
		USING SPITFIRE 3.5 TO RECEIVE FAXES
		-----------------------------------
		
			By Ira Lichtenstein
		 Sysop, Sing Sing Sing Studios BBS
		    (914) 762-4679 [57600/FAX]
		     (914) 941-2246 [Public]


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

This essay concerns the use of SPITFIRE 3.5 to receive both modem and
fax calls on the same line. Earlier versions of SPITFIRE did not have
this capability. Note that this will work with most Class 2/2.0 but
not with Class 1 fax modems.

Examples of a modems which WILL work properly in what is called
"Adaptive Answering Mode" are 21.6 v.terbo US Robotics fax modems,
most ZyXel fax modems, many Supra, Practical Peripherals, etc.

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+Z from the
SPITFIRE "Ready for caller" prompt. You will see a field labeled
"<E> 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, Press ALT+M and add any relevant commands to your Initialization
String. To place the modem in adaptive answering mode, you can use
the command AT+FAA=1. You can also use AT+FCR=1 to give your modem
"permission" to answer fax calls. To send your name, phone number,
BBS name, etc. to the fax caller for their journal, you may use the
command AT+FLI=" place data here " as in AT+FLI="Buffalo Creek's BBS"
or AT+FLI="515 225 8496" or similar. You can place a maximum of 20
characters between the quotes. (Some modems use the command AT+FLID=
instead of AT+FLI= for this.) To place the modem in Class 2.0 mode,
use the string AT+FCLASS=2.0. A single initialization string is fine
because you can "stack" commands by separating them with semicolons.

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

One possible initialization string which will work with SPITFIRE 3.5
and a US Robotics 21600 baud v.terbo Dual Standard fax modem is:

AT+FCLASS=2.0;+FNR=1,1,1;+FLID="Buffalo Creek's BBS"S2=1M1X4&F3^M

US Robotics modems so initialized will have their ARQ/FAX light on
the front panel blinking continuously when waiting for calls.

As you can see, there are MANY possibilities.


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

Here is an example of an SFFAX.BAT that can be used with SF 3.5,
BGFAX (a popular shareware fax receive software) and a USR fax modem:

REM  This Batch File Will Run BGFAX from SPITFIRE 3.5
C:
CD\BGFAX
BGFAX /FCO C:\BGFAX 1 Z
CD C:\SF
EXIT

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

Many other configurations are possible, depending upon the software
used to receive the fax. Whether or not BGFAX is in use, I strongly
recommend reading the documentation that comes with it. 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 only receive a fax. It will NOT
allow you to print or view 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.
While the ZFAX software from ZyXel will only allow CONFIGURATION
of ZyXel modems, it can be used to print and view faxes which
were received with any modem in ZyXel mode. You may alternatively
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.


Special Note:
-------------

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 3.5.
Any Class 1 modem (such as the US ROBOTICS 16.8 fax modems) even
though they are fax capable WILL NOT WORK!!! The ideal modem for
use in adaptive answering mode is a Class 2.0 modem or similar.


Conclusion
----------

I have had good success with the above strategy on my 21.6 v.terbo
USR Dual Standard Class 2.0 fax modem. The suggestions described
above are accurate as of the time of this writing and are subject
to change as per development of the hardware and software mentioned.

There is great advantage and potential savings in using a modem that
can correctly discriminate incoming calls between fax and modem type.
Sysops can use their fax capabilities to receive questionnaires,
subscription applications, proofs of identity, etc.

My thanks to Mike Woltz for giving SPITFIRE this powerful capability!
