Mac OS X supports communication over telephone lines using Hayes-compatible modems and similar communication channels such as cellular phones. It provides support for these modems using modem scripts.
Mac OS X comes with a number of modem scripts preinstalled. To use Mac OS X with a modem or cellular phone for which a script is not supplied, the user or the modem vendor must either obtain or write a script to control the modem.
Modem scripts are written using the Communication Command Language (CCL). You can create these scripts programmatically using the iSync Plug-in Maker Tool (described in the iSync Plug-in Maker User Guide) or manually using any text editor.
This guide includes instructions for writing scripts and descriptions of all the CCL commands. It is intended for experienced programmers with a good understanding of telecommunications and modem operation.
The guide is divided into two chapters and two appendixes:
“Writing a CCL Script” describes the basic elements and structure of a CCL file and the basic tasks a script must perform.
“CCL Command Reference” lists the CCL commands, providing for each a definition, syntax, and an example, if appropriate.
“Result Codes” lists result codes returned by the CCL, with a description of the error and the accompanying message, if any.
“Cable Specifications” discusses requirements for a CTS/RTS handshaking cable, desirable when using Mac OS X with a 9600 bps or faster modem.
To write a CCL script for Mac OS X, your computer should be running Mac OS X v10.5. For ease of writing scripts, you should also have the latest version of the Mac OS X Developer Tools installed. These provide the iSync Plug-in Maker tool, which makes it easier to create and edit scripts.
Important: You will also need the documentation that came with your modem; many commands vary from one modem to another.
For information about the iSync Plug-in Maker, see the iSync Plug-in Maker User Guide.
You may also find it useful to consult a reference manual on telecommunications and modems, such as The Complete Modem Reference by Gilbert Held, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A number of modem scripts have already been written for use with Mac OS X. These can be found in the Modem Scripts folder within the user, system, and global Library folders (/Library/Modem Scripts, for example). If you have one of the modems for which a script has been provided, you don't need to write a script. You can display a list of the provided scripts from within the iSync Plug-in Maker tool, as described in the iSync Plug-in Maker User Guide.
If you need to write a script, you may be able to use an existing script as a template. Be sure to use the Save As command to make a copy of the script you're modifying, so that you don't overwrite the original script.
Last updated: 2007-06-28