Frequently Asked Questions

RFC-1/B Does Not Answer Incoming Calls

This discussion assumes a normally working RFC-1/B system. The telephone line is the most likely path for lightning so it is possible and perhaps even likely that a system that will not answer has suffered lightning damaged.

When the RFC-1/B does not answer incoming calls it usually means that it does not recognize the ring signal on the line. This is typically only an issue when the RFC-1/B is connected to something other than a (POTS) land line. This includes cellular devices, VOIP devices, digital phone system ATA adapters and use of an Optelator is used for lightning protection. Remote areas served by land lines might also have signal strength issues so this information also applies in those cases.

Most devices generate a square-wave ring signal that approximates the sine-wave ring signal of a land line. With the factory settings the RFC-1/B may not detect the incoming rings. The factory setting is intended to ignore line noise that is likely to occur in transmitter environments.

Testing

There is an easy test to determine if the RFC-1/B detects a ring on the incoming line. Connect to the RFC-1/B from the local phone by pressing the local control button on the relay panel. It is not necessary to press any keys.

While connected locally, call the RFC-1/B. When the telephone line rings the RFC-1/B should say, "RING, RING". This indicates that it is detecting the ring signal. When you are done testing, enter 99 and hang up the local phone.

Ring Sensitivity

Adjust the ring sensitivity setting if the RFC-1/B does not detect rings. See the Links section to the right for instructions.

Ring Number

If the RFC-1/B detects rings but does not answer, check the ring number that the system is set to answer. Connect to the RFC-1/B from the local phone by pressing the local control button on the relay panel. Enter the command 76. The RFC-1/B will read the "ring number". Follow the prompts if it needs to be adjusted.

Hardware Failure

If the RFC-1/B detects rings but does not answer the line then it is likely that there is either hardware damage or an issue with the telephone line. Point your browser to the service area of the site if you need to return the system to us for repair.