Strange noises from MLX extensions 3

[Greynol4]

Im trying to troubleshoot a merlin legend R7. I have had intermittent trouble with two extensions. The Operator extension which is an MLX 20l seems to make random noises as if someone is pressing buttons but does not act as if someone is pressing buttons. Swapping the 20l with a semi functional spare that was taken out of service(because it takes itself off hook due to a broken switch) seems to have eliminated that problem so I'm trying to figure out whether to chase down a problem with the 408 MLX ID card or figure out whether a bad phone could cause problems with other extensions. The other extension in question has stopped working at least two times but I have been able to fix it by restarting the system. Just for reference I have swapped processors and power supplies without resolution. Also, on startup, the MLX extensions "tick" about twice per second for about 30 seconds until the processor starts. I had not noticed this as there was not an extension close enough to hear to the processor in the past.

 

[Dexman]

MLX sets are notorious for developing keypad problems. When the 20L was replaced by a spare, and that resolved the problem, it would seem to point to a bad phone. With Merlin Legend hardware being inexpensive at this point, my thought would be to purchase some spare phones.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[merlinman]

That's what I'd do as well.

You can also do a SELF TEST on the phone to check for wiring issues.

Press INTERCOM (SA), then SPEAKER, then Dial *00 (That's STAR ZERO ZERO) and you should hear a loud, clear ANNOYING tone. (Pressing any line button will get rid of the tone but keep it in TEST MODE) If you hear a tone mixed with SNAP, CRACKLE and POP, or static, then the wiring is bad from the Control unit. If it's nice and clear, the wiring is OK.

http://home.comcast.net/~merlinman

-merlinmansblog.blogspot.com

 

[Greynol4]

Thanks for the replies. The phones were both fine on the self test.

 

[Telecomboy]

That ticking on startup is not out of the ordinary and doesn't mean anything is wrong as long as once the processor is up they come up. I would tend to agree that the phones themselves are probably the issue. Those mlx phones are probably 20 years old and have had multiple issues with the flex circuits that run them. I would swap the phones.

 

[Greynol4]

Turns out the mlx 10 was fine. There was a bad wall jack. As for the mlx20 I believe you guys are correct and I will be swapping it out. Thanks for the help.