Digital Switchover – Tunstall IP Bridge

[administrator@coventrycharity.co.uk]

Does anyone have experience of adding an IP bridge to an analogue Tunstall system to enable it to work after migration to digital?
We have a Tunstall Communicall Warden system which is aging but is still very reliable so we’d like to retain it for a few years before making the decision about removal or replacement. Tunstall sell an IP bridge for about £3,000. However, another company, Diack, which comes well-recommended, is adamant the Tunstall solution doesn’t work properly and that we should buy their more expensive solution which they guarantee will work and which they’ll fully support.
We would really appreciate hearing about any experiences converting Tunstall equipment.
Many thanks, Tim

[CBarrett]

We have decided to cancel our Tunstall Contract, mid IP Switch Installation and purchase digital stand alone units from our call provider. Simply due to the age of the cables, we felt this was the sensible option as the IP Switch would just be a short term solution. We were spending more each year on repairing broken cables, the last one a few weeks ago was to £1500 to fix..

Therefore, I can’t comment on how either company would function, just the fact that the equipment is not going to last if it’s old.

We are looking forward to not having to constantly reset the Tunstall equipment, which seems to happen on a very regular basis.

Charlotte Barrett
Administrator
The United Charities of Abel Collin
36 Collins Homes
Derby Road
Beeston
Nottingham
NG9 2TF
https://www.abelcollins.org.uk/

Tel: 01159224826
Mobile: 07737160424

Please note my working hours are Monday to Friday 0800 – 1600hrs

[administrator@coventrycharity.co.uk]

Thanks Charlotte,
We’re in the process of weighing up exactly those options. It’s interesting that you’ve gone for a dispersed system of individual units instead of a replacement centralised one – we’re exploring the same ideas at the moment. Is that to manage future maintenance costs and limit disruption to one unit when a fault occurs? Which company have you gone with and how are the units performing?
Many thanks,
Tim

[CBarrett]

Hello Tim
We have used our monitoring service, Nottingham On Call for the units and have forecasted by purchasing instead of renting, we will break even in 2 years. Regarding maintenance, there is very little as they are sim based and work on picking up the nearest mobile network when activated. The units come with a 2 year warranty and a small maintenance charge every year. Compared to Tunstall, this was a lot less. We have not opted for a centralised system, as this would have been a lot more expensive, as mentioned previously or equipment is getting old, so would all have to be replaced and we felt the IP Switch would not have been future proof for our charity.

We only have 2 members of staff here and we were constantly re-setting the Tunstall Equipment, due to system failures and constant call outs for frayed cables.

Having had 4 of the units as a permanent fixture in 4 of our properties for over 2 years now, we have already tested them and have had no issues.
Please get in contact if you would like any further information.
Charlotte Barrett
Administrator
The United Charities of Abel Collin
36 Collins Homes
Derby Road
Beeston
Nottingham
NG9 2TF
https://www.abelcollins.org.uk/
Tel: 01159224826
Mobile: 07737160424

[administrator@coventrycharity.co.uk]

Hi Charlotte,
That’s very helpful and interesting. I’ll keep your details and get in touch direct if I need anything further.
Many thanks,
Tim

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