About Fax Machines, Custom Features | Brother FAX-2900, FAX-3800

About Fax Machines

If you’re a first-time fax machine user, fax operation might seem a little mysterious. Soon, you’ll recognize the unusual fax tones on your phone line, and be able to send and receive faxes easily.

Custom Features

Do You Have Voice Mail on the Phone Line?

If you have Voice Mail on the phone line on which you will install your new FAX/MFC, there is a strong possibility that Voice Mail and the FAX/MFC will conflict with each other while receiving incoming calls.

Why Should There Be Trouble?

Since both FAX/MFC and Voice Mail will pick up the line at the number of rings you have set, each of them has the ability to keep the other from receiving calls. For example, if your Voice Mail is set to answer after two rings and your FAX/MFC is set to answer after four, your Voice Mail will keep your FAX/ MFC from receiving faxes. If you set Voice Mail and the Brother FAX/MFC to answer at the same number of rings, there is no way of knowing which one will answer first. It is important to remember that neither Voice Mail nor the FAX/MFC can pass the call back to the other after the call has been answered.

How Can You Avoid Possible Problems?

A very good way to avoid problems like the one mentioned previously is to get a second phone number on your present phone line. Many people with Voice Mail opt for this choice, which is called “Distinctive Ring”, and they are very satisfied with it. For details about this type of custom service, please see Distinctive Ring, page 8-1.

Another way to avoid possible problem is to replace your Voice Mail with an answering machine. Your Brother FAX/MFC is designed to work in tandem with an answering machine or TAD (telephone answering device). (See Connecting an External Telephone Answering Device (TAD), page 2-9.)

Fax Tones and Handshake

When someone is sending a fax, the FAX/MFC sends fax calling tones (CNG tones) — soft, intermittent beeps at 4-second intervals. You’ll hear them after you dial and press Fax Start; they continue for about 60 seconds after dialing. During that time, the sending machine must begin the “handshake” with the receiving machine. Each time you use automatic procedures to send a fax, you are sending CNG tones over the phone line. You’ll soon learn to listen for these soft beeps each time you answer a phone on your fax line, so you can know if you are receiving a fax message.

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FAX-2900, FAX-3800 specifications

The Brother FAX-3800 and FAX-2900 are efficient and reliable fax machines designed for small to medium-sized offices. Both models offer a range of features that cater to modern communication needs, ensuring that businesses can send and receive documents promptly and effectively.

The Brother FAX-3800 is a high-performance fax machine, known for its robust functionality. It boasts a speed of up to 33.6 Kbps, allowing for quick transmissions, typically around 2 seconds per page. This feature is crucial for organizations that require fast communication. The FAX-3800 also integrates a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), enabling users to send multiple pages without manual intervention. Its memory capacity of up to 400 pages ensures that documents are stored safely should there be any power interruptions during transmission.

On the other hand, the Brother FAX-2900, while slightly less advanced, is still a powerful tool for any office. It shares many features with the FAX-3800 but is designed for users who may not need the high-end capabilities. The FAX-2900 also functions with a 33.6 Kbps modem, offering similar transmission times. With a 20-sheet ADF and a memory capacity of up to 250 pages, it handles regular faxing tasks efficiently, making it suitable for smaller businesses.

Both models support a variety of transmission features, such as broadcasting to multiple recipients, which is especially helpful for sending the same document to various clients or partners. They are also equipped with a reliable thermal transfer printing technology, ensuring clear and professional outputs with each fax sent or received.

Furthermore, the incorporation of a Caller ID feature allows users to identify incoming fax calls, preventing missed communications. Both machines are user-friendly, featuring intuitive control panels that facilitate easy operation, even for those unfamiliar with fax technology.

In summary, the Brother FAX-3800 and FAX-2900 are exemplary fax machines for businesses looking for dependability and speed in communication. With their robust features, advanced technologies, and ease of use, they help streamline document handling and ensure efficient connectivity in the fast-paced business environment. Whether you opt for the high-end capabilities of the FAX-3800 or the practical functionality of the FAX-2900, Brother provides reliable solutions for all your faxing needs.

Brother FAX-2900, FAX-3800 About Fax Machines, Custom Features, Fax Tones and Handshake

Models: FAX-2900 FAX-3800