A telephone answering machine and fax can be connected to a single phone line--avoiding the need for two separate phone lines. To connect the telephone answering machine and fax correctly, follow a specific order that gives the fax machine time to respond to an incoming fax before the answering machine picks up the line. A single telephone cord will be needed, but no special equipment.
Instructions
1. Place the telephone answering machine and fax machine on a table or desk, next to a telephone. Plug in the power cords of both devices into AC sockets for power.
2. Remove the modular telephone plug from the telephone. Insert the modular telephone plug into the fax machine's "Tel in" or "Line-out" port.
3. Insert one end of a telephone cord into the fax machine's "Tel out" or "Phone" port. Insert the other end of the telephone cord into the "Phone" port on the answering machine.
4. Adjust the "pickup" setting on the fax machine to the minimum number available--this involves rotating a "pickup" wheel fully counter clockwise or sliding a "pickup" switch to the first number setting.
5. Adjust the "pickup" setting on the answering machine's setup menu to the maximum number available--typically this will be four or five rings.
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