Merlin 410 Program Question

[PDBlues]

I am using a Merlin 410 with FP2 and it has lost it's program after a couple months of being unplugged. I have a small home business that benefits from keeping this unit active and now I can't seem to get it to program again. Despite only having one line, I need it's multi-station capabilities. Here's the issue:

I have two different KSU's I can't get to go into program mode. I have tried using 2 different 10 button sets and I know I might have to go with a 34 to get program to work right. However, in reading various things I thought by using #01 I could get into program mode. While fiddling around with it before, I was able to get it to go into program and got it working, but now I can't get it again.

Both KSU's only allow me to dial numbers 1,4,7 and * and then they lock that DMTF tone as though I'm pressing the button even when I release it. There are other issues but I think they are too flaky to even describe.

I'm thinking the phones might be old and the membrane buttons may not be all working thus the problems entering admin mode. They don't all make the clicking sound when pressed like I know they should. I'd rather not dump more money into a non-functional phone system though.

Based on this limited description, does it sound worth buying the 34 button set to program with? And has anyone known two different KSU's from different locations to go bad in this manner?

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts...

 

[Dexman]

The old membrane keypads sometimes developed problems. Later versions with buttons tend to be more reliable.

If the problem ends up being with the main unit, honestly, I wouldn't spend too much money on it. Classic Merlin systems run like tanks (Western Electric ), but they are very much obsolete. Avaya stopped supporting them years ago.

You could probably get something for the equipment on eBay. At the very least, the FP2's internal battery would need to be replaced.

Upgrading to a Partner ACS might be worth considering. You could even add a small voicemail to the system! The Merlin telephones would need to be replaced with Partner phones, but you should be able to reuse the existing wiring.

If it ain't broke, I haven't fixed it yet.

 

[Dexman]

If you have access to a 22 or 34 button set, I would try programming off of that as opposed to the 10 button set.

If it ain't broke, I haven't fixed it yet.

 

[PDBlues]

Given what I've heard so far, I'm inclined to think that 2 different KSUs going bad in the same way is not likely. I'll pick up a cheap 22 or 34 button phone and try programming again.

Where do I find the battery in the FP that would need replacing??

 

[AndrePa]

DPBlues,

It's been a while since I programed a Merlin 410, but it can be done with a BIS 10/HFAI10 Phone. Ideally You want 34 button phone, but 10, 22, even Merlin II 72 button phone can be used to admin 410. Phone MUST be on 1st jack ( ICOM 10). Set Admin/Normal switch to Admin on unit, slide the T/P switch to P on Phone. Dial #01 to go into admin mode. You will need the admin template to make programing easire, as I do not remeber much more than this. Hope this helps.

Andre

 

[Dexman]

Avaya's website has manuals for many AT&T, Lucent and Avaya systems listed. The 410 should be there.

If it ain't broke, I haven't fixed it yet.