I want to be able to just pick up the handset and have it

Set "prime line" to "intercom" in config.

http://dstech1.com/changing-the-line-that-is-picked-up-when-you-lift-handset/

All releases of Partner
Lets say that you currently pick up line 1 to make an outgoing call, but you want to pick up your last line (in this case we will say we have 6 phone lines).
This feature is called "Auto line select"
To program Auto line select:
From extension 10 or 11:
Press feature 00
LEFT INTERCOM
LEFT INTERCOM
RIGHT INTERCOM
Enter the extension number of the extension you need changed.
press ** (start, star)
Then the order you want the lines to get picked up
Then ** (star, star) when done
When finished, press feature 00 to get out of programming.
So, in this example I would enter my extension number (22) and press ** (star, star) and press line 6, line 5, line 4, line 3, line 2, and line 1. Then I press ** (start, star) to signify that I am done programming Auto Line Select. And feature 00 to get out of programming.
Easy as pie.

These directions are for the KX-TG5451, KX-TG5452 and KX-TG5453.

If you want to use the intercom feature, you need to know the handset number for the unit you want to contact. The base is zero. The handset number is set when you register the handsets. So to communicate with the base, press Intercom on the handset followed 0. The base will ring until someone presses Call to answer it (or one minute whichever comes first). (Alternatively, you can use the up/down arrows to select H1, H2, H3 or Base. Then press the right arrow key.)

To communicate between two handsets, press Intercom and then 2 (from handset 1 or 3 to connect with handset 2). Again the handset will ring for one minute or until the person with handset 2 answers. (To answer, they can press the phone, speaker or intercom button.)

If someone at the base wants to use the intercom, they need to press Select until the appropriate handset number is displayed. Then press Call.

To transfer a call, press Intercom and then select the desired handset. When the intercom message is picked up, indicate that a call is being transferred and press Off at the handset or base that initially answered the call.

For a conference call, initiate the call then press Intercom and select the handset to join the conversation. Once that person picks up, then press Conf. (I believe that Conf is a softkey so check the display.) This is only possible with the handset. (Another handset can join the conference by pressing the phone or speaker button on that unit.)

The manual for the KXTG5453 is available here: http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/KXTG5451S.PDF .

If you have a different model of the Panasonic 5.8 GHz phone, please add a comment with the model number and I'll try to give the directions for that unit.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

This programming needs to be done from Ext 10 or 11

Press Feature 00
Press LEFT intercom TWICE
Press RIGHT intercom ONCE
press the 2 digit extension number you want to set up
PRESS ** ( STAR STAR)
then press the lines in the order you want them to be picked up.
When finished:
PRESS ** (STAR, STAR)
PRESS feature 00 to exit programming.

Done

There are 2 things that would prevent you from being able to answer a ringing phone by picking up the handset. Your phone has to be ringing, and you need to set preferred line ringing on incoming calls.

The second part is easy. Press PROGRAM 99 and dial 22 STORE on your phone. Now when a call rings on your phone you can pick it up. If you can't, then your phone is not ringing.

Ringing is set in system programming.

Carl

I've never heard of the ability to reassign an intercom button as it's a fixed feature, but maybe so. Start by assigning the lower left phone button back to CO1 and let's see what happens. WIthout picking up the handset, press PROG the button and dial 0+01 STORE or ENTER.
Pick up the handset and drop it back in the cradle to exit programming.

Did that work? Making button 1 into CO1 will drop the programming from the intercom button and it should default back to intercom.

Carl

You're in luck. Without picking up the handset, press PROGRAM the line 1 button, and dial 0 001 (or 01) and STORE. Press PROGRAM to exit.

If I "guessed" right, on your TDA system, you have line 1 back.

Carl

you need to go to your previous location and get the jack number, than go to the new location and get the jack number. now go to the phone system closet and look for these cable numbers on the 66 blocks. Swap the cross connect of the jacks and wallah your phone will be your s again! ldtnsj.com

From intercom 10 or 11.
Feature 00
Left intercom
Left intercom
Right intercom
Enter the extension number in question
press * *
then touch the lines in the order you want to pick up. (line 1 line 2 etc..)
press * *
Press feature 00

go to programming section 5
You want Automatic Line Selection

Press feature00
left intercom button press twice (system program)
press right intercom once (central tel program)
enter # of extension to be programmed (intercom #)
press **
press line buttons in desired order line1 line 2 etc and
end with left intercom then press**
enter feature 00 to exit programming
Dave