AT&T Release 4.1 User Manual

AT&T

PARTNER

Communications System Release 4.1

Installation and Use

AT&T 518-455-118 Issue 1 July 1995

Notice

Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this book was complete and accurate at the time of printing. However, information is subject to change.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Notice

For important FCC interference, registration, and repair information, see Appendix E of this book.

Canadian Emissions Requirements

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Industry Canada (IC). For additional

IC information, see Appendix E of this book.

Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la classe B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Industrie Canada. Vous Trouverez des renseignements complemitaires a la annexe E de ce manuel.

Security

Toll fraud, the unauthorized use of your telecommunications system by an unauthorized party (for example, persons other than your company’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or persons working on your company’s behalf) can result in substantial additional charges for your telecommunications services. You are responsible for the security of your system. There may be a risk of toll fraud associated with your telecommunications system. You are responsible for programming and configuring your equipment to prevent unauthorized use. Your system manager should read all documents provided with this product to fully understand the features that can introduce the risk of toll fraud and the steps that can be taken to reduce that risk. AT&T does not warrant that this product is immune from or will prevent unauthorized use of common-carrier telecommunication services or facilities accessed through or connected to it. AT&T will not be responsible for any charges that result from such unauthorized use.

Trademarks

Magic on Hold, MERLIN, MLS-18D, MLS-12D, MLS-12, MLS-6, PARTNER, and SYSTIMAX are registered trademarks of AT&T.

Warranty

AT&T provides a limited warranty to this product. Refer to “AT&T Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability” in Appendix D of this book.

Ordering Information

The order number for this book is 518-455-118. To order additional books, call 1 800 457-1235 in the continental U.S. or 1 317 361-5353 outside the continental U.S. For more information about ordering other system reference materials, see “Reference Materials” in “About This Guide.” For information about ordering replacement parts, accessories, and other compatible equipment, refer to “Product Ordering Information” in Appendix D.

Support Telephone Number

In the continental U.S., AT&T provides a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day. Call the hotline at

1 800 628-2888

Outside the continental U.S., contact your AT&T Representative or local Authorized Dealer.

if you need assistance when installing or using your system.

Contents

About This Guide

Overview

■ Features and Capabilities

■

System Components

■

Auxiliary Equipment

■

Combination Extensions

Customizing Your System

■ Overview

■

System Options

■

Telephone Options

■ Changing Option Settings

■

PBX or Centrex Services Support

iii

1-i 1-1 1-2 1-3 1-5

2-i 2-1 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-3

Learning About Telephones

■

System Telephones

■

Standard Telephones

■

Combination Extensions

Using Auxiliary Equipment

■

Overview Answering Machines

■

Credit Card Scanners

■

Fax Machines

■

Modems

■

Feature Reference

3-i 3-1 3-7 3-10

4-i 4-1 4-2 4-5 4-6 4-10

5-i

Contents

Troubleshooting

■

When You Need Help

■

Power Failure Operation

■

Problems and Solutions

A User Form

Specifications

Installation

6-i 6-1 6-1 6-2

A-1

B-1

C-1

D Maintenance, Repair, and

Ordering Information

E FCC and IC Information

Glossary

Index

Customization Quick Reference

D-1

E-1

GL-1

IN-1

Inside back cover

About This Guide

Purpose

This guide explains how to set up and use the PARTNER® Communications System. It is intended for the person who will install and manage the system.

Terminology

Throughout this guide, the PARTNER Communications System is referred to simply as the system. AT&T telephones specifically designed to work with the system are called system phones. You can also use industry-standard telephones with the system, which are referred to as standard phones in this guide.

How to Use This Guide

For information on the following topics, refer to the appropriate chapter:

■

Getting Acquainted. If you are a new user, read Chapters 1 and 3 to familiarize yourself with the system’s features and to learn about system phones.

Installing the System. If you are installing the system for the first time,

■

see Appendix C for installation instructions. If you are installing auxiliary devices, also see Chapter 4.

Customizing the System. If you need to change factory settings, see

■

Chapter 2, “Customizing Your System” and Chapter 5 “Feature Reference” or the Customization Quick Reference at the back of this guide.

■

Using Auxiliary Equipment. If you are adding equipment to an existing system, see Appendix C, “Installation” and Chapter 4, “Using Auxiliary Equipment.”

■

Solving Problems. If your system or telephones malfunction, see Chapter 6.

About This Guide

iii

Once you are experienced with the system, use the Table of Contents or Index to locate the information you need.

Throughout this guide, feature names are printed in bold. To find additional information about the feature, you can look up the name in Chapter 5, “Feature Reference.” For example, if you see a reference to System Date (#101), you can look it up in Chapter 5 for details.

Product Safety Statements

Product safety statements are identified in this guide by a

CAUTION:

Indicates the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor personal injury or property damage if the hazard is not avoided.

WARNING:

Indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause severe or fatal personal injury if the hazard is not avoided.

Reference Materials

In addition to this guide, the following materials are available to help you use the system effectively (order numbers are in parentheses):

■

User Instruction Cards (518-455-119) contains basic information about system phones and the most commonly used system features.

■

MDC 9000 Cordless Business Telephone: Installation (503-801-101) explains how to install the MDC 9000 cordless telephone.

■

MDC 9000 Cordless Business Telephone: Quick Reference

(503-801-100) contains basic instructions for using the MDC 9000 cordless telephone.

■

MDW 9000 Wireless Telephone: Installation (503-801-111) explains how to install the MDW 9000 wireless telephone.

■

MDW 9000 Wireless Telephone: Quick Reference (503-801-110) contains basic instructions for using the MDW 9000 wireless telephone.

To order these materials, call the AT&T GBCS Publications Fulfillment Center at 1 800 457-1235 or 1 317 361-5353.

Some of these materials are also available in Spanish and French. For more information, contact the AT&T GBCS Publications Fulfillment Center or your AT&T Representative or local Authorized Dealer.

How to Comment on This Guide

A feedback form is located at the end of this guide, after the appendixes. If the

feedback form is missing, send your comments and recommendations for changes to Publications Manager, AT&T, 211 Mount Airy Road (Room 2W-226), Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (FAX 1 908 953-6912).

iv About This Guide

Overview

Contents

Important Safety Instructions Features and Capabilities System Components

■

System Modules

■

System Phones

Auxiliary Equipment Combination Extensions

1-ii 1-1 1-2

1-2 1-3

1-3 1-5

1-i

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING:

The following list provides basic safety precautions that should always be followed when using your telephone equipment:

Read and understand all instructions.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

Unplug all telephone connections before cleaning. DO NOT use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

This product should be serviced by (or taken to) a qualified repair center when service or repair work is required.

DO NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement

5. location.

DO NOT place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.

6. Never push objects of any kind into slots or openings as they may

7. touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

Avoid using the telephone during an electrical storm. There may be a

8. remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

DO NOT use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the

9. leak.

10.

The product is provided with a three-wire grounding type plug. This is a safety feature. DO NOT defeat the safety purpose of the grounding type plug. DO NOT staple or otherwise attach the power supply cord to building surfaces.

CAUTION:

DO NOT block or cover the ventilation slots and openings. They prevent the product from overheating. DO NOT place the product in a separate enclosure unless proper ventilation is provided.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1-ii

Overview

Features and Capabilities

Your system is easy to install, set up, and use. It can handle up to four outside telephone lines and up to 12 extensions. In addition, the system offers many features that help you manage phone calling:

■

Full line of system phones, some with displays showing date, time, and other messages; all with access to multiple telephone lines.

Easy operation of basic call handling capabilities including transfer,

■

conference, and hold. Intercom (inside) calling to other system extensions using an Intercom

■

button and the extension’s two-digit number. (Extension numbers also can be stored on programmable buttons for one-touch intercom calling.)

Speed dialing of frequently called numbers by dialing a code or pressing

■

a single button, as well as one-touch access to frequently-used calling features such as Last Number Redial and Privacy.

■

Group paging over system phone speakers to make general announcements to all system extensions.

■

Direct connection of industry-standard phones, answering machines, modems, and fax machines so you do not have to buy extra lines or adapters to connect equipment.

■

Special phone applications including doorphones and hotline phones.

■

Control of phone use and bills by restricting the kinds of calls people can make.

■

Music or tones on hold support so callers can hear music or a repeating tone while they are on hold.

Power failure operation with standard phones, allowing you to make and

■

receive calls on specific lines during a power failure.

Overview

1-1

System Components

Interchangeable parts make it easy to install or expand the system. Figure 1-1 shows sample system components. A description of each component follows.

SYSTEM MODULES

206 Module 200 Module

Module Connector

Outside Line Jacks Power Indicators (LEDs)

Extension Jacks (206 modules only)

SYSTEM PHONES

PARTNER-18D Phone

PARTNER-18 Phone

PARTNER-6 Phone

MDC 9000 Phone

MDW 9000 Phone

Figure 1-1. Sample System Components

System Modules

■

206 Module. Each 206 module has jacks to connect a maximum of two outside lines and six extensions. (Extension jacks can connect phones or other devices such as fax machines, answering machines, and modems.) A system can have one or two 206 modules. With two 206 modules, you can connect up to four outside lines and 12 extensions.

■

200 Module. This module is similar to the 206 module, without extension jacks. It has two outside line jacks, which allow you to add lines when you do not need more extensions. The system can have one 200 module in combination with a 206 module. This combination provides up to four outside lines and six extensions.

■

Module Connector. This connector is needed only if you have two modules. It joins the modules so all lines and extensions are connected.

1-2 Overview

System Phones

This guide refers to AT&T telephones specifically designed to work with the system as system phones. These include the PARTNER-18D, PARTNER-18, PARTNER-6, MDC 9000, and MDW 9000 telephones. You also can use MLS-18D®, MLS-12D®, MLS-12®, and MLS-6® system phones, although they

are not discussed in this guide. If you use MLS-model phones with the system, refer to the documentation that shipped with those phones for information specific to the MLS-model phones.

System phones have several buttons in common: four line buttons, two intercom buttons, volume control buttons, and the [ The PARTNER-18D and PARTNER-18 phones have four calling feature buttons (to access the Privacy, Last Number Redial, Recall, and Conference Drop features with the touch of one button) and eight Auto Dial buttons, on which frequently-used outside phone numbers or extension numbers can be stored. The PARTNER-18D phone has four buttons above the Auto Dial buttons; these four buttons are operational only on the PARTNER systems.

The PARTNER-18D also has a display; users receive messages and prompts when making calls and changing system options. (More information about the display is provided in Chapter 5.) Table 1-1 summarizes system phone features.

Table 1-1. System Phones

Calling Feature Buttons (4) Programmable Auto Dial Buttons (8) Display

Speaker

Microphone

PARTNER-18D

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Feature

], [

Conf

], [

Transfr

], and [

and PARTNER Plus

PARTNER-18 PARTNER-6

✔ ✔

—

✔

— — —

✔ ✔

Hold

] buttons.

MDC 9000/ MDW 9000

— — — — —

Auxiliary Equipment

Many industry-standard, single-line telecommunications devices will work with

your system, all without expensive adapters or additional phone lines:

■

Touch-tone, rotary, and cordless phones, such as those you might have in your home (referred to hereafter as standard phones)

■

Fax machines

■

Answering machines Modems

■

Credit card scanners

Overview

1-3

In addition, you can connect the following devices to your system:

■

Loudspeaker paging systems allow you to broadcast messages over a large area, by connecting the paging system to a line jack on a system module. The system supports most AT&T paging systems.

Music-on-Hold systems allow you to play recorded music or messages

■

to callers while they are on hold. (Alternatively, the system supports a Tones on Hold feature. For more information, see “Music/Tones On Hold” in Chapter 5.)

Extra alerts are strobes, lights, chimes, horns, or bells that light or ring to

■

make you aware of incoming calls. They can connect to either an extension jack or a line jack. AT&T offers several compatible alerts.

■

Doorphones allow visitors to ring a specific extension (or all system extensions) by pressing a button on the doorphone; the person who answers a doorphone call can then speak with the visitor at the doorphone. The system supports the AT&T PARTNER Doorphone, which can be installed indoors or outdoors.

In-Range Out-of-Building (IROB) protectors are required to prevent

■

electrical surges from damaging your system when phones or other standard devices (such as a doorphone) are installed in a location other than the building where the system modules are installed. The system supports the AT&T IROB protector, which provides coverage for up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) for system phones and 3,000 feet (915 meters) for standard phones. (IROBS must be installed by a qualified technician.)

■

Off-Premises Range Extender (OPRE) allows you to connect a standard touch-tone phone beyond 3000 feet (915 meters) in another building on the same continuous property. It also allows you to use a special circuit from your local phone company to provide off-premises station capability.

■

Repertory dialers allow you to store frequently used numbers for one-touch dialing. If a user needs many speed dial numbers, a repertory dialer can be combined on an extension with a system or standard phone.

These devices can be ordered through AT&T—see “Product Ordering Information” in Appendix D. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions packaged with the device for installation and usage information. In addition, Appendix C provides general guidelines for installation.

1-4 Overview

■

Headsets allow users to hold hands-free conversations. A headset is a combination earphone and microphone worn on the head, useful for receptionists, salespeople, or others who may want to have their hands free while talking on the phone.

■

Specialty handsets are designed for those individuals who need greater functionality than that provided by the handsets on system phones and

standard phones. For example, an amplified handset is available for certain system phones for hard-of-hearing users.

Combination Extensions

You can connect a standard device on an extension by itself, or have it share an extension with another piece of equipment. An extension with two devices connected to it is called a combination extension. Examples of useful combination extensions include:

■

System phone plus standard phone for power failure backup on extensions 10 and 16

■

System phone plus answering machine

■

System phone plus fax machine for phone use when the fax is idle

■

System phone plus headset for hands free operation

■

System phone plus external alert (such as a bell or chime) to notify users of incoming calls in noisy areas, such as a warehouse

See “Combination Extensions” in Appendix C and Chapter 3 for guidelines on installing and using combination extensions.

Overview

1-5

Customizing Your System

Contents

Overview System Options

Telephone Options

Changing Option Settings PBX or Centrex Services Support

2-1 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-3

2-i

Customizing Your System

Overview

After installation is completed, your system is operational and ready to use. However, you may want to customize it to meet the requirements of your business.

When the system is first installed, it uses factory settings that reflect the most

common usage. However, you can change the option settings. There are two

types of options: system options and telephone options. Both are discussed in

this chapter. Option names are shown in bold type, so you can look up the

name in Chapter 5 to find out more about the option.

System Options

System options define how the system modules work with the telephones and other devices connected to them. These options affect all system extensions.

Some of the system options you may need to change after the system is

installed include:

■

System Date (#101) sets the month and day that appear on system display phones.

■

System Time (#103) sets the time of day that appears on system display phones.

■

Dial Mode (#201) identifies whether lines in your system are rotary or touch-tone.

■

Music/Tones On Hold (#602) specifies whether or not Music On Hold or Tones On Hold is activated.

■

System Speed Dialing lets users dial outside numbers by pressing three buttons: [ The system can have up to 60 System Speed Dial numbers.

Feature ] (or [ # ] on a standard phone) plus a two-digit code.

Customizing Your System

2-1

The preceding list does not include all system options available to you, only those that are most commonly changed. For information about all options, refer to Chapter 5 or the inside back cover of this guide.

Telephone Options

Telephone options let you further customize individual extensions in the system. For example, you can specify which outside lines ring at an extension and you can store phone numbers on programmable buttons on system phones. Telephone options to consider are:

■

Automatic Line Selection allows you to select the sequence of lines through which the system searches to find a free line when the user makes a call. (For extensions with standard phones, set Automatic Line Selection to “intercom first.” This enables the user at the standard phone to access system features, including intercom calling.) If you are changing Automatic Line Selection plus one or more other options for an extension, you must set Automatic Line Selection first.

■

Line Ringing specifies whether or not the line rings at the extension.

■

Outgoing Call Restriction (#401) specifies the types of calls that can be made from the extension.

■

Automatic Extension Privacy (#304) assigned to an extension to which an auxiliary device such as a fax machine or modem is connected, prevents users from interrupting calls to this extension. You can also use this option to have Privacy on PARTNER-6, MDC 9000, and MDW 9000 phones, which do not have Privacy buttons.

■

Doorphone/Internal Hotline Phone/External Hotline Phone (#604)

specifies whether or not a special phone application is installed at an extension.

■

Auto Dialing lets you store phone numbers or extension numbers on the eight programmable buttons with lights on PARTNER-18D and PARTNER-18 phones. (See page 3-2 for the location of these buttons, which are called Auto Dial buttons.) An extension number stored on a button is an intercom Auto Dial number, and an outside phone number stored on a button is an outside Auto Dial number. (You can also set up an Auto Dial button for Group Paging.)

This list does not include all telephone options available to you, only those that are most commonly changed. For information about all options, refer to Chapter 5 or the inside back cover of this guide.

2-2 Customizing Your System

Changing Option Settings

System and telephone option settings (except for Auto Dial buttons) can be changed only from extension 10 using a PARTNER-model phone. Users with

PARTNER-18D and PARTNER-18 phones also can store numbers on Auto Dial

buttons at their own phones; instructions are provided on the User Instruction

Cards. If you plan to set up Auto Dial buttons for system extensions from

extension 10, make sure the phone at extension 10 is as large as the largest

phone in the system.

NOTE:

You can change settings any time, even when you are on a call. This allows you to change settings while talking to the AT&T Helpline.

Keep in mind the following general guidelines when changing option settings. Detailed procedures for changing each option are provided in Chapter 5.

To change settings, you press [

■

the phone beeps and the light next to [ Spkr ] is green flutter. Then press left [

Intercom

■

Some options are identified by # and a three-digit code (for example,

] twice. The light next to left [

System Date is #101). To change these options, press [ digit code assigned to the option. The Message light, located above the dial pad on the right side of the phone, indicates the current setting for the option you have chosen. If you change a setting, the Message light also changes to reflect the new setting.

■

When you are done changing option settings, you can either press [

Feature

] [

] or lift the handset off-hook, then place it back in the cradle.

PBX or Centrex Services Support

This section applies only if you use PBX or Centrex services with your system.

PBX services are provided by a private telephone switch; Centrex services are provided by your local telephone company from a Central Office (CO) outside your premises. These services include the PBX or Centrex lines connected to your system modules and some set of features—such as hold, conference, or transfer—that are available on those lines. PBX or Centrex services may be offered in your area under a different name. For specific Centrex features to be available to you, your company must subscribe to those features. For specific information on using PBX or Centrex services, see the documentation provided with the service.

Feature

] [

Intercom

] at extension 10. At this point,

] is green steady.

# ] and the three

Customizing Your System 2-3

The options you should consider when setting up your system to work effectively

behind a PBX or Centrex system are listed below.

■

To set up your equipment to work properly with PBX or Centrex services, set Recall Timer Duration (#107) to match the setting used by your PBX

or Centrex system (usually “18” or 450 msec. for a PBX system; “32” or 800 msec. for a Centrex system).

■

For extensions with standard phones, set Automatic Line Selection to “intercom first.” This enables standard phones to access equipment features, including intercom calling.

■

When you store numbers outside the PBX or Centrex system for System Speed Dialing or Auto Dialing, include the PBX or Centrex system

dial-out code (if any), followed by a pause, in the stored number.

NOTE:

If you want to assign dialing restrictions to specific extensions, use the PBX or Centrex dialing restrictions. Refer to the PBX or Centrex documentation for more information.

2-4 Customizing Your System

Learning About Telephones

Contents

System Telephones

■

Buttons and Indicators

■

Lights

■

Ringing Patterns Dial Tones

■

Using the Speaker and Microphone

Hands-Free Answer on Intercom (HFAI) Speakerphone Performance Tips

Standard Telephones

■

Ringing Patterns

■

Dial Tones

■

Using the Switchhook

■

Limitations

■

Feature Phones

Combination Extensions

3-1 3-2

3-4 3-5 3-5 3-6 3-6 3-7

3-7 3-8

3-8 3-8 3-9 3-9

3-10

3-i

Learning About Telephones

This chapter explains how system and standard phones work with the system, as well as combination extensions where more than one phone or auxiliary device is installed. System phones are described first, followed by standard phones on page 3-7 and combination extensions on page 3-10.

System Telephones

System phones have some buttons and indicators in common. The following pages explain where they are and how they work.

Learning About Telephones

3-1

Buttons and Indicators

PARTNER-18D

PARTNER-18

Display

Not Operational (4)

Programmable Auto Dial Buttons (8)

Calling Feature Button (4) Line Button (4)

Intercom Button (2)

Message Light

PARTNER-6

Line Buttons (4)

Intercom Buttons (2)

Message Light

The following buttons and Indicators appear on system phones:

Display.

you or transferring a call to you, and duration while a call is in progress. (To adjust the display contrast, see

(PARTNER-18D only) Shows date and time when phone iS idle, nurnber dialed when placing a call, extension number calling

Volume Control Buttons

on the next page.)

Programmable Auto Dial Buttons.

(PARTNER-18D and PARTNER-18 only) Store outside or inside numbers for one-touch access.

Note that the four buttons above the programmable Auto Dial buttons are operational only on PARTNER II and PARTNER Plus Systems.

Calling Feature Buttons.

(PARTNER-18D and PARTNER-18 only) Press to use calling features with one touch—from left to right,

there are buttons for the Privacy, Last Number Redial, Recall, and Conference Drop features.

Line Buttons.

Press to make or answer outside calls. Lights next to each button show the status of the line (see “Lights” later in this

chapter).

Intercom Buttons. Press either button to make (or answer) a call to (or from) another extension in the system. Other Buttons and Indicators (shown in exploded views)

Feature

(labeled “Feat” on MDC 9000 and MDW 9000). Press to change option settings or to use a System Speed Dial number. (On a PARTNER-6, MDC 9000, or MDW 9000 phone, use with two-digit code to access Last Number Redial, Recall, and Conference Drop features.)

Conf. Press to add other parties to your call. Transfr (labeled “Trans” on MDC 9000 and MDW 9000). Press to transfer a call to another extension. Hold. Press to put a call on hold. Spkr

(PARTNER-18D, PARTNER-18, and PARTNER-6 only). Press to turn on and off speaker and microphone, so you can dial or

have a conversation without lifting the handset. The light next to this button shows when the speaker is turned on.

3-2 Learning About Telephones

MDC 9000/MDW 9000

(Handset)

Earpiece Volume

Control Switch

or Volume Control

(MDC 9000)

(MDW 9000)

Handset

Display

Intercom

Buttons (2)

Line Buttons (4)

MDC 9000:

MDW 9000:

MDW 9000 (Base)

Mic/HFAI

MDC 9000 (Base)

(PARTNER-18D, PARTNER-18, and PARTNER-6 only). When the speaker is on, press to turn the microphone on and off. The light next to this button shows when the microphone is turned on. To use the Hands-Free Answer on Intercom (HFAI) feature, press to turn on the microphone when the phone is idle.

Message Light.

When changing option settings at extension 10, shows current setting. On the MDW 9000,

MSG

appears in the handset

display.

Volume Control Buttons

■ To adjust ringer volume, press while the phone is idle and the handset is in the cradle.

■ To adjust speaker volume, press while listening to a call through the speaker.

■ To adjust handset volume, press while listening through the handset.

To adjust the display contrast on the PARTNER-18D phone, press [

(PARTNER-18D, PARTNER-18, and PARTNER-6 only). Press to decrease or to increase the volume as follows:

★

] then to decrease the brightness or to increase the brightness,

while the phone is idle and the handset is in the cradle.

Earpiece Volume Control Switch (MDC 9000 Handset). To adjust handset volume, slide switch up (high) or down (low). Volume Control (MDW 9000 Handset). Press + to increase or – to decrease volume of earpiece or ringer. Ringer Volume Control (MDC 9000 Base). To adjust ringer volume, press ▼ or ▲ while the phone is idle. Status Button (MDC 9000 Handset). Quickly updates the display on the handset. On/Off Button (MDC 9000 and MDW 9000 Handset). Turns the handset on and off. (You must turn the handset on to make calls.) Mute Button (MDW 9000 Handset). Press to have a private conversation with someone near you while on a call. Talk Indicator (MDC 9000 Base). Lights when the handset is lifted and turned on. Charge Indicator (MDC 9000 and MDW 9000 Base). Lights when the handset is placed on the base and the handset batteries are

charging. Spare Charge Indicator (MDW 9000 Base). Lights when spare battery is charging.

Learning About Telephones 3-3

Lights

Each line button, calling feature button, and Auto Dial button has a green light and a red light. The meaning of these lights varies, depending on whether a button is used to access an outside line, a calling feature, or an intercom Auto Dial number.

Table 3-1 shows the meanings of the various light patterns for each possible button assignment.

Table 3-1. Light Patterns for System Phones

Light Pattern

Steady On

Off

(steady off)

Flash

(long on, long off

Alternating Red/Green Flash

(red on, green on, red on, green on)

Wink

(long on, short off)

Flutter Green flutter means a conference call

(short on, short off)

Line Button

Line is in use. Green means you are using the line; red means someone at another extension is using the line.

Line is idle (not being used).

A call is ringing on the line. Green flash means a call is ringing at your extension. Red flash means a call is ringing on the line, but not at your extension.

Appears at both extensions in a joined call, and at each extension connected in a conference call.

A call on the line is on hold. Green wink means the call is on hold at your extension. Red wink means the call is on hold at another extension. (Anyone who has the line can retrieve the call.)

on your line is on hold.

Calling Feature

Intercom Auto Dial Button

Button

Green means feature is on

Feature Extension whose number is off

—

Red means the extension whose number is stored on the button is busy (making or answering a call).

is stored on the button is idle (not being used).

—

3-4 Learning About Telephones

Ringing Patterns

You can tell what kind of call you are receiving by the way your system phone rings:

■

An outside call will ring . . . ring . . . ring. An intercom call will ring BEEP . . .ring BEEP . . . ring BEEP. If you have a

■

system display phone, the caller’s extension number will show on the display.

■

A transferred call, or a call on hold that is ringing back, will ring BEEP BEEP . . .ring BEEP BEEP . . . ring BEEP BEEP.

If Unique Line Ringing (#118) is active, all incoming outside calls on PARTNER-model phones will ring as follows:

■

Line 1 uses the pattern described above.

■

Line 2 uses an ascending tone with dip.

■

Line 3 uses a descending tone.

■

Line 4 uses a mixed tone.

Outside calls transferred to your extension will ring with the appropriate Unique Line Ringing pattern followed by two beeps.

NOTE:

If you use the system with PBX or Centrex lines, the PBX/Centrex distinctive ringing patterns are not passed to phones. Phones use the ringing patterns described here instead.

Dial Tones

You will encounter two different dial tones when making calls:

To hear the difference between the two types of dial tones on a system phone,

lift the handset and press a line button. The dial tone you hear is an outside dial

tone. To hear an intercom dial tone, press [

■

Outside dial tone is generated by your local phone company and indicates that you can make an outside call.

■

Intercom dial tone is generated by the system and indicates that you can make an inside, or intercom, call.

Intercom ].

Learning About Telephones

3-5

Using the Speaker and Microphone

Every PARTNER-model phone has a speaker and a microphone, which you can turn on by pressing [ is on. In addition, you can turn just the microphone on and off by pressing

[

Mic/HFAI

]. When the greenl light next to [

If you prefer to dial and conduct calls without lifting the handset, you can use the speaker and the microphone instead. Use these techniques to make calls with the speaker and the microphone:

To make a call without lifting the handset, press [ Spkr ] to get dial tone.

■

(Alternatively, press an idle line or intercom button, which automatically turns on the speaker and microphone.) Dial the number and you will hear the call ringing. When the other party answers, you can talk without lifting the handset.

■

If you are already on a call, you can switch from the handset to the speaker and microphone by pressing [ Conversely, if you are using the speaker and microphone and want to switch to the handset, lift the handset and the speaker and microphone will turn off.

■

To turn off the microphone when you are using the speaker, press [

Mic/HFAI

■

Use the Hands-Free Answer on Intercom (HFAI) feature to answer

voice-signaled calls without lifting the handset (see below).

Spkr ]. When the green light next to [ Spkr ] is on, the speaker

]. This will mute your voice so the other party cannot hear you.

Mic/HFAI

] is on, the microphone is on.

Spkr ] and hanging up the handset.

Hands-Free Answer on Intercom (HFAI)

When you receive a voice-signaled intercom call, your phone beeps to indicate that your speaker has been turned on automatically, and you hear the caller’s voice over your phone’s speaker. If you leave your microphone on all the time, you can start talking when you hear the caller, without lifting the handset. This feature is called Hands-Free Answer on Intercom.

Any user in the system can make a voice-signaled intercom call to a PARTNERmodel phone by pressing [ a voice-signaled call from a system phone or any standard phone. However, if you try to make a voice-signaled call to a standard phone or an MDC 9000 or MDW 9000 phone, it will ring instead.)

NOTES:

The HFAI feature can be turned on or off only when the phone is idle. Muting your voice while you are on a call only turns off the microphone for the duration of the call.

If HFAI is on and you are already on a call, you will not receive any voice-signaled calls to your extension—they will ring instead.

★ ] then dialing an extension number. (You can make

3-6 Learning About Telephones

Speakerphone Performance Tips

The speaker on your PARTNER-model phone has a sensitive sound-activated switch. Room acoustics and background noise can affect the proper operation of the speakerphone. To ensure that your speakerphone works effectively, follow these guidelines:

Avoid placing your phone in areas with high background noise caused by

■

loud voices, radios, printers, copiers, typewriters, other noisy office equipment, and heater and air conditioning fans.

■

Avoid talking before the other person is finished speaking. When you both talk at the same time, only one person’s voice comes through.

■

Do not use your speaker to make announcements over a loudspeaker paging system connected to your system.

■

When talking, always face your phone and stay within two feet of it.

■

Place your phone at least six inches away from the edge of your desk. If you have difficulty hearing the other party, try increasing the speaker

■

volume. If you have background noise, try turning off the microphone when the party at the other end is speaking and turning it on when you speak. If the difficulty persists, lift the handset to continue the conversation.

■

In conference rooms, a separate speakerphone (such as the AT&T S203 Speakerphone) is recommended, since the built-in speaker on a system phone is designed for individual use.

Standard Telephones

In addition to system phones, you can connect industry-standard touch-tone or rotary dial telephones—and even some feature phones with built-in calling features—directly to the system. You can also combine standard phones on the same extension with system phones or other devices, without using expensive adapters or connectors.

Standard phones can do many of the things that system phones can do, and you can save money by using them in certain situations when a system phone is not needed. Follow these guidelines when using standard phones:

Use standard phones as power failure backups. System phones will not

■

work without power. In the event of a power failure, standard phones at extensions 10 and 16 can connect to lines 1 and 3, respectively, for continued operation. You can connect standard phones in combination with system phones at power failure extensions, or you can simply keep spare standard phones at those extensions to serve as replacements in case of a power failure.

■

Set Automatic Line Selection for standard phones to “intercom first.” This enables a user at a standard phone extension to access system features, including intercom calling.

■

To use a System Speed Dial Number, press [ code when you hear intercom dial tone.

# ] followed by its two-digit

Learning About Telephones

3-7

■

To use a system calling feature, press [ # ] followed by its dial code. (Instructions for using these features on standard phones are included in Chapter 5, “Feature Reference.”)

■

Use the switchhook (or Recall or Flash button, if available) on a standard phone to place calls on hold, transfer a call, or set up a conference call. (For details, see "Using the Switchhook" later in this chapter, or “Hold,” “Transfer,” and “Conference” in Chapter 5.)

Ringing Patterns

You can tell what kind of call you are receiving by the way your standard phone rings:

■

An outside call will ring . . . ring . . . ring.

■

An intercom call will ring-ring . . . ring-ring . . . ring-ring.

■

A transferred call, or a call on hold that is ringing back, will

ring-ring-ring . . . ring-ring-ring . . . ring-ring-ring.

NOTE:

If you use the system with PBX or Centrex lines, the PBX/Centrex distinctive ringing patterns are not passed to phones. Phones use the ringing patterns described here instead.

Dial Tones

You will encounter two different dial tones when making calls:

■

Outside dial tone is generated by your local phone company and indicates that you can make an outside call.

■

Intercom dial tone is generated by the system and indicates that you can make an inside, or intercom, call.

To hear the difference between the two dial tones, lift the handset. The dial tone you hear (assuming the phone has been changed to select intercom first, as

recommended in this guide) is an intercom dial tone. To hear outside dial tone, press [

Using the Switchhook

Some of the call handling instructions in Chapter 5 direct you to “rapidly press and release the switchhook.” Pressing the switchhook for 1/4 to 1 second sends a signal over the line called a switchhook flash. However, do not press the switchhook too quickly. If you press the switchhook and nothing happens, try again and press it a little longer.

NOTE:

If your phone has a button labeled “Recall” or “Flash,” use that button instead of pressing the switchhook. For more information, see “Recall” in Chapter 5.

3-8 Learning About Telephones

Limitations

Because standard phones do not have line buttons or dedicated function buttons, basic call handling procedures are sometimes different from those on system phones. In addition, the following limitations apply to a standard phone:

■

You cannot change option settings. Because there are no line buttons, users cannot manually select a line.

■

You can make outside calls only on automatically selected lines (for information on Automatic Line Selection, see Chapter 5).

■

If a standard phone is in use, there is no indication of a second call and inside callers will hear a busy tone.

■

You can make a voice-signaled intercom call from a standard phone, but if users try to make a voice-signaled call to a standard phone, it will ring.

■

Users cannot access the Conference Drop or Privacy features; however, Automatic Extension Privacy (#304) can be Assigned.

■

Users cannot receive a group page.

■

Rotary phones cannot access any features that require dialing a * or #. Touch-tone phones are recommended.

■

Only one outside call at a time can be dialed from a standard device for each 206 or 200 module in the system. This means that if there is only one 206 module and two users at standard devices want to dial outside calls at the same time, one user must wait until the other user is finished dialing.

Feature Phones

A feature phone is a standard telephone that has feature buttons in addition to the regular 12-key dial pad. For example, there are feature phones that have auto dial buttons, last number redial buttons, hold buttons, and built-in speakers. You can use most of these phones with the system; however, there are some limitations to what these phones can do.

The capabilities of a feature phone are in the phone itself. For example, if you store a number on a feature phone’s auto dial button, that number is stored in the feature phone. (This is different from storing a number on a system phone’s Auto Dial button; in this case, the number is actually stored in the system modules.) Similarly, when you press a Hold button on a feature phone, the call is held at the phone itself. (Callers will not hear the system’s music-on-hold.) Other phones in the system cannot see that the call is on hold (it appears as a busy line).

If you want to store an outside number on a feature phone’s auto dial button, you must add a 9 and one or more pauses (if available) before each outside number. (The 9 gets an outside line, and each pause allows a few seconds to get an outside dial tone.)

Note that the feature phone’s last number redial button may not work for an outside call. To redial the last number, use the system’s Last Number Redial feature by pressing [

] [

Learning About Telephones 3-9

Combination Extensions

A combination extension is an extension with two devices connected to it—either two standard devices, or a system phone and a standard device (but not two system phones). (Appendix C provides instructions for installing a combination extension.)

Using the telephones in a combination extension is fairly simple. The main thing to understand is that the two telephones share a single extension in the same

way that several home telephones share a single line. A system phone works

like it always does and a standard phone works like it always does when connected to the system. Only one phone or device can be used at a time, unless you want to join the two on a single call (the same way two people can pick up the same call on different telephones at home). For example:

■

Both phones share the same extension number. Both phones share the same voice path; that is, when either phone is

■

busy, the extension is busy.

■

Calls ring at both phones. If you prefer not to hear both phones ringing, turn off the standard phone’s ringer.

■

If you make a voice-signaled intercom call to a combination extension with a system phone, only the system phone signals; the standard phone will not ring.

■

The lights on the system phone show what the standard phone is doing as well as what the system phone is doing. For an explanation of light patterns, see “Lights” at the beginning of this chapter.

A second call can ring at the system phone while the standard phone is

■

busy, but do not use the system phone to answer the second call until the standard phone is idle or the first call will be disconnected.

■

While on a call on a standard phone, you can use the system phone’s dial-pad and fixed-feature buttons to handle calls. For example, you can use the system phone to select a specific outside line, and conduct the call on the standard phone. Or, if you are on a call using the standard telephone, you can put that call on hold by pressing [

Hold ] on the system

phone. To do this, it is not necessary to lift the handset of the system phone. (Held calls cannot be retrieved from a standard phone in a combination extension.)

■

While you are on a call on a standard phone, you can activate calling features from the system phone

■

If Privacy is active at a combination extension, no other extension can join a call in progress at either the system phone or the standard device connected to it. (However, a phone can interrupt a call on the other phone or standard device at that same extension. For example, if a system phone and modem are combined at an extension, picking up the handset of the system phone could interrupt a modem transmission.)

■

The PARTNER headset is a tip/ring device (equivalent to a standard phone) and can be used in combination with a system or a standard phone.

3-10 Learning About Telephones

Using Auxiliary Equipment

Contents

Overview Answering Machines

■

Single Answering Machine

■

Multiple Answering Machines Personal Answering Machine

■

Credit Card Scanners Fax Machines

■ Using Fax Machines

Transferring a Call to the Fax Machine Using the Fax Machine’s Notify Feature

■ Setting Up Fax Machines

Fax Machine with its Own Fax Line Fax Machine Line Saver Fax and Telephone Combination

Modems

■

Stand-Alone Modem for Placing Calls Only

■

Send and Receive Modem

4-1 4-2

4-2 4-3 4-4

4-5 4-6

4-6 4-6 4-6 4-7 4-7 4-8 4-9

4-10 4-10

4-11

4-i

+ 110 hidden pages