Running SPITFIRE with a Fax Modem

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SF-FAX.DOC
                Running SPITFIRE v3.51 With A Fax Modem

                          SPITFIRE - Version 3.51
                Copyright (C) by Mike Woltz, 1987-1996
                          Buffalo Creek Software

Introduction
------------

With the maturation of fax modems, SPITFIRE 3.51 is capable to
receive both modem and fax calls on the same line.  Sysops who
utilize most Class 2/2.0 and some Class 1 modems can use this
powerful feature to save money and enhance their systems.

In order to use this feature, the fax modem needs to be able to
operate in what is called "Adaptive Answering Mode." Such modems,
after the phone is answered determine the nature of the incoming
call and act accordingly.

To determine whether your modem will work properly, issue the
following command while using your terminal program:  AT+FCLASS=?

Here are possible return codes:

    0 = Data
    1 = Fax Class 1 capable
    2 = Draft Fax Class 2 "compatible"         ----\  These modems
  2.0 = Fax Class 2.0 capable                  ----/   will work!
ERROR = NO fax capabilities

Adaptive Answering Mode
-----------------------

Adaptive answering mode describes a state where a modem is capable of
discriminating between an incoming fax call and an incoming modem
call and taking appropriate action. On a SPITFIRE BBS, SPITFIRE will
answer the phone in all cases. If the modem returns a code indicating
an incoming modem call, SPITFIRE will present the BBS to the caller.
In the case of an incoming fax call, SPITFIRE will run SFFAX.BAT.
Sysops need to create and configure their SFFAX.BAT according to the
modem and the fax reception software in use. This file should be
placed in each node's SPITFIRE Home Directory. Once the fax has been
received, SPITFIRE will re-initialize the com port and will accept
subsequent calls.

Configuring SPITFIRE
--------------------

To configure SPITFIRE to be fax-capable, first press ALT+M from the
SPITFIRE "Ready for caller" prompt. You will see a field labeled
"<F> FAX Connection Result Msg." In this field, input the return code
that your fax modem returns upon handshaking with a fax modem. In
most cases, this code is +FCO. Other common codes are +FCON and FAX.
Next, add any relevant commands to your Initialization String.
Since many fax modems ignore all parameters not related to fax
reception once fax commands are sent, it is recommended that all
data-related settings be stored in the modem's NRAM instead of
being passed on the initialization string.

An exhaustive discussion of the possible configurations of init
strings is beyond the scope of this document. However, here are
some sample setups that have been tested and run with SPITFIRE 3.51.

CLASS 2 MODEM:

<I> Initialization String:
    AT+FCLASS=2+FAA=1+FCR=1+FLID="515 225 8496"+FDCC=1,5^M
<A> Answer String: AT+FAA=1A
<F> FAX Connection Result Message: +FCON

CLASS 2.0 MODEM:

<I> Initialization String:
    AT+FCLASS=2.0+FLI="515 225 8496"^MAT+FNR=1,1,1^M
<A> Answer String: AT+FCLASS=2.0+FAA=1A
<F> FAX Connection Result Message: +FCO

ZyXEL CLASS 2 MODEM

<I> Initialization String:
    AT#B1+FCLASS=6^M
<A> Answer String: ATA
<F> FAX Connection Result Message: FZYX

These are just SOME of the strings related to fax reception used by
capable modems. Consult your modem manual for further information.

As you can see, there are MANY possibilities.

SFFAX.BAT
---------

SPITFIRE 3.51 will run the file SFFAX.BAT if the configured FAX
Connection Result Message is returned by the modem.

Here is an example of an SFFAX.BAT that can be used with SF 3.51,
BGFAX (a popular shareware fax receive software) and a USR fax modem:

REM  This Batch File Will Run BGFAX from SPITFIRE 3.51
C:
CD\BGFAX
BGFAX /FCO C:\BGFAX 1 Q
CD C:\SF
EXIT

(The above receives a fax using COM1: in QuickLink II mode.)

Many other configurations are possible, depending upon the software
used to receive the fax. The BGFAX documents provide an excellent
overview of fax modem capability and their use as well as
instructions for its own use.

Printing And Viewing Received Faxes
-----------------------------------

The BGFAX software mentioned will receive and view a fax. It won't
do printing of faxes. Owners of ZyXel modems are lucky enough to have
been provided with software which will allow them to view and print
faxes on popular dot-matrix and laser printers. Alternatively, Sysops
use Smith Micro Software's QUICK LINK II software which has been
provided with several fax modems to print faxes. Unfortunately,
there is no way as of this writing to use the popular WINFAX line
of software with SPITFIRE to receive a fax.

Modem Capabilities
------------------

It is important to remember that unless a fax modem returns a code
which can be recognized by SPITFIRE, it will NOT work with SF 3.51.
Many Class 1 modems (such as the US ROBOTICS 16.8 fax modems) even
though they are fax capable will not work. Fax reception software
and the modem manual will provide further information on the
capabilities of your modem to be used for these purposes.