AFX-300 Deluxe Automatic Fax/Data Switch
(430-1245)                 Questions & Answers        Faxback Doc. # 19565

Here are some common questions and answers about how your AFX-300 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 AFX-300 know its a fax call?

    Unless you use the first number distinctive ringing feature, the fax
    machine must wait for you , the TAD, or the AFX-300 to answer the phone
    before it knows whether or not the call is a fax. When a fax machine
    calls, it repeatedly sounds a 1/2-second tone followed by a 3-second
    pause on the phone line (fax alert tone) until another fax machine
    responds. The AFX-300 listens for these tones.

How does my AFX-300 know its a data modem call?

    Unless you use the second number distinctive ringing feature, the data
    modem must wait for you, the TAD, or the AFX-300 to answer the phone
    before it knows whether or not the call is a data modem.  When a data
    modem calls, it makes no sounds at all until your data modem sends it a
    signal to begin the transmission.  The AFX-300 listens for at least 20
    seconds of silence (no fax alert tones or touch-tone commands), then
    automatically transfers the call to your data modem.

Can I share my residential line with my fax machine?

    Yes.  You can install the AFX-300 at any available modular telephone
    jack on the telephone line.  To prevent calls on other extensions in
    your home (or office) from interrupting your fax transmissions, we
    recommend you install a voice data guard (available at your local Radio
    Shack store) at each extension that shares the line with your fax
    machine.

Can I use the AFX-300 on a two-line system?

    Yes.  The AFX-300 will work on a 2-line system, if it is connected to
    one of those lines.

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 auto-dial?

    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 between the TAD (or AFX-
   -300) and your fax machine/fax modem should not exceed five rings.  For
    safety's sake, always set your fax machine/fax modem to its lowest ring
    delay and/or ring number setting.  Also, if you frequently receive fax
    calls from overseas, you must allow extra time for the call to connect
    (which means using an even lower number of combined rings).

Does the AFX-300 work with an answering machine that has a toll-saver
feature?

    Yes, but auto-dialing fax machines must connect with the receiving fax
    machine usually within about 35 seconds.  Otherwise, the transmission
    ends.  This means that if the toll-saver feature requires four rings,
    you must set the fax machine to respond in one ring.

Does the AFX-300 work with the call-forwarding feature from my phone
company?

    No.  If you have forwarded your phone to another number, incoming fax
    calls never reach your AFX-300 because the calls are switched at the
    telephone company's central office.

Does the AFX-300 work with the call-waiting feature from my phone company?

    Yes, but the call-waiting signal might distort an incoming or outgoing
    fax or data 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 send or expect to receive an important fax call.
    Ask your telephone company if it offers this feature.


(EB 1/15/96)