Merlin Legend R6.1 and voicemail

[dmned]

We have a Merlin Legend R6.1 and are considering utilizing voicemail via our local carrier (Frontier, née Verizon). Frontier has indicated that if we employ this feature through them then we can have a common voice mailbox for receiving messages when we are unable to answer the phone. Straightforward, so it seems.

Frontier also indicated that if we have messages then a stutter dial tone is generated to indicate that we, indeed, have messages. I presume this is an audible indication when the handset is lifted from the phone, e.g. you would two or three dial tone "pulsing" sounds and then a steady dial tone.

I am hoping something in the Merlin Legend configuration can be programmed so that the message indicator LED on the main operator's console can be lit, if a message is in the queue. Even more useful would be that same LED on one or more of the individual phone units would also illuminate if a message is in the queue.

I cannot easily find, in the voluminous Legend manuals, a guide to do what I hope can be done, as I described above.

Questions? Thoughts?

Dean

 

[Telecomboy]

Stutter dial tone is the only indicator you will receive on the Legend. You can put that line on everyone's phone if you need everyone to be able to check it. That way, whenever someone goes off-hook they would hear the stutter dial tone.

 

[dmned]

@Telecomboy...thanks for the information. Sounds like no visual indication unless additional hardware is added.

This is part of a company reorganization and relocation so I might consider switching to newer technology.

Dean

 

[TouchToneTommy]

Ask Verizon/Frontier if they support FSK Message Waiting, and if so, wire some of these around the office on the line with the message waiting indication

 

[dmned]

@TouchToneTommy...thanks for the suggestion.

On a different note I am now considering Remote Call Forwarding to an outside line that has voice mail. I have been able to configure it for my extension so that if my extension is dialed the call forwards to my cell phone after X rings.

I want to do the same for the operator's console so I set that extension (100) as the principal user for the three incoming lines. I enabled Remote Call Forwarding for that extension, then used Feature, 33 to enter an outside phone number (e.g., 95551212#). When I dial our main line phone number the operator console phone rings but never forwards.

Thoughts?

 

[merlinman]

This is an issue of the PRINCIPLE USER function. If the OPERATOR Extension is set to be the PRINCIPLE USER, then that extension should have the COVERAGE/FOREWARDING Ownership.

HOWEVER, if the lines are assigned to a CALLING GROUP, such as Voice Mail, then the PRINCIPLE USER function now belongs to the CALLING GROUP.

You may want to look into that to solve this issue.

http://merlinmanswebpage.yolasite.com

 

[dmned]

I seem to be a step closer to setting up RCF. In my latest configuration the call begins to forward after six rings. Calling in from my mobile phone at the operator's console I see the line flashing for the original call then, after six rings, I see a second line flash to begin the forwarding step. At this point I here a fast busy signal (from the earpiece of my mobile phone which I am using to test the configuration).

Thoughts?

 

[dmned]

I found out the problem with the fast busy signal...I used 9*+number for the forwarding number. Taking out the '*' fixed the issue.

Now I have one last thing to address. Prior to this, with night coverage on, a few other extensions would ring for outside calls coming in. Now only the operator console rings.

I have assigned the operator console as the principal user for the outside lines (801, 802, 803). I suspect that is what is preventing the other extensions from ringing when an outside line comes in.

 

[merlinman]

Are the "OTHER EXTENSIONS" in the NIGHT SERVICE GROUP for the MAIN CONSOLE?

It sounds like that could be the issue.

http://merlinmanswebpage.yolasite.com

 

[dmned]

Yes, it does have something to with the other extensions set up as a night service group for the main console. I am unsure whether the changes I made supersede this function by default or if there is a way around it so the night service group function can be restored.

 

[merlinman]

Could you print a "Night Service" report with SPM and post it here?

That could provide some insight as to what's going on.

http://merlinmanswebpage.yolasite.com

 

[dmned]

@merlinman I will try but I think I need to make an adapter (355AM) DB9-RJ45 so I can connect to the Admin port.

 

[merlinman]

Well sir, there's on for sale on eBay, you could get. That would be easier than spending time building one. I'm just sayin'

http://merlinmanswebpage.yolasite.com