These are the final versions of AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA) scripts for the PM14400FXSA modem. Users of the 1.0b1 release should replace that version with these, as a bug which could slow down throughput has been fixed. Users of the 1.0b4 release should also upgrade, as the release provides more robust handshaking during connections.
There are three scripts here, for use with varying levels of phone line quality. I've tested them all with a PM14400 at both ends over phone lines with a lot of hum, and I've always been able to get a connection with at least one. I use all of them, starting with the first, and falling back to the others when I can't get a reliable connection.
This script is the fastest. It enables the V.32 retraining feature, so it allows the modem to adapt to variations in phone line quality. Answering modems should use this script. This script requires a hardware handshaking cable (see below for information on cables).
This script is as fast as the previous script, but it disables the modem's retraining feature. I found that line noise could make the calling modem retrain several times just after CONNECTing, which makes ARA hang up almost immediately. The idea behind turning off retraining is to let ARA's error correction handle the bad packets. This is more successful at getting the initial connection, but ARA sometimes gives up after ten minutes or so if the line quality isn't good enough. Use this script if you observe "Xmit Train" in the modem's LCD display, and the connections fail. This script requires a hardware handshaking cable (see below for information on cables).
This script turns off all V.32bis features, so the modem uses V.32 only. This makes the maximum speed 9600 bps. V.32 is more tolerant of line noise than V.32bis, so this script has the best chance of establishing a reliable connection. Don't use this script on the answering modem. This script does not require a hardware handshaking cable, though one may be used (see below for information on cables).
A complex topic. Simply put, all three of these scripts work with a hardware handshaking cable, but the first two scripts require one. There are several good sources for hardware handshaking cables, including Practical Peripherals, Hayes, and MacConnection. I use the Practical Peripherals cable, and it works.
Appendix E of the PM14400FXSA manual has a good explanation of the differences in Macintosh serial cables, and a schematic if you want to make your own.
I know of no bugs in these scripts at this time. There are a few known general incompatibilities that I'd like to pass along:
Ñ Apple Internet Router 2.0- AIR and ARA are incompatible, according to Apple. We ran this configuration without problems for our old answering modem. Then we switched from a 2400 baud modem to a V.32bis modem, and the server would freeze every time a call came in.
Ñ Suitcase 2.1- If you try to open the Chooser while running the Remote Access program, you'll see an error message, "Could not get a required resource." This is fixed in Suitcase 2.1.1. An updater is available in the FIFTH forum, and on other electronic services.
Ñ Appletalk- Although ARA is supplied with Appletalk 57.0.1, version 57.0.3 is much better, as it fixes bugs with ARA, Quadras and PowerBooks. I highly recommend it for ARA. If your dealer doesn't have the "Network Software Installer 1.2" disk, they (or you) can download it from AppleLink. It's also on the recent Developer CD's. AppleTalk 57.0.3 also comes with some current third-party installers, such as the Shiva 3.7.3 installer, and the Asante Universal 4.0 installer.
Please destroy any beta versions you may have. You may distribute these scripts freely, provided they are not sold, they are not modified, and the files are all distributed together.
Please forward any questions, comments or reports.
