"Wait for the beep." Remember when real, live people answered the telephone? That was before automated telemarketers. Today, it's a rarity when someone you're calling says "Hello?" instead of "You've reached . . ."--unless his or her telephone answering machine is broken! If that person is a member of the Fix-It Club that tape-based answering machine can be running again--before a telemarketer calls!

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical telephone (tape) answering machine. Digital phone answering machines have similar parts.

A telephone answering machine is a device designed to record audio telephone messages for later playback. Once the telephone rings a specified number of times, a telephone answering machine plays a recorded message to the caller and then records the caller's response. Cassette-type answering machines store outgoing and incoming messages on one or two audiotapes similar to those used in audiocassette players. Digital answering machines use a computer chip to announce and record the messages.

What Can Go Wrong?

In most cases, problems with telephone answering devices are caused either by operator error (trying to figure out how it's supposed to work) or low batteries, if equipped. In addition, the power cord may be faulty, the belt may be loose or broken, the telephone cord or modular plug may be damaged, the play and record heads and the tape path may be dirty, and the play or record heads may be magnetized.

Fix-It Tip

If you suspect that the telephone line itself may be the problem, consider buying an inexpensive phone line tester at an electronics stores. It will tell you if there is a signal or not and whether the internal lines are crossed. Also, replace the telephone cord with the shortest one you need.