This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following 3Com modems: Sportster® 33.6 kbps internal and external modems 3Com, the 3Com logo, U.S. Robotics, the USRobotics logo, and Sportster are registered trademarks; Connections, Total Control, Courier, RapidComm, x2, and the x2 logo are trademarks and Towne Square 2000 is a service mark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. Windows and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Before You Begin (Windows 95 Users) Internal Modem Installation with Windows 3.
TABLE OF CONTENTS External Modem Installation with Windows 95 How to Determine Which Serial Cable to Buy How to Connect the Modem to the Computer Installing the Modem Drivers Manual Modem Installation Software Installation and Testing Software Installation and Registration Using the Setup Wizard Sending Your First Fax Installing Other Fax/Data Software Type of Modem Initialization String Flow Control UART (External Modems Only) Using Modem Station Why Modem Station? What Does Modem Station Do? Installing M
TABLE OF CONTENTS Using Modem to Computer Using the Extended Information Screens U.S.
TABLE OF CONTENTS IC (Canada) UL Listing/CUL Listing Connecting to the Telephone Company Fax Branding Radio and Television Interference For Canadian Modem Users Limited Warranty Index 175 175 175 176 176 178 181 184 v
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Your Sportster modem is a Plug and Play device. Windows® 95 can automatically identify a Plug and Play device and determine if your system has the resources necessary to support the device. However, Plug and Play will not work if you do not have resources available or if devices on your system are not reporting resource usage correctly. Here’s how you can verify that your system has the necessary resources before installing the modem. 1.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Determining Your Version of Windows 95 Follow these steps to determine your version of Windows 95. This information will be important during installation. 1. Click the My Computer icon on your desktop with the right mouse button. 2. Click Properties. 3. In the “System Properties” screen, look at the system information under the General tab (circled in the following screen image). 2 The number following the text “Microsoft Windows 95” will end with “950”, “950a”, or “950b”.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN ™ Upgrading to x2 Technology Be sure to read the section titled “U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard” on page 101 for information on upgrading your 33.6 faxmodem to x2™ technology, allowing downloads of up to 56 kbps*. ∗ IMPORTANT! All x2 products are capable of 56 kbps downloads; however, due to FCC rules which restrict power output of the service providers' modems, current download speeds are limited to 53 kbps. Actual speeds may vary depending on line conditions.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS® 3.X You’ll need these items from your Sportster ® modem box: modem Connections™ CD Plus: a screwdriver (not included) 4 phone cord A Word about COM Ports and IRQs Most computer accessories — a mouse, sound card, enhanced graphics card, scanner, etc. — require a special connection through which they can communicate with the computer. For some devices, this connection is called a communications (or COM) port.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X Each COM port uses an interrupt request (IRQ). An accessory uses an IRQ to get the attention of your computer’s centralprocessing unit (CPU) so that the accessory can perform a task. The computer stops what it’s doing, depending on the priority of the request, to help the accessory perform its task. When two accessories share an IRQ, it’s like two people asking different questions in unison to a third person.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X NOTE: Some communications software programs require a particular setting for your modem (RapidComm, which shipped with your modem, does not). If you wish to use a program other than RapidComm, now is a good time to read that software’s manual to determine what setting is required. How to Use ComTest to Determine Your Modem’s Settings 1. Insert the Connections CD into your CDROM drive. 2. In Windows’ Program Manager, click Run on the File menu. Type d:\comtest.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X 5. If you have a free setting, you will see a screen like this. Then click Next. 4. Click Internal Modem. Then click Next. COM2/IRQ3 is free in this example. ComTest might instead recommend COM1/IRQ4, COM3/IRQ4, or COM4/IRQ3 for your modem. Write down the displayed settings in the spaces provided on the first page of this manual. You’ll need to know these settings later. Click Next.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X If you do not have a free setting, you will see a screen like this. Go to “What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation” on page 8. Click Finish to exit ComTest. Go to “What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation” on page 8. 6. When you see this screen, click Finish to exit ComTest.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X Testing an Installed Modem If there is a modem already installed in your computer, you can determine its COM and IRQ settings by selecting the Test an installed modem option. Follow the instructions on screen until you see the screen that tells you “Testing is complete.” This screen will also tell you which COM and IRQ settings your present modem is using. These are the settings you want to use for your new Sportster modem.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X If ComTest recommended COM2/IRQ3 Write “COM2” and “IRQ3” in the spaces provided on the first page of this manual. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10. If ComTest recommended COM3/IRQ4 or COM4/IRQ3 Do not use either of these settings. While the COM port part of the setting is acceptable (ComTest only recommends COM ports that are not being used), the IRQ part of the setting is not acceptable.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X into that port will not work after the port has been disabled. • Then return to this point in this manual to continue. After disabling COM2, you can use the COM2/IRQ3 setting. Write “COM2” and “IRQ3” on the first page of this manual and go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10. If ComTest reports that “You do not have any available COM ports and/or IRQs” We recommend you disable COM1 or COM2.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X If you’ve disabled COM2, you can now use the COM2/IRQ3 setting. Write the setting down on the first page of this manual. How to Change the Modem’s Settings 1. Always touch an unpainted metal part of your computer (the back is usually unpainted) to discharge static electricity before handling the modem. Static can damage your modem. Then take the modem out of its plastic bag. 2.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X TIP: Grasp the jumper shunts with a tweezers or needle-nosed pliers. DO NOT grasp too firmly, as you may crush the jumper shunts. If a jumper shunt seems stuck, gently rock it back and forth as you lift. Do not touch any other part of the modem or your computer with the tweezers/pliers. A jumper shunt needs to be sitting on both jumper pins in order to effectively set the modem to the desired setting. 4. Move the jumper shunt to the new setting.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X How to Insert the Modem into the Computer NOTE: Before installing your modem, write its serial number in the space provided on the first page of this manual. (You’ll find the serial number underneath the bar code on the white sticker on the modem and on the outside of the box the modem came in.) If you ever need to call our customer support department, a customer support representative will ask you for the serial number.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X 3. Remove the screws from your computer’s cover and then remove the cover, as shown in the following diagrams. Your computer may differ in appearance from these diagrams, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same. Contact your computer manufacturer or review their manual if you need further instructions. 4. Find an empty ISA expansion slot at least as long as the gold edge of your modem.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X modem all the way into the slot. If you feel resistance, the modem may not be properly lined up with the slot. Do not force it into the slot. Remove the modem and try again. 5. Holding the modem at each corner, with the gold edge facing the slot, push the modem down as gently as possible until it snaps into the expansion slot. (NOTE: The drawings show horizontally aligned expansion slots. Some computers have vertically aligned slots.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X 7. Replace the computer’s cover and fasten it with the screws you removed in step 3. 8. If you currently have a phone plugged into the wall jack you plan to use for the modem, disconnect the phone’s cord from the jack. 10.If you wish to use a phone through the line the modem uses (when the modem is not in use), plug your phone’s cord into the modem’s PHONE jack. WARNING : The phone jack you use must be for an ANALOG phone line (the type found in most homes).
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X “Software Installation and Testing” on page 57. If you have your modem configured to any other setting, open Program Manager and double-click the Main icon. NOTE: You cannot use the modem and a phone at the same time if they share the same telephone line. 11. Plug the power cords, cables, and peripherals back into the computer and turn the computer on. 12.Start Windows. 13.If you have your modem set to COM1/IRQ4 or COM2/IRQ3, go to 18 14.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X 15.Double-click the Ports icon. 16.If it’s not already selected, click the COM port for your modem. Then click Settings. 17. Click Advanced. 18.In the Interrupt Request Line (IRQ) box, select the IRQ that ComTest recommended.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X 19.Click OK. You will see a brief series of screens after the preceding screen. Click OK on each screen 20 until you see a screen with a Close button. Click Close to exit Program Manager. You are now ready to install the software on the Connections CD-ROM (included with your Sportster modem).
® INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 You’ll need these items from your Sportster ® modem box: modem Connections™ CD Plus: a screwdriver (not included) phone cord Plug and Play Installation Since your new Sportster is a “Plug and Play” device, Windows 95 may be able to detect your modem automatically after you plug it into your computer. This section will guide you through this “Plug and Play” installation. How to Prepare for Plug and Play Installation 1.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 2. Take the modem out of its plastic bag. 3. Find the jumper shunts (small black plastic pieces) on the COM port and IRQ jumper pins on your modem. They should be in roughly the area indicated in the following illustration. jumper shunts so they are hanging as in the following diagram.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 How to Insert the Modem into the Computer NOTE: Before installing your modem, write its serial number in the space provided on the first page of this manual. (You’ll find the serial number underneath the bar code on the white sticker on the modem and on the outside of the box the modem came in.) If you ever need to call our customer support department, a customer support representative will ask you for the serial number.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 3. Remove the screws from your computer’s cover and then remove the cover, as shown in the following diagrams. Your computer may differ in appearance from these diagrams, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same. Contact your computer manufacturer or review their manual if you need further instructions. 24 4. Find an empty ISA expansion slot that’s at least as long as the gold edge of your modem.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 5. Holding the modem at each corner, with the gold edge facing the slot, push the modem down as gently as possible until it snaps into the expansion slot. (Note: The following diagram shows horizontally aligned expansion slots. Some computers have vertically aligned slots. The instructions apply to both styles.) You need to apply a little pressure to seat the modem properly. Sometimes a gentle back-and-forth motion helps fit the modem all the way into the slot.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 this jack, disconnect the phone’s cord from the jack. WARNING : The phone jack you use must be for an ANALOG phone line (the type found in most homes). Many office buildings have digital phone lines. Be sure you know which type of line you have. The modem will be damaged if you use a digital phone line. 9. Plug one end of the phone cord included with the modem into the TELCO jack at the rear of the modem. Plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack. 10.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 Installing the Modem Drivers NOTE: If you wrote “950b” on page 2 of this User’s Guide, got to “Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Version 950b” on page 29. Otherwise, follow these instructions. Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Versions 950 and 950a 1. When Windows 95 restarts, it should detect the modem. If it does, you will see the following screen. Click Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer. Then click OK.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 2. When you see this screen, insert the Connections CD into your CD-ROM drive and type D:\ to replace the A:\. (NOTE: If your CD-ROM drive has a different letter name, type that letter instead of D.) Click OK. Windows will load the modem’s drivers. 28 3. Once Windows finishes loading the information from the CD-ROM, you should verify that the modem installation was a success. When your desktop returns, click the Windows Start button and point to Settings.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 4. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in the screen image below). 5. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you should see “Sportster 33600 Fax PC Plug and Play” listed.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 This means the installation was a success. Click OK. NOTE: If you do not see your modem listed in the preceding screen, the Plug and Play installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to the “Manual Modem Installation” section on page 49. 6. Next, click the Diagnostics tab at the top of the “Modems Properties” screen. Write down the COM setting for your modem. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different setting than that shown in the following screen.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Version 950b 1. When Windows restarts, it should detect the modem (see following screen image). Insert the Connections CD and click Next. NOTE: If this screen does not appear, go to the section titled “Manual Modem Installation” on page 49. 2. When you see the following screen, click Finish.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 3. Once Windows 95 has installed the modem’s drivers, you will see the following screen. This screen tells you which communications port your modem is installed to. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different COM port.) Make a note of the COM port setting. You will need this information later when you installing the software on the CD-ROM. Remove the CD from your CD-ROM drive and click OK. Windows will restart. 32 4.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 5. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in the screen image below). 6. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you should see “Sportster 33600 Fax PC Plug and Play” listed.
INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 This means the installation was a success. Click OK. NOTE: If you do not see your modem listed in the preceding screen, the Plug and Play installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to the “Manual Modem Installation” section on page 49. 7. Next, click the Diagnostics tab at the top of the “Modems Properties” screen. Write down the COM setting for your modem. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different setting than that shown in the following screen.
® EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X You’ll need these items from your Sportster ® modem box: modem Connections™ CD phone cord How to Determine Which Serial Cable to Buy Before you can begin installation, you need to purchase an RS-232 serial modem cable. This section will help you to determine which serial modem cable to purchase. power adapter NOTE: Your computer’s rear panel Plus: Serial modem cable. (Not included. See next column.) may not be identical to the following diagrams.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X If your PC's serial connector looks like this… you need a shielded serial modem cable with a 25-pin female to 25-pin male connector. If your PC's serial connector looks like this… you need a shielded serial modem cable with a 9-pin female to 25-pin male connector. 36 How to Connect the Modem to the Computer 1. Turn off your computer and any attached devices, such as a printer. 2. Connect the serial cable to the modem and to the computer.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X 4. Plug one end of the phone cord into the TELCO jack (labeled with a wall plug icon on the bottom of the case) and the other end into a phone wall jack. NOTE: You cannot use the modem and a phone at the same time if they share the same telephone line. WARNING : The phone jack you use must be for an ANALOG phone line (the type found in most homes). Many office buildings have digital phone lines. Be sure you know which type of line you have.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X You are now ready to install the software on the Connections CD-ROM (included with your Sportster modem). Turn to “Software Installation and Testing” (page 57) for detailed information about installing 38 the software, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.
® EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 You’ll need these items from your Sportster ® modem box: modem Connections™ CD phone cord Before you can begin installation, you need to purchase an RS-232 serial modem cable. This section will help you to determine which serial modem cable to purchase. power adapter NOTE: Your computer’s rear panel Plus: Serial modem cable. (Not included. See next column.) How to Determine Which Serial Cable to Buy may not be identical to the following diagrams.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 If your PC's serial connector looks like this… How to Connect the Modem to the Computer you need a shielded serial modem cable with a 25-pin female to 25-pin male connector. If your PC's serial connector looks like this… 1. Turn off your computer and any attached devices, such as a printer. 2. Connect the serial cable to the modem and to the computer.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 WARNING : The phone jack you use must be for an ANALOG phone line (the type found in most homes). Many office buildings have digital phone lines. Be sure you know which type of line you have. The modem will be damaged if you use a digital phone line. 5. If you wish to use your modem and phone through the same phone wall jack, plug your phone's cord into the modem's phone jack (labeled with a phone icon on the bottom of the case 6.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 Installing the Modem Drivers NOTE: If you wrote “950b” on page 2 of this User’s Guide, go to “Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Version 950b” on page 44. Otherwise, follow these instructions. Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Versions 950 and 950a 1. When Windows 95 restarts, it should detect the modem. If it does, you will see the following screen. 42 Click Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer. Then click OK.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 2. When you see this screen, insert the Connections CD into your CD-ROM drive and type D:\ to replace the A:\. (NOTE: If your CD-ROM drive has a different letter name, type that letter instead of D.) 3. Once Windows 95 finishes loading the information from the CD-ROM, you should verify that the modem installation was a success. When your desktop returns, click the Windows Start button and point to Settings. Then click Control Panel. Click OK.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 4. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in the screen image below). 5. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you should see “Sportster 33600 Fax Plug and Play” listed. This means the installation was a success. Click OK.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 NOTE: If you do not see your modem listed in the preceding screen, the Plug and Play installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to the “Manual Modem Installation” section on page 49. 6. Next, click the Diagnostics tab at the top of the “Modems Properties” screen. Write down the COM setting for your modem. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different setting than that shown in the following screen.) You will need to know this setting when you install RapidComm later.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Version 950b 1. When Windows restarts, it should detect the modem (see following screen image). Insert the Connections CD and click Next. 46 NOTE: If this screen does not appear, go to the section titled “Manual Modem Installation” on page 49. 2. When you see the following screen, click Finish.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 3. Once Windows 95 has installed the modem’s drivers, you will see the following screen. This screen tells you which communications port your modem is installed to. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different COM port.) Make a note of the COM port setting. You will need this information later when you installing the software on the CD-ROM. Remove the CD from your CD-ROM drive and click OK. Windows will restart. 4.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 5. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in the screen image below). 6. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you should see “Sportster 33600 Fax Plug and Play” listed. This means the installation was a success. Click OK.
EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95 NOTE: If you do not see your modem listed in the preceding screen, the Plug and Play installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to the “Manual Modem Installation” section on page 49. 7. Next, click the Diagnostics tab at the top of the “Modems Properties” screen. Write down the COM setting for your modem. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different setting than that shown in the following screen.) You will need to know this setting when you install RapidComm.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION Plug and Play installations are not always successful. If you were directed to this section, Plug and Play installation failed to work properly. Follow these instructions to manually install your new Sportster modem: 1. From the Windows 95 desktop, double-click My Computer. 2. Double-click Control Panel. 50 2. Double-click Add New Hardware. 4. Click Next.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION 5. Click No and then click Next. 6. Click Modem and then click Next.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION 7. When you see this screen, de-select the Don’t detect my modem… option if it’s selected (i.e. make sure there is not a check mark in the box next to the selection). Then click Next. 52 8. Click Change.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION 9. Click Have Disk. 10.When you see this screen, insert the Connections CD into your CD-ROM drive. Type D:\ in the Copy manufacturer’s files from: field.. Then click OK. NOTE: If your CD drive has a letter name other than “D”, type that letter in place of “D”.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION 11. When you see this screen, click U.S. Robotics, Inc. in the first column and then click Sportster 33600 Fax PC Plug and Play (in the second column) if you installed an internal modem or Sportster 33600 Fax Plug and Play if you installed an external modem. Then click OK. NOTE: The following screen shows an internal 33.6 modem being selected. 54 12.Write the COM port setting (in the top line of the following screen) here: ____.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION 13.When you see this screen, click Finish. 14.Now you should verify that the modem installation was a success. When your desktop returns, click the Windows Start button and point to Settings. Then click Control Panel.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION 15.Double-click the Modems icon (circled in the screen image below). 16.In the “Modems Properties” screen, you should see your modem listed. NOTE: The screen below shows an external 33.6 modem listed. Your screen may show different information, but you should verify that the description is accurate for the product you installed.
MANUAL MODEM INSTALLATION NOTE: If you do not see your modem listed in the preceding screen, the installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to the “Troubleshooting and Online Help Resources” section on page 113. This means the installation was a success. Click OK. Turn to “Software Installation and Testing” (page 57) for detailed information about installing RapidComm, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING Software Installation and Registration Using the Setup Wizard This section guides you through the U.S. Robotics Setup Wizard, the Connections™ CD-ROM interface, and the installation of RapidComm™ fax/data software. It also shows you how to register and test your new Sportster modem. RapidComm fax/data software simplifies sending and receiving faxes directly from your computer desktop.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 1. From the Windows 95 desktop, click the Start button and then click Run. 3. You will briefly see a screen that looks like this. 4. When you are asked if you wish to run the Setup Wizard, click Yes. 2. In the text box, type D:\setup.exe. (If your CD-ROM drive has a letter name other than D, type that letter in place of D.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 5. This is the Setup Wizard’s “Welcome” screen. After reading the screen, click Next. 6. When you see the following screen, select your modem from the list, verify that the COM port setting is correct, and then click Next. NOTE: Check the COM port setting against the setting you wrote down during the hardware installation.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 7. When you see the next two screens, fill in the blank boxes with the appropriate information, using the TAB key to move between fields. Click Next on each screen when you have filled in all of the necessary information.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 8. You will see the following screen as the Setup Wizard creates a U.S. Robotics Connections program group. 9. Next, the Setup Wizard looks for Netscape Navigator on your system. If the Setup Wizard does not find Netscape Navigator, it searches for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. If the Setup Wizard does not find Internet Explorer, it will automatically install the application later in the Setup Wizard process. 62 10.The next screen introduces the U.S.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 11. When you see this screen, you are ready to register your new modem. Click By Modem. We recommend you choose the By Modem option because it’s a great way to verify that your Sportster modem is correctly installed.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 12.When you see this screen… • If you need to dial a prefix (such as 9) to make a call outside your building, type the prefix before the 1 in the Prefix box and then click Dial. If the modem still does not dial the number properly, you may need to insert a comma between the prefix and the 1 to force the modem to pause after dialing the prefix. 64 • If you do not need to dial a prefix, simply click Dial. 13.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING NOTE: If the Setup Wizard detected Internet Explorer on your system during the setup process, your computer will launch the Connections CD-ROM when you click OK. Continue at step 15. If the Setup Wizard DID NOT detect Internet Explorer on your system earlier in the setup process, it will launch the Internet Explorer installation utility after you click OK.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING Windows 3.x users: Windows will restart. When your desktop reappears, you will see a Connections icon (shown below) in the Connections program group. Double-click the icon to launch the CD. 66 15.When the main Connections menu appears, click Business & Productivity on the left hand side of the screen (circled below).
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 16.On the Business & Productivity menu is a RapidComm button (circled in the following screen shot). RapidComm is the fax/data software you can use to send faxes directly from your desktop, transfer files electronically, or dial into a BBS. Click RapidComm. 17. The next screen contains a menu on the right hand side of the screen. Included on the menu is a Learn More & Get Software button (circled in the screen image below). Click this button.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 18.The next screen displays information about the RapidComm software. When you are ready to install the RapidComm software, click Install (circled in the lower left hand corner of the following screen image). 68 NOTE: If you are using Netscape Navigator to view your Connections CDROM, you may be asked to save the application’s installer to your computer when you click the Install button. Note the installer’s file name and its location on your computer.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 19.The next screen is the first of the “RapidComm Setup” screens. When this screen appears, make sure the location shown in the text box is where you would like the files copied to and then click Install. If you wish to copy the RapidComm files to a different directory, type that location in the text box before clicking Install. 20.You will see this screen as files are copied. 21.When you see this screen, click either Yes or No.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING want to send a fax, you must select RapidComm as the printer in the program from which you are printing. 22.This screen marks the end of the RapidComm installation. Click OK. 23.Click OK to return to Connections. Click Exit (circled in the following screen image).
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 24.Restart Windows by clicking the Windows Start button and pointing to Shut Down. Click Restart the Computer? on the Shut Down Windows screen. Then click Yes. 26.The following is the first RapidComm Setup Wizard screen. After you read the screen, click Next. 25.When your desktop appears, click Windows Start. Point to Programs. Then click RapidComm.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 27.When you see this screen, verify the information shown and then fill in the Data box (if you have a third phone number just for your modem) and the Local Area Code box. Then click Next. 72 28.After you verify the information on this screen, click Next.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 29.Select the correct modem in the text box on the following screen. Then click Next. 30.When you see this screen… • If you want the RapidComm program to launch with every Windows startup, select the Run RapidComm at Windows startup check box. Then click Finish. • If you do not want RapidComm to start every time you start Windows, simply click Finish.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 31.You will see this screen. This is the main RapidComm screen. To send your first fax, keep this screen open. (After this initial run, RapidComm will not need to be running in order to send a fax.) 74 Sending Your First Fax Using RapidComm software, you can send and receive faxes directly from your computer and eliminate the need for a fax machine.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING document to the 3Com fax number, 847676-3559. NOTE: If you need to enter a prefix (such as 9) to dial a number outside your building, type the prefix before the fax number in the Fax number field. 2. From the File menu, click Print. 3. Select RapidComm as the printer. This can be changed in most Windows applications in the Print dialog box. 4.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING 6. You will see a series of screens as the fax is being transmitted. When the fax has been successfully transmitted, you will see a screen that looks like this. Congratulations —you are now ready to start using your Sportster modem! Go to the electronic RapidComm manual on your Connections CD for more detailed instructions on sending faxes and other things you can do using your Sportster modem and RapidComm software.
INSTALLING OTHER FAX/DATA SOFTWARE You do not have to use the RapidComm fax/data software included with your new Sportster modem. Your modem was designed for and tested using a wide range of communications software packages. This section will guide you through some of the details you may need to know when installing other communications software packages. D KEY POINT: Type of Modem For hardware flow control, a fixed serial port rate and full result codes, type AT&F1 and then press ENTER.
INSTALLING OTHER FAX /DATA SOFTWARE NOTE: You may need to disable serial rate in any communications software you use. Select this serial rate the flow control (hardware or software) that you are not using. If this is your UART... UART (External Modems) 16550* 115.2 or 57.6 kbps 16450 38.4 kbps 8250 19.2 kbps If you are running Windows 3.x or you have upgraded your system from Windows 3.x to Windows 95, you can run MSD to determine your UART setting.
USING MODEM STATION What Does Modem Station Do? ♦ Modem Station provides a simple to use interface that makes communicating with your modem even easier. ♦ Modem Station allows you to point and click your way through configuration. ♦ Modem Station can automatically detect your modem and provide you with all the technical information you need, whenever you need it! Why Modem Station? ♦ Modem commands can be confusing and difficult to memorize.
USING MODEM STATION 6. You will be asked whether you wish to install Modem Station. Click Yes. 7. Wait a few moments for the Installation Wizard to load. 8. After reading the information on the “Welcome” screen, click Next. 80 9. When you see this screen, click Next to accept the default directory or click Browse to change directories.
USING MODEM STATION 10.Click Next on the following screen to accept the default program folder. You can place Modem Station in an existing folder by selecting one from the list. 11. When you see the following screen, click Finish to complete the installation. If this is the first time you’ve installed Modem Station, you may be asked to restart your computer.
USING MODEM STATION Starting Modem Station 1. If you didn’t start Modem Station from the Setup program, please start it now. 2. Click Windows Start button and then point to Programs. Click U.S. Robotics Modem Station (or the folder you selected during installation). 3. Click the Modem Station icon. This brings up the main menu.
USING MODEM STATION The main menu gives you direct access to the following options: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ DETECT NEW MODEMS TERMINAL MODEM CONFIGURATOR ABOUT CONTACT/SUPPORT DETECT NEW MODEMS This option detects US Robotics modems installed on your system and shows what COM port they are using. Click this option if you are running Modem Station for the first time, if you are changing modems, or if you simply need to know what port your modem is using.
USING MODEM STATION CONTACT/SUPPORT This option details how to get in touch with U.S. Robotics. Using Detect New Modems 1. Click Detect New Modems to bring up the following screen. TIP: For your convenience, we provide many on-line support avenues. For specific questions, our fax-on-demand service is a good place to start. You can download FAQs, software, and help files from our Web sites and BBS, or receive individualized support via support@usr.com.
USING MODEM STATION 2. Click Scan to have Modem Station check for installed modems. This may take a few moments. 3. When the scan finishes, you will see the following display. Your display may differ depending on the type and number of modems installed. If your modem is installed and configured correctly, Modem Station will find the modem and display make and model information under the assigned port. All currently active ports should display “Port OK” under the heading.
USING MODEM STATION If you look at the information for the port your modem is using, you will see three buttons. These allow you to access Terminal and Modem Configurator without going back to the main menu. Extended Information provides detailed information about your modem, previous connections, firmware dates, etc. This next section details using the Terminal option. Using Terminal You can access Terminal from either the Main menu or the Detect New Modems screen.
USING MODEM STATION NOTE: Modem Station’s Terminal window is provided primarily for troubleshooting convenience. If you frequently use BBSs, you will probably want to use a separate, full-featured Terminal program like the one provided in our RapidComm software. On the lower part of the Terminal screen, you will see the COM port your modem is currently using. To select another modem, simply click on the arrow and select that modem’s assigned port.
USING MODEM STATION modem. We will discuss port speed settings in detail later in this section. Terminal includes a basic auto dialer. To have Terminal dial a number for you, click Dial to bring up the “Dial” screen. You need to tell the Dialer a few things about your phone system, such as whether it uses tone or pulse dialing, what digit, if any, you need to dial to get an outside line, and whether the dialer should wait between dialing that digit and the rest of the number.
USING MODEM STATION The Modem Configurator menu gives you access to the following options: ♦ DATA CONTROL ♦ CONNECTION CONTROL ♦ MODEM TO COMPUTER ♦ CONNECTION RATES ♦ DIALING/ANSWERING ♦ STORED NUMBERS ♦ RESTORE DEFAULTS ♦ EXIT Data Control This is the “Data Control” screen.
USING MODEM STATION Once you have entered the Data Control settings, click Save to Modem. This stores the settings so that you do not have to re-enter them. This screen also displays the default DIP switch settings. CONNECTION CONTROL This is where you adjust your modem’s connection and transmission settings. Click Connection Control to bring up this screen. TECHNICAL STUFF: DIP switches are tiny switches that control a few basic functions on some external modems.
USING MODEM STATION Use the “Connections Control” screen to configure the following settings: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ DATA TERMINAL READY (DTR) ERROR CORRECTION DATA COMPRESSION CARRIER DETECT For detailed information about these settings, refer to the “Glossary” or the “Technical Quick Reference” sections of this manual. TIP: On external modems, receiving a Data Terminal Ready signal causes the TR light to light up. Click Help for quick definitions of terminology used in this screen.
USING MODEM STATION TIP: If you type ATDT and see ‘AATTDDTT’ on your screen, it is possible that both your software and modem have Local Echo set to ‘ON’. Turn Local Echo ‘OFF’ on EITHER the modem or the software to solve this problem. If you look in the upper left hand corner of the display, you will see the commands currently in use. For details on using the commands in this screen, refer to the “Glossary” or “Technical Quick Reference” sections of this manual.
USING MODEM STATION CONNECTION RATES The “Connection Rates” screen allows you to configure modem speeds and protocols. WARNING! Use caution when changing connection settings. Improper settings may cause your modem to function incorrectly, disconnect, or fail to connect at all. In the upper left hand corner of the screen you will see the current connection commands. This screen allows you to configure the following settings: ♦ MODULATIONS ♦ V.
USING MODEM STATION DIALING/ANSWERING The next screen allows you to adjust how your modem initiates and receives calls. Using this screen, you can configure the following dial settings: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 94 WAIT FOR CARRIER AUTO-ANSWER # OF RINGS SPEAKER OPERATION DIALING METHOD SPEAKER VOLUME TECHNICAL STUFF: “Negotiation” is the noise we hear when two modems connect. The modems exchange information about their respective protocols and configurations.
USING MODEM STATION You can change stored numbers by highlighting them and then typing the new numbers in their place. Once you store your numbers, you can dial them by entering this command from Terminal Mode: ATDS0, ATDS1, ATDS2, etc. To store a number in your modem’s memory, simply click in one of the entry boxes. Type in the phone number exactly as you would dial it. NOTE: Position Zero has a special feature.
USING MODEM STATION available from many of the screens within Modem Station. When you click Restore Defaults, you will see a confirmation screen asking if you are sure you want to restore defaults. Click OK to proceed. TIP: Restore Defaults will set your modem back to factory specifications. It is a good place to start when troubleshooting. We devote a separate section to the Extended Information screens so that we can explain what you’ll see (and why it is important to you) as fully as possible.
USING MODEM STATION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ CONFIGURATION PROFILE LINK DIAGNOSTICS VxD CONFIGURATION DIAL/SECURITY Winmodem users will have access to VxD information via these screens. Courier users will have access to Dial/Security information. Click ROM Checksum to bring up the following screen. Technicians use the ROM Checksum to verify information stored in the modem’s Read Only Memory. You can check the ROM Checksum from any Terminal program by typing ATI1 and pressing ENTER.
USING MODEM STATION To see information about the profile in use, click Active Profile to bring up the next screen. The “Product” screen displays the make and model of your modem. It is the equivalent of the ATI3 command. Your modem is able to store two configurations or “profiles.” Only one can be active at any time. 98 This screen contains information about your modem’s current configuration. Starting from the top, you will see the make and model of your modem.
USING MODEM STATION The two lines below the connection settings are the advanced commands currently in use. Below them is a display of the contents of the ‘S-Registers’ for your modem. These registers are special programmable areas of your modem’s memory. They are used to store commands that are too complex to be handled by the standard (or ‘AT’) commands. same format as the “Active Profile” screen with the addition of stored phone numbers.
USING MODEM STATION The “Configuration” screen displays the following information about your modem. • Product Type displays the information relating to the make and model of your modem. • Options displays the protocols available to your modem. • Fax Options displays your fax compatibility. • Clock Frequency displays the speed of the tiny “clock” that controls the timing of operations within the modem. • EPROM displays how much information can be stored in the EPROM (or Supervisor) chip.
USING MODEM STATION • DAA Country displays the countries your modem is designed for. This is important because phone systems and telecommunications laws vary from country to country. Click Link Diagnostics to bring up the “Link Diagnostics” screen. The “Link Diagnostics” screen displays statistics about your last connection. This screen is most often used as an aid in diagnosing connection failures, but it also can provide information about connection speeds and phone line conditions.
USING MODEM STATION The rest of the screen contains information about CRC errors, Block Errors (Blers), resent data, and other data. This information is very important if you experience problems transmitting or receiving data or if you suspect problems with your phone service. Only our U.S. Robotics Winmodem™ faxmodems use VxDs, or Virtual Device Drivers.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD Your Connections™ CD-ROM includes the U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard. This software is designed to quickly update your modem, whether to a newer version of its current code or to 3Com’s revolutionary new x2™ technology. You can update your modem in any of the following 3 ways: 33.6 K to 33.6 K (update) = FREE 33.6 K to 56 K (upgrade) = $FEE* 56 K to 56 K (update) = FREE * Fee for upgrades is subject to change.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 2. Click the Windows Start menu and point to Programs. Point to U.S. Robotics Connections. Then click Connections. NOTE: Windows 3.x users launch the CD-ROM by clicking the Connections icon in the Connections program group. 104 3. From the main Connections menu, click Customer Support (circled in the following screen shot).
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 4. When the Customer Support menu appears, click Modem Update Wizard (circled in the following screen shot). 5. Next, click Learn More & Get Software (circled in the following screen shot).
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 6. In the following screen, click Install. NOTE: If you use Netscape to view the Connections interface, you will be asked to save the setup program for the Update Wizard to your hard drive. Save the utility to your hard drive and exit Connections. Run the utility to begin installation. Then return to this page. 7. This launches the U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard Installer. The screen that follows is the welcome screen for the installer.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 8. The next screen indicates where the installer will store the files for the Update Wizard. If the indicated location is acceptable, click Next. Otherwise, click Browse to find an acceptable directory.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 9. You will see the following screen for a moment as the installer creates the Modem Update Wizard program group. 10.This screen indicates that the setup is complete. Click OK. 108 Operation 1. Click the Windows Start button. Point to Programs. Then point to U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard. Finally, click Modem Update Wizard. 2. After you read the “Welcome” screen, click Next.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 3. This brings up the license agreement. After reading the license agreement, click Accept to continue. 4. The software will now detect any modems installed on your system. When the detection phase finishes, you will see the following screen (the modems shown on your screen may differ). Click the modem you wish to upgrade and then click Next to continue.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 5. The program will now determine if the selected modem is software upgradable. Non-Upgradable Modems • Click Other to learn more about how to purchase a U.S. Robotics x2 modem. If your modem IS NOT software upgradable, the program will display the following screen. Upgradable Modems If the modem IS software upgradable, you will see the following screen. • Click U.S. Robotics if your modem is a U.S. Robotics modem to learn more about your upgrade options.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD to upgrade a 33.6 kbps modem to 56 kbps code or click Update my modem’s code to update your modem with the most recent version of its original code. Then click Next. 6. The next screen you will see is the order information screen. Users who are purchasing a 56K upgrade will see a screen that includes a credit card information query. Users who are updating their modem’s code will see a personal information query screen.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 8. Once connected, the server will compare available upgrades with the current code in your modem. If they differ, the server will automatically initiate the download procedure. NOTE: Users purchasing a 56K upgrade are asked if the charge is acceptable (see the following screen image). Unless you have already been charged for an upgrade, click Yes to continue. If you have already been through this process once before, DO NOT click Yes.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD NOTE: If you do not have the most up to date .inf file for your modem (the file that helps Windows correctly identify your modem), you will see the following screen as the Modem Update Wizard automatically downloads the file.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 9. You will see this screen as the Wizard downloads the file for your modem. WARNING! To avoid the risk of damaging your modem, DO NOT turn off the modem while it is being updated. 11. When updating is complete, the progress bar will be full and an “Update/Upgrade Complete” message appears. Click Next. 10.When the download is complete, the modem disconnects from the server.
U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD 12.You will see a “Congratulations!” screen. Click Details. 13.Click OK once you verify that the process was a success. When you return to the “Congratulations!” screen, click Finished.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION The computer or software will not recognize the modem. Your modem might not be turned on. Make sure the modem is turned on. The power switch is on top of external modems. The CS light on the front panel should be lit. If you installed an internal modem, it should power up when the computer is turned on. Type in all upper case (AT) or lower case (at). You may not be entering modem commands in the proper manner.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION The computer or software will not recognize the modem (cont.). You may have a COM port/IRQ conflict (cont.). Make sure you have the correct COM port and IRQ settings in your software and/or in the Windows Device Manager. Both the modem’s and software’s local character echoes are probably turned on. Disable Local Echo in your software OR on your modem (not both).
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION The modem won’t go off hook to dial or doesn’t answer the phone (cont.) If you have voice mail, your dial tone may be altered when messages are waiting. Answer your voice mail to restore your normal dial tone. Your software may not have auto answer enabled. Enable the auto answer feature. In RapidComm’s Terminal mode, type ATS0=1 and press ENTER.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION Your modem won’t connect at 2400 bps with a 2400 bps modem. The modem you’re trying to connect with could be an older model that doesn’t support error control. You can disable error control on your modem by typing AT&M0 in terminal mode and pressing ENTER. Now try placing the call to the remote modem again. When finished, reset your modem to enable the error control features. In terminal mode, type ATZ and press ENTER.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION Your communications software is reporting many cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors and low characters per second (CPS). You may have a bad phone line. Try placing the call again. The phone company routes calls differently each time. Optimum flow control settings may not be enabled on your modem. In terminal mode, type AT&F1 and press ENTER to load the optimum hardware flow control settings.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION Your communications software is reporting many cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors and low characters per second (CPS) (cont.). You may be trying to download a file to a compressed area of your hard disk. Download to an uncompressed area on your hard drive. Your modem initialization string could be insufficient for fax transmissions. In terminal mode, type AT&H3&I2&R2S7=90 and press ENTER.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES Online Help Resources Connecting to the 3Com BBS To connect to the 3Com Bulletin Board System, follow these steps: 1. Start the RapidComm program. The software settings for the BBS are: ANSI terminal emulation Data Bits: 8 Parity: None Stop Bits: 1 2. Put RapidComm in Terminal mode by clicking on the Terminal button (see the following screen image). 3. Type ATDS0 and press ENTER. NOTE: ATDS0 automatically dials 1-847-982-5092, the U.S. Robotics BBS.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES create a password of your choice, and to fill out a questionnaire. Downloading the Technical Reference Guide To download the Technical Reference Guide, follow these steps: 1. In the main menu, type D for Download a file. The preceding screen shot is what the introduction screen of the 3Com BBS will look like. The BBS gives you access to customer and technical support documents and the BBS library.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES 2. A Filename to Download: text box appears on the screen. PKUNZIP.EXE is also available on the BBS. • 336_HELP.ZIP—The Guide in a zipped Windows Help format. 3. Type the name of the file you wish to receive. You have three manual formats from which to choose: • 336_WORD.ZIP—The Guide in a zipped Word for Windows v6.0 format. You will need PKUNZIP.EXE to uncompress this file. 124 • 336_ASCI.TXT—The Guide in an uncompressed ASCII format. 4.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES U.S. Robotics offers a number of other online technical support options. Choose any one of the following options if you need help with or want to learn more about your new modem. Internet FTP Provides free library containing the same files as the BBS site. FTP to ftp.usr.com. Internet on Demand Provides automatic technical support through a library containing product information, quick reference cards, and installation help.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES Technical Support Hotline Technical questions about U.S. Robotics modems can also be answered by technical support representatives. Hotline (847) 982-5151 (Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm CST) Priority No-Hold Service 3Com also staffs its own 900 fee-based number for immediate assistance. These lines are staffed from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. No-Hold line 900-555-USR1 There is a $1.50 per minute charge which will appear on your local phone bill.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES If You Need to Return the Modem to Us Contact 3Com Customer Support. If the support representative determines that you need to return the modem, you will receive an SRO (Service Repair Order) number. You must have an SRO number before returning the modem to us. Ship the unit, postage paid, in a strong box made of corrugated cardboard with plenty of packing material. DO NOT send the modem back in the original box.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES PROBLEM: The station ID works intermittently. DIAGNOSIS: Under certain circumstances (including receiving a fax), the station ID may not work properly. PROBLEM: RapidComm does not work properly at 115.2 kbps. DIAGNOSIS: The presence of disk compression software on your system hampers the RapidComm software’s ability to work properly at 115.2 kbps. Removal of the disk compression software from your system will allow RapidComm to operate at 115.2 kbps.
GLOSSARY Cross references are printed in boldface. Cross references with items in the Command Summary, found in the Technical Quick Reference (Section D), are printed in italics. analog loopback A modem self-test in which data from the keyboard or an internal test pattern is sent to the modem's transmitter, turned into analog form, looped back to the receiver, and converted back into digital form.
GLOSSARY ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A code used to represent letters, numbers, and special characters such as $, !, and /. auto answer Sets the modem to pick up the phone line when it detects a certain number of rings. See S-register S0 in the “Technical Quick Reference.” asynchronous transmission Data transmission in which the length of time between transmitted characters may vary.
GLOSSARY baud rate A term used to measure the speed of an analog transmission from one point to another. Although not technically accurate, baud rate is commonly used to mean bit rate. binary digit A 0 or 1, reflecting the use of the binary numbering system. Used because the computer recognizes either of two states, OFF or ON. Shortened form of binary digit is bit. bit rate Also referred to as transmission rate. The number of binary digits, or bits, transmitted per second (bps).
GLOSSARY carrier The basic signal altered or modulated by the modem in order to carry information. character A representation, coded in binary digits, of a letter, number, or other symbol. characters per second (CPS) A data transfer rate generally estimated from the bit rate and the character length. For example, at 2400 bps, 8-bit characters with start/stop bits (for a total of ten bits per character) will be transmitted at a rate of approximately 240 characters per second (cps).
GLOSSARY data compression table A table containing values assigned for each character during a call under MNP5 data compression. Default values in the table are continually altered and built during each call: The longer the table, the more efficient throughput gained. data mode Mode used by a modem when sending and receiving data files. DCE Data Communications (or CircuitTerminating) Equipment, such as dial-up modems that establish and control the data link via the telephone network.
GLOSSARY digital loopback A test that checks the modem's RS-232 interface and the cable that connects the terminal or computer and the modem. The modem receives data (in the form of digital signals) from the computer or terminal, and immediately returns the data to the screen for verification. duplex Indicates a communications channel capable of carrying signals in both directions. See half duplex, full duplex. digital signals Discrete, uniform signals.
GLOSSARY fax mode The mode used by a modem to send and receive data in facsimile format. See definitions for V.17, V.27ter, V.29. flow control A mechanism that compensates for differences in the flow of data into and out of a modem or other device. See commands &Hn, &In, &Rn. frame A data communications term for a block of data with header and trailer information attached. The added information usually includes a frame number, block size data, error-check codes, and Start/End indicators.
GLOSSARY Hz Hertz, a frequency measurement unit used internationally to indicate cycles per second. ITU-T An international organization that defines standards for telegraphic and telephone equipment. For example, the Bell 212A standard for 1200-bps communication in North America is observed internationally as ITU-T V.22. For 2400-bps communication, most U.S. manufacturers observe V.22 bis. 136 LAPM Link Access Procedure for Modems. An error-control protocol defined in ITU-T Recommendation V.42.
GLOSSARY MNP Microcom Networking Protocol, an errorcontrol protocol developed by Microcom, Inc., and now in the public domain. There are several different MNP protocols, but the most commonly used one ensures error-free transmission through error detection (CRC) and retransmission of flawed frames. modem A device that transmits/receives computer data through a communications channel such as radio or telephone lines.
GLOSSARY parity A simple error-detection method that checks the validity of a transmitted character. Character checking has been surpassed by more reliable and efficient forms of error checking, including V.42 and MNP 2-4 protocols. Either the same type of parity must be used by two communicating computers, or both may omit parity. protocol A system of rules and procedures governing communications between two or more devices.
GLOSSARY ROM Read Only Memory. Permanent memory, not user-programmable. serial transmission The consecutive flow of data in a single channel. Compare to parallel transmissions where data flows simultaneously in multiple channels. start/stop bits The signaling bits attached to a character before and after the character is transmitted during asynchronous transmission. terminal A device whose keyboard and display are used for sending and receiving data over a communications link.
GLOSSARY throughput The amount of actual user data transmitted per second without the overhead of protocol information such as start/stop bits or frame headers and trailers. Compare with characters per second. V.8 The ITU-T standard specification that covers the initial handshaking process. V.17 fax An ITU-T standard for making facsimile connections at 14,400 bps, 12,000 bps, 9,600 bps, 7,200 bps. 140 V.
GLOSSARY V.22 bis An ITU-T standard for modem communications at 2400 bps. The standard includes an automatic link negotiation fallback to 1200 bps and compatibility with Bell 212A/V.22 modems. V.27 ter An ITU-T standard for facsimile operations that specifies modulation at 4800 bps, with fallback to 2400 bps. V.32 modems fall back to 4800 bps when line quality is impaired. V.32 bis An ITU-T standard that extends the V.32 connection range: 4800, 7200, 9600, 12,000, and 14,400 bps. V.
GLOSSARY V.42 An ITU-T standard for modem communications that defines a two-stage process of detection and negotiation for LAPM error control. V.42 bis An extension of ITU-T V.42 that defines a specific data compression scheme for use during V.42 connections. Xmodem The first of a family of error control software protocols used to transfer files between modems. These protocols are in the public domain and are available from many bulletin board services.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE This section includes information about: • • • • • Front Panel Lights Command Summary DIP Switches S-Registers The Serial Interface (cable information) 143
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Front Panel Lights (External Modems) Symbol Meaning Status AA ........ Auto Answer.................Answer mode: ON when register S0 is set to 1 or higher (Auto Answer), and when answering a call; OFF when modem originates a call. Light flashes when there is an incoming call. CD......... Carrier Detect ...............ON if modem receives a valid data signal (carrier) from a remote modem, indicating that data transmission is possible. Always ON if CD override is ON (&C0). RD.....
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Command Summary • • • • Type commands in either upper or lower case, not a combination. Use the Backspace key to delete errors. (You cannot delete the original AT command since it is stored in the modem buffer.) If a command has numeric options and you don’t include a number, zero is assumed. For example, if you type ATB, the command ATB0 is assumed. Every command except A/ and +++ must begin with the AT prefix and be entered by pressing ENTER.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Command Set $ A A/ Any key AT 146 Use in conjunction with D, S, or & commands (or just AT) to display a basic command list; online help. Manual Answer: goes off hook in answer mode. Pressing any key aborts the operations. Re-executes the last issued command. Used mainly to redial. This does not require the AT prefix or a Carriage Return. Aborts off-hook dial/answer operation and hangs up. Required command prefix, except with A/ and +++. Use alone to test for OK result code.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE T , ; “ ! / numbers are stored with the &Zn=s command. Tone dial (Comma) Pause, See S8 definition; which it’s linked to. (Semicolon) Return to Command mode after dialing. Dials the letters that follow (in an alphabetical phone number). (Exclamation point) Flashes the switch hook. Delays for 125 ms. before proceeding with dial string. W @ $ Wait for second dial tone (X2 or X4); linked to S6 register. Dials, waits for quiet answer, and continues (X3 or higher).
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE F1 Hn In 148 remote system to your screen. Local echo OFF. Receiving system may send a remote echo of data it receives. Controls ON/OFF hook. H0 Hangs up (goes on hook). H1 Goes off hook. Displays the following information. I0 Four-digit product code I1 Results of ROM checksum I2 I3 I4 I5 I6 I7 Results of RAM checksum Product type Current modem settings Nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) settings Link diagnostics Product configuration Ln Controls speaker volume (internals only).
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE M1 M2 M3 On Speaker ON until CONNECT. Speaker always ON. Speaker ON after dial, until CONNECT. Returns online. O0 Returns online. O1 Returns online and retrains. P Sets pulse dial (for phone lines that don’t support touch-tone dialing). Qn Displays/suppresses result codes. Q0 Displays result codes. Q1 Quiet mode; no result codes. Q2 Displays result codes only in Originate mode. Sr.b=n Sets bit .b of register r to n (0/OFF or 1/ON). Sr=n Sets register r to n.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Xn Sets result code displayed. Default is X4.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Xn (continued) Xn Result Codes (cont.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Yn Z 152 Z4 Selects power-on/reset default configuration. Y0 Default is profile 0 setting in NVRAM Y1 Default is profile 1 setting in NVRAM Resets modem. Z0 Resets modem to NVRAM profile selected by Y command or dip 7.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE &A3 Protocol indicators added LAPM/MNP/NONE (error control) and V42bis/MNP5 (data compression) &Bn Manages modem’s serial port rate. &B0 Variable, follows connection rate &B1 Fixed serial port rate &B2 Fixed in ARQ mode, variable in non-ARQ mode &C1 Normal CD operations &Dn Controls Data Terminal Ready (DTR) operations. &D0 DTR override &D1 DTR toggle causes online Command mode &D2 Normal DTR operations &D3 Resets on receipt of DTR &Cn Controls Carrier Detect (CD) signal.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE &Fn Loads a read-only (nonprogrammable) factory configuration. &F0 Generic template &F1 Hardware flow control template &F2 Software flow control template &Gn Sets Guard Tone. &G0 No guard tone, U.S. and Canada &G1 550 Hz guard tone, some European countries, requires B0 setting. &G2 1800 Hz guard tone, U.K., requires B0 setting. 154 &Hn Sets Transmit Data (TD) flow control (see also &Rn).
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE &In Sets Receive Data (RD) software flow control (see also &Rn). &I0 Software flow control disabled &I1 XON/XOFF signals to your modem and remote system &I2 XON/XOFF signals to your modem only &Kn Enables/disables data compression. &K0 Data compression disabled &K1 Auto enable/disable &K2 Data compression enabled &K3 MNP5 compression disabled &Mn Sets Error Control (ARQ) for connections at 1200 bps and higher.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE &Nn Sets connect speed. If connection cannot be established at this speed, the modem will hang up. Sets ceiling connect speed if &Un is greater than 0. See &Un.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE &Pn Sets pulse (rotary) dial make/break ratio. &P0 U.S./Canada ratio, 39%/61% &P1 U.K. ratio, 33%/67% &Rn Sets Receive Data (RD) hardware flow control, Request to Send (RTS) (see also &Hn). &R0 Reserved &R1 Modem ignores RTS &R2 Received Data to computer only on RTS &Sn Controls Data Set Ready (DSR) operations. &S0 DSR override; always ON &S1 &Tn Modem controls DSR Begins test modes (used in conjunction with s register 18).
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE &T8 Analog Loopback with self-test and error detector &Un Sets floor connect speed when &Un is set greater than 0. &Nn is the ceiling connect speed. See &Nn. &U0 Disabled &U1 300 bps &U2 1200 bps &U3 2400 bps &U4 4800 bps &U5 7200 bps &U6 9600 bps &U7 12,000 bps &U8 14,400 bps &U9 16,800 bps &U10 19,200 bps &U11 21,600 bps 158 &U12 &U13 &U14 &U15 &U16 24,000 bps 26,400 bps 28,800 bps 31,200 bps 33,600 bps &Wn Writes current configuration to NVRAM templates.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE &Yn Sets break handling. &Y0 Destructive, but doesn’t send break &Y1 Destructive, expedited &Y2 Nondestructive, expedited &Y3 Nondestructive, unexpedited &Zn=s Writes phone number string s to NVRAM at position n (n = 0−3). &Zn=L Writes last executed dial string to NVRAM at position n (n = 0−3). &Zn? Displays the phone number stored at position n (n = 0− 3). &ZL? Displays the last executed dial string. #CID=n Controls Caller ID feature. #CID=0 Caller ID disabled.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE DIP Switches (Modems with DIP Switches Only) Note: If a DIP switch is on, it is down. If a DIP switch is off, it is up. Defaults are in italics. DIP switches which control a modem function override related modem commands written to the modem (i.e. You cannot write AD0 to NVRAM if DIP 1 is up.).
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Switch Factory Setting Function 6 OFF 7 OFF 8 ON Carrier Detect (CD) Override OFF Modem sends CD signal when it connects with another modem, drops CD on disconnect ON CD always ON (Override) Power-on and ATZ Reset Software Defaults OFF Loads Y or Y1 configuration from user-defined nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) ON Loads &F0Generic template from read only memory (ROM) AT Command Set Recognition OFF Disables command recognition (Dumb Mode) ON Enables recognition (Smart mode) 1
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE S-Registers To change a setting, use the ATSr=n command, where r is the register and n is a decimal value from 0 − 255 (unless otherwise indicated). Register Default Function S0 0 Sets the number of rings on which to answer in Auto Answer Mode. When set to 0, Auto Answer is disabled. S1 0 Counts and stores the number of rings from an incoming call. (S0 must be greater than 0.) S2 43 Stores the ASCII decimal code for the escape code character. Default character is +.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default Function S6 2 Sets the number of seconds the modem waits before dialing. If Xn is set to X2 or X4, this is the time-out length if there isn't a dial tone. S7 60 Sets the number of seconds the modem waits for a carrier. May be set for much longer duration if, for example, the modem is originating an international connection. S8 2 Sets the duration, in seconds, for the pause (,) option in the Dial command.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default S10 (cont.) Function A better alternative is to ask your phone company how to temporarily disable call waiting (usually *70W). For example: ATDT *70W phone number. Note: If you set S10 = 255, the modem will not hang up when carrier is lost. Dropping DTR hangs up the modem. S11 70 Sets the duration and spacing, in milliseconds, for tone dialing. S12 50 Sets the duration, in fiftieths of a second, of the guard time for the escape code sequence (+++).
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default S13 (cont.) Function Bit 4 Value 16 5 6 7 32 64 128 Result At power on/reset, Auto Dial the number stored in NVRAM at position 0. Reserved Disable quick retrains. Disconnect on escape code. * The 1.5K-byte non-ARQ buffer allows data transfer with Xmodem- and Ymodem-type file transfer protocols without using flow control. The 128-byte option lets remote users with slower modems keep data you’re sending from scrolling off their screens.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default S15 (cont.) Function Bit Value Result 6 64 MNP incompatibility. 7 128 Disable V.42 operation. To disable V.42 detect phase, select the total of the values for bits 3 and 7. S16 0 Bit-mapped register setup. To set the register, see instructions for S13. Bit Value Result 0 1 Reserved 1 2 Reserved 2 4 Touch tone test. 4 8 Use internal test pattern. S18 0 Test timer for &T loopback testing.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default Function S22 17 Stores the ASCII decimal code for the XON character. S23 19 Stores the ASCII decimal code for the XOFF character. S25 20 Sets the duration, in hundredths of a second, that DTR must be dropped so that the modem doesn’t interpret a random glitch as a DTR loss. (Most users will want to use the default; this register is useful for setting compatibility with older systems running under older operating software.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default Function S27 (cont.) Bit 7 S28 Value 128 Result Software compatibility mode. This setting disables the codes and displays the 9600 code instead. The actual rate of the call can be viewed on the ATI6 screen. Used for unusual software incompatibilities. Some software may not accept 7200, 12,000, and 14,400 bps or greater result codes. 0 Eliminates the V.32 answer tones for a faster connection. 8 Default item, all times are in tenths of seconds.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default Function S32 (cont.) Bit 2 3 4 5-7 S33 0 0 Result Reserved. Disable V.34 modulation. Disable V.34+ modulation. Reserved. Bit-mapped register setup. To set the register, see the instructions for S13. Bit 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 S34 Value 4 8 16 32-128 Value 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 Result Disable 2400 symbol rate. Disable 2743 symbol rate. Disable 2800 symbol rate. Disable 3000 symbol rate. Disable 3200 symbol rate. Disable 3429 symbol rate.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default S34 (cont.) S35 170 Function Bit 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 Value 4 8 16 32 64 128 Result Disable 32S-2D trellis encoding. Disable 64S-4D trellis encoding. Disable non-linear coding. Disable TX level deviation. Disable Pre-emphasis. Disable Pre-coding. Bit-mapped register setup. To set registers, see instructions for S13. Bit Value Result 0-2 1-7 Limit back channel rate. 1 = 28800 max. 2 = 26400 max. 3 = 24000 max. 4 = 21600 max. 5 = 19200 max. 6 = 16800 max.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Register Default S38 0 S39-S40 Reserved S41 0 Function Sets an optional delay, in seconds, before a forced hang-up and clearing of the Transmit buffer when DTR drops during an ARQ call. This allows time for a remote modem to acknowledge receipt of all transmitted data before it is disconnected. The modem immediately hangs up when DTR drops. This option only applies to connections terminated by dropping DTR.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE The Serial Interface The serial interface is a standard developed by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). It defines the signals and voltages used when data is exchanged between a computer and a modem or serial printer. The entire standard covers many more functions than are used in most data communications applications.
TECHNICAL QUICK REFERENCE Serial Interface Pin Definitions DB-25 DB-9 Circuit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 20 22 — 3 2 7 8 6 5 1 — 4 9 AA BA BB CA CB CC AB CF SCF CD CE Function Signal Source Computer/Modem Chassis Ground Transmitted Data Received Data Request to Send Clear to Send Data Set Ready Signal Ground Carrier Detect Speed Indicate Data Terminal Ready Ring Indicate Both Computer Modem Computer Modem Modem Both Modem Modem Computer Modem 173
REGULATORY INFORMATION Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity 3Com 7770 North Frontage Road Skokie, Illinois 60077-2690 U.S.A. declares that the product U.S. Robotics Sportster 33600 Faxmodem conforms to the FCC’s specifications: Part 15: Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful electromagnetic interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operations.
REGULATORY INFORMATION Connection to party lines is subject to state tariffs. An FCC compliant telephone cord and modular plug are provided with this equipment, which is designed to connect to the telephone network or premises wiring using a Part 68 compliant compatible jack. See installation instructions for details.
REGULATORY INFORMATION Be sure that the telephone line you are connecting the modem to is a standard analog line and not a digital (PBX), party, or coin telephone line. If the modem is malfunctioning, it may affect the telephone lines. In this case, disconnect the modem until the source of the difficulty is traced.
REGULATORY INFORMATION device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
REGULATORY INFORMATION For Canadian Modem Users NOTICE: The Industry Canada (IC) label identifies certified equipment. This certification means the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operational, and safety requirements as prescribed in the appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.
REGULATORY INFORMATION water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas. CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to make such connections yourself. Instead, contact an electric inspection authority or electrician, as appropriate. NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface.
REGULATORY INFORMATION télécommunication. Le matériel doit également être installé en suivant une méthode acceptée de raccordment. L’abonné ne doit pas oublier qu’il est possible que la conformité aux conditions énoncées ci-dessus n’empêche pas le dégradation du service dans certaines situations. Les réparations de matériel homologué doivent être effectuées par un centre d’entretien canadien autorisé désigné par le fournissuer.
REGULATORY INFORMATION L'Indice d'Equivalence de la Sonnerie (IES) est situé au revers du modem (modems externes), ou sur le circuit imprimé (modems internes). Centre de guarantie et de service après-vente: Keating Technologies 25 Royal Crest Court, Suite 200 Markham, ONT L3R 9X4 Limited Warranty U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
REGULATORY INFORMATION MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE. U.S. ROBOTICS SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, FAILURE TO REALIZE SAVINGS OR OTHER BENEFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR USE, DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT, AND CLAIMS AGAINST THE PURCHASER BY ANY THIRD PERSON, EVEN IF U.S. ROBOTICS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
REGULATORY INFORMATION corrugated cardboard box with plenty of packing material. DO NOT send the modem back in its original box. DO NOT send anything but the modem (do not send back the power supply, CD-ROM, documentation, etc.). If possible, send the modem via a courier capable of tracking the progress of the shipment. Include proof of the date of purchase. IMPORTANT: If you send your unit, pack it securely, and be sure that your SRO number is visible on the outside of the package.
Index A America Online, U.S. Robotics online support and, 122 American Standard Code for Information Interchange. See ASCII analog loopback, 127 analog phone lines, vs. digital, 15, 24, 35, 39 analog signals, 127 answer mode, 127 AOL. See America Online, U.S. Robotics online support and ARQ.
Index class 1 and 2.0 faxing standards, 129 clear to send (CS) light, 138 COM ports conflicts, 113-114 and Plug and play installations, 4, 19-20 command summary, 140-152 communications software and flow control, 116-117 installing other fax/data software, 75-76 installing RapidComm software, 57-74 UART, 76 CompuServe, U.S. Robotics online support and, 122 Connections CD-ROM Modem Station, 77-100 Modem Update Wizard, 101-112 software installation, 57-74 CRC.
Index duplex, 130 E EIA. See Electronic Industries Association Electronic Industries Association (EIA), 131 error control, 131 disabling, 116 error control/ (ARQ/) light, 138 external modems and faxing, 72-74 hardware installation Windows 3.x, 33-36 Windows 95, 37-48 and serial cable, 33-34, 37-38 F facsimile (fax), 131 fax mode, 131 186 fax operations (FAX) light, 138 faxing with RapidComm software, 72-74 flow control, 75-76, 116-117, 131 frame, 131 front panel lights, summary, 138 FTP, U.S.
Index I internal modems faxing with, 72-74 hardware installation Windows 3.x, 3-18 Windows 95, 19-32 and Plug and Play installation, 4, 19-20 International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (ITU-T), 132 IRQs, 3-12 conflicts, 113-114 ISA expansion slots, 14, 22 ITU-T. See International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee J jumper pins, 4, 11-12, 20 jumper shunts, 4, 11-12, 20 L LAPM.
Index N nonvolatile memory (NVRAM), 132 NVRAM. See nonvolatile memory O off/on hook, 132 online fallback/fall forward, 133 online help resources, 119-126 originate mode, 133 P parity, 116, 119, 133 Plug and Play installation, 4, 19-20 protocol, 133 188 R RAM (random access memory), 133 random access memory.
Index serial number, modem, 15, 23 serial (COM) ports, 3-12, 19-20, 34, 38 conflicts, 113-114 serial transmission, 134 shunts, jumper, 4, 10-12, 20 start/stop bits, 116, 119, 134 T Technical Reference Guide, downloading, 120121 terminal mode, 114-119, 134 Terminate and Stay Resident programs, errors and, 117-118 throughput, 134 troubleshooting, 113-125 RapidComm software, 124-125 TSR. See Terminate and Stay Resident programs U UART, 76 upgrading/updating modems, 101-112 U.S.
Index W Windows 95 determining your version, 2 World Wide Web (WWW), U.S.