CS5500 Operator's Guide from Command Communication is provided as a courtesy from Line Routing Systems and its sister company Higgins International.

Neither Line Routing Systems or Higgins International assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or content of these pages. Command Communications is no longer in business since 2011 and does not support its products anymore. The phone numbers, contact information, or warranties for Command Communications no longer are accurate.

Line Routing Systems has purchased the exclusive rights to sell and build on Command Commununications technology.

Feel free to call toll free at 1-866-337-0965 for assistance or with replacing your comswitch with a superior product for your particular application.
Line Routing Systems is the only company that provides limited support for Command Communications discontinued products.

CS 5500 Operator's Guide
Links on this page:   Before you begin  |  Important notes |  Introduction to the CS 5500  |  Unpacking the CS 5500
Customer Service: 1-800-288-6794  (for U.S. and Canada)

Customer Service E-mail: ccitech@commandcom.net

Web Site: www.command-comm.com
Before you begin (return to top)

This guide is designed to introduce you to the various installation and operational procedures for using the ComSwitch 5500 (CS 5500). Please read through this guide and select the installation procedures appropriate for your specific application before attempting to connect or operate the CS 5500.

 CS5500
Important Notes (return to top)
According to standard industry practice, surge protection is recommended for use with all electronic devices. A surge suppressor and/or line conditioning should be used on the input power supply, as well as the connected telephone line.

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 5500 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 5500 if used in conjunction with the phone company's Distinctive Ring service (service activation required).
Introduction to the CS 5500 (return to top)

Thank you for purchasing the CS 5500. Data communications is becoming increasingly popular, and the CS 5500 allows you to take advantage of this technology.

The CS 5500 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 5500 quickly directs incoming telephone calls to one of three appropriate destinations, typically a computer modem (or fax/modem) or facsimile machine, as well as a telephone and answering machine, or any other telephone device that responds to a standard phone company ring signal.
Listed below are examples of various telephone activated devices that can be connected to the CS 5500.
CS5500 Fax / modem CS5500 Point-of-sale terminal
CS5500 Computer modem CS5500 Call diverter
CS5500 Facsimile CS5500 Fluid storage system
CS5500 Answering Machine CS5500 Energy management system
CS5500 Telephone CS5500 Money order dispensing system
CS5500 Bulletin Board System (BBS) CS5500 Laser fax cartridge
CS5500 Credit Card Authorization Terminal CS5500 Remote diagnostic system
CS5500 Security alarm and monitoring system CS5500 Time and attendance system
CS5500 Flow monitoring system
Please read through the rest of this guide to learn how to properly install and operate the CS 5500.
Unpacking the CS 5500 (return to top)

When you open the CS 5500 box for the first time, inspect the contents. In the box you should find the following items:
CS5500
 CS5500 CS5500 CS5500

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."
Installing the CS 5500 (return to top)

The CS 5500 is a single line device that can be installed on any type of 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.
Ports on the CS 5500 (return to top)
The rear panel of the CS 5500 includes four (4) modular ports and a power input port, as shown:

CS 5500
1. Connect a single telephone line from a standard telephone (wall) jack to this port. The CS 5500 will transfer all voice calls to the TAD and PHONE ports simultaneously.
2. Connect your Telephone Answering Device (TAD) or integrated phone/answering machine to this port. The CS 5500 will transfer all voice calls to the TAD and PHONE ports simultaneously.
 4. The fax machine must be connected to the FAX/MODEM port to enable the CS 5500 to automatically transfer a fax call with a fax CalliNG (CNG) tone to the fax machine. A computer modem or fax/modem can also connect to this port in lieu of a fax machine.
3. Depending on the installation, a single line phone, an integrated phone/answering machine, multiple phones, or a telephone system (KSU or PBX) can be connected to this port.

(See "Special operating notes" for an explanation of CNG tones.)
Placing the CS 5500 (return to top)

The CS 5500 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:

1.

Mark the positions for 2 mounting screws (not supplied) on the wall. The positions should be 3 1/4" apart (vertically). Drill the 2 holes, then thread the screws into the wall. The screws should extend 3/16". Do not over tighten the screws.
2.

Align the keyholes on the back of the CS 5500 with the 2 screws, then push in and press down to secure it to the wall.

CS 5500
You can place the telephone line cords through the line guides on the back of the CS 5500 to reduce tangling.
NOTE: If you place the CS 5500 on a flat surface, do not place it in close proximity to any peripheral equipment (approximately 2 to 3 feet away from all electronic equipment).
Connecting the CS 5500 (return to top)

This section explains how to install the CS 5500 in most phone configurations that appear in a home or office. You can install the CS 5500 into one of the following phone configurations:

CS 5500

 a single telephone line
CS 5500

 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:
CS 5500 

telephone cables to connect the CS 5500 to your telephone (wall) jack.
CS 5500  

extension cables--required if the connecting equipment is not located near the CS 5500.
CS 5500  

additional telephone cables -- typically supplied with equipment by the manufacturer. You need additional telephone cables for as many pieces of equipment as you intend to connect to the CS 5500. If the equipment manufacturer does not provide the required cables, you can purchase them at a consumer electronics store.
Installation on a single telephone line (return to top)

The following diagram shows a complete installation for a single phone line connection. While the connections to the telephone (wall) jack may be different for other types of phone systems, the connections to the CS 5500 remain the same for all phone configurations.
CS 5500
1.

Plug one end of a telephone line cord into the LINE-IN port on the CS 5500. Plug the other end of the modular line cord into the telephone (wall) jack.

 4.

To connect a phone, plug one end of a modular line cord into the PHONE port on the CS 5500.
2.

Plug the small end of the AC power cord provided with the CS 5500 into the power input port labeled "12 VAC" on the CS 5500. 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.

 5.

To connect a fax machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the FAX/MODEM port on the CS 5500.

Set the fax to answer on 1 ring.
3.

To connect an answering machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the TAD port on the CS 5500.

6.

To connect a telephone device such as a computer modem,in lieu of a fax machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the FAX/MODEM port on the CS 5500.

Set the modem to answer on 1 ring.
NOTE: To connect a Caller ID device with the CS 5500, simply plug the Caller ID into the PHONE port, then plug your phone into the Caller ID.
The factory setting for Caller ID operation is OFF.

To turn Caller ID ON, perform the following steps:

1.

Take the phone in the PHONE port off-hook
2.

Press # * 116 * (three beeps) 402 * (three beeps) *

3.

Hang up the phone

To turn Caller ID OFF, perform the following steps:

1.

Take the phone in the PHONE port off-hook
2.

Press # * 016 * (three beeps) 401 * (three beeps) *

3.

Hang up the phone
NOTE: Caller ID is a service provided by your local telephone company. (Service activation required.)
Connecting the CS 5500 to an ADSL Phone Line

Two 8K In-Line Microfilter phone filters are required - available from most consumer electronics stores. Connect your filters as shown below:

CS 5500
1. Connect the two filters together in series.
2. Plug one end of the connected filters into the telephone (wall) jack.
3. Plug the other end into the LINE-IN port on the CS 5500.
Using the CS 5500 Page 1   Go to Page 2 (return to top)

In this section, there are special operating notes you should read before operating the CS 5500. The section following these operating notes provides an overview of the CS 5500 standard operations and instructions for answering and transferring your incoming calls.

Special operating notes (return to top)

Before operating the CS 5500, be sure that you understand the following information concerning the telephone equipment that is used with the CS 5500.

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.

 

Beep

    Beep

          Beep

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.
Standard operations (return to top)

The CS 5500 has 2 modes of operation, OFFICE mode and HOME mode. The factory setting is in the OFFICE mode.

OFFICE mode operation

When a call comes in, the CS 5500 answers the call on the first ring (second ring if Caller ID is turned ON). During the next four seconds the CS 5500 listens for the following signals:

a CNG tone  (Beep)

an access code for the FAX/MODEM port

If the CS 5500 detects any of these signals, it transfers the call to the FAX/MODEM port.

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

If the CS 5500 transfers an unanswered call to the FAX/MODEM 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 5500 will reset the ring count to 6 rings after 10 minutes of inactivity on the FAX/MODEM port. You can also manually reset the CS 5500 to 6 rings by performing any of the following steps:

  

Lift the receiver of any phone device on the line connected to the CS 5500 and hang it up.
  

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

Place an outbound call from any phone connected on the line connected to the CS 5500.

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 5500 allows 6 rings to the telephones before it automatically transfers the call to the FAX/MODEM port. If you or your answering machine answer the call before this transfer occurs, the CS 5500 listens for the following signals:

a CNG tone  (Beep)

an access code for the FAX/MODEM port

If the CS 5500 detects any of these signals, it transfers the call to the FAX/MODEM port.

If the CS 5500 transfers an unanswered call to the FAX/MODEM port, it will automatically reduce the number of rings to your telephones to 2 rings to ensure optimum connect time.

The CS 5500 will reset the ring count to 6 rings after 10 minutes of inactivity on the FAX/MODEM port. You can also manually reset the CS 5500 to 6 rings by performing any of the following steps:

  

Lift the receiver of any phone device on the line connected to the CS 5500 and hang it up.
  

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

Place an outbound call from any phone connected on the line connected to the CS 5500.

The default operating mode for the CS 5500 is the OFFICE mode.

To return the CS 5500 to the OFFICE mode, perform the following steps:

1.

Take the phone in the PHONE port off-hook
2.

Press # * 210 * (three beeps) 402 * (three beeps) *

3.

Hang up the phone

To operate the CS 5500 in the HOME mode, perform the following steps:

1.

Take the phone in the PHONE port off-hook
2.

Press # * 211 * (three beeps) 401 * (three beeps) *

3.

Hang up the phone
NOTE: Extension phones not connected directly to the CS 5500 will ring only 1 time if the CS 5500 is in the OFFICE mode (2 times if Caller ID is turned ON). In the HOME mode, all phones will ring up to 6 times (factory setting).
Answering incoming calls (return to top)

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.
1.

If, after answering a call, you hear silence on the line, the call is likely coming from a fax that does not produce a CNG tone. Simply transfer the call to the FAX/MODEM port by entering  #11 from a tone phone or 3  from a rotary/pulse dialing phone.
2.

To transfer a voice call to the FAX/MODEM port, press  #11 from a tone phone or 3  from a rotary/pulse dialing phone.
3.

In the HOME mode, if you hear a CNG tone or an access code for the FAX/MODEM port, after answering a call, simply hang up the phone.
NOTE: If the CS 5500 is in the OFFICE mode, you cannot perform rotary/pulse dialing transfers from extension phones not connected to the CS 5500.
Answering calls with an answering machine (return to top)

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

  

record a voice message on the answering machine and/or

  

transfer their call to the FAX/MODEM port

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 5500 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.
NOTE: Callers cannot transfer a call to the FAX/MODEM port from a pulse dialing fax.
NOTE: Fax calls that do not produce a CNG tone will route automatically to your answering machine. To allow the CS 5500 to transfer these calls to the FAX/MODEM port, you must program the CS 5500 for this transfer.

To turn this transfer ON, perform the following steps:

1.

Take the phone in the PHONE port off-hook
2.

Press # * 11 * (three beeps) *

3.

Hang up the phone

To turn this transfer OFF, perform the following steps:

1.

Take the phone in the PHONE port off-hook
2.

Press # * 01 * (three beeps) *

3.

Hang up the phone

With this feature turned ON, the CS 5500 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 5500 automatically transfers the call to the FAX/MODEM 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.)

Retrieving answering machine messages from a remote location (return to top)

To disable the CS 5500 and retrieve your answering machine messages, follow these steps:
1.

Dial your phone number and wait for the answering machine to answer the call.
2.

After your answering machine answers the call, press * on your tone phone.

1.

Follow the remote retrieval procedures for your answering machine.
2.

After retrieving your messages, hang up. The CS 5500 resets for the next call.
ComSwitch 5500 Programming Codes
How to enter the programming mode:
1. Pick up the telephone and press (#)(*)
2. Enter the desired changes
3. Press the (*) key (you will hear 3 beeps)
4. Press the (*) key again
5. Hang up the phone
OR
1. Disconnect power
2. Pick up the phone
3. Reconnect power (you will hear 3 beeps)
4. Enter the desired changes
5. Press the (*) key (you will hear 3 beeps)
6. Press the (*) key again
7. Hang up the phone
Click for Glossary of Terms
Feature # Feature Factory Setting Options
OFF ON
  0 Auto No Answer Transfer ON 00 10
  1 Auto TAD Transfer OFF 01 11
  2 Auto Ring Reduction ON 02 12
  3 Ring Reduction Reset ON 03 13
  4 Extension Detection ON 04 14
  5 Outbound Voice Exclusion ON 05 15
  7 Pulse Dial Transfer ON 07 17
  8 Pound Key Transfer Required ON 08 18
11 Fax CNG (calling) Tone Detection ON 011 111
13 Reverse Modem Detection ON 013 113
14 Distinctive Ring Detection OFF 014 114
16 Caller ID OFF 016 116
17 Remote Message Notification (RMN) OFF 017 117
Feature Setting # Feature Setting Factory Setting Options
21 Operation 210 210 - Automatic Mode
211 - Semi-Automatic Mode
40 Rings to Answer Call 1 1 to 99
41 Rings to TAD/PHONE Port 6 1 to 99
42 Rings to FAX/MODEM Port 3 1 to 99
50 TAD Transfer Timer 30 0 to 99 seconds
61 PHONE Port Transfer Code 0 0 to 9999
62 FAX/MODEM Port Transfer Code 11 0 to 9999
70 RMN Conditions 1 1 - TAD/PHONE
2 - FAX
3 - TAD and FAX
71 RMN Phone Number None Up to 16 digits
80 Distinctive Ring Service Assignment 123 0 to 3
999 Reset to Factory Settings

Troubleshooting (return to top)

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

If the CS 55500 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/MODEM port.

If the CS 5500 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 5500? (When an answering machine is connected to the CS 5500.)
Check the following settings and procedures:

1.

Instruct callers to press #11 to send a fax.

2.

Make sure you left 4 seconds of recorded silence (only when using the HOME mode) before recording the outgoing message you use on your answering machine.

3.

Set your fax to answer on 1 ring.

4.

Set your answering machine to answer on 2 rings.

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 5500 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 5500, what should I do?

1.

Check your power connection. If power is connected properly, make sure that you are using a 12 volt AC power adapter.

2.

Verify that the phone line is properly connected to the LINE IN port.

I don't have dial tone with the phone(s) connected to the CS 5500, what should I do?

Check all of the phone line connections and repair or replace any damaged cables.
Two year limited warranty/Service information

WARRANTOR: Command Communications, Inc.

ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Command Communications, Inc. warrants, for the duration of this warranty, the CS 5500 (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 5500 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 5500, or call one of the service centers listed below to obtain a return material authorization number (RMA #).
4. Mail the above prepaid and insured to the warrantor at:
UNITED STATES

Command Communications, Inc.
7025 South Fulton Street, #120
Englewood, Co. 80112 USA
(303) 792-0870 (303) 792-0899

 CANADA

Cardinal Communications, Ltd.
18315 - 107 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1K4
(780) 414-9144 Fax (780) 414-9151

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

Customer Service: 1-800-288-6794 (for U.S. and Canada)

Customer Service E-mail: ccitech@commandcom.net

Web Site: www.command-comm.com

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.
International return policy (return to top)

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).
Registration information

The CS 5500 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 5500 may not be connected to a party line or coin line telephone network. If the CS 5500 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 5500 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 5500, 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.
FCC Rules Part 15--Computing Devices (return to top)

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.

 

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

 

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected..

 

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the CS 5500.
Industry Canada Information (return to top)

"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."