VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rick Riley · Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 3:23 pm Post subject: One More Telos Zephyr ISDN Please

Just had an interesting eBay experience with buying a dead Telos Zephyr. The gentleman who sold it to me said it worked when he had it and was sorry it didn't work for me. He is refunding my money and even paying for return shipping. Cosmetically it was perfect. It was just a pesky 'Fatal Error' message that kept popping up that bothered me.

So now... I need one to replace the one I hoped I was going to have. Used and working would be great. Anyone have any leads?

georgethetech · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 9:51 pm Post subject:

Hi Rick, I saw you called. I don't have any other leads right now.
Unless you are under a major constraint, I usually recommend someone ship their defective unit to Telos for repair. You'll save a lot of money over buying a newer Xstream in most cases. It's amazing how often someone buys one on Ebay only to find out that it is in need of repair. I tell the buyer to make a deal with the seller to cover the repairs, at least in part, in case of a problem. But if you need one that is fanless, the Xstream is the best way to go.
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Rick Riley · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks George. FYI, I bought a Telos Zephyr on eBay. $1550. Cosmetically it was flawless and it had only been used once (so the story goes, but I believe it to be true) about seven years ago. The guy guaranteed it or money back. I took it to White Horse Studios here in Portland, where my engineer friend Josh Millman and I checked it out. First up, 'Fatal Error'. Next, rebooted into normal mode but dropped calls as soon as they were made. Last firmware update, May 29, 1996, so we figured that was a major problem.

Made note of everything and called Ted Alexander of Telos support the next day. Very nice guy. He went through everything with me and said there were too many variables, especially with 'Fatal Error' popping up twice. Recommended I return it, which I did. Seller was most gracious and apologized for the inconvenience. Even paid for return shipping. Seller would have paid for Telos to update and repair but it was an open ticket with no one knowing how much the final bill would be, so he opted to have me return it. So that's my story up until now.

Phone Co was out yesterday to do a pre site survey and partial install. The line will be hot Monday, but as of now, no unit and I'm on the hunt.

Chuck Davis · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 5:59 am Post subject:

There's a thread on Linkedin right right..the endless ISDN vs SC subject. Thom Bromhead, who's also active here, mentioned he had one for sale as he's unable to get lines in his new location. Maybe drop him a line?
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Rick Riley · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 11:26 am Post subject:

Thanks Chuck. PM'd Tom... I'll go from there.

Chuck Davis · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 11:54 am Post subject:

Just double checked that. It's David Pettitt that's selling the Zephyr....Tom suggested he post that here.
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Adam Verner · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:33 pm Post subject:

Not exactly what you're looking for...but I have a used Musicam Prima LT for sale. PM me if interested.
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Bruce · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:51 am Post subject:

Rick Riley · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:20 am Post subject:

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 11:09 am Post subject:

Other than the tiny little buttons, my Musicam Prima works great. And I have even figured out how to adjust from mono to stereo when requested. Bought mine years ago (during Voiceover Cyberstation days) from a fellow VO guy on the East Coast.

And the Musicam folks are great at helping me when something seems screwy. Usually nothing to do with the codec. Almost always something to do with AT&T. But even that has settle down lately.
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 1:35 pm Post subject:

I work with several guys that have Musicam products. They speak highly of them. From the look of it the Primia is pretty user friendy...some of the other models look pretty intimidating and deep. The old 9202 Zephyrs are super user friendly...and they sure last a long time. I think mine must be at least 10 years old. Send it in every now and then for the firmware update....and unplug it when summertime storms are brewing. Especially the phone line.
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kgenus · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:44 pm Post subject:

Rick,

'Fatal Error' --> firmware chips. Probably happened in shipping. You can go to Radio Shack and buy a chip tool for peanuts and reseat the chip. IF the truly got messed up, Telos will send you a new set for a small fee. "Always" have anything from Telos do a layover at Telos... always.

If you're still looking, send me a PM, Barry Carl has an extra ISDN box he's selling (can't remember if it's a Zeph or a Prima) and I can pass you his email addy..

Kevin
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Rick Riley · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 8:27 pm Post subject:

Rick Riley · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:44 am Post subject:

Thanks to all who responded. I followed up an all leads and it looks like I'm going with a Musicam Prima LT. As it stands, I'm getting a great deal in what I'm told is perfect working condition.

Of course until the check clears, the box is sent and a call is placed, there are still variables in the mix. But thanks all very much!

Once again the VO community comes through!!!