Vista 350 Telephone: Remembering when “Vista” was a good thing…

Since writing a post about the history of Vista 350 (back in 2006), we’ve been flooded with 350-related comments and requests for help. Thanks to Google, we’ve become ground zero for all things Vista350 / PowerTouch. It’s amazing that so many people still adore that device.
If you have any Vista stories, share them here – or go to vista350.com
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I recently picked up a refurbished Vista 350 to replace my old 350 which the display screen is starting to fade. After plugging the refurbished unit, the phone does not have any of the Bell Canada functions on the diplay; such as message retrieve button etc. Is this a feature programmed exclusively from Bell Canada, and if so, can this program be transferred to a refurbished phone? I purchased the refurbished phone from a non-Bell Canada dealer.
Thank you.
I have had a Vista 350 phone for years but my screen now has lines through it and I can not make out the numbers in my directory or incoming call display. can you help Thanks
there’s not much that can be done. If it’s a modular model – try cleaning the contacts…
I have a Vista 350…and now that we have to dial 10 numbers, using area codes…I have forgotten how to open the Lock on the Directory. I have to now add all the area codes….can you please help me.
Thank-you
Hi Trudy – try this to unlock the directory
press options
press hold
press # key
also, make sure you don’t have your area code in there (in the Area Code section in Options)
cheers
mitch
How do I increase the number of rings before the answering function picks up? I can only erase messages with the number pad and not the LCD buttons anymore?
Please advise.
Hello, I have a question about my BellSouth View Phone (aka the Nortel Vista 350).
I’ve managed to break one of the two tabs off the stand/base what holds the phone at a comfortable 45 degree angle. Do you know where I can purchase a new base/stand?
Also, the microphone no longer picks up my voice clearly when in the speakerphone mode. Although I’m proficient mechanically, I can’t seem to locate the microphone. Can you point to it?
Seriously, I lurv this phone, and hope that I can find a replacement base for it. Any information you might have I sincerely appreciate!
Thanks,
JD
Hello, I’ve managed to break one of the two tabs off of the base that holds my BellSouth View Phone (AKA the Nortel Vista 350) and I hope you can tell me who or where I can purchase a replacement.
Also, the microphone doesn’t pick up my voice very well anymore, when I’m using the speakerphone. Can you tell me where the mic pickup is located? I can’t find it.
Any help you have, is appreciated.
Thanks!
JD
The base tabs do have a tendency of breaking, unfortunately – easiest thing to do would be buying used 350 on eBay – some folks have found some for $20… Your mic is probably just clogged with dust – just (gently) poke through the holes to clear them…
what number do you dial for screen setup?
Hi All,
I have my original Vista 350, I’m with Bell in Ontario.
Questions:
1. visual call waiting no longer works – is this fixable?
2. what buttons do you push to increase number of rings before call answer kicks in?
3. where could I get a manual?
I’d really appreciate your help.
Thanks, Trudie
February 9th 2009
I purchased a Vista 350 when they first came out then switched to a 450 (f0r e-mail).
My screen is getting tired and I’d like to get a new 350 screen. Are there any available and if so what price range?
Thanks in Advance,
Paul L. Lewis-Watts
Hey Paul, if you’ve got a modular 350, i’d imagine they would be pretty hard to find. Many people though have found great deals on refurbished 350s (probably the later models that were not modular). prices as low as $25.
Hi there,
Is there any reason why the power adapter runs on 16 VAC? Does the phone use the AC frequency for any timing purposes? If I can run it on 16VDC that would be great, as the local ac freq here is 50.
Cheers,
A
Hi Armen – the 350 needs 16 VAC and 500 ma. At the time it was designed the microprocessor was the most powerful to go into any phone (about the same power as the original IBM PC) – so the power equirements were rather unique. The high current was due to the bright backlight.
Hi there,
I Have purchased Vista 350 which i beleived is refurbished from a non Bell dealer, at 40.00$, the salesperson tells me they’re new. I doubt it,anyways, there’s something about it that bugs me.The green backlight display always stays on. Is this a normal situation? I’m pretty sure not and i’m wondering how long the display’s light will last.
Thanks
Hi Anthony,
If the dealer called it refurbished, it’s not new. the 350 hasn’t been manufactured for a long time!
The backlight of the display is indeed always on. Its design uses fiber light pipes and LEDs that will likely outlast the rest of the phone!
Thanks for your comments Mitch !!
@Mike
Hi,
I’m curious to know if you found the answer to your question
I’ve had the same issue…
Let me know, thanks.
Hi guys
I’ve replaced my modular screen of the 350 with one that I bought and all the soft keys (3 left and 3 right side of the display) have no link associated. All I can see on the display is the date/time.
In order to access my voice mail and all other services I have with Bell, I have to dial the corresponding * number (i.e. *98 for voice mail).
Can anyone help me?
Thanks,
The only thing Bell had that was good and is now gone. The Vista 350 and it’s features.
Luv it. Call forwarding was a snap as it connected and unconnected with prompts.
Funny though, mine was working great until last week when I went on the web and found a Vista350 phone number that will give me the online phone book. I did not know that the # (which still worked) was old and gave me a new screen to work with and puff all was gone within a few days.
I think that there should be a class action suit as this was the phone of the futur with exchangable modules when available. I paid about $350 for this phone when it first came out expecting it to be the last phone needed until household video phones came out.
Would love to get back just the call forward feature.
can anyone help me ,, i have a vista 350 since new ,, would like to get OR buy a instruction book HELP ………..
I unplugged my vista 350 to go on vacation – big mistake. I have lost all the service soft keys. I have service with TELUS in BC. DO you know if the 800 number to progrem the services still exists? The new (very new)front line people at TELUS did not help.
Hi Mitch,
Hope you’re doing well! I wrote to you a few months back about another question and had to ask you a couple of more (hope you don’t mind!).. I have the 350 and the 480.. both do the same thing:
1) The phone numbers where I’m at are 8 digits long.. so when I dial a number these annoying dashes come up and the number 8570 2653 turns into 8-570-2653.. is there a way to turn these dashes off through some back door programming *OR* via ADSI programming? I was thinking I could create a script to run and ask for the number when you go offhook like an input string type of thing?
2) If I wanted to (again via ADSI) show on the screen “Today is Friday 3 July” are there any such variables that I can use? For example Display “Today is $weekday $day $month”? I know there’s a call buffer that stores the last caller name/num as $call1p and $call1s.. so I’m wondering if others exist?
Anyways, looking forward to your feedback. Thanks again in advance. Cheers mate!
@BILL
Hi Bill,
Give these a try.. they’re in Alberta but might work.
780-428-1171
780-428-1177
Cheers,
Armen