US Payphones wiki by payphones.telesfor.org

Elcotel custom firmware

Recently we developed a custom firmware - 5.9.0, based on stock 5.4.4 from 1999.

Features:

Built in rates and options. No remote programming is required.
Compatible with Elcotel 5 and 5501 (Olympian)
Create the rates and options online and burn downloaded file into a ROM chip, or order online on eBay - coming soon.
Other minor improvements:
- no more waiting after dialing 10- or 11- digit numbers. Program skips the short digit timer and proceeds with a call
- On incoming pickup, when Register 407>0 (Times to Repeat “Not a billable number”), microphone unmutes immediately without a delay in stock ROM
- On incoming pickup, when Register 407>0, if voice ROM = Universal_US, plays “Payphone, not a billable number” like in 5.3.3 ROM. Otherwise (with bilingual ROM), plays “Payphone, payphone” like 5.4.4.
- if voice ROM = Universal_US, an initial deposit prompt adds “an additional” when the caller has deposited some coins but still owes part of the fee. This was the default behavior in 5.3.3, simplified in 5.4.4 to just “Please deposit” regardless of initial deposit. Reverting the change only in case no bi-lingual voice ROM is installed

Complete changelog.

Tool available here: https://payphones.telesfor.org/elcotel-rom

How to proceed:

Select one of the preset rates, upload your own, or create using our Rate tool (copy and paste the code you get at the end)
Download ROM file or keep the code displayed and send as a comment to the order
Replace the ROM. Video manual below. Beware of static electricity - discharge by touching a metal object first before touching the board. Also mind the notch location on the chip.
Initialize the phone.
- Connect the line, battery and upper housing while staying on-hook.
- Press the reset button on the top of the main board.
- Lift the handset, keep pressing reset button until you hear a series of clicks and eventually a dial tone (approx. 10 seconds)
- Enter the maintenance mode by dialing #9999 9999. It should say “thank you” after 5 seconds
- Dial 998 to loads preset rates and options. You should hear “Reprogramming - one moment please” and “Thank you” if it went well
- Hang up and use your payphone!