complete newbie- adding a phone

[nlms]

OK-

First, I really have to apologize- I work for a non-profit and we don't have an IT department, I am the closest thing to it (meaning: I can some of the time figure our technology problems out sort of quickly with some web research), and believe me, I do not know a whole lot. But, I do my best to muddle through and solve problems when I can.

That said- here is my question: can a non-Merlin phone be added to a Mrrlin system? OR is it just phones that are compatible with the technology that can operate within the system? (Again, I apologize for my lack of techo terms)

Here's the background:

We have a Merlin phone system- when we moved into our office three years ago, it was there (the previous tenants had it for their phones). I do not know specifically WHICH system it is (trying to figure that out right now).

Several months ago, one of the phones broke (literally- fell off a desk and landed in pieces) before I knew what happened, my supervisor had thrown it out (it's LONG gone)and went to Radio Shack to buy a new phone. She didn't know we have a Merlin system when she went to the store.

So, we now have a perfectly good phone that doesn't seem to work- and I'm thinking it's because it somehow isn't compatible? But then again, with my lack of knowledge, it could be something far more simple as well.

If you have time and wouldn't mind responding, I do truly appreciate it.

 

[fonedude]

You really need to determine which Merlin system you have. There are quite a few. If the Control Unit is white (or was white)it is probably a Legend. Look at the other phones. On the face of the phone the will be a model #. Either HFAI-xx or BIS-xx or MLX-xx. That is the phone type. These phones can be purchased on eBay or through a reputable refurbisher/reseller on the internet. Regular POTS (plain old telephone sets) are not compatible, unless the control unit is equipped with an ETR-XX or TR-XX module. You will notice that the cord for the merlin phone has 8 conductors. A POTS phone uses only 2.