HAI C3 and NextAlarm ABN issues

[ysualum]

Hopefully someone here can help and give some insight.

I've had my OPII connected to NextAlarm by VOIP via their ABN (Linksys). Haven't had any problems with communications. I got the C3 for cellular backup and connected the way it was recommended for main POTS line and C3 for backup only. Problem I'm having is the C3 apparently can't see the signal from the ABN and has been using the cellular to make all communications. If I switch the C3 to off without changing any wires, the OPII can communicate with the ABN as normal.

I put in a call to HAI, but haven't heard a response yet. They said the OPII and C3 have the same sensitivities in detecting the voltage. Anyone else with these issues? I'd rather not get a POTS line, but do need some type of cellular backup

Thanks

 

[Sandpiper]

Hopefully someone here can help and give some insight.

I've had my OPII connected to NextAlarm by VOIP via their ABN (Linksys). Haven't had any problems with communications. I got the C3 for cellular backup and connected the way it was recommended for main POTS line and C3 for backup only. Problem I'm having is the C3 apparently can't see the signal from the ABN and has been using the cellular to make all communications. If I switch the C3 to off without changing any wires, the OPII can communicate with the ABN as normal.

I put in a call to HAI, but haven't heard a response yet. They said the OPII and C3 have the same sensitivities in detecting the voltage. Anyone else with these issues? I'd rather not get a POTS line, but do need some type of cellular backup

Thanks

Sounds like it is reversed- that the celluar is set up for primary and the ABN is backup. Is this possible?

 

[mustangcoupe]

My understanding of the C3 module is that it would monitor the line and only use cellular if the line was detected to be down. I cant find the manual online right now but it sther any switches to set configuration? Also try with a regular phone and not the ELK connected to the connection of the C3.

Another story might be the ABN may not work nicely with the C3 monitored voltage levels, and may not detect it being there and once you turn off the C3 it then it automatically switches to the ABN circuit.

 

[ysualum]

I checked the connections several times and I have it set up for cellular backup.

Here is the reply back from HAI:

"The C3 is designed to back up a PSTN (Public switched telephone network) phone line. Since this device does not use a PSTN phone line, the C3 is likely not compatible with it."

I'll have to decide which way to go, ABN w/o backup, or POTS w/ backup.

Thanks

 

[mustangcoupe]

I'll have to decide which way to go, ABN w/o backup, or POTS w/ backup.

Thanks

3rd option of just cellular, depending on how often it dials out it might be worth it

 

[Sandpiper]

I checked the connections several times and I have it set up for cellular backup.

Here is the reply back from HAI:

"The C3 is designed to back up a PSTN (Public switched telephone network) phone line. Since this device does not use a PSTN phone line, the C3 is likely not compatible with it."

I'll have to decide which way to go, ABN w/o backup, or POTS w/ backup.

Thanks

I'm not buying that. How can the C3 tell the difference between a PSTN and the ABN. The ABN mimics a PSTN on the telephone side.

 

[ysualum]

I'm not buying that. How can the C3 tell the difference between a PSTN and the ABN. The ABN mimics a PSTN on the telephone side.
[/quote]

I agree. I was told the C3 and OPII read the signals in the same way, so there shouldn't be any difference. I'm going to try to hook up a regular line from my ooma VOIP to see if the C3 will see that. If so, I'll get rid of the ABN.

I could use the cellular alone. As long as I turn off all the next alarm notifications, probably won't cost as much as a monthly POTS line fee.

 

[mustangcoupe]

The only thing I can think is that the ABN signals do not exactly look like those from a POTS to the C3. If you can plug it into a pots to confirm it actually works maybe you have a bad unit