ComSwitch® CS7500 Operator's Guide

This guide is designed to introduce you to the various installation and operational procedures for using the ComSwitch 7500 (CS 7500). Please read through this guide and select the installation procedures appropriate for your specific application before attempting to connect or operate the CS 7500.

Call Waiting: Fax machine and modem transmissions could be disrupted by the call waiting beep tone.

Call Forwarding: If Call Forwarding is activated, the CS 7500 cannot process calls on that line.We recommend that you disconnect service for Call Forwarding.

Phone Company Voice Mail: This service is compatible with the CS 7500 if used in conjunction with the phone company's Distinctive Ring service (service activation required).

Thank you for purchasing the CS 7500. Data communications is becoming increasingly popular, and the CS 7500 allows you to take advantage of this technology.

The CS 7500 is a state-of-the-art Telephone Line Sharing device which eliminates the extra dedicated telephone lines used to operate a fax, modem, or other telephone device.

The CS 7500 quickly directs incoming telephone calls to one of four appropriate destinations, typically a computer modem or fax/modem and facsimile machine, as well as a telephone and answering machine, or any other telephone device that responds to a standard phone company ring signal.

When you open the CS 7500 box for the first time, inspect the contents. In the box you should find the following items:

If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact the dealer where you purchased the unit, or call Customer Service at the number listed in "Two year limited warranty/Service Information."

The CS 7500 is a 1 or 2-line device (depending on operating mode) that can be installed on any type of modular or non-modular system that consists of one or more lines, with one or more phones. A modular system consists of phone cables that can be connected and disconnected from a telephone device. A non-modular system consists of cables that are hard-wired to the telephone device and cannot be disconnected from the equipment. A telephone installer may be required to install the CS 7500 on a non-modular system.

The CS 7500 can be placed on either a flat surface, or mounted on a wall with the connected telephone line cords above or below the unit. To mount on a wall, follow these steps:

You can place the telephone line cords through the line guides on the back of the CS 7500 to reduce tangling.

This section explains how to install the CS 7500 in most phone configurations that appear in a home or office. You can install the CS 7500 into one of the following phone configurations:

1 or 2-line telephones

a telephone system

Installation procedures for each of these configurations are provided in the following sections.

To perform the installation procedures in the following sections, you may need the following equipment:

The following diagram shows a complete installation for a 1 or 2-line telephone connection. While the connections to the telephone (wall) jack may be different for other types of phone systems, the connections to the CS 7500 remain the same for all phone configurations.

Plug one end of the provided 4-wire modular line cord into the LINE-IN port on the CS 7500. Plug the other end of the modular line cord into the telephone (wall) jack.

To connect a phone, plug one end of a modular line cord into the PHONE port on the CS 7500.

Plug the small end of the AC power cord provided with the CS 7500 into the power input port labeled "12 VAC" on the CS 7500. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.

The green LED flashes rapidly for about 5 seconds when power is applied and then remains illuminated, indicating its ON status.

To connect a fax machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the FAX port on the CS 7500.

Set the fax to answer on 1 ring.

To connect an answering machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the TAD port on the CS 7500.

To connect a telephone device such as a computer modem, plug one end of a modular line cord into the MODEM port on the CS 7500.

Set the modem to answer on 1 ring.

To turn Caller ID ON, perform the following steps:

To turn Caller ID OFF, perform the following steps:

A telephone system is common in a medium or large office arrangement in which calls are coming in on 2 or more telephone lines and can be routed to any number of extensions. The system typically has features like call holding, music on hold, conference calling, and intercom paging.

The diagram shows telephone devices connected to the CS 7500 for a telephone system; follow the same procedures if you have a mini-telephone system in your home or small office. For the CS 7500 to operate properly, it must be "in front" of the telephone system. In other words, it must connect directly to the incoming telephone line. Connect the other equipment as previously shown.

All equipment on that line (telephone system, fax, computer modem, and so on) must connect directly to the CS 7500.

Do not plug the CS 7500 into a telephone system phone jack. You may damage your phone system.

In this section, there are special operating notes you should read before operating the CS 7500. The section following these operating notes provides an overview of the CS 7500 standard operations and instructions for answering and transferring your incoming calls.

Before operating the CS 7500, be sure that you understand the following information concerning the telephone equipment that is used with the CS 7500.

Fax CNG tones: Most faxes send audible beep tones called CNG (CalliNG) tones. This tone is a distinct beep that repeats every three (3) seconds.

Once a fax has dialed the destination fax number, it generates this tone while waiting for the receiving fax to answer.

Not all faxes transmit this tone when they place a call. Most, but not all faxes produce this tone through their auto-dial feature, speed-dial memory position, or by the operator pressing the fax machine's start button after the number is dialed.

For best results, callers should have your fax number programmed into their fax machine's "speed-dial" memory.

The CS 7500 has 2 modes of operation for 1-line use, OFFICE mode and HOME mode. The factory setting is in the OFFICE mode.

OFFICE mode operation

When a call comes in, the CS 7500 answers the call on the first ring (second ring if Caller ID is turned ON). During the next four seconds the CS 7500 listens for the following signals:

a CNG tone  (Beep)

an access code for the FAX port

an access code for the MODEM port

If the CS 7500 detects any of these signals, it transfers the call to the FAX or MODEM port accordingly.

After 4 seconds, the call will be transferred to the PHONE and TAD ports if tones are not detected.

If the CS 7500 transfers an unanswered call to the FAX port, it will automatically reduce the number of rings to the telephones connected to the TAD or PHONE ports to 2 rings to ensure optimum connect time.

The CS 7500 will reset the ring count to 6 rings after 10 minutes of inactivity on the FAX port. You can also manually reset the CS 7500 to 6 rings by performing any of the following steps:

Lift the receiver of any phone device on the line connected to the CS 7500 and hang it up.

Answer a call from any phone before the call is transferred to the FAX port.

Place an outbound call from any phone connected on the line connected to the CS 7500.

HOME mode operation

When a call comes in, all the phones begin to ring (including extension phones, and phones connected to the PHONE and TAD ports). The CS 7500 allows 6 rings to the telephones before it automatically transfers the call to the FAX port. If you or your answering machine answer the call before this transfer occurs, the CS 7500 listens for the following signals:

a CNG tone  (Beep)

an access code for the FAX port

an access code for the MODEM port

If the CS 7500 detects any of these signals, it transfers the call to the FAX or MODEM port accordingly.

If the CS 7500 transfers an unanswered call to the FAX port, it will automatically reduce the number of rings to your telephones to 2 rings to ensure optimum connect time.

The CS 7500 will reset the ring count to 6 rings after 10 minutes of inactivity on the FAX port. You can also manually reset the CS 7500 to 6 rings by performing any of the following steps:

Lift the receiver of any phone device on the line connected to the CS 7500 and hang it up.

Answer a call from any phone before the call is transferred to the FAX port.

Place an outbound call from any phone connected on the line connected to the CS 7500.

The default operating mode for the CS 7500 is the OFFICE mode.

To return the CS 7500 to the OFFICE mode, perform the following steps:

To operate the CS 7500 in the HOME mode, perform the following steps:

The CS 7500 has many configurations, one of which should accommodate your requirements. The 2-line set up described in these instructions should meet the needs of most home offices. If this set-up does not meet the needs for your application, contact Customer Service for programming alternatives.

To set the CS 7500 for 2-line operation, perform the following steps:

To return the CS 7500 to 1-line operation, see "Standard 1-line operations." When properly programmed, the CS 7500 will receive calls from both line 1 and line 2.

Line 1 operation (voice)

During an incoming call, the CS 7500 will wait for you or your answering machine to answer. It will not answer line 1 in this application.

When the call is answered, the CS 7500 will listen for a fax CNG tone (for10 seconds) to transfer the call to the FAX port. Any time during the call, the CS 7500 will allow you to tone transfer calls to the FAX or MODEM port. (See "Answering incoming calls" for more information about transferring calls.)

Line 2 operation (voice and data)

In this application, the CS 7500 will process calls on line 2 in the OFFICE mode as described in "Standard 1-line operations."

You can answer incoming calls from an extension phone or from a phone device connected to the TAD or PHONE port. You can then conduct the call normally, for as long as you like.

To transfer calls to the MODEM port, press  #22 from a tone phone or 4  from a rotary/pulse dialing phone. (Line 1 does not operate with rotary/pulse dialing if 2-line operation is activated.)

If your answering machine answers a call from the TAD port, the caller can perform the following tasks:

We recommend that you use your answering machine announcement message to provide callers with instructions for transferring their calls. Following is a sample announcement message that you may wish to use:

" * Hello, this is ________. If you wish to send a fax, press #11 on your tone phone, or leave a message at the tone. "

* If the CS 7500 is in the HOME mode, you should leave a four (4) second silent period at the beginning of the outgoing message you use on your answering machine.

To turn FAX transfer ON, perform the following steps:

To turn FAX transfer OFF, perform the following steps:

With this feature turned ON, the CS 7500 will monitor the line for 30 seconds after the answering machine answers a call. If the answering machine disconnects from the call during this time, the CS 7500 automatically transfers the call to the FAX port. To accommodate these timing parameters, your outgoing message should be no less than 15 seconds, and no longer than 20 seconds in length. (Single cassette answering machines are not recommended for use with this feature due to timing limitations of these types of machines.)

To disable the CS 7500 and retrieve your answering machine messages, follow these steps:

Why are fax calls being transferred to my telephone and/or answering machine?

If the CS 7500 is in the HOME mode, it will wait for you or your answering machine to answer a call before it transfers calls to the FAX or MODEM port.

If the CS 7500 is in the OFFICE mode, these are calls that did not produce transfer tones.

See "Answering incoming calls" for transferring instructions.

Why can't I receive faxes when I'm away from the CS 7500? (When an answering machine is connected to the CS 7500.)

Why don't fax calls transfer to the fax when I answer the phone?

Some fax machines do not produce fax tones, therefore, when you receive this type of call, press #11 on your tone phone, and then hang up.

Why don't fax calls transfer to the fax when my answering machine answers a call (CS 7500 is in the HOME mode)?

You may not have the 4 second silence at the beginning of your answering machine announcement message. If you do, contact Customer Service for more information.

The LED doesn't light on the CS 7500, what should I do?

I don't have dial tone with the phone(s) connected to the CS 7500, what should I do?

Check all of the phone line connections and repair or replace any damaged cables.

WARRANTOR: Command Communications, Inc.

ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Command Communications, Inc. warrants, for the duration of this warranty, the CS 7500 (hereafter referred to as the "Product") to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.

WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty shall terminate and be of no further effect two years after the date of original purchase of the Product or at the time the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable and necessary, (B) modified, (C) improperly installed, (D) repaired by someone other than the warrantor for defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in a manner or purpose for which the Product was not intended, (F) damaged by an act of God (such as a lightning strike), or (G) sold by the original purchaser.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event the product does not conform to this warranty at any time that this warranty is in effect, the warrantor shall repair the defect, return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other costs incurred by the warrantor or its representative in connection with the performance with this warranty. This warranty does not cover or provide for the reimbursement or payment of incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.

SERVICE INFORMATION/PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY:

1. Pack the CS 7500 in the original carton or equivalent.
2. Enclose a copy of the bill of sale or other documentation showing original purchase date.
3. Contact the dealer where you purchased the CS 7500, or call one of the service centers listed below to obtain a return material authorization number (RMA #).

Command Communications, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage in transit.

Please retain proof of purchases to establish date of original purchase. Your warranty starts with the date of original purchase.

LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have rights that vary from state to state.

Though every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, these instructions may include technical or typographical errors. Content of these instructions may be changed from time to time due to product improvement. These changes will be incorporated in new editions of these instructions. We disclaim liability for any changes, errors, or omissions.

NOTE: Any unit returned without an RMA # clearly marked on the exterior package will be refused and returned at the sender's expense.

Command Communications, Inc. does not guarantee that this product will be compatible with the telecommunications systems of all countries. Modifications may have been made to products in order to function in certain locations. Therefore, it is best to purchase our products in the country in which it will be used.

If this product is purchased outside the U.S. from an authorized Command Communications' dealer, it should be returned for repair at the location where it was purchased, as provisions have been established to handle warranty repair outside the U.S.

If you send the product directly to Command Communications for repair, you will be responsible to pay all freight, handling, and Custom charges (both ways).

The CS 7500 has been registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It meets FCC requirements and may be connected directly to your telephone line. On the bottom of this equipment is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC registration number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this equipment. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company. Use the REN to help determine the maximum number of devices you can connect to your telephone without eliminating their ability to ring when your number is called. In many areas, the sum of the RENs of all devices connected to one line should not exceed 5.0. To determine how many devices you can connect to your line, contact your local telephone company to find out the maximum REN for your area.

The CS 7500 may not be connected to a party line or coin line telephone network. If the CS 7500 does not function properly, disconnect the unit. Follow the instructions provided in the section "Two year limited warranty" to obtain the necessary repair service.

If the CS 7500 causes harm to the network, the telephone company may discontinue your service temporarily. If possible, they will notify you in advance. But if advance notice is not practical, the telephone company will notify you as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.

The telephone company may make changes in the telephone network. Should these changes affect the CS 7500, the telephone company must notify you, in writing, to enable you to maintain uninterrupted service.

If you need to order a modular jack from the telephone company, request either a USOCRJ11C or a USOCRJ13C.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the CS 7500.

"Notice: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets telecommunication network protective, operation and safety requirements as prescribed in the appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user's satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a representative designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Caution: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate."

"Notice: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination of an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all devices does not exceed 5."