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Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 02:32:20 -0600 From: Loudon Campbell <loudon@emx.cc.utexas.edu> Subject: LineLink 14.4K modem FAQ Version 1.4 The following is version 1.4 of the Frequently Asked Questions on the Linelink144e modem sold by Macwarehouse for $99. This modem is a full 14.4K modem (v32bis) with compression (v42bis). Capable of Fax and Voice Mail in hardware ($39 extra for software to do it). Due to the low cost a large number of people have been buying the modem. Bad news is the modem comes with almost no manual. This FAQ is intended to partially remedy this situation. May be of some interest to other users of high speed modems. It may be freely distributed including the commercial CD-ROM of info-mac archives. This replaces version 1.3.2 which was corrupted when sent via email and version 1.3.1 which arrived intact. Loudon Campbell loudon@emx.cc.utexas.edu On info-mac I suggest it be filed as /info-mac/comm/linelink-modem-faq-14.txt It replaces the following files /info-mac/comm/info/line-link-modem-faq-131.txt and version 1.3.2 which was filed as /info-mac/comm/info/line-link-144e-faq.txt The later file had been seriously corrupted by the mailer. Cut here Cut here Cut here Cut here Cut here Cut here Cut here LineLink144e Frequently Asked Questions Version 1.4 =================================================== Information on the LineLink144e 14.4K modem sold by MacWarehouse for $99 + $3 shipping (US). Version 1.4: March 30 1994. Previous Versions: ( 1.3.3: March 21 1994) Private Distribution Only ( 1.3.2: March 10 1994) First version posted to info-mac ( 1.3.1: March 9 1994) First version posted to macgifts. ( 1.3 March 2 1994) Very limited circulation. ( 1.2.1 Dec 3 1993) First good version. ( 1.1 Oct. 30 1993) Changes Since 1.3.2: Primarily version 1.4 was released since the copy of 1.3.2 sent to info-mac got messed up by the mailer, Ugh! Version 1.3.2 on info-mac was almost unreadable using Easy-View and due to extra characters added by the mailer somewhat useless. Fixed minorformatting problems. Fixed a few prices on other modems. Editing comments. Changes Since 1.3.1: Added more info for ftp'ing files, emailing etc. Changed baud (events per second) to bps (bits per second) No known outright errors corrected so 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 are essentially identical. Changes Since 1.3.0: Put back number 60 which had been erased accidently in a couple a dozen locations. Corrected several smaller errors caught by people I emailed it to. Changes Since 1.2.1: Information on new voice version of MaxFax. More program settings. More of everything. General fixing up. Format of FAQ is "setext" format. This is a ordinary text file but follows simple formating rules so that programs like EasyView will be able to view this file in outline format. If you use EasyView however you can find everything pretty quickly. Otherwise view it with any word processor/editor. To get EasyView and most of programs listed below you can ftp from various computer sites. You can also send email to a listserver to obtain these files. Specifically the info-mac archives. EasyView is on the info-mac file archives as well as at other locations (mirror sites for instance). A mini primer on ftp and how to get these files is at the end of this FAQ. File locations as of March 10, 1994 sumex.stanford.edu: /info-mac/text/easy-view-232.hqx. ftp.uwasa.fi: /mirror/umich.macarchive/util/text/easyview2.32.cpt.hqx wuarchive.wustl.edu: /systems/mac/umich.edu/util/text/easyview2.33.cpt.hqx ftp.sunet.se: /pub/mac/mirror-umich/util/text/easyview2.33.cpt.hqx ftp.uwasa.fi: /mirror/umich.macarchive/util/text/easyview2.33.cpt.hqx plaza.aarnet.edu.au: /micros/mac/umich/util/text/easyview2.33.cpt.hqx What's a LineLink144e Modem? ============================ The LineLink144e is a $99 modem that has v42bis (compression), v42 (error correction), v32bis (operates at a true 14,400 bps), has class 2 Fax and voice mail support in hardware. The next cheapest external modem with these types of general features run about $160 at present. The LineLink is manufactured by Prometheus (through Technology Concepts Inc.) and sold mail order by MacWarehouse. For $99 plus $3 for overnight shipping you get from MacWarehouse a True 14.4k data modem with hardware fax, voice mail, compression error correction. All data features are available out of the box. For $99+$39.95+$3 you get both the modem and software to use all the voice and fax features. Note: Contrary to the MacWarehouse ad MaxFax FAX/VOICE version does NOT recognize the Fax CNG tones in voice mode. More details can be found in "Specifications and Ordering" section About the LineLink FAQ author ============================= Please inform me of any information you find that is incorrect. Also contributions of information are greatly appreciated especially settings for programs not listed are especially appreciated. Loudon Campbell email: loudon@emx.cc.utexas.edu In future email at linelink@spinfree.cm.utexas.edu I am not a modem guru, just a reasonably happy LineLink owner. I have no special relation with MacWarehouse or Prometheus, beyond bugging their tech support. Much of the information for using the LineLink as a data modem below was checked by myself. This includes the more popular terminal emulation programs such as zterm, ClarisWorks, as well as the internet tools Macslip and Interslip. I will try to help on applications such as these. I have used and own a copy of MaxFax for Faxing but am only a light user of Fax. Hence for both Fax and voice I am relying on second or third hand information. I haven't had any time to really try the voice mail features even. After reading this FAQ read the Linelink mailing list for help. This FAQ is biased to internet users. This is mainly in terms of giving locations of programs for download and email addresses. Equivalent locations on compuserver and AOL are welcome. Mail servers on the internet can send some of these files. (See end of FAQ). Why this FAQ is geared to Macintosh users. ------------------------------------------ I will happily include init strings and the like even for IBM programs or Amigas. Beyond that I won't go unless someone volunteers to handle that section. Reasons: 1) Current LineLinks sold for the Mac market have an internal jumper between DTR and RTS. You should buy the LineLink from MicroWarehouse not MacWarehouse for either an IBM, Amiga, or UNIX box. 2) $99 is (now) cheap for a 14.4K external modem with cable, Mac software etc. Many internal modems are $99 or less for a PC that include windows or DOS software. 3) Third I don't want to get into UART chips, interrupts, port addresses, windows setup, BIOS, config.sys etc. (Yes I own a 386 I pieced together as well as quadra) 4) Big $$ UNIX boxes justify big $$ modems. 5) The FAQ is getting to big. 6) Its plain too much work. (See 5). List of major contributors -------------------------- The LineLink was first sold in beginning of September 93. First FAQ for the LineLink was done in early September 93 by Jorn Barger (jorn@genesis.MCS.COM). John E. Bossom (jebossom@cognos.COM) added to it. One (or both) of these guys said they were dropping it. I had started my own FAQ for personal use and incorporated a lot from their FAQ (and a lot of other posts) in mid October 1993. (Yes, they had a few things correct that I didn't include and found out the hard way!) Special thanks to Stan Hall (In charge of the "LineLink Mailing List/Digest" ) Very large contributions from: Milt Sagen : One of authors of MaxFax (Prometheus). Poor soul who answered far too many questions from me. Darryl Harvey : (QuickLink II fax software, One of the first people to try voice version of MaxFax, its bugs , and more importantly its limitations and quick hacks, proofing FAQ) List of other contributors: Scott Traurig: (Great early suggestions (i.e. first month) on init string for data) Miles Abernathy : (S7 register fix , other Fax info, proofing FAQ) Chris Baker (Another MaxFax author) Peter Lewis: (Author of Anarchie, MacTCP patch, MacTCPwatcher and other stuff for explaining MacTCP bugs) Many many others too numerous to list (or I plain lost track) ! Specifications and Ordering Info ================================ Please note that MacWarehouse changes part numbers with catalogs. Ordering info and prices are from MacWarehouse Catalog 29, I received March 30 1994. MacWarehouse order phone number: 1-800-255-6227 International order phone number: 1-908-370-4779 Fax: 1-908-905-9279 Express Customer Service (i.e. returns) 1-800-925-6227 Their email is 70007.1616@compuserve.com Or GO MW on compuserve itself. -$99 for LineLink 14.4 Part # MOD 0145 -$29.95 for MaxFax Fax Upgrade : Part # COM 0188 -$39.95 for MaxFax Voice Upgrade : Part # COM 0207 "For a limited Time" you get a free long distance calling card worth $15 in calls if you order -$138.95 for LineLink 14.4 with MaxFax VOICE/FAX software Part #: BND 0334 , ask for #AAA 0076 which is the free card. For your $99+ $3 overnight shipping (US) this is what you get. - FULL Error correction and data compression (v.42/v.42bis/MNP-5) In theory speeds can get up to an effective rate of 57,600 bps. (Don't expect any real data go this fast) - Has all the old standards (V.21/V.22/V.23, Bell 103). As well as modern V.32 (9600) and V.32 bis (14400).I.e. works from 75 bps all the way up to full 14,400 bps. - Truly useless manual and documentation. Manual is 28 pages This is the worst feature of buying this modem. S-Registers for this particular modem are detailed in document found on the Prometheus BBS. A complete list of voice commands was recently posted. Both can be found on the LineLink Mailing list archive site . - Manufactured by Prometheus for Technology Concepts Inc. for MacWarehouse. This is a fact NOT rumor! - HARDWARE capable to 14.4K faxes If you own Fax Software it will probably work with correct init strings. Works with FaxStf 2.2.3, 3.0 , QuickLink II, FaxPro 1.5 and MaxFax 3.3.1. - SOFTWARE Upgradeable to fax. The software Fax upgrade ($29.95) is MaxFax (version 3.3.1s was what I got initially, 3.3.1L is version specific to the LineLink and supports voice mail). MaxFax is made by Prometheus, very actively being improved, and has a lot of features. It is 32bit clean. (Its confused with Macknowledge). The MaxFax manual is very complete (112 pages), very good. Its a little hard to find things in it but otherwise excellent. It doesn't cover modem specific features only the MaxFax software itself. It appears pretty slick but I don't know much about Faxing, those that do more seem pretty happy. - Supports Voice Mail and Fax if you buy MaxFax version 3.3.1L ($39.95) Supports a many mailboxes including Fax mailboxes. Lots of features. Gotcha 1: You must punch 77# to enable Fax during the outgoing message. (Firmware/Hardware problem??) Gotcha 2: No volume control. Gotcha 3: You can't use the telephone hooked up to your modem to record. If you don't have a Mac with a sound input, you must call your mac from another phone. This problem SEEMS to be due to fact only one phone relay is used on the LineLink. The second relay would have been needed for Caller ID also. This is on modems such that commands ati3, ati4 and ati6 give Copyright (c) 1993 SSC, V1.0 - 08/27/93 SERIAL * V32BIS * V42BIS * VOICE 2.2 * TIES * CID * V23 * SRFAX * DSP Version: V1.20 MCP Version:V1.3 - 07/07/93, Copyright (c) 1993 SSC It appears a newer version of the ROMS/Firmware implements VOICE 2.3 which based on preliminary info MAY clear up the first two problems. Additional information on the new ROMS would be appreciated. (Even a dump of above commands) - Almost Supports Caller ID sort of (i.e. it would really work if an extra relay was in the modem). - Uses Seirra chip set (Fact!) - Uses a digital signal processor and conventional ROMS (no flash ROMS I am afraid, but what do you expect for $99). The ROMS don't appear to be replaceable but who knows. - Includes power supply . For international buyers, its a 120 volt transformer. Output Rated at 9 Volts AC at 1 amp, 15 watts. - Modems sold through MacWarehouse includes a Mac to modem hardware handshaking cable. 98% of time the cable in box will work as a hardware handshaking cable with your LineLink. Some of the cables were mismatched with the modems being sent out at least before December 1993 Extreme care should be used before using the LineLink cable on another modem. (Look in modem bugs section, cable subsection) - Communication Software supplied is MacKnowledge. The bundled terminal software (MacKnowledge) is old, doesn't support modern standards like zmodem, and doesn't work in 32bit mode . MacKnowledge is distributed by Prometheus but not developed there. For a very few people this is good enough software. But those same people don't need high speed modems. Most people install it and then throw it in the trash. There are lots of basic free or shareware alternatives which are better. Also consider side-grades to other communication software. (For instance Sitcomm) - Also includes weather forecasting software. If you use the service you have to pay extra. Also the usual "free" offers to sign up with compuserve or whatever. - Comes with AppleTalk Remote Access scripts that seem to work. { There are some poor choices in the script however } - Technical Support is provided by MacWarehouse. (Which given a tough question then tells you to call Prometheus / Technology Concepts). - Nothing written on warranty (UGH!!). BEST information I have is its a 90 day warranty from MacWarehouse. Note that the MacWarehouse catalog claims that all products it sells are covered by a 120 day warranty. However , I got a wide range of answers from MacWarehouse and Prometheus on this point (i.e. 30 days, 40 days) all the way up to 2 years with a 30 day money back guarantee. Buy it on a credit card that gives extended warranties. Unfortunately some of these card deals require a WRITTEN manufacturer warranty and registering. Finally its computer equipment! Generally its outdated and obsolete long before it breaks. Low voltage electronics generally dies either in first few hours of constant use (and a couple of power cycles) or runs forever. - Dimensions: Cheap, clean white plastic 1.75"x7"x8" Size of hard cover novel. Has cheap "feel" but looks OK. - The modem has a cheap built-in speaker that sounds horrible. - Instead of separate Receive Data and Send Data lights, it has only an I/O light. Some people find this a big deal, most could care less. AA (Auto Answer) CD (Carrier Detect), OH (off hook), MR (modem ready) are the only other LEDs. - Most batches of LineLinks use slide on/off switch (toggle is better). Should I buy a LineLink? ======================== Keep in mind a few points. When this modem came out (early September 1993) the response to the $99 price on a v42bis, v32bis, S/R FAX modem was overwhelmingly "Hey if it sounds too good to be true , it probably is" There is an element of sour grapes (i.e. people who bought $250 modems a year ago). Modems (for Macs) with these data and Fax features were generally in the $180 plus category. In PC world though prices were at or below $130 so it really wasn't much of a surprise to see a bare bones $100 box. People received the modems and confirmed they had all the features. The argument then shifted to the quality of the modem, docs, and its software. Personally I find the quality adequate, docs stink (you can download info that is a good substitute), Fax software very good, Comm software horrible. There is plenty of fair to good public domain and shareware terminal emulation software. Lowest cost alternative (ignoring close-outs) at moment (March 1994) is SupraFAXLC 144. This includes a copy of MicroPhoneLT (good terminal package), FaxSTF LC software (version 2.5??) Price ranges from $159 to $169 as of March 1994. At least one person bought both a LineLink and SupraFAXLC 144, and returned the LineLink. However, the SupraFAXLC also has a bad reputation on the net, so its not exactly a super modem either. Other possible alternatives might be Intel 14.4 sold by Eggheads ($149 but Windows/DOS software only) , Hayes Accura runs $239 with mac software, or AT&T which are around $185. Prometheus Promodem 144e with same software as LineLink at $179. US Robotics $229 with mac software, $179 with windows software. This is by no means exclusive i.e. Zoom , Xytel and so on. Generally higher priced modems will have longer warranties and have better features like silent answer, call waiting etc. None of the above modems have voice mail however! Short amateur opinions on who should or should not buy this modem. DEFINITELY SHOULD people. You own a 1200/2400 bps modem, have software you like and mostly call local BBS'es. You want to dial into a Unix server using SLIP or PPP etc. You want to dial in to the local office using ARA i.e. AppleTalk Remote Access. You want FAX , want voice mail, are on a tight budget (like a student) have terminal software you like, but don't have FAX software. (So price with MaxFAX FAX/VOICE is $99 + $39.95 +$3) PROBABLY SHOULD people. You want FAX , have terminal software you like, but don't have FAX software. (So price with MaxFAX is $99 + $29.95 +$3) SHOULD NOT people. You make many long distance connections or live where phones service is very poor. Need a good terminal program and don't want to use any of the freeware or shareware alternatives. Your lively hood depends on the modem working flawlessly. Majority of owners have few problems.I bought mine mid September1993 and have only relatively minor problems so far. Generally the LineLink144e arrives at your door in one of four states. a) Works fine out of the box. b) Came with a defective/ mismatched/non-hardware handshaking cable c) Dead on arrival (usually fails self-test). MacWarehouse will cheerfully replace the modem/cable if its found defective in the first 30days. They pay shipping both ways. d) Unhappy with life on your phone line or unwilling to talk to your favorite modem. I suspect that reseting to factory defaults would have "fixed" a lot of the modems sent back to MacWarehouse, however it is very clear that a lot of the modems are defective either due to bad cables or the modem itself. (Note the LineLink seems to be selling well especially to people who never had a high speed modem so more modems to more new users mean large number of people with problems). Technical Support ================= The manual is next to useless unless you have already used modems before. The S-registers are not covered in any way whatsoever. The S-registers covering data transfers are detailed in a document found on the Prometheus BBS. (LineLinkSREG.TXT or 144E SREG.TXT or something like that). I can email it to you or you can have it emailed by the email server mentioned in the next section. (part of description of S12 seems wrong and default value on S1 appears to be typo i.e. 0 not 43) If you want DETAILED info on AT commands in a more readable format. "The Hayes command set" according to Hayes including S-registers. It can be found at following sites. rigel.acs.oakland.edu:/pub/msdos/modem/trm20.zip ftp.uu.net:/systems/ibmpc/msdos/simtel20/modem/trm20.zip wuarchive.wustl.edu:/systems/ibmpc/msdos/modem/trm20.zip ccsun.unicamp.br:/pub3/simtel20/modem/trm20.zip plaza.aarnet.edu.au:/micros/pc/oak/modem/trm20.zip You will need to unzip the file either on a PC or Mac. The document is far too big to post here or the mail server. Another good place to look at files outlining commands for both data and FAX is the site ftp.halcyon.com: /pub/supra Keep in mind this is a Prometheus manufactured modem. Their implementation is not Hayes' or Supra's. The above documents are however, still much better than the manual that came with the linelink. Note the LineLink may not strictly adhere to the Hayes command set. &R0 and &R1 are particular examples as well at TIES behavior. See BUGS later. With the above documents you should be nearly fully informed on the data features of your modem. The voice mail features have been released also. Again the mail server should have the documents. This is of very limited use to even a technically adept user. If you tear apart stuff to see how it works then get it, if you want to use your modem for voice mail then buy MaxFax (Voice version). The technical support number through MacWarehouse is (1-800-925-6227). MacWarehouse can be reached at: 70007.1616@compuserve.com. I am sorry to say this but they have disseminated more misinformation than valuable information. I hope this is due to fact only a few people are really knowledgeable about the LineLink and other modems and the rest are not. They try to be helpful however. Try it they may be able to help. Generally hard problems require checking with Prometheus instead. Prometheus Sales 1-800-477-3473 , 1-503 -692-9600 Prometheus Tech Support: 503-692-9601 Prometheus BBS: 503-691-5199 Prometheus FAX: 503-691-1101 The correct internet email address for Prometheus tech support on applelink is d2407@applelink.apple.com The correct internet email address for Prometheus tech support on American Online is promethean@aol.com In general ask questions on (AOL, or Compuserve ??) the LineLink mailing list or the following internet Usenet newsgroups comp.sys.mac.comm comp.dcom.modems comp.dcom.fax comp.sys.mac.hardware LineLink Mailing List ===================== This is the best place to ask questions and get/give current info on the LineLink modem. It has been an excellent source of information and a repository of information on the LineLink. This list is for discussion of the LineLink 144e modem sold by MacWarehouse and manufactured by Prometheus. All discussions concerning this modem are welcome especially those about using it on platforms other than a Macintosh. The mailing list and list server etc. for the LineLink was established by Stan Hall Stan Hall's email address is <kilgore@obelisk.pillar.com>. Files that are archived there include the latest FAQ (I hope) and digests of the mailing list itself. Also the S-registers documentation. (Moderately useful) Complete set of voice mail commands. (Not too useful to even a technical user) If you wish to send a message to all of the list members, mail your message to: LineLink@obelisk.pillar.com Note: It would be better to join the list before sending mail to all its members!! Don't send to this address to send mail to an individual. To use this facility you will be sending email to one of the addresses below. To send a message to the digest address it to: <LineLink@obelisk.pillar.com> To contact the list server (to JOIN, UNJOIN, etc.) send your commands to: <list-server@obelisk.pillar.com> To reach the list administrator send to: <listserv-admin@obelisk.pillar.com> To contact the archive server (back issues, etc) send your commands to: <file-server@obelisk.pillar.com> The address for the archive server is: <archive-server@obelisk.pillar.com> The commands used for the archive server(s) are: HELP Returns command summary. REPLYTO Responses from the server will be sent to this address instead of the address in the "From: " line. INDEX Will send a listing of files available from this server. GET <filespec> [uue[ncode] | xxe[ncode]] Sends the specified file <filespec>. UU or XXencoding can be specified. QUIT Causes anything after this command to be ignored. Examples: Example join the Mailing List: If you would like to join the mailing list (highly suggested) send an email message to <listserv@obelisk.pillar.com> the email should have in its body the following two commands: JOIN LINELINK QUIT Example get the most current LineLink FAQ: Send email to <archive-server@obelisk.pillar.com> with the following commands in the body of the email message. GET /public/LineLink/LineLink.faq QUIT P.S. Server Trivia: you can also send the request to the list server address: <list-server@obelisk.pillar.com> Also file names may change so try HELP and INDEX commands first Undocumented Modem Features =========================== Command ATW2 works. The corresponding register (S95 ???) is not present however. Some S registers seem to have larger ranges than indicated. Caller ID (the feature that is sort of there) --------------------------------------------- Please note this is not a bug its a non-feature, I included it just so the curious can play with it. The relay is not included so as a cost cutting measure (reasonable since so few people have Caller ID). I think the missing relay MIGHT have been used for other features (such as recording outgoing messages from the local phone). >From Chris Baker (a co-author of MaxFax) The LineLink firmware DOES support caller id detection. The modem will display the caller id it receives from the phone co. The only problem is the modem will then crash and require a powercycle to get it back because the LineLink doesn't have the necessary relay switch onboard. To try the caller ID yourself do the following:' AT#VS4' after the OK set your DTE to DCE (port) speed to 19.2k and enter 'AT#CC1' to indicate formatted caller id output. Modem Bugs and Misfeatures ========================== One person bought 4 LineLinks, after about 8 Hours of being on unattended they had to be reset manually. This seems to be generic problem with LineLink in that only power on and power off seems to solve strange problems. (It seems particularly prone in Fax and voice modes). I have personally managed to do this quite a bit but mostly when trying out undocumented or poorly documented commands. People have reported that the LineLink is about 15% slower than other modems in side by side comparisons. At present I discount this claim, it appears to be about dead even with the majority of other 14.4K modems. Some of the S registers are not saved to non-volative memory that you might think should be saved. Most notably register S7 is not saved to non-volatile memory. Power Supply/ FCC license ------------------------- The LineLink itself is in a plastic case so is more prone to RF noise than a modem in a metal case. The modem itself only has a FCC Class A license as opposed to a Class B rating. (Apparently this means commercial rather than residential use. ) Keeping the modem away from other devices is a reasonable precaution though so far I personally have had no trouble in that area. The included power supply "brick" is a 120 volt AC input to 9 Volt AC , 1 amp 15 watts output transformer. Its UL listed , however one person reported that his power supply burned up (literally!). One person in Norway used a 9 volt DC, 300 milliAmp transformer. The modem responded to commands but the MR and CD light went out when the modem went off hook. Some people think the power supply is too weak, given that the modem works at all this grossly underpowered, this is probably just a wild conjecture at this moment. No one has reported substituting a higher amperage power supply. Interference and RF noise could easily occur with any transformer so the idea that placing the transformer far away from other noise sources might help is again reasonable. People have cited following problems a) Modem stops working when nearby refrigerator turns on. b) Modem MR light goes off and stays off , or just flickers. c) AM station being played over modem speaker. d) LineLink causes Interference with television. e) I personally watched the MR light come on and off a few times while my dishwasher cycled on. On the other hand I used it during a thunderstorm with no problem the day before. The above examples represent real hardware problems. Specifically overloaded wall outlets with power spikes and RF noise. Yes a good hefty size capacitor/inductor in the LineLink helps reduce the effects of power spikes. On my Linelink it has a 2200 microfarad capacitor on the circuit board which was much larger than I expected! Plugging your LineLink into good noise/surge suppresser might help but garbage in -> garbage out still applys. If the MR light goes off for short periods of time (i.e. a few seconds say every few minutes) don't worry too much. Otherwise start thinking about where you might be getting noise and do something about it. NOISE ON PHONE LINES -------------------- People have reported that : a ) Modem works with v42bis connections but not MNP b) Modem won't work over phone lines with appletalk on other phone line pair. c) Rewiring phone cable fixes problems. d) Long distance calls unreliable. Usually these symptoms are accompanied with the MR light going on and off. The majority of "noise" problems seem to be poor software setup. Some "noise" problems seem to be incompatible modems on other end. Some seem to be real problems with the modems. The Linelink seems to be similiar to other modems near its price in handling noise. It may be slightly below average. Keep in mind there is a lot of noise and very limited bandwidth on many existing telephone lines. Note that ISDN will help in the future making present modems obsolete. Some telephone companies are now digitally compressing (lossy) so they can cram more calls into the available bandwidth while claiming better sound quality. This essentially translates into more (effective) noise from the modems point of view. The LineLink is MUCH better than a conventional 2400 bps modem or even a 9600 bps modem without V.42 error correction in its ability to handle noise on the phone line. All high speed modems are sensitive to noise, its only a matter of degree. On my modem I have successfully transferred data even when I pick up the portable phone and keep it off the hook. It retrains (MR light goes off and modems renegotiates, MR light comes back on). It then transfers at a slower rate. If I talk into the phone too long it will disconnect. This is exactly what it should do. Bottom line is if you are using average or better phone lines and don't expect miracles you should be quite happy. Noisy lines MAY give trouble. Avoid this modem if you do much long distance, unless you plan on buying , trying it and returning it if you are not satisfied. (Most people ARE satisfied) I doubt any modem less than about $190 is going to be significantly better. Your mileage could vary. Those !#@& DAMN CABLES !!! -------------------------- A correctly wired Hardware Handshaking Cable is as follows.(Apple Recommended) Zterm manual has nicer picture as well as the Apple Modem Tool. Macintosh Mini DIN-8 (male end of cable that plugs into Mac) 6 7 8 o o o o3 o4 o 5 o o 1 2 Mac DIN-8 Modem (DB-25) 1 (HSKout) -> 4 (RTS) + (optionally)20(DTR) 2 (HSKin) <- 5 (CTS) 3 (TxD-) -> 2 (TxD) 4 (GND) <-> 7 (Signal Gnd) 5 (RxD-) <- 3 (RxD) 6 (TxD+) -- NONE 7 (GPi) <- Pin 8 (DCD) 8 (RxD+) <- 7 (Gnd) Note that there is only one output HSKout that can be used for giving non-data information to the modem from the Mac. Modem 20(DTR) pin is used to hang-up the modem or go into command mode. Both features can be handled easily via software. There is a delay however using software hang-up, hence the popularity of hardware hang-up. Pin 20 MUST be hooked up to have hardware hang-up. If it is hooked up however the RTS handshaking cannot be used at the SAME exact time. What this means is if the RTS pin isn't used. (For instance it is usually not used when doing FAX or data connections at 2400). Then DTR can be used to hangup the phone (command AT&D2). However if RTS is being used (i.e. full speed data connection) then DTR can't be used (command AT&D0) and software hangup (i.e. "Wait Guard Time"+ + +"Wait Guard Time" ATH "Return" etc). In other words the cable above has no disadvantages once you are aware of the above. Generally the simplest way to work is always ignore DTR (AT&D0). And always use software hang-up to hang up the phone. If you do this then fact pin 20 is hooked up is immaterial (and why it is labeled optional above). So far the above applies to ANY high speed modem on the Mac. The problem is the serial ports on the Mac, not the modem. Now here is where it gets interesting in terms of the LineLink. There is a big mix up of cables, modems and misinformation. There are at least 3 correct but different Mac to Modem cables that were shipped with the LineLink. At least 2 wrong styles also. One "correct" cable requires require an internal jumper to be in the modem. Prometheus seems to be trying to get it right so I suspect that modems shipping after say DEC 15 1993 should be fine. The first cable I received was wired exactly as above except the Mac GPi pin was not connected to modem (DCD) pin. This is only a very minor inconvenience except when the modem is used unattended. The second cable I received did not have the modem DTR pin hooked up. This second type of cable seems most common of those people who actually checked the wiring (though this may be biased sample). This is an OK cable if hardware hang-up is NOT used (i.e. default &D0). Its fine on most LineLinks that have internal jumper installed (see later). The third type of cable that has been reported to me is one where the modem RTS pin isn't hooked up but DTR is. This type of cable is real bad news!!! Yes it should work on LineLinks with internal jumpers but it won't on LineLinks without the jumper or almost any other modem. The following info is summary of info received from Milt Sagen at Prometheus. There are three cables whose inventory tracking numbers are CBL-06, CBL-10, "ZOOM cables". All SHOULD be wired as above except the jumper between 4 (RTS) and 20 (DTR) may or may not be present. CBL-06 cables will only work with the modems that have the internal RTS-DTR jumper. To determine if yours does look on bottom of modem. These modems are marked "LineLink 14.4 (MAC)" on the label. Gpi is supposed to be hooked up on all cables that met specs. All cables are hardware handshaking. In my case my modem has "LineLink 14.4" on the label on the bottom of modem case. It should not have the jumper. Its factory default is &R0 not &R1 like the manual states. From the manual &R0 PC Mode. DTR and RTS signals function normally. &R1 Mac Mode. When the modem is configured for bi-directional RTS/CTS flow control (&K3 or \Q3) the DTR signal is recognized as RTS by the modem. DTR and RTS signals function normally with all other &K or \Q settings. Officially &R0 and &R1 are equivalent , i.e. they both do nothing (Milt Sagen from Prometheus). Official word from Prometheus (Mark Smith) is "At this point, the &R command is not an implemented command. It is one of those things that they planned to put in and so the documentation refers to the command - but the modem does not actually respond to this command in the manner described." Bottom line is that if you have a modem with label LineLink 14.4 (Mac) on bottom any of the above cables should work since you should have the jumper internally. If you want to use the LineLink with a PC , then buy the PC version from MicroWarehouse and buy a cable built to apple specs for your mac. (Your PC definitely won't like the jumper ). If you have one of the earlier LineLink then check your cable. Now to provide a speculative (but educated) guess as to the problems. The CBL-06 cable may have mac pin 1 to mac pin 20 (DTR) but rest like Apple recommends. Any one care to confirm? ASSUME CBL-06 cables were ordered with the intent that &R would be implemented and default set at &R1 (as per manual). ASSUME the cables were wired with Mac (HSKout) -> 20(DTR). Which would have worked if &R1 were implemented. Now the cables and the modems went out without &R1 implemented some other cables (CBL-10 etc) were sent out with this first batch of modems. People who received CBL-06 cables couldn't use Hardware handshaking since RTS wasn't hooked up. (Ouch!!). ASSUME Prometheus has a ton of CBL-06 cables in the warehouse but not too many LineLinks , they start manufacturing LineLinks with the internal jumper connected i.e. "LineLink 14.4 (MAC)" these LineLinks work as they should with CBL-06 (or CBL-10 or ZOOM). All's great except for the old stock with "LineLink 14.4" which gets mixed up. End speculation , back to facts. If the modem works and connects with another modem with init string AT&F&Q0 and NO handshaking at speed up to an including 9600 bps (with terminal program set at 9600 bps of course). Then the modem is probably OK. (Also do the self tests mentioned elsewhere). If at 19200 bps and AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 as the init string if it doesn't connect and stay connected using hardware handshaking then suspect a bad cable and a good modem Prometheus was good about trying to get this straightened out, it was a real mess the first two months It actually dragged out far longer than it should have however. To be fair most modem manufacturers seem to get this wrong at least periodically and most sales droids in apple dealers are clueless and will sell you any cable that looks the same. TIES (Time Independent Escape Sequence) --------------------------------------- The LineLink appears to employ TIES (Time Independent Escape Sequence) Escaping is the process of making the modem going into command mode to accept modem commands from data mode (i.e. transferring files etc). Rumor has it that TIES was created to avoid paying Hayes a royalty (3% of modem price in one court case, according to a Hayes employee) on the patent it holds. In order not to accidentally trigger this behavior in this file, I am going to write three pluses +++ as + + +, i.e. with spaces. This is only so the file can be easily uploaded, don't include spaces when typing. A TIES modem goes immediately into command mode (i.e. accepts AT commands) if + + +AT"return" is typed at any speed with anything before or after it. In other words if you are trying to transfer a file that "happens" to have this sequence of 6 ASCII characters it will stop in mid transfer. The program you are using is then likely to hang (because it still thinks the modem is in data mode). This is dangerous behavior. There is no warning and if it happens on a file it happens each and every time To be fair the half life is gigabytes of random ASCII data before you would expect to trigger the behavior. But real data is not random! In contrast the Hayes standard requires that if you type in "Wait Guard Time"+ + +"Wait Guard Time" has effect of going to command mode. Where "Wait Guard Time" is a pause in input of at least the guard time. This is exactly the behavior described in the LineLinks manual. The guard time is stored in register S12 in 50th of a second. Hayes standard has 1 Second (S12=50). LineLink has S12=40. We can reset S12 to 50 or more but that is not a problem. Note that the S-register info on S12 given in the document on the Prometheus BBS contradicts the manual on the behavior of the second guard time. My experiments with the LineLink using Zterm produce the following. With S12=40 , I initially got very sporadic results. I don't understand some of the behavior but some of it can be attributed with fact that the line pacing in zterm is set by default at 40/60 'th of a second With S12=200 , I got the following behavior consistent with a guard time of about 3.5 seconds. + + +AT"return" escape independent of where EXCEPT + + + +AT"return" doesn't escape. "Wait Guard Time"+ + +"Wait Guard Time" escapes +"Wait Guard Time"+ + +"Wait Guard Time" doesn't escape "Wait Guard Time"+ + + x"Wait Guard Time" doesn't escape "Wait Guard Time"x + + +"Wait Guard Time" doesn't escape In other words it behaves like a TIES modem that also obeys the Hayes standard, but has weird behavior when doing combinations involving four pluses in a row. This may be "correct" behavior but its still bizarre. In previous version of this post I reported "Wait Guard Time"+ + + would escape without the second guard time, I now can't reproduce that behavior. Some people have reported + + + without an initial "Wait Guard Time" escapes. My guess is there are some bugs in the ROM on parsing the input in these cases but who knows or cares anymore. None of this behavior is really that important in practice. Ignoring Hayes propaganda test files and documents on modems you are unlikely to trigger the behavior with real data accidentally. Setting up your linelink for the first time! ============================================ Obviously plug every thing in like the manual shows. The phone line from your wall goes in the LINE phone socket not the PHONE socket. (Easy to do when you aren't looking at the back!) Turn on the power etc. Load any communication program. Macknowledge will do fine for this the first time. Look to the specific section on Macknowledge for how to set up. When you first get your modem, do the following commands. Redo these commands if your modem "Misbehaves" for no apparent reason. ATZ AT&F AT&F0 AT&F3 AT&W0 AT&W1 AT&Y0 The command ATZ resets the modem. Normally Avoid its use it resets data settings, some Fax and some voice settings. ATZ or repowering the modem DOES not necessarily restore factory defaults unless you do the above procedure. The commands &F &F0 and &F3 resets the active profile to factory defaults. Prometheus says they are identical but it pays to be paranoid at least once. AT&W0 and AT&W1 save the active profile to the two permanent storage locations (non-volatile memory) so next time you power on your modem (or use command ATZ) you will be at factory settings automatically. AT&Y0 selects the first non-volatile memory settings as the default on next power up. DO THE ABOVE OR YOU MAY REGRET IT!! You have been warned!! The command AT&V will display the present settings. For reference on my modem at 57600 bps (which was purchased in Sept. 93) at&v gives the following for the ACTIVE PROFILE ( slightly reformatted to fit) ACTIVE PROFILE: B1 E1 L2 M1 N1 P Q0 V1 W0 X4 Y0 &C0 &D0 &G0 &J0 &K3 &L0 &P0 &Q5 &R0 &S0 &T4 &U0 &X0 &Y0 \C0 \G0 \Q3 \T000 \V1 \X0 %A000 %D2 %E1 S00:000 S02:043 S03:013 S04:010 S05:008 S06:002 S07:040 S08:002 S09:006 S10:014 S11:075 S12:040 S14:AAH S16:00H S18:000 S21:00H S22:76H S23:11H S25:005 S26:001 S27:49H S36:007 S37:000 S38:020 S46:138 S48:007 S49:010 S50:200 S63:000 S82:128 There are some differences between shipping modems, you can compare it with the manual defaults, &R0 is commonly different as well as \V1 . Don't worry if you have &R1 instead. If \V0 is your default you should probably add \V1 to all your init strings. Testing Your LineLink --------------------- How to test your modem . Most of Procedure is from tech support (except for things they forgot to tell me like you need to escape + + +). First this is a very incomplete test. If it fails send the cable AND modem back. If it passes you still may have a bad cable or more rarely a bad modem . Use provided Mac to modem cable. Turn power on Modem , Mac etc. You need not plug in phone line to do test. Start up terminal program. I used MacKermit myself , but zterm, or MacKnowledge should be fine. First set your terminal software to 9600 bps (or lower). 14400 bps won't work at all. 19200 will work on some of this but not all. Don't enable hardware or software flow control in your software. {Should work with flow control but if your cable is miswired it will complicate the test of the modem } The test procedure is shown below. I added some comments and put prompts "You>" and "Modem>" in. Don't type "Type>" and "Modem>" or the comments. But do type in carriage returns on input. You> Means you type it in. Modem> Means the modem responds with this line. ! Means this is a comment I added to clarify what is going on . Excluding prompts and comments this is exactly what happened on mine (at 9600 bps) You>atz ! Normally avoid atz since it changes FAX and Voice settings. Modem>OK You>at&f3 Modem>OK You>at&f0 ! Modem is set competely to factory defaults. Modem>OK You>at&q0 ! This puts it in asynchrous mode. It also disables v42 (error control) ! and v42bis(compression). I also believe it requires DTE speed to equal ! DCE speed. Only &Q0 is allowed for this self test. ! (Same as Hayes modem). Modem>OK You>at s18=0 ! This is redundant, since factory defaults were reset above. Modem>OK You>at&t8 Modem>OK ! Modem flashes MR light until you enter next line. You>+ + + at&t0 Modem>000 ! The 000 means no errors were detected. If nonzero send LineLink back. Modem>OK You>at&t1 Modem>CONNECT 9600 You>This is stuff I typed in.+ + + ! Should echo everything you type until you exit with + + + (No spaces) Modem>OK You>at&t0 Modem>OK You>at&f ! Just putting it back to factory defaults Modem>OK Typical Session --------------- The following is Hayes BBS's phone number which is obviously a good place to call to test your modem. Please do try local phone numbers first and read some of Hayes advertising out of courtesy. Hayes BBS (800-874-2937). Following is typical phone connection (Dial in to US Robotics v32bis, v42bis) I used zterm, with hardware flow control on. Hardware hangup OFF. bps rate set to 57600 (I know wishful thinking but we can hope!). Here is EXACTLY as it appears on our system as I dial in. AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 OK ATDT 18008742937 CARRIER 14400 PROTOCOL: LAP-M COMPRESSION: V.42BIS CONNECT 57600 Note we have LAP-M error correction and V.42BIS compression . The carrier is 14400 which means we have v32bis. The connection between my Mac and modem is 57600. At the Unix end (you can't tell it from above) the receiving modem is connected to the modem at 38400, so I personally cannot exceed 38400 on our dialups . Keep this type of thing in mind when judging speed. If you get different responses above it is very likely that the modem on the other end doesn't support one of the above standards, or is not set up correctly. Know what you are dialing into. If you get a 9600 bps connection on a modem that someone claims to be 14.4K , maybe the modem on the other end doesn't use V32bis but an older proprietary format. How do I set up Program "XXX" for the LineLink? ================================================ First read section about setting up your LineLink for the first time. In both the manual and this FAQ. Then precede. In programs there is generally an dialog box that lets you input a string that is sent to initialize the modem. Sometimes called reseting the modem. Call this the init string. You may have to type the string manually. Generally the string that works and gives you what you want is AT&F a better string is AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 &F MUST be FIRST in the string after the AT. (ESSENTIAL) W1 Gives more detailed info on the connection especially error control and compression. May confuse very old and stupid programs that look for CARRIER instead of NO CARRIER. but not very likely. (VERY VERY useful) L3 Turns up the volume to highest level. (L2 is default, Very Optional) &C1 Makes the carrier detect light on modem do exactly that. More and more programs can detect carrier (on the GPi pin) Hence its used (or needed) in some modern programs. For older programs its ignored. In any case its helpful and can't hurt. No reason not to use it. S7=60 means modem has 60 seconds when calling out to get a valid carrier before hanging up. The default is 40 seconds. My LineLink connects in about 17 seconds after the other modem answers the call so 40 seconds is usually enough. 60 seconds does help many people and is very helpful when doing FAX/VOICE. S7=90 may help on long distance calls. Eliminates many problems and adds no new ones. (ESSENTIAL for some people). For international FAX calls S7=120 is suggested. Linelink documents indicate 60 is maximum, 90 seems to work but be conservative and try 60 before trying 90. Avoid using ATZ , ATZ1, ATZ2 if you are using Fax/Voice Mail or the Apple Remote Access Software (ARA). The reason is that ATZ resets both the Fax and the voice features in addition to data settings. I am sure this causes much grieve for people since many programs send ATZ without you ever knowing it. Otherwise feel free to use ATZ but be sure to start from factory defaults. You did read the above section "Setting Up your LineLink for the first time" right? As far as the software settings of your programs You want hardware handshaking enabled for both input and output. CTS often refers to output hardware handshaking. RTS (and/or DTR) often refers to input hardware handshaking. The point is that hardware flow control should always be used. Don't use SOFTWARE handshaking (also known as XON/XOFF flow control) unless Hardware Handshaking is NOT available. Add &K4 to init string of the offending program and use XON/XOFF flow control in software and pray. Don't use both software (Xon/XOFF) and hardware handshaking !!! Don't use hardware hangup to hang up the phone for data calls. (Might be called DTR hangup or such) Yes, DTR is used for two different things which is why there is such a mess on the Mac. A lot of people/software include &D1, &D2, &D3 etc in init string these are all some form of hardware hangup using the DTR pin. The mac output pin is being used for the RTS pin so its not available when doing high speed transfers! (&D2 is OK in the Fax software itself but don't use it in your data programs!). In otherwords if you want top speed you have to use software hangup some of the time. Why not use it all the time and make life simple? To use software hangup i.e. send string "Wait Guard Time" + + + "Wait Guard Time" ATH "return" where "Wait Guard Time" means wait at least the guard time (register S12 in 60'th of a second). "return" is of course the return key. Generally if there is an option for hardware hangup the software already knows how to hangup so just turn off hardware hangup! If you get garbage on your screen after the other modem answers --------------------------------------------------------------- Any mac can handle 19200 bps comfortably (except the 128, 512, 512KE). Even a MacPlus can handle 57600 bps if using finder, no appletalk on, disk cache below 128K etc. So start with 19200 bps and move up if everything works. Double check to see if hardware handshaking is being used. Double check the parity etc. used in terminal emulator /comm program. Most computer systems use 8 data bits , 1 stop bit and no parity. IBM mainframes commonly used 7 data bits and even parity. Check to see if your terminal type is correct. Generally Unix systems will use either VT52, VT100, tectronix etc. If you are calling an IBM-PC or most bulletin board systems generally either TTY or ANSI or ANSI graphics will be appropriate terminal type. More exotic data settings ------------------------- Some people prefer to use W2 instead of W1. This could confuse some programs. Programs that autobaud generally look at the connect speed as the DTE (Mac) speed which is the only relevant info for the serial port connection to work.W2 returns CONNECT 14400 even if the DTE speed is 57600. W1 gives the most information. W0 gives the least confusing information from the Mac programs point of view,i.e. minimal information. W2 gives less information than W1 and a different interpretation of CONNECT. Try W2 if it works and you like it use it. Largely personal taste. If you want to disable data compression while still using error correction add S46=136 to the string. Disabling compression is not recommended except in unusual situations. Using v42bis compression will NOT significantly slow down data transfers even when sending pre-compressed data. Only MNP compression has that problem. If your phone line is an old leased PBX system or some other weird system you may need to add S63=x where x=0 to 15 and represents how much to decrease the carrier output. The default is 0 and should be increased by 3's. Very unlikely to be needed. I haven't tried it recently so don't be surprised if it makes it worse. If you are in the United Kingdom or HongKong add &P1 to the string. You could save these settings using AT&W0. For instance AT&P1&FW1L3&C1 S46=136 S7=60 AT&W0 AT&Y0 Would save personal settings appropriate for someone in the United Kingdom who dislikes compression. Note S7=60 still needs to be in the init string since S7 register isn't saved in non-volatile memory on the LineLink. If you have a very noisy phone line you can add S10=26 to your init string. This allows up to (26-6)/10 = two seconds of really bad noise before losing your connection. The default is 0.8 seconds. Increase only if you must and only by as small amount as you can get away with! System Software --------------- Inits/Extensions/cdevs can cause problems and slow the system down. Mouse , appletalk have higher priority than serial port. Hence activity there can cause trouble in downloading/uploading. So if possible turn off appletalk and all inits as well as networking software. If you are using system 6.x , use Finder instead of Multifinder. If you are using system 7.0 , try 7.0.1 with system tuner 1.1.1 If you are using system 7.0.1 , use system tuner 1.1.1 If you are using system 7.1 a) Use a small disk cache less than or equal to 128K. (Set it in memory control panel). There is a known bug in Apple's disk cache. Not fixed in hardware update 2.0.1. This effects network software like MacSlip etc. b) Avoid virtual memory if possible. c) Use hardware update 2.0.1 which includes fixes for the serial port. c') Don't use hardware update 2.0.1. (Yes it may break more than it fixes). Remember all software has bugs, until proven innocent! Generally , faster macs respond faster and have fewer problems. However, I have used a MacPlus by using system 6.05 under finder. The MacPlus is only 25% slower than a quadra 605 for downloads and uploads under favorable conditions. MacKnowledge ------------ Warning!!!! MacKnowledge is not 32bit clean Warning!!!! If you are using system 7 or later go to the memory control panel and turn off 32bit addressing! Install software as per instructions in manual. Start your Mac with extensions off (i.e. shift key held down if system 7.xx). Lots of people have been using the string that MacKnowledge auto configures for use in Macknowledge and other programs. Come on people look at the copyright (1989!!!) on the splash screen. Settings are under the "Phone" menu i.e selection "Modem Control and Configuration" On my modem after auto configuring MacKnowledge suggests ATL2M1X4Q0V0W1E1S0=0H0 AT&FV0W1H0 would have done exactly the same thing and been much safer. V0 gives numeric responses which is what MacKnowledge REQUIRES which is unusual for modern software but common years ago. H0 hangs up, which isn't a bad idea to put in an init string but not a good idea if you switch between telecom programs on the same call. MacKnowledge suggests \N3\V1\Q3 for turning on error correction. N3 turns on MNP error correction but not V42 or LAPM. So bad !!! The right way to do it. First select Hardware Handshaking. Init string AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 Nothing for either error string. If you want to be fancy \N6 for error control string \N0 for non error control string. Actually why would you not want error control ? Works fine even at 57600 bps. Not much good without zmodem protocol or commtoolbox features but it works fine as a terminal emulator and for xmodem transfers. Use this program to download other better communication programs such as zterm. ZTERM 0.9 --------- The zterm program and the zterm FAQ may be found on info-mac archives or mirrors. On info-mac itself its. sumex-aim.stanford.edu:/info-mac/comm/zterm-09.hqx or for instance wuarchive.wustl.edu:/systems/mac/umich.edu/util/comm/zterm-0.9.cpt.hqx microlib.cc.utexas.edu:/microlib/mac/comm/zterm09.hqx microlib.cc.utexas.edu:/microlib/mac/comm/zterm09-faq-16.txt as well as on microlib.cc.utexas.edu and probably a zillion other places. Zterm 0.9 is a shareware terminal program that supports Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem file transfers. Automatic MacBinary format recognition. Very easy to use , highly reliable, good (not excellent)terminal emulation. If you are going to use this read the manual and follow directions. Its a very good manual. Also get the zterm FAQ written by Leslie Jones. Between these two sources it covers most problems that can occur. For those of you who don't read manuals. Under the "Settings" menu select submenu "Connection" and do the following. TURN ON Flow control: Hardware Handshaking TURN OFF Flow control: XON/XOFF flow Set bps to 57600 or 38400 (unless you have slow mac where 19200 is needed). Again under "Settings" menu select submenu "Modem Preferences" Set dial timeout to 60 Turn OFF hardware hangup (DTR) So far everything was in the manual! For those who have hanging-up problems check what the "seconds to redial" box in the dialog which appears when dialing is done through the Dial menu, and if it is saying one or two seconds, then set it higher (3 works for me). BTW, you can still see the negotiation messages in Zterm if you manually dial in the term window instead of using the dialout dialog box. For initialization string. AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60^M AT&F^M does work fine also but doesn't give you as much information. (the ^M is the way that zterm handles the return key) For deintialization string A) Use nothing. B) If using MaxFax (no voice) use AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60+FAA=1;+FCR 1 ^M The intent is to duplicate the init string that MaxFax wants. This is somewhat speculative at moment. C) If you use other Fax software or Apple Remote Access (ARA) try duplicate its FULL init string it wants. Fastest speed I personally have had for compressable text files is 3000 bytes per second on MacPlus (2.5 Megs, System 6.05, Finder) 3400 bytes per second on a MacIIsi (5 Megs, System 7.01 tuned) 3800 bytes per second on Quadra 605 (6 Megs, System 7.1) For a compressed file the range is from 1200 bytes per second on the MacPlus to 1690 bytes per second on the Quadra. For binhexed compress files its rather disappointing i.e. the same as compressed files (it should be (8/6) times better i.e. 33% faster). The zterm faq and zterm manual cover most problems so read them. (Notice a pattern yet?) However one problem isn't covered and is common. If you are having trouble uploading to a unix system note the following. NOTES from rz man page: The Unix "ulimit" parameter must be set high enough to permit large file transfers. The TTY input buffering on some systems may not allow long blocks or streaming input at high speed. You should suspect this problem when you can't send data to the Unix system at high speeds using ZMODEM when YMODEM with 128 byte blocks works properly. If the system's tty line handling is really broken, the serial port or the entire system may not survive the onslaught of long bursts of high speed data. If you have this problem try Ymodem 128 byte protocal. If that works then go to the zmodem settings and set the window size to 128 (then if it works try 256, then 512 and so on). On unix systems I use this is exactly the problem(s) we have. Hence I can download fast but uploading is slow because the window size is small. Note this is a good example of the other end being at fault and not the LineLink. Microphone II version 4.0.3 --------------------------- (Demo version is what I tried) Microphone is a full featured commercial telecommunication program. Go to Settings menu and select communications. Select Hardware Handshaking on. You can use Hayes V-Series/Ultra for the driver or just use init string AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 Microphone also supports the commtoolbox so see that section also. MacKermit 0.99 -------------- If you don't know what kermit is then you don't need this program. You can find it on info-mac archives or its mirrors. In directory info-mac/comm Set bps to 19200, or 38400 or 57600 Hardware flow control. ENABLE: DTR input flow control. ENABLE: CTS output flow control. Disable: Drop DTR on quit. Disable: Xon/Xoff flow control. You can type the init string AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 in the terminal window or create a macro. Terminal 2.2 ------------ You can find it on info-mac archives or its mirrors. In directory info-mac/comm Terminal 2.2 is a free terminal program that supports Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem QuickB file transfer. Automatic MacBinary format recognition. Scripts written in a subset of C. You even get C source code for the program! It also lets you directly inspect the CTS value and toggle the DTR/RTS pin. (Lets you partially check that your cable is correct). Where to get it? Info-mac archives or a mirror site. Bad news is the terminal emulation is a plain TTY. I.e it doesn't do ANSI BBS or VT102 or even VT52. However it is better than Macknowledge for file transfers since it supports Zmodem. I have used the program for Zmodem downloads and uploads and it works fine but is a little flaky in general. Its also hung on me more than a few times (increase its memory allocation and use black and white screen setting, turn off 68040 cache etc, to reduce the problems , your mileage may vary). Good enough for occasional use, not a program for every day use however. Again use AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 or plain AT&F. You will type it manually each time or open the macro.m file with teachtext or any text editor and change the modem reset string ATZ to AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60. You will still have to select it from the macro menu unless you write a script (I am not going to teach you C). Go to Options menu select Communications In the dialog box select the setting CTS & DTR. Try 19200 bps to start. You can try 57600 bps but slower speeds may be needed more so than other computers. Prodigy ------- I tried version 2.1 of the software. First, set your chooser to your printer. Turn off the 68040 cache (if so equiped). Go through the idiotic installation. There is no modem specific info to modify (other than selecting 9600 baud if the local phone number(s) support it). This is a joke right? Have fun runing a poor imitation of a "Windows 3.0" interface on your Mac. No desk accesories, control panel, standard dialog boxes etc. American Online --------------- The following is from Ian Hochman < ihochman@mail.sas.upenn.edu > I've used my LineLink with AOL at 2400. I too am waiting for a 9600 beta testing package. All I use as an init string is AT&F0. It works fine. Incidentally, if you choose 9600 in AOL's setup, the software "pretends" that you are hooked up at 9600. It will tell you that a download at 9600 will take 5 minutes when it really takes 10 or 15. I assume it's actually transmitting at 2400. It also tells you that you've connected at 9600 (which I also believe is erroneous). SITcom ------ SITcom does sidegrades so SITcom can be had for under $50 by "upgrading" from MacKnowledge. See also "Comm toolbox based applications" section. I personally think AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 is better below but I don't have the program . Following is from LOUIS LEE My init string is: AT &F S11=60 M0 &C1 W1 \N4 \N4 will force LAP-M reliable mode (v.42bis) Termy ----- See "Comm toolbox based applications" section. Termy is both CommToolbox based. You can find it on info-mac archives or its mirrors. sumex-aim.stanford.edu:/info-mac/comm/termy-23.hqx wuarchive.wustl.edu:/systems/mac/info-mac/comm/termy-23.hqx lth.se:/mac/info-mac/comm/termy-23.hqx sics.se:/pub/info-mac/comm/termy-23.hqx plaza.aarnet.edu.au:/micros/mac/info-mac/comm/termy-23.hqx ftp.sunet.se:/pub/mac/info-mac/comm/termy-23.hqx I haven't tried yet version 3.1 but is available at nigel.msen.com:/pub/vendor/ice/Termy-3.1.hqx Communicate Lite Demo --------------------- See "Comm toolbox based applications" section. Communicate Lite Demo is CommToolbox based. You can find them on info-mac archives or its mirrors. You can find it on info-mac archives or its mirrors. sumex-aim.stanford.edu:/info-mac/comm/communicate-lite-101-demo.hqx ftp.sunet.se:/pub/mac/info-mac/comm/communicate-lite-101-demo.hqx lth.se:/mac/info-mac/comm/communicate-lite-101-demo.hqx sics.se:/pub/info-mac/comm/communicate-lite-101-demo.hqx ftp.halcyon.com:/pub/tidbits/tisk/serial/communicate-lite-demo-101.hqx Warning : Communicate Lite uses ATZ to reset the modem. This is bad news when combined with MaxFax and probably other Fax software when a Fax comes in (or voice mail). Claris Works 2.0 and 2.1 ------------------------ See "Comm toolbox based applications" section. Comm toolbox based applications ------------------------------- CommToolbox based programs have three important classes of tools. Connection tools. (i.e. serial connection, modem, ARA, ethernet, tokenring). Terminal tools. (i.e. VT102, VT302, ANSI BBS, etc ) Transfer tools. (i.e. Xmodem, Kermit, Ymodem, Zmodem) Generally X-Modem , VT102 and the Apple Modem Tool will come with the software. If you don't have them ftp.apple.com does. Also check ftp.cac.psu.edu:/pub/mac/comm/modem/Apple_Modem_Tool.hqx ftp.halcyon.com:/pub/eudora/Apple_Modem_Tool_1.1.1.bin halcyon.com:/pub/eudora/Apple_Modem_Tool_1.1.1.bin sunb.ocs.mq.edu.au:/Mac/communications/Apple_Modem_Tool_Configuring_Utility.hqx For other transfer tools (i.e. YMODEM and ZMODEM) check out info-mac archives the Mark/Space Z-Modem tool (demo version 1.0) worked fine for me. 1.0.1d5 version bombed. The modem settings of CommToolbox based programs are based on the modem tool settings ONLY. I will assume you are using the Apple Modem Tool. The way of accessing the modem tool might vary with program but will be the same after you have the tool selected. The instructions for setting up are identical for ClarisWorks 2.0 and Communcicate Lite. Other programs should be similiar. For Claris Works 2.0 after starting the program in communications mode go to the Settings Menu and select Connection. You now get a dialog box. Select the Apple Modem Tool under Method. You are now in the Apple Modem Tool. Under the pop up menu for "modems" select custom or modify menu. If you use modify menu name your new modem LineLink 144e or your favorite nickname. Check the box for "Modem Auto-Buffers Connect Speeds". If there is a box for "Hardware Error Correction" check the box for it. Use initialization string AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 or AT&F. Put nothing in for the "RING RESPONSE" string. Save your settings. Thats all folks. The procedure is identical for Communicate Lite Demo. MACSLIP INTERSLIP MacPPP ------------------------ First like it or not you need MacTCP or a competing product. The rest can be found for instance at info-mac archives (ftp to sumex.stanford.edu or a mirror site) Directory to look in is info-mac/comm/net MacTCP itself you will have to get legally. Once upon a time Eudora included MacTCP 1.x.x , though you weren't suppose to use it except with Eudora. If you don't have MacTCP and no site license at your location this is the cheapest way to get MacTCP 2.0.x legitimately is to buy The Internet Starter Kit for Macintosh, by Adam C. Engst. Published by Hayden Books. ISBN# 1-56830-064-6. $29.95 U.S.A. This book covers a lot of internet stuff. It includes a disk with MacTCP (2.02 at last printing) , Fetch, etc etc. You can get just about everything you need from the book and disk. Its also reported to be very good introductory book. (Adam can write, read tidbits!). The software (excluding MacTCP 2.0.x but including the updater) can be found at ftp.tidbits.com <192.135.191.2> you can also find most of it at info-mac archives on sumex.stanford.edu or a mirror site. (Or plugging a local site: microlib.cc.utexas.edu) If you are stuck using MacTCP 1.1.1 then use the following patch [Archived as /info-mac/comm/mac-tcp-retrasmit-patch.hqx; 33K] This is a little application that will alter the MacTCP driver to incorporate Peter Lewis' patch. You will need a virgin copy of MacTCP, version 1.1.1 for this process. I have uploaded and downloaded now about 100 megs worth of data without major incident (excluding times I was hit with the MacTCP timeout bug) (Release notes for MacTCP 2.04 indicate the timeout bug is not dead only less active, PRAY that MacTCP 3.0 fixes it and they don't charge for the upgrade this time!!). InterSlip 1.0 and 1.01 both work fine. It can be ftp'ed from ftp.intercon.com { In InterCon/Sales subdirectory }. Its free, it works, its slick. Its major flaw is it provides no tools to debug your login scripts. Settings Use hardware flow control. AT&F works fine as init string (or AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60). Use the Hayes Compatable Dial script. You can modify the ARA script (change file type to TEXT to edit it). If you do that you can use compression, and use hangup effectively. Not worth the trouble, the Hayes default works fine except for hangup. I may get a chance to make a decent ARA script or find one that works better. Remember that if it doesn't hook up to the server , it may require changing the provided login script. I had to make two changes to the provided script { I.e. on our server I needed a line "terminal download" and to start slip I needed "slip default" instead of just "slip". I have used MacSlip 1.01, InterSlip 1.0, InterSlip 1.01 with MacTCP 1.1.1 (patched and unpatched) and MacTCP 2.0.2 with few problems. I have used MacSlip 2.0, 2.0.2, 2.0.4 , note that 2.0.2 has some bad bugs so upgrade to 2.0.4 from other 2.0.x versions. (Updater is on info-mac). I have used TurboGopher 1.07, Fetch, WAIS, X-ferit 1.5beta, etc with only the expected problems. (MacTCP timeouts with MacTCP 1.1.1). Actually only X-ferit 1.5b reliably gave me MacTCP timeouts after I applied the patch to MacTCP 1.1.1 that can be found on info-mac.X-ferit is oldest software that I tried. Have also used MacTCP 2.0.4 , seems to eliminate most problems. Fetch is very slow at times but (almost) never times out. On a MacIIsi with MacSlip 1.0.1 or Interslip 1.0.1: File transfer rates of binhexed and compressed files are around 1200cps. For text files I think I saw a maximum of 2000cps. On a Quadra 605 with MacSlip 2.0.4 and MacTCP 2.04: File transfer rates of binhexed and compressed files are around 1400cps typical to just under 1600cps. For text files about 3400cps. This was with 1500 byte compressed header packets. On a MacPlus (Finder, System 6.0.5, 2.5Meg) MacSlip 2.0.4 and MacTCP 2.04: Essentially the same results as the MacIIsi with the older software. Keep in mind SLIP uses small packets (1500 bytes or less). Hence v42bis compression is not as useful as it normally is. I would disable v42bis compression on a MacPlus, Classic, SE via setting S46=136 in the init string and set the Mac's speed at 19200bps. This gives a more even and slower speed for the slower Mac to respond to. On faster machines I would stick with above settings. This may be Voodoo. MacPPP has been reported (Andrew C. Zmolek) to work even better than MacSlip or InterSlip. When PPP (Point to Point Protocol) is available here I will give a more complete comparison. Again variants of AT&F work so suggestion is AT&FW1L3&C1S7=60 MacPPP 2.0.1 is available on merit.edu in the /pub/ppp directory. The name of the binhexed Stuffit archive is macppp2.0.1.hqx. This version fixes a bug in the 2.0 release which caused it to not send the modem init string if the "AT" was included in the string. Following are comments from Andrew C. Zmolek >MacTCP 2.0.4 has worked flawlessly with MacPPP 2.0.1, and I have hit >speeds just under 3000 cps with Fetch transferring text from my campus >account. Binary and BinHqx files average about 1200-1400 cps, though. >Other TCP apps work fine, including NewsWatcher, MacMosaic, NCSA >Telnet, and Eudora. FAX (and nothing but the FAX) ============================= There are three current software packages that are readily available that support Fax on the mac using the LineLink. Prometheus: MaxFax ($29.95 Fax, $39.95 Fax/Voice Mail at MacWarehouse) Delrina: Fax PRO 1.5 for the Macintosh (89.95 at MacWarehouse $79 at MacConnection ) Stf Technologies: FaxSTF 3.0 ($39 at MacWarehouse, $36 at MacsPlace) FaxSTF 3.0 Pro ($79 at MacsPlace) ( Pro version adds OCR optical character recognition), and support for PowerTalk and System 7 Pro ) On average these products seem to be pretty comparable in basic and not too basic Fax abilities. The following are the biggest differences. MaxFax is only choice, at present, if you want voice mail on your LineLink . There is voice mail support in FaxSTF 3.0.x but apparently not for the LineLink. If you want ARA (Apple Remote Access) when used as a server to coexist peaceably with your Fax software then FaxSTF 3.0 is best choice. Any software seems OK with ARA when used a client. If you want OCR (optical character recognition) then MaxFax is essentially out for inexpensive OCR. Editorial note: FaxSTF upgrade prices have been ridiculous (i.e. upgrade costs EQUAL mail order price new). I personally purchased MaxFax specifically for that reason. There is a review of FaxSTF 3.0, and FaxPro 1.5 in MacWeek (Late Feb 94) In their review FaxSTF 3.0 had better interface and nicer output. FaxSTF 3.0 can "hand off" data calls to ARA or programs that support the commtool box. Note that a lot of programs still aren't covered. FaxPro 1.5 had Optical Character Recognition which is only included with the Pro version of FaxSTF 3.0. There is a mini review later by Jeremy Grodberg of FaxPro and FaxSTF. Call Discrimination a.k.a. Adaptive Answer ------------------------------------------ AT+FAA=0 enables calldiscrimination (otherwise called Adaptive Answer). Or maybe AT+FAA=1 does? I have two different answers!! Interestingly AT+FAA by itself returns codes consistent with the values listed for the the voice/fax/data discrimination. LineShare --------- LineLink DOES support "adaptive answering" and thus it works fine with LineShare (for fax/data combinations, for example, fax/ARA) - at least it is what we were told by users. We'll have a look at LineLink next week - if it really works we'll include LineLink scripts into the standard lineShare package, as well as support for MaxFax in voice/fax mode, i.e. you'll be able to use the modem to process incoming voice, fax and ARA calls, as you can do now with the original Prometheus modems. Stalker Software, Inc butenko@crl.com (Vladimir A. Butenko) FAX bugs and misfeatures ------------------------ Number 1 problem is MaxFax won't automatically answer Fax calls when in voice mail mode. (No problem if in Fax Receive/Answer mode). Number 2 problem it appears at moment is that ATZ resets the modem including Fax and voice settings. This isn't really a modem problem but how software sharing a single piece of hardware interact. Some programs send ATZ without your knowledge (including the ARA script). There is no single fix, i.e. you have to get all your init strings to be compatable which may be impossible. (Note this is not LineLink specific problem) Best temporary fix is to reboot or pull up the MaxFax Status DA when finished using a hostile telecommunication program so Faxes can be received. Number 3 problem (i.e. sending faxes don't quite complete negotiations) Easy fix is to add S7=60 (or S7=90) to init string. (Which is why its been recommended throughout this FAQ) MaxFax and FaxSTF both suggest &D2 (I.e. use DTR to hangup) in the init string. The following information from Rockwell manual as interpreted by Xytel for a Class 2 Fax modem. Of course may not apply at all to a LineLink. >During fax mode, the DTE-DCE port speed is 19200 bps. >The DCE provides a speed buffer of 1024 bytes and provides DC1/DC3 >(XON/XOFF) or RTS/CTS method of controlling the data into the buffer. >This flow control is controlled by AT&K3 or AT&K4 command. >This method of data flow control is available only for DTE to DCE >direction of data. There is no provision for data flow control from >DCE to DTE. DTE to DCE data means Mac to Modem data. Which means modem signals Mac to stop (via CTS). Since the RTS isn't being used for flow control in this case the signal can be used to hangup the modem (&D2 for instance). So while sending or receiving Faxes &D2 is just fine. However any communication program that uses hardware handshaking is going to set it to &D0 in that program. If you forget guess what happens? Hangups in the middle of upload/downloads. Again avoid &D2 if possible. Generally you can set things up to work nicely for either data or Fax or Voice Mail but not for more than one at a time. Deinitializing strings MAY help but only a some programs have them. FaxPro 1.5 versus FaxSTF 3.0 MiniReview --------------------------------------- From jgro@netcom.com (Jeremy Grodberg) I've been comparing FaxPro 1.5 and FAXstf 3.0 myself. I bought both, with money-back-guarantees, and will send one back. Right now, it looks pretty certain it is FaxPro that is going back. FaxPro has far superior features and user interface for handling fax traffic. You can prioritize faxes, assign default transmission windows (times to call) per address, and assign default prefixes and suffixes for phone numbers (separate defaults for local, international, and international), none of which is supported by FAXstf 3.0. If you have a lot of fax traffic, it may be the way to go. I do not have a lot of fax traffic, so I am annoyed by many of its other (mis)features. You cannot set the address for a fax from the print dialog. You have to wait until the fax is imaged, and then you set the address; this is annoying for long documents. The user interface for sending faxes is just ugly (once they are in the queue, though, the interface for managing them is great, as I said above). Options such as whether or not to send a cover page are hidden under an option button in the print dialog. FaxPro also has a bunch of bugs. You cannot choose which modem driver to use when you install the software, you have to use the default driver, and then you can install the driver you want. FaxPro has an feature that you can enter area codes for all the phone numbers, and then define the "local area code", which won't be dialed. So, I can set local phone number to be 415 555 1212, and may local area code to be 415, and it will just dial 555 1212. Or that's the idea. Unfortunately, I need to dial 1 before my long distance calls, and the 1 is not suppressed when the area code matches, so it dials 1 555 1212, which does not go through. That makes that feature useless. FaxPro does not share the serial port well; all it does is release the port when it detects other traffic on it. It does not even reset the modem into data mode; it leaves it in fax mode. Further, it does not reclaim the serial port when the other program is done with it. This is not good for me, since I use my modem more for data than for fax, so I need good serial port arbitration, which FAXstf has. Also, FaxPro does not let you specify maximum speeds for sending an receiving, so if you are having trouble receiving faxes at high speed, say because your computer is too low performance or too busy, there is no way to limit the receive speed. And my personal pet peeve, tgehy do not allow '+' in the phone number fields for the header. It's time that these companies learn that the plus sign is supposed to start an international phone number. FaxPro also has a crappy cover page facility, but so does every other fax package for the mac. FAXstf has it's limitations, too. It doesn't have the powerful features for organizing faxes, nor does it have the prefix/suffix for phone numbers that I find very handy. They have also broken out a lot of features that should be included, like the ability to view a fax rotated 90 degrees, so that they can charge extra (more than the basic package!) for them. No kidding, they have announced FaxView, a fax viewing applications, AutoPrint, which automatically prints faxes when they are received, and AutoOCR, which converts faxes to text, each as a separate add on. FaxPro comes with all those features, while the AutoOCR addon alone costs more that FaxPro. I'm not a fan of STF, they have pissed me off a number of ways, but this version of FAXstf does seem to address every complaint I gave them about version 2.2. (I forgot to complain about viewing faxes rotated 90 degrees). For my needs, it seems the better choice. Jeremy Grodberg jgro@netcom.com Here's what I have as of now for addresses: STF Technologies, Inc. is at P.O. Box 81, Concordia, MO 64020. Phone (800) 783-2002 or (816) 463-2021; fax (816) 463-7958. Send email to them on CompuServe at 74740,1244 (internet 74740.1244@CompuServe.COM). Delrina Corp. is at 6830 Via Del Oro, Suite 240, San Jose, CA 95119-1353. Phone (800) 268-6082 or (416) 441-2457; fax (416) 441-0774. FaxSTF 3.0 Setup ---------------- FaxSTF 3.0 has a specific setting for a LineLink. It is reported to work so use it until someone has a better suggestion. FAXstf 2.5 Setup ---------------- OK here's a chance to be on the bleeding (oops cutting) EDGE! FAXstf 2.2.3 Setup ------------------ WARNING WARNING WARNING- The &D2 part of init string has been associated with problems i.e. hangups and not receiving FAX's. You may not want to use it (i.e leave as factory default of &D0). I suspect you should really be reading the manual on this software (i.e. factory defaults should be close). Also many people add &F at begining of FaxSTF init string. From: David Hartman Fax Settings for FaxSTF: Thanks Chuck Browning for these init strings. One other user of a LineLink (Grady W. Chism)has successfully used them . 1. Make sure you have version 2.2.3 (or higher) of the FaxSTF software. 2. Install the software from scratch. Note: you may want to move any phonebooks or coverpages you have previously created out of the FaxSpoolfolder before you install since the install will trash them. 3. In the installation, you'll be presented with a dialog window which will allow you to select either the modem model or driver type. Click on the "Driver Type" radio button and then select "Class 2 for Sierra based modems". 4. The next dialog is the standard install dialog. Clickon the Install button to install all of the software AND the driver. 5. You'll have to reboot your computer after the install. Make sure that your modem is turned on before the reboot or the modem won't be found and initialized. 6. Go to the Chooser and select the FaxPrint driver. Click on the SetUp button. 7. In the SetUp dialog, click on the Fax Madem icon. You'll see a number of settings, but the most important ones to look for are the send and recieve bps rates. These should be set at 9600bps. 8. Click on the Fax Software icon. Make sure that the "ON" radio button is highlited. If it's not, go back to Step 2. I don't know why, but in MY experience with this software, if the software isn't turned on AFTER the install then something didn't go right and you'll have to re-install : 9. Click on the Modem Init icon and make sure that the modem init string > says "AT\Q1&D2V1E" (no quotes in actual string). 10.That's it! You're ready to rock and fax! 11. I've been able to send and recieve faxes. The Quickfax software works OK. I've been able to send faxes from inside MS Word, MacDraw, Canvas, andReadySetGo. However, you can't fax EPS files without Freedom of Press. That's it. I hope this note can help others to get their modems working with the FaxSTF software. The following is another success story posted by Jack Z. Sun Here's a simple instruction to setup the LineLink for sending/receiving faxes with your FaxSTF software. 1. Double click on the Installer icon (in disk 1); 2. On the "Modem Selection" window, check the "Driver Type" radio button; 3. Scroll down the list, select "PN2388 for Sierra based modems"; 4. In the INIT String field, modify the "ATVE" to "AT\Q1V1E"; 5. Click at "Install" button; 6. Decide if you want to install everything or only to install the driver and stuff for the TCI modem. For the latter, just select these items - - FaxMonitor - FaxStatus - FaxSoftware - ModemInit - FaxModem 7. Restart the Mac; 8. Go to the Chooser for "Setup". (Set the highest speed for S/R, test your modem initialization string, enter your numbers and so on...) NOTE: The "\Q1" part in the modem init string sets the modem to bidirectional XON/XOFF. "&K4" may also be used for this (I don't quite know the difference between the two). Under these installation/settings, my LineLink is functioning very well in 14.4k s/r faxes: it attempts to send/receive at 14.4k, but will sense the speed of the other end and auto adjust to match the speed. NOTE2: The LineLink 14.4e uses the Sierra chipset, which is the one with the diamond shaped microprocessor logo. When you select the "PN2388 for Sierra...", the INFO box will tell you that "This is for modems based on Sierra Semiconductor's chipset using the PN2388 specifications". Jack Z. Sun QuickLink II - FAX software --------------------------- The following is courtesy of Darryl Harvey Email: djh@shell.portal.com The setup for the LineLink 144e and QuickLink II Fax was simple.. The software came with a Practical Peripherals PM14400FMXT modem. The software was installed with this modem and I just plugged the LineLink in it's place and it all worked 100% (Send & receive - High & Low res) Actual setup string is: AT&FE1L1V1X4&C1&D0S0=0S7=60 There appears to be some times when the modem locks up, but a power reset fixes it up.. I have not traced it down yet, but I am not to worried about it as it only happens when I want to send... I am not convinced it is the software causing it anyway. For $99, you can't expect everything working 100%.Would I recommend it? If it was all you could afford, and willing to put up with the occasional compulsary power reset. YES. BTW: I am not too crazy about Fax software anyway, they all seem to do things to your modem ports that other software doesn't like. I just test them out and then remove it from my disk.. If you could run fax software without the required "background" program, it would be better (ie: send only, no need to monitor port for incoming receive) Note that after this posting by Darryl , he bought MaxFax with voice and has contributed elsewhere in the LineLink FAQ. WinFAx Lite ----------- Source: Chuck Browning > The init strings for the IBM (generic class 2 fax) is: > AT&F&C1&D2S7=90 This is the string used in WinFAx Lite MaxFax SETUP ------------ Read the manual cover to cover after installation and trying it. It answers most questions. First if you are upgrading to the voice version of MaxFax from the Fax version of MaxFax throw away all your preference files , MaxFax init etc into trash. In other words do a clean reinstall. MaxFax is very easy to install. Just boot without extensions. Double click on the installer. Follow directions. (You will be asked to send your registration via Fax) Next start up the MaxFax application If you are using the Fax only version of MaxFax (i.e. MaxFax 3.3.1s) Select Class 2 in the modem setup in the application. The init string will default to &D2. I highly recommend at present to NOT use &D2 but either S7=60 or possibly &FW1L3&C1S7=60 If you are using Fax only version of MaxFax (i.e. MaxFax 3.3.1L) Select Fax (or Voice or whatever your preference) The init string is blank by default. I highly recommend at present to use either S7=60 or possibly &FW1L3&C1S7=60 You can also try S7=90 in either string or S7=120 for international calls for either version. Note this contradicts somewhat the info in last FAQ. This is partially due to better info though I haven't tried enough Faxes to be sure . The motivation is based on trying to be as consistent as possible and the following email. The following are (almost) quotes of Milt Sagen (a MaxFax author): When does MaxFax send the init string? >When it initializes the modem for receiving and just before sending a fax. What happens when MaxFax answers the phone? Does MaxFax also send the init string for instance when a call comes in and the serial port is free? >No, not if the RING is detected - if it detects garbage because the >modem was switched off then on and thus the dce-dte speeds don't >match, it will send an initialization string. >Otherwise, It just answers and looks for an +FCON. On reboot? >No. If MaxFax is set to Send/Receive it will send an initialization >string during the first accRun (whichever application - typically the >finder -which calls SystemTask) What is the init string you send? >I don't rely on any settings of the modem. If I absolutely need them >then I set them when I initialize the modem in the fax software. For >example >MaxFax must have v1 set and s0=0. Some settings may help >MaxFax send a fax >such as setting s7 to 60 or greater, but in general >I've found in the past >that, with exception of international calls >the default value of 30 was sufficient. However, I'm beginning to >believe that 60 or more is better with the LineLink. We send >ATV1E1 "users init string" s0=0 I believe and then we send some >other strings for class 2 such as AT+FAA=1;+FCR=1 etc. My own experiments indicate it does so when you open the DA and click on the popup menu containing send , send/recieve etc. >Yes that will cause it do so although the version which supports voice >won't cause this to happen. >Note that we didn't actually change MaxFax in anyway to work with the >LineLink as a fax and data modem." Fifth question: Is &D2 really NEEDED in MaxFax init string? >I haven't seen anything to suggest that it is. End quotes from Milt Sagen. At the moment I have found that some programs do ATZ which resets the modem including Fax/Voice. This includes the ARA script included with the LineLink. On the Fax only version of MaxFax opening the DA resets the Fax to correct values. Seems to do the same on the voice if you change types. In other words get in the habit of pulling up the MaxFax Status DA after quiting the program and reselecting the Fax Receive/Send or Voice S/R . Slick program with lots of bells and whistles (Nice job guys). MaxFax Software REAL BUGS ------------------------- The following are documented bugs (i.e. verified by someone at Prometheus). Bug1: (Bug hit many people!) Upgrading from MaxFax 3.3.1S to MaxFax 3.3.1L should be done from a clean install (ie. delete old application and most importantly the preference files). Otherwise you will get various bugs. Bug 2: (Bug found by Darryl Harvey and others, fixed I think in 3.3.1L) There was a bug in one (or more) versions of MaxFax where if you enter more than 18 characters for the Fax name the program or MaxFax init hangs. So if you keep the fax name short, all is OK. Darryl also believes Bug 4 below is a manifestation of the same bug. So try keeping the Fax name to less than 18 characters. Bug3: (Bug hit me, Loudon Campbell) "We did find a problem with viewing faxes on 68LC040's which includes the 605. What would typically happen is a person would view a fax and then close and sometime later elbombo. We fixed it on the version of MaxFax which supports voice on the LineLink (i.e. MaxFax 3.3.1L version or later.). The funny thing is the bomb only occurs on machines with LC040 such as the Performa 475 and the Quadra 605." Bug 4: Victor E Aldridge III reports the following info from Prometheus: Some systems running System 7.1 seem to crash during Startup for no explainable reason. Even removing all extensions and non-System cdevs (excepting the MaxFax INIT) will not stop this from occuring. This occurs in versions of MaxFax earlier than 3.2.4, and was fixed in 3.2.4, though the developers have no idea what was fixed. This 'fix' was 'unfixed' in the upgrade to 3.3.1, which mostly included coding to increase the abilities of the program for Powerbook users. As I said, the developers at Prometheus do not know what is causing the problem, and no pattern has been discerned among the affected systems. The only alternative for those affected is to downgrade to 3.2.4. The Prometheus tech (I actually got through) I was talking to shipped it out 'blue label' at no charge to me, and the computer now boots fine with all my original extensions installed. Also see Bug 2. MaxFax and Voice Mail ===================== This is most actively changing area so there are no quick fixes. User Comments and Pointers -------------------------- The following info is a summary of info and comments from Darryl Harvey (djh@shell.portal.com) Marshall Levin (mlevin@nyx10.cs.du.edu) and Rich (rglewis@mit.edu) (Darryl 's comments) Well it all works fine... No problems at all.. The modem is a little deaf and that can result in early hang ups of the voice mail, but if you speak loud and clear, the message is loud and clear. It does have limitations (ie: can't return to the main mailbox if you have previously selected a mailbox or section..) The volume settings are not adjustable; It does take a long time to compress/decompress messages, I have only tried it in "best" mode, maybe select "good" would improve this? other things worth noting: Cannot record a greeting from a telephone connected to the modem, you must have a sound imput device on your Mac, use a remote phone, or import a sound file from another source. Could be a hassle for some Mac users that do not have a microphone on their Mac. The modem does not automatically detect an incomming fax when in voice mode. The caller must manually enter 77# on the keypad to enable a fax receive mailbox. (This is the preset function, it could be changed, but still has to be manually entered) This is the _ONLY_ way to make the LineLink answer in Fax mode if Voice Mail is enabled and MaxFax is running. So from your Fax machine, turn up the volume level, listen to the start of the message and then enter 77#, the LineLink WILL enable fax receive and your Fax should notice this and start sending. : Along the same line, how would one make a send a fax from one : LineLink to another LineLink (with the receiver running in the voice : mode)? How would you send the 77# once the receiver answers? Same as from a normal fax machine.. Put a suffix in the dial string. Make it pause, then dial 77#. May not work 100% but it could work.. All you would have to do is pause long enough for the remote LineLink to pick up the phone and start it's message. A few more things about the modem and voice software that may be useful to know: You must have the Max Fax software running on your mac or else the modem will only answer in fax mode (if set to Voice/SR fax). It does not function in the background. It will happily sit in the background until a voice message comes in, then it will come to the foreground and take control of your mac. To determine if you have the correct software for voice, an easy way to find out is to look at the modem configuration section. The Fax only software allows you to choose the modem type.. The Voice option software has this hard set to LineLink and you cannot change it (it is greyed out). (Now Rich's comments) 1.The message plays back at a barely audible level. The settings for changing this are "grayed-out" and are unavailable. 3.The sound quality on the recorded message is poor. I got AIFF Recorder off the net and recorded a crystal clear AIFF message, which I then attempted to import it. The message was played back at half speed in MaxFax (although with good sound quality). The MaxFax manual reports that a program called Sound Editor can be used with MaxFax,but I can't locate this program (any ideas?). 4.The time that a caller has to leave message is about 7 seconds. I started by choosing the unlimited option for message length, which allowed a 1-2 second message. Then I chose the 3 minute message length from the settings file, which allowed a 7-10 second message. I called MacWarehouse and they gave me the init string (I had no init string before) AT&F&D2S7=120, which does not work. I think I know why. MaxFax appends this init string to its own, and I'm resetting the factory settings in this string. In any event, this string causes the modem to go on and off line indefinitely. So I tried &D2S7=120 as the init string, which, as yet, I haven't had time to observe the results (except for problem 4, which it did not cure). (Now Marshall's comments) Basically, I am quite satisfied with the product. It is well worth $99 + $39. It is certainly NOT professional quality, but I'm not trying to run a business here (and I certainly wouldn't recommend doing so with the LineLink). I use the voicemail feature infrequently, the fax features on a fairly regular basis, and the data features almost constantly. If I didn't have the patience or know-how to mess with the configuration, or I were planning on using the system professionally (where I had to rely on it for my livelihood) I'd most certainly spend an extra $100-$150 and get a better system. But for the mostly-data, casual user who wants the features for occasional non-demanding personal use and doesn't mind fiddling with the configuration until it works right, this modem and software really is a steal ($140 for 14.4 fax/voice/data modem). Fax recognition during voice mail outgoing playback --------------------------------------------------- Quotes from Chris Baker (a coauthor of MaxFax) What doesn't work with a LineLink modem is being able to detect Fax CNG tones while the outgoing message is being played. The DSP firmware in the LineLink doesn't support it. Regarding DTMF and CNG detection: I can't tell you exactly what is going on in the DSP but it comes down to not having enough tone detectors to do both DTMF which requires 8 tone detectors (4 row and 4 column). To detect CNG, the DSP would need another tone detector for the 1100 khz CNG tone. My understanding is that either there is not another tone detector available in the DSP or there in not enough horsepower to both do voice sound decompression (CVSD 4 to 1) and do 9 tone detectors at the same time. We are working very hard with Sierra to get them to improve this situation as not having CNG detection durring outbound voice is a detriment to the product. Concerning theproblemwith the modem not falling back to data mode if you speak or make noise into the phone, I am not sure why that seems to happen but we have reported it to the firmware engineers at Sierra and they are lookin into it. AT the moment it looks like a firmware bug and will have to be fixed with a firmware change. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on other STUFF =============================================== In general, when searching for a FAQ, always check rtfm.mit.edu in pub/usenet. For instance for the FAQ for comp.sys.mac.comm look in pub/usenet/comp.sys.mac.comm and you'll find the four-part posting. rtfm.mit.edu: pub/usenet/comp.sys.mac.comm/c.s.m.c_FAQ_[1_4] c.s.m.c_FAQ_[2_4] c.s.m.c_FAQ_[3_4] c.s.m.c_FAQ_[4_4] For folks new to ftp -------------------- If your mac is hooked up via SLIP or PPP then just use Fetch, X-ferit , Gopher ,Anarchie , Telnet or who knows on your mac. Of course you may need to get these programs to your mac so the following may still be useful once. The following assumes you are connected to a unix machine connected to the internet. Generally after logging into your unix machine you simply type ftp you then get a prompt something like ftp> you then type in open "ftpsite" where "ftpsite" is the name of the site you are connecting to so for instance open sumex.stanford.edu When ftp prompts you for a username and password, send "anonymous" as the username, and your email address as the password, for me it would be loudon@emx.cc.utexas.edu. Use your real email address as a matter of courtesy. Help usually lists available ftp commands. Most common are cd (change directory), ls (list directory), get (get the file from the ftp site to your local unix box) and quit. Here's a two typical sample ftp session: ftp ftp> open sumex.stanford.edu Connected to SUMEX-AIM.Stanford.EDU. 220 SUMEX-AIM FTP server (Version 4.215 Tue Mar 8 15:20:45 PST 1994) ready. 331 Guest login ok, send mail address (user@host) as password. 230 Guest connection accepted. Restrictions apply. ftp> cd info-mac ftp> ascii ftp> get ./help/recent-files.txt recentFiles ftp> get ./text/easy-view-232.hqx. ftp> quit ftp ftp> open sumex-aim.stanford.edu Connected to sumex-aim.stanford.edu. 220 sumex-aim FTP server (SunOS 4.0/3) ready. Name (sumex-aim.stanford.edu:loudon): anonymous Password (sumex-aim.stanford.edu:loudon): loudon@emx.cc.utexas.edu 331 Guestlogin ok, send mail address (user@host) as password. 230 Guest connection 17 (of 25) accepted, access restrictions apply. ftp> cd info-mac ftp> ascii ftp> get ./help/recent-files.txt recentFiles ftp> get ./text/easy-view-232.hqx. ftp> quit Real people would have had an "ls" command somewhere in there to see what files are there before trying to download them. On most mac sites files are stored in hqx format. This is just a Macbinary format that is encoded in ascii characters. Hence these files are sent in ascii format. Usually these files end in ".hqx". On a few sites Macbinary is used. There "ascii" in the above example would have been binary. Hopefully the file is now on your unix box. You then download it using xmodem, zmodem or whatever (using either ascii or binary mode depending on above). Get Stuffit Expander and just drag the file onto it and generally it knows what to do with it. If you are unix hacker grab mcvert and use it on your unix box to save download time. FTP SITES --------- The first column of stuff below is the site name. Usually you can just run ftp and type open and then the site name. But some computers don't like the names (or don't have all of them) and prefer the next column of stuff, the IP addresses. If you try the open command with the IP number and it doesn't work , click your heels three times and say we aren't in Kansas anymore. Our local site microlib.cc.utexas.edu is also very good on communications especially TCP based stuff and viruses. The biggest site excluding info-mac is mac.archive.umich.edu 141.211.164.153 mac archives Use mirror.archive.umich.edu which automagically connects you to its mirror sites. Info-Mac Archive Mirror Sites of sumex-aim.stanford.edu This information is also available as info-mac/help/mirror-list.txt archie.au (139.130.4.6) micros/mac/info-mac ftp.univie.ac.at (131.130.1.4) mac/info-mac ftp.ucs.ubc.ca (?) pub/mac/info-mac ftp.funet.fi (128.214.248.6) pub/mac/info-mac ftp.jyu.fi (130.234.0.1) info-mac ftp.cs.tu-berlin.de (130.14.17.7) pub/mac/info-mac ftp.rrzn.uni-hannover.de (130.75.2.2) pub/info-mac ftp.uni-kl.de(131.246.9.95) /pub/info-mac ftp.uni-stuttgart.de (129.69.8.13)pub/systems/mac/info-mac ftp.technion.ac.il 132.68.1.10 pub/unsupported/mac/info-mac ftp.center.osaka-u.ac.jp 133.1.4.10 info-mac ftp.iij.ad.jp 192.244.176.50 pub/info-mac ftp.u-tokyo.ac.jp 130.69.254.254 pub/info-mac ftp.fenk.wau.nl 137.224.129.4 pub/mac/info-mac ftp.lth.se 130.235.20.3 mac/info-mac nic.switch.ch 130.59.1.40 mirror/info-mac imftp.mgt.ncu.edu.tw 140.115.83.90 /pub/mac/info-mac ftp.edu.tw 140.111.1.10 Macintosh/info-mac src.doc.ic.ac.uk 146.169.2.10 packages/info-mac amug.org 165.247.10.2 pub/ftp1/info-mac ftp.hawaii.edu 128.171.44.70 mirrors/info-mac grind.isca.uiowa.edu 128.255.21.233 mac/infomac wuarchive.wustl.edu 128.252.135.4 systems/mac/info-mac ricevm1.rice.edu 128.42.30.2 (mailserver only?) Info-Mac Mail Server(s) ----------------------- Most Info-Mac files are available from LISTSERV@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU, the same LISTSERV that handles the Info-Mac Digest. You can retrive Info-Mac files by sending an email message with: $MACarch GET filename.filetype to "Get an Info-Mac file". Other commandes include: $MACarch Help to "Get help about $MACARCH" and $MACarch INDex to "Get a list of Info-Mac files" You can get the above information and more by sending a message with the command HELP in the body of the message - on a line by itself, remember to "turn off" your .sig - to LISTSERV@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU. Mail on Internet, CompuServe and America Online ----------------------------------------------- To send e-mail FROM CompuServe TO an Internet address, all you have to do is use the address: INTERNET: recipient address@domain That is, just put INTERNET: in front of the Internet address. So my internet address on Compuserve would be INTERNET: loudon@emx.cc.utexas.edu To send e-mail FROM Internet TO CompuServe, just use the CompuServe ID number, with the comma changed to a period, followed by @compuserve.com. For instance, 12345.6789@compuserve.com To send email to an AOL address from the internet its recipient@aol To send email from AOL to internet the information is. #CONTACT: Internet #INSTR: send to 'user@domain' So to send email to me (I guess!) #CONTACT: Internet #INSTR: send to loudon@emx.cc.utexas.edu Corrections appreciated to this section since I can't check it!