How to operate a fax and answering machine or voicemail on the same line.

There are two different types of answering systems and the fax machine needs to be configured differently for each type: voicemail through your telephone company or separate answering machine.

Voicemail through your telephone company

If you have a single telephone line and voicemail from your telephone company on the line, you must also subscribe to your telephone company\'s Distinctive ring service.

Distinctive ring service provides a second number and allows to distinguish between voice and fax calls on the same telephone line. Your telephone company will assign a different ring pattern that you will need to assign to your fax system by setting the Distinctive ring feature. When you receive a call for your fax, the ring will be recognizably different.

Depending on your fax model, these instructions may vary. Refer to your models Operating Manual for specific procedure.

Separate Answering Machine

If you have a single telephone line and a separate answering machine, connect your answering machine to the fax system.

1. On the back of the fax machine, you will have two input jacks: LINE and EXT. The LINE input connects to the wall jack and EXT connects to the answering machine
2. Once connected, set the answering machine machine ring count to 4 or less.
3. Record a greeting message on the answering machine. We recommend you record a message up to 10 seconds long, and not to pause for more than 4 seconds during the message. Otherwise, neither machine will function correctly.
4. Turn the answering machine on.
5. Set the fax machine to “fax only” mode.
6. Set the fax machine receiving mode to "5 EXT TAM".

Depending on your fax model, these instructions may vary. Refer to your models Operating Manual for specific procedure.