What KIND of SYSTEM is this?? 2

[tryingmybest]

I have recently acquired this system (don't have it in my hands, yet). Can you tell me what kind it is? It has these components:

Merlin 511A PBX (1) 511a with:

(3) 408 racks.

(1) processor rack with FM2

(1) 391a power unit rack.


Any help would be appreciated. Advice on simple setup for a home/home office install would be appreciated, too. What kind of phones do I need to get for this system??

 

[aussie88]

Ok, this sounds like a Merlin 2. The Merlin 2 used AT&T/Lucent ATL telephones. They are interesting looking little things, and they came in models with displays and without, and with different amounts of buttons,

 

[aussie88]

oops, sorry about that accidental sending. Here is what an ATL phone looks like

These are popular and fairly easy to find. This system would be suitable for the home, but thats it. When it comes time to install we will gladly give you advise on that too.

Best of luck,

Austin

 

[tryingmybest]

Okay. Can this system be upgraded to another system, say a Legend system, fairly easily? The processor and cards look alot like the Legend systems. Is it a matter of getting a Legend processor and that's it? I'm totally knew to this but I got a whale of a deal on this (practically a steal) so I jumped on the offer. I'd prefer a Legend system, though. Any help is appreciated!

 

[Ghostin]

if you just have the cards and no phones, then you can toss the cards and buy legend cards. If you already have ATL phones, but want Legend features, change out the processor. If you need cards, email me ghostin (at) ghostin (dot) com.

 

[tryingmybest]

I have no phones for it yet...I was waiting to find out what kind I needed. I would like to have MLX phones, so I need to buy MLX cards, right? Would that be like a MLX 408 GS/LS card? Since I know practically nothing about setting up a Legend system, are you saying that if I replace the "408 racks" that I was told are in it with these MLX ones, above, then I can use the MLX phones and it will basically be a Legend system then? Pardon my ignorance, that's why I'm at this forum... :-D

 

[aussie88]

Yup, thats right. Oh, and just in case you don't know, NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER plug a MLX phone into an ATL port, or vice versa. This could result in major damage. I think you would like a Legend much more. Especially if the Merlin II is only equipped with FM2.

 

[tryingmybest]

Thanks for the tip on the phones, no I didn't know. The MLX 408 GS/LS will work with the processor that is in this system correctly?

 

[merlinman]

No, you will need to get a LEGEND processor. The Merlin 2 Processor only can use ATL sets. FM2 is very limited also.

About the only thing you can use in the equipment you have is the Backplane and/or the power supply.

The power supply is not rated for a large amount of phones, but it sounds like you are not going to make this system very large anyway.

 

[tryingmybest]

Ok, that makes sense. I need less than 8 phones so one MLX 408 GS/LS card would be plenty, which means the power supply should be fine in my case. What Legend processor would you recommend?? Keep in mind I am on a tight budget here. I know I can pick up MLX phones on eBay pretty cheap. If I knew what processor to look for I might could find one of those, too.

 

[tryingmybest]

Would this be a good setup? A Legend CKE3 Processor R7 V12 and a Legend 408 GS/LS ID module. I found those on eBay. I could keep one of the original cards in the system for the ability to use ATL phones in it, too, right? I know you all probably think I'm really slow or something, but I just want to make sure before I go buying something that might not work together. :-D I appreciate those of you who have taken time to answer my questions.

 

[merlinman]

The R7 is supposed to be on a CKE4 processor card to enable it to use the HIGHER DENSITY 016 types of Modules.

HOWEVER, it will work on the CKE3, but do not ever try to use the larger modules. You will have unexpected results.

(Like 1/2 of them won't work.)

Yes, all that will work together.

Unless you have SPM, you will need to have an MLX20L set to program with.

 

[tryingmybest]

I would probably go with SPM if I could find it cheap, but might resort to a 20L, though I don't want that large of a phone on my desk. Would using the 408 GS/LS ID module allow caller ID to work properly on the line(s)? I want to be able to view the ID on the phones since I pay for it.

 

[merlinman]

Yes it will.

I LOVE the 20L on my phone stand 'cause of all the things it can do.

 

[tryingmybest]

I like the looks of the 20L and what it can do, but it's just so large and takes up so much space. I'll probably get one if I can pick one up off of eBay cheap to have as a programming backup. I like the idea of being able to change the features/shortcuts on the display. I don't need all 20 'buttons' for lines, but can use them for features I guess.

 

[merlinman]

That and MUCH MORE!

The Display Screen buttons can be programmed with your PERSONAL Directory.

You can display screens with 16 PERSONAL SPEED DIALS each and have access to a total of 50 Personal Directory Entries.

 

[aussie88]

If you are installing it in a house, and you do not want the bulky 20L sitting on your desk, just put it in the Kitchen, thats what I did. But make your office Extension 10. So when you need to program, just move the 20L back to your desk and have at it.

 

[tryingmybest]

Good plan! The 20L would be a handy phone for a high-traffic area like the kitchen and family room.

 

[paul144]

WARNING: Be very careful buying MLX telephones off of E-bay. The earlier MLX telephones had a keypad membrane that frequently goes bad. The exception to this is with the "DP" sets, like the MLX-10DP and MLX-16DP. They used a later version of keybad membrane which is much more durable. You can E-mail me if you want refurbished MLX phones with a 1-year warranty. paul at p1bc dot com.

 

[tryingmybest]

I'll keep that in mind. I am, in fact, checking eBay for phones. The first one I'll get is a 20L to have as a programming phone before I get WinSPM.

The BIS-22d and BIS-34d are not caller id capable, are they?