Orchid Dialler Discount

Heinz

Snapelover wrote:

I have the dialler box programmed (by Orchid and not me) to use Cheapchat for weekday/weekend calls to mobiles but when I dial the mobile number it tells me that the access number has been changed to.....

Why is this?

I don't know what they charged before (if you'll post the number your Orchid used to dial, I could check though) but, using the MSE UK Callchecker, I see that Cheapchat have increased their charge for calling UK mobiles to a staggering 15p/minute at all times. Interestingly, another site shows they now charge 20p/minute - using a different 09xx number.

That, of course, is the problem with gateway providers - when they change their rates, they have to change their gateway number and, if you use an Orchid, you have to reprogram it.

18185 may have been slightly more expensive (current charges are 4p connection and 6p/minute weekdays [2p/minute weekends]) but at least the code keeps working and the tariff message informs you of the rate before each call (so you'll know if there's been an increase).

Snapelover

Heinz wrote:

I don't know what they charged before (if you'll post the number your Orchid used to dial, I could check though) but, using the MSE UK Callchecker, I see that Cheapchat have increased their charge for calling UK mobiles to a staggering 15p/minute at all times. Interestingly, another site shows they now charge 20p/minute - using a different 09xx number.

That, of course, is the problem with gateway providers - when they change their rates, they have to change their gateway number and, if you use an Orchid, you have to reprogram it.

18185 may have been slightly more expensive (current charges are 4p connection and 6p/minute weekdays [2p/minute weekends]) but at least the code keeps working and the tariff message informs you of the rate before each call (so you'll know if there's been an increase).

I contacted Orchid and asked them to programme in the following numbers and keep all the rest that I have already programmed in:
Mobiles - Weekdays and evenings Phonecheap 0844 566 7566 (as per call checker).

Tried to ring a mobile today and it is telling me that the access code has changed to 09056460641. So I am back to square 1.

Think I will just ask for it to be programmed to 18185 as you say.

Heinz

Snapelover wrote:

I contacted Orchid and asked them to programme in the following numbers and keep all the rest that I have already programmed in:
Mobiles - Weekdays and evenings Phonecheap 0844 566 7566 (as per call checker).

Tried to ring a mobile today and it is telling me that the access code has changed to 09056460641.

Interesting. Their own website still shows that 0844 566 7 566 number and the 5p/minute rate!

But who's the loser (no prizes)? They charged you the 5p/minute rate to hear their message directing you to their 20p/minute number!

timbod

Just a quick one. Does anyone know whether Orchid offer the 20% discount on their Ranger 400 as well as the diallers...?

Anyone with any experience of using the Ranger 400 like to offer any advice whether this is a good main house phone?

Thanks.

iamsam

timbod wrote:

Just a quick one. Does anyone know whether Orchid offer the 20% discount on their Ranger 400 as well as the diallers...?

Yes. I bought one with 20% off.

timbod wrote:

Anyone with any experience of using the Ranger 400 like to offer any advice whether this is a good main house phone?

It's not bad. My main gripe is that there's only a choice of 4 'melodies'. They sound like terribly cheesy old mobile ringtones. I've got around this by turning the handset ringer off and having the base station ring instead (with a normal ring). Then, of course, if you lose the handset the page function doesn't work.

Otherwise, it's OK. It's worth remembering that if you use any other phones as well they won't route (as it's built into the R400).

faz_2

iamsam wrote:

It's worth remembering that if you use any other phones as well they won't route (as it's built into the R400).

This is true, however it's also worth noting that as it's GAP compatible you can register most decent DECT digital cordless phones to use the Ranger 4000 base station, and thus it's routing facilities. I personally use a Panasonic cordless with the Ranger base, i.e. only using Panasonic base unit as charging point, phone line connected to Ranger base only.

feival

Hi Heinz,

I am about to buy an Orchid V4 and plan to implement your plan http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=1427620&postcount=549almost precisely as you recommend.

My only exception is that I would like to split out some international destinations where they are cheaper than you recommend. My main international calls are destined for Spain, Israel and Slovakia (and occasionally USA and Germany). Is it possible to further break out these numbers and lets say have all other international numbers default to 18185? I plan to route the afore mentioned destinations as follows (all calls are always to fixed lines)

• Spain/Germany/USA TeleTop 0208-1 802 802 (premium rate top-up and then local rate access - free for me due to Primus deal)
• Israel Telestunt 0.50p/min (0844 200 2020) - I note from other posts I can only squeeze in one pause if I use 1280 and pause. I am guessing Primus charge more than BT for non-geographics but I can't see any price details on the Primus website other than a reference that they charge 0845 and 0870 as per BT. If so why do you route these via BT?
• Slovakia and Rest of World - 18185 - in line with your route

Is this possible to do? Many thanks for your really helpful posts.

Heinz

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Yes, the Orchid will cope with that - speak to Maggie at Orchid about your precise requirements when ordering (I'd suggest you send an e-mail with them all written down so she can read while you speak).

Have a look at my suggested programming again - it's changed since 1899's and 18185's 4p to 5p connection charge increase (for UK calls but not for international calls) today.

ATB

Heinz.

GTG

Heinz, I presume you are going to post the new thread. If this is the case could you kindly place a link to it in this thread then every one subscribed will not miss it.

Thanks in anticipation.

Paul_Varjak

timbod wrote:

Anyone with any experience of using the Ranger 400 like to offer any advice whether this is a good main house phone?

Thanks.

The Ranger 400 is a cordless phone; you will always need a corded phone - that can operate without a power supply - in the event of power cuts. But the corded phone will not be able to make use of the Ranger 400 multi-routing.