Unifi issues : Distributing tel line and existing alarm system

[cpleong]

Hi all,
I've just installed Unifi @home and am looking for help from those who have knowledge on Unifi vs alarm systems.

The Unifi system comes with a new phone line. Existing TM phone line is recommended to be disconnected (account closed) unless you want to pay for two land lines from telekom.

With the Unifi telephone line now up and running, I have two issues that need help.

Issue 1 : Connecting Unifi line to Tel distribution box.
=========================================

1. My original land line is connected to a central distribution box (those small yellow matchbox size thingy) in the ceiling/roof, which then span/splits into 4 locations around the house. Upstairs, downstairs, kitchen, alarm system.
This means, that when someone calls my old TM line, 3 phones ring at the same time. (alarm system use that line to call out - more about that later..)

2. If I disconnected the existing TM/Streamyx copper line account, my current 3 phone lines (and the phone jacks in the walls) will be white elephant.

3. Right now, with Unifi providing only one phone line, and in a double storey house, we either run/up and down when the phone rings. Not sustainable.

4. I need to connect the Unifi phone line to the central box in the roof to enable simultaneous ringing of the phones already installed around the house.

5. I have problem doing this, because the new Unifi phone line originates from the new Unifi box located downstairs.

6. Besides, I do not know if Unifi phone line signal is strong enough to support a "distributed" connection.

7. I am writing to see if anyone has any experience with this issue, and what they have done about it. Any lessons learnt shared will be much appreciated.

Issue 2 : Compatibility btw Unifi tel line with current alarm system
==================================================
The existing alarm system works with TM's copper line system.
I have requested security vendor to evaluate how to connect Unifi tel system to existing alarm, so that we can receive a "dial out" notification if alarm triggers.

1. Vendor says whole alarm panel must change bcos existing alarm system not compatible with Unifi line. Approx RM1500-1800.

2. Vendor says Unifi phone line wire (from the fibrehome or ZTE VDSL unit) must be connected to the alarm panel. (so if you place your VDSL unit next to the TV bcos of proximity to your TV for IP TV function, you will find yourself scratching your head on how to lay a telephone cable from your TV cable to your security panel, which is definitely not next to your TV!!).
RM xx??

3. What if you do not wish to pull the line? Ans : Vendor also suggested using installing a new GSM module (provided by the security vendor) into the existing security panel. This will require you to buy a Digi/Hotlink prepaid card and insert the SIM card into the module, for the module to "call out" when alarm triggers.
Approx RM900-RM1000.

4. I am interested to know what are the experiences out there, and what are your "other options" I may not have considered.

Appreciate your sharing.
Rgds.

[jimmyay]

I am having the same problem(no 2). Tel line already disconnected. Alarm guy coming today to check. Not sure the outcome yet.

[cpleong]

Jimmyay,


Do you face Issue 1 as well? If yes, please share your "solution". PM will be accepted!

Also, appreciate an update post your security-men visit on options available.

Many thanks.

[jimmyay]

Issue 1. Since portable handheld is provided, i just make do with it. Anyway 90% of call are made via handphone.

I remember panasonic dect phone can use multiple portable handset. Signal strength got nothing to do with Unifi fibreoptic line. It depend on your Dect transmitter and receiver power.

To test : bring your portable dect phone to as far as you can. Then u can know the result. Make sure you have it properly charged.

[LMei]

Anyone know if Unifi tel line can use for any fax machine? Which type or model?

[concern!!!]

i can gv a try on the item 2 .. to connect all the wall jack to the fiber modem.

[jimmyay]

Mine suggested GSM model too. However, he will try using other way first. Will come back to me next Wed.

[kuma]

Issue 1

Phone that comes with Unifi > You can split to 2 phones. Just go buy a splitter and just plug it in the telephone outlet from the 'Big White Box' - [fibrehome or ZTE VDSL].... Just see where your Phone wire comes out of it, unplug it and swap your splitter...now you can connect 2 phones.

One outlet of splitter, use your Free cordless, other outlet, run the telephone wire all the way to your "roofy small yellow matchbox size thingy" and switch the incoming telephone port wires.

Should work...have done it myself but not all the way to roof and split 3 ways though. I just have 1 fixed phone and another cordless on my Unifi.

If you don't want to do wiring, then buy a cordless with 3 phone extensions

Issue 2
As for Alarm System - I have no info to offer you...I'm sure it involves some wiring work anyway, but whether your system can operate via Fiber Optics - check with your provider,

Alternatively, just keep the other old Phone line, just make sure you disconnect and cancel your Streamyx line.

Then just use your Unifi phone to makes calls out [since landline calls are Free and all HP call at 0.10sen/min]......and use your old phone to receive calls.

*Be warned though!!*....as much as it sounds like a good idea, everyone at my place forgot about this brilliant decision after 2 months....they just pick up whichever phone is nearest

[macgyver_usj]

If I am not mistaken, if there is no electricity, the Unifi phone is good as dead.
So, no out going calls and no incoming calls.
Even the alarm has backup battery, it cannot dials out.

[aursong]

Just install the Unifi today...

Any good recommendation on Multiple Handset Cordless Phone?

Cheers...

[kuma]

If I am not mistaken, if there is no electricity, the Unifi phone is good as dead.
So, no out going calls and no incoming calls.
Even the alarm has backup battery, it cannot dials out.

That would be correct!

[kuma]

Just install the Unifi today...

Any good recommendation on Multiple Handset Cordless Phone?

Cheers...

Just stick with Panasonic ...I think C4 prices reasonable.

[ivanhow]

Hi all,
..

3. Right now, with Unifi providing only one phone line, ..

4. I need to connect the Unifi phone line to the central box in the roof to enable ..
...
Rgds.

From what I saw the BTU has two phone ports.
Q: Can you verify whether your unit has two phone ports?



Check to make sure both the ports are working.
If both the phone ports are working, then you could use one of them to connect to your old phone lines. Connect the old phone directly to the working port to make sure your old phone is working properly from the phone RJ11 port. You only need to find out how the wiring configuration required to to connect to the old lines (on the wall) without having to climb the ceiling. I can fabricate the wire for you if you can tell me the wiring configuration required.

[cpleong]

Kuma,

Thanks for suggestions to Issue 1.
I am now using a phone line splitter on "TEL 1", with both base units next to the 'Big White Box' - [fibrehome or ZTE VDSL].
One of the handsets has been assigned to be the "downstairs" unit.
The only consequence is that we need to remember to recharge it (upstairs) when the battery drains.

What I found out is that the DECT phone that Unifi supplies comes with a caller id, which was a nice surprise.

Ivanhow,
You're right. There are two tel ports, but only one (TEL 1) is working.
So the option is to insert a splitter at TEL 1.

I'm interested in your offer to fabricate the right wire. What kind of information can I supply that would be of help?

Thanks everyone for the comments - very help.

BTW :
I got a quote from my security vendor :
1. To change the panel to suit Unifi : RM1500
2. To pull tel wire from Unifi to panel : RM 100

or

1. To install GSM unit, RM900.

So, do think about consequential costs about installing Unifi, particularly if you have an alarm system.

Cheers.

[kuma]

cpleong,

You are welcome and you are correct....only TEL 1 works.

As for LAN...if at all you ever unplug it....remember that only LAN 1 works for UniFi...seems that the other LAN's are reserved for other providers in the future.

Another useful tip

Your modem should be a Orange/White color DLink Model


Notice a USB port in front?...You can plug a Thumbdrive there and share the drive with all Users on your Home Network. The disk with software required should be in Modem Box.

How I use it is....I only have 1 printer, but there are 4 computers at home....so we just dump anything to print there and access from PC [where Printer is attached] to print.

Of course you can save on Thumbdrive and take it there to print

We also use it as a centralized storage for stuff like scanned docs, pictures to share. etc....no need to go through everyone's Thumbdrive to see where we kept it.

*Of course, if some neighbor has your WiFi password, they can access that too