Merlin Mail, Merlin Legend Mail, Merlin Messaging: Information on Phantom Mailboxes

There are two ways to create a phantom mailbox; using a calling group or using an empty Multi-Function Module (MFM) extension.

Calling Group Considerations

• When using a calling group you have the option of assigning an extension to be the message waiting station, this will light the message light of that extension when a voice mail message is received. The message light will turn off when the message is checked.
• The Number Based option must be set to 1 in all Releases; this will cause the call to go to voice mail immediately. If the system is a Release 4.0 or later, you have the option of using Time Based Overflow, which can be set between 1 and 900 seconds (If the overflow threshold time is 0 it is turned off). This option allows a delay and the caller will hear ringing before going to the mailbox.
• You cannot program cover buttons for a calling group, the only way to cover the call is if the Legend is a R4.0 or later, Time Based overflow is used, and the cover extension is in the calling group (All extensions except a QCC can be in a calling group).

Programming Steps

1. Renumber the Calling Group to desired extension number.
2. Overflow the Calling Group to the Voice Mail Group (default 770).
3. Program the message waiting station.
4. Make sure the Number Based Overflow is set to 1.
   (R4 and later: Program the Time Based Overflow if desired)
5. Create the Mailbox that matches the calling group number.

MFM Extension Considerations

• When using a multi-function module extension you must program the mailbox for Outcalling and use # 53 + extension number as the Outcalling number to get the message light to turn on at an extension. The message light must be turned off manually by dialing# 54 or by pressing menumsgdelete if you have a display phone.
• Depending on the Release of Legend the Coverage Delay option applies to the MFM extension the same as all the regular extensions.
• You can program cover buttons for MFMs, so during the coverage delay, a regular extension can pick up the call using a cover button.

Programming Steps

1. Renumber the MFM extension to desired mailbox number.
2. Add the extension to the Cover Group that is assigned to the Voice Mail Calling Group.
3. If Legend is a R4.1 or higher, program the number of Group Coverage Ring Delays for that extension (In previous releases the number of rings is system-wide).
4. Program any Primary or Secondary coverage points that are needed.
5. Create the Mailbox.