HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: eb@felix.Sublink.Org (Enrico Badella)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Repairing a T2500, is it worth it?
Date: 20 Nov 92 18:44:03 GMT
Organization: Soft*Star s.r.l, Torino, Italy

I have a dead T2500 and it's also out of warranty; I was wondering
if it was worth while to have it repaired or just throwing it in
the garbage. Probably the cost of transport from Italy to the States
and back plus repair is more or less the same as buy a WorldBlazer.

Any experience, ideas, suggestions?

-- 
Enrico Badella				Internet: eb@felix.sublink.org
Soft*Star s.r.l.			          eb@icnucevx.cnuce.cnr.it
Via Camburzano 9			Phone:    +39-11-746092
10143 Torino, ITALY			Fax:      +39-11-746487
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: creed@blowfish.taligent.com (Creed Erickson)
Subject: Modem/Comm port abstractions
Followup-To: comp.dcom.modems
Organization: Taligent, Inc.
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1992 21:09:28 GMT

The recent discussion of 16550 UARTS and Windows comm port abstraction
prompts me to ask this newsgroup for some opinions on the subject of comm
port abstractions.

For those familiar with the 16550 and why a FIFO is A Good Thing, skip the
next two paragraphs.

If you have a modem delivering bytes to the port at the full bandwidth of a
14.4Kbaud channel then you have a little less than 700 microseconds to
service a received buffer full interrupt.  For arguments sake, let's add
2:1 modem compression on top of that and you reduce that time to about 350
microseconds.  In a premptive multi-tasking situation (OS/2, UNIX, or what
have you) which is loaded with a bunch of other interrupt stuff happening,
this is not an abundance of time.  Allowing time for other interrupts and
task scheduling latencies, you could ocassionaly have the machine
effectively locked into interrupt service loops and not get enough time for
the comm program task to process the character before the next one needs to
be read.

If a 16550 (16 byte FIFO) is used, this maximum bearable latency goes up
potentially by a factor of 16 to somewhere around 5.5 milliseconds.  This
is a more comfortable timeframe in which to snag characters from the chip,
pass them off to the comm program, and expect the comm program to actually
have enough time scheduled to do something with the data.  This is one
reason there are so many proponents of the 16550 for multi-tasking
environments. The FIFO is a highly desirable feature because it gives
breathing room.

It has been said here that Windows abstracts the hardware and presents a
8250 interface to the software. This seems like a least common denominator
approach. 

My questions are (assume FIFOs can be efficiently emulated in software): 

   1) Why is the Windows LCD approach the right one?  (Or is it?)

   2) Why not abstract the hardware as a 16550? I.E., programs would see
the comm port as a 16550, regardless of what is actually there (8250,
16450, etc.)? 

   3) Using the theory that if something is worth doing then it's worth
over-doing, why not make the base abstraction a 16550 with a 1Kb FIFO?  

   4) Let's go one step further and make the abstraction handle a user
specified FIFO size, what's wrong with that?

   5) What does this higher level hardware abstraction break? How does it
break it?

Thoughts? Opinions? Inquiring minds want to know.

Creed Erickson,
Software Dweeb and Spurious Interrupt

Opinions expressed here are not neccessarily those of my employer, but I'm
working on it.
From: colbert@astro.umd.edu (Edward J.M. Colbert)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Gateway Telepath Modem
Date: 15 Nov 92 19:18:05 GMT
Organization: University of Maryland, Astronomy Department

Has anyone out there had any experience with the Telepath modem offered
in Gateway's latest ad.  I am looking for a reliable, inexpensive high-
speed modem (external).  From past experience, Gateway has selected good-
quality peripherals for their machines.  How about this one?

Ed
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: lawrence@combdyn.com (Lawrence Chen)
Subject: Re: Ever Left a Supra on for 24 hrs ?
Organization: Combustion Dynamics Ltd.
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 22:20:17 GMT

In article <1992Nov20.003301.17265@nuscc.nus.sg> isc10192@nusunix1.nus.sg (KOH KHANG WEE) writes:
>Has Anyone left his Supra on for 24 hrs and lived to tell the tale ?
>I have a supra and it seems the problems lie with the power adapter and
>not the modem itself. The Adapter heats up so much until it is too hot
>to touch after five hours of usage, however the modem is still alright.
>What i am afraid is the Adapter burning up on me. Maybe someone can tell
>me about their experiences ?

I've left my Supras (2) on since I got them, never touched the adapter until
now.  The adapter isn't hotter than some the power adapter for my CD player
and its been plugged in ever since I got, and that one hasn't burned up
yet.  So, I don't think the temperature is a major concern if its lasted
this long (my definition is 24 hours).  I had cheaper adapters burn out
after 24 hours....but none of my modem adapters have ever burned out (knock
on wood???)
 
I was a bit worried about the heat of the modem though, its sits in the small
space between the underside of my desk and the top of my tower case....barely
enough room to get my hand in to see how hot it is.  The first Supra is quite
warm, but the second one isn't quite as warm.....the only difference I can
see is the placement of the speaker....the size might have something to do
with it too.  I can barely hear the one in the newer Supra.

Another nice thing about the power adapters is that mounted in a power bar...
I have 6 on my computer at home....they make a great foot warmer....8-)

-- 
 --EMAIL-----------------------------PHONE-----------FAX------------
 | WORK: lawrence@combdyn.com      | (403)529-2162 | (403)529-2516 |
 | HOME: dreamer@lhaven.uumh.ab.ca | (403)526-6019 | (403)529-5102 |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------
  disclamer = (working_for && !representing) + (Combustion Dynamics Ltd.);
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: johnson@tigger.jvnc.net (Steven L. Johnson)
Subject: Re: PEP over SLIP?
Originator: johnson@tigger.jvnc.net
Keywords: SLIP PEP
Organization: JvNCnet
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 18:00:03 GMT

vjs@rhyolite.wpd.sgi.com (Vernon Schryver) writes:

>SLIP over PEP moves far more bytes/sec than SLIP over 2400.

I didn't see my response in this thread, so I guess my newserver here
ate it.  Summary: In a simple test: PEP=615 cps, V.22bis=180 cps.  PEP
will work.

>However,
>	-PEP is better for SLIP than v.32 if you are moving bulk data

I believe this is dependent on protocol and configuration.  For example
in the same simple test (FTP/SLIP) as run above V.32 showed an average
of 742 cps (actual file data) or 20% better than PEP.  I made no
effort to tune TCP for large windows or high latency.

-Steve
From: st1r8@elroy.uh.edu (Guillot, Burt J.)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: Why is Supra able to sell?
Date: 15 Nov 1992 12:23 CST
Organization: University of Houston
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: elroy.uh.edu
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    

In article <1dujchINNpr2@transfer.stratus.com>, dvasconc@sw.stratus.com (D Vasconcelos) writes...

>	I am surprised you compare the Zyxel and the Courier Dual Standard.
>	The DS supports two connect protocols, and has various other features
>	(ie. ASL, modular upgrades) not present in Zyxel.
> 
>	It WOULD be fair to compare Zyxel w/ a USR Sportster .. in price and
>	features these modems have a lot more in common.  I would strongly
>	recommend you look at the Sportster .. from what I have seen it is
>	a solid modem.

Hello, David.  I will never buy a USR modem.  Why?  Number 1.  The prices
are too high.  Number 2.  The USR people think all users are idiots.  When
USR made a boo boo and released the Sportser with ROM version 4.1 that
allowed a few commands to "transform" it into a Dual Standard and then 
claimed that doing this would cause your hard drive to be erased!  Well,
they just don't want to admit a mistake.  They can make a Dual Standard
and sell it at the price of a Sportster and still make a profit, but they
just want to drain every penny out of you they can.  I'm not saying that
the USR is a bad modem.  It is an excellent modem.  I'm just saying that
I won't buy one.

Number 3 reason why I won't buy a USR modem.  They have no plans of EVER
supporting voice mail.  I called them and asked them if it was a 
possibility, they said they said "zero possibility".

Zyxel seems to be working night and day on improving their modems.  They
released a 16.8 chip and I've heard they may come out with a 19.2K chip
that will allow them to talk that speed with other Zyxel.  I've also
heard they may even be offering the info to other manufacturers for
free, but I have my doubts about that.  It has FAX (like the new USR
modems and voice mail.  They display looks good too.
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems,biz.comp.telebit
From: larry@gator.rn.com (Larry Snyder)
Subject: Re: Worldblazer fax upgrade
Organization: The Gator Conferencing System 219-289-3745 
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 21:45:12 GMT

Monty Solomon <monty%roscom@think.com> writes:

>It won't have support for data/fax detection for incoming calls (like it
>does for the ZyXEL) since the Telebit fax capability supposedly doesn't
>provide support for this feature.

that's a shame.  You would think that Telebit would provide just
about all the features that are available on other products that 
are on the market when releasing a new product

-- 
Larry Snyder                                    internet: larry@gator.rn.com
keeper of the Gator                                  uucp: uunet!gator!larry
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems,comp.dcom.fax,ont.uucp
From: adb@herboid.uucp (Anthony DeBoer)
Subject: Faxmodems under Unix?
Organization: Linda's Dragon Memorial Society
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 04:37:36 GMT

I'm in the process of contemplating adding a faxmodem to a Unix system,
and I was wondering what sort of software is needed to drive it.  The
system presently has absolutely no graphics software.  Does a faxmodem
work like a laser printer; i.e. can I send ASCII text for it to convert to
some font, or do I have to send it some form of bitmap or image of the
page(s) I want to send?  In the latter case, what software are people
using to do this?

The application would involve dial-out only, to send text files to fax
machines.

BTW, the modem being considered is the Supra.

Thanks in advance.
-- 
Anthony DeBoer  <adb@herboid.uucp | adb@geac.com | uunet!geac!herboid!adb>
From: david.santos@cccbbs.UUCP (David Santos) 
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: US TO UK CONNECTION
Date: 16 Nov 92 13:00:00 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: Cincinnati Computer Connection BBS - Cincinnati, OH - 513-752-8248
Reply-To: david.santos@cccbbs.UUCP (David Santos) 

Does anyone have any experience in hooking up modems between
the U.S. and the U.K.?  We're using USR dual standards.  USR's on
both ends will not work at all.  A USR on our end and a U.K. brand
called Miricom on their end produces sporadic results.

Anybody?

appendum   We'll evenntually be using pcAnywhere to connect the machines
From: kkuisman@klaava.Helsinki.FI (Kalle E Kuismanen)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: AT commands
Date: 18 Nov 92 16:15:09 GMT
Organization: University of Helsinki

Could somebody tell a good place to get complete list of AT commands for
most modems. An Anonymous ftp site perhaps.

I have modem without instructions & my communication programs don't know

how to set it up.

	Thank's in advance.
From: johnch@smaug.West.Sun.COM (John Chandler)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: Illegal Sales from Mark Margolis
Date: 18 Nov 1992 13:24:52 -0800
Organization: Impossible Missions Force
NNTP-Posting-Host: pongo

In article <1992Nov11.002935.8839@inftec.be> mike@inftec.be (Mike Aerts) writes:
>In article <rlcarr.06t4@animato.network23.com> rlcarr@animato.network23.com (Rich Carreiro) writes:
>>In article <30073@nntp_server.ems.cdc.com> ghart@ems.cdc.com (Geoffrey Hart) writes:
>>> |> In article <1d20omINNlqd@flop.ENGR.ORST.EDU> valhert@mist.CS.ORST.EDU (valhert) writes:
>    [ Stuff deleted ]
>>> The rules for commercial activity on the Internet are not well enforced in
>>> other areas.  I think this activity by Margolis, even if it is commercial
>>> in nature, is not worth the time you have spent to try and stop it.
>>
>>Yes, it is hurtful.  This Margolis guy is getting free advertising at
>>taxpayer expense.  As a taxpayer, I do not appreciate this.  Also,
>>commercial stuff going over the NSF backbone is *illegal*.

Can someone come up with a figure for how many cents annually it costs
each taxpayer to run the entire Internet?  I would only advise
worrying about this particular commercial use of a government resource
if you feel that your blood pressure is too low.  What abuse of the
Internet could possibly be more costly and stupid than military bands?
Do you plan on stopping them too?  What about allowing a private
company to sell pictures generated by taxpayer-financed satellites?
And to prohibit free Internet access to them?

Actually, I wish people wouldn't provoke net-police mentalities by
putting their prices on the net.  How about just announcing that more
information is available by e-mail, similar to what is done on public
radio announcements of performances ("For more information, call this
mumber ...")?


John C
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: sl@wimsey.bc.ca (Stuart Lynne)
Subject: Re: Why is Supra able to sell?
Organization: BC News and Mail
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1992 02:45:28 GMT

In article <sjt17a0@rhyolite.wpd.sgi.com> vjs@rhyolite.wpd.sgi.com (Vernon Schryver) writes:
>The association between PEP and UNIX is changing.
>
>I see more and more UUCP links on one reasonably well connected
>machine, sgi.com, that prefer v.32 or v.32bis.

Yes, especially for local calls. v.32bis/v.42bis gets better throughput
than traditional PEP.

People tell me that PEP does work better for long distance.

-- 
Stuart Lynne <sl@wimsey.bc.ca> ....................... UNIX Facsimile Software
Wimsey Information Technologies ................... moderator biz.sco.binaries
uucp login:nuucp passwd:nuucp .................. ftp.wimsey.bc.ca:~ftp/ls-lR.Z
PD Software for SCO UNIX .................. ftp.wimsey.bc.ca:~ftp/pub/wimseypd
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: wtm@uhura.neoucom.edu (Bill Mayhew)
Subject: Re: T-3000 + Fax Upgrade
Keywords: T-3000 fax WorldBlaer upgrade
Organization: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 14:04:49 GMT

The newer T-3000 units are the same as Worldblazers except for the
EPROMs (possibly) and a PAL chip (definitely).  The WB EPROM code
will recogize the board as a T-3000 and will act like a T-3000
until the PAL is swapped.  After the PAL change, Poof! instant WB.

I found this out when I received the T-3000 to WB upgrade that had
a defective PAL.  I left the WB EPROMs in, and put the old PAL back
in until TB sent me a new PAL.

Presuming all the code will fit into the EPROM space, the fax
upgrade should just be new EPROMS and a new PAL.  Hopefully some
decent hoset software is included.


-- 
Bill Mayhew      NEOUCOM Computer Services Department
Rootstown, OH  44272-9995  USA    phone: 216-325-2511
wtm@uhura.neoucom.edu   (140.220.1.1)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: spyder@admiral.uucp (Eric)
Subject: PP 14.4 vs. the Intel 14.4 SatisFAXtion
Reply-To: spyder@admiral.uucp (Eric)
Organization: The Grid/Waffle BBS, 203-661-2873, -1279, -0450, -2967
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 21:09:51 GMT

I have a PM14400FXSA v.32bis modem, and I have the 1.15M firmware, and
I'm still extremely displeased with its performance.  I never connects
anywhere very well....the handshakes take forever, and sometimes it
never connects.  I've been thinking that maybe I should return it to
PP, via the sysop deal, and go for an Intel 14.4 SatisFAXtion instead.
Does anyone know about the quality of the Intel?..is it any good?..
are you having any problems?..is it extremely sensitive to line nosie
(line noise) like the PP is?...or is it almost as good as a USR, where
no one ever has any problems with it?

--
spyder%admiral.uucp@yale.edu (Eric) <yale!admiral!spyder>
The Admiral's Public UNIX - Greenwich, CT - System Administrator: Doug Fields
(HST/V32) (203)661-2873 -- (PEP/V32) -1279 -- (V32) -0450 -- (V29/MNP6) -2967
>FREE!< Unix shell accounts, Usenet access, and Internet-style mail available
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: wade@nb.rockwell.com (Wade Guthrie)
Subject: Re: Ever Left a Supra on for 24 hrs ?
Organization: Rockwell International
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 01:00:56 GMT


I've seen problems with the power adapter of the Supra mentioned -- is it my
imagination, or do the problems exist primarily outside the US?  Anyone had
problems INSIDE the US with their power adapter (it seems like this may be
the problem on the referenced article) on a Supra modem?

Wade
wade@nb.rockwell.com
From: shim@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Sam Shim)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: UARTS / simulated UARTS / Intel SatisFAXtion 400 modems
Date: 15 Nov 92 16:22:22 GMT
Organization: The Ohio State University


   There's been an interesting discussion on the value of the 16550AFN
UART, so I'd like to add my bit of wisdom to this discussion.

   First, the 16550AFN has a 16 byte buffer, not a 16 bit buffer and not
a 16 kilobyte buffer.  I think not everyone is clear on that.

   Although I consider the 16550AFN to be much better than a 16450 and 
its clones, I don't consider it a "cure-all" UART chip.  Running Desqview,
I still experience quite a bit of dropped characters with the 16550AFN.
The only piece of hardware that I have found that does not under any
conditions overflow the UART is the Intel SatisFAXtion 400 modem.
It's smart buffering capabilities truly work well.  The 16550AFN, which
you might consider to be 16 times better than a 16450, pales in
comparison to the Intel S400 simulated UART.  So if you are looking
for a 14.4K or 9600 modem and worried about dropped characters due
to the transmission speed, I would recommend the Intel SatisFAXtion
400 modem.  But keep in mind of it's limitations.  It's an internal
modem, so you won't have the blinking lights, and it's designed for
DOS/Windows and OS/2 use only.  Unless you feel like hacking away, don't
expect it to work with other operating systems.  With DOS, the modem
software is downloaded the to modem at boot up time, which takes a second
or two, but allows for easy upgrades.  The latest revisions are no more
than a telephone call and a download away, and there's no need for ROM
swaps.

   And for those of you running Windows in 386 enhanced mode, Windows
automatically buffers the COM ports.  It defaults to 128 characters.
But if you want to be safe, you might want to up that a little, to
around 512 bytes or 1K, with the possibility of a slight performance
loss.  It's controlled by the 'COMxBuffer' in the '[386enh]' section
of the Window's system.ini file.

-Sam-
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: larry@gator.rn.com (Larry Snyder)
Subject: Re: Repairing a T2500, is it worth it?
Organization: The Gator Conferencing System 219-289-3745 
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1992 16:43:45 GMT

eb@felix.Sublink.Org (Enrico Badella) writes:

>I have a dead T2500 and it's also out of warranty; I was wondering
>if it was worth while to have it repaired or just throwing it in
>the garbage. Probably the cost of transport from Italy to the States
>and back plus repair is more or less the same as buy a WorldBlazer.

>Any experience, ideas, suggestions?

obviously, it depends on what is wrong with it, and how much 
it will cost to repair.  Telebit might have some kind of exchange
program (I don't know if they do, several companies that I deal 
with offer this) where you pay a flat price for repair regardless
of the problem


-- 
Larry Snyder                                    internet: larry@gator.rn.com
keeper of the Gator                                  uucp: uunet!gator!larry
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: berger@atropa (Mike Berger)
Subject: Re: Why not Supra?
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Distribution: na
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 21:13:12 GMT

howie@intermec.com (Howard Kaplan x1696) writes:
>Gateway Telepath - Model tested had the latest PROMs as of September 1992. 
>	This modem is cheap ($199) and comes with the best 
>	software bundle. END OF GOOD NEWS. This was the worst performing
>	modem BY FAR. It does not like to renegotiate and when it does
*----
I just wanted to point out that the $ 199 price is comparable to the
price of the Boca and Supra internal - since it wasn't delivered
back in March (when it WAS a good price) it is no longer much of
a bargain.  The Boca is readily available for $ 220 from a number
of sources.
--
	Mike Berger
	Internet    berger@atropa.stat.uiuc.edu
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: RE: ZyXEL new ROM released -- 5.04
From: aleung@uwpg02.uwinnipeg.ca
Date: 23 NOV 92 01:15:36 CST
Organization: University of Winnipeg

ZyXEL is made in Taiwan. I think Zero One will provide the support for the latest ROMs from Taiwan. If they won't. I think they don't paid any attention for the product they carries.

Alan.
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: bill@unixland.natick.ma.us (Bill Heiser)
Subject: Re: Opinions about ZOOM 14.4K FAX modem?
Keywords: FAX,MODEM,ZOOM
Organization: Unixland Public Access Unix  (508) 655-3848
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 15:57:45 GMT

elrond@freeside.com (SysAdmin) writes:

>group, I have decided to purchase the ZOOM V.32bis FAX/Modem.  The only 
>modem that beats it in (list) price is the Supra, and you all know how 
>well that one has gone over here.  As far as mail order goes, the ZOOM can

If you plan on using your modem to run an online system or BBS, I'd
advise against the ZOOM.  It is unreliable in that environment.

-- 
bill@unixland.natick.ma.us                      ESIX Mailing List Moderator
Public Access UNIX/USENET/E-MAIL!  UUCP Accounts Available!  (508) 655-3848
                            V.32/PEP/V.42bis, etc.   Located in Natick, MA USA
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
From: hbj@engr.uark.edu (Bernard Johnson)
Subject: Re: ZyXEL: Fall Forward? Yes or No?
Organization: University of Arkansas
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 06:35:57 GMT

geoff@zswamp.UUCP (Geoffrey Welsh) writes:

>   *All* V.32bis modems must support fallback and fallforward requests.  
>However, they are not obliged to honour them (i.e., they may refuse and insist 
>on keeping the current speed), 

I really wouldn't call that supporting it then.  The way I understood the spec
was that the modem was not required to initiate a fall{back/forward} but must
honor one if requested by the connected modem.

Bernard Johnson
hbj@engr.uark.edu
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: RE: INTEL MODEMS
From: Burton Randol <TRIGC@CUNYVM.BITNET>
Date: Saturday, 21 Nov 1992 10:31:14 EST
Distribution: world
Organization: City University of New York/ University Computer Center

Some of the reported problems with the Intel 400 have been corrected
in later releases of the driver software. In particular, difficulties
associated with connections to older 2400 baud modems, and support of
14400 fax rates.

Concerning the former, I recently tried to connect to the Galacticoms
at the Micrografix Support BBS using an Intel 400 and experienced no
difficulties whatsoever.

After Installing an Intel 400 several months ago, I got trouble-free
connections to a wide variety of high-speed and 2400 baud modems at
several locations, with one exception. I could not connect to the
2400 baud modems at the CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU site (I think they are Racals).
I reported the problem to Intel, and a few weeks later was called at
home by a technical support representative who informed me that the
problem had been corrected, and the corrections incorporated
into their latest driver software. I immediately downloaded the drivers,
and found that the problem had in fact been corrected. A later release
of the driver software enables 14400 fax send/receive.