8961 Headset Issue

robloeber · ‎09-01-2011

I am trying to get an 8961 phone to work with a Plantronics Savi 440 USB headset and I am running into an issue. When I press the headset button to go off-hook I get about a second or two of dial tone and then the phone automatically goes back on-hook. I have checked the phone settings and they are correct and the phone recognizes the headset OK.

Anyone else run into a similar issue?

Cheers!

Rob Huffman · ‎09-02-2011

Hi Rob,

We don't use the 8961's, but maybe you are seeing one of these issues?

Using a USB Headset

When you use any USB headset that uses an external power source with the Cisco Unified IP Phone, the headset must be used with external power connected only.

Note When using your USB headset with a Cisco Unified IP Phone, do not unplug the headset while you are on an active call. This may cause the IP phone to reboot. For more information, refer to CSCte96060 using the Software Bug Toolkit.

Note To use the Plantronics CS50 headset for incoming calls, press the headset button once to answer a call. Press the headset button twice to go offhook.

Using the USB Headset with the Cisco Unified IP Color Key Expansion Module

The Plantronics CS50 USB headset causes the phone to request power from switch even though it is self-powered. In this case, if a device such as a camera or expansion module is connected and active on the phone, the switch will reject the power request for the headset because the power budget has been exceeded. In this case, the headset cannot be used.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cuipph/9971_9951_8961/firmware/9_0_2/english/release/notes/9900_8900_902.html#wp172079

Cheers!

Rob

robloeber · ‎09-02-2011

Hey Rob,

Thanks for the reply. The first bullet point doesnt make sense to me. Is it suggesting that I cannot use PoE/phone to power the USB dongle? At any rate, there is no seperate power source for the USB dongle. Just a power source attached to the headset stand to charge the headset itself.

We have also engaged our Plantronics Rep so when I hear back from them I will make sure to update this thread. I am sure I am not the only who will have this problem.

Cheers!

Rob Huffman · ‎09-02-2011

Hey Rob,

Yeah...that bullet point confused the heck out of me as well

If it were me, I would seriously look into using just a "standard" CS55 with this part;

Plantronics APU-7 Cisco IP 8961 9951 9971 HHC Hook Switch Cable

http://headsetplus.com/product1251/product_info.html

Or analog Savi with this part;

Plantronics APU-70 Cisco IP 8961 9951 9971 SAVI Hook Switch

http://headsetplus.com/product1252/product_info.html

Both of which allow answering directly on the headset itself without pressing any buttons

on the IP phone. People love this capability

Cheers!

Rob

robloeber · ‎09-14-2011

I wanted to follow up on this in case anyone else runs into this issue. Per Cisco and Plantronics, the USB port on the 89XX and the 99XX phones is not enabled for "valid" headset use...yet. Cisco plans to release firmware in October that fixes the issue. You can however use a hook switch and it will work fine. I ended up using a Plantronics Savi 740 with a APC-40 hook switch cable with my 8961 and it works fine.

Cheers!

Rob Huffman · ‎09-14-2011

Hi Rob,

Thanks for this very kind follow-up! +5 for this great info

Cheers!

Rob