Command Communications ComSwitch 8500-t Manual


Table of Contents
Quick Install...................................................................................…………………………... 1
Before You Begin.........................................................................……………………..…….. 2
Unpacking the CS8500-t…………………………………………………………………. 2
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Basic Operation.............................................................................…………………..………. 3
Installing the CS8500-t..................................................................…………………..………. 4
Ports on the CS8500-t……………………………………………………………………………. 4
Connecting the CS8500-t………………………………………………………… 5
One Line/Single Telephone Installation………………………………………… 6
One Line/Multiple Telephone Extensions………………………………………. 7
Caller ID...................................................................................………………………. 8
Turn Caller ID ON……………………………………………………………….… 8
Turn Caller ID OFF………………………………………………………………... 8
Connecting CS8500-t to Line 2 of a 2-Line Phone (Using three-way adapters)….... 9
KSU/PBX Installation…………………………………………………………..……. …… 9, 10
Using the CS8500-t……………………………………………………………………….. 10
Special Operating Notes………………………………………………………………….. 11
FAX CNG Tone……………………………………………………………………. 11
Programming...................................................................................…………………………. 11
Hearing-Impaired Instructions…………………………………………………………. .. 11
Hearing User Instructions………………………………………………………………… 12
Operation........................................................................................………………………….. 12
Single Line Operation…………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Placing an Outbound Call Using the CS8500-t………………………………………… 12
Answering Incoming Calls………………………………………………………………... 13
Answering Calls with an Answering Machine………………………………….. 13
Turn ANS. MACHINE to FAX Transfer ON…………………………………….. 14
Turn ANS. MACHINE to FAX Transfer OFF…………………………………… 14
Receiving a TTY/TDD Call……………………………………………………………….. 15
Distinctive Ring Compatibility……………………………………………………………. 15
Turn Distinctive Ring Detection ON……………………………………………... 16
Turn Distinctive Ring Detection OFF……………………………………………. 16
Voice Mail and Distinctive Ring………………………………………………………….. 16
Two-Burst Ring to TTY/TDD Port.………………………………………………………. 17
Two-Burst Ring to FAX Port and Three-Burst Ring to TTY/TDD Port………………. 17
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................………… 18
Two-Year Limited Warranty/Service Information..................................................…….…… 19
FCC Registration Information................................................................................………… 20

Quick Install
1. Plug one end of the provided 2-wire modular line cord into the LINE-IN port on the CS8500-t.
2. Plug the other end of the modular line cord into the telephone (wall) jack.
3. Plug the small end of the AC power cord provided with the CS8500-t into the power input port
labeled "12 VAC" on the CS8500-t.
4. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.
The green LED flashes for approximately 5 seconds when power is applied and then remains illuminated,
indicating its ON status.
1. To connect a TTY/TDD device, plug one end of a modular line cord into the TTY/TDD port on the
CS8500-t. Plug the other end to the line port of the TTY/TDD.
2. To connect an answering machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the ANS. MACHINE
port on the CS8500-t. Plug the other end to the line port of the answering machine.
3. To connect a phone, plug one end of a modular line cord into the PHONE port on the CS8500-t.
4. To connect a fax machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the FAX port on the CS8500-t.
Plug the other end to the line port of the fax machine.
1 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

This guide is designed to introduce you to the various installation and operational procedures for using the
ComSwitch® 8500-t. Please read through this guide and select the installation procedures appropriate for
your specific application before attempting to connect or operate the CS8500-t.
Before You Begin
Important Notes: According to standard industry practice, surge
protection is recommended for use with all electronic devices. A
surge suppressor and/or line conditioning should be used on the
input power supply, as well as the connected telephone line.
Call Waiting: TTY/TDD and fax machine transmissions could
be disrupted by the Call Waiting beep tone.
Call Forwarding: If Call Forwarding is activated, the CS8500-t
cannot process calls on that line. We recommend that you
disconnect service for Call Forwarding.
Phone Company Voice Mail: This service is compatible with the CS8500-t if used in conjunction with
the phone company's Distinctive Ring service (service activation required). See Voice Mail and
Distinctive Ring setup (pages 15 - 16).
Please read through the rest of this guide to learn how to properly install and operate the CS8500-t.
Unpacking the CS8500-t
When you open the CS8500-t box for the first time, inspect the contents. In the box, you should find the
following items:
If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact the dealer where you purchased the unit, or call
Customer Service at the number listed on the back cover of this manual.
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 2

Introduction to the CS8500-t
Thank you for purchasing the CS8500-t. This product was designed for environments that have hearing-
impaired and non hearing-impaired users sharing the same phone line that want to save money by
avoiding multiple dedicated telephone line charges. The CS8500-t allows a TTY/TDD, fax, telephone and
answering machine to share one single telephone line.
The CS8500-t quickly directs incoming telephone calls to one of three appropriate destinations, typically a
TTY/TDD, facsimile machine or fax/modem, as well as a telephone and answering machine, or any other
telephone device that responds to a standard ring signal.
Listed below are examples of various telephone activated devices that can be connected to the CS8500-t:
YFax / Modem YCall diverter
YComputer Modem YFluid storage system
YFacsimile YEnergy management system
YAnswering Machine YMoney order dispensing system
YTelephone YLaser fax cartridge
YBulletin Board System (BBS) YRemote diagnostic system
YCredit Card Authorization Terminal YTime and attendance system
YSecurity alarm and monitoring system YFlow monitoring system
YPoint-of-sale terminal
Basic Operation
The CS8500-t is flexible and easy to use. When a call is received by the CS8500-t, the call is answered
with a voice announcement for voice callers instructing them to hold while the call is being transferred.
After the CS 8500-t answers a call, it will give a voice announcement to the caller, “Please hold through
the tones, your call is being transferred.”
Next, the CS 8500-t will send the calling TTY a message that reads “ TYPE GA TO CONNECT.”
If the CS 8500-t does not detect a TTY tone from a calling TTY, the call will be transferred to the TAD
and PHONE ports on the CS 8500-t.
If the caller types GA after the TTY message, the CS 8500-t will send the message “PLEASE WAIT” to
the calling TTY and then transfers the call to the TTY port on the CS 8500-t.
The ring count to the TTY port is set to 25 rings.
Fax calls are detected by the CNG tone (CalliNG) and sent to the FAX port automatically. Non-CNG fax
calls are sent to ANS. MACHINE and Phone ports.
3 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

The CS8500-t has over 30 programmable features that allow the user to customize its operation. In
addition, the CS8500-t is compatible with:
1. Call Waiting
2. Distinctive Ring
3. Caller ID
4. Voice Mail (when used in conjunction with Distinctive Ring). See Voice Mail and Distinctive
Ring setup
Installing the CS8500-t
The CS8500-t is a single line device that can be installed on any type of modular or non-modular system
that consists of one or more lines, with one or more phones. A modular system consists of phone cords
that can be connected and disconnected from a telephone device. A non-modular system consists of cables
that are hard-wired to the telephone device and cannot be disconnected from the equipment. A telephone
installer may be required to install the CS8500-t on a non-modular system.
NOTE: Many offices have a KSU or PBX phone system. The CS8500-t works with either of these
systems. Simply follow the appropriate installation instructions provided in "Installation on a KSU/PBX
Installation."
Ports on the CS8500-t
The rear panel of the CS8500-t includes five
(5) modular ports and a power input port, as
shown:
1. Connect the provided (2-wire) modular line cord from a standard telephone (wall) jack to this port.
2. Connect your single line telephone answering machine or integrated phone/answering machine to
the ANS. MACHINE port. The CS8500-t will transfer all voice calls to the ANS. MACHINE and
PHONE ports simultaneously.
3. Depending on the installation, a single line phone, an integrated phone/answering machine,
multiple phones, or a telephone system (KSU or PBX) can be connected to this port. The CS8500-t
will transfer all voice calls to the ANS. MACHINE and PHONE ports simultaneously.
4. Connect your fax machine to the FAX port.
5. Connect your TTY/TDD device to the TTY/TDD port to enable the CS8500-t to transfer a
TTY/TDD call with the appropriate tones or transfer codes.
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 4

The CS8500-t can be placed on either a flat surface, or
mounted on a wall with the connected telephone line cords
above or below the unit. To mount on a wall, follow these
steps:
Mark the positions for 2 mounting screws (not supplied) on
the wall. The positions should be 3 1/4" apart (vertically).
Drill the 2 holes, and then thread the screws into the wall.
The screws should extend 3/16". Do not over tighten the
screws.
Align the keyholes on the back of the CS8500-t with the 2
screws, then push in and press down to secure it to the wall.
You can place the telephone line cords through the line
guides on the back of the CS8500-t to reduce tangling.
Connecting the CS8500-t
This section explains how to install the CS8500-t in most phone configurations that appear in a home or
office. You can install the CS8500-t into one of the following phone configurations:
Y1 or 2-line telephones (see pages 6 - 9)
YKSU/PBX Installation (see pages 9, 10)
To perform the installation procedures, you may need the following equipment:
Extension cords--required if the connecting equipment is not located near the CS8500-t.
Additional telephone line cords -- typically supplied with equipment by the manufacturer.
NOTE: If the equipment manufacturer does not provide the required cables, you can purchase them at a
consumer electronics store.
NOTE: Do not place the CS8500-t in close proximity to any peripheral equipment (approximately 2 to 3
feet away from all electronic equipment).
5 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

One Line/Single Telephone Installation
The following diagram shows a complete installation for a single line telephone connection. While the
connections to the telephone (wall) jack may be different for other types of phone systems, the
connections to the CS8500-t remain the same for all phone configurations.
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 6

One Line/Multiple Telephone Extensions
Plug one end of the provided 2-wire modular line cord into the LINE-IN port on the CS8500-t. Plug the
other end of the modular line cord into the telephone (wall) jack. Plug the small end of the AC power cord
provided with the CS8500-t into the power input port labeled "12 VAC" on the CS8500-t. Plug the
adapter into a standard AC outlet.
The green LED flashes for approximately 5 seconds when power is applied and then remains illuminated,
indicating its ON status.
1. To connect a TTY/TDD device, plug one end of a modular line cord into the TTY/TDD port on
the CS8500-t. Plug the other end to the line port of the TTY/TDD.
2. To connect an answering machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the ANS. MACHINE
port on the CS8500-t. Plug the other end to the line port of the answering machine.
3. To connect a phone, plug one end of a modular line cord into the PHONE port on the CS8500-t.
4. To connect a fax machine, plug one end of a modular line cord into the FAX port on the CS8500-t.
Plug the other end to the line port of the fax machine.
NOTE: Set the TTY/TDD to answer on lowest rings possible or set for manual answer and answer when
the TTY/TDD rings.
7 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

Caller ID
To connect a Caller ID device to the CS8500-t, simply plug the Caller ID into the PHONE port, and then
plug your phone into the Caller ID.
The factory setting for Caller ID operation is OFF.
Turn Caller ID ON
1. Plug a single line tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE port LED will light
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate access to the programming mode
5. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times acknowledging your
changes)
6. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times again acknowledging your
changes)
7. After all changes have been entered, press again to end programming mode; the FAX LED
will turn off
8. Hang up the phone
Turn Caller ID OFF
1. Plug a single line tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light) Unplug power, then plug back in
3. The FAX port LED will light to indicate access in the programming mode
4. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times acknowledging your
changes)
5. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times again acknowledging your
changes)
6. After all changes have been entered, press again to end programming mode; the FAX LED
will turn off
7. Hang up the phone
NOTE: When Caller ID is active, two rings will pass through to the PHONE/ANS. MACHINE ports
before the CS8500-t answers to process the call.
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 8

Connecting CS8500-t to line 2 of a 2-line phone (Using three-way adapters)
NOTE: If connecting to line 1 of a 2-line phone, reverse L1 and L2 phone cords on both three-way
adapters.
KSU/PBX Installation
A telephone system is common in a medium or large office arrangement in which calls are coming in on 2
or more telephone lines and can be routed to any number of extensions. The system typically has features
like call holding, music on hold, conference calling, and intercom paging.
9 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

The diagram shows telephone devices connected to the CS8500-t for a telephone system. Follow the same
procedures if you have a mini-telephone system in your home or small office. For the CS8500-t to operate
properly, it must be "in front" of the telephone system. In other words, it must connect directly to the
incoming telephone line. Connect the other equipment as previously shown.
NOTE: All equipment on that line (KSU/PBX, TTY/TDD, FAX) must be connected directly to the
CS8500-t.
CAUTION: You should be familiar with telephone wiring to complete this installation. If you have any
questions or are not confident that you can complete this installation procedure, contact a professional
installer. For further help, contact Customer Service at (TTY/TDD) 1-888-323-0714 or 303-873-7477,
(VOICE) 1-800-288-6794, M-F 7-5 MST., or (FAX) 303-792-0855.
Do not plug the CS8500-t into a telephone system phone jack. You may damage your telephone
system.
Using the CS8500-t
In this section, there are special operating notes you should read before operating the CS8500-t. The
section following these Operating Notes provides an overview of the CS8500-t standard operations and
instructions for answering and transferring your incoming calls.
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 1
0

Special Operating Notes
Before operating the CS8500-t, be sure that you understand the following information concerning the
telephone equipment that is used with the CS8500-t.
FAX CNG Tone: Most faxes send an audible beep tone called CNG (CalliNG) tone. This tone is a
distinct beep that repeats every three (3) seconds.
Once a fax has dialed the destination fax number, it generates this tone while waiting for the receiving fax
to answer.
Not all faxes transmit this tone when they place a call. Most, but not all faxes produce this tone through
their auto-dial feature, speed-dial memory position, or by the operator pressing the fax machine's start
button after the number is dialed.
For best results, callers should have your fax number programmed into their fax machine's "speed-dial"
memory.
Programming
Hearing-Impaired Instructions
1. Plug a single line tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug power back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate access to the programming mode
5. Enter the desired change(s), then press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times
acknowledging your changes). Enter additional changes (if desired)
6. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX LED will turn off
7. Hang up the phone
11 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

Hearing User Instructions
1. Plug a single line tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset and you will hear dial tone
3. Unplug power, then plug power back in
4. You will hear three beeps to indicate access to the programming mode
5. Enter the desired change(s), then press (you will hear three beeps acknowledging your
changes)
6. Enter additional changes (if desired)
7. Press again to end the programming mode; you will hear dial tone
8. Hang up the phone
Contact Customer Service at 1-800-288-6794 for additional programming options.
Operation
Single Line Operation
Placing an Outbound Call Using the CS8500-t
You can place an outbound call from the PHONE port, unless another port is in use. If another port is in
use, you will hear a busy signal when you attempt to place a call. If the line is clear when the calling
device goes off-hook, you will hear dial tone and can place the call normally. During an outbound call,
you can also receive a transmission from someone that is ready to transmit.
To transfer this transmission to your FAX port, any time during a conversation, press
from a touch-tone phone.
To transfer this transmission to your TTY/TDD port, any time during a conversation, press
from a touch-tone phone.
Picking up an extension phone not connected to the ANS. MACHINE or PHONE port during a data or fax
transmission may interrupt the call.
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 1
2

Answering Incoming Calls
When the CS8500-t answers a call and does not detect any signal, the call will be routed to the ANS.
MACHINE or PHONE port.
NOTE: Extension phones not connected directly to the CS8500-t will ring only 1 time when the CS8500-t
answers the call (2 times if Caller ID is turned ON).
You can answer incoming calls from an extension phone or from a phone device connected to the ANS.
MACHINE or PHONE port. You can then conduct the call normally, for as long as you like.
1. If, after answering a call, you hear silence on the line, the call is likely coming from a fax that does
not produce a CNG tone. Simply transfer the call to the FAX port by entering from
a touch-tone phone.
2. To transfer a manual fax call to the FAX port, press from a touch-tone phone.
3. To transfer calls to the TTY/TDD port, press from a touch-tone phone.
Answering Calls with an Answering Machine
If using an answering machine, the caller can leave a message and/or transfer their call to the FAX or
TTY/TDD port.
We recommend that you use your answering machine announcement message to provide callers with
instructions for transferring their calls. Following is a sample announcement message that you may wish
to use:
"Hello, this is ________. If you wish to send a fax, press on your touch-tone phone, or
leave a message at the tone. If you wish to reach the TTY, please call from your TTY machine.
NOTE: Callers cannot transfer a call to the FAX port from a pulse dialing phone.
NOTE: FAX calls that do not produce a CNG tone will transfer to your answering machine. To allow the
CS8500-t to transfer these calls to the FAX port, program the CS8500-t as follows.
13 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

Turn Answering Machine to FAX Transfer ON
1. Plug a single line touch-tone telephone into PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate access to the programming mode
5. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times acknowledging your changes).
Enter additional changes (if desired)
6. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX LED will turn off
7. Hang up the phone
Turn Answering Machine to FAX Transfer OFF
1. Plug a single line touch-tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate access to the programming mode
5. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times acknowledging your changes)
Enter additional changes (if desired)
6. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX port LED will turn off
7. Hang up the phone
With this feature turned ON, the CS8500-t will monitor the line for 30 seconds after the answering
machine answers a call. If the answering machine disconnects during this time, the call will automatically
transfer to the FAX. To accommodate these timing parameters, your outgoing message should be no less
than 15 seconds, and no longer than 20 seconds in length. (Single cassette answering machines are not
recommended for use with this feature due to timing limitations of these types of machines.)
To disable the CS8500-t and retrieve your answering machine messages, follow these steps:
1. Dial your phone number and when your answering machine answers, press on your touch-
tone phone. Follow the remote retrieval procedures for your answering machine.
2. After retrieving your messages, hang up. The CS8500-t resets for the next call.
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 1
4

Receiving a TTY/TDD call
There are 3 modes of TTY/TDD calls:
0 = No voice announcement/no TTY announcement
1 = 45 bps w/ voice announcement
2 = 50 bps w/ voice announcement
3 = 45 bps w/out voice announcement
4 = 50 bps w/out voice announcement
To change this feature do the following:
1. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
2. Unplug power, then plug back in
3. The FAX port LED will light to indicate access to the programming mode
4. Press then enter one of the modes from above, then press ; the TTY/TDD LED
will flash three times acknowledging your changes
5. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX LED will turn off
6. Hang up the phone
Distinctive Ring Compatibility
When you add a second or third phone number to your single line, the CS8500-t works smoothly to
process calls without access codes or transfer tones.
The phone company's Distinctive Ring is offered in most areas across the U.S. Phone companies offer this
service under various names. Check with your local phone company for details.
NOTE: When using Distinctive Ring for the TTY/TDD device, set the TTY/TDD mode to 0 (see
Receiving a TTY/TDD Call)
The CS8500-t will process the additional phone numbers (ring styles) as follows:
standard ring - - - - PHONE and ANS. MACHINE ports
two-burst ring - - - - FAX port
three-burst ring - - - - TTY/TDD port
The factory setting for Distinctive Ring detection is OFF
15 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid

Turn Distinctive Ring Detection ON
1. Plug a single line touch-tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate access to the programming mode
5. Press (the TTY/TDD port will flash three times acknowledging your
changes)
6. Enter additional changes (if desired)
7. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX LED will turn off
8. Hang up the phone
Turn Distinctive Ring Detection OFF
1. Plug a single line touch-tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate you are in the programming mode
5. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times acknowledging your
changes)
6. Enter all other additional changes (if desired)
7. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX LED will turn off
8. Hang up the phone
Contact Customer Service at 303-792-0870, toll-free 1-800-288-6794 or visit our Web site at
www.commandcommunications.net for more information.
Voice Mail and Distinctive Ring
To automatically route your calls to your TTY/TDD or FAX, and allow Voice Mail and all extension
phones to ring normally, program the CS8500-t as follows:
1. Plug a single line touch-tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX light will illuminate to indicate access to the programming mode
CS8500-t Operator’s Guide 1
6

Two-Burst Ring to TTY/TDD port
1. Plug a single line touch-tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate you are in the programming mode
5. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times acknowledging your
changes)
6. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times again)
7. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX port LED will turn off
8. Hang up the phone
Two-Burst Ring to FAX Port and Three-Burst Ring to TTY/TDD Port
1. Plug a single line touch-tone telephone into the PHONE port of the CS8500-t
2. Pick up the telephone handset (the PHONE LED will light)
3. Unplug power, then plug back in
4. The FAX LED will light to indicate you are in the programming mode
5. Press (the TTY/TDD port will flash three times acknowledging your
changes)
6. Press (the TTY/TDD LED will flash three times again)
7. Press again to end programming mode; the FAX port LED will turn off
8. Hang up the phone
17 CS8500-t Operator’s Guid
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