atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Other Telephones & Systems Northcom 1A3 Questions

Hello,

I have a few newbie questions here regarding a Northcom 1A3 system that was left in the office condo I just purchased. The "KSU" appears to have been left (a 6x12 model), and the condo seems to be wired for such a system. I do not have any of the phones for the system.

Do I have to purchase Northcom 1A3 phones specifically, or are there any other types that will be compatible? Anything else I should know before attempting to use this system, or should I just forget about it and get a new complete system?

Many thanks,

-Will

You'll need the Northcom sets for that KSU. You might be able to find some cheap refurbs but that system didn't do alot and has been discontinued for ages. I think you'd be money ahead to get a newer system. Welcome to the board.

In addition to the 1A3 sets, you can also use Tie Econ-o-Key or Delphi sets. Bell Atlantic sold the Delphi system hot and heavy in the Washington-Maryland market, so they might be easier to find. With three set models, you stand a better chance of finding some, even if you have to mix and match.

I wouldn't bank on that system offering much in the way of features though. I also wouldn't sink a lot of money into the phones if you find them.

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies. A friend of mine who works installing AV systems said he will call a telecom installer friend, and see if he might know of some really cheap sources of the phones. If not, I will just install something newer.

Many thanks for your responses again!

-Will

Ed's right again! I thought you could use the tie econo keys or Delphi sets. I remember that Granger supply even sold the unit. I have about 10 of these sets out of service if you like to contact me.

I'm sure the battery in the unit needs to be replaced to hold any ringing programs.

A big low end leader that competed against the old Merlin 410 and 820's. I just took one out of service a month ago and the KSU went bad, though the phones where still working fine. The Blue cabinet steel tie 6/16 just like the Northcom 1a3.

Learn something new everyday. Never knew those sets would work also.

Although the 1A3 systems were marketed as being plug to plug compatible with the Tie 612 and Modkey sets, I have had problems when using the Tie phones on the 1A3 systms or 1A3 phones on Tie systems. It is best to use the phone designd for the system.

Before you invest to much into phones you may want to have the ksu checked out The 1A3 used relays on the co lines and the contacts would go bad causing static on the line.

My office uses an old Northcom phone system, and mine is a 1A3. Can anyone tell me what to do to remove call restrictions from my station? I can only dial 1-800 numbers, not 877, or any other combination of 8XX numbers. My phone seems to be the only one affected.

That system was developed at a time when 1-800 was the only toll-free area code. The only way to allow other toll-free area codes will be to remove toll restriction completely. This will require the services of a technician though.