Chapter 6

(continued)

Problem

Possible solution

If you have an answering machine on the same phone line with the HP Fax, you might have one of the following problems:

•Your answering machine might not be set up properly with the HP Fax.

•Your outgoing message might be too long or too loud to allow the HP Fax to detect fax tones, and the sending fax machine might disconnect.

•Your answering machine might not have enough quiet time after your outgoing message to allow the HP Fax to detect fax tones. This problem is most common with digital answering machines.

The following actions might help solve these problems:

•When you have an answering machine on the same phone line you use for fax calls, try connecting the answering machine directly to the port labeled 2-EXT on the back of the HP Fax.

•Make sure the HP Fax is set to receive faxes automatically. For information on setting up the HP Fax to receive faxes automatically, see Receive a fax.

•Make sure the Rings to Answer setting is set to a greater number of rings than the answering machine. For more information, see Set the number of rings before answering.

•Disconnect the answering machine and then try receiving a fax. If faxing is successful without the answering machine, the answering machine might be causing the problem.

•Reconnect the answering machine and record your outgoing message again. Record a message that is approximately 10 seconds in duration. Speak slowly and at a low volume when recording your message. Leave at least 5 seconds of silence at the end of the voice message. There should be no background noise when recording this silent time. Try to receive a fax again.

NOTE: Some digital answering machines might not retain the recorded silence at the end of your outgoing message. Play back your outgoing message to check.

If the HP Fax shares the same phone line with other types of phone equipment, such as an answering machine, a computer dial-up modem, or a multi-port switch box, the fax signal level might be reduced. The signal level can also be reduced if you use a splitter or connect extra cables to extend the length of your phone. A reduced fax signal can cause problems during fax reception.

If you have a special ring pattern for your fax phone number (using a distinctive ring service through your telephone company), make sure that the Distinctive Ring feature on the HP Fax is set to match. For more information, see Change the answer ring pattern for distinctive ring.

68 Maintain and troubleshoot