AFX-250 Automatic Fax Switch
(430-1244)                 Questions & Answers        Faxback Doc. # 19603

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-250 know its a fax call?

The fax machine must wait for you , the TAD, or the AFX-250 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-250 listens for these tones. 

Can I share my residential line with my fax machine?

Yes.  You can install the AFX-250 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-250 on a two-line system?

Yes.  The AFX-250 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-250) 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-250 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-250 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-250 because the calls are switched at the telephone
company's central office.

Does the AFX-250 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 1/17/96)