Merlin 2, FM3 2

[JJDiver]

Hello,

Having way too much fun with this system. Our company sort of bought another company, and this Merlin 2 was already in place. I am used to Partner systems...

Last night I finally started cleaning up the 66 block rats nest, so I could add in a few extensions.

Discovered the system requires 4 pair. I was surprised. Partner only requires 2 pair. Had thought about using a Merlin Magix in my company, but no way if 4 pair required. Time to read the manuals...
>>>>Or does anybody know off the top of there head if a Merlin Magix requires 4 pair for each extension?

I was also surprised that I couldn't plug in a plain jane phone, unless I add a 012 module, which they have one, but it doesn't seem to work (maybe programming?)
>>>>Can you plug in a plain jane (tip ring, 1 pair) phone into a Merlin Magix system?

Time for some more night time reading.

Thanks for reading my ranting message,

Jeff

 

[Pepperz]

Merlin Magix is much more useful than Merlin 2 sustem, and the TDL or 4400 series extensions available on the Magix only takes two pair.

Pepperz@newper.net

 

[merlinman]

There is a TON more here than meets the eye.

A Merlin 2 is virtually useless at this point.

Here's why:

1: It uses ATL sets, which are totally out of manufacture

2: If you power it down for a few hours, you will probably loose your programming.

3: If you want to "UPGRADE" to a Magix, all you have that can possibly be reused is the Back Plane, and even that would make the upgrade more expensive. (It would need a NEW power supply, and for each MAGIX card you add, you would have to purchase a "CLAM SHELL".

So, what ever should you do?

My advice, Do clean up the 66 Block Rat Nests.

Get all your station wire properly terminated, and labeled.

AND THEN, rip the MERLIN 2 off the wall and get all the Magix hardware you need to have a nice system.

-OR-

Get some nice used LEGEND STUFF and use MLX Phones. (2 Pair at the least)

The latter would be the Cheap way to go.

And no, Merlin 2 can not do 2 wire phones except T&R on the 012.

The nice MAGIX TDL has to be on a 412 TDL or 024 TDL Module.

But of course, Moving to the MAGIX is NOT CHEAP.

As they say, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

SO, if you have the Dough, you can go!

I hope this helps.

 

[aussie88]

Well, actually, the merlin II can use 4 wire phones, but there is no way Id do it. You wold have to aquire a 008D card, and some Definity 7406 sets, which only use 4 wire, although do to the pinout, you still need the fat RJ45 plug. Good luck finding that 008D card. Merlinman has it right, upgrade to legend. And even if you dont want to cough it up for MLX sets, just stick with the ATLs for now, and buy one MLX card to put the MLX20L on. Quite frankly, I think the ATLs were better phones then the early MLXs.

 

[merlinman]

Well, of course, Aussie is absolutely right.

However, in all my experience with the Merlin 2, I know of only 2 or 3 implementations of the 7406 "DIGITAL" sets.

In fact, the most significant memory I have is when an Air Force Officer asked me how far these can be extended "OUT OF BUILDING" ?

The response from Bell Labs was "NOT AT ALL".

Thus the sale was killed.

Seriously, it was a great idea, but like ISDN-BRI, it just didn't fly.

 

[aussie88]

It was a great idea. Although, it is an even better idea to just slide a hybrid card into a definity when it is time for a bigger system. Those hybrid cards can support merlin phones.

 

[JJDiver]

Merlinman,

I have seen the light, and agree the Merlin 2 is basiclly worthless.

The group has 4 lines, five extensions and a two fax machines. They don't have many requirments, although they want to add extensions.

I am currently thinking about upgrading a Partner system we have (it's basically a free system) to ACS, rel 6 or 7 (with remote access, etc) and plopping the system in place. It also has a Partner Mail system, which I think works. I already support another Partner system, and think it would be best for them right now.

Comments?

Big question I have now is they want to start using a office across the street from the warehouse. I have been told they don't have any lines from warehouse to office, but I also saw some IROB for the Merlin 2 system...well, maybe it wasn't for the Merlin 2, but they were protectors, and I would bet they had some method of tyeing the office and warehouse together.

My limited background can think of the following ways to handle the office/warehouse system, perhaps someone can comment and offer suggsetions:

1. Put in conduit across the street, probably directed boring or whatever that's called.

2. Try to convince the city to let us string some wires across the street, doesn't seem likely right now.

3. Use tie lines between the two systems.

4. Have two seperate systems.

Again, thanks for all the comments and ideas. Last hurdle is the warehouse and office across the street.

I appreciate all the help,

Jeff