Grandstream - HandyTone Series FAQ

HandyTone Series FAQs

» What are the main differences between the 7 models of Handytones?
» Can you explain the use of 'PSTN pass through' and 'FXO port'?
» Can I call from FXS1 port to FXS2 port?
» How can I disable hook/flash?
» What hardware revision is my Handytone?
» How do I access the Web Configuration pages (for HT486/496/488)?
» How do I setup a 3-way conference call?
» How do I perform attend transfer?
» Which phone will ring if there is an incoming call on my wired line (for HT386)?
» How do I make or receive PSTN calls on my HT (for HT486/386/488)?

» How do I ensure my 911 calls are directed over the PSTN network and implement a dial plan for specific area codes without dialing a prefix (1)?

What are the main differences between the 7 models of Handytones?

Features	HT286	HT386	HT486	HT488 HT503	HT496	HT502
Ethernet Ports	1 RJ45 (LAN)	1 RJ45 (LAN)	2 RJ45 (LAN/WAN)	2 RJ45 (LAN/WAN)	2 RJ45 (LAN/WAN)	2 RJ45 (LAN/WAN)
DHCP/NAT/Router	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
FXS Port	1	2	1	1	2	2
FXO Port	No	No	No	1	No	No
PSTN Pass-through Port	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Remote Configuration	TFTP/HTTP	TFTP/HTTP	TFTP/HTTP	TFTP/HTTP	TFTP/HTTP	TFTP/HTTP

Can you explain the use of 'PSTN pass through' and 'FXO port'?

PSTN Pass through port:
What it can do:

Local manual switching between PSTN and IP mode on a per call basis.
User can switch to PSTN line by pressing *00 (or the configured strings) for each call before they are placed. The device will revert back to the default IP mode once the phone is hung up.
It can allow a PSTN call to ring/call the phone connected to the FXS port.
It also serves as a life line in case of power outage.

What it CANNOT do:

Terminate a VoIP call into the PSTN port
Allow a call from PSTN to route other VoIP devices (different from the FXS phone) over the IP network
Automatically route calls made by the local user to PSTN line

Note: On the HT486 Rev 1.0, the PSTN port is only a life line port that switches to the PTSN network only when there is a loss of power.

FXO port:
It can support all the functions of a PSTN pass through plus:

Terminate a VoIP call into the PSTN port
Allow a PSTN call to call either the FXS phone or other VoIP devices over the IP network
Route call automatically and transparently to PSTN line according to user configuration

Can I call from FXS1 port to FXS2 port?

Yes, they can communicate with each other by dialing the respective extension number. Both FXS ports need a valid sip account registered on the server.

How can I disable hook/flash?

On the Advanced Settings page, there is a field On-Hook Threshold. One on the selections for this field is 'Hook/Flash OFF', this option will disable hook/flash on the phone connected to the ATA. To switch to a second channel, press FLASH button on the phone, instead of doing hook/flash.

Note: This feature is not available on older hardware revision models.

What hardware revision is my Handytone?

At the bottom of the device, there will be a white sticker. On this sticker will be a note:

'Rev: x.0' where x is the Hardware Revision

You can also get this information under the Status tab of the Web Configuration pages.

Your hardware revision is very important information. Depending on your hardware revision, it may/may not be able to upgrade to the latest release.

Ex. HT286 Rev 2.0 upgrades up to 1.0.7.19 firmware, while Rev 3.0 can upgrade to the latest release.

Note: Once there is a new hardware revision out in the market, the older revision is no more manufactured or sold.

How do I access the Web Configuration pages (for HT486/496/488)?

Please disconnect all connections to the HT486/HT496/HT488 and follow the instructions below:

Connect the analog touch-tone phone to the HT.
Connect power supply.
Connect the Ethernet cable between the INTERNET Source (ex. Router, Modem) and the WAN port on the HT.
Connect another Ethernet cable between your PC and the LAN port on the HT
Wait for 30 seconds till your PC gets an IP ADDRESS (192.168.2.2)
Now, open Internet Explorer and type in 192.168.2.1, you should see Grandstream Login Screen pop up.
Enter 'admin' as the password
Go to Advanced Settings page and switch "Enable WAN port HTTP access" to YES, hit 'Update' and then 'Reboot'.
Disconnect your PC from the LAN port and connect it to any other port on your Router within the same LAN Segment
Type in the actual IP ADDRESS of the HT (You can look this up by pressing *** on the phone, and then 02) on Internet browser, access the Web Configuration page as you did earlier and configure the device by filling in the information given by your Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP).

How do I setup a 3-way conference call?

Setting up a 3-way conference calling between parties using an HT, A and B is easy:

HT calls A
HT talks to A
HT presses FLASH or hook/flash and gets a new dialtone
A is on Hold
HT dials *23 and number for B
HT talks to B
HT presses FLASH or hook/flash to initiate the 3-way calling

How do I perform attend transfer?

Attend Transfer from A to B through HT:

A calls HT
HT talks to A
HT presses FLASH or does hook/flash to get new dialtone.
A is on Hold
HT calls B
HT talks to B
HT hangs up to perform the Attend Transfer.
A and B are in call now.

Which phone will ring if there is an incoming call on my wire (fixed) line (HT386)?

The Phone connected to FXS1 port will ring when there is an incoming call on the Fixed Line.

How do I make or receive PSTN calls on my HT (for HT486/386/488)?

When receiving a call, the phone connected to the HT simply rings. When placing a call, dial the 'PSTN Line Access Code' first, as configured on the Web Configuration Page (by default it is *00), and then dial the desired PSTN number.

How do I ensure my 911 calls are directed over the PSTN network and implement a dial plan for specific area codes without dialing a (1) prefix?

Create the following string under Dial Plan Configuration option under FXS PORT configuration page:

{L: 404x+| L:770x+ | L:678x+| L:911 | x+}

Please note that only HT503 supports this feature.