How to Use a PC As a Phone Fax Switch

Use a switcher with your PC, phone and fax.

A phone fax switch can be used with a computer to efficiently coordinate multiple pieces of equipment with multiple functions. A switch box can save time and money by automatically answering and detecting incoming calls in a busy office with many phone and fax calls. Installing the switch box takes minimal time and requires connecting telephone cords to the switcher's ports and to the corresponding equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Mulit-line phone fax switch box
• 7 ft telephone cord
• Velcro tape
• Double-sided stick tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Purchase a multi-port switch box with ports for line (wall jack), voice (telephone line) and fax (PC fax modem). Get a switch box with ports for fax and computer if you have a physical fax machine.

2. Connect a telephone line cord to the "line" port of the switch box. Connect a cord from the "fax" port of the switcher to the computer's fax card. Connect a cord to the "voice1" port of the switcher to the telephone jack. Connect another cord from the "voice2" port of the switcher to the answering machine's jack if there is a separate answering machine.

3. Program the switch box to the desired features such as number of seconds to wait before answering a call and tone or pulse detection. Set the pulse detection to "On" if you have a pulse telephone. Setting the unit to "0" would result in the switcher answering the call and routing it to the appropriate equipment immediately.

4. Turn the switch box on and test its function with an incoming telephone call and an incoming fax. Rewire all equipment and start over if the switcher does not function correctly.

5. Mount the switch box with velcro or double-sided stick tape on a nearby wall, on a desk near the equipment or underneath the desk.

References

• FaxSwitch.com -- Computer Fax Switch