All-in-ones (w fax) versus answering machines

[JXStern]

Another question about the all-in-ones (that include a fax). As far
as outgoing faxes, I see no problem, but for incoming faxes, is there
a problem if you also want to put an answering machine on the same
line?

Is this best fixed with a distinctive-ring feature (or a second line,
of course!)

Thanks.

Josh

 

[JXStern]

Generally the way it is supposed to work is that the answering machine is
downstream of the fax. The fax is set to pick up after more rings than the
answering machine. When a call comes in the answering machine pickup up, the
fax listens in for the fax tones. If the fax tones are detected the fax hangs
up on the answering machine and takes the fax. If the answering machine is
relatively well behaved it will hang up and not take a message if the line
hangs up before the outgoing message is completed. The length of the answering
machine message may need to be set to at least some minimum to get the fax
enough time to do its thing.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP

(smacks own forehead)

Of course, if the phone is hooked to the "fax", it can hang up the
answering machine.

Thanks.

Josh

 

[magpie]

Generally the way it is supposed to work is that the answering machine is
downstream of the fax. The fax is set to pick up after more rings than the
answering machine. When a call comes in the answering machine pickup up, the
fax listens in for the fax tones. If the fax tones are detected the fax hangs
up on the answering machine and takes the fax. If the answering machine is
relatively well behaved it will hang up and not take a message if the line
hangs up before the outgoing message is completed. The length of the answering
machine message may need to be set to at least some minimum to get the fax
enough time to do its thing.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP

Hey Bob, would you happen to know if HP has any intention of
developing a laser based MFC like the old Brother 970MC machines that
have fax/scanner/copier/answearing machine amd speakephone in one
unit? I have the old Brother in my home office and love it but would
really like to update to a laser model with all the above. Sure would
be nice if HP came out with such a device at a reasonable cost. I'd be
first in line.

Frank