User manual US ROBOTICS 005683-02

This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following 3Com modem: U.S. Robotics 56 kbps WinmodemTM U.S. Robotics is a registered trademark and Connections, RapidComm, and x2 are trademarks of 3Com Corporation and its subsidiaries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Inc. America Online is a registered trademark of America Online Inc. Any other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used in this manual are the property of their respective owners. © 1998 3Com Corporation 7770 North Frontage Road Skokie, IL 60077-2690 All Rights Reserved IMPORTANT! In accordance with the ITU-T standard for 56K transmissions, this modem is 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 and other factors. Uploads from users to server equipment travel at speeds up to 31.2 Kbps. An analog phone line compatible with the ITU-T 56K standard or x2 technology, and an Internet provider or corporate host site compatible with the ITU-T 56K standard or x2 technology are necessary for these high-speed downloads. TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to 56k Information Access Product Features Windows 3.x Installation How to Insert the Modem Running the Installation on a Windows 3.1 or 3.11 System Before You Begin (Windows 95 Users) Windows 95 Installation How to Prepare For Plug and Play Checking Your Version of Windows 95 Checking Your System's Resources How to Insert the Modem Installing the Winmodem Software in Windows 950a Installing the Winmodem Software in Windows 950b Un-Installing the Winmodem Software in Windows Software Installation and Testing Software Installation and Registration Using the Update Wizard Starting the Wizard Installing the RapidComm Fax/Data Software 1 2 3 4 8 13 14 14 14 16 17 21 22 26 29 29 30 31 TABLE OF CONTENTS Installing Other Fax/Data Software Type of Modem Initialization String Flow Control Using Modem Station Why Modem Station? What Does Modem Station Do? Installing Modem Station Starting Modem Station Using Detect New Modems Using Terminal Using Modem Configurator Using Modem to Computer Using the Extended Information Screens U.S. Robotics Update Wizard Installing the Wizard Updating Your Modem Troubleshooting and Online Help Resources Problems and Solutions Online Help Resources Are You Still Having Problems? If You Need to Return the Modem to 3Com 32 32 32 33 34 34 34 34 37 39 40 43 46 50 56 57 57 58 58 69 72 73 TABLE OF CONTENTS Glossary Regulatory Information Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity Caution to the User (Canada) IC UL Listing/CUL Listing Connecting to the Telephone Company Fax Branding Radio and Television Interference For Canadian Modem Users Limited Warranty 74 88 88 89 89 89 90 90 91 92 95 WELCOME TO 56K INFORMATION ACCESS The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) decides the technical protocols communications devices must use to interoperate with each other. Modems that comply with ITU standards can "talk to" other standards-compliant modems and fax machines worldwide. The ITU has decided on a worldwide 56K standard technology. So, now with a U.S. Robotics modem you can get all the Internet you want from any service provider who offers the ITU standard 56K technology or x2TM technology. This modem will give you the most compatibility with high speed downloads from service providers that offer the ITU 56K standard technology or x2 technology to their customers. 3Com is working with providers everywhere to quickly upgrade their service to the ITU 56K standard. * Capable of receiving up to 56 Kbps and sending up to 31.2 Kbps. Due to FCC regulations, receiving speeds are limited to 53 Kbps. Actual speeds may vary. Requires compatible phone line and server equipment. Complies with both the proposed ITU 56K standard and x2 protocols. ITU 56K standard officially determined in February, 1998; expected to be ratified in September, 1998. See www.3com.com/56k 1 PRODUCT FEATURES Modulation Schemes 56K ITU-T standard x2TM technology ITU-T V.34+ ITU-T V.34 ITU-T V.32bis ITU-T V.32 ITU-T V.22bis ITU-T V.22 ITU-T V.23 Bell 212A ITU-T V.21 Bell 103 Error Control and Data Compression Schemes ITU-T V.42 ITU-T V.42bis MNP 2-5 Fax Modulation Schemes ITU-T V.17 ITU-T V.29 ITU-T V.27ter ITU-T V.21 Fax Standards EIA 578 Class 1 FAX EIA 592 Class 2.0 FAX Front Channel Link Rates 28000, 29333, 30666, 32000, 33333, 34666, 36000, 37333, 38666, 40000, 41333, 42666, 44000, 45333, 46666, 48000, 49333, 50666, 52000, 53333, 54666, 56000, 57333 Back Channel Link Rates 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400, 16800, 19200, 21600, 24000, 26400, 28800, 31200 33600 V.34+ Link Rates 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400, 16800, 19200, 21600, 24000, 26400, 28800, 31200, 33600 V.32bis Link Rates 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400 Additional Link Rates 300, 1200/75 (V.23), 1200, 2400 Fax Link Rates2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400 2 WINDOWS 3.X INSTALLATION These instructions cover the installation of the Winmodem hardware and the accompanying software under Windows 3.x. These instructions are for users of either Windows® 3.1, Windows 3.11, or Windows for Workgroups. You'll need these items from your U.S. Robotics modem box: the modem a phone cord Connections CD Winmodem disk Guide Installation Plus: a screwdriver (not included) 3 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X This chapter will walk you through the installation of your Winmodem. There are two parts to the installation: hardware (the modem) and software. The modem must be installed before the software. How to Insert the Modem NOTE: Before installing your modem, write down its serial number. (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. This will help him or her identify your modem. 1. Shut down Windows, turn off your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet. 2. Unplug any peripheral devices (printer, monitor, keyboard) from the computer. NOTE: Your Winmodem supports Plug and Play installation, the fastest, easiest way to add new features (a modem, a sound card, etc.) to your PC. 4 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X TIP: Before you unplug anything, label the cords or make a sketch of how things are connected. This can be helpful when you plug things back in later. 4. CAUTION : To avoid the risk of electric shock, make sure your computer and all peripheral devices are turned off and unplugged. 3. Find an empty ISA expansion slot at least as long as the gold edge of your modem. (ISA slots have black plastic grooves lined with silver metal.) Unscrew and remove the expansion slot cover (the long narrow piece of metal that keeps dust from entering through the opening perpendicular to the slot.) Be careful not to drop the screw into the computer. You will need it later to screw the modem into place. Remove the screws from your computer's cover and then remove the cover. Your computer may look different from the drawing on the right, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same. Refer to your computer manufacturer's manual if you need further instructions. 5 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X 5. Holding the modem by each corner, align the gold edge with an empty expansion slot. Push down gently until the modem snaps into the slot. (Note: The drawing shows horizontally aligned expansion slots. Some computers have vertically aligned slots. The instructions apply to both styles.) 6. You'll have to apply a little pressure to seat the modem properly. Sometimes a gentle back-and-forth motion helps get the 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. Take the modem all the way out and try again. Once the modem is seated, secure it using the screw you removed in step 3. Put the computer's cover back on and replace the screws. If you currently have a phone plugged into the wall jack you're going to use for the modem, disconnect the phone's cable from the jack. (See Warning statement on next page.) 7. 8. 6 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X 9. Plug one end of the phone cable that came with the modem into the TELCO jack at the rear of the modem. 12. Plug the power cords, cables, and peripherals back into the computer and turn the computer on. If Windows does not start automatically, please start it now. 13. WARNING : The phone jack you use must be 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. 10. Modem Initialization Your Winmodem came with a diskette that contains an installation program that will help your computer finish installing the modem. The installation program will also copy modem programs from the disk onto your computer's hard drive. Plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack. If you want to use a telephone on the same line as the modem, plug the telephone's cable into the modem's PHONE jack. 11. 7 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X 3. Running the Installation Program on a Windows 3.1 or 3.11 For Workgroups System After inserting the Winmodem follow these steps: 1. 2. Insert the installation diskette. Click on Program Manager. Now click File and select Run. In the Command Line text box, type a:\install.exe. Click OK. The next screen will tell you where the Winmodem installation files will be located. Click Continue to copy the Winmodem files to this directory. If you wish to copy the Winmodem files to a different directory, type the path to that directory in the Install to text box. 8 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X 4. This screen tells you that the software will create the new Winmodem directory. Click Yes. 6. This screen tells you that modifications have been made to your Windows system files. Click OK. 5. This screen lets you know the installation software is being loaded to your hard drive. Let it finish. 7. This screen tells you that the software will automatically detect available communications ports for the Winmodem. Click OK. 9 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X 8. After the software detects the available COM ports, it will ask you select one for the Winmodem. Highlight the first or lowest one and then click OK. Be sure to write the number of the free COM port you select. See the troubleshooting section of this manual if the software does not locate an available COM port. 9. Your Winmodem software has been installed. Click Restart Windows to finish the process. 10 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X 10. Windows will now restart. At this point, you will see a new Winmodem group. · (Note: If you do not see a new Winmodem group, you will instead see the Configuration screen. You will have to choose an available I/O address and an available IRQ. Do not select "Let plug and play configure... ") For the I/O address: Choose any on the list. · For the IRQ: The COM port/IRQ combinations shown here work with most computer set-ups: COM IRQ 1 .....................4 2 .....................3 3 .....................5, 7, or 9 4 .....................5, 7, or 9 11 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 3.X · · If you have a sound card, SCSI card, or game card, it might be using IRQ 5 or 7. Do not make 5 or 7 your first choice, because it might not be available. Once you've chosen a combination, restart Windows. Click on Program Manager. You should see the Winmodem group. If you do not see this group, try a different combination of resources. If you chose an unavailable I/O address, you will get an error message. Choose another I/O address in the Configuration dialog box that appears. · If you chose an unavailable IRQ, you may encounter problems when your communications software program tells you it cannot find the modem. At that point choose another IRQ in the Configuration dialog box. (You can find it by clicking the Configurator icon in the Winmodem group in the Program Manager window.) · Once you've finished installing your modem, you are ready to install the Connections CDROM (included with your Winmodem.) Please turn to the section entitled "Software Installation"(page 29). 12 BEFORE YOU BEGIN (WINDOWS 95 USERS) Your U.S. Robotics 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. Click the Windows 95 Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click the System icon. 3. When the "System Properties" screen appears, click the Device Manager tab. 4. Double-click Computer and the "Computer Properties" screen appears. Select the option at the top of the screen to show Interrupt Requests (IRQs). You will see the IRQs your system is currently using. If IRQs 3, 4, 5, and 7 are being used, you need to free an IRQ before you begin installation. This process involves moving a device from the IRQ you want to use to a different (and usually higher) IRQ setting. Please read the documentation for (or contact the manufacturer of) the device that is currently using the IRQ you want to use for your modem to learn more about what you should do to free the IRQ for your modem. 13 WINDOWS 95 INSTALLATION You'll need these items from your U.S. Robotics modem box: NOTE: These instructions are for Windows 95 users. Windows 3.x users should go to the "Windows 3.x Installation" section of this manual on page 3. the modem a phone cord the Connections CD this manual How to Prepare for Plug and Play Installation Checking Your Version of Windows 95 To install your Winmodem properly, you must first know which version of Windows 95 you have. Please follow these instructions to check. Winmodem disk Installation Guide Plus: a screwdriver (not included) 14 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 1. Right-click the My Computer icon in Windows. 3. Find your version number in the upper right corner of the "General" screen shown below. 2. Select Properties. In this example the Windows version is 950a. Make a note of the version you are have. You will follow different instructions later depending on which version you have. 15 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 Check Your System's Resources Your 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. Click the Windows 95 Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click the System icon. 3. When the "System Properties" screen appears, click the Device Manager tab. 4. Double-click Computer and the "Computer Properties" screen appears. 5. Select the Interrupt request (IRQ) option at the top of the screen. You will see the IRQs your system is currently using. If IRQs 3, 4, 5, and 7 are being used, you need to free an IRQ before you begin installation. This process involves moving a device from the IRQ you want to use to a different (and usually higher) IRQ setting. Please read the documentation for (or contact the manufacturer of) the device that is currently using the IRQ you want to use for your modem to learn more about what you should do to free the IRQ for your modem. 16 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 How to Insert the Modem NOTE: Before installing your modem, write down its serial number. (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. This will help him or her identify your modem. 1. Shut down windows. 2. TIP: Before you unplug anything, label the cords or make a sketch of how things are connected. This can be helpful when you plug things back in later. CAUTION : To avoid risk of electric shock, make sure your computer and all peripheral devices are turned off and unplugged from electrical outlets. 4. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Unplug any peripheral devices (printer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) from the computer. 3. Remove the screws from your computer's cover and then remove the cover. Your computer may look different from the drawing on the next page, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same. Refer to your computer manufacturer's manual if you need further instructions. 17 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 drop the screw into the computer, you will need it later to screw the modem into place. 5. Find an empty ISA expansion slot that's at least as long as the gold edge of your modem. (ISA slots are black plastic grooves lined with metal.) Unscrew and remove the expansion slot cover (the long narrow piece of metal that keeps dust from entering through the opening that's perpendicular to the slot). Be careful not to 6. Holding the modem by each corner, align the gold edge with an empty expansion slot. Push down gently until the modem snaps into the slot. 18 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 NOTE: The diagram on the below shows horizontally aligned expansion slots. Some computers have vertically aligned slots. The instructions apply to both styles. You'll have to apply a little pressure to seat the modem properly. Sometimes a gentle back-andforth motion helps get the 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. Take the modem all the way out and try again. 7. Once the modem is in the slot, secure it using the screw you removed in step 5. Put the computer's cover back on and replace the screws. Locate the wall jack you plan to use for the modem. If you have a phone plugged into this jack, disconnect the phone's cord from the jack. 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. 19 8. 9. 10. WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 11. If you wish to use a phone through the same phone wall jack as the modem 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 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. 13. Once Windows starts, you will see a series of screens indicating new hardware has been installed. At this point you will install Winmodem software. 12. Plug the power cords, cables, and peripherals back into the computer and turn the computer on. If you have Windows 95 version 950b, go to page 22 of this manual. If you have Windows 95 version 950 or 950a, continue with the instructions on the next page. 20 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 Installing the Winmodem Software in Windows 950 or 950a 1. 2. When you see this screen, insert the Winmodem floppy disk (which came with your Winmodem) and click OK. This screen will come up when Windows restarts. If the Driver from disk... option is not already selected, select it now. Click OK to continue. 3. You will see a screen confirming that you are installing a Winmodem. When the screen finishes building your drivers, remove the Winmodem disk. The screen shown on the next screen tells you which COM port your Winmodem has been installed. 21 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 Installing the Winmodem Software in Windows 950b 1. When you see this screen after Windows starts, DO NOT click anything DO NOT press ENTER. 4. Make a note of the COM port and then click OK. You may need this information when installing communications software. To check your installation go to steps 8 through 10 starting on page 25 of this manual.You are now ready to install the Connections CDROM (included with your Winmodem). Go to "Software Installation and Testing" on page 29 for instructions on installing the Connections CD and trying out your modem by registering online. 5. Instead, insert your Winmodem disk in your floppy drive. 22 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 2. Then click Next to continue. 3. When you see this screen, click Finish. 23 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 4. When you see this screen, click OK. NOTE:If you see the screen below instead of the screen preceding, click the Back button. 5. When you see this screen, type A:\. (Be sure to type the period after the backslash) to replace whatever is in the Copy files from box. 24 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 6. Then click OK.. You will see a series of screens as files copy and drivers build. Finally, you will see a screen telling you that the modem has been installed. Click OK. Check the installation by going into the Control Panel. 9. Double-click the Modem icon. (circled in the screen below.) 7. 8. 25 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 10. You should then see this screen. Click OK. Un-installing the Winmodem Software. 1. From the Start menu, point to Settings and then click Control Panel. 11. For instructions on how to install the RapidComm fax/data software, go to the section entitled "Software Installation and Testing" (page 29). 26 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 2. Double click the Modem icon (circled below) and then click on your Winmodem. Click on the Properties button. 3. Choose the "Port Settings" tab and click the Uninstall button. 27 WINMODEM INSTALLATION UNDER WINDOWS 95 To verify that you uninstalled your Winmodem begin at the Start menu and select Control Panel. Double-click on the System icon then select the Device Manager tab. If there is no modem icon present you've successfully uninstalled your Winmodem. 4. If you uninstalled your Winmodem software due to a failed installation, please return to the section entitled "Installing the Winmodem Software under Windows 950 or 950a" (page 21) or the section entitled "Installing the Winmodem Software under Windows 950b" (page 22). If you are not sure which version of Windows 95 you are using, please refer to the section entitled "Checking your Version of Windows 95" (page 14). 28 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING Software Installation and Registration Using the Setup Wizard This section tells you how to start the U.S. Robotics Setup Wizard on the ConnectionsTM CD. The SetUp Wizard will guide you through installing software off the CD and testing your modem by registering it online. Once you've followed this section's instructions to start the Wizard, simply follow the Wizard's on-screen instructions. NOTE: The following instructions apply to Windows 3.x and Windows 95 users. However, only Windows 95 screens are shown. NOTE: If you have an older version of RapidComm installed on your system, uninstall it before continuing. 29 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING Starting the Wizard 1. From the Windows 95 desktop, click the Start button and then click Run. Click OK. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the Wizard. After running the Wizard, you'll be given the option to explore other areas of the Connections CD. 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.) 30 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING You can also use the CD later. To start the CD, click the Windows Start menu, point to Programs, point to U.S. Robotics Connections, and then click Connections. Section. Now double click the RapidComm icon and then double click on the RapidComm icon. The CD also contains an electronic user's guide for RapidComm. You can install this guide by clicking on the User's Guide icon located next to the RapidComm icon. Once you click on the Users Guide icon, the RapidComm User's Guide will automatically be installed on to our hard drive. You can access the information within this User's Guide from the Help menu. Installing the RapidCommTM Fax/Data Software The Connections CD contains the RapidComm fax/data communications program. You can use this program to transfer faxes and data files to a remote modem. Once you've run the Set-Up Wizard, you can install RapidComm (The Set-Up Wizard does not install RapidComm.) To install RapidComm insert the Connections CD and double click on the CD-Rom icon. Click on the Business and Productivity Congratulations --you are now ready to start using your U.S. Robotics Winmodem! 31 INSTALLING OTHER FAX/DATA SOFTWARE You can use any other Windows based fax/data software other than RapidComm. (the fax/data software on the Connections CD). 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. KEY POINT: Refer to your software manual for the program's installation instructions. The software's installation program will ask you questions about the modem you are using. Initialization String For hardware flow control, a fixed serial port rate and full result codes, type AT&F1 and press ENTER. If you must use software flow control, type AT&F2 and press ENTER. Type of Modem Most communications software programs will ask you to select the type of modem you are using. Select a U.S. Robotics Sportster high speed modem. If that selection is not listed, pick Courier Dual Standard, V.32bis, or V. 34. NOTE: If you use the Modem Station program to configure your modem, you must use ATZ for the initialization string. . 32 INSTALLING OTHER FAX/DATA SOFTWARE Flow Control · For hardware flow control (highly recommended), select RTS/CTS. · For software flow control, select XON/XOFF. NOTE: DO NOT select a 28,800, 14,400, or 12,000 bps serial port rate, if offered. Your modem will NOT work correctly with any of these settings. Fix or lock the serial port (baud) rate (if it's referred to as autobaud, select OFF). NOTE: You may need to disable the type of flow control (hardware or software) that you are not using. 33 USING MODEM STATION What Does Modem Station Do? Modem Station provides a simple to use interface that makes communicating with your modem easy. 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! You may want to "tweak" your modem for optimum performance. Installing Modem Station If you did not install Modem Station when you first installed the Connections CD, please follow these instructions. 1. Insert the Connections CD into your CDROM drive. 2. Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop. 3. Double-click the CD-ROM icon. 4. Double-click the usrtools folder. 5. Double-click the umssetup icon. Why Modem Station? Modem commands can be confusing and difficult to memorize. Communications software often requires technical information about your modem. 34 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. 9. When you see this screen, click Next to accept the default directory or click Browse to change directories. 35 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. 36 USING MODEM STATION Starting Modem Station 1. Click Windows Start button and then point to Programs. Click U.S. Robotics Modem Station (or the folder you selected during installation). 2. Click the Modem Station icon. This brings up the main menu. The main menu gives you direct access to the following options: 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. TERMINAL Terminal allows you to send commands directly to your modem and displays the responses. You can use Terminal to dial up BBSs. In addition, you can configure your modem using Terminal. However, it is much easier to use the Modem Configurator. 37 USING MODEM STATION MODEM CONFIGURATOR Modem Configurator provides an easy-to-use interface for entering hard-to-remember commands. Use Modem Configurator for troubleshooting, initial configuration, and tuning your modem for optimum performance. Using the options available in Modem Configurator, you can control nearly every aspect of your modem's performance. We will discuss Modem Configurator's options in more detail in later sections. ABOUT The About option provides copyright and version information. CONTACT/SUPPORT This option details how to get in touch with 3Com. 38 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. Type 0000 (4 zeroes) in the subject line of your e-mail. USING MODEM STATION Using Detect New Modems 1. Click Detect New Modems to bring up the following screen. 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. The screen consists of four columns, one for each possible COM port on a PC. You can scan a specific port(s) by selecting the checkbox for that port. If your modem is installed and configured correctly, Modem Station will find the 39 USING MODEM STATION modem and display make and model information under the assigned port. All currently active ports should display "Port OK" under the heading. If a port displays a "Port Error", it usually means that the port is disabled in system setup. 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. Clicking Terminal brings up the "Terminal" window. NOTE: Different systems and BIOSes use different methods of disabling COM ports. As a result, we cannot provide support for disabling/enabling COM ports. Please refer to your system's documentation or contact the manufacturer of your system for further information. 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 40 USING MODEM STATION In addition to allowing direct entry of modem commands, the "Terminal" window also allows you to dial into Bulletin Boards, listing services, and other online services. 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 such as that 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. 41 USING MODEM STATION To the right of the port settings are the port speed settings. Port speed is the speed at which your computer sends data to the 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. Once you provide this information, simply enter the phone number as if you were dialing a telephone. Click Dial Now to dial the number. You can end a call by clicking Hang Up at the bottom of the screen. When you are finished using Terminal, click Exit to return to the screen you accessed it from. 42 USING MODEM STATION Using Modem Configurator You can access Modem Configurator from either the Main menu or the Detect New Modems screen. Click Modem Configurator to bring up this menu. Data Control This is the "Data Control" screen. The "Data Control" screen allows you to assign the following basic communications settings: PORT SPEED PARITY STOP BITS WORD LENGTH FLOW CONTROL SERIAL PORT RATE 43 The Modem Configurator menu gives you access to the following options: USING MODEM STATION For information on using these settings, please refer to the "Glossary" at the back of this manual. Click Help for quick definitions of the terminology used in this screen. In the upper left-hand corner of the screen, you will see the data control commands currently in use. 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. TECHNICAL STUFF: DIP switches are tiny switches that control a few basic functions on some external modems. On modems without DIP switches, these functions are handled by modem commands. Click Exit to return to the Modem Configurator menu. CONNECTION CONTROL This is where you adjust your modem's connection and transmission settings. 44 USING MODEM STATION Click Connection Control to bring up this screen. 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. In the upper left hand corner of this screen, you will find the current Connection Control settings. TIP: On external modems, receiving a Data Terminal Ready signal from the PC causes the TR light to light up. Click Help for quick definitions of terminology used in this screen. 45 USING MODEM STATION Once you have configured your Connection Control settings, click Save to Modem to save your settings. If you look in the upper left hand corner of the display, you will see the commands currently in use. The "Modem to Computer" screen allows you to configure the following settings: LOCAL ECHO RESULT CODES RESULT CODE PREFERENCES Using Modem to Computer These settings control how your modem and computer communicate with each other. They control what you see on your terminal screen and how results are displayed. 46