MFC-820CW
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FAQs & Troubleshooting |
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MFC-820CW
Date: 01/10/2006 ID: faq00000736_004
How do I set up an answering machine (TAD) to work on the same line as my FAX/MFC?
The following steps pertain to physical telephone answering devices (TADs) only. If a voice mail Service is used in lieu of a physical TAD, you may experience problems receiving faxes and voice messages. Voice mail service can ONLY be used with the Distinctive Ring feature. To set up a TAD to share the telephone line with your FAX/MFC, please follow these instructions:
Physically connecting the TAD to the FAX/MFC:
- Connect a telephone cord from the jack labeled LINE on the FAX/MFC directly to the telephone jack in the wall.
- Connect another telephone cord from the jack labeled Telephone Line on the answering machine to the jack labeled EXT on the FAX/MFC (for USA).
Putting the FAX/MFC in External TAD Mode:
- Press the Menu key.
- Press the up or down navigation key to select Initial Setup and press OK.
- Press the up or down navigation key to select Receive Mode and press OK.
- Use the up or down navigation key to select External TAD.
- Press OK to confirm your choice.
- Press the Stop/Exit key to exit the menu.
How External TAD mode works:
When someone dials your telephone/fax number (to send a fax or to speak to you), every telephone sharing the line (including the FAX/MFC) will ring according to the number of rings you set on the TAD. If you do not answer the call, the TAD will answer. As your outgoing message is playing, the FAX/MFC is in the background, silently listening for fax tones. If the FAX/MFC hears fax tones, it will automatically respond and receive the incoming fax. If the FAX/MFC does not hear fax tones, it remains silent, allowing the caller to leave a message.
Setting the number of rings and the outgoing message:
It is recommended that you set the number of rings on the TAD to 2 or 3. The maximum number of rings allowed is 4, but this may cause problems when receiving faxes. When faxes are being sent, fax tones are transmitted for approximately 35 seconds. If it takes the TAD too long to answer, the transmitting fax machine may disconnect before your FAX/MFC answers the call. We also recommend the TAD's outgoing message be a maximum of 20 seconds with a 5-second pause before the message starts. You should also end your message by giving your Fax Receive Code for people sending manual faxes. For example, "After the beep, leave a message or to send a fax press *51 then the Start button". When they press *51, it will create a fax signal for their machine to send.
We recommend beginning your outgoing message with 5 seconds of silence because the FAX/MFC cannot detect over a loud or resonant voice. You can try omitting this pause, but if your machine has trouble receiving, we recommend that you re-record your outgoing message with the pause included.
MFC-820CW
If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:
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