hello all,
I just bought a Merlin 410. I just have a few quick questions.
1. could someone kindly break down what the Merlin KSU can do without feature packages?
2. what is all the features of feature package II?
3. does feature package II actually do for features?
4. I have read about messaging services on feature pack II is this true? and how does the whole messaging thing work?
5. what kind cabling do I need?

Hey Ben..Merlin 410 is a pretty basic system. 4 lines/10 stations with the basic features, hold, transfer, intercom etc; Feature Pac II gets you a few more things on hook dial, privacy, last number redial....junk like that.
As far as wiring you will need (4) pair to all station locations.

Good Luck

...bob...

No, it's not true. The original Merlin never had messaging capability. There was an after-market attempt to rig the Merlin to provide voice mail but it was cumbersome to use and didn't work very well.

If you Google "Merlin 410" you should find all the manuals and programming information you need.

-Hal

I have downloaded all the manuals i need. I now know that the whole messaging thing wasn't like voice mail. I am wondering how to use the whole "message waiting" light. on the 34 deluxe model is the "send message" key already programmed in or do I need to program it myself? is it also available for non-deluxe models? I am just wondering because I intend to use the system for my roommates and I.

Just curious, are you aware that this system is about 30 years old?

yes i do.

You're going to have to read the manual just like I did because my recollection doesn't go back that far. I believe that if you have DSS buttons programmed on the 34 button set, pressing the send message then a DSS will light the message waiting light on the extension associated with the DSS button.

For whatever that's worth...

-Hal

I'm trying to figure out if the "send message" key is already programmed into the 34 terminals? And does the 34 terminal need to be the deluxe or can it be just a plain old 34 terminal? I see no mention on how to program a "send message" key in the admin, user, and install guide. So I am just assuming the Merlin feature package II automatically programs the 34th key as "send message" from the diagram shown in the admin guide. the only real question is about the the whole key thing otherwise i'm pretty much set.

I believe that the 22 button and larger sets have a dedicated messaging button. I also think that it's operation involves the use of DSS buttons.

A full list of features that FP1 and FP2 provides can also be found in John Shelton's "An Overview of Merlin Phone Systems".

Feature pack cartridges have a built in battery to maintain programming when the system is powered down. Chances are the battery in just about any FP will need to be replaced.

Bob mentioned that 4 pair cabling is used with the phones. 3 pair cables can also be used...but...you would lose the intercom feature.

Merlin Classic Voice will work with the 410 if you can find one. https://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/T...ge%20Merlin%20206%20410%20820%20&%20.pdf

I would only say "WHY"........

Agreed. That is the piece of junk I alluded to above.

As to your questions about the messaging feature, nothing beats having the system in front of you and playing with it to see how it works.

-Hal

I had the 820D2 system for a while until a power surge took it out. The message light key on my BIS34D was the right Intercom key I believe... Not positive, and that could be different with the 410.

If you already have the manuals, then you have all that you need already. Just read them completely and anything you don't understand just ask here. Don't expect anyone to spoon feed you how to do something when it's right in front of you. Just use Ethernet cables to connect the phones, they will work just fine. You can private message me if you have any specific issues.

Scott

Thank you all for all the help, and product reviews.

Good luck and have fun....

I agree that it might be as old as the hills, but it's still a darn side better solution than any of those 4-line Non-KSU phones.