Orchid dialler questions

loftus

I have an ntl line but use 18866 for most calls - when the other family members can remember. We have a cheap and basic telephone ie no memory keys and I am considering getting an Orchid dialler to simplify things.

I have a couple of questions.

1) It says it can be wall mounted, but can I also just plug it in and leave it on the floor out of sight - does it have to be mounted to anything?

2) When making a call do you just have to dial the number you want to call (with STD code or prefix) rather than put in the long 0808 number which discourages my family from using the service half the time?

Ta

stellagypsy

Hi loftus - re Orchid dialler

1) you can just plug it in to the socket then plug your phone in to it.

2) it removes the need to dial prefix numbers - you programme it to automatically dial your choice of call service provider. You can set up different CSP's for different types of call / time of day - eg I have 3 set up in mine, 18866, 1899 and Onetel (of course, you have to be set up with them all first!). I don't dial STD codes any more for local calls as it just routes them through the appropriate CSP without heving to do this.

It is a great piece of kit, even if you feel it is a bit complicated to programme, they will do it for you for £2.00, but even I managed to do it eventually. My call charges have plummeted since I got my hands on one of these.

HTH, Stella

loftus

Thanks for that.

Just one follow up - how does it know that a local call is a local call?

stellagypsy

Just one follow up - how does it know that a local call is a local call?

Dunno- it just does! AFAIK, it selects your own STD code as a default if you don't put one in. If you ring some one in another town you would have an STD code to use before the number. I've had no mistakes so far.

HTH, Stella

System

Hi Stellagypsy. When I saw the title of this thread, I wondered why it was here because not too far down is another. On that I asked a few DUMB questions and received easy to understand replies.

Also, someone provided a link to show the setting-up procedure. That threw me. I thought never in a million years wil I get through that. yes they said it's easy, yes, YOU said it's easy, but my problem is that I start a procedure, then panic half way through and either hit wrong keys or I fail to understand something and feel locked.

So the Orchid dialer looked a non-starter even though I want one. BUT, I think you may have thrown a lifeline !.

What's this about them setting it up for £2., do they come round knocking on your door ?.

OR, is it a case of you telling them :-

"when I dial international put it through 1899 or whichever is cheapest"

"on Mon-Fri during 8am-6pm, put it through 18866"

"on Mon-Fri after 6pm and weekends, put it through talktalk"

"if I dial an 0870 or 0845, drop the 18866 and insert 1280"

If I've got that right, what provision is made to make changes as and when tarifs change?.

islandman

stellagypsy

Hi Islandman

Orchid's customer service is excellent and they send regular e-mails. In their last one was a link to a new FAQ page

http://www.orchid-electronics.com/FAQ%27s.htm

and the final question on the FAQ page was -

I am still unable to programme my Ranger 400/V4 Dialler, is there anything else i can do?

If you are still finding the whole thing a little to daunting why not let us programme the box for you? For a small fee of £2 you can call us and we will take your routing requirements, build your routing table and confirm the "force home" code when the table is finished. You can call the office on 01536 443677, please have a list of the providers you wish to use to hand.

Can't say fairer than that. You will soon recoup the £2.00 through calls not being dialled to the wrong CSP.

FWIW, I had a bit of bother programming it at first (V4 dialler) but sat down with a pot pf tea and the instructions again and the second time I tried, it went like clockwork. Needless to say, it was "ME" not "them".  But it is nice to know help is at hand if you need it.

I think the way you have set it out would be OK for them to use to programme the dialler. When you see how it is done, I think you would be able to change the tarrifs yourself, as once it is set up it seems quite easy to go back in and change a setting but I am sure they would change them for you if you have a problem.

HTH, Stella
   

System

Thankyou for that Stella. Just as soon as I can guarantee a bit of uninterupted piece and quiet, I will persue this a little further. I am determined to make the purchase. I'll go now and read the Q&A's, islandman

MarkyMarkD

Thanks for that.

Just one follow up - how does it know that a local call is a local call?

"Local" call is an outmoded concept now - national calls cost the same whether they are local or not under BT's Together plans and, I believe, the competitors' alternatives.

digital

how does it know that a local call is a local call?

A local call doesn't need an STD dialling code at the beginning so it can start with any digit from 2 up to 8 inclusive. The dialler recognises this and does what it needs to do...

System

I've now read the Q&A's and printed off a copy.

My next question is one that I've been putting off.........using my landline to any network mobile. Today my wife wanted me whilst I was out and phoned my mobile, it being daytime she dialled 18866, but was told the cost was 20p per min, so she hung up. I seem to remember that 1899 is best for mobiles ?.

Am I right in thinking that the router OVER-RIDES requests, if there is a cheaper route?.

dog_2

Got mine working today - brilliant.

cant get this working though:
Anyone know how to get the local calls working when you have number witheld on. the instructions state to change the end user - tried this but cant get it going (so i dont have to dial std code when phoning local numbers). Maybe i will have to phone the customer services after holiday season