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Thread ID: 31034 2003-03-09 23:13:00 Phone line problem Sami (667) Press F1
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126954 2003-03-09 23:13:00 I help out a local business by keeping their computer running and doing all the things they need. They have two phone connections, one for fax and EFTPOS, and the other for the phone and the computer modem.

However, they find that having the computer on the same line as the phone is inconvenient - takes time doing AVG updates and so on, blocks the phone - which they can’t afford to happen.

They want to put the computer on the same line as the fax and EFTPOS to free up the phone. Both Telecom and a local computer shop tell them that this should not be a problem. However, although the connection will dial up OK it disconnects every time after about one minute and will not make the essential connection to the LTSA WOF serve at all.

I tried it again this morning with the same result, it will not hold the connection on the fax/EFTPOS line or make the LTSA connection.

The EFTPOS connection is open 24/7 and I suspect that this may well be causing the problem - a conflict with the EFTPOS. Although is strange that the fax will function OK on the same line.

I wonder if anyone has enough technical knowledge on this sort of thing to shed any light?
Sami (667)
126955 2003-03-10 00:11:00 Some faxes send out a pulse every now and again and this is probably what is dropping the connection. Could you set up the PC to receive faxes too as that would eliminate one problem. I don't know if EFTPOS sends anything out so you will just have to test that. mikebartnz (21)
126956 2003-03-10 01:14:00 Hi Sami

Best they go Jetstream or Jetstart.

Fax and EFTPOS go on one line, Jetstream and business phone on the other. There will be no problems with phone/computer anymore (simultaneous use), they will also gain productivity advantages from the faster Internet connection.

If it is a home based business they can use the Telecom Home Business package to get two lines an domestic rates, but even if they have to pay business rates, unless they are on the bones of their backsides they will reap advantages from Jetstream speed and a freed up business phone line.

Works for me and I am a very small business.

Cheers

Billy 8-{)
Billy T (70)
126957 2003-03-10 02:00:00 Thanks for that Mike. I use winfax myself, but for them it's not a practical proposition. Sami (667)
126958 2003-03-10 02:05:00 Yes, we know about Jetstream, but unfortunately the facility has not yet reached Pleasant Point and there is no indication when it might do so. They are already on Telecom commercial rates, so the Home Pacakage is not a possibility.

Rather, we need a technical solution to the current impasse.
Sami (667)
126959 2003-03-10 02:08:00 i would point the finger at the eftpos system, it is most likely to be trying to dial out every minute or two.

could we sugest a third phone line????
robsonde (120)
126960 2003-03-10 02:48:00 Un plug the Eftpos and see what happens with the internet connection.
Bye
Peter H (220)
126961 2003-03-10 05:07:00 Most faxes have "Caller ID" and "Message Minder Alert" built in.

The Message Minder light flashes when someone has left a message on the Telecom Service platform. It flashes because it has detected the changed dial tone that indicates there is a message.

Question: How does the "call minder alert" system know the dial tone has changed if it doesnt periodically sample it?

Perhaps that may be the problem? Even the $299 el-cheapo faxes have this facility, so perhaps it needs disabling?
godfather (25)
126962 2003-03-10 07:14:00 I know of lots of businesses that have this sort of configuration without any problem. Try disconnecting the fax & eftpos to see if the modem will stay connected on it's own. If not you have a line problem, call telecom. Plug in the fax & eftpos one at a time to see if one of them is killing the modem. Avoid double adapters and telephone extension cords if possible or try new ones if the trouble persists. These are often the culprits with connectivity problems. NIGGEL (2358)
126963 2003-03-10 21:04:00 Ever thought about those "privacy adaptors" available from Dick Smith ? Which ever device is utilizing the line at the time, will get sole use till hangup. I haven't tried them to see if it affects the connection speed. Pheonix (280)
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