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Modems

A MODEM (short for Modulator/Demodulator) is the piece of equipment that enables a computer to "talk" to other computers via a standard telephone line. It converts the electronic signals fom the computer into sounds for easier travelling, which the modem at the other end of the line can then convert back again to computer information.

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Introduction · 28.8k · 14.4k
Tips on running a modem

Introduction:

With a modem and an Internet connection, you can catch up on the latest news, keep in touch with distant friends by electronic mail, download the latest PD software, find information on almost any subject, view pictures of your favourite film stars, battle with dragons, and much more. A modem allows you to gather information and communicate with people from all over the world.

A modem sends data to other modems in electronic pieces, called bits. The speed a modem sends this data is measured in bits per second, called bps on the modem's packaging. The most common speed at the moment is 14,400 bits per second (or 14.4k for short), but this fast being replaced by the higher speed 28,800bps (28.8k). By using a faster modem you decrease the amount of waiting times for downloading and uploading graphics and text, so you save time and money through lower 'phone charges. So, although 28.8k modems are initially more expensive they can pay for themselves in the long run.

Although the Voyager software at the heart of the ArgoNet service will work with any Hayes compatible modem, ArgoNet can supply modems in two different speeds. These are both U.S. Robotics Sportsters, the simplicity, reliability and economy of these units having made them the world's best-selling modem.

The U.S. Robotics Sportster Fax Modem
(New 28.8k VI model shown)

Sportster 28,800 Data/Fax:

Supports true ITU-T V.34 and V.FCTM at 28,800 bps, ITU-T V.32 bis at 14,400 bps, backward compatible with slower speeds down to 300 bps.
Hardware-based V.42/MNP 2-4 error control and V.42 bis/MNP 5 data compression for error-free throughput up to 115,200 bps with any communication software.
Supports V.17 Group III fax at 14,400 bps.
Newer models also support voicemail.

Sportster 14,400 Data/Fax:

Supports ITU-T V.32 bis at 14,400 bps, backward compatible with slower speeds down to 300 bps.
Hardware-based V.42/MNP 2-4 error control and V.42 bis/MNP 5 data compression for error-free throughput up to 57,600 bps with any communication software.
Sportster 14,400 Data/Fax Supports V.17 Group III fax at 14,400 bps.
Newer models also support voicemail.

The U.S. Robotics Sportster Fax Modem
(Old 14.4k model shown)

Tips on running a modem:

Here's a few hints and tips to make life easier when using a modem. Anyone got any others you'd like to share? then please contact Support@ArgoNet.co.uk so we can add them to the list.

On the side of the Sportster is a volume control; try turning this up a little so you can just hear the sounds the modem makes when first connecting to the Internet. This will enable you to immediately hear if anything is wrong (like if someone's on the 'phone downstairs, and your modem is hooked in to the same line...:-).
Keep the modem somewhere that you can see the lights on the front to keep a check on progress. If you're trying to contact a world wide web page or and FTP site and the 'send' and 'receive' lights don't light up for quite a while then it might be best to stop and try again later; however, sometimes the computer can be downloading and it not show up right away on the screen, so by looking for movement on the modem's lights you can avoid stopping the download unnecessarily.

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