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Table of Contents

General MPI Questions

• What does mpi32 stand for?
• What is a Meter Pulse and how does mpi32 use them to charge for calls?
• Do I need Meter Pulses for mpi32 to run?
• How do I tell if I have Meter Pulses supplied from Telstra?
• What does mpi32 actually do?
• What are the minimum computer requirements to run mpi32?
• Will it work with any telephone system?
• Is there a Demo Version of mpi32?
• How do I register mpi32?
• Will it work with other phone carriers (i.e.: Star Alliance, Optus, AAPT, etc.)?
• What is a Grace Period?
• Does mpi32 need to be running all the time?
• What happens to any calls that were made whilst mpi32 was closed down?
• Should I close mpi32 when I am doing a backup?
• Can I have “time based” charging for local calls (i.e.: internet calls)?
• What sort of Support does mpi32 come with?

 

Trouble Shooting

• What does it mean when MPi flashes: No data collected for at least 1 hour?
• How do I test if MPi32 is running correctly?
• I made a phone call and it is still flashing red - what do I do now?
• MPi32 isn't running – how do I start it?

 

General Call Reporter Questions

• Can I turn off/on the GST charge?
• How do I change my tax invoice details?
• How do I change the amount I charge per call?
• Does Call Reporter need to be running all the time?
• How do I Generate reports in Call Reporter
• The [F12] Checkout Report

What does MPi32 stand for?

MPi32 stands for Meter Pulse Inserter and is the 32-bit (Windows) version of the software.

What is a “Meter Pulse” and how does mpi32 use them to charge for calls?

A Meter Pulse is either a 50Hz or 12KHz “pulse” sent down the phone line from Telstra® to regulate how much to charge on a call by call basis.  The number of pulses is calculated on the type of call (local, mobile, STD, etc), time of day and the distance/destination.  A free call has no pulses, a local call is currently charged at one pulse regardless of the call duration, but all mobile, STD and IDD calls are charged according to the predetermined rate of pulses set by Telstra®.  Information calls (190 numbers) are charged at whatever rate the information service has setup with Telstra® and due to the fact that new services are coming online all the time and rates are always changing, mpi32 will always charge at the highest possible rate to ensure the user is never caught out with a higher Telstra® bill then that given by mpi32.  NB: You can only get meter pulses from Telstra® - not from any of the alternative carriers.
Examples of Meter Pulses: This example is based on a) calls originating from the Gold Coast, b) all calls are based on 30-minute phone call and c) calls charged at 22c per pulse.

Dialled Number	Type of Call	Destination	Time	No. of Pulses	mpi32 Calculated Price
07 5522 90xx	Local	Gold Coast	10:30am	1	$0.22
07 3216 57xx	STD	Brisbane	10:30am	20	$4.40
07 3216 57xx	STD	Brisbane	11:15pm	12	$2.64
03 9837 23xx	STD	Melbourne	10:30am	30	$6.60
03 9837 23xx	STD	Melbourne	11:15pm	20	$4.40
0403 246 0xx	Mobile	Optus	10:30am	49	$10.78
0403 246 0xx	Mobile	Optus	11:15pm	31	$6.82
0011 1 9497 034xx	IDD	USA	10:30am	35	$7.70
0011 81 4625 894xx	IDD	Japan	10:30am	60	$13.20
1902 156 5xx	Premium	N/A	10:30am	85	$18.70

NB: mpi32 charges some 12xxx numbers at Premium rates because the operator can put callers through to anywhere and there is no way to tell how much to charge the caller.  I.e.: a caller may call a 12xxx service and asks the operator to put them through to the other side of the country or to a phone just around the corner - there is no way to tell.  We recommend that our customers get their PABX support providers to bar all 12xxx and 19xxx numbers to avoid conflicts/confusion.

           Related Topics: How do I change the amount I charge per call and Do I need “Meter Pulses” to run mpi32?

Do I need “Meter Pulses” to run mpi32?

No – as the name suggests, mpi32 inserts meter pulses into the captured data using the number dialled, time, duration and destination to calculate the number of meter pulses Telstra® would normally send. 

How do I tell if I have Meter Pulses supplied from Telstra?

To test for meter pulses on your lines you will need a telephone technician to come to site and perform a series of test with specialised telephone testing equipment.  Contact your PABX support provider about this.  NB: You don't need meter pulses for mpi32 to run!  Also, Telstra charge you to supply each line with meter pulses so if you don't need them, there's another way mpi32 can save you money!  However, before cancelling Meter Pulses supplied by Telstra®, it would be wise to consult with your PABX maintainer to ensure that your PABX will continue to output data without meter pulses.  Another point on meter pulses is that they are being phased out by Telstra® and when there is a management changeover and consequently, a change of business names, Telstra® has to disconnect the phone lines and reconnect them in the new name, occasionally meter pulses are dropped off the lines at this time.

What does mpi32 actually do?

mpi32 is a multi functional program and is being expanded upon all the time.  Basically, it is a call-costing engine that utilises the real-time call data (SMDR) sent out from PABX's.  I.e.: every time a PABX extension makes a call, the data from that call is transmitted from the PABX to the computer running mpi32.  From there, the data can then be translated into a logical format and stored on the PC for access by either our Call Reporter software or a front office system (such as Hirum, Fidelio, RMS, EZYREZ, etc).  Alternatively, mpi32 can re-format the data and send it back out of the PC to another interface.  This is just a few of the things mpi32 is capable of and the list grows daily, however this is a brief FAQ and does not go into the details of each mpi32 feature.  Please click here to go to our "products" page for a more comprehensive description of mpi32 and the various modules available.

What are the minimum computer requirements to run mpi32?

We recommend you don't run mpi32 on anything less than a Pentium II Computer with 64MB of RAM, 10 Gig HDD and Windows 98 Second Edition.  You will also need a spare RS232 communications port (please see computer documentation regarding the location of the communications/serial port on your particular PC) and it is up to your PABX maintainer to ensure that SMDR data is coming from the PABX to the PC before installing mpi32.

The video display must be capable of at least 800x600 resolution (this is standard and all new PC's are capable of this resolution), but we do not require a sound card to be installed.

An ideal system would be anything above a Pentium II 300MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, 10Gig HDD and Windows 98 Second Edition.  NB: We do not recommend the use of Cyrix/Celeron processors, S3 Video Cards or Windows 95 version A for various reasons.

Will it work with any telephone system?

mpi32 will work with every system that has an SMDR (call record) output and can be connected to a PC via a serial port (also TCP/IP connections are available on request).  If a new system comes on the market we can use mpi32 to capture some “raw” data and then create a new PABX configuration file in minutes.  Please contact us if you have a new system not in our list of supported PABX systems (below) and we can add it to future versions.

A list of the PABX systems we currently interface with:

Is there a demo version of mpi32?

Yes.  The full version runs in demonstration mode until you enter the correct serial number and validation key that corresponds with your site specific details.  When in “Demo Mode”, mpi32 runs as per normal and it is possible to change all the settings and watch mpi32 process the raw data.  Only the save data option is disabled and without your site specific details the program will not calculate the charges of each call. 

Please follow this link to a page for you to download a copy of mpi32 for evaluation purposes – with some sample data to play with. 

How do I register mpi32?

To register mpi32 you need to order the software then install it as per the instructions.  These instructions also cover how to enter your unique serial number and validation key.

Will it work with other phone carriers (i.e.: Star Alliance, Optus, AAPT, etc.)?

Yes - mpi32 will work with any phone Carriers.  One of mpi32's features is that it can strip the override code out of the data stream so it does not come up on the bill and thus no one knows you are getting the savings!  For example: if you have least cost routing (LCR) and every time you dial 0 it automatically dials the override code of your carrier then you may get data from the system that has the override code before your number dialled.  mpi32 automatically removes this when processing the data and puts out a “New Dialled Number” field, so now you won't see it on your customers bill!

What is a Grace Period?

A Grace Period is the time mpi32 allows to pass before it considers that a call is valid and should be charged for.  Depending on the setup of the PABX, all data will be sent for processing by mpi32 – including calls that may not have got connected.  There is no way for mpi32 to determine which calls got through and which ones did not, so, mpi32 sets a grace period and assumes that any calls lasting longer than the set grace period are valid calls and charges them as per normal.  The industry standard is 30 seconds – if you make it shorter than that, people may complain that they didn't get through on some calls and are being charged for them and if you make it too long then you can miss out on some short duration calls.  There is also failsafe built into mpi32 that makes sure all calls exceeding 90 seconds duration are charged for as this the set time by Telstra® to allow a caller to attempt a connection before being disconnected.

NB: If you have meter pulses from Telstra® then it is not necessary to use the grace period as all the charging is done before mpi32 gets the data.  However, for the small number of short duration calls you may miss by using a grace period, it is certainly cheaper than paying for meter pulses on each line.  Also note that meter pulses are only supplied by Telstra® and therefore you will not be able to use cheaper carriers – more savings you could be getting!

Does mpi32 need to be running all the time?

YES.  Once mpi32 is installed and you are using it to process your call records, it must always be running.  If you want to you can turn the monitor off when the PC is not in use but the PC itself must always be running!

What happens to any calls that were made whilst mpi32 was closed down?

That depends on the PABX that you are using.  Some models buffer any calls that cannot get recorded, but the majority of systems just expel the data regardless of what's waiting to collect it – if anything.  There is an external piece of hardware called a “buffer box” that sits between the PABX and the mpi32 PC – but we do not recommend them.  If/when they work they are great, but sometimes they can cause problems with signal strength and are often more trouble then they are worth – especially when they get struck by lightning.  MPI has its own safety protocols in place if you are not receiving data – see: What does it mean when MPI flashes: No data collected for at least 1 hour?

Should I close mpi32 when I am doing a backup?

It should not be affected when performing system data backups but we cannot guarantee this for all backup programs as they often have different procedures for backing up your files.  The best way to test it is to do a backup like you normally would and monitor it for errors.  If you find any problems try the backup again without mpi32 running and see if you get the same error.  If the same problem occurs, refer to your IT people for support.  Don't forget to restart mpi32 if you closed it. See: mpi32 isn't running – how do I start it?

Can I have “time based” charging for local calls (i.e.: internet calls)?

Yes!  Another feature of mpi32 is that can charge local calls an extra meter pulse at a predetermined interval.  For example: If you had a 15 minute “local charge” interval and someone is on an outgoing local call for 3hrs and 27mins, MPI would charge this call at 14 meter pulses – one meter pulse every 15 minutes (including the initial one at 30 seconds – see What is a Grace Period).  You can let us know what “local charge” interval you would like and we can set it in the rate tables for you and then email you the modified files.  Just send us an email by clicking here and include your details: site name, contract number and site phone number (to generate the correct charging tables).  A fee may apply if you are not a support customer. 

NB: In future versions it will just be a value in the program you can change like the grace period.

What sort of Support does mpi32 come with?

Please visit our Support page to get the most up to date information on support for our software.

What does it mean when MPI flashes: No data collected for at least 1 hour?

This is a safety feature that helps to bring to your attention a potential problem.  Every hour mpi32 gives you an on screen report on the number of calls that have been made in the last hour.  If there have been no calls recorded mpi32 will begin to flash red: NO DATA COLLECTED FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR to indicate that there might be a problem.  Usually it is nothing to worry about, chances are no one has made any calls in the last hour and everything is fine.  However, it could be because the data cable has been unplugged, the telephone system is no longer sending data, the PC/PABX may have been struck by lightning or any number of things that can stop the data.  See: How do I test if mpi32 is running correctly?

How do I test if mpi32 is running correctly?

If you suspect that you are not receiving data from the PABX (the screen may be flashing a warning message in red), then there are a few steps you should go through before you hit the PANIC button!

Step 1: Is mpi32 running?

Can you see mpi32 on the bottom of the screen – next to the “Start” button?  If it is not there you can try shutting down the PC, waiting 30 seconds and then restarting the PC.  mpi32 should start automatically when Windows has finished loading.  This will also clear the memory of any files that are taking up resources and may be causing problems.  Make some test calls to check if this has fixed the problem.

Step 2: Is the call data (SMDR) cable connected to the PC? Check to see if the cable coming from the PABX is securely connected the Communications Port of your mpi32 PC.  If it is unplugged, simply plug it back in and make a test call.  You should see the call register on the mpi32 screen.  If you have tried step 1 and step 2 and are still having problems you should contact your PABX support provider and ask them to help you check that you are still receiving data. Step 3: Has there been a storm nearby recently?

If you have had a storm recently and then notice mpi32 is no longer collecting the calls being made, chances are your PABX and/or PC may have been struck by lightning.  This is not a common occurrence, but it has happened.  If you think this may be likely you need to contact your PABX and PC maintainers to organise an inspection of your equipment.  This sort of damage is normally covered by insurance.

I made a phone call and it is still flashing red - what do I do now?

If you have been through the steps above and it is still flashing red, then it may be time to call us for support – see What sort of support does MPi32 come with?

 

MPi32 isn't running – how do I start it?

MPi32 has many failsafe (let's say idiot-proof) features including two large warning screens to prevent the accidental closure of your vital call accounting software: mpi32.  However if the package has been closed for whatever reason it can be easily restarted by clicking on the START button and choosing PROGRAMS then STARTUP and mpi32 (or MPI Call Costing Engine depending on the version you have).  Alternatively you can just restart your PC normally and mpi32 will automatically restart at this point.

Can I turn off/on the GST charge?

Yes.  If you would prefer to absorb the cost of the GST into your charges, then it is just a matter of starting Call Reporter, clicking on “Setup” icon (two machine cogs in the bottom right) and going to the “GST” tab and taking the tick out (to turn it off) or putting the tick in (to turn it on) the box: “GST applied”.  Hit the r in the corner to complete the changes.

How do I change my tax invoice details?

To change you tax invoice details that are displayed at the top of each report (to comply with Australian GST laws) just start Call Reporter, click on the “Setup” icon (two machine cogs in the bottom right) and go to the “GST” tab and from there you can click in each field and fill in the relevant information.  I.e.: ABN, Company Name and the Company Address.  Hit the r in the corner to complete the changes.

How do I change the amount I charge per call?

Start Call Reporter and click on “Edit” icon (little red card file in the bottom right) then choosing “Departments” and click in the T1 charge column for the department you wish to change.  Change the amount in all 4 tier charge columns.  It is important that when you change the amount you put the complete dollar and cent value i.e.: 0.65 for 65c or 1.10 for $1.10, otherwise you will get incorrect calculations in your call data.  Do the same for the T2, T3 and T4 charge.    Hit the “Done” button in the bottom right hand corner to complete the changes.

Does Call Reporter need to be running all the time?

Not at all!  You can close Call Reporter when you are not using it and just open the program when it is time to generate a report.  No need to waste computer resources running an extra program in the background.  NB: mpi32 must always be running to process your call data. See   Does MPI32 need to be running all the time?

How do I Generate Reports in Call Reporter?

Note that this is not an exhaustive guide on the operations of mpi32 and Call Reporter – just the most Frequently Asked Questions collated in one location to help our users solve/answer often simple problems/questions.There are several ways to generate the reports in Call Reporter – using either the mouse or keyboard; however, as you get more fluent with the use of Call Reporter you may find it quicker to use the keyboard shortcuts that are denoted on the screen with the actual keyboard key next to the report.  For example, if you see a screen that has “[Enter] Run” or “[Esc] Exit” buttons you can a) press the Enter key on your keyboard OR click on the button with you left mouse button to run the report or b) hit the Escape (Esc) key on your keyboard OR click on the button with you left mouse button to exit the report and return to the main menu. 

The [F12] Checkout Report

This report displays all calls for the selected extension with date, time, duration, number dialled and cost.  The total number of calls and total cost is also displayed on the last page of the report.From the Main Menu:

Press F12,
Key in the extension number to report on,
Press Enter.
Checkout Report is displayed on the screen.  Total cost is displayed at top right hand corner of the screen.
Press Enter to Print.
The report is printed.
Press Enter to clear the call data just printed.  OR
ESC to return to the Main Menu without clearing the data. Note: If call data is not cleared, the next user of the selected extension will have the previous calls added to the report.

If you have a question that was not answered above, please feel free to email the team at MPI Products and we will do our best to update this FAQ page ASAP.