Panasonic Kx-TA824 Advanced Hybrid Analog Telephone System

Believe it or not, the primary reason I chose this phone system was for the lighted telephone keyboard feature. I was contemplating the purchase of a ViOP system, but could not find this option. This is a replacement of an earlier generation Panasonic phone system, so no wiring was need, which simplified the installation. However, more importantly, the ability to program the PBX with a computer was a major benefit. Most default settings work fine, and once you get the hang of it, customizing the functions of each phone makes using the system a pleasure.

I have given Bell the heave ho and I use my existing phone wiring between four buildings as an intercom system. Having read the documentation, I know that I am using about 1% of what the KA-TA824 can do. However, using my existing wiring and phones makes for a really cheap and reliable intercom, where I can dial up whatever area I want from where ever I want. Love it.

This is an old model. I purchased it for using in a small school which has rooms not close to each other. The building has Ethernet connections all around and I connected this unit using the LAN cable. I had to use a RJ45 coupler to connect the wires. Put this unit together was easy, however, programming through the computer was not intuitive. I am not a super techie, but my knowledge is sufficient to find the solution. Finding the USB driver was a chore. I don't know why Panasonic or the seller doesn't provide this driver as it is absolutely needed to program this unit properly. You can use a Panasonic Proprietary Telephone (PT) (I bought KX-T7730) to perform programming operation, but it's not easy. I had to struggle to properly program the outside line access from the non-PT phones. I am still learning all the other functionalities like Call Park, Call transfer to another extension, etc., but overall I am happy with it.

We unfortunately, had to return this item because we cannot get 3-line phones for it. We took this opportunity to convert to a VoIP system. For the price, it beats the hell out of this old analog beast. This thing ABSOLUTELY requires Windows XP to program. Just antiquated at this point. Unless you INSIST on replacing one of these with another identical unit (meaning you already have this panasonic system), then don't bother buying this or you'll be buying the old crappy 2-line phones that go with it. Get a VoIP system instead like the Grandstream UCM6100 series and their entry-level IP phones. You won't be sorry.

This item identically replaced a TA824 that was installed some 15 years ago, perfectly. What a godsend to find an identical replacement, so easily and inexpensively, on Amazon. To boot, we received an entire new set of books, and a warranty. 15 years ago I wasn't involved, and the books were lost. Three cheers for this handy, inexpensive phone-intercom system, appropriate for POTS phone service in a commercial environment of a couple dozen desks. An expansion board, and a door opening accoutrement, were similarly purchased and easily installed. Rah!