Multi-Link ATX-250, Versa-Link ATX-250 Operating Instructions Manual

TM

Versa-Link

ATX-250

Online Operating

Instructions

www.multi-link.net

(1) DIP SWITCHES (2) POWER ON INDICATOR

6

5

4

(3) 12 VOLT AC POWER INPUT

\

(4) TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTOR
(5) DEVICE 1
(6) DEVICE 2

3

ATX-250

OPERATING MANUAL

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTIONN

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Basic Features / Call Processing

EQUIPMENT

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

FAX Machines / MODEMS /

Telephones and multi-line systems / Other equipment

APPLICATIONS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Adding FAX or MODEM to a voice line / Expanding a FAX line / Allowing two data
devices to share one line

OPERATION

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Outbound calls // Manual transfer // Automatic FAX transfer / CALL

OPTI-MIZER

INSTALLATION

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Your phone line / Telephone systems / Multi-line phones // Attaching FAX and
data devices

USER SELECTABLE FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Configuration switches / Device selection codes / Factory settings

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

...............

22

GLOSSARY

............................................................

23

APPENDICES

A. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

B.

FCC, WARRANTY

AND SERVICE INFORMATION

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

INTRODUCTION

TO

THE

WORLD

OF

CALL PROCESSING

answering machines, WATS lines, phone mail systems,
credit approval systems, and loop start TELEX equipment.

Versa-Link allows you to expand your present

communications network without installing an expensive
dedicated phone line for each device. Versa-Link provides

for greater utilization of phone lines and office equipment.

1.1 BASIC FEATURES
Versa-Link is a 24-hour communications control center

that automatically analyzes and routes incoming calls to
the proper equipment. Your Versa-Link ATX-250

permits a caller to remotely access your telephone, FAX
machine, computer MODEM, or other equipment you
may have attached. Standard features include:

-

Auto

FAX Detection - CALL

OPTI-MIZER

- Automatic
Ring-through to your most-used equipment ­Manual Transfer - Calling Party Hang Up Detect.

CALL

OPTI-MIZER

is a unique feature that makes your

phone line look more like a dedicated voice line to voice

callers, and more like a dedicated data line to FAX or
computer MODEM callers.

Calls can be manually transferred at any time by either the

caller or the called party.
Versa-Link’s data protection feature allows you to transmit

FAX or computer MODEM data without the fear of
someone disturbing the transmission by picking up an
extension phone. It also gives you peace of mind knowing

that your voice call will never be interrupted by a FAX or

MODEM.

Your Versa-Link

ATX-250

is a powerful Computerized Call
Processor that allows more than one telephone device to
share a single phone line. Versa-Link is compatible with

/

standard telecommunication and off ice equipment
including: Facsimile (FAX) machines, computer MODEMS,

-

PC FAX Boards, single and multi-line telephone systems,

/

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

2

INTRODUCTION

Another unique feature is Versa-Links surge

suppressor
which provides added protection from lightning strikes a
voltage surges that could damage your sensitive
communications equipment.

1.2 CALL PROCESSING

Call processing is the task of routing telephone voice and

data calls to one of several destinations. Your phone

company can be considered a very large call processor.

To better understand the principles behind call processing,

consider the following example:

l

A receptionist who answers all incoming calls

(in this case, the Versa-Link ATX-250)

l

A Customer Service Agent.

l

A sales agent.

When a phone call comes in, the Versa-Link acts as a

receptionist and answers the call. If the caller requests the

sales agent by dialing an access code, the Versa-Link will
transfer the call without disturbing anyone else. If no code

is dialed, the call is automatically directed to the customer

service agent for information and further routing. The
customer service agent may re-direct calls to the sales
agent by entering the proper access code.

Your ATX-250 can be used to process calls to your voice
and data equipment, just as it did in the above example. If
you are adding FAX or a computer MODEM to a voice line,
you have:

l

A Versa-Link

ATX-250

that answers all calls

and transfers them to the proper device.

l

A telephone system that handles most calls.

l

A FAX machine or a computer MODEM.

This is just one application. As you will see, your

Versa-

Link is not just a switch. It’s a very smart call processor

that does exactly what it’s told to do, and does it very well.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

3

EQUIPMENT

Your

ATX-250

has special features that work extremely

well with FAX machines and PC FAX Boards. The Auto

FAX Detection feature allows most FAX calls to transfer to

your FAX machine automatically.
The vast majority of FAX machines sold today have the

ability to dial the number of the receiving FAX from
memory, and then identify itself as a FAX machine with a

tone (called CNG tone or AUTO-FAX tone). It will then

continue to identify itself until the called FAX answers the
call. When an ATX-250 is used at the receiving end, it can
detect this FAX identification tone, and automatically

transfer the call to the FAX machine on the receiving end,

without ringing the telephone.
Occasionally, calls will come from a FAX machine without

a FAX identification tone. This may happen if the calling

person is using an older FAX machine, or dials the number
manually using the FAX handset. In most applications,

calls without this auto-FAX tone will be routed to your
telephone system. The call can be manually transferred to
the FAX machine by dialing

*

2

(or another selected
code) on your telephone keypad. Either the caller or the
person who answers can transfer the call. See section

4.2.2 for details of operation.

If possible, ask people who send you FAX messages to

program your number into their FAX machine’s memory.
This will allow FAX calls to always be processed
automatically.

Your Versa-Link ATX-250 is compatible with virtually all

modern telecommunications equipment, including single
and multi-line telephones. Because your ATX-250 is
installed between your telephone system and the phone
company, it can direct all your telephone traffic to the

proper equipment. The most popular types of equipment
used with a Versa-Link ATX-250 are described below.

2.1 FAX MACHINES

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

4

EQUIPMENT

2.2 COMPUTER MODEMS

Your ATX-250 is compatible with all dial-up MODEMS.

Usually, MODEMS are attached to the

DEVICE 2

connector of your ATX-250. Your

ATX-250

will transfer

incoming calls to your MODEM when the calling MODEM

dials *2 (or another code, if re-programmed) after the

call has been answered by your Versa-Link. The data

protection feature prevents interruptions from other

telephone equipment.

If your MODEM is only used for out-bound communication,

you do not need to be concerned with the device

selection code for the MODEM.

The device selection code for your MODEM is best dialed

by the calling MODEM. For example, when calling into a
MODEM attached to

DEVICE 2,

with the

ATX-250

factory

programming, the dialing command for a

Hayes

compatible MODEM would be:

I

ATDT 1 203 555 1234 ,,,,*2

I

The commas will generate pauses in the dialing MODEM.
The number of pauses may need to be changed to allow
enough time’for the call to be switched through the
telephone company, particularly if the calling MODEM is
dialing long-distance.

The selectable device codes can be reconfigured to add

security to any system. Your

ATX--250

will restrict access

to only those callers who dial the right device selection

code. See section 6,

USER SELECTABLE FEATURES,

to

change this code.
Some MODEM

S

cannot dial the * symbol. Therefore, if
you plan to connect a computer MODEM, it is best to
choose a device selection code for your computer that
does not use the * symbol.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

5

OPERATION

Your

ATX-250

will route incoming calls to the proper
equipment and prevent other devices from interfering with
the ongoing communication.

4.1 OUTBOUND CALLS

Your

ATX-250

will only allow one DEVICE port to access

the telephone line at a time. For example, if you are

sending or receiving a FAX, your telephones and
extensions will be unable to interrupt the communication. If
you pick up your phone or FAX and hear a busy signal,

then another device is already using the line.

4.2 INCOMING CALLS

Incoming calls can be routed to your communications
equipment in several ways:

-

Calls may be automatically transferred to your FAX

machine if the caller is a FAX that produces a FAX
identification tone.

-

Calls may be manually transferred by dialing touch

tones from either end of the line or with pulse-dialing
telephone equipment attached directly to your

Versa-

Link ATX-250. Tones may be entered by the calling

party any time after the first ring.

-

Calls can be transferred to your MODEM if the caller is

an auto-dial MODEM that dials the proper device
selection code.

-

All calls may be automatically transferred to DEVICE 2

after hours if CALL

OPTI-MIZER

is activated.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

9

EQUIPMENT

2.3 TELEPHONES AND MULTI-LINE
SYSTEMS

Your ATX-250 may be used with single and multi-line
telephone equipment. Both tone-dialing and pulse-dialing

equipment may be used with your ATX-250. See section

4.2.2 for restrictions when using pulse-dialing equipment.

I

I

IP

KSU or

I

PBX

2.4 OTHER EQUIPMENT

Your ATX-250 is also compatible with

Credit

Authorization

Terminals, Electronic Mail Terminals, and Loop-Start

dial-

up TELEX machines.

Your ATX-250 can also be used with answering machines

and cordless phones.

2.5

“CALLER ID” SERVICE
COMPATIBILITY

Your ATX-250 is now programmed to wait for and detect the
transmission of “Caller ID” data. This function allows the calling

party’s phone number to appear on your “Caller ID” display unit
before your ATX-250 routes the call to any device.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

6

APPLICATIONS

There are many applications for your Versa-Link ATX-250.
One unique advantage that Versa-Link gives you is the
ability to change its operation as your business grows and
your telephone needs change.

A few of the popular applications are described here.

3.1

ADDING A FAX MACHINE TO

A VOICE LINE

This application allows your ATX-250 to automatically
direct all Auto-dialing FAX calls to your FAX machine. All

manually dialed FAX calls and all voice calls will be

directed to your telephone. You can easily re-direct

manually dialed FAX calls to your FAX by pressing

* 2

(or another code, if re-programmed) on your

telephone.
As your business grows, you may want to make your FAX

line a dedicated line. Your

ATX-250

can still give you
maximum utility of your phone lines. You may want to re­configure your system to allow outgoing voice calls on this
FAX line.

3.2 ADDING A MODEM TO
A VOICE LINE

This application allows your

ATX-250

to direct all voice
calls to your telephone, and allow incoming computer
MODEM calls to access your MODEM with the proper
device code.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

7

APPLICATIONS

3.3 ADDING VOICE TO A
FAX LINE

In this application, your ATX-250 will direct all incoming

calls to your FAX machine when attached to the

DEVICE 1

port on your ATX-250. When your FAX is not in use, you
will be able to use this line for telephone calls.

3.4 ALLOWING TWO DATA
DEVICES TO SHARE ONE
TELEPHONE LINE

This application allows you to use two data devices, such
as FAX, MODEM, Credit Authorization Terminal, etc.

Normally, incoming calls will be directed to your FAX
equipment. Data calls can easily reach your MODEM or
other equipment by dialing the proper device selection
code.

3.5 OTHER APPLICATIONS

Many configurations exist. For example, you can use your

ATX-250

to:

-

Screen incoming calls to your residence while allowing

individuals with your selectable access code to bypass

the answering machine.

-

Allow two offices to share a single line with privacy.

-

Allow two answering machines to be used together for

stock quotations, dictation, daily results, sports scores,
new real estate listings, etc.

-

Allow remote cash register polling on an existing

telephone line.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

8

OPERATION

4.2.1 Automatic FAX Transfer

Most FAX machines have the capability to dial the

receiving FAX number from memory. When the number is
dialed, an identification tone is produced every 3-1/2
seconds that allows call processing equipment, like your
ATX-250, to identify the call as originating from a FAX.
When auto FAX tone detection is turned on, your ATX-250
will transfer these calls to

DEVICE 2,

where your FAX

machine is normally connected.

NOTE: Many FAX machines allow both voice and FAX
calls to be dialed manually from their keyboard. Also,
some older FAX machines do not have auto-dialing
capability. These machines may not always produce the
necessary identification tone for automatic transfer.

Manual dialed FAX calls will ring through to your telephone
sy

stem and are easily transferred to your FAX by dialing

* 2

It is possible for female voices to produce sounds of the
same pitch as the FAX identification (CNG) tone. To avoid
inadvertant transfers, your ATX-250 only monitors the

initial stage of incoming calls for CNG tones.

4.2.2 Manual Transfer

To transfer calls to a selected device, enter the proper
device selection code on your telephone (or other
equipment). The factory settings are:

Device Selection Codes

DEVICE 1 *3
DEVICE 2

*2

These device selection codes can be changed. See

section 6.1 for detailed information on changing these

codes.

The caller can manually transfer a call by using touch-tone
telephones or other equipment.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

10

OPERATION

The called party can manually transfer a call with either

touch-tone or pulse-dialing equipment connected through

the ATX-250. If you plan to manually transfer calls with a

pulse-dialing telephone, choose device selection codes

that do not use the * symbol.

WHEN TO ENTER A DEVICE SELECTION CODE

Device selection codes can be entered any time a call is

in process. A caller can start entering device selection
codes two seconds after hearing the first ring. This allows
calls to be processed while the system is unattended.

CORRECTING MISTAKES

If a mistake is made entering a device selection code, stop
entering tones for two seconds or longer, and re-enter the
correct device selection code. If you are dialing on a

pulse-dialing phone, wait five seconds or longer before re­entering the code.

4.2.3 CALL OPTI-MIZER

Often it is desirable for all calls after hours and on
weekends to go directly to the FAX machine or another

automatic telephone device. This is especially useful when

expanding a voice line with FAX and/or MODEM.
The primary application is for a company that has several

incoming lines with rollover. Only one number is dialed by
callers for voice traffic. If that line is busy, the telephone
company “rolls over” the call to a second incoming line. If
the second line is busy, the call “rolls over”, and so on until
the incoming call finds a line that is not busy.

The last line is published as the FAX number. Any

incoming FAX call will ring in on this line. During the day,
the last line is primarily used for voice, but may also be

used for both incoming and outgoing FAX. However, at

night, any call coming in on the last line is assumed to be

a FAX. This is because all other lines would have to be

busy for a voice call to come in on this line.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

11

OPERATION

The CALL OPTI-MIZER feature will count the number of
times the telephone (attached to DEVICE

1)

rings, after an

incoming call has been screened for Auto-dial FAX

tones

and device codes. If the phone is not answered in

5

rings

(this number is selectable - see

section

6.2),

your

ATX-

250 will assume that the office is unattended,

and

that this

call and all future calls should go to the FAX.

Your ATX-250 will immediately begin ringing this call to the

FAX. (If your FAX has adjustable ring selection, set it to
answer on the earliest possible ring).

At this time, your ATX-250 begins to operate in NIGHT
FUNCTION. Now, incoming calls will ring your telephone
system only 2 times (this number is selectable - see

section

6.2), and then immediately ring the FAX. This will

allow future incoming calls to go to the FAX sooner, with
less chance of the caller hanging up before the FAX
answers.

NIGHT FUNCTION is de-activated when you answer an

incoming telephone call on this line within 2 rings or make
an outgoing call on this line. Your ATX-250 will now
operate in normal daytime function. This method of

determining day/night/weekend is much simpler than

using a clock or calendar which must continually be

updated.

In the above example, a telephone system was connected

to DEVICE

1,

and a FAX to DEVICE 2. Of course, other

devices may be substituted to fit your application.

IN SUMMARY, CALL OPTI-MIZER can be used when:

(a) You want all calls after hours to go to your FAX or

MODEM on DEVICE 2

(b) You DO NOT have an answering machine on the same

incoming line as your FAX or MODEM.

See section 6.2 to activate CALL OPTI-MIZER.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

12

OPERATION

4.3 SUMMARY OF OPERATION

Your ATX-250 will answer incoming calls on the first ring and

produce a simulated

ringback

tone to the caller. Your ATX waits

about six seconds longer before it begins to ring DEVICE

1.

During this time the caller may manually transfer the call by

dialing a device selection code. Your ATX-250 is also

screening the call for auto FAX tones.
If no auto FAX tone is detected, and if no device selection

codes are entered, your

ATX-250

will begin to ring the

equipment attached to DEVICE

1.

Once connected, your

ATX-250 will isolate equipment attached to the other device

ports for the duration of the call.

The call can be manually transferred at any time by either

party. There is no limit to the number of times the same call
can be transferred. During transfers, the caller is put on hold,

and hears a

ringback

signal while the selected device is being

rung. All devices that are not selected are disconnected from

the telephone line. A busy signal is conveniently provided to all

non-selected devices.

When the line is not in use, any device can place an outgoing
call. During this time, all other devices are disconnected from
the incoming line.

If the caller is dialing long distance, charges begin when your

ATX-250 answers incoming calls.

RINGING DEVICES
When your ATX-250 is ringing a device, it will attempt eight
rings to that device. If the selected device does not answer
within this period, your ATX-250 will disconnect the call and
restore all devices to their original condition.

TRANSFER DEFEAT

Dialing “80” on an inbound call will cause your ATX-250 to
ignore all device selection codes for the rest of that call. This is
useful if you are calling into an answering machine to get your
messages. This will prevent tones that may be on your
incoming message tape from accidently transferring your call.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

13

INSTALLATION

The following section covers installation
of your Versa-Link ATX-250 in various

applications.

Your “ATX-250 INSTALLATION MANUAL”
contains more detailed information about

most telephone systems and
applications.

NOTE: You may want to call a local
telephone service company (listed in the
Yellow Pages under “Telephone
Equipment and Service”) to install the
necessary jacks between the telephone

company's line and your internal wiring.

5.

1

INITIAL

CHECK-OUT

Your ATX-250 shipping carton should

contain the following equipment:

-

Your Versa-Link ATX-250

-

An AC wall transformer with cord

-

One modular telephone cable

Plug the 12 Volt AC wall transformer into

an electrical outlet (110 Volt AC, 50-60

Hz) and plug its power cord into the
power connector on the back of your
ATX-250. The

LED

indicator on the front
of your ATX-250 should now be lit,
showing that power is on and the

ATX-250 is operating.

5.2 CONNECTING TO

THE PHONE LINE LINE LINE

WHAT LINE DO I

LINE

DO I USE?

Locate and identify the telephone line to
which you plan to attach your ATX-250. If
you are using a multi-line telephone
system with rollover, use the last line in

the

rollover sequence.

WHERE DO I CONNECT MY ATX-250?

Locate a point on the line between the
telephone company and all existing
telephone equipment and extensions
attached to this line. Disconnect all
telephone equipment and extensions
from the telephone line. They will later be
re-connected to the telephone line
THROUGH your ATX-250. You may need
to install RJ-11 jacks to facilitate

installation of your ATX-250.
IMPORTANT: One function of your

ATX

250 is to receive incoming calls and then

distribute them to the proper equipment.

For this reason it is VERY important that

your

ATX-250

be installed ahead of all
existing telephone extensions and
equipment.

tl,

LIW

cdc:,

Attach the incoming telephone line to the

LINE

connector on the back of your

ATX-250. The

Am-250

should now be
the only device connected to this
telephone line.

5.3 RE-CONNECTING

YOUR TELEPHONE
SYSTEM

If you are using this line for voice
communication, you will need to
reconnect your telephone system
THROUGH THE ATX-250. First, you will
want to determine what type of phone
system you have.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

14

INSTALLATION

5.3.1 Single Line
Telephones

Attach your telephone system to the

DEVICE 1

connector on the back of your
ATX-250. If you have only one phone with
no extensions, you can connect the
phone by plugging it into the

DEVICE 1

connector on your ATX-250. If you have
extensions, attach the

DEVICE 1

connector to one of the extension jacks.
This will re-connect all the extensions.

5.3.2 Multi-line
Telephones

If you are using a multi-line Key system,
attach your KSU telephone input for the
selected line to the

DEVICE 1

connector

on the back of your ATX-250.

NOTE: Your

ATX-250

is not designed to
operate at a station port of a KSU. It will
only operate on the trunk side of a key
system.

If you are using a two-line feature phone

system with no controller (called an

RJ-

14 system), connect the telephone cable

attached to the selected line of your dual

line phone system to the DEVICE

1

connector on the back of your ATX-250.

5.3.3 PBX (Private
Branch Exchange)

Your ATX-250 can be used at a station
extension of any PBX. It can also be used
on the trunk side of most loop-start

PBX's

Whether you are installing your

ATX-250
on a station extension or on a PBX trunk,
first verify that the circuit is compatible by
testing it with a single-line telephone. If
you are unable to get a dial tone, the line

is not compatible.

WARNING: Improper connections to PBX
extensions and trunks can cause
damage to telephone equipment. If you

are in doubt, contact your local telephone
service company.

Products are available to allow use of
loop-start equipment on a ground-start
PBX trunk. Contact your local telephone

service company or our experts here at

Multi-Link.

5.4 ATTACHING OTHER

DEVICES (FAX,
MODEM, ETC.)

When you attach your FAX, computer

MODEM, credit terminal, or other
equipment, set the equipment to answer
incoming calls on the first or second ring,
if possible.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

15

How you attach your data equipment
depends entirely on what you want your
system to do. Some of the most popular
applications are listed below:

5.4.1 Adding FAX to

a

Voice Line

When adding FAX to a voice line, attach
your FAX to the DEVICE 2 connector on

the back of your ATX-250. See your

installation manual for details.

You should enable auto FAX tone
detection. Configuration switch 6 should
be set to the “up” position. This is the
factory setting.

If necessary, change the configuration
switch on the back of your ATX-250.
Unplug the

ATX-250

power cord for
about 2 seconds and re-connect it to
activate the new settings.

In addition, you may also want to turn on

CALL

OPTI-MIZER

if you are using your
ATX-250 on a multi-line system. See

section 4.2.3 for details.

5.4.2 Adding Voice to

a

FAX Line

If you are expanding the use of your FAX

line you will want to move your telephone
system to the DEVICE 2 connector and
attach your FAX machine to DEVICE 1.
This will allow all incoming calls to go
directly to your FAX machine. Outbound
calls can be made as usual, and

incoming calls are possible using manual
transfer.

You will want to disable auto FAX tone
detection. Set the configuration switch

position 6 to the “down” position.

Unplug the power cord from your

ATX-

250 for about 2 seconds and re-connect

it to activate the new switch settings.

5.4.3 Allowing Two Data

Devices to Share

One Line

If you are using FAX, attach your FAX

machine to the DEVICE 1 connector on
the back of your ATX-250. Attach your
other data device to the DEVICE 2
connector.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

16

INSTALLATION

If you are not using FAX, choose the data
device that most of your incoming calls
should go to. Attach this device to the
DEVICE

1

connector on the back of your
ATX-250. Attach the other data device to
the DEVICE 2 connector.

If you are not using FAX, or if your FAX is
attached to DEVICE

1, you

should disable
auto FAX detection. Set the configuration
switch position 6 to the “down” position.

Unplug the power cord from your

ATX­250 for about 2 seconds and re-connect
it to activate the new switch settings.

5.4.4 Adding an

Answering Machine

If you use an answering machine, attach
it to the same connector that your

telephone system is attached to. You may

either connect your telephone system

through your answering machine, if a

connector is provided on the answering
machine for that purpose, or you may
need to use a multi-outlet Y-adapter.

You may also want to leave instructions
on the outgoing message to instruct
callers on how to access your data
equipment. If you have a FAX attached to

DEVICE 2, remember to give out your

device selection code for access to your

FAX, so that callers with manually dialed

FAX machines can send you messages
while you are not there. A sample
message might be:

“Hello, this is

,

If you

would like to leave a FAX message,

press star-two to ring our FAX

machine. If you would like to leave a
voice message, please begin speaking
after the tone. Thank you for calling.”

5.5 CONFIGURING THE
ATX-250 TO YOUR

APPLICATION

Depending on your application, you may

want to change the factory settings of the

configuration switches or change the

device selection codes.

For a detailed description of all the operational

features, and step-by-step information on

how to select them, see section 6, USER

SELECTABLE FEATURES.

5.6 GENERAL RULES OF
INSTALLATION

When installing your

ATX-250

there are

three general principles to keep in mind:

5.6.1 Your ATX-250 must be the

only device directly connected to the
telephone company’s incoming line.

There cannot be any extensions or data
devices connected in parallel with your
ATX-250 on this line. All extensions and
data devices must be connected to one
of the DEVICE ports on the back of your
ATX-250.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

17

INSTALLATION

For example, if you connect your

ATX-

250 in the following way, it will not

function properly:

Ringing will be heard in the background if
a call is answered by one of the
extension phones. Also, your

ATX-250
cannot prevent an extension phone from
being lifted and interrupting a FAX call.

For the same reason, party lines and

off-

premise extensions (OPX), including
answering services located away from
your building, are not compatible with
your ATX-250. Do not install an ATX-250

if you are on a party line or have an OPX.

5.6.2

Your ATX-250 is intended for use with
standard modular RJ-11 jacks.

Many
key system station jacks look the same,
but are not wired for the RJ-11 standard.
In addition, some ground-start PBX

trunks are incompatible. Neither an

ATX­250 nor a FAX machine will operate if
connected to this point.

The general rule is: if a SINGLE-LINE

telephone will work on the connector,
your ATX-250 will work. You can usually

use a telephone line tester to verify that

the jack is wired for RJ-11.

5.6.3

Manual transfers are accomplished by
entering touch-tones or dial pulses.

Some multi-line key systems do not allow
tone or dial pulse generation on incoming
calls. To determine if the key system is
capable of manually transferring an incoming
call, call the line on which you wish to in­stall your ATX-250 from another location,
and listen to determine if the person who
answers can dial touch-tones.

Pulse-dialing telephone equipment and
some key systems do not generate the

*

or # signals. You can overcome this

limitation by changing the ATX-250
device selection codes to new codes that
do not contain * or #. See section 6.1

to change device selection codes.

On a few key systems, dialing

* #

will

unlock the key pad to once a

ain dial

touch-tones. Try dialing

* # * 2, for

example, to manually transfer to your FAX
machine.

On some key systems that do not allow

tone generation on inbound calls, you

can fool the telephone system into

thinking it is making an outbound call by

pressin

the “FLASH” key, and then

dialing

* 2

To keep from hanging up

B

the caller, activate the “Protected Hook

Flash” feature. See section 6.3.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

18

USER SELECTABLE

FEATURES

Your Versa-Link

ATX-250

can be used in

a wide variety of applications by

changing the selectable features.

The following features are set with the

configuration switches located on the
back of your ATX-250:

DEVICE CODE SELECTION

1

CALL OPTI-MIZER

PROTECTED HOOK FLASH
FAX TONE DETECTION

Use a pen or other small instrument to
make changes to the configuration

switches.

IMPORTANT: Configuration switch

changes are not activated until AC power

is re-applied. Therefore, unplug and re-

connect the AC power cord after making

any configuration switch changes to enter

these settings into memory.

6.1 DEVICE CODE
SELECTION

Your ATX-250 analyzes incoming calls for
touch-tones and analyzes your

equipment for both pulse-dial and

touch-

tone device selection codes.

There are four different sets of device

selection codes that your ATX-250 will
recognize. Set the configuration switches
1 and 2 according to the following table.

CONFIGURATION

DW;E

1

DE”::

2

SWITCHES

1

2

l!sl

I

I!!!!

I 2

E

5

5

Remember to unplug and re-connect the
AC power after changing the
configuration switches.

The third set is useful for compatibility
with other Versa-Link products. The
fourth set allows extra security for
equipment attached to “DEVICE 2”.

If your equipment is pulse-dial only, you

cannot use the codes containing the

*

symbol.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

19

USER SELECTABLE

FEATURES

6.2 CALL

OPTI-MIZER

6.3 PROTECTED HOOK

CALL OPTI-MIZER is useful if you want
all incoming calls to go to DEVICE 2
when your office is unattended. See

section 4.2.3 for a detailed description.

When using CALL OPTI-MIZER, there
are three choices for the parameters that
determine when a call is sent to DEVICE

2. CALL OPTI-MIZER can also be
completely disabled. Set the configuration
switches 3 and 4 according to the
following table.

FLASH

Some key tone telephone systems do not
allow tone generation on an inbound call.

On these systems, manual transfers can
still be accomplished by fooling the
telephone system into thinking it is

making an outbound call. This is done by

pressing the “FLASH” key on the
telephone, and then dialing the device

code for DEVICE 2.

Remember to unplug and re-connect the
AC power after changing the
configuration switches.

For example, if your FAX is connected to
DEVICE 2, and the device selection code

for DEVICE 2 is

* 2,

calls can be

manually transferred to the FAX by

pressing FLASH and then

*

2

To prevent the caller from being hung up
when the FLASH key is pressed, you will
want to activate Protected Hook Flash.
This will place the call on hold while the
flash button momentarily disconnects the

line. Protected Hook Flash cannot be
used if your phone is pulse-dial or if this
line has “call waiting”.

NO.

OF

NO.

OF

CONFIGURATION

RINGS TO RINGS TO

SWITCHES

ACTIVATE

DEVICE 1

3

4

NIGHT IN NIGHT

FUNCTION

FUNCTION

5 2

4 2

3

1

i%k

MlZEi

6%;

MlZEi

IS OFF) IS OFF)

Configuration switch 5 is used to select
Protected Hook Flash. Remember to
unplug and re-connect the AC power
after changing the configuration switch.

PROTECTED

HOOK FLASH

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

20

USER SELECTABLE

FEATURES

6.4 FAX TONE

DETECTION

If you connect

a FAX machine to your

network, you will need to tell your

ATX-

250 which DEVICE

port it is on.

This
allows auto-dial FAX calls to be
transferred to your FAX machine

automatically.

If you adding FAX to a voice line, connect

the FAX to DEVICE 2.

If you are expanding a FAX line, connect

the FAX to DEVICE 1.

Configuration switch 6 is used to select

FAX

tone detection. Remember to unplug

and re-connect

the

AC

power after

changing the configuration switch.

E/V

@I

FAX TONE

detection

6

6

I

-ON

(FAX ON DEVICE 2)

OFF (NO FAX OR FAX ON DEVICE 1)

6.5 SELECTIVE RINGING
FEATURE WITH
TRANSFER

The “Selective Ringing” feature on your
ATX-250

is

designed to be used in
conjunction with the “distinctive ring”
service offered by your local telephone
company.

In the “selective ring” mode, your

ATX-

250 will detect the multiple ring patterns
associated with each telephone number

and route the call to the intended phone
device. Switching is completely transpar-

ent to the caller.

“Selective Ringing” can be enabled by
simply placing all DIP Switches in, the up
position as indicated below-and recycling
power.

IMPORTANT: Configuration

switch

changes

are

not

activated until AC

power

is

re-applied

Therefore

unplug and re-connect the AC

power cord after making any

configuration

switch changes lo enter these

settings into

memory

Manual Transfer

-

In “Selective Ringing”

mode your

ATX-250 has the same basic

manual transfer capability as with normal

function. To transfer calls to a selected

device, enter the proper device selection
code on your telephone key pad (or other
equipment). The factory settings are:

Device Selection Codes

DEVICE 1

lj!illJ

or 21

DEVICE 2

IZIIZI

or 22

6.6 FACTORY SE-I-I-INGS

When your ATX-250 was shipped to you,

it was programmed with the following
settings:

1

DEVICE

IDEVICE 1 * 1

2

SELECTION
CODES

CALL

OPTI-MIZER

OFF

PROTECTED HOOK FLASH

OFF

FAX TONE DETECTION

ON

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

21

USER SELECTABLE

FEATURES

To restore the original factory settings, set
the configuration switches (located on the
back of your ATX-250) according to the
chart below. Set switches 1 and 6 UP,
and switches 2,3,4, and 5 DOWN.

Unplug the AC power cord on your

ATX-

250 for about 2 seconds and re-connect

the power to activate the new settings.

Before you contact your Versa-Link

dealer or distributor about a question,

please read this section. If you are

experiencing a problem, you may be

able to quickly solve it yourself.

COMMONLY

ASKED

QUESTIONS

WHY DO SOME FAX CALLS GO TO MY
TELEPHONE?

Sometimes FAX calls originate from
equipment that does not identify itself as
a FAX machine. You can manually

transfer the call by dialing the device

selection code for your FAX (factory set

to

*2).

See section 2.1. Activating

CALL

OPTI-MIZER

may eliminate this
problem at night. See section 4.2.3 for
details.

Also, you may need to change auto-FAX
tone detection. See section 6.4.

WHY DO I SOMETIMES GET A BUSY

SIGNAL WHEN I PICK UP MY PHONE?

The data protection feature of your

ATX­250 disconnects your telephone when
your FAX or MODEM is in use. Wait for
your FAX or MODEM to finish, and try
your telephone again.

AFTER I CHANGE THE

CONFIGURATION SWITCHES,

WHY

DOES THE ATX-250 NOT CHANGE ITS
OPERATION?

Any time you change the configuration
switches on the back of your

ATX-250

you must unplug its power cord for about
two seconds to activate the new settings.

WHY DOES MY ATX-250 REPEATEDLY

CLICK-CLICK WHEN I PICK UP THE

LINE?

If you cannot get a dial tone, and only

hear a click-click every two seconds or
so, the ATX-250 does not have a good
connection to the phone company. Check
your installation and wiring for loose or
open connections. Connect a single-line
telephone directly to the incoming line.
Check for dial tone and proper operation.
A dead line should be reported to your
telephone company.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

22

COMMONLY

ASKED

QUESTIONS

WHY DOES MY FAX ANSWER ALL

INCOMING CALLS?

Your

ATX-250

may not be getting any

power. Check the LED indicator on the

front panel. If the LED is not lit, check the

power connector, the AC adaptor, and the

AC power source.

I

ENTER *2 ON MY PHONE TO
TRANSFER AN INCOMING CALL TO MY
FAX. WHY DOES THE CALL NOT
TRANSFER?

Some multi-line key telephones will not

generate tones after receiving an

incoming call. You may need to activate

the Protected Hook Flash feature. Refer
to section 6.3.

WHY DO I SOMETIMES HEAR RINGING

IN

THE BACKGROUND WHEN I

ANSWER THE PHONE?

Your

ATX-250

may not be installed as the

only device directly connected to the

telephone line. To determine this,

disconnect the cord from the

LINE

jack of
your ATX-250. If you can get a dial tone
on any of your telephones, your

installation is not correct.

GLOSSARY

EQUIPMENT:
CALL PROCESSOR - A device that

manages telephone traffic and routes
incoming calls to the proper equipment.

The ATX-250 call processor analyzes

and routes incoming calls to your

telephones or data equipment.

FAX (FACSIMILE) MACHINE - A device

that attaches to your telephone line and is

capable of scanning a document,
electronically transmitting and receiving

the image, and printing the image.

(sometimes called “TELEFAX” or
“TELECOPIER”)

KEY TELEPHONE SYSTEM - A

multi-

line telephone system with extension

telephone sets. A Key system always has

a Key System Unit (KSU) controller that
all telephone sets attach to. Also, the Key
system telephone sets have a series of
buttons that are used to select the
outside line you wish to use.

KSU (KEY SYSTEM UNIT)

-

The

controller that manages a multi-line Key

telephone system. All incoming telephone

lines and all telephone sets connect to

the KSU. The KSU is usually mounted in

a back room or telephone closet of the
office it serves.

MODEM

-

A device that allows
computers and other electronic
equipment to communicate through
ordinary telephone lines.

PBX (PRIVATE BRANCH EXCHANGE)

-

An electronic multi-line telephone
system, used primarily in very large

applications with many extensions. The
identifying feature of most

PBXs

is that

you must dial 9 to get an outside line.

PBXs

generally use standard single-line

telephones at extension locations.

PC FAX BOARD

-

A circuit board that is

installed in a personal computer. Like a

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

GLOSSARY

FAX, it attaches to your telephone line

and is capable of transmitting and

receiving images with other FAX Boards

and FAX machines. A FAX board, when

used with a printer and document

scanner, operates like a modern FAX

machine.

TONES:

AUTO FAX TONE (CNG ) - This tone is

produced by virtually all FAX machines

when it dials the receiving FAX machine’s

number from memory. Older FAX
machines and some current models that

do not have speed-dial memory will not

produce CNG. CNG is a medium-pitch

tone (1100 Hz) that last 1/2 second and

repeats every 3-1/2 seconds. A FAX
machine will produce CNG for about 45

seconds after it dials the receiving FAX

number.
CARRIER AND DATA - very loud

screech that is produced when the FAX

machines or MODEMs are actually
transferring data. Unlike CNG or DTMF,
carrier and data will be constantly
changing.

DTMF (DUAL TONE ,

MULTI-

FREQUENCY ) - This tone is commonly
called “touch-tone”. Not all push-button
phones are capable of producing the

DTMF tones.

RINGBACK -

A tone produced by

telephone processing equipment that

signals to the caller that the called party

is being rung. Your ATX-250 produces a

ringback tone to the caller when ringing a

device.

OTHER TERMS:

CALL WAITIN G - A feature provided by
many telephone companies that allows
two calls to be managed at the same
time on one line. Your ATX-250 will work
fine with “Call Waiting”, but your FAX or

MODEM probably won’t. Call Waiting is

not recommended for lines used for data

transfer.

CO (CENTRAL OFFICE) - Your
telephone company. Your CO is the
building where your telephone line is

electronica

managed.

EXTENSION - A catch-all term that

describes additional phones attached to
a single line (as in a residence or small
off ice) or a station of a Key system or

PBX.

GROUND START - A line or equipment
that establishes a dial tone by completing
a circuit between one of the wires of the

line and earth ground. Ground start

circuits are used mainly for PBX

applications. Loop start equipment will
not operate if connected directly to a

ground start line.

LOOP START - A line or equipment that
will establish a dial tone by completing a
circuit between the two wires of the line.
Your ATX-250, all FAX machines and
single-line phones, and most MODEMS
are loop start equipment

MODULAR CONNECTOR - A catch all
term that describes a number of plugs
and jacks used with telephone and other
equipment Handset connectors have four

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

24

GLOSSARY

contact positions. Line connectors are
wider and have six positions (often, only
two or four positions are loaded with

contacts).

OFF-HOOK - If equipment is “off-hook”,

it is not idle but actively connected to the

telephone line.

ON-HOOK - Another old term that gets

its meaning from your telephone handset

resting on the hook switch. If equipment
is “On-hook”, it is idle and not using the

telephone line.

OPX (OFF PREMISE EXTENSION)

-

Like a party line, an OPX is a line that
serves more than one subscriber
location. Examples of

OPXs

are

off-

premise answering services, and lines

that serve more than one building. Your

ATX-250 will not operate fully if attached
on a line with an OPX.

PARTY LINE

-

A line that serves more

than one subscriber or user. Your

ATX­250 cannot be properly operated on a
party line system.

POLARITY

-

A term used to describe

the order of two electrical points

-

one
positive and the other negative. On an

RJ-11 female jack, the green lead should
be positive with respect to the red lead to
ensure proper operation with all
equipment.

RJ-11 WIRING STANDARD - A specific
wiring arrangement for using a g-position
modular connector to attach exactly one

telephone line. The two wires of the
telephone line are attached to the two

center contacts of an RJ-11 modular jack

(the wires are often color-coded red and
green). All connections to your ATX-250
must be wired according to this RJ-11
standard.

RJ-14 WIRING STANDARD - Utilizes a
six position modular connector wired to
two separate telephone lines. This
application is used almost exclusively on
dual line telephones. Line 1 is attached to
the center two contacts (like RJ-ll), and

Line 2 is attached to the next outer two
contacts (often color-coded yellow and

black).

ROLL-OVER - A service provided by

most phone companies that allows
several lines to be tied together. A single

number is generally dialed by all callers.

If that line is busy, the phone company

will “roll-over” the call to another line in

that group. Also called “hunt-group” or

“rotary”.
ROTARY - An ambiguous term. “Rotary

Group” means a roll-over group, and
“Rotary Dialing” means pulse dialing.

STATION

-

A telephone set attached to a

multi-line Key system or PBX. Your

ATX­250 will work on a PBX station extension,
but WILL NOT work on a Key system
station extension.

TIP AND RING

-

An archaic term that
gets its meaning from the old switchboard
plugs. Each plug had a tip connector and
a ring connector. Now, tip and ring refer

to the two conductors that make up a

single telephone line.
TRUNK - A line that connects to the

telephone company CO (central off ice).

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

25

TECHNICAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Input power requirements:

At AC Transformer: 110 - 125 Volts AC Only

50-60 Hz
At power jack on ATX-250: 12-15 Volts AC
only

Power consumption Idle: 3 Watts
Ringing a device: 6-11 Watts

CO Interface: Ren 1

.1

B
DOC (Canada) Load No. 83
Input ring detection: 40-150 Volts AC;

15-

68 Hz

DEVICE Interface:
Battery: Nominal

-

45.5 Volt DC to devices

1 and 2

Off-hook detection: 3-150 ma
Ringer frequency: 33 Hz Pseudo-sinewave
Ringing no load: Approximately 145.6
Volts AC
Ringing 8000 ohm impedance

(REN 1.O): Approximately 116 VAC

Ringing 4000 ohm impedance

(REN 2.0): Approximately 98 VAC

Ringing 2667 ohm impedance

(REN) 3.0): Approximately 83 VAC
Ringing short circuit: current limited to
110 ma with ring trip.

(impedances less than 2667 ohms not
recommended)

DOC REGISTRATION

The Department of Communications label

identifies certified equipment. This certifica­tion means that the equipment meets certain
telecommunications network protective,
operational and safety requirements. 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 equip-

ment must also be installed using an
accepted method of connection. In some

cases, the company’s inside wiring associ­ated with a single line individual service may
be extended by means of a certified
connector assembly (telephone extension
cord). 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
made by an authorized Canadian mainte­nance facility 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.

The Load Number (LN) assigned to each
terminal device denotes the percentage of the

total load to be connected to a telephone loop
which is used by the device, to prevent
overloading. The termination on a loop may
consist of any combination of devices subject
only to the requirement that the total of the

Load Numbers of all the devices does not

exceed 100.

Notice:This product has been tested and

meets the Class B limits for radio
noise emissions set out by the

Radio Interference Regulations
of the Canadian Department of
Communications.

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

FCC REGISTRATION

WARRANTY AND

SERVICE INFORMATION

FCC REGISTRATION

This equipment complies with Part 68 of
the FCC rules. 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. You must, upon
request, provide this information to your

telephone company.
The REN is useful to determine the

quantity of devices you may connect to

your telephone line and still have all of
those devices ring when your telephone

number is called. In most, but not all
areas, the sum of the

RENs

of all devices

connected to one line should not exceed

five (5.0). To be certain on the number of

devices you may connect to your line, as
determined by the REN, you should
contact your local telephone company to
determine the maximum REN for your
calling area.

If your telephone equipment causes harm

to the telephone network, the telephone

company may discontinue your service

temporarily. If possible, they will notify you

in advance. But if advance notice isn’t
practical, you will be notified as soon as
possible. You will be informed of your
right to file a complaint with the FCC.

Your telephone company may make
changes in its facilities, equipment,
operations or procedures that could

affect the proper functioning of your
equipment. If they do, you will be notified
in advance to give you an opportunity to

maintain uninterrupted telephone service.

If you experience trouble with this
telephone equipment, please contact your
Versa-Link dealer or Multi-Link, Inc. for

information on obtaining service or

repairs. The telephone company may ask
that you disconnect this equipment from
the network until the problem has been
corrected or until you are sure that the
equipment is not malfunctioning.

This equipment may not be used on coin
service provided by the telephone

company, and is not intended for use with

party line service. This equipment is

intended for use only on loop-start

service, and will not operate on a

ground-

start central office line.

LIMITED WARRANTY

We warrant that if this Versa-Link

ATX-

250 product, manufactured by Multi-Link,

Inc. and purchased by you, proves to be

defective in material or workmanship, we

will provide without charge, for a period

of two (2) years, the labor and the parts

necessary to remedy any such defect.

Warranty period commences on the date

of purchase by the original retail

consumer.
The duration of any implied warranty of

merchantability, fitness for a particular

purpose, or otherwise, on this product

shall be limited to the duration of the

applicable express warranty set forth

above. In no event shall we be liable for

any loss, inconvenience or damage

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

27

FCC REGISTRATION

whether direct, incidental, consequential
or otherwise resulting from breach of any
express or implied warranty, of
merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or otherwise with respect to this
product, except as set forth herein. Some
states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts and some
states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations or
exclusion may not apply to you.

To obtain service under this warranty, you
must present or send your ATX-250

product, together with a copy of the retail
seller’s original bill of sale, your charge or
credit receipt, or other satisfactory proof
of the date of the original retail purchase
of the product, to any of the Versa-Link
authorized service stations. A list of the
Versa-Link authorized service stations
can be obtained from your Versa-Link
dealer or from Multi-Link, Inc.

Any postage, insurance or shipping cost

incurred in presenting or sending your
ATX-250 product for service is your

responsibility. However, Multi-Link will pay
for all return freight expenses.

The AC adaptor used with this product is

covered under this warranty. This
warranty does not cover damage which

results from accident, misuse, abuse,

improper line voltage, fire, flood or

damage resulting from repairs or

alterations performed other than by

Versa-Link authorized service stations.

This warranty gives you specific legal

rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.

SERVICE

INFORMATION

Your machine has been registered with
the Federal Communications

Commission, and under this program, in

the event of equipment malfunction, all

repairs will be performed by Multi-Link,
Inc. or a warranty repair center that we
have authorized. The owner is restricted

from performing any maintenance

operation other than those specified
within this instruction manual.

If you require service, please contact your

Versa-Link dealer or Multi-Link, Inc.

Multi-Link,

Inc.

225

Industry Road

Nicholasville, KY 40356

[phone]

FAX [phone]

DON’T FORGET YOUR

WARRANTY CARD!

VERSA-LINK ATX-250

The Versa-Link ATX-250 contains patented and otherwise

proprietary circuits and software algorithms. This owner’s
manual describes the operation and function of some of these
circuits and algorithms.

Unauthorized

duplication of this manual
is a violation of U.S. and other copyright laws, and unauthorized
use of all or part of this manual may result in patent infringement
Therefore, THIS MANUAL IS TO BE USED ONLY WITH OR AS
A MARKETING TOOL FOR THE VERSA-LINK

ATX-250
Duplication of all or part of this manual without the permission of
Multi-Link, Inc. is prohibited.

.

Printed in the U.S.A.
Multi-Link, Inc.
225 Industry Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356

[phone]

FAX [phone]