP ATA.
Basically I use a SIP VOIP service provider that allows me to make free international / UK Geographic calls, so I need to be able to set up registration to that service in any device I use. I only use VOIP for outgoing calls, using a dial plan that will automatically route certain number patterns to the PSTN gateway, i.e. emergency calls, BT operator services, and 'non-geographic' local rate / free phone calls. All incoming calls come in to my normal BT number and are routed to the handset via the Grandstream box currently. I have no incoming VOIP number.
That's about it - unless you have any questions for me. I'm concerned a) about call quality (line echo is not acceptable) and b) compliance with UK (BT) standards so that things like Caller ID, for example, work correctly.
Any help / guidance that anyone can offer would be most welcome.
Thanks.
ianobi:
I've been using OBi110s in the UK for several years now. For PSTN I have used Virgin Cable, British Telecom and even a GSM device to pair the OBi110 Line Port with a mobile phone. In all cases the call quality was fine after applying the UK settings.
The OBi110 comes with all defaults set for North American settings. However, it is highly configurable and all UK settings - phone impedance, line impedance, Caller ID etc are configurable. Also, the dial plan can be set to do just about anything. You may find the digit maps take a little getting used to after your previous devices as the OBi has a two-stage digit processing system. It is more complicated, but allows for all sorts of complex dial plans.
Look for posts by WelshPaul who has published UK config files that can be uploaded into your OBi with all UK settings pre-configured.
The physical connections are also North American standard, but I'm sure that you have sorted that with your other devices fitting US to UK adapters.
Buying an OBi device also gives you access to the OBiTALK network that allows free calls between all OBi devices around the world.
Feel free to ask any further questions.
JeremyW:
Quote from: ianobi on January 27, 2015, 09:52:25 am
I've been using OBi110s in the UK for several years now. For PSTN I have used Virgin Cable, British Telecom and even a GSM device to pair the OBi110 Line Port with a mobile phone. In all cases the call quality was fine after applying the UK settings.
The OBi110 comes with all defaults set for North American settings. However, it is highly configurable and all UK settings - phone impedance, line impedance, Caller ID etc are configurable. Also, the dial plan can be set to do just about anything. You may find the digit maps take a little getting used to after your previous devices as the OBi has a two-stage digit processing system. It is more complicated, but allows for all sorts of complex dial plans.
Look for posts by WelshPaul who has published UK config files that can be uploaded into your OBi with all UK settings pre-configured.
The physical connections are also North American standard, but I'm sure that you have sorted that with your other devices fitting US to UK adapters.
Buying an OBi device also gives you access to the OBiTALK network that allows free calls between all OBi devices around the world.
Feel free to ask any further questions.
Many Thanks. Can I just ask about Caller ID. There's a thread in the UK VOIP Forums about problems with Caller ID on incoming PSTN calls not showing up, which is the exact same problem I've been having with Grandstream. It frustrates the hell out of me that I have to look at buying another device at all but in the end it comes down to support and the manufacturers willingness to address issues.
ianobi:
Presently, I do not have Caller ID service on my British Telecom line, but I have used it in the past with no problem and with Virgin Cable, so I have no doubt it works fine. The OBi110 relevant settings for UK Caller ID are:
Physical Interfaces > LINE Port > Port Settings > CallerIDDetectMethod: FSK(V.23)
Physical Interfaces > PHONE Port > Port Settings > CallerIDMethod: FSK(V.23)
Physical Interfaces > PHONE Port > Port Settings > CallerIDTrigger: Before First Ring
There are other UK users here in this forum. There have been no reports of Caller ID not working once it is configured correctly.
JeremyW:
Thanks. I guess I'll take the plunge and be back when I struggle with the dial plan ;)
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