Phone and fax installation tips and advice

I’m having problems setting up my ISDN lines with my telephones and fax machine. Any help would be most appreciated.

Here’s my current set up:

Two phones:
-One Siemens Gigaset SX353 ISDN (SX for short)
-One Siemens Gigaset CX253 ISDN (CX for short)

One Fax:
-Canon LaserBase MF5700

I have three numbers associated with my ISDN line: x, y and z. Right now, I have the SX phone plugged into 1 of 2 outlets in my NTBA box, and the CX phone plugged into the second of the two outlets in my NTBA box. The fax isn’t plugged in.

When I call phone number x, the SX phone rings. When I use the SX phone to dial out, it uses phone number x (can see it on the caller ID of my cell phone).

When I call phone number y, no phone rings, even though I thought I had configured it so that the CX phone would ring. When I use the CX phone to dial out, it uses phone number y.

When I want to use my fax, I unplug the CX connection into the NTBA, and plug in the fax line. When I send a fax, it dials out using phone number z. When I receive a fax (I have to know before hand) I plug in the fax, and it receives it on phone number z.

Here’s my ideal set up:

I would like to have the two phones and the fax plugged in at the same time and configured so that the SX phone is associated with phone number x, the CX phone associated with phone number y, and the fax associated with phone number z; for all incoming and outgoing calls. There must be a way to do this.

So here are my questions:
Why are there only two inputs for phone lines in the NTBA if I have three numbers?
Can I have all there of the appliances plugged in and working at once or am I missing something?
How come when I dial phone number y, the CX phone doesn’t ring? I have the MSN set up to receive calls on that number.

It obvious from this post that I have no idea what I’m doing. Any pointers to get me on the right track so all three machines are in working order would be most appreciated!

Herr Brain

Firstly, the numbers need to be programmed into the phones, or into the NTBA box.
Secondly, the fax is an analogue device, and so you need a ta 2/b box, or eumex, or , or, or.
Sorry to be short, but the principle is simple once you know the answer, until then, its just Telekack stuff !!

The fax is going through an eumex. Forgot to mention that in the first post. I think the core of the problem is programming the numbers into the phone. I thought I had it set up right, but it just doesn't work...

When we had ISDN in our flat we had to run special software on a computer and connect the laptop to the NTBA to map all the numbers and phones etc. It was pretty straight forward, once a guy at work gave us the required software. I think most locals get someone in to set it up.

I do have software on my laptop, and I can configure phone SX via a USB connection. This is where I thought I had it all figured out. I'll keep playing around with it.

Your Sx353 has the a/b convertor built into it.. port 21 I think..

If the fax does not work-... turn the cable around.
You do not need the Eumex unless it is the One with the router/modem built in.

You seem to be looking to far into the technical side of things and not looking at the basic programming.. The seimens Talk and surf software is very comprehensive and well layed out.

I am sure These folk will help but you will have to pay for their help.. It's easy. you pay them... they pay ed bob... you get support, bob gets to eat!!

Hellmans... you know the big dollops right!

So I got rid of the Eumex. I have the fax plugged directly into the SX353. Using the talk-and-surf software I have indicated that port 21 (analogue) should receive MSN # 2. But when I dial that number, I don't hear a fax tone.

Turn the supplied phone-fax cable the other way round..

Did that... now the fax machine is making a repeating "tick tock" sound (almost like a time bomb or something) and there is a green light flashing next to my display.

Cut the red wire!!!

I'm about to throw it out the window...

Does "capi" driver ring bells? I have the manual in english if you need it.

You have some fairly expensive and quality equipment, and a moderately complicated ISDN service and setup of which you clearly do not understand some basic principals ("Why are there only two inputs for phone lines in the NTBA if I have three numbers?"). Why fight with it yourself?

For a fax machine? Don't think so...

Good question YSL6. I feel like I'm very close to getting it all sorted, I'm just missing 1 or 2 key steps. When my business is ready to expand, I'll bring in professionals to sort me out. For now I'm going to try to figure it out on my own, along with any help willing TTers are able to give me.

The Talk and Surf software is easy to use, and I feel like I have it configured correctly. For some reason, it's just not working...

Not exactly, but you can use the fax function of your pc via the base station (with CAPI driver components). It's an alternative.

You probably have configured it correctly, but you almost certainly have a cable problem. Are you using the connecting cable supplied with the CX? - it's a specially configured cable, and really MUST be used...

The cable from the CX to the NTBA is the one that was supplied with the phone. The cable from the SX to the NTBA is not. I needed a longer cable to reach from my desk to the NTBA. The SX phone is working fine, though. Is this my problem? If I need longer or replacement cables, what kind should I buy?

And if I am using the right cable for the CX phone, is there another reason you can think of as to why it won't receive calls?

If the phone works then the cable to the NTBA is fine (and is standard any way). Only the phone-fax cable is special. It only works one way round. Make sure you are plugging it into the "L" or "Line" port on the fax, and not the "E" or "Ext" port. You should power-cycle the fax between any connection and re-connection of the line, or its' line detection circuit might screw up. If the cable does not work one way, then try it the other. One way or the other it should work. Make sure the line (in the Talk&Surf software) is configured for direct access (i.e. you don't need to dial "0" for an outside line) - this should be default in any case. Test it for basic connectivity by trying to send a fax, rather than receiving one. Once that bit works you can check MSN allocation, etc., by attempting to receive one.

Excellent... I'm now able to send and receive faxes!!! Thanks YSL6. Any ideas now as to why the CX phone can't receive calls on its MSN assigned number?

Almost there... I can feel it...

So what was wrong?
The most common mistakes when people set up MSNs is that they include the area code. If one of your numbers is 089-123456 then the MSN detail you should enter is 123456.

And please, it's YL6... (no "S")

I took out the 089... now it works beautifully. Thanks for setting me straight! YL6 -- if I ever meet you out and about, I'm buying you a few pints or Maß!

I'd still like to know what you did to fix the fax...

I plugged it into the L line. That's all i needed to do. It was in the E line before. Now if I want to buy a new cable to connect the SX phone to the fax (need a longer cable) what kind of cord am I asking for?

You can't buy a longer replacement (it's a Siemens special), but you can buy an extension to extend the one you have. You need an RJ-11 (or "western") extension cable. Conrad have them in 10m or 6m lengths. Search for product numbers 261777 and 261769 in the Conrad catalogue

YSL6,

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