Orchid V4, V4+ and Ranger 400 phone users - Discussion

Heinz

(1). I have no 'hands-on' knowledge of the BT Relate 2100 but, having had a quick read through the User Manual, I can't see that sequential button pressing such as that is possible.

(2). Yes, I used to do that with my DECT phones before I got an Orchid.

(2a). I would think so.

(3). Orchid advise using the (2 power supplies) V4+ if you want Caller Display but BritBrat has said is works fine on his standard V4.

(4). Although it's not (yet) part of the Heinz program, I have set my Orchid to send weekend UK 01, 02 & 03 calls via BT. That's because I have BT's Unlimited Weekend Plan (formerly BT Together Option 1) and the free weekend calls included therewith now count towards free Caller Display (the definition of qualifying calls used to be 'chargeable' but now it's 'chargeable or inclusive').

(5). It depends whether they tend to make calls longer than an hour really. I recommend staying on BT's Unlimited Weekend Plan (formerly BT Together Option 1)and using a free CPS (Carrier PreSelect) calls provider - Primus Saver Option 2 - to provide free evening and weekend UK 01, 02 & 03 calls of up to 90 minutes each.

However, BT's new Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan (the upgraded version of BT Together Option 2) now gives free evening and weekend UK 01, 02 & 03 calls of up to 60 minutes and is also free if you agree to a 'renewable' 12 month contract, so it's now very similar.

If the 60 minute limit is not a problem, I'd suggest they go for BT's Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan. They'll be tied to that for 12 month periods but I don't see that as a problem because, with a few exceptions, only free (inclusive) calls will go out on BT and 18185 or 1899 will be used for nearly all other calls.

(6). If more than one socket is used, they'd really need an Orchid for each socket used for outgoing calls. It is possible to manage the programming of as many Orchids as you like online - changes are downloaded by forcing each Orchid to call home (I manage Orchids for 4 family members on my CW Client account).

BritBrat

I have the V4+ Heinz, but I have had it running without the power supply and therefore it is just the same as the V4 with no power supply.

Or at least that is how I see it.

If the 60 minute limit is not a problem, I'd suggest they go for BT's Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan. They'll be tied to that for 12 month periods but I don't see that as a problem because, with a few exceptions, only free (inclusive) calls will go out on BT and 18185 or 1899 will be used for nearly all other calls.

If they are switching contracts they may have a new 12 month contract anyway, so the BT option 2 free evening/weekend calls could be the best option for now.

newbuilder

got it working.

The Orchid support people told me to:

Lift the handset and dial **# 0000 * 01536272200 * 1 , let the digits dial out then hang up.
Now
For a V4/V4+ Dialler:
Lift Handset & dial ***12#4567890*3 let the digits dial out then hang up.

This is different to the manual online and misses some steps out.

So if you have a problem try this.

Heinz

newbuilder wrote: »

got it working.

The Orchid support people told me to:

Lift the handset and dial **# 0000 * 01536 207810 * 1 , let the digits dial out then hang up.
Now
For a V4/V4+ Dialler:
Lift Handset & dial ***12#4567890*3 let the digits dial out then hang up.

This is different to the manual online and misses some steps out.

So if you have a problem try this.

Those are steps 1 and 5 in the complete reset procedure I pointed you at in post #309.

However, it's good to hear you have it working now.

newbuilder

Heinz wrote: »

Those are steps 1 and 5 in the complete reset procedure I pointed you at in post #309.

However, it's good to hear you have it working now.

Yip know that and did them at least 5 times last night.

so either

a) They have adjusted something at their end on my account.
b) missing steps 2,3, & 4 made a difference.

i always was one to jump steps. I always end up with a screw left over when putting the washing machine back together.;) What???:eek: It works!:T

Speedee

Thanks you for the detailed reply, Heinz.

Heinz wrote:

(3). Orchid advise using the (2 power supplies) V4+ if you want Caller Display but BritBrat has said is works fine on his standard V4.

I'm a bit confused about the power supplies. What sort of power supply does the Standard V4 use? And what does the V4+ use? I can't quite see why they can't use just one with the V4+?? Mum won't have enough plug sockets! The BT Relate needs one, and the Synergy will too! the place they plug into will look a bit ugly with all the wall warts there!!

(4). Although it's not (yet) part of the Heinz program, I have set my Orchid to send weekend UK 01, 02 & 03 calls via BT. That's because I have BT's Unlimited Weekend Plan (formerly BT Together Option 1) and the free weekend calls included therewith now count towards free Caller Display (the definition of qualifying calls used to be 'chargeable' but now it's 'chargeable or inclusive').

That last bit (I bolded) is good news! as the free calls at weekends will satisfy the quota, I expect (I'm not sure how many it is, though!).

newbuilder

Speedee wrote: »

I'm a bit confused about the power supplies. What sort of power supply does the Standard V4 use? And what does the V4+ use? I can't quite see why they can't use just one with the V4+?? Mum won't have enough plug sockets! The BT Relate needs one, and the Synergy will too! the place they plug into will look a bit ugly with all the wall warts there!!

The V4 powers off of the BTline justlike your phone. All phones need power even the corded ones. The cordless just need that little bit more so need mains power.

The V4+ uses both the line power and the mains power. So if mains goes the line power should hold the settings and vice versa if BT line fails.

But speaking to Ochid today, the ability to power from the BT line and retain CAllerID is a hit or a miss depending on factors associated with the physical BT line and exchange. So you may get a V4 and it works perfectly and you may get one andit doesn't. This is the lines fault not the V4's.

If you do get a power cut/line down time you just need to force a dial home to retrieve the up to date day and time.

That last bit (I bolded) is good news! as the free calls at weekends will satisfy the quota, I expect (I'm not sure how many it is, though!).

I believe it is either 5 or six a quarter. (If billed quarterly) and two a month (If billed monthly) but I can't be sure.

newbuilder

Quick one for Heinz.

0871 numbers are being routed through BT under the 08 rule.

Is it a standard non-carrier defined rate or could Sky be cheaper?

Heinz

0871/0872/0873 calls cost between 6p and 10p per minute depending on the 5th, 6th and 7th digits.

BT publishes its charges (see HERE). I have never managed to find Sky's rates.

Speedee

newbuilder wrote: »

If you do get a power cut/line down time you just need to force a dial home to retrieve the up to date day and time.

Thanks for the reply on the power supplies. Force a dial home - I wondered how the time and date was updated if there was a power cut if you used Time/Day Routing!

I believe it is either 5 or six a quarter. (If billed quarterly) and two a month (If billed monthly) but I can't be sure.

Thanks for this, too. I think! I saw the same as I browsed the BT site (too) late last night!