I'm cleaning out some unused equipment in my office and stumbled upon two Nortel Norstar units in a closet. I'm pretty sure they're part of an old phone system, but I need some help identifying them.
1. The larger unit seems to be a KSU/PBX with multiple 25-pair amp connectors and standard AC power.
2. The smaller unit is labeled "Norstar Flash" — looks like a voicemail module with a wall wart, a PCMCIA-style card, and RJ11 ports.
I'm curious if anyone can provide insights on:
* Are there any common pitfalls with these units, like alarm lines or fax connections?
* Is there anything salvageable, such as configuration settings or cards, before I consider throwing them out?
Thanks a lot — telecom stuff isn't my strong suit!
4 Answers
Definitely ask around and see if anyone has old documentation on the office systems. You don't want to remove the hardware if it could be tied to the phone system, especially if it's not powered up now. Sometimes these units are left in place just in case they’re needed later! Double-check everything, especially if you have elevator or alarm lines that could be connected to those units.
You probably stumbled across a Norstar setup. Those can be decent if they're maintained, but a lot of places have moved on to newer systems now. Check the value on resale — there might be some interest if you want to part with it. Just ensure that you're not cutting off any important communication lines if you decide to ditch them!
It sounds like you have a Norstar PBX, which was pretty reliable back in the day. The Flash module is indeed for voicemail. If the bigger unit is the main cabinet, it could either be a MICS or CICS system. If you can connect a phone and see what still works, it’ll help you figure out if it’s still in use. And don’t lose any special documentation, like that yellow paper for the T1 card if you find one!
Those Nortel systems came in various configurations, and if the larger unit has multiple 25-pair connectors, it's most likely a KICS or MICS system. Given its age, transferring those lines directly to a phone line was common for faxes and alarms, but you should see if anyone complains when you unplug it. It’s also worth checking if you have any old POTS or T1 lines still in use.
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