Radio Shack AFX-400 - Manual (Page 11)

11
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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 reg-
ular calls, fax or modem transmissions, or calls to your an-
swering machine. Line sharing eliminates the need for
additional lines.
How does my AFX-400 know that it’s a fax machine call-
ing?
When the AFX-400 answers a call (office mode) it listens for a
fax alert (CNG) tone. The CNG tone is a beep every three sec-
onds that most fax machines send to alert the receiving fax
machine.
How does my AFX-400 know it’s a data modem calling?
Unlike most fax machines, modems do not send an alert tone.
Modem calls must be routed using transfer codes (see “Using
Transfer Codes” on Page 8) or a distinctive ring service (see
“Using a Distinctive Ring Service” on Page 9).
Can I share my residential line with my fax machine?
Yes. You can install the AFX-400 at any modular telephone
jack on the telephone line. To prevent calls on extension
phones from interrupting your fax transmission, we recom-
mend you install a voice data guard (see “Installing an Option-
al Voice Data Guard” on Page 5).
Can I use the AFX-400 on a two-line system?
Yes. The AFX-400 works on a two-line system, but only on the
line it is connected to. It does not alter the operation of the
second line.
Can I still send faxes like I did before I installed the AFX-
400?
Yes. Installing the AFX-400 does not affect outgoing fax oper-
ation.
Is there any special information I need to know about re-
ceiving faxes from a fax machine that uses auto-dial?
Yes. Auto-dialing fax machines must connect with the receiv-
ing fax machine usually within about 35 seconds. Otherwise,
the transmission ends. This means the combined number of
rings between the answering machine and your fax machine/
fax modem should not exceed five rings. For safety’s sake, al-
ways 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 com-
bined rings).
Does the AFX-400 work with an answering machine that
has a toll-saver feature?
Yes. In home mode, the toll saver will function normally and
you will not be charged for the call if you hang up before the
answering machine answers. But when the AFX-400 is in of-
fice mode, it answers the call. Therefore, you will not save the
toll and you will be charged by the phone company when dial-
ing from pay phones and long distance.
Does the AFX-400 work with Call Forwarding?
No. If you have forwarded your phone to another number, in-
coming fax calls never reach your AFX-400 because the calls
are switched at the phone company’s central office to the for-
warded number.
Does the AFX-400 work with Call Waiting?
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 phone company if it
offers this feature.