AFX-160  (430-1241)        Questions and Answers      Faxback Doc. # 6285

Here are some common questions and answers about how the fax switch
operates.

What is line sharing?

Line sharing lets you use one telephone line for more than one purpose.
For example, you can use one telephone line for regular calls, fax or
modem transmissions, or calls to your answering machine.  Line sharing
eliminated the need for additional phone lines.

How does the fax switch know its a fax call?

The fax machine must wait for you or the answering machine to answer the
phone before it knows whether the call is a fax or not.  When a fax
machine calls,  it repeatedly sounds a 1/2 - second tone followed by a
3-second pause on the phone line until another fax machine responds.  The
fax switch listens for these tones.

Can I still send faxes like I did before I installed the switch?

Yes, Installing the switch does not affect outgoing fax operation.

Is there any special information I need to know about receiving faxes
from a fax machine that uses autodial?

Yes.  Auto-dialing fax machines must connect with the receiving fax
machine, usually within about 35 seconds.  Otherwise, the transmission
ends.  This means the combined number of rings for the answering machine
and fax machine should not exceed 5.  Set the fax machine to answer on
the fewest number of rings.  If you frequently receive fax calls from
overseas, allow extra time for the call to connect.

Does the fax switch work with an answering machine that has a toll-saver
feature?

Yes, but the 35-second limitation described above still applies.  For
example, if the toll-saver feature requires 4 rings, you must set the fax
machine to respond on one ring.

Does the fax switch work with the call-forwarding feature from my phone
company?

No, if you have forwarded the phone to another number, incoming fax calls
never ring the telephone because the calls are switched at the telephone
company's central office.

Does the fax switch work with call-waiting?

Yes, but the call-waiting signal might distort an incoming or out going
fax transmission.  Some telephone systems let you temporarily turn off
the call-waiting feature by dialing a special code.  You might want to do
that if you are sending an important fax call.  Ask your telephone
company if it offers this feature.

Can I share my residential line with my fax machine?

Yes.  You can install the fax switch at any available telephone jack on
the telephone line.  To prevent calls on other extensions in the home (or
office) from interrupting the fax, we recommend you install a voice and
data guard (available at the local Radio Shack store) at each extension
that shares the line with the fax machine.

Can I use the fax switch on a two-line system?

Yes.  The fax switch will work in any size system but only with one line.

(CJD/smc-05/03/94)