Merlin 2 system...suggestions? 1

[JJDiver]

Hello,

My company (let's call it Bort) just provided finacing for another company (how about Chief.) Along with the dollars, we are providing support as well.

Chief has a Merlin 2, with FM 3, three 408 and a 012, along with an unknow quanity of spare/unused phones. They are using only three phones, a fax and data line for PC modem. One phone is a large console, which I belive is a System Display Console.

The main complaint is not being able to answer all lines on all phones. Looking at the phones, I see Pool listed on buttons, therefore I presume the previous company had a PBX or Hybrid, which Chief doesn't need (downsized.)

My first thought is to default/erase all the programming, under the assumption (which I need to verify) this would revert the system to a Key, and enable all phones for all lines. Are there any downsides to this idea? If not, I presume I can find the correct method to default the system in the manuals? Anything I should be aware of?

I want to upgrade the processor soon, mostly for ease of administration. I am not sure whether to go with a Legend or Magix. Any versions I should avoid? Comments?

Have thought about buying Chief an ACS Partner system, and using the Merlin (with an upgraded proccesor) at Bort...we currently have an antique Norstar Vantage. Bort's currently has about five extensions left for expansion, I don't trust the system (although in four years I have been at Borts, it still hasn't terminally failed), and it's a pain to program. In the past have thought about a large Nortel system, but project was shot down. Anything is better than the antique Vantage, I think.

Comments appreciated...

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[exsmogger]

A Merlin II is a pooled system by default, so intializing the system won't help in that regard. There is a procedure in system programming to change to a square (key) system.

If you want to upgrade I'd suggest a refurbed Legend processor as you only have a few phones. Get at least R3 so you can backup to a PCMCIA card. Be aware that you'll need to add a MLX module and MLX-20L to do programming through a phone on the Legend. Otherwise you can use the WinSPM software to program the Legend with a PC.

Brian Cox

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

 

[JJDiver]

Brian,

Thanks! Helpful to know the default is a pooled system. While I like pooled system, I think for this company it's better to go with a square system.

I wonder if it would be best to default the system, then switch it to square? I am concerned about that I don't have a clue what options are currently programmed. I haven't seen a printer--I really wish I had one, I find it so much eaiser to look at a printout, than to scroll through a bunch of screens. Any way to connect a non-factory printer?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[exsmogger]

This is from memory, so please double check your docs.

As I recall the Merlin II processor has a SMDR port. Connect one end of an 8-conductor straight-through line cord to the SMDR port, and connect the other end to a serial printer (or your PC's serial port) using a 355 adapter. You should then be able to dump system settings to the printer or to your PC using Hyperterminal. Settings should be 1200 baud, 8-N-1.

Brian Cox

http://www.jandjcommunications.com