Fax Machine - Distinguishing between calls and faxes.

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braaaaaaainssss

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Topic # 133646 29-Oct-2013 13:33

Hello all,

Recently we've acquired a fax machine, for one of the house-members who requires it for her work.

Unfortunately I have absolutely zero experience with faxes, and have run into a fairly basic problem.

Is there any easy way to enable your fax to be able to distinguish between regular calls, and faxes? Currently if we pick up a fax call, we're left with no choice but to hang-up without the fax coming through.

I'm aware of telecom's FaxAbility service, albeit without really knowing how it works. Currently I'm with Snap for ADSL and home phone, so I'm not entirely sure whether or not they offer a similar service.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

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Reply # 923531 29-Oct-2013 13:35

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When you get a fax you should be able to hit "start" or similar on the machine to get it to pick up and receive the fax.

FaxAbility allocates a second number to your existing line, which has a different ring pattern. The machine will then detect that pattern and answer automatically.

braaaaaaainssss

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Reply # 923536 29-Oct-2013 13:43

Ok, thank you.

So, I pick up the phone and if it's a fax, I go to the fax machine and press start without hanging up?

Feels pretty hilarious knowing my way around computers reasonably well, but struggling with a piece of somewhat archaic technology..

sbiddle

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Reply # 923537 29-Oct-2013 13:44

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Faxability uses distinctive ring on a different number so the fax can differentiate between a voice and fax call.

If you don't want this your only solution is a fax switch which will need to be professionally wired into your wiring. This will pick up the call, listens for the CNG tone and then rings the phone or fax lines that are plugged into this.

sbiddle

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Reply # 923539 29-Oct-2013 13:44

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braaaaaaainssss: Ok, thank you. So, I pick up the phone and if it's a fax, I go to the fax machine and press start without hanging up?

Yes.

braaaaaaainssss

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Reply # 923541 29-Oct-2013 13:46

Thanks, appreciate the help!

littlehead

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Reply # 923550 29-Oct-2013 14:28

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Depending on your model of fax machine and it's capabilities, it may also have a remote activation code. You can trigger this by dialling it on the phone handset that has received the call, rather than having to walk to the fax machine and press start.

Check your manual to see if you can do this and what the code is Some of the I've used are *91 and 123.

braaaaaaainssss

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Reply # 923567 29-Oct-2013 14:36

Thanks, I'll try the activation code thing.

Currently, if I pick up the phone and then press start on the fax, it doesn't work - the fax doesn't start receiving.

About to do some research about the model of the fax, it's a Brother MFC-J265W.

braaaaaaainssss

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Reply # 923580 29-Oct-2013 14:56

Using *91 as an activation code from the handset worked, thanks!!

coffeebaron

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Reply # 923778 29-Oct-2013 20:18

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You could just get a free 028 fax to email number from 2talk
Yes, the person sending the fax to you will have to pay, normally at mobile rates; so good incentive for them to move into 21st century and use email.

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richms

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Reply # 923822 29-Oct-2013 21:38

braaaaaaainssss:
Feels pretty hilarious knowing my way around computers reasonably well, but struggling with a piece of somewhat archaic technology..

Not really, thats the same as expecting someone who knows their way around cars to start and drive a steam train.

Richard rich.ms

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Reply # 923867 29-Oct-2013 22:45

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I would honestly just get a fax to email service like 2talk or WxC

MackinNZ

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Reply # 923871 29-Oct-2013 22:51

Or use Kiwifax for $10 a month.

http://kiwifax.com/

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Reply # 923901 30-Oct-2013 01:17

MackinNZ: Or use Kiwifax for $10 a month.

http://kiwifax.com/

That website seems to be hosted in the US on an Australian hosting companies server with a .com tld. Is it base don a redirect service to some US based fax to email system or something?

riahon

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Reply # 923914 30-Oct-2013 05:56

I think I have one of those fax switches somewhere hidden away. Yours if a) I can find it, b) you want it and c) you send me a courierbag.

braaaaaaainssss

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Reply # 923982 30-Oct-2013 09:12

Thanks for all the information, guys. I'm getting Snap to enable faxability on my line this week - since it's only a temporary thing (housemate only needs the fax for work over the Christmas period) it's probably the best option. Thanks to the guy that offered the fax switch, too!

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