Is my IP 8100-1 base unit dead?

Posts: 8 · New Forum Member Joined: Oct 01, 2007 Posts: 8

Greetings, I've had the IP 8100 system running without issues since March. When I woke up this morning, I noticed the "Ready" light was no longer green. Instead, it's been doing the same thing all day:

- Red for about 8 seconds
- Flashes orange four times
- Off completely for about 5 seconds

This same cycle happens over and over again. I haven't changed any settings since March, and my Vonage account is active. The only thing I can think is that the hardware failed for some reason.

Anyone else had this same problem and figured out the cause?

Also, I'm having a hard time finding stores that sell the IP-8100-1. Was it discontinued?

Posts: 100 · Vonage Forum Senior Joined: Jan 13, 2007 Posts: 100

Hi,

Are you able to go online?How are things set up?pls let us know the network setup.

Jay Very Happy

Posts: 8 · New Forum Member Joined: Oct 01, 2007 Posts: 8

My friend has the same setup, and I had him bring his base unit over. Turns out it's the power adapter on mine that died. If I hook his power adapter to my base unit, Vonage connects immediately and I can make calls. If I plug my original power adapter back in, I get the same series of flashing lights described earlier.

So, this brings up a new question -- is it possible to buy just a power adapter replacement for the IP8100 base unit? I'm not under any warranty that I know of, and I don't want to buy another kit (which i found for $99) just for the plug.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Oct 06, 2007 Posts: 3

Vonage tech support can send you a replacement power adapter. Not all of the tech agents know this is possible, but it definitely is, as long as they have the IP8100 adapters in stock.

Posts: 8 · New Forum Member Joined: Oct 01, 2007 Posts: 8

Yes, they did! I called support and they're sending out a new power adapter at no charge. I only had to talk to one person on the call, and he told me right away that this is a known issue with the VTech IP8100 power adapter.

Posts: 14 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Jul 02, 2006 Posts: 14

Same thing just happened to me. Someone refered me to this. However, with me I had my base since July 2006 and the power adaptar just died yesterday. Tech support is sending me a new one.

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Nov 20, 2007 Posts: 1

I have a similar problem- all of a sudden, no lights at all on the base and I can't get dial tone. But wait, there's more! Check this out and tell me if it sounds like the power adapter:

Rebooted cable modem, router, and the base itself.
Internet works fine (as evidenced by this post...)
My other Vonage line (different equipment) works fine.
Account is active.
(here comes the weird part-)
No light to indicate signal (red/orange/yellow) on the base
BUT...the green light comes on when I try to use the handset, AND the page function works.
The adapter is warm at the plug end, so it is receiving current, right?

The Vonage customer service person told me the problem was due to the faulty power adapter, but because I had purchased my unit from a store, I had to go back to the retail outlet to get a new power adapter.

Here's my question: how can this be related to the power adapter if there is power to the base unit?

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 01, 2007 Posts: 1

I've got the same problem. The lights on the back that should indicate network connectivity don't even light up. However if I try to page the phone, it responds. I guess the problem is that the power adapter isn't able to source enough current anymore, even though my multimeter confirms a stable 5.2v output.

I looked around the apartment for a spare wall wart that meets the stated 5.1v 1700mA specs on the Vonage provided adapter. Found one that gives 5v at 2500mA from an older powered USB hub. The plug is physically the right size, so I decided why not. The phone is out of warranty, I don't know what store I bought it at, and it's in a currently unworking state. Worst case: It's gonna stay in the unworking state and get tossed.

It works! Looks like I'm gonna be using this generic power adapter from now on. Although I'll have to have the base unit sitting on its side. The plug is not at a 90 degree angle, so it wont fit nicely underneath. Oh well. At least I got a free solution to my problem.