FLASH x2 User’s Guide
This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following U.S. Robotics modems: · Sportster Flash with x2 IMPORTANT MESSAGE: This product is capable of download speeds up to 56Kbps; however, the download speeds you experience may be lower due to varying line conditions. We are continuing to test and improve our modem technology to achieve faster speeds. Visit our Web site at http://www.3Com.com for future updates and enhancements.
Table of Contents 3COM/U.S. ROBOTICS : THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE IN INFORMATION ACCESS™....................................................................1 WELCOME TO X2 INFORMATION ACCESS......................................3 FEATURES.............................................................................................5 EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION....................................................7 COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE........................................................
QUICK REFERENCE............................................................................ 43 SPORTSTER FLASH SPECIFICATIONS ............................................. 65 CE MARK............................................................................................ 66 Electromagnetic Compatibility......................................................... 66 SAFETY ............................................................................................... 66 LIMITED WARRANTY .....................
3Com/U.S. Robotics : The Intelligent Choice in Information Access™ C ongratulations! You have just purchased the Sportster Flash modem. Since 1976, 3Com/U.S. Robotics has grown to become a key manufacturer and developer of information access technology. 3Com/U.S. Robotics advanced technology allows you to use your faxmodem to open up a new world of information access.
2 Sportster Flash x2 - User’s Guide
Welcome to x2 Information Access The latest breakthrough in online communications Until now, 33.6Kbps was thought to be the practical limit for speed over standard phone lines. Now, x2 shatters that barrier, to bring you download speeds of up to 56Kbps. However, the download speeds you experience may be lower due to varying line conditions. This modem is software upgradeable, allowing easy upgrades to new features and enhancements as they become available.
The result is a completely new kind of transmission technique. Based on “encoding” rather than “modulation,” it can give you download speeds that you never thought possible. What’s more, with standard V.42bis compression, x2 can download at speeds up to a blistering 115.2Kbps. The new standard for online speed 3Com has already submitted x2 to the ITU-T standards committee for acceptance as the next online standard. For more information on U.S. Robotics x2 technology, see our World Wide Web page at http://.
Features Data Communications Your modem offers a range of internationally accepted standard modulation methods and protocols. It utilises hardware-based V.42/MNP 2-4 error control and V.42 bis/ MNP 5 data compression. Your modem will transmit at speeds up to 33,600 bps with throughput to 115,200 bps. Also, it is universally compatible with the following standards: V.34, V.32 bis, V.32, V.22 bis, Bell 212A/V.22, V.23, V.21 modems. Fax Capability You can use your modem with Class 1 or Class 2.
Personal Voice Mail* With Personal Voice Mail, your modem is a full-featured messaging system offering business-quality voice mail features in the convenience of your home or office. Using this feature, you can send voice greetings and record voice messages like a standard answering machine with several “voice mailboxes” on one system. You can even access your voice messages remotely.
External Modem Installation Getting Started This chapter will walk you through the installation of your external modem with your personal computer. Before getting started, make sure that you have the following items: · Modem · Serial Cable · Data/Fax/Voice software and User Guide · RJ11 - telephone lead & Tail lead adaptor · Power Adaptor · PSTN (Standard) Telephone Socket · This Guide There are two parts to installation: software and hardware.
Hardware Installation Steps Before you begin the modem installation, turn off your computer and any attached devices, such as a printer. Follow these steps to install your modem. Refer to the drawing below of the back panel. 1. Connect the serial cable to the modem and to the computer. When looking for your serial port label on the back of your computer, select COM, MODEM, RS-232, or SERIAL. Do NOT select AUX, GAME, LPT, or PARALLEL. Note which serial port you selected.
Speaker Attachment An external powered speaker or headset can be connected to the 3.5 mm speaker socket located on the back of your Sportster. This accessory is required when using the speakerphone and voice mail facilities. Microphone The microphone that is built into your modem is located on the front panel. Installing your Software 1. Insert the software diskette included with your modem or another modem software disk. If using other software, consult its own manual for installation procedures. 2.
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Communications Software Note: If you are using the communications software included with your modem, you can disregard this chapter. However, if you are using your own communications software, please refer to the software's manual and this chapter. Communications software allows you to change settings and issue commands to your modem. The software included with your modem is pre-configured for optimal performance with the Sportster. Refer to the software manual for any additional information.
Configuring Your Software 1. Turn on your computer and modem 2. Install your communications software (refer to the software's documentation). 3. From DOS, change to your Windows directory and type MSD. Type C for COM Ports. Find the line UART Chip Used and match it with the COM Port column to which you attached your modem to determine the UART type (usually 8250, 16450, or 16550). Remember your UART type for step 5. 4. Start your communications software program. 5.
Testing Your Installation 1. To test your modem and software installation, perform the software function that puts your computer in Terminal mode. In Terminal mode, a cursor appears on your screen, allowing you to send commands directly to the modem. 2.
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Sportster Flash and x2 Congratulations on your purchase of x2 56K technology! x2 is a revolutionary new technology that allows your modem to use normal analogue phone lines to enable download speeds up to 56kbps. Information about x2 For more information about x2, visit the 3Com, U.S. Robotics brand x2 Web Site at http://www.3Com.com. Enhanced x2 Features Your Sportster modem with x2 has new result codes and the following new features. Refer to later sections for more information.
How to Tell if x2 is Enabled in Your Modem If you are not sure whether x2 is enabled in your Sportster modem, use the ATI7 command to display product configuration information. If x2 is enabled on your Sportster modem, the following information displays: USRobotics Product type Options Fax Options Clock Freq Eprom Ram FLASH date FLASH rev Serial Number Sportster Configuration Profile... (Country) External V32bis, V.34+,x2 Class 1/Class 2.0 92.0Mhz 256k 64k 6/30/97 10.1.
The Shift from Analogue to Digital Circuits When the first telephone networks were established, they were completely analogue. Over time, telephone companies began replacing portions of their analogue networks with digital circuits, which provided a higher telephone signal quality at a more economical price. Today, the PSTN is almost entirely digital. Typically, the only portion of the telephone network that remains analogue is the line that connects your home to the telephone company's local exchange.
• MP I-modem or NETServer I-modem with x2 Making x2 Work To use x2, the x2 client modem must connect to an x2 server modem. If clients attempt to connect to ISPs that do not use x2, the client modem will negotiate the next available modulation. For example, an x2 client modem calling into an ISP that only supports V.34, will negotiate the highest V.34 connection rate. The maximum V.34 connection speed is 33.6kbps.
Controlling Link Speeds with &N and &U You can use the &N and &U commands to control link speeds. Sportster modems without x2 can still use the &N and &U commands, but can only control link speeds up to 33.6kbps. Controlling Link Speeds You can use the &N and &U commands to control the link speeds of your Sportster with x2.
Limiting the Lowest Possible Connect Speed The &U command allows you to limit the lowest possible connect speed. If a remote modem attempts to connect to your Courier with x2 at a speed lower than &U, your Sportster with x2 will not allow it to connect. To limit the Use this command Where x is Lowest possible connect speed AT&U=x A value from 0 to 31 Note: See table 12.4 for a list of connect speed values.
&N and &U Command Values Use the following table for a complete list of &N and &U link speeds and their associated indexes: Link Speed Index Link Speed Index Link Speed Index Highest 0 21600 11 45333 22 300 1 24000 12 46666 23 1200 2 26400 13 48000 24 2400 3 28800 14 49333 25 4800 4 31200 15 50666 26 7200 5 33600 16 52000 27 9600 6 33333 17 53333 28 12000 7 37333 18 54666 29 14400 8 41333 19 56000 30 16800 9 42666 20 57333 31 19200 10 44000
Troubleshooting x2 Client Connections Use the chart below to understand issues affecting your Sportster modem and how to fix them: Step This may be the issue Do this 1 x2 may not be enabled on your Sportster. See the section “How to Tell if x2 is Enabled” (Use the ATI7 command) 2 3 4 22 x2 protocol issues Use the ATI11 command and check the “x2 status” field for more information.
New x2 Result Codes Use the following table for a list of all result codes, including new x2 result codes: Numeric Alphanumeric 180 CONNECT 33333 181 CONNECT 33333/ARQ 182 CONNECT 33333/x2 183 CONNECT 33333/ARQ/x2 184 CONNECT 37333 185 CONNECT 37333/ARQ 186 CONNECT 37333/x2 187 CONNECT 37333/ARQ/x2 188 CONNECT 41333 189 CONNECT 41333/ARQ 190 CONNECT 41333/x2 191 CONNECT 41333/ARQ/x2 192 CONNECT 42666 193 CONNECT 42666/ARQ 194 CONNECT 42666/x2 195 CONNECT 42666/ARQ/x2 196 C
New x2 Result Codes (Continued) Numeric 24 Alphanumeric 207 CONNECT 46666/ARQ/x2 208 CONNECT 48000 209 CONNECT 48000/ARQ 210 CONNECT 48000/x2 211 CONNECT 48000/ARQ/x2 212 CONNECT 49333 213 CONNECT 49333/ARQ 214 CONNECT 49333/x2 215 CONNECT 49333/ARQ/x2 216 CONNECT 50666 217 CONNECT 50666/ARQ 218 CONNECT 50666/x2 219 CONNECT 50666/ARQ/x2 220 CONNECT 52000 221 CONNECT 52000/ARQ 222 CONNECT 52000/x2 223 CONNECT 52000/ARQ/x2 224 CONNECT 53333 225 CONNECT 53333/ARQ 226 C
Troubleshooting Before the modems connect… If your modem doesn't respond to any AT commands, · · · · · Make sure the modem is on. Make sure you selected the correct COM port and IRQ in your communications software, and/or in your Windows Control Panel. Make sure the computer is in Terminal mode. Type in all upper (AT) or lower (at) case. There may be a COM port/IRQ conflict. Try alternative IRQ/ COM port settings.
The problem may be with the modem you first tried to call. If your modem doesn't connect at 2400 bps with a 2400 bps modem, · · · The remote modem might be an older 2400 bps modem that does not support error control. Disable error control with the following command: AT&M0 Try connecting with the remote modem again.
If errors are occurring in your V.17 fax transmissions, · Enter the following initialisation string in your software modem set-up screen: AT&H3&I2&R2S7=60 · Disable any Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs that are running in the background. · If your problems occur when you send faxes from Windows and your computer has a 16550 UART, load the comdriver that came with your fax software. (This may require re-installing the software.) If you are running DOS 6.
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U.S. Robotics On-line Resources Connecting to the U.S. Robotics BBS To connect to the U.S. Robotics Bulletin Board System (BBS), dial 33320910308 If this is your first time connecting to our BBS, you will be asked to enter your name and a password and to fill out a questionnaire. Internet FTP The Internet FTP provides a free library containing the same files as the BBS site. To access the FTP site type ftp.usr.com.
America Online Connect to the U.S. Robotics Forum through America Online. Go to the Keyword field and type USROBOTICS to connect to the various U.S. Robotics resources, such as libraries, message boards, online customer support, and product announcements. Fax and Technical Support Hotline Technical questions about U.S. Robotics modems can also be answered via fax or by technical support representatives.
If You Must Return the Modem to Us • Contact U.S. Robotics Customer Support to obtain a Return Materials Authorisation (RMA) number. You must have an RMA number before returning the modem to us. Phone : +33 (0) 3 20 87 04 97 Fax : +33 (0) 3 20 87 06 94 • Ship the unit, postage paid, in a strong box made of corrugated cardboard with plenty of packing material (preferably the original container.) • Include your RMA number, name and address on the shipping label as well as inside the package.
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Glossary Cross references are printed in boldface. Cross references with items in the Command Summary chapter are printed in italics. Analogue Loopback A modem self-test in which data from the keyboard or an internal test pattern is sent to the modem's transmitter, modulated into analogue form, looped back to the receiver, and demodulated into digital form.
Asynchronous Transmission Data transmission in which the length of time between transmitted characters may vary. Because the time lapses between transmitted characters are not uniform, the receiving modem must be signalled as to when the data bits of a character begin and when they end. The addition of Start and Stop bits to each character serves this purpose. Auto Answer Sets the modem to pick up the phone line when it detects a certain number of rings. See S-register (S0) in Technical Quick Reference.
Byte A group of binary digits stored and operated upon as a unit. A byte may have a coded value equal to a character in the ASCII code (letters, numbers) or have some other value meaningful to the computer. In user documentation, the term usually refers to 8-bit units or characters. 1 kilobyte (Kbyte) is equal to 1,024 bytes or characters; 640 Kbytes indicates 655,360 bytes or characters. Carrier A tone signifying a connection the modem can alter to communicate data across telephone lines.
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 The mode in which the fax modem is capable of sending and receiving data files. A standard modem without fax capabilities is always in data mode.
DTE Data Terminal (or Terminating) Equipment. A computer that generates or is the final destination of data. Duplex Indicates a communications channel capable of carrying signals in both directions. See Half Duplex, Full Duplex. EIA Electronic Industries Association, which defines electronic standards in the U.S. Error Control Various techniques that check the reliability of characters (parity) or blocks of data. V.
Half Duplex Signal flow in both directions, but only one way at a time. In microcomputer communications, may refer to activation of the on-line Local Echo, which causes the modem to send a copy of the transmitted data to the screen of the sending computer. Hz Hertz, a frequency measurement unit used internationally to indicate one cycle per second. ITU-T An international organisation that defines standards for telegraphic and telephone equipment.
Non-volatile Memory (NVRAM) User-programmable random access memory whose data is retained when power is turned off. On the Sportster, it includes four stored phone numbers and the modem settings. OFF/ON Hook Modem operations that are the equivalent of manually lifting a phone receiver (taking it off-hook) and replacing it (going on-hook).
Remote Digital Loopback A test that checks the phone link and a remote modem's transmitter and receiver. Remote Echo A copy of the data received by the remote system, returned to the sending system, and displayed on the screen. Remote echoing is a function of the remote system. 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.
V.17 Fax A ITU-T standard for making facsimile connections at 14400 bps, 12000 bps, 9600 bps, 7200 bps. V.21 A ITU-T standard for modems operating in asynchronous mode at speeds up to 300 bps, full-duplex, on public switched telephone networks. V.22 A ITU-T standard for modem communications at 1200 bps, compatible with the Bell 212A standard observed in the U.S. and Canada. V.22 bis A ITU-T standard for modem communications at 2400 bps.
V.42 A 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.
Quick Reference Introduction The Quick Reference appendix includes information about the following: · Front Panel Lights · Command Summary · S-Registers Sportster Flash x2 - User’s Guide 43
Front Panel Lights Symbol Meaning Status AA Auto Answer/ Answer CD Carrier Detect RD Received Data SD Send Data TR Data Terminal CS Clear to Send ARQ/ Error Control/ FAX Fax Operations OH Off Hook 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.
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 not 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 but A/, +++ and A> must begin with the AT prefix and be entered by pressing a carriage return (Enter key).
Dn * DL Dials the specified phone number. Includes the following: P Pulse (rotary) dial T Tone dial , (Comma) Two-second pause; linked to S8 register ; (Semicolon) Return to Command mode after dialling ! (Exclamation point) Flashes the switch hook W Wait for second dial tone (X3 or higher); linked to S6 register @ Dials, waits for quiet answer, and continues (X3 or higher) R Originates call using answer (reverse) frequencies #,* Extended touch tone pad tones Dials the last-dialled number.
Hn Controls ON/OFF hook. H0 Hangs up (goes on hook) H1 Goes off hook In Displays the following information. I0 Four-digit product code I1 Results of ROM checksum I2 Results of RAM self test I3 Product type I4 Current modem settings I5 Nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) settings I6 Link diagnostics I7 Product configuration I9 Plug and Play information I11 Call statistics Ln Controls speaker volume. L0 Lowest L1 Low L2 Medium L3 High * Mn * Operates speaker.
Qn * Displays/suppresses result codes. Q0 Displays result codes Q1 Quiet mode; no result codes Q2 Displays result codes only in Originate mode Q3 Displays result codes only in Ring mode. Sr.b=n Sets bit .b of register r to n (0/OFF or 1/ON). Sr=n Sets register r to n. Sn? Displays contents of S-Register n. S$ Displays a list of the S-Registers. T Sets tone dial. Vn Displays verbal/numeric result codes.
Xn Sets result code displayed. Default is X4.
Yn * Selects power-on/reset default configuration. Y0 Default is profile 0 setting in NVRAM Y1 Default is profile 1 setting in NVRAM Y2 Generic Template (&F0) Y3 Hardware Flow Control (&F1) Y4 Software Flow Control (&F2) Zn Resets modem.
&Fn Loads a read-only (non-programmable) factory configuration. &F0 Generic template &F1 Hardware flow control template &F2 Software flow control template &Hn Sets Transmit Data(TD) flow control (also see &Rn) &H0 Flow control disabled * &H1 Hardware flow control, Clear to Send (CTS) &H2 Software flow control, XON/XOFF &H3 Hardware and software flow control &In * Sets Receive Data (RD) software flow control (see also &Rn).
&Nn Sets connect speed. If connection cannot be established at this speed, the modem will hang up.
&U=0 &U>0 &N=0 Connects at best possible speed between your modem and remote modem &N>0 Connects at speed defined by &N Connects at any speed faster than the value of &U. Connects at any speed between &N and &U. &Rn Sets Receive Data (RD) hardware flow control, Request to Send (RTS) (see also &In and &Hn). &R0 Reserved &R1 Modem ignores RTS * &R2 Received Data to computer only on RTS &Sn Controls Data Set Ready (DSR) operations.
&U7 &U8 &U9 &U10 &U11 &U12 &U13 &U14 &U15 &U16 &U17 &U18 &U19 &U20 &U21 &U22 &U23 &U24 &U25 &U26 &U27 &U28 &U29 &U30 &U31 12,000 bps 14,400 bps 16,800 bps 19,200 bps 21,600 bps 24,000 bps 26,400 bps 28,800 bps 31,200 bps 33,600 bps 33,333 bps 37,333 bps 41,333 bps 42,666 bps 44,000 bps 45,333 bps 46,666 bps 48,000 bps 49,333 bps 50,666 bps 52,000 bps 53,333 bps 54,666 bps 56,000 bps 57,333 bps &Wn Writes current configuration to NVRAM templates.
n (n = 0*3). C Cancels the display of the help screens. K Cancels the display of the help screens. S Pauses help screens. +++ Escapes to online-command mode.
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 56 Function S0 1 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 (read only). S2 43 Stores the ASCII decimal code for the escape code character. Default character is "+.
Register Default S10 7 Function Sets the duration, in tenths of a second, that the modem waits after loss of carrier before hanging up. This guard time allows the modem to distinguish between a line hit, or other disturbances that momentarily break the connection, from a true disconnect (hang up) by the remote modem.
Register Default S13 0 Function Bit-mapped register. Select the bit(s) you want on and set S13 to the total of the values in the Value column. For example, ATS13 = 17 enables bit 0 (value is 1) and bit 4 (value is 16). Bit 0 1 Value 1 2 2 3 4 8 4 16 5 6 7 32 64 128 Result Reset when DTR drops. Reset non-MNP transmit buffer from 1.5K to 128 bytes.* Set backspace key to delete. On DTR signal, auto dial the number stored in NVRAM at position 0.
Register Default Function S14 0 Reserved. S15 0 Bit-mapped register setup. To set the register, see instructions for S13. S16 0 Bit 0 1 Value 1 2 2 4 3 8 4 5 6 7 16 32 64 128 Result Disable ARQ/MNP for V.22. Disable ARQ/MNP for V.22 bis. Disable ARQ/MNP for V.32/V.32bis. Disable MNP handshake. Disable MNP level 4. Disable MNP level 3. MNP incompatibility. Disable V.42 operation. Bit-mapped register setup. To set the register, see instructions for S13.
Register Default 60 Function S19 0 Sets the duration, in minutes, for the inactivity timer. The timer activates when there is no data activity on the phone line; at time-out the modem hangs up. S19 = 0 disables the timer. S20 0 Reserved. S21 10 Sets the length, in 10-millisecond units, of breaks sent from the modem to the computer; applies to MNP or V.42 mode only. S22 17 Stores the ASCII decimal code for the XON character. S23 19 Stores the ASCII decimal code for the XOFF character.
Register Default S27 1 Function Bit-mapped register setup. To set the register, see instructions for S13. Bit 0 Value 1 1 2 2 3 4 8 4 5 6 7 16 32 64 128 Result Enables ITU-T V.21 modulation at 300 bps for overseas calls; in V.21 mode, the modem answers both overseas and domestic (U.S. and Canada) calls, but only originates V.21 calls. (Default Bell 103) Enables unencoded (nontrellis coded) modulation in V.32 mode; rarely used part of ITU-T Recommendation V.32. Disables V.32 modulation.
Register Default S28 0 8 255 Function Eliminates the V.32 answer tones for a faster connection. Default item, all times are in tenths of seconds. Disables all connections except V.32 at 9600 bps. S29 20 Sets the duration, in tenths of a second, of the V.21 answer mode fallback timer. S30 20 Reserved. S31 128 Volume control for speakerphone. S32 2 Bit mapped register setup. To set the register, see the instructions for S13. Bit 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 S33 0 Result V.8 Call Indicate enabled.
Register Default S34 0 S35-S37 S38 Function Bit mapped register setup. To set registers, see instructions for S13. Bit 0 Value 1 1 2 2 4 3 8 4 5 6 7 16 32 64 128 Result Disable 8S-2D trellis encoding. Disable 16S-4D trellis encoding. Disable 32S-2D trellis encoding. Disable 64S-4D trellis encoding. Disable non-linear coding. Disable TX level deviation. Disable Pre-emphasis. Disable Pre-coding. Reserved.
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Sportster Flash Specifications Compatibility Data: ITU-T V.34 (Inc. 33,600bps), V.FC, ITU-T V.32bis, V.23, V.22 bis, V.22, V.21 and Bell 212A, 103. Fax: Send and receive Group III Fax, Class 1, Class 2.0; ITU-T V.17, V.29, V.27 ter Speeds Data: 33.6K, 31.2K, 28.8K, 26.4K, 24K, 21.6K, 19.2K, 16.8K, 14.4K, 12K, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, 1200, 1200/75/1200, 300 bps Fax: 14.4K, 12K, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400 Error correction ITU-T V.42, MNP 2-4 Data compression ITU-T V.
CE Mark Electromagnetic Compatibility This device complies with the following standards in accordance with the European Directives 89/336/EEC.
Limited Warranty U.S. Robotics warrants to the original end-user purchaser that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of purchase. During the limited warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, the product will be repaired or replaced (with the same or a similar model, which may be a refurbished model) at U.S. Robotics’ option, without charge for either parts or labor.
