Hard-Wired Telephone Dilema

Directly out of the phones manual. The phone isn't designed to act the way you want it to... The only purpose of the HOLD button is so you can answer a second incomming call at that phone, not so another phone can pick up that HELD call.

HOLD button

This feature allows you to put a call on hold (for an outside call only).

To put a call on hold

During an outside call, press {HOLD}.

LThe line indicator flashes.

LIf using the handset, you can place it on the cradle.

LTo transfer the call to another extension, see "Transferring calls" on page 40.

For what you are trying to do you really need a PBX. That's my opinion anyway.

Yes. I was going to tell the original poster same thing and when I googled this http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/KXTS4200.pdf, I was more than convinced that the OP needs a PBX really.

Best regards,

ethobil

Greetings.

You could use a 2565 key telephone set (5 lines, touch tone, lights and hold) at each station with a Key Telephone unit( pick one that will provide 4 lines and an intercom) that would allow you to do what you want. It may be old school but there are millions of people that use this configuration every day and will do so because it works. All phones ( as many as you want) have access to all lines. I am surprised that your telephone system is so unusable as you state. Not designed for business.

The HOLD function is specifically designed for retreiving the call from the same phone. When you place a call on hold, that phone retains control of the line. Another phone can pick up the call and talk to the incoming party, but that will not release control from the first phone.

If the call will be retrieved from a different phone, use the TRANSFER function (page 40). When you transfer a call, control of the line is released from the originating phone as soon as the new extension picks up. If the new extension does not pick up in 5 minutes, the original phone disconnects the line.