AirDial POTS Replacement Self-Installation – VirtualPBX Customer Knowledge Base

The VirtualPBX AirDial POTS Replacement Solution can be self-installed, or we can handle installation for you. Need help? contact our team at support@virtualpbx.com, call us at 888.825.0800, or chat with us at virtualpbx.com.

Unboxing the AirDial POTS Replacement Solution

Package Contents

AirDial

Two External Detachable LTE Antennas

Mounting Bracket

4x Phone Wires

Power Adapter

Mounting Screws and Anchors

Ethernet Cable (CAT5)

Power Adapter Cable

Account Activation

Our team will handle your account activation for you. Please look out for our communications.

Assembly

Connect the two included LTE antennas to the back of the AirDial device. Screw the swivel nuts clockwise until they are finger tight and are holding the antenna in a steady upright position. Do not over-tighten. NOTE: The swivel nut on the antenna cannot be separated from the rest of the antenna assembly.

Attach the included AC power adapter to the AirDial unit and plug the other end into a wall. The power adapter has a snapping connector to prevent accidental disconnects. To remove it from the AirDial unit, squeeze the connector from the top and bottom and gently pull it out.

Turn the power switch to the ON position.

Connect AirDial to the Internet

When your AirDial starts up for the first time, it will download and install updates. This process can take up to five minutes, during which time the LCD panel might go blank. When the AirDial is powered on and ready for use, its status will change to IN-SERVICE.

You can connect the four ports labeled 1-4 on the back of the AirDial to up to four devices that require POTS replacement (e.g., dialers, alarms, entry systems, communicators). Make sure the first port you are using is port 1.

The LCD on the front of the AirDial shows the status of each phone line, the LTE signal strength, the battery’s charge, Status of the AC adapter’s status, and the overall system status.

Placement Guidelines

Your AirDial must be installed in an area with suitable LTE cellular coverage.

To test the level of coverage, you can check the signal strength indicator bars on the AirDial unit’s LCD display. If the indicator shows two bars or fewer, try moving the AirDial to a different location.

The AirDial includes a built-in battery that powers the unit if the power is disconnected. You can use the battery to move your AirDial between locations to identify a spot with ideal signal strength.

The AirDial comes with four phone cables that can be used to connect it to an alarm, dialer, patch panel, or other telephony equipment. If the AirDial is installed in a location that is more than six feet from the equipment for which it will provide POTS replacement service, then you will need a longer phone cable to connect it to your equipment. You can purchase longer phone cables from a local hardware store, or you can order a 50 ft phone wire by contact our team.

LTE PLACEMENT ADVISORY:

The AirDial and the included antennas should only be installed indoors or in an enclosed environment away from moisture and high heat. For the best LTE signal, here are some dos and don’ts:

Do place the adapter in an area with good cellular reception like a room with a window

Do install the adapter on the highest possible floor of your building

Do double check the device’s LTE signal prior to installation

Don’t install the adapter in a basement

Don’t install the adapter near large concrete, sheet metal, or steel slabs

Don’t install the adapter near an electrical cabling cabinet or large volumes of wire mesh

Don’t install the adapter near any plumbing

Installation or Mounting Instructions

The AirDial device can sit flat on a horizontal surface like a desk or shelf, or it can be mounted vertically on a wall.

To mount the device on a wall, attach the included mounting bracket (A) to the wall. If necessary, use the included plastic wall anchors. Align the AirDial with the mounting bracket and then slide it down slightly to lock it into place (B). The cables should hang beneath the device.

Monitoring and Configuration

The team at VirtualPBX will setup notifications for the following:

Device in-service

Device out of service

Battery activated

Battery low

Device on AC Power

These notifications are sent via email or sms (or both) to our team as well as the contacts you provide. If you’d like an additional contact to receive notifications or would like direct access to your portal, please send this request to our team.

Quick Reference Guide

Phone 1-4: Connect to your telephony device using an RJ11 wire

Ethernet WAN: Use an Ethernet cable to connect to a router or switch’s LAN port, or to connect directly to a modem

Power: Use the provided AC adapter to connect to a power outlet

Off/On: Toggle the power on and on

Optional Accessories

Replacement Battery

If your battery becomes depleted, you can purchase and install a replacement through VirtualPBX.

Extended Phone Cable

If the included phone cable isn’t long enough to reach your telephony device at the installation site, you can purchase a longer cable. Order a 50-foot cable direct from VirtualPBX, or head to your local hardware store to view their selection of phone cables.

Coax Extension Cables for Antennas

You can extend the range of your antennas by connecting them to SMA coax extension cables. If you’d like to do this, visit your local hardware store or your favorite online retailer.

The quality of your signal depends on the cable’s length and impedance. Ooma recommends that coax extension cables be no longer than 10 feet and have low impedance.

Be sure to purchase a cable with a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other.

Battery Replacement

Should your batter become depleted, you can purchase and install a new one. To replace the old battery pack:

Open the door on the right side of the device.

Remove the screw that holds the battery cover in place.

Disconnect the battery from the white electrical connector: • Depress the top locking tab. • Hold the wires firmly to secure them as you disconnect the connector. • If disconnecting the battery is difficult, carefully move the wires back and forth within 15 degrees of the connection point.

Remove the old battery.

Insert the new battery.

Connect the battery cable to the in the white electrical connector by inserting the socket straight into the header with the locking tab up until it clicks.

Reinsert the battery cover, secure it with the screw removed in Step 2, and close the access door.

BATTERY WARNING: The battery used in this device may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat, or incinerate. Replace battery with authorized replacement pack only. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Dispose of battery properly. Keep away from children. Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.

Device Specifications

Processor	Dual-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU
Modem	Quectel EG95-NAXD Cat-4 LTE
LTE Band Support	B2/B4/B5/B12/B13/B25/B26
LTE Data Rates	Up to 150 Mbps down and 50 Mbps up
Antennas	• Hinged 90° termination with SMA(M) Connector • Two Wideband 5G/4G Terminal Mount
SIM Cards	Dual micro-SIM support
Ethernet	• One RJ-45 10/100/1000 Ethernet WAN port • One RJ-45 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN port
FXS Ports	Four RJ-11 analog FXS ports
Telephony	55Vrms Low Power Ringing
Power Adapter	AC-DC Adapter w/ MicroFit+ connector
Power Input	100-240 VAC 50-60Hz
Power Output	12VDC/3A 36W
Battery Backup	• Replaceable battery pack 3S3P Li-ion battery: 10.95V, 3A • Capacity 85.4 Wh (7.8 Ah) provides > 8 hours of standby time
Display	320x240 LCD display
Switches	• Master On/Off • Factory reset (recessed)
Dimensions	W 30cm x H 6cm x D 20cm when sitting horizontally
Operating Temperature	0 – 40° C
Warranty	1-Year Limited Warranty

AirDial Installation Examples

Connecting AirDial to an Emergency Phone or Monitoring System Dialer

Connecting AirDial to Digital Alarm Communication Transmitter (DACT)

This part of this document will be added to the self-installation email sent to the customer prior to the arrival of their AirDial;

After watching the unboxing video it is time to install your unit. Beyond the items that were delivered with the AirDial, the only extra item that should connect to the AirDial is an end device. Under no circumstances, do not connect pots lines directly to AirDial is that will ruin the device. The end devices includes: elevator phone, fax, emergency phone, security panel, intercom, fire alarm, burglar alarm, door entry, PBX point of sale, combo fire & burglar sensaphone and more.

Fax-

Make sure your fax is working prior to the AirDial installation.

Unbox the AirDial following the Unboxing video above.

Confirm your LTE Signal is at 3 bars or more if it isnt- WAN connection is recommended, connecting the AirDial to a the internet.

For WAN connection- connect the LAN Cable to the WAN port and reboot the AirDial once to come up via Ethernet

Install the RJ-11 from the fax into port 1 and attempt to send and receive fax(Send the test page to 888-473-2963 (HP's fax test number) and wait five to seven minutes for the return fax.)

in order to help improve the experience for faxing over VoIP. As you are probably aware, Fax over IP is sensitive to disruptions, so these settings will help ensure stability for the connection and ensure a much higher rate of completions for your faxes, whether sent or received.

These settings to validate are:

Disable “ECM” (i.e., “Error Correction Mode”) on your fax machine Decrease the transmission or baud rate to the lowest possible setting 2400 Decrease the desired image quality of the fax (for example, perhaps 300 dpi will be more successful than 600 dpi) Enable VOIP mode if the Fax machine has this option

Further more:

Disable ECM (Error Correction Mode):

ECM can cause issues with VoIP fax transmissions. Disable ECM on your fax machine to improve compatibility with VoIP.

Reduce Transmission Speed (Baud Rate):

Lower the transmission speed (baud rate) to the lowest possible setting, typically around 2400 baud. Slower speeds are more reliable over VoIP.

Lower Image Quality:

Reduce the desired image quality of the fax. For example, use 300 dpi instead of higher resolutions like 600 dpi. This reduces the amount of data transmitted and improves reliability.

Enable VoIP Mode (if available):

Some fax machines have a specific VoIP mode option. Enable this mode if your fax machine supports it. It optimizes settings for VoIP environments.

Additional Considerations for Faxing

Testing: Before finalizing the installation, conduct thorough tests with fax machines connected to AirDial:

Send test faxes to verify successful transmission and reception.

Test both sending and receiving capabilities to ensure reliability.

Monitoring: Monitor fax transmissions initially to identify any issues or errors that may require further adjustment.

Configuration Adjustment: If issues persist, consider adjusting other fax settings or consulting with Ooma support for additional guidance tailored to your specific setup.

By following these recommendations, you can enhance the reliability of faxing over VoIP using Ooma AirDial, ensuring smoother operations for your communication needs. For further assistance or detailed troubleshooting, refer to Ooma's support resources or contact their customer service directly.

Elevator:

Planning and Preparation:

Confirm access to wiring closets and the MPOE (Minimum Point of Entry) where POTS wiring enters the building.

Ensure AirDial devices are on-site and have a list of old POTS line phone numbers.

Test operational status of the call-box currently connected to POTS lines(place a test call from the elevator cab to ensure connectivity without initiating an emergency call.)

Testing Connected Equipment:

Perform initial testing of connected equipment both before and after transitioning from POTS to AirDial.

Line Tracing and Setup:

Identify termination points of customer equipment lines to appropriately place AirDial units.

Use tools like telephone test sets and toners to trace lines and confirm connectivity.

Connect RJ11 jacks from the call boox to AirDial FXS ports. Under no cirumstances do not connect the POTS lines directly to the AirDIal.

Installing AirDial Units:

Unbox AirDial units and verify contents (unit, AC power brick, antennas, cables, mounting hardware).

Set up AirDial units as per manufacturer's instructions and ensure proper configuration.

Optimizing AirDial Performance:

Select optimal locations for AirDial units based on signal strength and proximity to internal wiring termination points.

Consider using Ethernet connections for reliability, alongside LTE backup.

Connecting and Cutover:

Connect customer equipment to AirDial FXS ports and verify functionality post-cutover.

Notify fire alarm monitoring services prior to disconnecting existing POTS lines from fire alarms.

Label original POTS lines for future reference and troubleshooting.

Porting Numbers (if applicable):

Initiate number porting process through Ooma support if required, ensuring continuity of service.

Mounting and Activating Devices:

Mount AirDial units securely, maintaining clearance around antennas and ensuring proper orientation.

Activate devices through the Remote Device Management (RDM) portal for ongoing management and monitoring.

Monitoring and Management:

Use the RDM portal to manage and monitor AirDial devices, configure FXS ports, set up alerts, and review logs for troubleshooting.

These steps provide a comprehensive overview of how to install and integrate elevator phones using Ooma AirDial, ensuring a smooth transition from traditional POTS lines to VoIP-based connectivity while maintaining operational reliability and compliance with installation guidelines. For further assistance, refer to Ooma's support resources or contact their customer service directly.

Fire Panels:

Planning and Preparation:

Schedule a meeting with the building owner or facilities manager to coordinate the installation.

Obtain contact information for fire alarm monitoring services.

Ensure access to necessary areas like wiring closets and the MPOE (Minimum Point of Entry).

Arrival and Site Tour:

Arrive early to conduct a thorough property tour with on-site contacts.

Locate and document all fire panels and related equipment for connection to AirDial.

Test operational status of equipment connected to current POTS lines.

Testing Connected Equipment:

Test fire panels at least twice: before transitioning from POTS to AirDial and after.

Ensure functionality and involvement of alarm monitoring services as needed.

Line Tracing and Setup:

Identify termination points of equipment lines to connect them to AirDial units.

Use tools like telephone test sets and toners for line tracing and verification.

Installing AirDial Units:

Unbox AirDial units and confirm contents (unit, antennas, power components, cables).

Follow setup instructions outlined in the manual for proper installation.

Optimizing AirDial Performance:

Select installation locations based on strong LTE signal and proximity to equipment.

Consider Ethernet connection for reliability alongside LTE backup.

Connecting and Cutover:

Connect fire panels to AirDial FXS ports and verify functionality post-cutover.

Notify fire alarm monitoring services before disconnecting existing POTS lines.

Porting Numbers (if applicable):

Initiate number porting process through Ooma support to maintain service continuity.

Mounting and Activating Devices:

Mount AirDial units securely, ensuring antennas are properly oriented for optimal performance.

Activate devices via the Remote Device Management (RDM) portal for ongoing management.

Monitoring and Management:

Utilize the RDM portal to monitor AirDial devices, configure ports, and troubleshoot issues as needed.