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Gentner TS612

N

naz

Hi guys, i am new to the forum and am not really a radio guy. I am an IT system admin.

Here is the situation,
In our radio studio, we have a Gentner ts612 mainframe.
It has 2 control surfaces and a call screening computer.
All of this works fine.
Here is what I am trying to do,
I need to add an additional control surface that can grab a caller from anywhere in the screening process.

Here is what I have already done,
I purchased another ts612 mainframe with 1 control surface.
I connected to the first mainframe via the rs232 com port and a x-over com cable.
Both boxes are on networked mode.

Here is what is happening,
The new mainframe (with no callers on the line) can pick up any line and use it.
It can also see when any of the lines are in use as well.
The problem is,
When a call comes in to the screener computer, they pick it up and put info to the call screening program and then put on hold to go on air.
At this point the 2 original control surfaces have blinking red lights for the call on hold. The new control surface has an amber light and is unable to pick up the call.
The only time the new control surface can grab a call is after it has been screened, put on air, then placed back on hold.
I need the new control surface to grab a call from anywhere in the chain.

As i said, I am IT and not a radio guy and i just dont have the time to troubleshoot anymore.
I am even ready to hire someone to come out and handle this as I just don't have the time.
I am in the san diego area.
Any info you guys can provide would be awesome.

Thanks alot
- Rob
 
It could be a problem with the new mainframe firmware. I seem to recall that early versions would not work correctly with the Screenwin software.

RFB
 
I have verified with comrex that the firmware in both the mainframes are current.
The last thing the guy at comrex had me try was to check the config bits.
I verified that mode 001 and 002 on both mainframes have all options turned off.
Does anyone know a tech that in san diego that has experience with these things?
 
naz said:
I also wanted to add that we are not using screenwin. We use the talkback program.
Click to expand...

I am 85% sure you cannot simply parallel two mainframes at the telco level.

Actually IIRC, you can, but it involves some complex serial boxes and between them.

What you describe is that the second frame shows the lines are in use. They are, they are sitting "off hook" and happen to be on hold.

But, can't you connect more than two control surfaces to the first frame? I thought you could have at least 4, but it is too late tonight to go look in the manual.

Best of luck
 
You can connect 3 control surfaces to each mainframe.
We have have 2 control surfaces and a screening machine on the first mainframe.
We needed to add 1 more control surface.
The guys at comrex [they own Gentner now] seem to think this is possible but working with tech support is a hassle. they are east coast, and when the tech is in the office, our radio program is on the air, which makes troubleshooting with the tech all but impossible.
 
RTFM :eek:

http://www.comrex.com/support/manuals.html

If you want to gang two mainframes you will need the optional network interface (if still available). You are correct that since the computer uses a port that a second main frame would be needed

You may be able to make use of the lop through feature to feed the second unit (you can set a up switch to allow picking up lines in use), but it will be clunky at best.

You should read both manuals - and then you will know nearly as much as the folks at Comrex!

Probably the simplest solution is to rig up a switch so that there are never more than two control surfaces active, but you can choose between the two of them.

Probably a serial printer switch would give you the guts and you could make a wiring adaptors going in and out.
 
So did you figure out the multiple frames with serial links thing? Do share with the class...
 
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