Yeah, same applies to you. Seems like you need a voip phone for fun and are ready to restart it every day… Nice toy. It was nice talking to you anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xponder1
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Yeah, same applies to you. Seems like you need a voip phone for fun and are ready to restart it every day… Nice toy. It was nice talking to you anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xponder1
Haven’t seen a family share phone for 9.99 :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by NY Tel Guy
All companies offer family share / add a line for 9.99 and there are free phones that they offer (obviously you have to look at each carrier).;)Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
Rather than taking the thread in a negative direction...
1. VOIPo isn't perfect, but Tim is working on it. :)
2. Tim did mention possibly getting a 'deal' on some HT502's from a different company that was going under and had excess inventory. However, I do not believe that was the reason for switching to the 502, it was a means of getting extra inventory at a low cost.
3. Family share plans--offered by both Verizon and AT&T--if you have a "family share plan" the primary line's cost is in line with an individual plan (maybe a variation in cost or # mins included), and add-on lines are $9.99/mo each. The included minutes are shared between both the primary and add-on lines... Obviously, this is not much of an option if the primary line is provided by an employer or if the primary line is a prepaid cell. The point here, though, is that it's probably worth getting a prepaid cell or an add-on line (if your primary line can be converted to a 'family plan') at this time.
Let's please all keep in mind that this forum is intended for community-based customer support. It's great to be enthusiastic about the product being offered here and the service that's provided. But we do have to acknowledge the bumps in the road and understand that not everyone will have the same level of service.
As for equipment, outages, fault, etc. Yes it's true the Phonepower uses the HT502. Unless a PP user or rep posts the info, you don't know what firmware version they're running, each ISP adds variables to the situation, etc. My point is that there may well be issues on voipo's end, your ISP's end, Grandstream's end, etc. At some level, you have to accept the situation for what it is and decide on the best path forward. A few suggestions were made by others in posts above--let me recap and add one or two of my own:
1. Get your wife a cell phone (prepaid, add-on to family share plan if possible, or primary line). I realize your wife doesn't need one per your post above, but it is something to consider.
2. Exchange out your HT502 for a PAP2T. Yes, if you do so you'll have to purchase a router which is, understandably, not your preferred route.
3. Consider obtaining a different ATA on your own, and configure it yourself. For example, you could get a SPA-2102 from ebay (buyer beware). Granted, if you're going to spend that money, you'd probably be better off getting a router and a PAP2T from voipo.
4. Get a bare-bones POTS line so you can call in to your wife if there is a service interruption.
I realize that all of these options require time and/or money on your part and that they wouldn't be necessary if voipo had everything working on the HT502 as it should. Here's to hoping that situation is resolved, or will be soon, or that voipo is able to send you a different router/ATA combo unit that will meet your needs. Obviously, in the event that all of the above does NOT work out, you're probably best off going with a different phone service provider at this time. Does that mean that voipo is a bad company? Of course not--it just means that they may not be the best choice for you at this time. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. Best of luck with a speedy, satisfactory resolution. If you have any other troubles that you think can be answered on the forum, please feel free to post.
[Sorry for the "mod-like" lecture--I'm not a mod and don't want to be (nor am I affiliated with VOIPo in any way other than being a customer, former Beta tester, and HG customer). :) I thought twice about posting it, given that I'm not a mod, but as you can see, I decided to put it out there anyway. :) ]
Yes, I recall now ... Chinese New Year and inventory was going to run out over that week because demand was way high. I don't know if they sourced any GT502 in the long run, because they switched to PAPT2 to keep customers supplied.Quote:
Originally Posted by fisamo
Thanks for the memory jog!
http://forums.voipo.com/showpost.php?p=8857&postcount=1
my 502 is in front of my router from the beginning and I still lost reg during every outage. I had planned to eventually move it behind when things were worked out to take advantage of QOS on my D link router. I did read one interesting thing in this thread. That someone disabled router mode on the 502. Is that worthwhile if your in front of another router? and how is it done?
Thanks
You don't want to go to Bridge mode if the 502 is in the front. You can do that only if you get more than one IP address from your ISP.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevm
I am behind the router and did set the Bridge mode and disabled DHCP. So far, it has not lost registration. Then again, nobody else looks like lost registration during the last few days.
In my opinion, VOIP is still in it's infancy. It has a long way to go. The simple truth is there will be outages regardless of adapter, ISP, VOIP provider, etc. For people who need 911 assistance regularly, such as an elderly person or someone with health problems, VOIP probably isn't a good fit for you. If a person needs instant emergency communication 24/7, POTS might be better for them. Not saying POTS is perfect, but it has been around 100+ years and they have it figured out. I decided to go all VOIP and dump POTS to save money and get more features. In return for that savings, I tolerate more outages than I had on my POTS line. VOIPo has had some growing pains recently, but what makes them different is they come right out and admit when they are at fault, explain what is going on, and fix things quickly. It is far better than other VOIP providers I've used in the past, where I would call or open a ticket and wait weeks, only to get a "It's fixed now" response if I was lucky. There are a lot of two-bit VOIP "companies" running Asterisk boxes out of their basement. That is what makes VOIPo different. They are experts and have a great staff and infrastructure. Grandstream hosed them, they learned from it, and moved on to make things right.
I think this is a null issue guys. I recieved my replacement ATA today without even asking for one.
:)
Going to be shipping two 502's back.
Mine today too! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Xponder1
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r220...m-HT502-Update
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r220...y~start=20#endQuote:
Originally Posted by usa2k
LOL trying to spread the word because so many folks are just freaking out. Some are giving up and the fix is either in their mail box or on its way.
I received mine today. love pap2's. Used it with VP and never had to reboot or do anything with it. It just worksQuote:
Originally Posted by usa2k
I've the following q's
1.Do I need to ship the gs back now? Any prepaid labels?
2. Can I get the PAP2 admin/user password ?
1.Quote:
Originally Posted by rx100
2. Keep readingCode:Your replacement device has indeed been sent out on the 3/5/09.
Once you received the PaP2T device please can you return the GT502 using the following address listed below:
VOIPo
11251 Northwest Freeway
Suite 200
Houston, TX 77092
Seeing as this is part of a recall, We'll issue a $4.95 credit to your VOIPo account when we receive it.
This should cover the cost of postage.
Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Thanks
FWIW said here
I'd be interested in the User/passQuote:
You'll need to send it back and when we receive it, we'll issue a $4.95 credit for the shipping which is the cost of Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping (same that we use to send them out). It's not necessary to insure them (we've only had 1 case of USPS damage out of thousands).
Nobody should need the Admin/pass
For user access, here is the info:
User: user
Pass: 123
Hey!....you got the one that was intended for me. My mailbox was empty today....;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Xponder1
Location: Long Island - New YorkQuote:
Originally Posted by NY Tel Guy
I am in Oklahoma and they are shipped out of Texas. It is pathetic it takes the post office as long as it did to deliver it. I feel sorry for you already.
My first ATA shipped on a Monday and was delivered on Friday. A whole week! I think they set them aside and wait to deliver them to add value to their faster methods. I can mail a letter to my mother in Dallas and she will have it the next business day. Send it priority mail and wait a week.
As I predicted earlier, there was an outage again this morning. Was it only me, or anyone else had this?
Here’s what I wrote here on 03-06-2009:
Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
PAP2T users: did you have an outage?
I really appreciate your calm response and explanations. I agree with the most.Quote:
Originally Posted by fisamo
However, we have to keep in mind that the main purpose of switching from POTS to a VOIP is saving money (while getting even more features). I was paying $46 a month for Verizon POTS and I didn’t even have a caller ID. So, if the new VOIP service requires extra expenses as backups services etc.(a cell phone when you don’t normally need one), that brings benefits of a VOIP line to zero. If a service is so unreliable so that you have to back it up then there’s no need for such service (if it’s not finally fixed of course).
You apparently have one of the bad Grandstream ATAs (so, it happens), and you refuse to trade it for a PAP2T since you don' t have/want a router. Why are you not telling VOIPo to send you another (working) Grandstream?
Sorry, but what am I missing something here? I don't think the ATA you have now is going to get any better.
Tim, are you shipping out any replacement Grandstreams, for those that need them?
While you’re waiting for a reply from Tim, let me post:
Honestly, I don’t think a replacement 502 will be better the mine. Seems like they all loose registration. I’m waiting now to see if PAP2T you guys are using is the solution to the problem. Time might show that it’s not the solution and another problem with PAP2T might come up. If you, PAP2T users, confirm that it is reliable then I will probably order PAP2T and buy a router, or switch to another provider.
Buy a router. The router in the 502 is crap anyway. Then get the Linksys ATA solved all my problems and I could not be happier. I recommend a Linksys WRT54GL http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Cisco-...6826845&sr=8-1Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
Then remove the crappy linksys firmware and install DD-WRT or Tomato.
Yes, I was going to do that, but little bit later. Thank you! Later because I’m not sure PAP2T solved all of the problems. It’s too early to conclude that since you guy are using it only 1-2 weeks, correct?
Also, I’ve read that many people had troubles configuring Westell 6100 DSL modem into bridge mode to work with a router. I’m not sure how to do that. That’s why I’m so reluctant to switch for PAP2T.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
You could just find yourself a simple switch since your modem already has a router in it...
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/6658
Configuring as bridge.
http://www.lava.net/support/Westell_...allation_Guide
Working flawlessly here as of last week when switched from 502 to PAP2T.
Thanks. But do switches have QoS? What is generally better in my case - a router or a switch?Quote:
Originally Posted by chpalmer
QOS is a switch function in the I.T. world. But Im talking about a managed switch... $$Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
I didnt look but maybe your Westell has qos built into and available on it...
A broadband router (the stuff you buy at office depot and kmart) is a routing device and switch combo... two devices in one... If it has wireless then its three devices in one. :)
Most of the routers I get to play with are single port in and out devices that feed into a switch...
So there really would be no difference if you used a switch with your modems built in router or bought a combo unit... Other than quality differences. A 5 port switch can be had for very cheap...
Here's one that won't set you back much. If you need more ports, here's an 8 port one for a little more.
chpalmer,
Thanks for the explanation but it’s too technical for me. Are you saying a typical switch has a QoS capability? I’m sure Westell 6100 does not have QoS. I’ve read about that on forums and I verified that myself. The choice I have is either buying a used Linksys 54g from ebay (around $35) with tomato or a new switch. Taking into account that I want a QoS, and the setup should be very reliable, which of these 2 options should I choose? Thanks!
Thanks for links but first link didn’t work.Quote:
Originally Posted by TomP
That's odd. Works for me. You can also go to http://bensbargains.net/ and plug the number 95612 into the search box in the lower right side of the page.Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
Thanks for links but first link didn’t work.Quote:
Originally Posted by TomP
Re. QoS: others can confirm/clarify, but my understanding is that most reasonably-priced switches don't have this feature. Some routers do. If QoS is important to you, then you'll probably do better with a router vs a switch. It's a bit redundant if your existing broadband modem already has a router built-in, but a separate router will likely have other features (like QoS) that you may not have with your existing equipment.
Got you. Thanks. I’ll probably buy a router some time later.Quote:
Originally Posted by TomP
QOS would only be on a managed switch. Managed switches are not something you buy cheap... :eek:
You can turn a 50.00 router into a 200.00 router with third party firmware.
Or an old used Pll machine into a $20,000.00 router... ;)
http://www.pfsense.org/
Thank you all about router/switch/QoS info.
I was kind of ready to buy a used WRT54GL router from my friend but I encountered these new posts here: "Scheduled Upstream Maintenance - CNAM/Various Services" and "New Database Servers" . Even though I got no service interruption during these things, these are kind of scary if you know what I mean. I mean there are still chances of service interruptions for everyone regardless of what kind of ATA they are using. This is due to frequent non-ATA related maintenances and upgrades performed by VOIPo. This makes me delay any ATA (and router) upgrade for now. I want to give it more time. Did anyone get any phone service interruptions during these events?
While I can't say I use my line enough to comment on service interruptions (I generally wouldn't notice them, because I don't use my line enough), I'd like to say that IMO your concerns, while not surprising, are somewhat blown out of proportion. Issues like "upstream provider maintenance" are out of voipo's control, and they likely happen with just about every VoIP provider (but they don't tell you). Issues such as "New Database Servers" are more of a concern, as they involve equipment changes at Voipo. IF Voipo follows good change control / network management procedures, changeouts of database servers should be seamless to the customer. It is my opinion that they announce such things to let you know that something is going on in case you have troubles with your line during the maintenance window.
One other argument FOR getting a router, regardless of having only one device connected 'behind' it, is that the router does provide a hardware firewall for your PC. It may be worthwhile for that reason alone, with the ability to connect more devices to your network as icing on the cake. :)
I understand about the router, thank you. I only mentioned about these maintenance things because there’s a long hystory of different kinds of service interruptions by VOIPo, and those has affected me a lot.
All right. I got a router (WRT54G, Tomato). I received a PAP2T and installed it. Four days with no problems. Today it LOST REGISTRATION AGAIN! Reset from the phone’s keypads didn’t help. After several hardware resets (power reconnects) it went back on. (For how long? … )
You guys were pointing at me here like why I’m sticking with the HT502 while everyone is on PAP2T already. And here we go again. Now I’m certain that these problems will never end. It’s really hard to hold my anger.. Oh… and let me submit a ticket, just in case….
See http://forums.voipo.com/showthread.php?t=1329 for info.
Once the latency cleared, it would have come back online with 5 minutes on its own.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
Anger management class might do you some good.Quote:
Originally Posted by stason99
You’ve graduated that already?Quote:
Originally Posted by Xponder1