A receiving mode is a setting that changes the way your Panasonic fax machine responds to incoming phone calls and faxes. Below is a list of the receiving modes and a description of each.

• Tel receiving mode:
  In this mode, any extension in your home can be used to answer a call. If the incoming call is a fax, dial the fax activation code (usually *9, or *#9, or see user manual), hang up and your fax machine does the rest.
  
• ANS/FAX or TAD/FAX or TAM/FAX
  In this mode, incoming calls can be set to ring up to 4 times (on most machines 4 rings is the limit; there are some models with up to 7 rings, like the KX-FPG381) before your fax machine answers the call, to give you a chance to answer the phone. After 4 rings, the answering machine will pick up the call. If the unit detects that it is a fax call, then it starts receiving the transmission; if a voice call is detected, it lets the caller leave a message.
  
• EXT.TAM:
  This receiving mode allows you to use an External Telephone Answering Machine. You can connect a separate answering machine to your fax machine and set it to receive voice messages and faxes while you're away from home.