Obi202 expectations from a newbie
tns1:
I am new to the voip/ata concept, so I thought I would ask a few questions. I am considering getting an Obi202 to replace 2 infrequently used landlines (separate numbers/different users). The logical placement for the Obi202 is out in the garage where the two phone lines originate. I would just unplug those lines from the Cox NIU and plug them into the Obi, with a 50ft run of Cat5 to reach my router. The only time I ever expect to need to look at the Obi box is during setup or for (hopefully rare) problem solving.
Is this a reasonable expectation?
I did consider the Ooma Telo, but it does not have two RJ11's (requires a separate linx box), and it sounds like both parties need access to the telo to see the VM indicator (if I actually wanted to use VM).
I have 2 existing cordless answering machines ATT CL82351, that work well, so I won't be using any forwarding, multi-ring, or VM features that may be available to me, at least not initially. In fact it is important I be able to completely disable any VM feature initially, and not just by having my machine pick up sooner than the VM. If my equip does not answer the call, it should go unanswered. I really just want reliable duplication of the basic landline functionality I have now without any need for web access, once it is all setup.
Is what I describe a reasonable expectation? I ask this because a lot of the posts suggest that the whole voip/ata thing becomes an ongoing hobby for some instead of a tool that just works.
dircom:
It is pretty simple to set up an Obi
Can't you put the Obi next to the router, and run a phone wire near the Obi?
be sure and disconnect your phone wire(s) from the outside network interface
tns1:
It is cleaner and easier to add one more run of cat5, than to reroute two existing phone lines that go all over.
To restate my questions:
Do users find that they need constant access to the obi to check the lights or reset it, or do they find it can be put away out of sight once it is working?
Are there settings in the obi that allow you to completely disable voice mail and voice mail indication so that a regular answering machine can continue to work without problems?
dircom:
Yes, it will work fine with a minimum of effort. You might have to power cycle it once in a great while.
Plugging it in to a UPS is a good idea.
Voicemail is a function of your VOIP provider, not the Obi
I use a regular answering machine (you know, the kind that uses wire to record sound?) ;)
The nice thing about a 202 is that you can make and receive calls on two separate phone systems at the same time.
(I do not use the router function of the 202)
There are a lot of advanced users on this forum who set up digit maps, etc etc.
I just use Obitalk to enter the initial setup info, and manage my Obi's and to set up speed dials, decide which numbers should ring on which jacks etc.
SteveInWA:
Quote from: tns1 on February 28, 2015, 02:36:24 pm
I am new to the voip/ata concept, so I thought I would ask a few questions. I am considering getting an Obi202 to replace 2 infrequently used landlines (separate numbers/different users). The logical placement for the Obi202 is out in the garage where the two phone lines originate. I would just unplug those lines from the Cox NIU and plug them into the Obi, with a 50ft run of Cat5 to reach my router. The only time I ever expect to need to look at the Obi box is during setup or for (hopefully rare) problem solving.
Is this a reasonable expectation?
I did consider the Ooma Telo, but it does not have two RJ11's (requires a separate linx box), and it sounds like both parties need access to the telo to see the VM indicator (if I actually wanted to use VM).
I have 2 existing cordless answering machines ATT CL82351, that work well, so I won't be using any forwarding, multi-ring, or VM features that may be available to me, at least not initially. In fact it is important I be able to completely disable any VM feature initially, and not just by having my machine pick up sooner than the VM. If my equip does not answer the call, it should go unanswered. I really just want reliable duplication of the basic landline functionality I have now without any need for web access, once it is all setup.
Is what I describe a reasonable expectation? I ask this because a lot of the posts suggest that the whole voip/ata thing becomes an ongoing hobby for some instead of a tool that just works.
That's a great observation, as you can see from some of the posts here, and on other forums. It can become a "hobby", or you can just install it like an appliance, and let it work. Obihai has made it relatively easy for a newbie to set up the device, and then forget about it, for the most part. As dircom said, plug it into a UPS, to avoid issues caused by momentary power line glitches, and to provide power surge protection.
I moved my 202 down into the basement many months ago, where it has access to both LAN and my home's telephone wiring, and I haven't had to "visit" it yet. Device resets/reboots and other maintenance can be performed either from the attached telephone lines, or via the website.
One key to satisfying service is selecting a reliable Internet Telephone Service Provider (ITSP). There's plenty of back-and-forth debate here, but most users are satisfied with ITSPs who are large enough to have a good-sized, responsive support staff and years of experience as a service provider. There are very small, cheaper providers out there, but it's worth it to spend a bit more money if you're trying to duplicate the POTS or cable company experience. Most people here are very satisfied with Callcentric, voip.ms and Phonepower, for example.
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