Voice/Fax Switch Software

[Guest]

Hi

Don't know if this is possible, but I'm looking for a software switch that
can be installed on a computer system to tell the difference between Voice
calls and fax calls. I know you can buy the hardware switches but looking
for a cheaper method.

Thanks
Rick Byrne

 

[Al Klein]

Don't know if this is possible, but I'm looking for a software switch that
can be installed on a computer system to tell the difference between Voice
calls and fax calls. I know you can buy the hardware switches but looking
for a cheaper method.

An old voice-capable modem can tell the difference and tell the
computer.

 

[kenny]

An old voice-capable modem can tell the difference and tell the

computer.

Can you state proof of what you claim?

 

[Guest]

So how do you configure that because I have no idea, didn't even think that
was possible. If that's the case why don't fax software come with an option
to enable this feature if an old voice capable modem can do this.

Thanks Rick

 

[Al Klein]

Can you state proof of what you claim?

I've used old USR voice/fax modems in the past to do exactly what the
OP wants to do.

 

[Al Klein]

So how do you configure that because I have no idea, didn't even think that
was possible.

I haven't looked at one in years, and I don't think I even have a list
of AT codes any more, but you can tell the modem to tell you that it's
hearing a fax modem's handshake tone.

IIRC, you tell the modem to go into fax mode (+FCLASS=2), tell it to
not autoanswer (+FAA=0) and wait for a +FCON response to tell you that
it's a fax call. RD will tell you that the line is ringing so, if you
get RD and not +FCON, the chance is that it's a voice call.

If that's the case why don't fax software come with an option
to enable this feature if an old voice capable modem can do this.

Probably the same reason they don't come with options to use the data
modem part. Fax programs do fax, not voice or data.

 

[kenny]

Find me a site that says that this is possible... because my experience is
that its NOT possible using a simple modem and a normal phone line.

 

[kenny]

not all fax machines give out that hand shake tone. Thus you cannot rely on
that method.

What you are saying is incorrect for most of the cases.

 

[Al Klein]

Find me a site that says that this is possible... because my experience is
that its NOT possible using a simple modem and a normal phone line.

Since I never posted what I did to any site, it's not on any site.

 

[Al Klein]

not all fax machines give out that hand shake tone. Thus you cannot rely on
that method.

In order for a fax machine to recognize that an incoming call is a fax
call, the calling machine has to keep beeping until either it times
out, or it's recognized.

A fax machine that doesn't "give out that hand shake tone" is as
useful as a TV set without a picture tube. You can use it as an
autodialer, but the receiving machine will never sync up.

Next time you want to lecture someone on how a protocol works, learn
how it works first.

 

[Guest]

Ok all I really want to know is: Can it be done, which some say yes some say
no, Is there software out there to do this, Or how do you configure it.

 

[Al Klein]

Ok all I really want to know is: Can it be done, which some say yes some say
no, Is there software out there to do this, Or how do you configure it.

Well ...

I suppose someone could write software for the sound card to listen
for the tone - but you'd have to build a hardware interface from the
phone line to the sound card. The software can't work if it can't
hear the phone line.

A modem is the interface and software in one package.

Another way to go might be (depending on the individual situation) to
decode the caller ID, and decide on that basis. If you know which
numbers your fax calls are going to be coming from. But, again, you'd
need the interface.

There are phone interface cards available, but they're in the US$250
(and up, way up) range new. Even good modems are cheaper.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all the help but the best thing for me to do is buy a junction
box that goes between the line and the modem and can tell the difference. I
just thought there was a software solution to the problem. Thanks for all
the post.

 

[kenny]

This guy Al klein is misleading you, posting misinformation on the
newsgroups, and wasting your time. Go with the hardware solution.