BT Versatility
 

Does anyone know if the BT Versatility supports pulse dialling? Can't seem to find any information on this online but possibly my Googling is at fault! :-)

Re: BT Versatility
 

I don't know the answer to your question, but the manual can be found here:-

https://btbusiness.custhelp.com/app/...manual/c/5143/

Re: BT Versatility
 

hmmm... "The BT Versatility can operate with System Featurephones, standard Tone Telephones, or approved ISDN devices."

Not looking good!

Re: BT Versatility
 

If your looking to get your vintage phones working on a cheap PBX you can fit the Rotatone module to convert your phones to support tone dialing. They are £25 a pop though so not the cheapest option if your looking to fit a "fleet" of phones.

You could get a cheap PBX, like an Orchid, 2nd hand for about £30, fit, say, two phones with a Rotatone and connect the rest of your phones so they can't dial out but can be called. So or less than £100 you should have a pretty good system, all be it with some compromise.

Re: BT Versatility
 

I built a clone of the Rotatone, and I have the parts for two more.
Take a look a at my comments adressed to "ThePillenwerfer" in this thread.
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=135674

Re: BT Versatility
 

Interesting - do you fancy building me two? How much am I looking at? Many thanks

Re: BT Versatility
 

Perhaps a Panasonic KXT 206 might be a better option. Two exchange lines , where you can program dial type and up to six extensions with LD/MF dialing. Programming for most things can be done from an ordinary MF Confirmation is by tone reply. Quite a few on the Bay for around £20 . Few restrictions on what you need a system phone with display, but for the average person ,that's a luxury you don't need . Connection to the system is by telephone line cords. Panasonic suggest taking the line cords out to a Box 201, but there's plenty of room inside to fit a krone strip, or even connect direct from line cord to standard telecom cable.

Re: BT Versatility
 

Would that allow hotline dialling? i.e. one or more extensions programmed so that when you lift the handset it dials another extension or two? Also would I be able to program that without a system phone? Many thanks

Thanks again

Re: BT Versatility
 

From reading the programming and user guide, it doesn't seem to.

Re: BT Versatility
 

But the Panasonic KXTA624 and its replacement the KXTA824, both do as does the smaller (and still current) KXTEA308. All come up from time to time but aren't always cheap. The KXTEA308 (and the rarer KXTEB308 which is virtually the same) are great little systems. They can be set up with two or three digit numbers. The three digit numbers can be any in the 2XX range - not necessarily consecutive. Also the internal ringing can be set to the double beat ringing for extension to extension calls. Occasionally they come up cheaply. Great little systems.

Re: BT Versatility
 

Might I suggest a Panasonic KX-TES308 or a KX-TES824?

I have the latter wired to extensions all over my house.

It supports pulse dialling & is not too fussy on speed. It converts to DTMF when dialling so works with cable lines & VoIP adapters. It also has the hotline feature you requested.

It can be configured using a laptop and the appropriate software.

These can be found on the usual auction sites. There are several on there at the moment for £100+ but if you bide you time you can get a bargain - I got one with a CLI card for £30.

If you do buy on on an auction site then do check the exact model you are getting. The first one I bought was a KX-TES824BX. This is an international model and has non-UK dial tones etc. and the extension numbering goes from 101. The UK model is a KX-TES824E, has correct progress tones and extension numbers are the more usual 201 upwards.

Hope this helps

Regards,

Wayne