Programming Merlin Legend - Newbie

[CHertlein]

Hello,
We recently moved into a new building and inherited a Merlin Legend system. I don't know what version it is. I've been trying to get in to it with WinSPM but can't seem to get it to go with a modem (asks for password). I don't have a 355AF (yet) and don't seem to have a console phone that will let me do the programming. I've been Googling around and here's my questions:

1 - Is my best bet to get the 355AF & get in with that?
2 - I've seen reference to a default password to get in. Does such a thing exist and will it work?
3 - Assuming I ever get into WinSPM will that give me all the info on what's there & what version Merlin it is?
4 - I'd like to add voicemail if I can get it up. Will that require anything beyond a 007?

Here's what I've got:

1 x Processor
3 x 408 GS/LS-MLX
1 x 008MLX
1 x 408GS/LS
1 x 012
8 x MLX-10D Phones

I've never played with a Merlin, but I have tinkered with a Lucent Partner before. Doesn't seem too terribly different. Thanks for any help or suggestions on how to proceed!

 

[tdaugirdas]

Depending on the age of the processor, the default modem password is either craft or craftr4.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[Dexman]

Because the Merlin Legend is a more complex system than the Partner, it provisions differently. I maintain 2 Partner ACS installs and have a Merlin Magix that I toolshed on. The learning curve on the Magix is much steeper than the Partner.

Check around to see if there is was any documentation with the system. If not, it can be downloaded from Avaya's website.

If you find yourself reaching for the Tums and Excedrin , it might be a good idea to get in touch with a vendor in your area who works with Avaya systems. They should be able to get the system up in short order, provision a voicemail and train users.

 

[Dexman]

I wish spell checkers also checked for grammer. .

* Check around to see if there was any documentation with the system.

 

[merlinman]

Well, you know, if this site allowed email address postings, I could probably help you out.

 

[Dexman]

Or post questions here for merlinman, touch tone tommy, 1043, tdaugirdas and others. Those guys are tops in the business.

 

[CHertlein]

Thanks guys! One of the passwords Mr. Daugirdas posted got me in. I've got a Merlin Legend 4.2. Assuming I get everything going, will the Merlin Messaging 007 work this this?

 

[tdaugirdas]

It will - but you should upgrade the processor software to R7.0, V14.2 - when you can.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[tdaugirdas]

One caveat - you should have a 391A3 or newer power supply.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[CHertlein]

Looks like I've got the A3 already, so that should be cool. Is a forced upgrade card what I need to get to R7.0 V14.2? If so how much do these typically go for?

 

[tdaugirdas]

You don't need a forced upgrade card - the regular upgrade card will do just fine - and it also has a variety of module upgrades in addition. If your system is fully programmed - you will need to get WinSPM and save a backup of your programming to a PC - then you can then upgrade that backup to an R7 backup version. The upgrade process will wipe out all existing programming in the processor. Your old backup will not restore as it is. As for the cost of the upgrade card - you need to shop around from various sources. The highest cost will be from an Avaya dealer.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[phonesaz]

I would also download the feature reference manual from avaya; it is free, contains tons of info, and spells out programming fairly easily once you get used to the weird conventions of the Legend. If I were starting new with a Legend, I would check out a used MLX 20 - they are not that much $$ and a good way to program till you get into more complex stuff - I keep one on my desk in my "test kitchen" and walk people through stuff all the time.