The importance of having firmware updated on desk phones and headsets.
With new technology comes with new updates and new software or applications that involves now from cell phones going thru tablets, laptops , computers and desk phones. For the same reason you need to make sure that your devices such as headsets need to be running the latest firmware. But , what is firmware? Where can I get it? Should I get it? Some of the questions that can fright anyone , and we will analyze this topic today.
Firmware is a software program or set of instructions programmed on a hardware device, and it is really important to have the latest one in your desk phone and on your wireless headset in order to get the best performance on your devices. Not so be confused with software update. The main reason of firmware update is fixed data as part of a hardware device, such hardware include smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and now… your desk phone!
New desk phones have now built in wireless connection and nice screens that allow you to even receive voicemails and notifications like you receive them in your cell phone, also known as visual voicemail. And you can even put a screensaver picture on your desk phone just as you can do it on your computer.
The main reason to have the latest firmware on the desk phones is to make sure that the EHS remote answering switch will allow you to answer and end calls. Yealink , Polycom and Cisco are some examples of the most common issue of the Electronic Hook Switch (EHS) not answering or ending calls. In order to verify if you have the latest firmware in your phone, you need to check in the desk phone , depending on the model and brand, some phones will have built in wireless, you will need to go into the navigation menu and then check the version of firmware that is currently in the phone, and compare it against the manufacturer website. If the phone is connected to the internet via WiFi or a network adapter, depending the manufacturer you can update to the latest firmware by just selecting “Update Firmware” in the same navigation menu. Some other models will require a little more steps, but each manufacturer has its own instructions on their websites.
Another reason to have the latest firmware in your desk phone is the integration of soft phone phone systems like RingCentral, or Skype for Business to mention some others. I will recommend to always check your soft phone version with your provider using their software to get the best performance.
The latest firmware update will add new features to your current desk phone like making phone book searches easier by just pressing the first letters of a contact name or even show time and weather on real time if the phone has an advanced screen.
Another reason to have the latest firmware is to fix bugs from previous firmware and increase the security on the same unit to avoid hackers to make unauthorized use of the desk phone, which is an important matter in the Corporate level.
Another feature that can be added by latest firmware is the “Do not disturb” feature or enhance the function in order to work more properly. Amazing feature when you have a meeting and you can not answer the phone or be interrupted by phone calls.
Headsets with Active Noise canceling and UC capable need to be updated on their firmware from time to time in order to have the latest soft phone software patches. If you need help on choosing a right headset for your desk phone , do not hesitate to give us a call , we will be more than happy to help you choose the best headset for your needs.
The best way to have your headset updated is using either the Plantronics Hub or the Jabra Xpress software. Using those tools you can update to the latest firmware on your Plantronics 8220 or your Engage 65 headset. If have any questions on any of these headsets feel free to give a call to us at headsetplus.com 877-999-3838, we will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Savi 8220 Left Facing 
Updating the firmware on headsets is not just for desk phones but it is for USB wireless headsets like the Plantronics 8200 or the Jabra Evolve 75, these headsets require it mainly of the main use with cell phones or tablets, so they can be compatible with the latest virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa or Google. I personally use my Jabra Evolve 75 with my iPhone and my Plantronics headset with my Tablet , mainly to watch movies and webinars. I do enjoy the seamless integration of Siri and Cortana after getting the latest firmware. If have any questions about the Plantronics 8200 or the Jabra Evolve 75 feel free to give George a call in headsetplus.com to the 877-999-3838
Plantronics, Jabra Training Using Softphone USB/Computer Headsets
Are you in an IP (Voip) call center using softphones where you need train a new staff using USB headsets?
A Windows computer can only recognize one USB sound device at a time. So the computer cannot activate two USB headset at the same time. You can connect two USB headsets, but only one can be turned on.
There are no solution to utilize two USB headsets on a computer as training headsets. The reason is because your computer OS (Windows or Mac) does not recognize more than one USB headset at one time. This is a limitation of the computer OS.
With Quick Disconnect (QD), both Plantronics and Jabra (GN Netcom) have a training cable you can attached two headsets to one computer for training purpose
Plantronics Setup:
Plantronics USB Training Bundle with Two HW251N Headsets – $269.95
Jabra (GN Netcom) Setup:
Use a Jabra Link 265 USB training cable with two Jabra QD Headsets. We recommend this pre-configured Jabra Computer USB Training Bundle, 2x Jabra Biz 1500 Headset :
Jabra also offer a better quality training bundle that includes 2 x Jabra Biz 2300 to cover both ears with only a slight increase in price. Having both ears cover helps the employee concentrate better so the background noise and disturbance doesn’t bother him during the phone call. Jabra PC USB Training Bundle with Two Jabra Biz 2300 Duo Headset :
Still not clear, call one of the headset experts at HeadsetPlus.com 877-999-3838. they can answer any questions you may have.
Grandstream Phone and Plantronics APD-80 EHS info and Setup Instructions
If you have a Grandstream phone model GXP2124, GXP2130, GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2200, GXV3240, GXV3275, you’re in luck. There is a Plantronics EHS APD-80 adapter cable available for your phone. Instead of using an old fashion HL10 lifter, you can use the APD-80 EHS cable instead. There are no mechanic device attached to your phone that lifts the telephone receiver up and down, instead your Grandstream phone communicates with the Plantronics wireless headset “electronically” and more efficiently. By pressing a button on the wireless headset, the phone will answer almost instantaneously. Here are some basic setup instructions:
Install the APD-80 using the shown below:
Make sure your Grandstream phone is model GXP2124, GXP2130, GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2200, GXV3240, GXV3275 or it won’t work. If you have other Grandstream models no on this list, you will need to use HL10 lifter for remote answering.
Make sure your Grandstream phone have a firmware 1.0.4.23 or higher, otherwise it won’t work with the Plantronics APD-80.
Go to your phone’s Menu > Config > Headset Type > select “Plantronics EHS”
If needed, purchase an additional 85638-01 extension cable if the APD-80 doesn’t reach your Grandstream phone.
Change the setting on the Plantronics wireless headset base to:
| Setting | CS500 Series/Savi 700 Series |
| Compatibility | A |
| Speaking Volume | 2 |
| Listening Volume | 3 |
Additional Grandstream notes:
If you experience an echo (feedback) using a Plantronics wireless headset, you may need to adjust your headset transmit volume on the phone using the following steps It’s best the your telephone administrator perform these steps if you’re not familiar with the Grandstream phone administrator functions.
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1) Using an admin computer (on the same network as the Grandstream phone)
2) Login into the Grandstream’s phone IP address. Make sure the Grandstream phone is turned on and shows it’s IP address.
3) Open a Web browser (like Internet Explorer) on your computer then enter the Grandstream’s phone IP address in the address bar.
4) Enter the administrators login and password to access the Web Configuration Menu
5) Go to the audio control panel. Select headset TX (transmit) gain, adjust the level so is lower your current level (default is 0). If you’re at “0”, set it to -1 or -2 until your echo is eliminated and your call can still hear you.
6) Save the new settings by pressing the “Save” or “Save and Apply” button. Reboot the phone to take effect.
If you have further questions regarding the Grandstream compatible headsets, call HeadsetPlus.com at 877-999-3838, our headset specialist will answer any questions you may have.
Programming a Headset “Button” for Toshiba Strata DP5000-series phones
If you just bought a Toshiba compatible headset and plug the headset in the headset jack for your Toshiba Strata DP5000 series phone (DP5008, DP5018-S, DP5022, DP5022-SD, DP5023-SD, DP5018-S,DP5032) and you just noticed that there is not a “headset” button to operate it (i.e. no way to turn the headset on), you will need to program a button for the headset with the following instructions:
Programmable Button’s Function:
1. Press #9876 to enter User Programming Mode.
2. Press HOLD
3. Select a Programmable Feature Button you want to use.
4. Enter this code: 280
5. Press the same Programmable Feature Button again (it should be flashing) to save the setting. “DATA PROGRAMMED” should now appear on your LCD.
If you have further questions regarding the Toshiba compatible headsets, call HeadsetPlus.com at 877-999-3838, our headset specialist will answer any questions you may have.
How to use a wireless and wired headset for training purposes
Headsets for Training New Employees
For all businesses it is important that they train their employees correctly so they know how to deal with unique or difficult situations. The companies that utilize phones for most of their business need to be able to train their employees by listening into their calls and making sure the information they are providing is correct and up to date.
There are special training cords for both Jabra and Plantronics corded headsets. For Jabra there is the Y training/Supervisor Cable which enables the trainer to listen in on a conversation and also interject if needed.
Then there is the Y-training/supervisor cable with observe only functionality which enables the trainer to listen in but not interject.
For Plantronics there is only the y-training/supervisor cord, splitter with mute switch. This enables the supervisor to choose whether they interject or not by simply hitting the mute switch.
For wireless headsets that are older than the CS500 series you can use something called a Zoomswitch.
The Zoomswitch enables you to connect two wireless headsets two it and then connect it to the desk phone. This allows two people to be on the same phone call just like the training cables.
HeadsetPlus.com has a pre-bundle Plantronics wireless training package, complete with everything you need: Plantronics CS540 Wireless Headset Training Package
For those rare cases that you have both a wireless headset and a corded headset and wish to use them both for training you can still use the Zoomswitch.
However you will need to make sure you have an amplifier which connects from your corded headset to the Zoomswitch. The reason you will need an amplifier is because the Zoomswitch connects to the handset port which normally does not have any amplification by itself. Therefore you will need an amplifier to amplify the signal up to the corded headset. Since the wireless headset has an amplifier built into the base it does not need to be connected to an amp.
Here is the training setup for the zoomswitch, found here.
Also available now are USB Headset training setup for softphone users, see our blog here:
Still have questions, call one of the headset experts at HeadsetPlus.com 877-999-3838. they can answer any questions you may have.
How to Connect my Plantronics Corded QD (Quick Disconnect) headset to my computer?
One of the best feelings in the world is finding that piece of technology which solves a problem or fulfills a specific needs. One of the worst feelings is spending money on something that no longer fulfills your needs because your work environment has changed.
If you are in a unified communications work environment you need your technology to all be connected. For example, a lot of companies now utilize computers or VOIP in order to communicate with their employees and customers.
For economical companies its important that they utilize as much needed technology as possible while also saving money. For example if a company buys headsets for their employees to use to answer calls from their desk phones it would be beneficial if they could use those headsets with their computers/VOIP software as well.
Plantronics realizes that if a company buys a corded headset for their desk phones there should be a way that enables them to use it with their computers hence the DA40 cable.
The DA40 cable enables companies that already have Plantronics H-series headsets to connect them to their computers or VOIP software. Simply connect the quick disconnect part of your H-series headset to the quick disconnect part of the DA40 cable. Next, pug the USB part of the DA40 into your computer, allow your computer to recognize and install any additional software and your good to go!
The DA40 is just the first of four cords and as such is the most economical, it does not include the PerSono software nor does it have the inline volume and mute controls.
If you’re looking for a better value we have the DA45 which has inline Volume/Mute controls, Call Answer/End, supports “Wideband” audio “Echo” Management, & comes with the PerSono Call Software program.
There is even a cables for companies that are still utilizing the older Polaris headsets. The DA55 will allow you to connect your old Polaris headset to your computer without having to get a whole new headset. The DA60 gives you the added features of inline Volume/Mute controls, Call Answer/End, supports “Wideband” audio “Echo” Management, & comes with the PerSono Call Software program.
If you don’t want to buy all new headsets but are in an evolving business environment that utilizes unified communications then the DA series cables are what you need in order to connect those headsets to your computer; saving your business time and money.
For more information please contact Jeremy Stahl at jeremy@headsetplus.com, call 1-877-999-3838 to speak with Jeremy or visit www.headsetplus.com.
Plantronics and Jabra/GN Netcom EHS Electronic Hookswitch Cables
Plantronics/Jabra Wireless Headset EHS (remote answering) Guide:
What is EHS? It stands for Electronic Hook Switch. It provides the ability to answer your phone remotely using a Plantronics wireless Headset or Jabra/GN Wireless Headset. Certain brands and model phones have EHS built in to the phone, such as Avaya, Cisco, and Polycom to name a few. If your phone is not listed below, you will need a mechanical lifter such as the Plantronics HL10 or GN 1000 lifter
- APA-2, APA-23 – Compatible with Alcatel IP Touch 4028, IP Touch 4038, IP Touch 4068, Touch 4029, Touch 4039
- APT-31 – Compatible with Avaya/Tenovis T3 Classic with Interface Adapter, T3 Classic with Interface Adapter, TH13, TM13
- APC-4, APC-41 – Compatible with Cisco 7942G, 7945G, 7962G, 7965G, 7975G
- APS-1, APS-11 – Compatible with:Funkwerk
- CS290U
CS410
CS410U
IP-S400 - Siemens OpenStage 40, 60, 80
- Siemens Optipoint 410 with acoustic adapter
- 420 with acoustic adapter500 with acoustic adapter
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- 600 with acoustic adapter
- APP-5, APP-51 – compatible with:
Polycom
SoundPoint IP 320/321*
SoundPoint IP 330/331*
SoundPoint IP 335
SoundPoint IP 430
SoundPoint IP 450
SoundPoint IP 550
SoundPoint IP 560
SoundPoint IP 650
SoundPoint IP 670
VVX 500
VVX 1500
Avaya 1608 1616 9608 9611 9620 9620L 9630 9640 9641G 9650 9670 1408 1416 2410 4630 5410 6416+M 6424D+M 9404 9406 9504 9508
APV-6B, APV-66 – Compatible With:
Avaya 2420 4610 4610SW 4620 4620SW 4621SW 4622SW 4625SW
4630SW 5420 5610 5620
Also see Plantronics EHS Guide for more details
Jabra Link 16 EHS –compatible with these Cisco IP Phones: 7942G, 7945G, 7962G, 7965G and 7975G. Cisco Unified IP Phone
GN/Jabra Link 19 EHS –compatible with:
Avaya 2420
Avaya 4610 & 4610SW with Firmware> 1.8
Avaya 4620 & 4620SW with Firmware> 1.8
Avaya 4621 & 4621SW with Firmware> 1.8
Avaya 4622 & 4622SW with Firmware> 1.8
Avaya 4625 & 4625SW with Firmware> 1.8
Avaya 4630 & 4630SW with Firmware> 1.8
Avaya 5420
Avaya 5610
Avaya 5620
Avaya 5621
Avaya 5625
Jabra Link 20 EHS –Compatible with Avaya Phones:
Avaya 1408 1416 1608 1616 2410 5410 6416D+M 6424D+M 9608 9404 9406 9408 9504 9508 9610 9611 9611G
9620 9620C 9620G 9621 9630 9630G 9640 9640C 9640G 9641 9650 9650G 9670
Alcatel IP Phones:
IP Touch 4028 EE
IP Touch 4038 EE
IP Touch 4068 EE
Toshiba Phones:
DP5022-SD, DP5022-SDM, DP5032-SD, DP5122-SD, DP5130-FSDL, DP5130-SDL DP5132-SD IP5022-SD, IP5122-SD, IP5122-SDC, IP5131-SDL, IP5132-SD
Shoretel Phones:
IP 565g
IP 560g
IP 560
IP 265
IP 230
IP 230g
IP 212k
Jabra Link 30 EHS – compatible with:
Cisco IP Phone 8961, 9951, 9971
Jabra Link 31 EHS – Compatible with
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NEC DT730/ITL-12D-1P
-
NEC DT730/ITL-24D-1P
-
NEC DT730/ITL-32D-1P
- NEC DT730/ITL-8LD-1P
Jabra Link 32 EHS –compatible with Avaya/Nortel 1120e, 1140e, 1150e, 1165e IP Phones
Jabra Link 33 EHS –Compatible with Avaya Phones:
Avaya 1408, 1416, 9404, 9406, 9408, 9504, 9508
Latest software from Plantronics for Windows and Apple Mac
Plantronics release the latest version of Plantronics Spokes for Windows software and the Plantronics Enterprise Manager.The following features are now available:
- Support for Plantronics Blackwire 500 Series (Corded USB Headset)
Download the new version of Plantronics Spokes for Mac software for Skype and IBM! The following new features are now available:
Support for IBM Sametime 8.5.2 IFR1 and IBM Notes v9.0
- Support for a new set of Plantronics devices:
- Blackwire 500 (Corded USB Headset)
- Blackwire 700 Series (Bluetooth enabled corded USB headset)
- Voyager Legend UC (USB Bluetooth headset system)
- Calisto 620 (Wireless UC Speakerphone)
Plantronics Smart Presence for Microsoft Lync 2013 is an application from Plantronics that provides enhanced presence capabilities for Microsoft Lync 2013 when used with Plantronics Spokes for Windows software and Plantronics headsets. Features include changing Lync 2013 presence status to IN A CALL when you are on a mobile, desk phone or another softphone call using a supported Plantronics headset.
NOTE: It is required that you install Plantronics Spokes software for Windows version 2.8 before installing the Smart Presence plug-in for Lync 2013.
Smart Presence for Microsoft Lync 2013 download here
Plantronics Spokes for Window software download here
Plantronics Wireless Headset Using APP-51 EHS on Polycom Phones Disconnecting
If you are using a Plantronics Wireless Headset via Plantronics APP-51 Electronic Hookswitch Cable into a Polycom IP Phone, and intermittently the headset will cut/drop out of the call- follow these steps to try and troubleshoot the problem.
The following steps will effectively reset both the Phone System, and the Wireless Headset System:
On the Polycom Phone, get to the Menu. Then select the following options: Settings > Basic > Preferences > Headset > – then look for the following- Plantronics Mode/Plantronics Hookswitch Mode / Plantronics EHS, Press Select/Enable, then the phone should reboot.
Once this is done, initiate a ‘hard reset’ by unplugging the phone line or Ethernet cable from the phone, wait 15 seconds, then plug the line back in.
Next, you will have to reset your wireless headset, the following pictures show a CS540 Wireless Headset System – the battery panels to other headsets can be found on the ear piece in different locations.
If using a CS540 with a headband, make sure the earpiece is lined up with the headband, so it disconnects properly without much force
Step 1: Remove the battery cover/panel
Step 2: Take out and disconnect the battery
Step 3: Disconnect the power cable from the wireless headset base
Step 4: Wait 15 seconds
Step 5: Plug the battery back into the headset and plug the power cord back into the base unit
Step 6: Reset the base by pressing and holding the button located on top of the unit towards the rear, the white light on the front of the base should start to blink
Step 7: Pair the headset by holding the “Volume Up” button for 10-15 seconds. On the CS540, it’s a little knob you have to hold up if held so the ear piece would be on your right ear (as shown in picture). The blinking on the base should change to solid white.
Once this is done, you should be finished and experience no call droppings! Cheers!