NetNews Usenet Archive 1993 #1

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Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems Path: sparky!uunet!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!emory!gatech!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!agate!spool.mu.edu!umn.edu!csus.edu!netcom.com!wolfgang From: wolfgang@netcom.com (Wolfgang Henke) Subject: Re: Need info/experiences with Digicom Scout and AT&T Dataport Message-ID: <1993Jan8.172220.14415@netcom.com> Organization: Netcom X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5 References: <31DEC199210232480@elroy.uh.edu> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 17:22:20 GMT Lines: 730 Guillot, Burt J. (st1r8@elroy.uh.edu) wrote: : I'm considering buying another modem. I was considering a ZyXel, but their : prices have just gone way too high. So, I've seen the latest sysop deal : prices on the AT&T Dataport and they seem reasonable. So, has anyone : tried this modem and how is it? Also, how do people like their Digicoms? : I hear there is a Wolfgang selling the external 14.4Ks with FAX here on : Internet for a good price. Was it $199 or $249, I can't remember? Here is the Wolfgang. You can look for some Scout+ info in my ftp directories either at ftp.rahul.net or ftp.netcom.com. Since several users asked for the longer textfile, Scout.txt, here is the recently updated version for you: Scout Plus V.32bis data and fax modem information file Wolfgang Henke, wolfgang@netcom.com, wolfgang@rahul.net 1. DATASHEET 2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 3. SOFTWARE 4. COMMAND SET 5. TESTS 6. BUGS 7. USES 8. TECH SUPPORT 9. OTHER AND NEW DIGICOM PRODUCTS 10. ORDER INFO 1. DATASHEET (verbatim): The Digicom Systems Inc. Scout Modem Series Scout Plus: V.32bis with Group 3 Fax With up to 57,600 bps throughput, the Scout Series is the optimum choice for high-speed data communications. The full-featured Scout Plus V.32bis data/fax modems will make your PC a complete high-speed telecommunications tool. Features: * Full compliance to CCITT standards ensures worldwide compatibility with the broadest range of modems. * Scout modems integrate CCITT V.42bis and MNP 5 data compression to maximize data throughput up to 57,600 bps. * The Scout Plus combines V.32bis and Group 3 fax with Delrina's WinFax Lite and DosFax Lite sofware for WYSIWYG faxing. * All Scout modems include Qmodem data communications software. The Scout series incorporates an award-winning V.32bis modem design and offers all the necessary features for easy communications with computers, information services and Bulletin Board Services. It features V.42bis and MNP 5 data compression with error control and hardware flow control to keep your calls efficient. Compliance with CCITT international standards and our Adaptive Rate feature ensures compatibility to the broadest range of modems. The Scout Plus combines 14,400 bps V.32bis and Group 3 send and receive fax and is bundled with WinFax Lite 2.0 and DosFax Lite software for WYSIWYG faxing. It's ideal for any data or fax communications. Product Features CCITT V.32bis (14,400 bps) CCITT V.32 (9600 bps) CCITT V.22bis (2400 bps) CCITT V.22, Bell 212A (1200 bps) CCITT Group 3 send and receive fax CCITT V.29, V.27ter and V.21 57,600 bps data throughput CCITT V.42bis and MNP 5 compression CCITT V.42 and MNP 2, 3 and 4 error correction High performance 16550 UART (internal models) Extended AT command set compatibility Auto line monitor and retrain Adaptive rate negotiation Automatic speed negotiation upon connection WinFax Lite and DosFax Lite software Qmodem data communications software Specifications Data Modulation Rates CCITT V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22 and Bell 212A Transmission Speeds 14,400, 12,000, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, and 1200 bps Data Compression CCITT V.42bis and MNP 5 Error Correction CCITT V.42 and MNP 2, 3 and 4 using LAPM Fax Specifications CCITT Group 3 compatible fax machines and fax modems CCITT V.29, V.27ter and V.21 9600, 7200, 4800 and 2400 bps EIA-578 Class 1 compliant computer system must have at least 640k of memory (RAM), hard disk and DOS 3.3 or higher Flow Control XON/XOFF, RTS/CTS Operation Asynchronous full duplex dial-up Commands Extended AT commands with non-volatile memory Test Modes V.54 analog and digital, local and remote loopback with self-test Compatibility Internal: Any IBM PC, 286, 386, 486 or compatible External: Any computer with an RS-232 serial port, (16550 UART recommended) Auto-dialing 10 numbers can be stored in non-volatile memory Environmental Temperature: 0 to 50 degrees Celsius Relative Humidity: 0 to 95 percent, non-condensing Certification FCC type B, DOC, UL and CSA certifications in place or pending Warranty 5-year limited warranty Copyright 1992. Scout, Scout Plus are trademarks of Digicom Systems, Inc. Qmodem, WinFax Lite, DosFax Lite, MNP, IBM and other product names are trademarks of their respective companies. The above information is subject to change without notice. DSI, Digicom Systems, Inc. 188 Topaz Street Milpitas, CA 95035 2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The Scout Plus PC, the internal model is a 4 by 6 inches large rather compact halfcard. It has a 16550 16 byte buffer. The compact size makes this modem a good choice for portable computers, or other uses where space is at premium. Scout Plus, external model On the 5 1/2 by 1 1/2 front panel are 10 LEDS: MR modem ready TR terminal ready AA auto answer EC error correction HS high speed RD receive data SD send data CD carrier detect CS clear to send (hardware flow control) OH off hook The body of the modem is manufactured out of sturdy grey plastic with a 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 footprint. The top shows some venting grills. The back carries these connectors from left to right: RS-232 DB25 female Two switches for forcing DCD on and test mode RJ11 phone RJ11 line 5 pin power connector ON/OFF SWITCH These power supplies are available: 110 Volts, 60 Hz, 12 W input, 9V, 1 A output, US style three pronged integrated power supply-plug. 185 to 240 Volts with US style three pronged plug 185 to 240 Volts with German style two pronged plug The bottom panel carries a sticker with key AT Commands and the data compression/error control commands. The FCC sticker says: Complies with Part 68 Rules. FCC IDENTIFICATION: GSX-USA 65928-FA-E, Ringer equivalence: .8 B FCC Class B approval is pending The EPROM version is also printed on the bottom on a small label in the rear. Now we take it apart and find these chips: Analog Devices ADSP-2101 chipset (2105 family) running at 13.8 MHz. Two ROMs with 1 Mbit and 512 kbit size. The first ROM stores the code for the digital signal processor (DSP) and the second for the separate microcontroller. The RS 232 drivers are 14C88/14C89. The board looks clean with no glitches or wire add-ons detectable. It was easy to reassemble with just four Phillips screws which are accessible from the bottom. 3. SOFTWARE The Scouts come with Qmodem data communications software on a 1.2 MB 5 1/4 floppy. The software is preregistered, which means prepaid and the owner merely has to send in the registration card provided to Mustang Software to get access to their technical support. The fax software is Delrina's WinFax Lite 2.0 and Delrina's DosFax Lite. Delrina's packages have been editors choice in a recent review of fax software in PC Magazine. The MacIntosh package is available now with the correct MacIntosh to modem cable which allows hardware handshake and Appletalk Remote Acess. The fax software is Smith's Microsoftware's QuickLink II/Fax. 4. COMMAND SET: Standard Commands A answer incoming call A/ Re-execute last command line AT ATtention characters Dn Dial telephone number n. You can also include: T-touch-tone dialing P-pulse dialing W-wait Register S7 time ,-pause Register S8 time @-wait for 5 seconds of silence ;-return to Command Mode after dialing !-go on-hook for 1/2 second DSn, Dial stored telephone number E0 Command characters not echoed E1 Command characters are echoed +++ Escape from Data Mode to Command Mode H0 Disconnect and go on-hook H1 Force modem off-hook I0 Reply 960 or 961 I1 Send software/firmware version to DTE I2 Send internal checksum to DTE I3 OK I4 CPU RAM content I5 Power-on test results I6 Last disconnect reason I7 AT commands summary I8 EE-ROM content K0 Prevent break during MNP K1 Allow break during MNP M0 Speaker is always off M1 Speaker on until carrier is detected M2 Speaker is always on O0 Return to data mode O1 Return to data mode and retrain Q0 Send responses to DTE Q1 Do not send responses to DTE Q2 Send responses only when originating call Sr? Read and display Register r value Sr=n Set register r to value n SQ Monitor signal quality (real time) V0 Send responses in numbers V1 Send responses as words X0 Basic responses/blind dialing X1 Extended responses/blind dialing X2 Extended responses/dial tone detection X3 Extended responses/blind dialing and busy signal detection X4 Extended responses/dial tone and busy signal detection X5 Basic response/dial tone and busy signal detection Z Load stored parameters into memory &- Ampersand Commands &B0 Force DSR signal ON &B1 DSR follows DTR signal &B2 DSR follows normal RS-232 &C0 Force DCD signal ON &C1 DCD follows normal RS-232 &C2 DCD forced on (CD wink) &D0 Force DTR signal ON &D1 Go to Command Mode after DTR loss &D2 Disconnect after DTR loss &D3 Disconnect and load stored parameters &F Load factory command parameters &M0 Asynchronous communication &R0 CTS signal follows RTS signal &R1 CTS follows DCD signal &R2 Force CTS ON &S Display stored telephone numbers &T0 End test in progress &T1 Start Local Analog Loopback test &T3 Start Local Digital Loopback test &T4 Grant remote request for Remote Digital Loopback test &T5 Deny remote request for Remote Digital Loopback test &T6 Start Remote Digital Loopback test &T7 Start Remote Digital Loopback test with self-test &T8 Start Local Analog Loopback Test with self-test &W Permanently store current parameter settings &Zn: Store telephone numbers in location n (1-10) *- Asterisk Commands *E0 No error control *E1 Auto reliable MNP 5 *E2 Reliable MNP 5 *E3 Auto reliable MNP 4 *E4 Reliable MNP 4 *E5 Auto reliable V.42 with phase detection *E6 Reliable V.42 with phase detection *E7 Auto reliable V.42 without phase detection *E8 Reliable V.42 without phase detection *E9 Auto reliable V.42bis with phase detection *E10 Reliable V.42bis with phase detection *F0 Disable flow control *F1 XON/XOFF passthrough *F2 XON/XOFF *F3 Hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) *G0 Adaptive handshake disabled *G1 Adaptive handshake enabled *M0 Send DTE-to-DCE connection speed responses *M1 Send error correction responses *M2 Send error correction responses and type *N0 Modem connect rate = 1200 *N1 Modem connect rate = 2400 *N2 Modem connect rate = 4800 *N3 Modem connect rate = 9600 *N4 Modem connect rate = 7200 *N5 Modem connect rate = 12,000 *N6 Modem connect rate = 14,400 *O Display parameter settings, also receive level when online *P0 Enable user abort feature *P1 Disable user abort feature *Q0 Turn off signal quality action *Q1 Signal quality action, allow retrain at same speed *Q2 Signal quality action, allow fallback and fallforward *Q3 Signal quality action, allow disconnect if no data throughput *S0 Turn off speed conversion *S1 Turn on speed conversion *T0 Turn off Trellis coding *T1 Turn on Trellis coding S-Registers S0 Rings to auto-answer calls S1 Count no. of incoming rings S2 Escape characters S3 Carriage return character S4 Line feed character S5 Backspace character S6 Dial tone wait time S7 Remote carrier wait period S8 Comma pause time S9 Carrier detect response time (double for international calls) S10 On-hook delay period S12 Escape guard time (disabled) S13 Reserved for tech support options S15 V.42bis/MNP abort S17 CNG tone S18 Duration of modem tests S25 DTR delay S26 Request to CTS delay +F Fax Commands +FCLASS=? Interrogate fax, data mode +FCLASS=0 Set to data mode +FCLASS=1 Set to fax mode +FCERROR Error response +FTM=<mod> Send data +FRM=<mod> Receive data +FTH=<mod> Send data with HDLC framing +FRH=<mod> Receive data with HDLC framing +FTS=<time> Pause for specified time +FRS=<time> Wait for a specified amount of silence on the line +FTM=? Inquire available speeds/protocols +FRM=? Inquire available speeds/protocols +FTH=? Inquire avaialble speeds/protocols +FTH=? Inquire available speeds/protocols 5. TESTS Data throughput under 'everday' conditions: taken with a slow computer (8 MHz XT), Zmodem in Qmodem 4.31 und er DOS 3.3. A 16550AFN UART was used, though. Scout+ to T2500 V.32 V.42bis zipped 1050 cps Scout+ to T2500 V.32 V.42bis textfile 1750 cps Scout+ to T3000 V.32bis V.42bis zipped 1600 cps Scout+ to Ultra V.32bis V.42bis textfile 3300 cps Scout+ to USR DS V.32 V.42bis zipped 1050 cps Scout+ to USR DS V.32 V.42bis zipped 1620 cps Take a 486/50, DSZ Mobyturbo, enable write during receive and you can add most likely 5% to these numbers. These numbers were measured across the nation, Palo Alto to the East Coast. Modem delay: Scout+ one way from Palo Alto to the Nat'l Bureau of Standards time service in Boulder, Colorado, using their echo feature. The delay is 75 milliseconds at 1200 bps. About 1.3 milliseconds of this are caused by the 16550 buffer. Some other high-speed modems I am familiar with have slightly longer echo times. In this test the Scout+ compares well. Interactive response. I have installed the Scout+ on three different architectures: DOS, MacIntosh and my Sun. I tested the smoothness of the response by calling roughly 50 different modems over two continents. I find the interactive response on the DOS and Mac smooth and zippy when connected to Sun Multiprocessing systems, PCboard, Fido nodes or simple SunOS UNIX. I do spent quite a bit of time each day in interactive via modem. On the Sun on about every one of three screen updates there is a slight jerk noticable about half to three quarters down the 19" monitor. This may have to do with V.42bis translate table buffering. The Scout+ uses a 2048 byte translate table, but it can switch to smaller sizes if the other modem does not support this size. The DTE speed was 57.6k on DOS and Mac. Suns dont do 57.6, so it was 38.4k. Hardware flow control was enabled on DOS and Mac, but not on the Sun. The ping echo latency test is currently in revision. Once new test results are available with the newer ROMs and the higher clock speed I will include them. Ping latency is of concern when connecting UNIX computers via the Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP). The last values I measured were about 270 milliseconds ICMP round trip echo delay over a 20 mile V.32bis V.42bis connection to a T3000. Signal Quality Monitoring: Signal quality monitoring is an optional feature in V.32bis. Some modems dont have it and are still V.32bis compliant. The Scout modems do have it and it is a feature I like. Essentially the bit error rate is monitored and if it exceeds a certain threshold a line retrain at the same speed (*Q1) is negotiated. Often this will then enable further data flow. If *Q2 is selected the modem can fallback to a lower speed or fall forward to a higher speed if the line quality improves again. The modem needs about 30 seconds of a clean line before it falls forward, much less than the 10 minutes of a clean line for the Telebit T3000. If you select *Q3 you allow the modem to disconnect if it can not achieve data throughput after several fallbacks. It has been my experience that modems without this feature lock up easier and eventually just disconnect. One can monitor the signal quality by typing ATSQ when connected. The Scout then prints out a value between 0 (lowest) to 7 (highest) about six times each second. This is a real time monitoring tool and very useful when trouble- shooting since it lets one decide quite easily if a problem is likley due to line noise or not. Testing the fax software was easy. The Scout is compatible with 98% of fax machines installed at 9600 bps or less and Group 3. The software was easy to install and the first fax sent to a machine across town came out crisp. I then checked the receive side by faxing a letter with MCIMail's fax option to myself. I printed it out and again the first try worked. This was done under DOS 3.3 on an XT class machine. I have since used DosFax and the Scout+ to send faxes all over the world with little difficulty. One page to India takes about 60 seconds of connect time, Japan, Thailand, Hongkong, Germany, Australia, Russia, Austria about 33 seconds. I can fax quite satisfactorily even into areas where data modems are known to be difficult to operate. The lower speed fax protocols in particular need rather low signal-to-noise ratios when compared to the corresponding data protocols. 6. EPROM versions 2413/2407 This was the first EPROM version shipped 2521/2528 Shipped mid June 1992 and fixed some minor bugs: upgrade to Class 1 fax compatibility fixed US busy signal detection fixed flow control, can now be switched off reliably fixed USR 2400 bps connection problem 2521/2624 Shipped mid August 1992 fixed compatibility with Rockwell based modems fixed compatibility with Multitech 14,400 2915/2930 Shipped mid October 1992 bug: locks up occasionally on dialin use 2A19/2930 Shipped end October 1992 7. USES Lets look at the LEDs: Scout Plus, external model On the 5 1/2 by 1 1/2 front panel are 10 LEDS: MR modem ready TR terminal ready AA auto answer EC error correction HS high speed RD receive data SD send data CD carrier detect CS clear to send (hardware flow control) OH off hook Now lets look at the LEDS in action: . = LED OFF O = LED ON B = LED BLINKING MR TR AA EC HS RD SD CD CS OH . . . . . . . . . . power off O . . . . . . . . . power switched on, selftest B . . . . . . . . . failed hardware selftest O . O . O . . . O . power on O O O . O . . . O . terminal program started O O O . O . . . O O modem is dialing O O O O O . . O O O connected to online service O O O O O O . O O O receiving files B O O O O O . O O O file transfer error O O O O O B B O O O entering messages online O O O . O . . . O . logged out, offline again How does one call under severly impaired line conditions? Here is an an example calling to JV Dialogue in Moskow via direct dialing from Palo Alto, CA. SysOp: Pete Kvitek <kvitekp@jvd.msk.su> Online to JV Dialogue, Moskow: at*o MODEL:SCOUT PLUS DTE: 57600 N81 DCE: 4800 MNP4 <-- V.32 at 4800 bps requires 16 db S/N only RECEIVE LEVEL= -36 DBM E1 K1 M1 Q0 V1 X4 TONE &B0 &C1 &D3 &R2 &T5 *E1 *F3 *G1 *M2 *N2 *P0 *Q3 *S1 *T1 <-- *Q3 allows the modem full line quality control S00=001 S04=010 S08=002 S15=255 S01=000 S05=008 S09=000 S18=000 S02=043 S06=002 S10=003 S25=000 S03=013 S07=090 S12=050 S26=000 <-- S07 is doubled to 90 seconds to OK allow for the long dial completion ato delay CONNECT 4800 EC/MNP4 <-- with ato I go back from local modem to online JV Dialogue Created : 05-12-1992 I use V.32 with fallback to 4800 bps, because this protocol requires only 16 dbm signal-to-noise. It is not often that one can get through to Moskow, and when I do I want to be sure to connect. 8. TECH SUPPORT Here are the tech support options: 1-408-262-1277 Digicom 1-408-262-1390 Digicom fax 1-408-262-1412 Digicom BBS comp.dcom.modems wolfgang@netcom.com wolfgang@rahul.net The warranty is for 5 years and is valid worldwide. If you would like to send your modem back to the manufacturer for warranty repair you need to obtain a Return Materials Authorization number from Digicom before you send it back. 9. OTHER DIGICOM PRODUCTS 9624LE+ series of V.32bis modems. They are offered in internal, external and in rack mounts with 16 modems per standard 19" rack. The 9624LE+ has been reviewed well in magazine tests: PC Week, April 29, 1991 Digicom was Analyst choice (the only) PC Week, November 19, 1990 Digicom is the only modem which gets five "good" rankings PC Digest Ratings Report Vol 5, 21 Digicom is the only modem to get five stars, before USR and Forval 9624E+ series of V.32bis modems. External with LCD display, 4-wire leased line, V.25bis auto dial, also available in rack mounted version and with Network Management Support. Digicom pioneered modem DSP technology which allowed them the flexibility to be the first manufacturer to include send-receive fax in a V.32bis modem. They were also the first manufacturer to get a V.32bis modem to market. Since they develop the modem chipset in house, the speed and flexibility is higher than vendors who buy chipsets elsewhere like e.g. Hayes Microcomputers, which uses the Phylon chipsets, based on the TI DSP. Expect other 'firsts' from Digicom in the near future. The FT1 from Digicom is a fractional T1 DSU/CSU which is used on digital telephone circuits for line speeds between 64,000 bps up to 1,536,000 bps in increments of 64,000 bps. NEW PRODUCTS In development is the softmodem, a device in which the modem software can be loaded in DSP RAM. A voice-mail upgrade together with switching between data, fax and voice is also anticipated. An upgrade for the Scout modem to the new Class 2.0 (not the old pseudostandard Class 2) fax interface will also be made available. Finally, a V.fast prototype has been in operation in Digicom's labs for some time now. 10. ORDER INFO This is the complete package: Scout Plus modem Printed manual Quick Reference card Qmodem prepaid data communications software Delrina WinFax Lite 2.0 fax software Delrina DosFax Lite fax software Smith Micro Quicklink II data and fax (MacIntosh version only) hardware handshake/ARA cable (MacIntosh version only) RJ-11 extension cable Compuserve coupon, one month free trial membership Powersupply for external version (110 Volt or 185 to 240 Volts) Scout Plus PC V.32bis/fax internal half card $219 Scout Plus V.32bis/fax external $259 Scout Plus MAC V.32bis/fax external $289 Please add shipping and handling: $11.75 for UPS 2nd day. I accept cheques, CODs and VISA/Mastercards. Wolfgang Henke 774 Wildwood Lane Palo Alto, CA 94303 (415)-856-9037 (415)-328-7518 (fax) wolfgang@netcom.com wolfgang@rahul.net support files ftp.rahul.net /pub/wolfgang International orders are welcome. They will be shipped with a 185 to 240 Volt power supply with either an US style three pronged grounded plug or a German style two pronged plug for the external modem. Please add airmail postage of about $35 for Europe and $45 for Africa, Asia or Australia. * * * Last but not least I would like to express my appreciation to the many experts I have met in comp.dcom.modems and computer bulletin boards and from whom I have learnt much and I hope will continue to do so in the future. Wolfgang Henke wolfgang@netcom.com May 20, 1992 revised June 27, 1992 revised August 18, 1992 revised October 31, 1992 revised November 26, 1992 revised December 20, 1992 D A T A L A N E S N O T C A R P O O L L A N E S -- _________________________________________________________________________ Wolfgang Henke Data lanes not car pool lanes wolfgang@netcom.com