AFX-150  (430-1240)      Questions and Answers        Faxback Doc. # 14119

Here are some common questions and answers about how your 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
eliminates the need for additional phone lines.

How does my fax switch process a call?

Your fax switch assumes that most incoming calls are regular voice calls.
Unlike many other fax switches, the AFX-150 does not put callers through
an exercise or delay to get their call through, and they don't have to
listen to any special messages or annoying fax tones.

If you answer and it is a fax call, simply press # and 1 on your touch
tone telephone to transfer the call to your fax machine.

If you connected an answering machine and it answers the call, the fax
switch automatically transfers fax calls with fax alert tones to your fax
machine.  If the call is a regular voice call, the answering machine's
outgoing message tells the caller how to transfer the call to your fax
machine.

How can I make a manually-dialed fax call?

You can make a manually-dialed fax call by dialing the remote fax machine
using a combination telephone/fax machine.  Dial the remote fax machine's
number, wait for the fax tones, and then press the start or send button on
your fax machine.

How can I make an auto-dialed fax call?

You can make an auto-dialed fax call by keying in the called number on the
built-in keypad of the calling fax machine.  In the auto dialing mode, all
dialing, answering, and fax-to-fax connections occur automatically.

Is there any special information I need to know about auto-dialing?

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 your answering machine
and fax machine should not exceed 5.  Set your 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 call-forwarding, incoming fax calls never ring your
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 outgoing fax
transmission.  If you send or expect to receive an important fax call,
some telephone systems let you temporarily turn off the call-waiting
feature by dialing a special code.  Ask your telephone company if they
offer 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 another extensions in your home
(or office) from interrupting your fax transmissions, we recommend you
install voice data guard (VDG)(available at your local Radio Shack store)
at each extension that shares the line with your fax machine.

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

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

(TK/all-03/13/95)