From: clau@acs.ucalgary.ca (Christopher Lau)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: ZyXEL as answering machine ? (PC-Software)
Date: 29 Dec 92 05:35:04 GMT
Organization: The University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

jeroenp@rulfc1.LeidenUniv.nl (Jeroen W. Pluimers) writes:
> In article <wkrause.725552962@kaa> wkrause@kaa.informatik.rwth-aachen.de (Wolfgang Krause) writes:
> 
> >After upgrading my ZyXEL modem to 5.02 ROMs, I learned, that the new 
> >ROM versions contain a voice mode, that digitizes sounds from the
> >phoneline.
> 
> So, am i right that I conclude that I can buy a ZyXEL as a sort
> of modem/FAX/answering machine combination?
> 

In a word- YES, it will even decode Caller-ID!  bear in mind however, that
the ZFAX software that comes with the modem isn't great- it works, but no
fancy or special features.  The voice answering machine part basically will
play a recorded message and record incoming messages onto your hard disk
(unless you get the E+ or the S/S+ models, voice digitization is ADPCM
2 bits/sample 19200 bps, so make sure you have a moderate amount of disk space
available- average message size with ADPCM/19.2 is about 35-55K, about half
that with CELP available on the E+ and S/S+ models), you can also retrieve
your messages remotely by typing a programmable 4-digit touch-tone code, but
that's the extent of it.  The fax works, but again, its nothing fancy- if you
want to use it seriously for fax, you need to get WinFax Pro or something.

> If so, what are the experiences from other people
> using it in this combination?

IF (a big if)- ZyXEL ever decides to provide more information on the modem
(through the developer's kit), the modem has the capability to be programmed
as an advanced voice-mail/FAX/data communications system. 

Here's my general review of my ZyXEL U-1496E Plus:
The software that comes with the modem needs refinement- it doesn't live up
to what the modem can really do.  But as to the quality of the product, I'm
VERY pleased with mine..  it comes with a 5-year warranty, user-upgradable
EPROM (binaries are available on several anonymous FTP sites), it has
connected solidly on almost every modem I've called (I've had trouble
connecting to one particular Telebit and an old Multitech v.32 9600).  If
you don't have a 16550A UART, you can program the modem to average throughput
so you get a more constant rate rather than the typical bursty transfers (I
had to put up with not having a 16550 for about a month after I got the modem-
this feature made a noticeable difference for me).  Even with the averaging
on, with the com port locked at 19.2kbps and modem connecting at 14.4k, I got
about 1650 cps on transfers of .ZIP files, when I got a 16550 and turned off
averaging, my transfer speeds went up slightly to about 1670 cps.  From another
ZyXEL connecting at 16.8K, I reached 2000 cps on compressed files- who needs
v.fast :-) !

The insides of the modem are well designed (unfortunately everything
except the firmware EPROMs and the DSP memory board was soldered in which
would make repairs difficult once your modem is no longer on warranty).  It
uses custom ASICs (no worries about the problems in the Rockwell chipsets)
a Toshiba 16 (20 for E+/S+ models) MHz 68000 microprocessor, and two TMS320C25
DSPs with (if I remember correctly) 64K data RAM each.  The case plastic is
a bit soft, so you have to watch it when you open the modem up to change
EPROMs- the manual suggests that you push or pry the locking tabs on the
modem aside to open it- this is a good way to damage the case.  The best way
to open the case is documented in a file on EPROM replacement from the ZyXEL
BBS- put it on its side on a firm surface, push down on each corner enough
for the tabs to come out and gently pry the case halves (NOT the TAB) apart.

The manual is generally well written, although a few places still sound a bit
rough (not a surprise since it was written by their Taiwanese support people)
and it really needs more detail on its advanced features (such as DTMF
recognition, voice data formats etc...)

> 
> If these are good, it would be a good buy for me....

I thought it was a good buy- it can do more than any other modem out there, 
and I've found it more reliable than a USR Sportster 14.4K.  If you run a BBS,
they've even got a sysop deal!

> 
> --
> jeroen                             voice: +31-2522-20908 (19:00-23:00 UTC)
>                                    snail: P.O. Box 266
> jeroenp@rulfc1.LeidenUniv.nl              2170 AG Sassenheim
> jeroen_pluimers@f256.n281.z2.fidonet.org  The Netherlands

c4
-- 
Christopher Lau                      |    Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor,
The University of Calgary            |    not an engineer!
Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engg. |    Well, you're an engineer now..
lau@enel.ucalgary.ca -OR- clau@acs.ucalgary.ca -OR- root@fusion.cuc.ab.ca