No phones during blackout ?

[Phil Allison]

** Hi,

last Friday at about 4pm there was a major power outage in the inner west of Sydney. It lasted for 2.5 hours. There was traffic chaos as all traffic lights stopped and then it soon got dark with no street lighting. Very few business or shops remained open.

A neighbour approached me just after 4pm saying her smart phone had no signal - but I was sceptical of her claim. Another neighbour and smart phone user has since confirmed the fact saying the signal level went down to near zero.

Many folk these days use cordless phones on their land lines - which require AC power to operate. Few have a corded phone backup. So, a large number of people in the inner west had no power, light or phone for 2.5 hours. Those without a gas connection could not even make a cup of tea.

I can only assume the nearest mobile phone antenna cluster to me, about 500 metres away on top of a tall building, went down immediately. Others may have too.

Google tells me it is NOT normal for mobile phone towers and antenna clusters to have no battery back up. But AFAIK there is no law making them install it.

We were all better off in the good old days, pre-mobile and cordless phones..



...... Phil

 

[Trevor Wilson]

On 1/06/2017 11:16 AM, Phil Allison wrote:

** Hi,

last Friday at about 4pm there was a major power outage in the inner
west of Sydney. It lasted for 2.5 hours. There was traffic chaos as
all traffic lights stopped and then it soon got dark with no street
lighting. Very few business or shops remained open.

A neighbour approached me just after 4pm saying her smart phone had
no signal - but I was sceptical of her claim. Another neighbour and
smart phone user has since confirmed the fact saying the signal level
went down to near zero.

Many folk these days use cordless phones on their land lines - which
require AC power to operate. Few have a corded phone backup. So, a
large number of people in the inner west had no power, light or phone
for 2.5 hours. Those without a gas connection could not even make a
cup of tea.

I can only assume the nearest mobile phone antenna cluster to me,
about 500 metres away on top of a tall building, went down
immediately. Others may have too.

Google tells me it is NOT normal for mobile phone towers and antenna
clusters to have no battery back up. But AFAIK there is no law making
them install it.

We were all better off in the good old days, pre-mobile and cordless
phones.

**Many modern cordless 'phones employ a system whereby one of the
'phones is left on the base station. In the event of a power outage, the
battery in the 'phone powers the base station and allows normal
operation of the 'phone system for a period of time. I bought one after
a blackout left me without communication.

As for mobile 'phone towers, I just spoke with a mate who used to design
systems. He said that, originally, Telstra designed theirs standalone
ones (as opposed to the towers that are placed on exchanges) to have
around 2 hours of battery back-up. He estimates that the figure is now
more like 20 minutes, due to the additional equipment that has been
added into the system over time. Naturally, those towers that are placed
on exchanges are likely to draw their battery back-up via the main
battery in all Telstra exchanges. He has only visited Optus and Vodafone
towers for brief visits, but he did note large UPS devices in their
towers as well. He is not complementary about Vodafone, suggesting that
they probably have about 5 minutes of back-up power available.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

 

On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 12:31:05 +1000, Trevor Wilson
<trevor@SPAMBLOCKrageaudio.com.au> wrote:

**Many modern cordless 'phones employ a system whereby one of the
'phones is left on the base station. In the event of a power outage, the
battery in the 'phone powers the base station and allows normal
operation of the 'phone system for a period of time. I bought one after
a blackout left me without communication.

My (now rather old) Uniden base station is hands free, also with old
school style corded handset, so it still operates as a basic phone in
the event of a power outage. It also has four cordless handsets. I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.

 

[FMurtz]

Je�us wrote:

On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 12:31:05 +1000, Trevor Wilson
trevor@SPAMBLOCKrageaudio.com.au> wrote:


**Many modern cordless 'phones employ a system whereby one of the
'phones is left on the base station. In the event of a power outage, the
battery in the 'phone powers the base station and allows normal
operation of the 'phone system for a period of time. I bought one after
a blackout left me without communication.

My (now rather old) Uniden base station is hands free, also with old
school style corded handset, so it still operates as a basic phone in
the event of a power outage. It also has four cordless handsets. I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.

Like everyone, when they all have fibre if they do not have backup

 

[Phil Allison]

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------

I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.

** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....



...... Phil

 

[FMurtz]

Phil Allison wrote:

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------


I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.



** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....



..... Phil


while you still have copper to exchange.

 

[Phil Allison]

FMurtz wrote:

--------------

** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....




while you still have copper to exchange.

** Yep - the NBN will probably fuck-up everything.



..... Phil

 

On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 02:26:46 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
<pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------


I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.



** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

I still have my old morse key if things *really* turn to shit.

 

[Trevor Wilson]

On 2/06/2017 9:38 AM, Je�us wrote:

On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 02:26:46 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------


I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.



** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

I still have my old morse key if things *really* turn to shit.

**Phhttt! This is what you really need for reliable communication in a
post-nuclear holocaust world:

http://pigeongram.com/

A handful of seed has got to be cheaper than a Buck for a stamp and MUCH
quicker.

--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

 

[Rheilly Phoull]

On 6/2/17 7:54 AM, Trevor Wilson wrote:

On 2/06/2017 9:38 AM, Je�us wrote:
On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 02:26:46 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------


I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.



** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg


PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

I still have my old morse key if things *really* turn to shit.


**Phhttt! This is what you really need for reliable communication in a
post-nuclear holocaust world:

http://pigeongram.com/

A handful of seed has got to be cheaper than a Buck for a stamp and MUCH
quicker.

Plus you can eat the delivery device when finished.

 

[Trevor Wilson]

On 2/06/2017 11:46 AM, Rheilly Phoull wrote:

On 6/2/17 7:54 AM, Trevor Wilson wrote:
On 2/06/2017 9:38 AM, Je�us wrote:
On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 02:26:46 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------


I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.



** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg


PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

I still have my old morse key if things *really* turn to shit.


**Phhttt! This is what you really need for reliable communication in a
post-nuclear holocaust world:

http://pigeongram.com/

A handful of seed has got to be cheaper than a Buck for a stamp and
MUCH quicker.


Plus you can eat the delivery device when finished.

**SQUAB! (Apologies to 2 1/2 Men.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nVw1JcwmSY


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

 

[FMurtz]

Trevor Wilson wrote:

On 2/06/2017 9:38 AM, Je�us wrote:
On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 02:26:46 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------


I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.



** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg


PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

I still have my old morse key if things *really* turn to shit.


**Phhttt! This is what you really need for reliable communication in a
post-nuclear holocaust world:

http://pigeongram.com/

A handful of seed has got to be cheaper than a Buck for a stamp and MUCH
quicker.

They nabbed a pigeon drug mule the other day.

 

[Computer Nerd Kev]

Phil Allison <pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:

FMurtz wrote:

--------------


** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

while you still have copper to exchange.

** Yep - the NBN will probably fuck-up everything.

Forgive me, I've been happily ignoring all this NBN stuff safe in the knowledge
that it'll never have anything to do with me since I'm out of town, but does
it mean everyone will be getting IP phones now?

I just tried to find out from the nbnco.com.au website and failed, though I
stopped short of downloading the PDFs. However I did see this page about
blackouts that's linked to from the homepage:
http://www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home-or-business/information-for-home/what-happens-in-a-power-blackout.html

"You should consider keeping a charged mobile phone in case there is a
power outage of any sort."

We've just established how well that's likely to work.

I think I'm glad that I'm not getting the NBN here, it seems to make
life much simpler.

--
__ __
#_ < |\| |< _#

 

[Computer Nerd Kev]

Trevor Wilson <trevor@spamblockrageaudio.com.au> wrote:

As for mobile 'phone towers, I just spoke with a mate who used to design
systems. He said that, originally, Telstra designed theirs standalone
ones (as opposed to the towers that are placed on exchanges) to have
around 2 hours of battery back-up. He estimates that the figure is now
more like 20 minutes, due to the additional equipment that has been
added into the system over time. Naturally, those towers that are placed
on exchanges are likely to draw their battery back-up via the main
battery in all Telstra exchanges. He has only visited Optus and Vodafone
towers for brief visits, but he did note large UPS devices in their
towers as well. He is not complementary about Vodafone, suggesting that
they probably have about 5 minutes of back-up power available.

I don't suppose anyone knows what the backup supply is like in the little
old tin-box-with-a-dunny-out-the-back rural (landline) exchanges? My
landline has worked all the times I can remember, but it would be nice
to know the upper limit.

--
__ __
#_ < |\| |< _#

 

[Trevor Wilson]

On 3/06/2017 11:15 AM, Computer Nerd Kev wrote:

Trevor Wilson <trevor@spamblockrageaudio.com.au> wrote:

As for mobile 'phone towers, I just spoke with a mate who used to design
systems. He said that, originally, Telstra designed theirs standalone
ones (as opposed to the towers that are placed on exchanges) to have
around 2 hours of battery back-up. He estimates that the figure is now
more like 20 minutes, due to the additional equipment that has been
added into the system over time. Naturally, those towers that are placed
on exchanges are likely to draw their battery back-up via the main
battery in all Telstra exchanges. He has only visited Optus and Vodafone
towers for brief visits, but he did note large UPS devices in their
towers as well. He is not complementary about Vodafone, suggesting that
they probably have about 5 minutes of back-up power available.

I don't suppose anyone knows what the backup supply is like in the little
old tin-box-with-a-dunny-out-the-back rural (landline) exchanges? My
landline has worked all the times I can remember, but it would be nice
to know the upper limit.

**Speak to your local Telstra tech when you see him/her. AFAIK, all
Telstra exchanges float on a battery, but they may have let things slip
in recent years. I used to work in the OTC exchange in Broadway, Sydney.
The battery room was enormous. Allegedly, the whole building (exchange
equipment) could run for a day or two on battery power alone. Not that
it mattered. There were two enormous Diesel generators, which would be
brought on-line after a few minutes. However, after the entire building
was filled with equipment (it was about 1/3rd full when I was there),
the battery could only keep the place going for about 2 hours. Then
Telstra took over OTC, so I have no idea what happened after that.

--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

 

[FMurtz]

Computer Nerd Kev wrote:

Phil Allison <pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:
FMurtz wrote:

--------------


** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

while you still have copper to exchange.

** Yep - the NBN will probably fuck-up everything.

Forgive me, I've been happily ignoring all this NBN stuff safe in the knowledge
that it'll never have anything to do with me since I'm out of town, but does
it mean everyone will be getting IP phones now?

I just tried to find out from the nbnco.com.au website and failed, though I
stopped short of downloading the PDFs. However I did see this page about
blackouts that's linked to from the homepage:
http://www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home-or-business/information-for-home/what-happens-in-a-power-blackout.html

"You should consider keeping a charged mobile phone in case there is a
power outage of any sort."

We've just established how well that's likely to work.

I think I'm glad that I'm not getting the NBN here, it seems to make
life much simpler.

Depending what out of town is, I live 100 km from sydney and now have
FTTN therefore no phone in a blackout except cellular unless I want to
pay lots for a battery back up to keep the net going

 

[Xeno]

On 3/06/2017 6:28 PM, FMurtz wrote:

Computer Nerd Kev wrote:
Phil Allison <pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:
FMurtz wrote:

--------------


** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg


PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

while you still have copper to exchange.

** Yep - the NBN will probably fuck-up everything.

Forgive me, I've been happily ignoring all this NBN stuff safe in the
knowledge
that it'll never have anything to do with me since I'm out of town,
but does
it mean everyone will be getting IP phones now?

I just tried to find out from the nbnco.com.au website and failed,
though I
stopped short of downloading the PDFs. However I did see this page about
blackouts that's linked to from the homepage:
http://www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home-or-business/information-for-home/what-happens-in-a-power-blackout.html


"You should consider keeping a charged mobile phone in case there is a
power outage of any sort."

We've just established how well that's likely to work.

I think I'm glad that I'm not getting the NBN here, it seems to make
life much simpler.

Depending what out of town is, I live 100 km from sydney and now have
FTTN therefore no phone in a blackout except cellular unless I want to
pay lots for a battery back up to keep the net going

That's what I do - use a UPS. The NBN box has its own battery backup but
I have a UPS for my Optus modem and the phone. The phone line is plugged
into one of the VOIP connections on the modem so if that's out, so is my
phone. Works for me! ;-)


--

Xeno

 

[Phil Allison]

Xeno wrote:

That's what I do - use a UPS. The NBN box has its own battery backup

** Really ?

Not guaranteed an not for fucking long.

I have a UPS for my Optus modem and the phone.

** That really helps the NBN keep going

- like fucking hell.


...... Phil

 

[~misfit~]

Once upon a time on usenet FMurtz wrote:

Je?us wrote:
On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 12:31:05 +1000, Trevor Wilson
trevor@SPAMBLOCKrageaudio.com.au> wrote:


**Many modern cordless 'phones employ a system whereby one of the
'phones is left on the base station. In the event of a power
outage, the battery in the 'phone powers the base station and
allows normal operation of the 'phone system for a period of time.
I bought one after a blackout left me without communication.

My (now rather old) Uniden base station is hands free, also with old
school style corded handset, so it still operates as a basic phone in
the event of a power outage. It also has four cordless handsets. I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.

Like everyone, when they all have fibre if they do not have backup

This is the boat I'm in. I recently threw out my *two* corded 'backup'
phones as, when the power's out so is the ONT and they can't connect
directly to the optical fibre.
--
Shaun.

"Humans will have advanced a long, long way when religious belief has a cozy
little classification in the DSM*."
David Melville (in r.a.s.f1)
(*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

 

On Fri, 2 Jun 2017 09:54:35 +1000, Trevor Wilson
<trevor@SPAMBLOCKrageaudio.com.au> wrote:

On 2/06/2017 9:38 AM, Je?us wrote:
On Thu, 1 Jun 2017 02:26:46 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
pallison49@gmail.com> wrote:

Jeßus wrote:

-------------------


I'll
never understand why anyone would have just a cordless phone that is
useless without power.



** I keep one of these for emergencies:

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/201910240860_/Telstra-Touch-Phone-Alcatel-Tf400c.jpg

PLUS one of these for when it get really dire:

http://www.vintagephones.com.au/images/acf-ivory-front-2.jpg

Has a nice ring tone ....

I still have my old morse key if things *really* turn to shit.


**Phhttt! This is what you really need for reliable communication in a
post-nuclear holocaust world:

http://pigeongram.com/

A handful of seed has got to be cheaper than a Buck for a stamp and MUCH
quicker.

True.