[VoIP] Mitel Smart-1 Pulse to DTMF converter

[Steph Kerman]

One consideration in the use of a Smart-1 for pulse conversion in 
comparison to other options is that the Smart-1 is a store & forward 
dialer.  During the time it is acquiring digits and until its dialing 
plan programming has been satisfied so that it can outpulse, you are 
split by the Smart-1 from the downstream switching system. 

Any response that might come from the switching system before a full 
number has been dialed, such as a response to dialing a vacant code, 
will not be heard until the Smart-1 has received all the digits it 
expects and has been satisfied.  For the same reason, you would not be 
able to use it for end-end signaling even in a context that did not 
require the # and * keys.

These issues may not be a concern in a given application.  That is for 
you to decide.  In principle, a dedicated pulse converter would convert 
the digits on the fly and not present this issue.  Sandman makes such a 
unit but I believe it has a design problem that have been discussed here 
or on the TCI list in the recent past.  My recollection is that it 
allows the dial pulses to pass to the DTMF or "switch" side of the 
connection. 

Some ATAs do not accept dial pulses but do not ignore them either.  They 
see each dial pulse as a disconnect signal.  The Sandman unit will not 
work with such ATAs because each digit it interpreted as a series of 
on-hook/off-hook transitions.  However if the ATA disconnect timing is 
long enough to ignore dial pulses, the Sandman unit may be a better 
choice than a Smart-1.  It's also probably feasible to add some 
relatively simple circuitry between the Sandman unit and the ATA to 
prevent the dial pulses from reaching the ATA.  That circuitry would 
need to be hand-built or accomplished by modifying an existing stock 
device.  I can discuss this in further detail if there is interest.

Steph

John Novack wrote:
> Doug Alderdice  is the Smart-1 in this arena.
> Did he ever get his power back?
> Used Smart-1's need to be thoroughly checked, since older ones had NiCad 
> batteries that leaked and ruined the unit.
> The Sangoma A200 card may be a better bet in the long run
> I have just finished a session with them on getting them to make pulse 
> dial work properly on their A200 card.
> Not the lowest cost solution, but a good one
> For six FXS ports you would need one expansion board.
> Break even for T1 is probably at 8 ports, depending on what you pay for 
> a used channel bank off eBay
>
> John Novack
>
>
> Donald Froula wrote:
>   
>> I have a fairly large collection of rotary phones that
>> I would like to use on my Asterisk system. I am using
>> three Linksys PAP2-NA adapters to connect 6 phones to
>> the switch. I have been using the voice recognition
>> module mentioned here and the PAP2 in "bat phone" mode
>> with my rotary phones.
>>
>> I just purchased a Mitel Smart-1 box to act as a
>> rotary to DTMF converter. Would anyone have any
>> programming tips to set up the Mitel to work as a
>> simple converter?
>>
>> Don