43-1245.fm Page 1 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Cat. No. 43-1245 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
43-1245.fm Page 2 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM INTRODUCTION Your Radio Shack AFX-300 Deluxe Automatic Fax/Data Switch lets you use your telephone, an answering machine, a fax machine/fax modem, and a data modem all on the same telephone line, eliminating the need and extra expense of two phone lines. When a call comes in, you can either answer it yourself, let your answering machine answer it, or let the AFX300 answer it.
43-1245.fm Page 3 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM This fax/data switch has been tested and found to comply with applicable UL and FCC standards. Warning: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN. ! CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
3-1245.fm Page 4 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM READ THIS BEFORE INSTALLING Each device that you connect to the phone line draws power from the phone line. We refer to this power draw as the device’s ringer equivalence number, or REN. The REN is shown on the bottom of your AFX-300. If you are using more than one device on the line, add up all the RENs. If the total is more than five, your phone might not ring and your answering machine might not answer.
43-1245.fm Page 5 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM CONTENTS Installation ......................................................................... 7 Installing Back-Up Batteries .......................................... 7 Making the Connections ................................................ 9 Initializing the AFX-300/Connecting to Power ............. 13 Preparing a TAD for Use with the AFX-300 ................. 15 Setting the TAD’s Ring Number .............................
43-1245.fm Page 6 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Program Command Descriptions ................................ 33 Changing the Access Code ................................... 34 Changing the Ring Number Setting ....................... 35 First Number Distinctive Ring ................................ 35 Second Number Distinctive Ring ........................... 36 Turn On/Off the FAX and MODEM Jacks .............. 36 Turn On/Off the TAD Jack ......................................
43-1245.fm Page 7 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM INSTALLATION Caution: Be sure to perform the procedures in this section in this order, otherwise the AFX-300 might not operate as expected: 1. Install batteries 2. Connect to the phone line 3. Connect your TAD, fax machine/fax modem, and/or data modem 4.
43-1245.fm Page 8 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Follow these steps to install the batteries. 1. Remove the battery compartment screw with a small Phillips screwdriver, then remove the cover by sliding it in the direction of the arrow. 2. Insert the batteries into the compartment with the positive (+) sides facing up. The POWER/IN USE indicator turns on. 3. Replace the cover, then reinsert and tighten the screw. Notes: • The AFX-300’s POWER/IN USE indicator flashes slowly during normal use.
43-1245.fm Page 9 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM MAKING THE CONNECTIONS Follow these steps to connect the AFX-300 to the phone line and your answering machine (TAD), fax machine, fax modem, and/or data modem. 1. Plug one end of the AFX-300’s modular cord into its LINE jack, and plug the other end into your modular telephone line jack. MODEM FAX LINE TAD DC 12V Notes: • If your telephone line does not have a modular jack, you must update the wiring.
43-1245.fm Page 10 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM • If you have two phone lines and you want to connect the AFX-300 to the second line, you must install a triplex modular adapter, such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 279-469, and connect the AFX-300 to L2. Follow the installation instructions provided with the adapter.
43-1245.fm Page 11 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM MODEM FAX LINE TAD DC 12V Notes: • If you connected a fax/data modem (one that receives both fax and data calls), be sure to set the AFX-300 to route data modem calls to the FAX jack (see “Special Features” on Page 26). • To ensure optimum compatibility with the AFX-300 and avoid disconnected fax calls due to lengthy connection time: — Set the connected fax machine/fax modem’s ring number feature to its minimum setting (typically 1 ring).
43-1245.fm Page 12 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM MODEM FAX LINE TAD DC 12V Notes: • If you connect a TAD to the AFX-300, you can connect your telephone to the phone jack on the TAD. • If you do not connect a TAD to the AFX-300’s TAD jack, you can connect your telephone’s modular plug directly to this jack. • If you installed a triplex adapter, plug your TAD’s or telephone’s modular cord into the adapter’s L1/L2 jack. 4.
43-1245.fm Page 13 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM INITIALIZING THE AFX-300/ CONNECTING TO POWER Follow these steps to initialize the AFX-300 and connect it to AC power. Cautions: • Be sure you install the batteries then connect all of the modular jacks before you connect the AFX-300 to power. • You must follow all of these steps, in order, to initialize your AFX-300; otherwise, it might not detect when the batteries are low. 1 MODEM FAX LINE TAD DC 12V AC ADAPTER 2 1.
43-1245.fm Page 14 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM 2. Plug the adapter’s other end into a standard 120-volt AC power outlet. Caution: You must use a Class II, 120V AC/12V DC adapter that delivers at least 400 milliamps. Its center tip must be set to negative and its plug must correctly fit the AFX-300’s DC 12V jack. The supplied adapter meets these requirements. Using an adapter that does not meet these requirements could damage the AFX-300 or the adapter. 3.
43-1245.fm Page 15 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM PREPARING A TAD FOR USE WITH THE AFX-300 Setting the TAD’s Ring Number The AFX-300 is preset to direct a call to either the FAX or MODEM jack after five rings. When you use a TAD with the AFX300, be sure the TAD is set to answer within four rings. If it is not, either change the ring number on the TAD to 4, or change the ring number on the AFX-300 to at least one number higher than the TAD’s ring number (see “Special Features” on Page 26).
43-1245.fm Page 16 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM For example: “Hello. You have reached 555-4567. Please leave your name and phone number at the tone, and we will return your call. If you want to send us a fax and you have a touch-tone phone, press one, the pound sign, then one on your telephone to activate our fax machine, then press START on your fax machine. Thanks for calling.” If you also connected a data modem to the AFX-300, the message might say: “Hello. You have reached 555-4567.
43-1245.fm Page 17 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM OPTIONAL VOICE DATA GUARD If an extension telephone on the same line as the AFX-300 is in use, the AFX-300 does not let your fax machine/fax modem or data modem access the telephone line or interrupt the call in progress.
43-1245.fm Page 18 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM OPERATION An incoming call on the phone line connected to the AFX-300 can be answered in any of the following ways: • If you connected an answering machine (TAD) to the AFX-300, you can let the TAD answer the call (see “Using a TAD with the AFX-300” on Page 19). • You can answer the call in person by picking up any phone on the same line as the AFX-300 (see “Answering Calls in Person” on Page 22).
43-1245.fm Page 19 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM • If you subscribe to first number distinctive ring service from your telephone company, the AFX-300 is preset to automatically transfer calls to your fax machine/fax modem, whether the call is a voice call or a call from a fax machine/fax modem or data modem (see “First Number Distinctive Ring” on Page 35).
43-1245.fm Page 20 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM TAD Operation with a Fax Machine/Fax Modem When the TAD answers a call, the AFX-300 listens during the outgoing message for either fax alert tones or touch-tone commands. If the AFX-300 detects fax alert tones, it automatically disconnects the TAD and directs the call to your fax machine/fax modem.
43-1245.fm Page 21 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM TAD Operation with a Fax Machine/Fax Modem and a Data Modem When the TAD answers a call, the AFX-300 listens during the first 20 seconds of the outgoing message for either fax alert tones or touch-tone commands. If the AFX-300 detects fax alert tones, it automatically disconnects the TAD and directs the call to your fax machine/fax modem.
43-1245.fm Page 22 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM ANSWERING CALLS IN PERSON You can answer a call in person by simply picking up any phone on the line (including one connected to the PHONE jack on your TAD) before the TAD or AFX-300 answers the call. Note: Because the AFX-300 automatically disables your fax machine when a call is received, you cannot use its built-in telephone (if any) to answer a call in person. If you answer a call and the call is a voice call, talk as usual.
43-1245.fm Page 23 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM LETTING THE AFX-300 ANSWER CALLS If you did not connect a TAD, or if you turned off the connected TAD or the AFX-300’s TAD jack (see “Special Features” on Page 26), and you do not answer the call in person, the AFX300 automatically answers the call after the preset number of rings. Note: The AFX-300 is preset to answer incoming calls after five rings. To change this setting, see “Special Features” on Page 26.
43-1245.fm Page 24 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM SWITCHING FAX CALLS MANUALLY Using either a touch-tone or rotary (pulse) phone, you can manually set the AFX-300 to accept a transmission from a fax machine that does not sound a normal fax alert tone. Note: The following procedures apply only to incoming faxes.
43-1245.fm Page 25 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Using a Rotary (Pulse) Phone If you are using a rotary (pulse) phone, you can activate your fax machine/fax modem during an incoming call using a phone on the same line as the AFX-300. Dial 3 on the extension telephone to direct the incoming call to your fax machine/fax modem. Note: You can only direct the call using an extension phone on the same line. A caller cannot activate your fax machine/fax modem by dialing 3 on his/her phone.
43-1245.fm Page 26 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM SPECIAL FEATURES The AFX-300 has several special features that let you customize its operation to fit your needs.
43-1245.fm Page 27 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM PROGRAMMING QUICK START This section provides a quick reference for experienced users to start programming the AFX-300. See the “Quick Start Command Chart” on Page 28 for a list of all default settings and remote commands. Programming from an Extension Phone 1. Pick up any phone on the same line as the AFX-300. 2. Enter 1, , then your 2-digit access code (preset to 99). 3. Enter a remote command. 4. Hang up the phone.
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43-1245.fm Page 30 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM BASIC PROGRAMMING STEPS The following sections provide you with the basic instructions for programming the AFX-300’s special features from a local (extension) or remote touch-tone phone. Notes: • You must correctly enter a 2-digit access code each time you program the AFX-300. The AFX-300’s access code is preset to 99. To change the code or reset the AFX-300 to the default code, see “Changing the Access Code” on Page 34.
43-1245.fm Page 31 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Programming from an Extension Phone Note: It is not unusual to hear beeping/buzzing or the operator’s voice on the line as you program the AFX-300 from an extension phone. 1. Pick up any phone on the same line as the AFX-300, except the built-in phone (if any) on your fax machine. 2. Press 1, , then the 2-digit access code. The AFX-300 beeps once. Note: If you enter the access code incorrectly, simply try again. 3.
43-1245.fm Page 32 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Programming from a Remote Phone 1. Dial the phone number of the line connected to the AFX300. 2. Within 10 seconds after the TAD answers, or within 5 seconds after the AFX-300 answers, press 1, , then the 2-digit access code. The AFX-300 beeps once. Notes: • If the AFX-300 answers, the phone stops ringing and you might not hear any other sound.
43-1245.fm Page 33 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM PROGRAM COMMAND DESCRIPTIONS Each of the following sections describes a different AFX-300 special feature and explains how to turn on, turn off, or change that feature when you follow the steps listed in “Basic Programming Instructions.” The beginning of each section includes this basic information: Touch-Tone Command(s) — lists the specific touch-tone command sequence you enter to turn on, turn off, or change that feature while programming the AFX-300.
43-1245.fm Page 34 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Changing the Access Code Touch-Tone Command: 00-99 1, then any 2-digit number from AFX-300 Response: 2 beeps Default Setting: 99 For built-in security against accidental or unwanted changes to its settings, the AFX-300 requires you to enter a 2-digit access code each time you program it. The access code is preset to 99, but you can change the code to one you can easily remember.
43-1245.fm Page 35 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Changing the Ring Number Setting Touch-Tone Command: (rings) 2, then any number from 1-7 AFX-300 Response: 2 beeps Default Setting: 5 rings The AFX-300 is preset to answer incoming calls after 5 rings, but you can set it to answer after as few as 1 or as many as 7 rings. This is especially useful if you connected a TAD to the AFX-300, or if you need time to get to the phone to answer calls in person.
43-1245.fm Page 36 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Second Number Distinctive Ring Touch-Tone Command: AFX-300 Response: 4 2 beeps = On 3 beeps = Off Default Setting: Off If you subscribe to second number distinctive ring service through your phone company, the AFX-300 is preset to automatically switch calls to your data modem if it detects the second number’s distinctive ring pattern.
43-1245.fm Page 37 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Turn On/Off the TAD Jack Touch-Tone Command: AFX-300 Response: 6 2 beeps = On 3 beeps = Off Default Setting: On The AFX-300’s TAD jack is automatically turned on, so you can easily plug in a TAD and begin using the AFX-300.
43-1245.fm Page 38 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Turn On/Off the Fax Password Touch-Tone Command: AFX-300 Response: 7 2 beeps = On 3 beeps = Off Default Setting: Off Preset Password (when turned on) = 1 # 9 9 The AFX-300 is preset to automatically switch incoming fax calls to your fax machine/fax modem. For privacy or selective use, you can set the AFX-300 to require a preset password before it accepts fax calls.
43-1245.fm Page 39 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM Route Data Modem Calls to the FAX Jack Touch-Tone Command: AFX-300 Response: 8 2 beeps = On 3 beeps = Off Default Setting: Off The AFX-300 is preset to route incoming data modem calls to its MODEM jack, but you can set it so both incoming fax and data modem calls are routed only to the FAX jack. This is especially useful if you connected a combined fax/data modem to the AFX-300.
43-1245.fm Page 40 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 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.
43-1245.fm Page 41 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM 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 you 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.
43-1245.fm Page 42 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM 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.
-1245.fm Page 43 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your Radio Shack AFX-300 Deluxe Automatic Fax/Data Switch is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for the AFX-300 so you can enjoy it for years. • Keep the AFX-300 dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can contain minerals that corrode electronic circuits. • Use and store the AFX-300 only in normal temperature environments.
43-1245.fm Page 44 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS If your AFX-300 does not work or works poorly, check the connection to the telephone line. If the reception is noisy when you make a call, hang up the phone’s handset. Then pick up the handset and redial the number. If a power failure occurs while your fax machine/fax modem is operating, the AFX-300 might not operate properly when power is restored. If this happens, follow these steps to reset the AFX-300. 1.
43-1245.fm Page 45 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW In the unlikely event that your AFX-300 causes problems on the phone line, the phone company can disconnect your service. The phone company attempts to notify you in advance. If advance notice is not practical, the phone company notifies you of your right to file a complaint with the FCC. Also, the phone company can make changes to its lines, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the operation of your AFX-300.
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43-1245.fm Page 48 Wednesday, August 18, 1999 9:51 AM RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY This telephone product is warranted against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase from Radio Shack company owned stores and authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers. Within this period bring your Radio Shack sales slip as proof-of-purchase date to any Radio Shack store.
