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Posts Tagged ‘the stick’

There has never been a better time to switch to Multi-Link!

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Are you looking for a dependable source for Phone Line Sharing products?

Whether you are looking for a fax switch, a phone switch, a phone splitter or any other form of POTS line sharing device, Multi-Link has the product you need.

Multi-Link’s line sharing portfolio (The Stick, Polnet ACP, SR-3, and Versa-Link ATX 250) allows you to consolidate multiple telephony devices onto a single standard telephone line, reducing the number of lines needed to support the business and the related monthly phone line subscription costs. At an average yearly cost of $600 per phone line subscription, Multi-link’s line sharing products have delivered cost reductions reaching millions of dollars per year.

The Stick (STK29112) is Multi-Link’s best selling line sharing device that screens and automatically routes all voice, fax, and modem calls to the right equipment every time — eliminating the need for costly dedicated phone lines. The Stick works on a standard analog phone line and is programmed by touch tones from a telephone keypad.  DSL and CID compatible.  Proprietary “Bell Spec” ringback technology.  Share 3 devices with 1 line.

The Polnet ACP (ACP-3, 5, 9) is an industrial grade line sharing device (3,5,9) that actively answers, screens, and routes all voice, fax, and modem calls to the right equipment every time—eliminating the need for costly dedicated phone lines. The ACP has additional security and programming features that make it ideal for IT applications and critical data acquisition.  DSL compatible.  Share up to 9 devices with 1 line.

The ATX-250 (VersaLink) call processor is a versatile line sharing device that routes incoming phone calls based on the “Distinctive Ring” service from the local telco.  Routes up to two phone numbers on one phone line.  Also routes automatically with active fax detection. DSL and CID compatible. Share 2 devices with 1 line.

The SR-3 Selective Ring Router saves money by eliminating unnecessary phone lines. The SR-3 routes up to three numbers per line.  It installs on a standard POTS line and does not go “off hook” to screen but routes to the appropriate port based on the signature ring pattern for each phone number assigned to a single phone line. The primary phone number routes to port one, secondary number to port two, etc. Multi-Link’s “Smartware™” technology eliminates any user programming by automatically learning the ring cadence. Operation is totally automatic. The barge-in protection feature is optional. Outbound calls are processed in the normal fashion.

Call us for a sales kit and product info at 800-535-4651.

The Stick Reduces Costs for KSU/PBX Installations

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
Many businesses are facing a financial quandary when they have maxed out the number of extensions and expansion cards on their phone systems: “How to add new telephony equipment with no money to expand or upgrade the current KSU or PBX?”

One solution is a line sharing switch. Multi-Link’s line sharing portfolio (The Stick, Polnet ACP and Versa-Link ATX 250) allows customers to consolidate various devices onto a single standard telephone line, reducing the number of lines needed to support the business. At an average yearly cost of $600 per phone line subscription, Multi-link’s line sharing products have delivered cost reductions reaching millions of dollars per year.

It is also important to note that even with VoIP systems, there are an initial up-front costs for replacing legacy analog faxes, modems, etc. that can be prohibitive. By retaining a few analog lines and installing an analog line sharing switch, these costs can be avoided, or at least deferred until a time when these expenses can be justified. Many small branch deployments of IP telephony require analog interfaces, or analog phone gateways, for connectivity to the PSTN, fax machines, security systems, analog phones, and other analog devices. At $300-$500 for just two analog ports, it makes sense to use a line sharing switch to expand the number of analog devices that can connect through the gateway, rather than add more ports.

View more documents from Scott Shelton.

Multi-Link Cuts Phone Costs for State and Local Government

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Containing costs is the number one issue facing state and local governments today.  Revenues are decreasing while demands for service are increasing.

Telecommunication costs are a significant budget item for many agencies. With the need to support hundreds of fax machines and remote data collection devices, each with its own phone line, costs can quickly add up. With each additional phone line costing around $50 per month, or $600 per year, this can dramatically affect the cost to operate remote equipment.

In today’s economic environment successful government operations will require innovative solutions to maintain their levels of service to the public. Reducing telecommunication costs and making efficient use of resources are key elements stretching budget dollars.

Installing The Stick®, a phone line sharing device, wherever multiple phone lines are required can reduce expenses by thousands of dollars. Many times each location is able to reduce the requirement for two or more phone lines, saving $100-$150 per month, or more.

To find out how much money you can save, download the Multi-Link Cost Savings Calculator.

View more documents from Scott Shelton.

The Stick: FAQ Highlights

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding The Stick phone/data line sharing switch (STK29112):


The STICK Questions and Answers

Question: Is THE STICK compatible with phone company Voice Mail and/or Call Forwarding services?

Answer: Since the STICK must always “answer” the ring from the phone company to do its job, there will never be an un-answered call situation which means that the only time a message will be taken by the phone company VM will be when the line is already busy and another party tries to call the number. This can be of benefit to some people if the frequently occupy the line for lengthy periods. An on-site answering machine will be necessary to take messages when you can’t answer.

Question: How can I make Caller ID work with the STICK?

Answer: You must delay the STICK to answer after the phone company sends the CID data packet, between the 1st and 2nd ring from the phone company. See programming instructions in the User Manual and set “Rings To Answer” option register 14 to value of 2.

Question: How do I program the STICK?

Answer: Specific instructions are provided in the User Manual. It explains commands and responses. Tip: When entering a command to change the value in a register, enter the 2 digit register # followed immediately by the data to be entered. Examples; set Register 14 to 2 (enter 142), set register 13 to #345 (enter 13#345).

Question: All incoming calls, including Fax & Modem, ring on the telephone. What’s wrong?

Answer: Either you have lost power to the STICK (check that LED is glowing red) or the program options in the STICK may have gotten “scrambled” by a power glitch causing the STICK not to answer. In the first case, confirm your power source. In the second case, see the User Manual and reset the options to Factory Presets, then re-program any custom settings you may have had, i.e. CID ring to answer delay.

Question: Some FAX calls ring to my phones while others are received by the FAX machine directly. What’s wrong?

Answer: The FAX calls that are ringing on your phone are probably being initiated by the sender in a manual way, which will not have the CNG tone necessary for automatic routing and reception. The sender must either initiate their call in a way that will generate the CNG tone or you will need to enter the *2 Security Access code on your phone to transfer the call to your Fax machine. Another reason some FAX calls ring to my phones while others are received by the FAX machine directly is some equipment used for sending FAX’s may not be able to emit the CNG signal. They must then use the correct access stream as shown in the User Manual to direct the call to the FAX port with the Security Access Code, i.e. 555-666-777,,*2,,*2.

Question: Can I connect more than 1 modem to the STICK?

Answer: Yes. Generally, any analog telephony equipment can be attached to any device port as desired to meet individual needs.

Question: I am only sharing this line for Fax and Modem type equipment with no inbound voice calls. What is the best installation configuration?

Answer: Recommend connecting the FAX to Voice 1 and change option register “01″ to value of “0″. This will let all FAX calls, with and without CNG tone, find the FAX machine. The Fax port can be used for any other equipment, including a phone for outbound calls.

Question: Can I program the STICK from a remote location?

Answer: Yes, but you must have someone at the STICK location initiate a call to you from a phone attached to the STICK. After you answer, with the caller on the line, programming codes can be entered from either location.

Question: The light (LED) on the STICK blinks. What does it mean?

Answer: The blink pattern indicates which device port is active (off-hook or ring). A single blink for voice port, double blink for fax port, and triple blink for modem port.

Download The Stick Data Sheet.

Call 800.535.4651 for always free technical support. Email techsupport(at)multi-link.net.

Ready to make your advertising and digital signage solution cost less?

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
According to PQ Media, a leading provider of alternative media econometrics data, Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising is one of the fastest growing mediums, with an anticipated 2010-2014 compound annual growth rate of 9.4% in the U.S. and 10.1% globally.

Add The Stick® and The Power Stone® and watch the
solution’s costs go down. Improved in-office network security is an extra benefit…
View more documents from Scott Shelton.

Line Sharing Switches: Manual vs. Automatic

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Are you considering a manual A/B Switch on your shared line? Compare the advantages and benefits of an automatic line sharing switch, like The Stick from Multi-Link.

Manual vs Automatic Line Sharing Switches

View more documents from Scott Shelton.

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How Restaurant Chains Can Cut Telecom Costs

Monday, July 19th, 2010
Here is a brief slide deck illustrating how frugal minded restaurant owners can save money quickly and affordably with line sharing switches.
A 90 day ROI is typical. Try out our free savings calculator.

View more presentations from Scott Shelton.

Multi-Link Product Installations: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Friday, July 16th, 2010

We are looking for images of  Multi-Link product installations–ACP, The Stick, Power Stone– like this: http://twitpic.com/23qvt7 . Send us any—good, bad, or ugly— and we’ll post to the Multi-Link Flickr photostream.  We want to see your professional expertise on display or maybe even “how-not-to” nightmare installations that you have discovered. Like the time a VAR told us he discovered a Stick line sharing switch hanging by saran wrap and a coat hanger from the ceiling.

Please let us know if you want your name credited or posted anonymously.

Email: Marketing@multi-link.net

Twitter: multilinkinc

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9k3gxU

Add Oil Tank Level Detectors without Adding Phone Lines

Monday, June 21st, 2010

New restaurant industry applications are always of interest to Multi-Link because of our long-standing, personal relationships with members the restaurant community. Recently we discovered a new cost-cutting system for frying oil management from Restaurant Technologies, Inc. (RTI) that deserves mention. RTI has developed MaxLife™ Total Oil Management System that is being employed by many restaurant businesses and current Multi-Link customers.

MaxLife is an automated solution for storing, handling, and disposal of cooking oil. RTI touts reduced oil consumption and labor costs, enhanced safety, and compatibility with existing fryers. One convenient feature is “telemetry-managed fresh oil deliveries and waste oil pick-ups” which is monitored through dial-up modem installed on-site.

Current Multi-Link customers that have our line-sharing switches (The Stick, ACP) installed are able to immediately benefit from this remote fryer oil monitoring without the hassle of ordering a dedicated phone line from the telephone company. The on-site modem is simply plugged into an available device port. More importantly, no additional monthly costs for a dedicated phone line are incurred. It is a perfect match of cost-cutting products.

Click here for a demo of MaxLife™ and feel free to send along anymore applications like this for review to marketing@multi-link.net . We love to save money for our customers!

P.O.S. back-up phone lines are a must, the monthly costs are not!

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Today’s Point of Sale Systems do much more than the plain old cash registers we have known in the past. Instead of a simple machine ringing sales and storing cash, the more sophisticated POS Systems can take customer orders, execute credit card transactions, track inventory, order supplies, manage employee attendance, implement customer loyalty programs, and much more. Further customization options make POS Systems essential for countless businesses including:

o Department and retail store chains
o Foodservice (QSR’s, Fast food, Fine dining)
o Convenience and grocery stores
o Apparel
o Sporting goods
o Hardware
o Automotive parts
o Furniture

Point of Sale Systems generally use broadband connections where available for high-speed payment card processing. However, 75% or more of these systems use analog phone lines as back-up in case of network downtime or equipment malfunction. These back-up phone lines, although seldom or never used, represent recurring monthly expenses for businesses. Think of it as “insurance”, a back-up communications path is vital but expensive.

Multi-Link can help companies avoid this monthly cost with The Stick line-sharing switch. The Stick is a cost-saving and powerful device that enables phone, fax, POS, and modems to share ONE telephone line. Simply install on an existing phone line and connect the POS modem to The Stick. By sharing a line with multiple devices, The Stick removes the need for multiple costly telephone lines and results in a fast return on investment. As an example, one restaurant operator with 43 locations is now saving $51,600/year. A 3-month R.O.I. is typical.

How much can you save? Try our free Cost Savings Calculator. With this tool, you can insert your actual phone line costs today and the number of locations you operate. The calculation will provide your projected savings through phone line consolidation. Also, view Multi-Link POS Application Brief on SlideShare.