Common Conventional Faxing Frustrations - Image Quality | Paper Jams | Communication

Fax Machine Breaking with Frustration
Source: mlive.com

Often times, sending a fax can be a complicated process. Fax machines are labyrinth-like machines, involving intricate and delicate elements that are, many times, difficult to figure out. A fax machine that is running well, properly calibrated, and operating within open lines can be a smooth piece of equipment that does exactly what you want. Otherwise, it can be a frustrating apparatus that causes more headache than help. Fax machines can pose several problems for users looking to send documents quickly and easily.

Image quality

Many times, transmitting documents via fax can lead to poor image quality. In these cases, received pages will not appear the same as the original, negating the entire purpose of sending the fax in the first place. Pages with text may become unreadable and images may appear blotchy, too light or too dark. This is frequently due to leaking/spilled toner or ink within the receiving fax machine or even an improper density setting that can be adjusted on the receiving machine. The problem may also lie in the scanning mechanisms within the sender’s fax machine.

Paper Jams

There is hardly a more frustrating problem involving the use of a fax machine than jammed paper in the document feeder or printing area. Beware though: attempting to pull jammed paper out of the machine in the direction opposite of the way the paper is supposed to naturally travel can damage some of the small parts inside your fax machine. To remedy the jam, gently pull the paper in the direction that it would normally run, while trying not to yank it out at an angle.

Communication

Frequently enough, you may come across problems while sending or receiving faxes that involve communication issues between your machine and the other at the remote location. Many times this involves phone connection issues, since faxed documents are being transmitted through a modem line, and just like a telephone, there may be interference or problems with the wall jack (which acts as a junction in the system). If you don’t hear the dial tone, it is likely that either your machine is unplugged or no signal exists.

If the receiving fax machine is using a dual-use fax/phone line, you may be greeted by a voice on the other end from someone who is answering what appears to be nothing more than a phone call. A user may lose the connection during the transmission of the fax, and unless that machine indicates its fax status by way of printing a receipt or otherwise, you may be left wondering whether your document was successfully sent and received.

Maintenance

To say the least, cleaning out your fax machine can be a headache. The quality of the fax can rely substantially on a machine that is clean and without any buildup that could create mechanical problems. Other than using canned/compressed gas-dusting air to blow out some of the dust and loose gunk stuck inside the fax machine, it can be quite a hassle to clean the internal components to ensure that it runs smoothly. If you choose to take on the task of wiping down the ink cartridges and purchasing scanner head cleaning sheets, refer to your fax machine’s owner’s manual to get it done.

This article was written by Amit Gangrade, article writer at FindAFax. Amit Gangrade is from Orlando, Florida. He is a recent alumn from the University of Florida, where he studied anthropology and Spanish.