Current Shareware 1994 January/SHAR194.ISO/modem/intelmdm.zip/MODM4044.TXT

Text File | 1993-09-08 | 23KB | 513 lines

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  ║          SatisFAXtion Modem/400: Solutions to Common Problems           ║
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  SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS

 This document discusses the solutions to the most common questions and
 problems customers have when they contact Intel Customer Support.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS: MODEM/400 SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS

 These are the topics covered in this document listed in order of
 appearance.

 ■    Dell Local Bus Systems: Limited Compatibility with CAS Faxmodems
 ■    Gateway 2000 486/33 Local Bus: Limited Compatibility with CAS
      Faxmodems
 ■    SETUP and Local Bus Video Systems
 ■    DOS 6.0 AND SATISFAXTION BOARDS
 ■    DBLSPACE Disk Compression Utility
 ■    MEMMAKER Memory Configuration Utility
 ■    Using Multiple Configurations
 ■    My Software Doesn't List the SatisFAXtion Modem/400
 ■    Enabling the SatisFAXtion Data Modem
 ■    Which Smart Line Sharing Option Should I Use?
 ■    Voice Calls on a Shared Phone Line
 ■    If You Pick Up Before the Faxmodem & Hear a Fax Tone
 ■    If You Pick Up Before the Faxmodem & Hear Silence
 ■    If You Pick Up After the Faxmodem
 ■    Using the * (Star) Key to Stop Unwanted Ringing
 ■    Modem Won't Auto answer When SLS Enabled
 ■    Tips for Correcting Protocol Errors
 ■    Use the Latest SatisFAXtion Software
 ■    Latest Modem/400 Software Version Numbers
 ■    Line Compensation Setting on the Modem/350 & Modem/400
 ■    Adjusting the Line Compensation Setting
 ■    Intermittent Lockups With CASMGR Loaded
 ■    Board Hangs Up Voice Calls
 ■    Clicking Relay
 ■    Clicking Relay - Modem/400
 ■    No Dialtone on Down-line Phone
 ■    No Dialtone on Down-line Phone - Modem/400
 ■    Where to Find Software Configuration Help
 ■    My Software Doesn't List the Intel Modem
 ■    IRQs, I/O Addresses, and COM Ports
 ■    Common Symptoms of IRQ Conflicts
 ■    I/O and IRQ Conflicts
 ■    Finding a COM Port for the Modem/200 & Modem/400
 ■    IRQ Conflicts Continued

  DELL LOCAL BUS SYSTEMS: LIMITED COMPATIBILITY WITH CAS FAXMODEMS

 These Dell computers include Local Bus Video that uses 260h:

      433L      450L      466L
      433M      450M      466M
      433T      450T      466T
      433ME     450ME     466ME
      433SL
      433SM

 When you install the SatisFAXtion board into a Dell system equipped with
 Local Bus Video, the system may fail to boot. This happens because of an
 I/O conflict between the Dell system and the SatisFAXtion board. To work
 around the problem, follow the instructions under  "SETUP and Local Bus
 Video Systems".

  GATEWAY 2000 486/33 LOCAL BUS: LIMITED COMPATIBILITY WITH CAS FAXMODEMS

 The Gateway 2000 486/33 with local bus video appears to use the I/O
 address 260h (the default I/O address for the Modem/200, Modem/350,
 Modem/400, and SatisFAXtion Classic). SETUP 1.40 and 1.42 will give the
 error "SatisFAXtion board not found." To work around the problem, follow
 the instructions under  "SETUP and Local Bus Video Systems".

 This system reportedly uses a Micronics motherboard.

  SETUP AND LOCAL BUS VIDEO SYSTEMS

 At the factory, the SatisFAXtion boards are set to the I/O address 260h.
 This is the same I/O address used on some systems containing a feature
 called "Local Bus Video". When installing a brand new SatisFAXtion board
 in a Local Bus system, SETUP will not find the SatisFAXtion board because
 of the I/O address conflict. Here's Intel's recommended solution to this
 problem.

 1.   Insert the SatisFAXtion board into a different computer (one without
      Local Bus).
 2.   Insert the SatisFAXtion diskette 1 into the floppy drive and type
      A:\SETUP  or  B:\SETUP  depending on which drive the diskette is in.
 3.   At the "Options" menu, select "Advanced setup" then select "Setup
      hardware".
 4.   Highlight "Fax I/O address", press ENTER, then highlight "350 - 35F"
      and press ENTER again.
 5.   Press F10 twice to accept the change and return to the "Options"
      menu.
 6.   Exit the SETUP program, turn off the computer and remove the
      SatisFAXtion board.
 7.   Insert the SatisFAXtion board into the Local Bus system and complete
      the installation as usual.

  DOS 6.0 AND SATISFAXTION BOARDS

 Intel tested DOS 6.0 with the SatisFAXtion faxmodems and they are
 compatible. However, Intel's Compatibility Lab did identify some issues
 that may concern SatisFAXtion board users.

  DBLSPACE DISK COMPRESSION UTILITY

 DBLSPACE is completely compatible with the SatisFAXtion hardware and
 software.

  MEMMAKER MEMORY CONFIGURATION UTILITY

 MEMMAKER may configure the SatisFAXtion drivers to LOADHIGH. While this is
 not a problem for the SATISFAX.SYS driver, Intel does not recommend using
 LOADHIGH on CASMGR. Instead, use EMM386 or another memory manager to
 create some EMS memory for CASMGR to use.

  USING MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS

 MS DOS 6.0 allows you to define multiple configurations in your CONFIG.SYS
 and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. See your DOS 6.0 User's Guide for more information
 on Multiple Configurations.

 Intel recommends that you add the command line for the SATISFAX.SYS driver
 to the "[common]" section of your CONFIG.SYS file. This will ensure that
 the SatisFAXtion driver always loads when you boot your computer.

 In your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, place the CASMGR command near the end of the
 file following the ":End" label. This will ensure that the CASMGR command
 loads every time you boot your computer.

  MY SOFTWARE DOESN'T LIST THE SATISFAXTION MODEM/400

 If your communications program doesn't list the SatisFAXtion Modem/400 in
 the setup screen, try selecting one of these equivalent modems:

      Intel 14.4EX or Intel 9600EX

 After selecting the equivalent modem, be sure to set the baud rate to
 57600.

 If your communications program doesn't list the Modem/400 or any of the
 equivalent modems, select a Hayes compatible configuration. If you have
 problems connecting to other modems with your Modem/400, change the
 "Initialization String" to:

      AT&F\N0\Q0\J1\V0"H0-J0

  ENABLING THE SATISFAXTION DATA MODEM

 The SatisFAXtion data modem will not work unless you perform both of these
 steps:

 1.   Configure the data modem using the SatisFAXtion SETUP Program.
 2.   Load the SATISFAX.SYS driver in your CONFIG.SYS file.

 If SETUP tells you that your data modem configuration conflicts with
 another port in your system see "I/O and IRQ Conflicts".

  WHICH SMART LINE SHARING OPTION SHOULD I USE?

 For a description of the Smart Line Sharing Options, read the SatisFAXtion
 Installation Guide or order FaxBACK document 4017.

  VOICE CALLS ON A SHARED PHONE LINE

 Here are a few issues to be aware of if you use a telephone on the same
 line as your faxmodem.

 ■    "Call waiting" will interrupt a data modem or fax transmission. If
      you have call waiting on the faxmodem phone line, disable it before
      sending a fax or data modem call and when you expect to receive one.

 ■    Don't pick up an extension phone while the faxmodem is sending or
      receiving because you may corrupt the transmission. (Picking up the
      phone plugged into the faxmodem won't corrupt the transmission
      because the faxmodem disconnects that phone while sending or
      receiving.)

 ■    You can't use the phone line while the faxmodem is sending or
      receiving. To use the phone line while the faxmodem is sending or
      receiving (in an emergency, for example), you'll have to cancel the
      event before you can dial. Cancel a fax event from your fax software
      and a modem event from your modem software.

  IF YOU PICK UP BEFORE THE FAXMODEM & HEAR A FAX TONE

 If you pick up the phone before the faxmodem picks up and you hear a fax
 tone (a series of beeps), the call is from an automatic fax machine. This
 could happen if you pick up before the fourth ring with Option 2, or if
 you pick up the phone to call out just when a fax call is coming in.

 From an Extension Phone:
 1.   Wait five seconds for the faxmodem to pick up (you'll hear a loud fax
      answering tone).
 2.   Hang up. The faxmodem will connect to the calling fax machine.

 From the Down-line Phone:
 1.   Hang up immediately. Most likely, the faxmodem will be able to
      recover the call. However, if the call is lost, wait for the calling
      fax device to retry the call.

  IF YOU PICK UP BEFORE THE FAXMODEM & HEAR SILENCE

 Extension phones ring until the faxmodem picks up. If you pick up a
 ringing extension phone before the fax modem picks up and you hear
 silence, the data modem or manual fax caller has not issued the # (pound)
 tone.

 CAUTION:  Pick up extension phones when they ring, not the down-line phone
           (the phone plugged into the faxmodem's "PHONE" jack). Once you
           pick up the down-line phone, the call can't be routed back to
           the faxmodem.

 You (from an extension phone) or the caller must:

 1.   Wait five seconds for the faxmodem to pick up (you'll hear a click).
 2.   Issue a # tone to alert the faxmodem to take the call.
 3.   Hang up.

 The faxmodem will determine if the call is a data modem or fax call.

  IF YOU PICK UP AFTER THE FAXMODEM

 The down-line phone (plugged into the faxmodem's "PHONE" jack) rings only
 when the faxmodem assumes the call is a voice call. Pick up the down-line
 phone when it rings, not an extension phone, or you may hear unwanted
 ringing tones.

 With Option 1 (mostly fax) and Option 2 (mostly voice),  when the faxmodem
 does not detect a fax calling tone or the # tone, it assumes the call is a
 voice call and passes it to the down-line phone. However, the call could
 still be a modem or manual fax call sent without a # tone (you'll hear
 silence when you pick up). Once you pick up the down-line phone (even when
 it's ringing) these kinds of calls cannot be routed back to the faxmodem.

 For example, this could happen with Option 1, where the faxmodem picks up
 after the first ring. If the modem or manual fax caller does not issue a #
 tone, you probably won't intercept the call in time to do so yourself.

 The caller must try the call again, making sure to issue the # tone.

  USING THE * (STAR) KEY TO STOP UNWANTED RINGING

 If you pick up an extension phone when the down-line phone (plugged into
 the faxmodem's "PHONE" jack) rings but after extension phones have stopped
 ringing, you may hear ringing tones that make it difficult to carry on a
 conversation.

 To stop the unwanted ringing tones, press the * key on the extension
 phone.

  MODEM WON'T AUTO ANSWER WHEN SLS ENABLED

 If the SatisFAXtion Modem/200 or Modem/400 is set for the SLS (Smart Line
 Sharing) options "Shares phone line, mostly fax calls" or "Shares phone
 line, mostly voice calls", modem callers MUST include the characters  @#
 (or @,#####)  at the end of their dialing string. The "@" command tells
 the calling modem to wait for a period of silence (30 seconds by default).
 The "#" character tells the answering SatisFAXtion board the call is from
 a modem.

 Otherwise, if the SatisFAXtion board detects no CNG tone, the SatisFAXtion
 board will assume the call is a voice call and ring the downline phone. If
 you truly need the board to arbitrate between fax and modem calls without
 user intervention, set the SLS setting for "has its own phone line" or
 "distinctive ring". Before trying "distinctive ring" contact your local
 telephone company to find out if this feature is available in your area.

 For further information, consult your Installation Guide under the section
 "Using # to get a data modem or manual fax call recognized". If you don't
 wish to share the line with incoming voice calls, select Option 4
 (Faxmodem Has Own Phone Line) in the fax SETUP program.

  TIPS FOR CORRECTING PROTOCOL ERRORS

 ■    Make sure you're using the  latest software for your SatisFAXtion
      board. If your using DOWNLOAD.400 version 3.10 or earlier on a
      Modem/400and  sending to Panasonic or Sharp fax machines, get the
      latest DOWNLOAD.400.
 ■    Remove other devices from the phone lines used by the faxmodem. Other
      devices include answering machines, fax machines, and phone line
      surge suppressors (to name just a few).
 ■    Try a different phone line.
 ■    On the SatisFAXtion Modem/400, adjusting  Line Compensation sometimes
      reduce or eliminate protocol errors.

  USE THE LATEST SATISFAXTION SOFTWARE

 Many times, using the latest software for your SatisFAXtion board will
 reduce or eliminate certain protocol errors. You can order the latest
 software from Intel's FaxBACK system or download it from Intel's BBS.

 SatisFAXtion Board       DOWNLOAD   CASMGR   FAX    FAXPOP  FaxBACK #
 Modem/400                  3.11      1.42    1.40    1.41    0029

  LINE COMPENSATION SETTING ON THE MODEM/350 & MODEM/400

 Changing the line compensation setting for the Modem/400 affects send
 functions only. It has no effect on incoming calls.

  ADJUSTING THE LINE COMPENSATION SETTING

 To adjust the Line Compensation setting:

 1.   Change to the SatisFAXtion software directory (usually C:\FAX) then
      type  SETUP  and press ENTER.
 2.   Select "Advanced Setup".
 3.   Select "Setup Technical Software".
 4.   Increase "Line Compensation" by 1 and try again.

 NOTE:     The farther you are from the local phone company's switching
           station, the more the signal degrades. Increasing Line
           Compensation boosts the signal to help overcome the degradation.

  INTERMITTENT LOCKUPS WITH CASMGR LOADED

 If your system locks up intermittently while CASMGR is loaded, make sure
 you:

 ■    Always load a disk cache program BEFORE CASMGR.
 ■    Always turn off the "Write Cache" feature of your disk cache.
 ■    Don't run an anti-virus program in TSR (Terminate Stay Resident)
      mode.
 ■    Load CASMGR after all other memory-resident programs (except FAXPOP)
      in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

 If your AUTOEXEC.BAT file contains a command that runs another batch file,
 runs a menu program, or starts Windows, that command should execute after
 the CASMGR command.

  BOARD HANGS UP VOICE CALLS

 When using SLS options 1 or 2 (Shares phone line), there are a couple of
 events which cause the SatisFAXtion board's off-hook relay to click
 on/off: when the SATISFAX.SYS driver loads during boot up and when the
 board sends a fax.  In both cases, this on/off switching may hang up the
 phone if you're using the down-line phone.  The line may or may not hang
 up depending on your local phone exchange.

 The solution is to never reboot the computer or send a fax while using the
 down-line phone.

 This does not happen with SLS options 3 and 4 (has own phone line and
 distinctive ring).

  CLICKING RELAY

 If the relay clicks as soon as the computer comes on, check the phone line
 to make sure the line from the wall is plugged into the "Line" jack on the
 SatisFAXtion board. If you have a phone plugged into the SatisFAXtion
 board, it MUST be plugged into the "Phone" jack.

 If the relay clicks when you pick up the down-line phone, you need to
 update your DOWNLOAD.400.

  NO DIALTONE ON DOWN-LINE PHONE

 If you get a clicking sound or no dialtone on your down-line phone after
 selecting one of the "Shares phone line" answering options, try selecting
 the answering option "Has its own phone line".  If you get a dialtone
 then, check the version number on your DOWNLOAD file.

 If you have a DOWNLOAD.400 version earlier than 3.01, call FaxBACK and
 order the order 0029 for the latest DOWNLOAD.400.

  WHERE TO FIND SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION HELP

 You can find help for configuring various communications programs on the
 Intel BBS in the File Downloads area. Intel offers these files strictly as
 a courtesy to Intel customers.  For help with troubleshooting your
 software configuration, contact the software manufacturer/author.

 You can find many of the same files on Intel's FaxBACK Service (requires a
 fax machine or fax board to receive information). Order FaxBACK document
 4351 for the list of available software configurations.

  MY SOFTWARE DOESN'T LIST THE INTEL MODEM

 If your communications program doesn't list your Intel modem in the setup
 screen, try selecting a Hayes compatible configuration.  If the problem
 persists, change the "Initialization String" to match your modem type:

      Intel Modem                  Initialization String
      ─────────────────            ──────────────────────
      Intel V.42 modems (1,2)   :  AT&F\N0\Q0\J1\V0"H0-J0
      Intel 2400B MNP modems (3):  AT&F\N0\Q0\J1\V0
      Intel non-MNP modems (4)  :  AT&F&C1&D2

  IRQS, I/O ADDRESSES, AND COM PORTS

 The most common problem users encounter when using a data modem is an IRQ
 conflict. But just what is an IRQ and why do conflicts arise? If you know
 the answer, skip to the next section. If you don't, read on.

 The microprocessor in your computer works on only one task at a time. When
 a device (such as your modem) needs the processor to do some work, the
 device sends an interrupt request (IRQ) to get the processor's attention
 and an instruction telling the processor what to do. When the processor
 receives an interrupt request, it puts down the task it was working on,
 executes the new instruction, then goes back to the original task.

 Most add-in devices (including the modems and faxmodems) are very selfish
 when it comes to their IRQ; they don't like to share. So when you have two
 devices using the same IRQ, one or the other (or both) of the devices may
 not operate reliably. The only way to ensure reliable operation of your
 add-in device is to give the device its own IRQ.

 In addition to the IRQ, a data modem also needs a unique I/O address. The
 I/O address is simply a path for the data to flow in and out of the
 computer. Having two devices at the same I/O address yields results
 similar to the IRQ conflict: the device doesn't work reliably.

 This brings us to COM ports, which are just specific combinations of IRQs
 and I/O addresses. The first PCs were given two COM ports: COM1 and COM2.
 COM1 uses the I/O address 3F8h and IRQ 4. COM2 uses the I/O address 2F8h
 and IRQ 3. As time went on the need arose for more COM ports, so COM3 and
 COM4 were invented. Here's how it looked:

      Original Configuration            Alternate Configuration
      ----------------------            -----------------------
      COM1     3F8h   4                 COM1     3F8h   4
      COM2     2F8h   3                 COM2     2F8h   3
      COM3     3E8h   4                 COM3     3E8h   5
      COM4     2E8h   3                 COM4     2E8h   2

 What's wrong with this picture? In the original configuration, COM1 and
 COM3 use the same IRQ (as do COM2 and COM4).  It didn't take long to learn
 that the original configuration didn't work well in many cases, so some
 inventive minds created the alternate configuration which solved some
 problems, but created others.

 So what's the bottom line? Well, many of the devices you can install in
 your computer require an IRQ, but there are very few IRQs to go around.
 Your task is to configure every device you add to your computer so that it
 has a unique IRQ and a unique I/O address. The more devices you add, the
 trickier this job can be.

 The best way to avoid a conflict is to know the I/O address and/or IRQ
 used by every device in your computer before adding a new device. Examine
 each board, read the manuals, or call your dealer or the manufacturer to
 determine the current settings for each board. Also determine your options
 for reconfiguring the boards (if necessary) to avoid annoying conflicts.

  COMMON SYMPTOMS OF IRQ CONFLICTS

 Here are some of the more common symptoms you might see if you experience
 an IRQ conflict between your SatisFAXtion data modem and another device.

 ■    Erratic response to AT commands.
 ■    Modem won't echo commands back to the screen.
 ■    Modem doesn't work.

  I/O AND IRQ CONFLICTS

 When two devices share the same I/O address or IRQ (interrupt request),
 the devices may not work correctly.  To eliminate the potential for
 conflicts, make sure each device you add to your computer occupies a
 unique I/O address and IRQ.

 Standard COM (serial) Port Address/IRQ Settings

             I/O
      Port   Address   IRQ
      ----   -------   ---
      COM1     3F8h      4
      COM2     2F8h      3
      COM3     3E8h      4
      COM4     2E8h      3

 Here's an easy method for finding an unoccupied COM port for the
 SatisFAXtion data modem.

 1.   Change to the SatisFAXtion software directory (usually C:\FAX).
 2.   Type  SETUP  then press ENTER.
 3.   Run the SatisFAXtion SETUP program, select "Advanced setup", select
      "Setup hardware", and make sure the "Modem I/O, interrupt" is set to
      "off".
 4.   Exit SETUP, reboot the computer, then type  TESTCOM /S  and press
      ENTER.

 If TESTCOM reports that only COM1 is active, set the modem to COM2. If
 TESTCOM reports both COM1 and COM2 active, find out if there are devices
 using COM1 or COM2 (such as a mouse, printer, etc.). If possible, disable
 the unused COM port so you can set the modem that port.  See the user's
 guide for your computer to find out how to disable a COM port.

 If you're using both COM1 and COM2 or can't disable your COM ports, you
 may be able to use COM3 or COM4 depending on the devices attached to COM1
 and COM2. A mouse and a modem don't usually share an IRQ successfully. A
 printer and a modem sometimes can successfully share an IRQ.

 The Intel internal data modems offer two additional configurations:

 COM3   3E8   IRQ 5  (works in 286/386/486/Pentium-based (AT) computers)
 COM4   2E8   IRQ 2  (works in 8088/8086-based (PC/XT) computers)

 NOTE:     Before configuring your modem for COM3/IRQ 5 or COM4/IRQ 2, make
           sure your communications software supports these ports.

 NOTE:     Never use IRQ 5 in 8088/8086-based computers because IRQ 5 is
           used by your hard drive. Never use IRQ 2 in 286/386/486-based
           computers because IRQ 2 is used to "cascade" the two interrupt
           controllers.


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End of file                 Intel FaxBack # 4044          September 8,1993