Is there a way to share a line between a fax machine, phone and computer?

[Arkitech]

So here's the dilemma, I have a second line in my home to be used for business. However I'm unsure how to share the line between the fax, phone and PC. I need to run a line to the modem of my PC because I need to utilize voicemail software (looking for suggestions on that too ). I have a standalone fax machine, but I'm wondering if I should look for a software equivalent.


Anyone have some recommendations on what I can do to cover all 3 functions? (faxing, voicemail and phone)

 

[BigJ]

Just hook up a junction box, then split the 3 lines. I believe that there's another thing that you can hook up which determines what type of incoming call you're receiving (fax or voice).

 

[MrBond]

You could have distinctive ring added to the phone line. When someone calls the "fax" line, it will ring differently than if they dial the "voice" line. You train your fax machine to know which ring is the distinctive ring.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: BigJ
...
I believe that there's another thing that you can hook up which determines what type of incoming call you're receiving (fax or voice).

Radio shack used to carry such a box.

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper

Originally posted by: BigJ
...
I believe that there's another thing that you can hook up which determines what type of incoming call you're receiving (fax or voice).

Radio shack used to carry such a box.

cool, I'm off to Radio Shack first thing in the morning

 

[Bumrush99]

What about setting up an E-Fax solution, I use it at work and it's awesome. Faxes come in through exchange and I can send faxes via outlook with attachments

 

[Kelemvor]

Easiest way is just have the line go from the wall to the fax machine and from the fax machine to the answering machine or computer or whatever. THen set the fax machine to auto answer with a high number of rings. THat way the PC/ans machine will get the calls but it will go through the fax. If the voice mail ends up being a fax, the fax will pick it up and receive it. If not the answering machine will get it.

 

[doze]

Buy voicemail from the phone company for an extra several $$$ a month, get an e-fax and use a regular phone.

 

[skyking]

Lineshare device. Look up command communications.

 

[WildHorse]

Actually, you don't need any special junction box.

Put a fax modem card into your computer.

Get DSL service on your 2nd tel line. That single DSL telephone number is going to cover everything you need.

Have a printer with an integrated flatbed scanner.

When Verizon supplied my DSL modem, it came with four "Y" splitters. I didn't need to buy them extra. This is my only experience with it, but I'd assume other ISPs probably supply it the same way, and includie some "Y" splitters with the DSL modem they send to you.

The simple "Y" has a "filter" (resistor) on one lead of the "Y" intended to carry a telephone signal. Plug that side into the fax card jack on back of your computer.

In Windows XP Pro go Start / Control Panel / Add or Remove Programs / Add-Remove Windows Components / check "Fax Services" to enable Windows' built-in fax.

The other side of the "Y" splitter goes to your DSL modem, then to your router & LAN port on back of your computer.
If you install a VOIP softphone in your computer, your telephone is carried on that same line as the DSL line.

Summary: All you need is
* DSL service, with DSL modem & simple "Y" splitter, several of which may already be supplied by your ISP with the modem.
* Fax card
* Enable Windows XP's native fax capability
* Printer / scanner (flatbed is vastly better)
* VOIP

When necessary, just use your scanner to image what you want to fax out.

That works real well for me, and is how I have it set up.


ALTERNATIVE: Instead of putting a fax modem card inside your computer, you could just connect the resistor "filter side of the "Y" splitter directly to your standalone fax machine's input. That'll give you fax, & if that has a phone handset built into it, there's your telephone too. Simple as pie! The only thing is, incoming faxes will be on paper instead of digital in your computer.

 

[mrrman]

I used a device called faxpal...you can receive faxes from it,send from it and even use your PC on the same line. It stored something like 180-360 pages that you can retreive whenever you want.