“Can I use the Voyager 5200 UC or Voyager Focus UC with a desk phone?” ” Can I Connect a Plantronics Headset to Deskphone?” is another question we get. The answer is “YES!” Back in 2014 I wrote about the MDA200, fast forward to 2017 and the MDA220 has been introduced. So what’s the difference between the two, they look identical?
What’s in the Box? MDA 220 Audio Switcher, Telephone Interface Cable, Quick Start Guide
Set Up and Use: First connect your Plantronics Supported corded or wireless USB headset adapter to MDAA220 USB headset port. (See list above for list of supported headsets)
Connecting to PC or Laptop: Connect the USB cable from the MDA220 to the computer. The computer talk button LED will be solid green.
Connecting to Desk Phone: There are three options for connecting MDA220 to a desk phone.
Desk Phone (standard) via included Telephone Interface Cable
There are switch settings on underside as well as Speaker and Mic volume levels
Desk phone + HL10 lifter and power supply (sold separately)
Desk phone + EHS Cable (sold separately)
The Computer Audio Button and Desk Phone Audio Button are indicated via LED Indicators on the top of the MDA220. Below is the LED Indicator light guide
I can’t stress enough the importance of downloading Poly Software or subscribing to Plantronics Manager Pro. The Asset Management capabilities are one thing, the awesome voice analytics are really great.
Plus Plantronics Hub software offers many options. You can update firmware or adjust multiple settings to support how you work.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plantronics-Manager-Pro-lifestyle.jpg534800Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2017-05-18 15:53:312020-11-24 14:40:29Connect a Plantronics Headset to Deskphone
Almost a couple years ago I wrote “Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Review”. As more and more organizations transition to open office spaces as well as work remotely from anywhere, the need for Active Noise Canceling has become increasingly important.
The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC is ideal for folks who want the ability to “Focus” on their work. Many do this by streaming their favorite tunes or podcasts via their mobile device.
There are four Plantronics Voyager Focus UC variants:
PLT-202652-01-006 Plantronics B825 Voyager Focus UC Bluetooth Headset
PLT-202652-02-006 Plantronics B825-M Voyager Focus UC Lync/Skype for Business Bluetooth Headset
PLT-202652-03-006 Plantronics B825 Voyager Focus UC Bluetooth Headset (No Stand)
PLT-202652-04-006 Plantronics B825-M Voyager Focus UC Lync/Skype for Business Bluetooth Headset (No Stand)
It has phenomenal talk time (up to 12hrs) and listening time (up to 15hrs).
Let’s focus on Plantronics Smart Sensor technology. It’s a very cool feature. As I wrote before, Smart Sensor means the headset knows when you are wearing it and when you are not. Here are some applications on how Smart Sensor Technology is beneficial:
Your mobile device rings and you aren’t wearing headset, simply answer call by putting headset on.
Let’s say headset wasn’t quite in reach, that’s okay…answer call via mobile device. If you find it will be longer call, put the Voyager Focus on and the audio automatically transfers from mobile device to headset
You’re streaming media, you can pause by removing headset and resume by putting it back on.
Maybe you need to sneeze, cough or co-worker taps you on the shoulder to ask quick question while you are in a call, if you take headset off, it automatically mutes the mic so the party on the other end doesn’t hear.
In our Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business. If you take headset off, it will change your Presence status to “Away”. Voyager Focus UC will also answer Microsoft Lync/SfB call by putting headset on.
Use sensors: Smart sensors respond when you put on or take off your headset.
With active sensors
Putting on headset will:
Taking off headset will:
Call
Answer the call
Mute the headset
Music/Media
Resume music/media (if playing previous to taking off)*
Pause music/media (if playing)*
Mute
Unmute if on an active call
Mute if on an active call
NOTE *Functionality varies by application. Does not function with web-based apps.
Reset sensors
You may need to reset the sensors in the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC if they are not working as expected. There are two ways to reset the headset sensors. Choose:
With your headset powered on, charge your headset on the charge stand for 10 seconds
Press and hold both the Mute and Play/pause buttons for more than 4 seconds until the LEDs flash purple twice, being careful to not touch the earcup padding or allow it to come in contact with surfaces
Disable sensors
You can disable your headset smart sensors several ways:
Hold both the Mute and Call buttons for more than 4 seconds until the LED flashes purple then red. Repeat to reactivate; the LED flashes purple then blue.
NOTE Sensors cannot be disabled while streaming audio.
To learn more about the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC or to find out if this solution is right in your environment, contact us.
It’s no secret that noise and interruptions negatively impact productivity. Especially in open office environments. The chatter from neighboring colleagues can sometimes be too much when you are trying to complete a project. Enter the Jabra Evolve 75.
What’s in the box (Charging Stand Variant): Quick Start Guide, Jabra Evolve 75 headset, Jabra Link 370 USB adapter, charging stand*, protective travel case, USB cord (allowing for use while charging)
Set Up and Use on PC: Setting up the Evolve 75 was very simple. Please note microphone can only be worn on the right side. First, charge unit 2.5hrs. Download Free Jabra Direct software (Individual desktop), Jabra Suite for Mac or Jabra Xpress (mass deployment). Plug Jabra Link 370 USB dongle to a PC USB port (allow device drivers to install). Turn on the Jabra Evolve 75 headset. Should connect almost immediately. You can adjust settings via Jabra Direct:
You can also check the status of Link 370 Dongle via Jabra Direct.
To pair to a mobile device via Bluetooth. First, go to your mobile device Bluetooth menu and place into discovery mode. Slide and hold on/off/Bluetooth switch on Evolve 75 to Bluetooth symbol for 3 seconds to place Evolve 75 into pairing mode. Select Jabra Evolve 75. You should be “Connected”.
To mute Evolve 75 simply lift boom arm up. There’s a little button with microphone icon on right speaker towards the top. When I pressed this button, it activated Siri on my Apple iPhone.
Active Noise Cancellation button allows you to eliminate unwanted background noise. The Listen-in feature allows you to listen to your surroundings without taking your headset off. To activate “Listen-in”, press button on the left speaker.
There is an integrated busy light that kicks on when you are in a call. It’s important to educate employees and inform them that when lit up red, the person is “busy” and should not be disturbed. You can manually activate busy light by pressing volume up/down buttons simultaneously. If you are not on a call but need to concentrate. I’ve toured some “open office” environments and a solution like the Evolve 75 is a must in many use cases.
This question continues to come up again and again. Can you connect two hardwired USB headsets to some sort of splitter for training purposes? The answer is still “No”.
As more and more companies adopt new voice technologies that include softphones there has been a shift from traditional QD headsets to hardwired or wireless USB headsets. The shift from desk phone to softphone does not eradicate the need to train. Businesses still need supervisors/team leads/trainers to sit with new employees/agents and train.
I recently visited a small credit union call center. Fortunately for them, they were using Jabra PRO 9450 wireless headsets across the floor. I noticed they had a spare PRO 9450 on a shelf plugged into power to keep it charged. Attached also was a Zoomswitch Trainer. I asked what it was for. They said for training purposes. They connect two PRO 9450 bases to a Cisco desk phone via Zoomswitch Trainer. I then asked if they were aware of Conferencing Feature that allows them to pair up to 4 headsets to one base. They were not. I provided the instructions on how to do this and they were ecstatic. Much easier and cleaner solution.
I bring up that story because another shift we’ve seen is customers ordering MORE WIRELESS headsets. This is good news when it comes to training. Most major headset brands (Plantronics, Jabra, Sennheiser) that offer wireless headsets include the Conferencing feature.
Plantronics Savi 700, Savi 400, CS500 & CS500 XD Series
Jabra PRO 9400, *PRO 900 Series (*some models)
Sennheiser SD, D10 Series
If you have hardwired corded USB headsets you will run into some challenges if you need to connect two headsets for training.
What are your options? First, understand you can’t connect two hardwired USB headsets to one PC for training. Next, review employees’ roles and daily routines. Based on their roles and daily routines, is corded best option? Perhaps single or multi-connectivity wireless headsets are better options. If you deem corded is best, then let’s look at training options for USB softphone environment.
All major headset brands (Plantronics, Jabra/VXi, Sennheiser) include standard training solutions for USB softphone environment and typically consist of:
Two QD (Quick Disconnect/Easy Disconnect) Headsets + Training-Y Cable + QD to USB Adapter
Before you buy all hardwired USB headsets, make note of how many trainers/supervisors and how often training is done so you can order the appropriate number of standard USB training solution.
Alternative options.
Two Jabra QD Headsets + Jabra Link 265 USB Training-Y
Same Series Wireless Headsets using Conference feature
Contact your dedicated Call One, Inc. Account Executive to help you identify what solution is best in your environment.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dd.jpg384684Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2017-04-20 20:51:362019-08-29 10:41:24Training-Y for USB Headsets in Softphone environment?
The Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43 (38350-13) allows you to connect Plantronics Savi 700 Series, CS500/CS500 XD Series, MDA 200/220 and Voyager Legend CS to these Cisco Desk Phone Models:
6945
7821, 7841, 7861
7942G, 7945G, 7962G, 7965G, 7975G
8841, 8845, 8851, 8861, 8865
Using the APC-43 Cable provides remote desk phone call control. You can answer and hang up call via headset while away from desk. After all, that is the main point of being “wireless”.
What’s in the box? APC-43 Cable, Quick Start Guide, Guide showing how to connect Savi Online Indicator Light (Light not included), Regulatory Compliance Information and Warranty Info
The Plantronics APC-43 cable has a 2-Year Warranty
APC-43 Date Code Location: The date code for the APC-43 cable is located in the middle of the cable on the rectangle housing. It consists of four digits in the MM/YY format (for example, 06/17).
Here is set up guide for the various Cisco Phone Models:
The 85638-01 Adapter Cord needed if using Sidebar with Cisco phone and can be purchased separately.
If you’ve ever given a presentation or conducting training and required a PowerPoint slide deck or other, you may have experienced the inconvenience of having to walk back to the mouse to change slides or, ask a member of the audience to become designated “Next slide please” person.
Meet Logitech Spotlight! A wireless presentation remote packed full of great features!
Available in three colors:
Gold: PN 910-004860
Slate: PN 910-004654
Silver: PN 910-004984
What’s in the box: Presentation remote, Proprietary receiver, User documentation, Charging cable and Pouch
In order to gain access to all the cool features, you need to download the free Logitech Presentation software available for Windows and Mac.
Call One, Inc. supports thousands of customers and receives multiple questions daily. In addition to our normal product reviews and blogs, we’ll devote some time to answering frequently asked questions such as this regarding the Plantronics D100 USB Adapter.
Question:
How do I link the replacement D100 USB adapter to an existing Plantronics wireless SAVI W400 Series headset?
Subscribing a Headset to D100 USB Adapter
The headset and USB adapter that are supplied together are already subscribed to each other. However, if you wish to use a new headset with your existing USB adapter or you need to restore subscription to your current headset, the units can be subscribed to each other by the following method:
Ensure your headset is charged.
Double press the subscription button on the USB adapter. The USB adapter will flash red and green.
Press the volume up button (press volume down for left ear configuration) on the headset for three seconds until the headset indicator light turns solid white.
When the indicator light on the USB adapter goes solid green, the headset and the USB adapter are subscribed to one another.
To ensure subscription was successful, press the call control button: the headset will flash white and the USB adapter will flash green.
NOTE: If the subscription process times out after two minutes or if the subscription process fails, the USB adapter indicator light will become solid red for four seconds and then return to its previous state. If this occurs, try to re-subscribe the headset again.
Ending Subscription
If the USB adapter is in subscription mode and you want to stop the adapter from searching for a headset, press the subscription button again. The subscription light will turn solid red for four seconds and then go to its previous state.
What is the D100?
It’s a DECT USB adapter adds PC connectivity and portability to your existing Plantronics DECT wireless headset. (Savi 400 and Savi 700 Series)
UC STANDARD VERSION BUILT FOR UC APPLICATIONS AND SOFTPHONES FROM AVAYA, CISCO, IBM AND MORE
Expand the connectivity options of your current DECT headset with the D100 DECT USB adapter. When used with the D100, Plantronics DECT wireless headsets (traditionally used with a desk phone) can now be used with your PC – giving you the flexibility to take your headset wherever work takes you.
Advanced wideband audio using CAT-iq technology for high definition voice quality
DECT technology provides extraordinary sound quality while roaming or multi-tasking up to 300 feet from your PC; eliminates interference from Wi-Fi networks
180-degree articulation for optimal positioning while connected to the PC
Download the latest release of Plantronics software and get one-touch call answer/end with supported softphones
VERSION OPTIMIZED FOR MICROSOFT® LYNC™ AND MICROSOFT OCS 2007
Expand the connectivity options of your current DECT headset with the D100 DECT USB adapter. When used with the D100, Plantronics DECT wireless headsets (traditionally used with a desk phone) can now be used with your PC – giving you the flexibility to take your headset wherever work takes you.
Advanced wideband audio using CAT-iq technology for high definition voice quality
DECT technology provides extraordinary sound quality while roaming or multi-tasking up to 300 feet from your PC; eliminates interference from Wi-Fi networks
180-degree articulation for optimal positioning while connected to the PC
What do D100 / D100-M USB DECT Adapter Indicator Lights indicate?
USB Adapter Indicator Lights
USB Adapter Status
Indicator Light
Headset in talk mode
Flashes green
Headset is muted
Flashes red
Incoming call
Flashes red and yellow
Adapter and headset subscribing
Flashes red and green
Headset subscribed, no activity
Solid green
Powered on – headset not subscribed
Solid red
USB adapter is in conference mode subscription
Flashes green and yellow
On a conference call with one or more guest headsets subscribed
Flashes yellow
Where is the D100 USB Adapter Date Code Location?
The date code for the D100 USB adapter is printed on top line of the label, and is in MMYY format (For example: 0417).
DA100 USB Adapters have a 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
D100 / D100-M USB DECT Adapters: Wideband Performance
The Savi Office headsets marked WH100 and WH200 do not support wideband audio when subscribed to the DECT dongle D100 or D100-M although wideband audio is supported by these headsets when subscribed to the Savi Office base, WO1. The newer Savi headsets, WH110 or WH210 can be purchased separately if wideband audio is needed with using the DECT dongle.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Plantronics-D100-USB-Adapter-deep-dive…-2.png8711500Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2017-03-07 15:44:142020-12-16 13:03:32Plantronics D100 USB Adapter deep dive…
Plantronics introduced their new Plantronics EncorePro Digital Series, EncorePro USB Series headsets and the DA90 USB to 6pin QD adapter. I finally got my hands on some. To see what they are all about.
These are all the current available EncorePro variants:
203442-01 HW515 USB Over-the-head, monaural, noise-canceling
203444-01 HW525 USB Over-the-head, stereo, noise-canceling
203446-01 HW535 USB Over-the-ear
203474-01 HW545 USB Convertible Headset, 3 Different Wearing Styles
203476-01 HW715 USB Over-the-head, monaural, noise canceling
203478-01 HW725 USB Over-the-head, stereo, noise canceling
At first glance they look like exactly like the current EncorePro Series variants so what’s the difference? What are the main changes?
Digital Memory
Model Number
Serial Number
Headset Inventory management support when used with Plantronics Manager Pro software (subscription service)
6 Pin QD Connector (EncorePro Digital variants)
True Stereo for binaural models
One of the main points you need to be aware of is that currently, the NEW EncorePro Digital Series have a 6-Pin QD which currently only connects to DA90.
There are some accessories coming that will allow end-users to connect standard EncorePro Series to DA90 (4 to 6 Pin Adapter) and NEW EncorePro Digital series to connect to DA70/80 (6 to 4 pin adapter). Plus there is a 6-Pin Training-Y Cable on the way.
More and more companies are adopting/deploying softphones or web-based collaboration tools that require USB headsets. Someone has to support those devices. Because of the applications/platforms being used, it typically falls on IT to manage and support those assets.
I think Plantronics is on the right track as they look forward. These new EncorePro Digital Series along with the DA90 and Plantronics Manager Pro empowers IT Managers with easy-to-use tools to monitor, manage, and maintain every Plantronics headset across the enterprise.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/909.jpg386864Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2016-11-21 16:39:092021-03-09 14:04:37Plantronics EncorePro Digital Series – What are the changes?
I write a lot about multiple devices and solutions and I am often asked, “Since you get to choose whatever you want…what do you use?”
The answer… it depends on which Partner is onsite visiting. Only joking. Seriously though, I do get to try multiple devices from multiple brands/partners and I do have my pick. First, let me talk about my communications and collaboration environment.
I have a private office but I also spend time out on the sales floor. My main modes of communication are my Dell PC with wireless Logitech K350 Wave keyboard/ MX Master mouse and Mobile phone (Apple iPhone 6s Plus). You’d be amazed at what a difference a good keyboard and mouse can do to improve/increase productivity. I use Microsoft Lync/SfB on PC for voice and video calls. Additionally, I have access to Skype, Google Hangouts, Fuze, RingCentral, Zoom and others.
I have Sennheiser SP10 ML USB, Jabra Speak 510 and Konftel Ego speakerphones but currently using the Sennheiser SP10 ML for speakerphone calls.
I have been using the Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC for my mobile calls and when I switch from speakerphone to headset.
I flip between Logitech C930e and Microsoft LifeCam Cinema webcams. I also have the new Logitech C925e but I stick between the C930e and Cinema. Main difference between those two models? Field of view. The Logitech C930e offers a 90 degree field of view. The Microsoft LifeCam Cinema offers a 73 degree field of view. If I am having video call and I have 3-5 other people in my office, I use the Logitech C930e. If I’m the only one on video, I’ll use the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema.
When I leave the office, my mobile phone is my primary communication device which means the Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC goes with me. The four-mic array and adaptive DSP along with six layers of Plantronics unique WindSmart technology have greatly improved noise cancelling feature compared to past models. Whether I’m walking the sales floor, in my car or in a noisy airport my voice can be heard.
So there you have it. For the moment here’s what I use:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/What-devices-do-I-use-to-communicate-and-collaborate-2.png7501500Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2016-11-17 21:32:432021-03-19 12:11:28What devices do I use to communicate and collaborate?
Let’s get right into it. First I’m happy Plantronics FINALLY developed their own Desk Phone/PC switch. The MDA100 QD allows Plantronics QD headsets to connect to a desk phone and PC. In today’s world it’s absolutely essential to have dual connectivity. We do so many things on our PC’s now. Many organizations have hybrid voice and UC platforms meaning they have desk phones as well as soft phones and other web based applications that require audio like streaming media, webinars, and video calls.
What’s in the box: MDA100 QD Switch, Desk Phone Cable, USB Cable, 10 foot Coil Plantronics QD (Quick Disconnect) Cable, Set Up Guide
Set Up and Use: Set up is fairly straight forward. Connect desk phone cable to desk phone port on MDA100 QD and the other to either the “headset” port on your desk phone or directly into the handset port. Next connect the USB cable to the micro USB port on MDA100 QD and the USB cable to a USB port on your PC. (Make certain to go into your PC’s Control Panel > Sound > MDA100 > Make Default > Default Communication Device > Apply – For a Mac: System Preference > Hardware > Sound > Output/Input/Sound Effects > MDA100). Connect modular portion of 10 foot coil cable to headset port on MDA100 QD and connect Plantronics QD headset to QD connection.
There are six switch settings on the no-slip bottom of the MDA100 QD. (A, B, C, D, E, F). Select through the switch settings until you hear dial tone on phone. Make certain switch is switched to desk phone.
In order to get audio from PC, select PC on MDA100 QD.
Other nice feature is the Mute Button.
This works great with Plantronics QD headsets. Also tried with Plantronics CS540. Although it works, you will not have remote answer/hang up option. You must answer/hang up via desk phone. If you are in need of Desk Phone and PC connectivity with remote answer/hang up option, go with Savi 700 Series and optional EHS Cables or Handset Lifter.
The MDA100 QD is compatible with all major desk phones and softphones, PCs and Macs. PLUS if you have Plantronics Manager Pro subscription you can manage your MDA100 QD inventory.
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The main differences:
