Line In Line Out Switch?

Posts: 25 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: Mar 18, 2006 Posts: 25

I would like my fax machine to receive all my incoming faxes on my old POTS line but would like it to use my Vonage line for all outgoing faxes. I looked at many switches but all I've seen were the device sharing type. Is there one availabe to suit my needs. I really don't want to use 2 fax machines.
Thanks,
Jamie
P.S. Vonage can't transfer my POTS number to Vonage in my area.

Posts: 1179 · Member of the Week Joined: Feb 28, 2005 Posts: 1179

I can't think of any devices off the top of my head. It's particularly difficult b/c you are using only 1 machine to use 2 different lines. The only thing I can think of is having both lines there and simply switching b/w them when you want to fax out.

Posts: 1123 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: May 26, 2005 Posts: 1123

Screw that, it's too hard. What if you had an incoming fax at the same time you were transmitting one? Big headaches on this. I recommend that you check with your POTS provider, and see if you can set up call forwarding to your Vonage fax number. This way, you are sending via Vonage, and receiving on Vonage, but your incoming number is the POTS line. Seriously, I don't even think the way you are thinking of is possible, or reliable.

Posts: 1179 · Member of the Week Joined: Feb 28, 2005 Posts: 1179

what about your using your fax modem in your computer to receive faxes on your POTS line and using your fax machine to send on your Vonage line.

Posts: 25 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: Mar 18, 2006 Posts: 25

Quote:

The only thing I can think of is having both lines there and simply switching b/w them when you want to fax out.

I was thinking of manually switching too. Even looked for a switch similar to those old printer A/B switches. But without automatic operation, I know I would sometimes forget to switch back.

Quote:

Screw that, it's too hard. What if you had an incoming fax at the same time you were transmitting one?

That happens everyday. Sender gets a busy signal or no answer and tries again.

Quote:

Seriously, I don't even think the way you are thinking of is possible, or reliable.

Looking at the available switching devises I think this would be a simple task for an electronics expert. Just probably no demand for one. A small circuit board and diodes to control flow...maybe.

There's already 2 line fax machines available however not an option for me right now.

Quote:

I recommend that you check with your POTS provider, and see if you can set up call forwarding to your Vonage fax number.

Excellent suggestion. I think that's what I'll do.

Thanks for the replies!
Jamie

Posts: 109 · Vonage Forum Senior Joined: Jun 21, 2005 Posts: 109

here is the link for at item that is pretty close to what you want to do.
click me

sorry its an ebay link but you can probably find the original manufacturers site too or you can find more of these on ebay

it will allow you to dial out on either line.

i'm not sure how smart your fax machine is... if it listens to the line before it tries to answer so the Vonage voice calls don't get picked up by the fax machine.... or if you would need another device to supress the ringing voltage so the Vonage line would not send a ring voltage into this switch so the fax maching would not see the Vonage line ring.

Posts: 25 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: Mar 18, 2006 Posts: 25

Thanks for that link! That's what I need. That switch used in addition with the Dual Line Isolator with Ring Suppressor found here: http://www.cleanphone.com/Accessories/gifts.htm is what I need to accomplish what I want.
Thanks again a-dhold!
Jamie