Interface to Digital Phone Switch

AutoClerk Interface to Digital Phone Switch

There are two types of phone switches, analog and digital. Only digital phone switches can be interfaced to a PMS.

AutoClerk interfaces to the following phone switches:

Avaya (formerly Lucent)
AutoClerk has sucessfully interfaced to the Lucent Definity.
Communication: Connection is via RS232 serial. Uses pins 2,3 &5 on a 9 pin, 2,3 & 7 on a 25 pin. Communication protocols are 8 databits, no parity, and 1 stopbit (8,n,1). Both AutoClerk and Lucent have configuration files where you can set the baud rate, you just need to make sure they agree. The configuration file must include the statement: 'use_modem_controls T'.
Comdial
AutoClerk has sucessfully interfaced to the ComDial DXP. Comdial emulates Hitachi.
Hitachi
Hitachi HCX5000 (Emulators: Toshiba, ComDial DXP)
Maid Status access code = a configurable item on the phone switch side. The normal prefix is *2
Maid Status update codes = 1- clean 2- dirty
Communication:
Connection is via RS232 serial, usually 9 pin, to the Hitachi PMS port. Uses pins 2,3 & 5 on a 9 pin, 2,3 & 7 on a 25 pin. This cable is NOT straight thru! Cabling is via 9 pin serial female/female connectors. Only lines 2,3 and 5 pass through. Using 25 pin connectors, lines 2 and 3 are STRAIGHT THRU. Going from 25 pin to 9 pin lines 2 and 3 are exchanged (reverse transmit and recieve). Pins 7 & 8 are strapped/spliced at each end. Pins 1,4 & 6 are strapped/spliced at each end. If using 25 pin connectors, strap 4/5, as well as 6/8/20. NOTE: you may be able to avoid custom splicing by using a FULL NULL MODEM ADAPTER, 9 pin to 9 pin, as found at Radio Shack.
Communication protocols are 8 databits, no parity, and 1 stopbit (8,n,1). Both AutoClerk and Hitachi have configuration files where you can set the baud rate, you just need to make sure they agree.
This describes the options set on the Hitachi switch at a generic hotel. These should be used as a template for other installations.
As there is usually a Call Accounting system running also, the switch must be set so that call data is sent over the Hobic port, PMS data over the PMS port. (There is an option to send both data streams over the PMS port. We do NOT want this.). The Hobic port must be set to ACK/NACK protocol. If this is not done, i.e. if there is an existing Call Accounting service attached and this does not use ACK/NACK, then if the PMS interface computer is not running for any reason, call data is not sent over the Hobic port. This is an unacceptable state of affairs and must not be allowed to happen.
Settings in the HCX 5000 configuration tables:
Options Page 2.1.9.1.13
PMS Status ON
Directory Exchange OFF
Request for Initialization ON *
PMS-HOBIC Protocol 1 == ACK/NACK
Forced Data Swap ON *
PMS AREYOUTHERE OFF

Other options on this page are timers, all set to default values.
* indicates an unusual value (from the switch tech's point of view).
Options Page 2.1.9.1.13.1
```
  Enable Automatic Room Status Change		OFF
  Send Restrict Message to PMS			OFF
  Send Solicited Room Status Messages		ON
  Send Unsolicited Room Status Messages		OFF
  Send Admin Call Records to HOBIC	      	ON
  Send Do Not Disturb to PMS				OFF
  Send Credit Alert messages to PMS			OFF
  Send Error Messages to PMS				ON
  Send VoiceMail Message Status to PMS		OFF
  Checkin with Integrity				OFF
  Send Admin Message Waiting to PMS		      OFF
  Send Database Swap Room Status Messages		OFF
  Enable Auto Room Status change on Checkin/Out	OFF
  Maid ID with room status				OFF
```
Maid Status from Room:. Meanings attached to each value to follow.
Mitel
AutoClerk has been sucessfully interfaced to the following:
SX200 Digital SX2000 Digital Mitel Lite series)
Maid Status access code = a configurable item on the phone switch side, frequently '55*'
Maid Status update codes
clean and vacant
clean and occupied
dirty and occupied
dirty and vacant
thru 9 are ignored

Communication:
Connection is via RS232 serial, usually 9 pin, to the Mitel Dataset, a black modem about 7x9x1 inches. Requires a FULL 9 PIN CONNECTION! No null modem. Uses pins 2, 3 & 5 on a 9 pin, 2,3 & 7 on a 25 pin. Connect with a straight-thru serial cable. Communication protocols are 8 databits, no parity, and 1 stopbit (8,n,1). Both AutoClerk and Mitel have configuration files where you can set the baud rate, you just need to make sure they agree. Usually 1200 or 2400. The configuration file must include the statement: 'use_modem_controls T'.
Northern Telecom
AutoClerk has sucessfully interfaced to the Meridian (Northern Telecom SL-1) phone switch.
Communication:
Connection is via RS232 serial. Requires a FULL 9 PIN CONNECTION! No null modem. Uses pins 2,3 &5 on a 9 pin, 2,3 & 7 on a 25 pin. Communication protocols are 8 databits, no parity, and 1 stopbit (8,n,1). Both AutoClerk and Meridian have configuration files where you can set the baud rate, you just need to make sure they agree. The configuration file must include the statement: 'use_modem_controls T'.
Toshiba
Toshiba requires the HMIS PMS package in order to interface to a PMS. Toshiba emulates Hitachi.