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MODEM'S and COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE ************************************************** What a Modem Does ----------------- The way calls were made with older telephone systems illustrates how modems make connections. By talking the receiver off the hook, then turning a crank, you got an operator to come on the line. You told the operator the number you wanted, and waited for the call to be placed for you. Until the person on the other end picked up the receiver, you stayed connected to the operator. The operator generally reported the progress of the call, then gave the line to you to wait for the person on the other end to answer. Your modem, like the operator, responds to your commands to dial a number or answer a call, then gives the line to your computer to begin data communications when the connection is made. Why You Need Communications Software ------------------------------------ Like telephones that store the numbers you frequently dial, communications software automates your connections. This can range from saving numbers in a "telephone book" so you don't have to look them up and enter them each time, to handling the complete process from dialing through file transfer. You can use what is called "terminal emulation" software to issue modem commands that set up the modem and dial a number, but just as you make selections from within your word processor or spreadsheet software to use a printer, the easiest most effective way to use your modem is through communications software. Once you've made the connections to your computer and the telephone lines, you can almost forget the modem is there, and access its features through the software. In the same way you don't have to issue commands directly to the printer, you can simply reach for the printout, knowing that the software has taken care of everything. Your new modem will work with nearly any communications software designed for personal computers. Regardless of its level of sophistication, software is required to provide the link between your modem and the computer's keyboard. If your software has a problem communicating with the modem, you'll know when you start the program or when you run the software's installation procedure. A message like "modem not responding", means the software is not recognizing the modem. If you've made the port selection with the software and still can't make a connection, you'll need to use the software to manually change some of the settings that control how the modem operates. Most programs have an option for setting a modem "initialization" or "command" string to set the modem up to talk to the computer the way the software expects. The changes will probably involve the way the modem and the computer use the signals to talk to each other across the cable that connects them. Most programs that do not work with the modem's factory settings will operate properly if you change the way the modem uses the signal on the DCD and DTR line. For example, at the command line or window in which you adjust these settings, simply type AT&C1&D2, or add &D2&C1 to the string. If the string contains &K3, &F, or &W remove them. (These ampersand-letter- number combinations are modem AT commands.) The software will use the AT commands you put in this string each time it sets up the modem. For software that requires additional modem setup, refer to the software manual for specific descriptions of the settings that frequently need to be adjusted are result code display (messages the modem send in response to commands), and local character echo (the way your commands are displayed on the screen). These and other options are easily specified with an initialization string, or with the AT Command Set described in the following pages. If your software requires more settings to be changed, check your software's user's guide, then refer to the sections that follow for the particular command option. With the setup string in place, you will be able to use your software to place and answer calls to go on-line with another computer without issuing the commands to setup the modem each time you start the program. How to "Talk" to the Modem -------------------------- If you find it necessary to communicate directly to the modem to set it up or to initiate calls, you are probably using terminal emulation software. This means that the only function the software provides is linking your keyboard input directly to the modem. This would be like connecting your printer directly to your keyboard; what you type would appear on the screen, and be sent out to the printer. Unless you have selected the option that some programs call "local mode" or "go local", communications software does not operate in this way. For certain uses, like determining whether there is a problem with your modem, the software, the line, or the other modem, this is a helpful way of talking to the modem. The next sections explain in detail how to setup your modem and initiate and answer calls using AT Commands once your software has linked your keyboard to the modem. Issuing AT Commands ------------------- The Hayes Standard AT Command Set for intelligent modems is the language understood by most modems used with personal computers. AT commands can be used to set up the modem to suit the way your software and/or computer wants it to be configured. They can be used for dialing or answering. However, AT commands are not used to perform communications activities like sending a file. Once on-line, you'll be talking with another computer. The command to break the connection is probably the only instruction you would issue after going on-line. AT Command Format ----------------- Modem commands begin with an AT prefix that gets the modem's attention (also tells the modem the speed and character format of the data coming from the computer). The AT prefix is followed by the command(s). The modem executes the command line when you press the key on your keyboard that you normally use to send commands. The command descriptions here show this key as <CR>, although it may be labeled on your keyboard as carriage return, Enter, or Return. For example, the command line ATV0<CR> gets the modem's attention and uses the V0 command option to tell the modem to display the responses to commands (result codes) as numbers rather than as words (the V1 option is the factory setting). The <CR> sends the command to the modem. Many commands are used to select between two or more options. Numeric parameters indicate the form of the command you want to be in effect. If you issue a command without specifying a numeric parameter, the modem assumes the 0 command option. For example, Q tell the modem to respond to commands with result codes. Issuing Q1 tells the modem not to respond to result codes (some software programs call this "quiet mode"). Q and Q0 are equivalent. A command line can contain as many as 40 characters (the AT, spaces, and the <CR> are not counted). The command prefix can be entered in either all upper case or all lower case letters, but not in a combination (e.g., AT or at, but not At or aT). If you need to change something in the line before entering the <CR>, use the backspace key. To abort the command line, hold down the key your computer recognizes as the control key (ctrl) and press "x". The modem will return OK without executing the command(s) on the line. Moving Between Command and On-line States ----------------------------------------- Before beginning communications or after "hanging up," the modem is in command state, ready to accept configuration commands or to go on-line when you instruct it to dial the number of a remote modem. You may also place the modem in command state from the on-line state without breaking the connection. Escape Sequence -- +++ ---------------------- Not actually a command, the escape sequence tells the modem to "escape" or leave the on-line state and enter the command state. The sequence consists of a single character issued three times in succession. A one second "guard time" interval prevents the modem from mistaking a ramdom occurrence of of the same three characters as the escape sequence. The character used in the sequence and the duration of the guard time can be changed by writing values to the modem's S-Registers (special memory locations described later in this guide). To issue the escape sequence simply hold down the shift key and press the plus key three times (+++). Be sure to pause at least a second before and after issuing the three characters. If operating properly, the modem will return the OK result code as an indication it is ready to accept commands. On-Line Command -- O (letter, not the number 0) -------------------- This command returns the modem from command state to on-line state when a connection has been "escaped" but not broken. If you have placed the modem in command state and are still connected to the remote system, issue ATO<CR> to go back on-line. What you type will then be transmitted to the modem attached to computer on the other end of the line. If the connection is broken, to go on-line again you must instruct the modem to re-dial the telephone number. Getting On-Line --------------- In the same way voice telephone calls are made, one of the modems must originate the call, and the other must be set up to answer the incoming call. Either modem may originate or answer the call. The following examples illustrate how to use the modem to place and answer calls from your computer. Originating a Call ------------------ To originate a call with another system, issue the D command to "dial" the number. This command instructs the modem to go off hook, claim the telephone line, and originate a call. When you issue dialing commands to the modem, the data is communicated to the modem, but does not pass across the telephone line. The following dial modifiers specify the number and method the modem uses to dial. T Specifies Tone method for subsequent dialing; follows the D command and precedes telephone number; can be issued as a command separate from dialing string. P Specifies Pulse method for subsequent dialings; follows the D command and precedes telephone number; can be issued as a command separate from dialing string. (factory setting). , Pause 2 seconds before continuing to process the characters in the dialing string. ; Return to command state after dialing and maintain connection. This modifier is useful in situations like electronic banking where the modem needs to stay in command state to receive other connection instructions. 0-9 Numbers and characters for the modem to dial. *,# A typical dial command such as as ATD,T5552368<CR> gets the modem's attention (AT), instructs it to go off hook to originate a call (D), pause 2 seconds (,), and use the tone method (T) to dial the telephone number (5552368). The <CR> sends the commands to the modem. Answering a Call ---------------- Incoming calls to your modem can be answered in either of two ways: you can issue a command to the modem when you hear the telephone ring, or can also set up the modem to answer automatically when it detects a number of rings. Answering Manually - A ---------------------- To manually answer a call from a remote system, issue the A command. ATA<CR> instructs the modem to go off hook, take control of the line, issue an answer tone, and connect with the incoming call. This command is used when the phone is ringing and you are expecting a modem call (rather than a voice call). Answering Automatically - S0=n ------------------------------ One of the modem's S-Registers provides the capability for automatic answer. The S0=n command ("0" is the number of the register or memory location; "n" is the number of rings to wait before answering) lets you specify the number of rings. Setting S0 to a number other than its factory setting of 0 configures the modem for auto-answer. The modem will then operate the same way as a telephone answering machine, picking up the phone after it detects the specified number of rings. For example, ATS0=3<CR> sets up the modem to go off hook and issue answer tone (no ATA<CR> is necessary) when the modem detects the third ring. Communicating While On-Line --------------------------- When you are connected (on-line), data is passed across the line between the two computers. Either party can type information to the other. Characters received by the modem on the other end of the connection will be displayed to the screen. The user on the other end can also type characters to your screen. Sentences and words will mix on the screen, however, if you both type at the same time. If you cannot see what you are typing, you will need to change the local character echo setting (see Configuration Options later in this guide). Terminating a Call ------------------ Whenever you are ready to end communications, you must issue the escape sequence (+++) to place the modem in the command state. Then use the H command to hang up: ATH<CR>. This command puts the modem on hook and releases control of the line, so it can be used by a telephone. Unexpected interruptions to communication occur with modem connections just as with telephone calls. Line noise, equipment malfunction, and user error can all contribute to disruptions in communication. The modem indicates a loss of connection with the NO CARRIER result code. To re-establish the connection, simply re-dial the number. To interrupt call placement during the handshaking process, you can press any key before the two modems connect. Monitoring Operation and Call Progress -------------------------------------- When you send a command or issue the escape sequence, the modem responds with a "result code." If it understands the instructions, the modem will return the OK result code; if it does not understand, the modem will return the ERROR result code. The modem also provides call progress messages to let you know how your connection attempt is going: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Result Code Explanation ------------------------------------------------------------------- 0 OK Command reconized and accepted. 1 CONNECT Connection established at 0-300 if X1, X2, X3, or X4 is selected (no speed indicated if X0 is selected). 2 RING Incoming Call 3 NO CARRIER Carrier signal lost or not detected. 4 ERROR Command not recognized; command line exceeds 40 characters or in an improper format; modem checksum incorrect. 5 CONNECT 1200 Connection established at 1200bps if X1, X2, X3, or X4 is selected. 6 NO DIAL TONE Dial tone not detected when expected. 7 BUSY Number dialed is use. 10 CONNECT 2400 Connection established at 2400bps if X1, X2, X3, or X4 selected (for modems that support 2400bps) The X command allows you to set up the modem for a variety of call progress monitoring options and corresponding result codes. Regardless of the option selected, the modem will report the OK, CONNECT, RING, NO CARRIER, and ERROR result codes. Other call progress monitoring feature combinations, like reporting 1200bps and 2400bps connections, detection of busy signal, and no dial tone can be selected with the various command oprions. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Result Code... X0 X1 X2 X3 X4 ------------------------------------------------------------------- OK Y Y Y Y Y CONNECT Y Y Y Y Y RING Y Y Y Y Y NO CARRIER Y Y Y Y Y BUSY Y Y NO DIAL TONE Y Y ERROR Y Y Y Y Y CONNECT 1200 Y Y Y Y CONNECT 2400 Y Y Y Y ------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want the modem to wait for a dial tone before dialing, you should select either the X2 or X4 command options. Either of these configures the modem to wait until it detects a dial tone before proceeding; if it does not, it returns the NO DIAL TONE result code. The same is true for configuring the modem's response to a busy signal; if X1 or X4 is selected, the modem recognizes a busy signal from the other end and returns the BUSY result code. The X4 option provides full call progress monitoring. However, X0 is the factory setting because many software programs expect 1200bps modems to be configured initially with the basic call progress capabilities and corresponding result codes. Managing Modem Configuration ---------------------------- When your modem is first installed and powered up, it is configured with the settings selected at the factory. The options specified for each command and the value is each of the modem's S-Registers determine how the modem operates. The modem's factory settings suit a wide range of user applications, while taking advantage of the modem's full capabilities. Creating a Special Configuration -------------------------------- If your software or the system with which you are attempting to connect requires that you set up the modem to operate other than with factory settings for commands and S-Registers, you can create a special configuration, or profile, by issuing AT commands. The configuration you create will be used until you issue commands to change the settings, or reset the modem (either with the Z command or by unplugging/replugging it). Resetting the Modem -------------------- If the modem ever seems to be set in a way that makes it not communicate as it should, or if you simply want to restore the factory settings, you can reset it with the Z command. ATZ<CR> performs a "soft reset," replacing values currently in S-Registers and AT command options to factory settings. The modem's factory configuration is also recalled when the modem is unplugged and plugged back in, or if power is lost to the wall plug. If you are experiencing any difficulty with the modem, you may wish to issue the Z command before unplugging the modem or issuing the test commands. Adjusting Modem Speed --------------------- Modem speed is measured in bits per second(bps). For example, if Hayes Personal Modem 1200 is operating at its highest rate, data will be transmitted at 1200bps. This speed is not set by an AT command; it is the speed at which the software sends the AT prefix (within the range supported by the modem) that determines the speed at which the modem attempts to make the next connection. Some programs offer an option for transmission speed, often called "baud rate," to specify the speed of the connection. The software sends the AT prefix at the desired speed. In addition, the transmission rate of the connection will be determined by the highest common speed supported by the two connecting modems. For example, if the modem at the other end is capable of a maximum speed of 300bps, the connection and data transmission will be at 300bps, even if your modem can communicate at 1200bps or 2400bps. Choosing a Communication Standard --------------------------------- Communication standards are protocols that determine how the modems perform their connection handshake and the format and speed used to transmit data. For example, connections at 300bps use the domestic 103 standard; connections at 1200bps use the domestic 212A standard. Because standards are closely linked to speed, the modem selects the appropriate standard as it adjusts to the speed. Testing the Modem ----------------- In addition to the diagnostics the modem automatically performs each time it is powered up, the I command can be used to gain information about the modem. I0 Modem reports Hayes product code. I1 Modem calculates and reports ROM Checksum (3-digit number). The results of these tests are primarily used by Hayes Customer Service and certain software programs to determine the manufacturer/model of the modem you are using, and its feature set. Refer to the descriptions in the Personal Modem Installation Guide for troubleshooting suggestions. If you are able to issue commands to the modem and it returns an OK result code, the modem is probably operating correctly. If the modem does not seem to be responding, try resetting the modem (see above). Setting Local Character Echo ---------------------------- Your computer and software combination may require that you adjust the character echo feature of your modem to provide display of characters as you type commands, or to prevent double characters. Two options are available: E0 Modem does not return (echo) characters from the keyboards to the screen when in command state. E1 Modem returns (echoes) characters typed from the keyboard to the screen when in command state (factory setting). This command is effective only if you are entering instructions from a command line. The settings for this command do not affect the display of characters while you are on-line with another system. The software or remote system must provide on-line character echo, if desired. Adjusting Result Code Display ----------------------------- The two commands below configure the modem's use of result codes. Q0 Modem responds to commands with result codes (factory setting). Q1 Modem does not respond to commands with result codes. V0 Modem reports result codes as numbers. V1 Modem reports result codes as words (factory setting). Some software requires that result codes not be displayed, or that they be numbered rather than as words. Configuring Modem Signals ------------------------- Some computers or software expects settings for signalling between modems and between the modem and the computer to be configured in ways other than that set at the factory. Any special modem-to-computer signalling requirements should be described by your software's user's guide or your computer's owner's manual. The C command controls the modem's response to an incoming carrier signal over the line from the remote modem. C0 Modem ignores an incoming carrier signal; the transmitter carrier is always off. C1 Modem turns the transmit carrier signal on and off to reflect the presence of and incoming carrier signal. When the modem originates a call, answers a call, or is connected to another system, the signal is on, and is off when the modem is not in one of these situations (factory setting). The &C command determines the way the modem uses the carrier signal when controlling the Data Carrier Detect (DCD) line (pin 2 on modem-to-computer cable; pin 8 with 25-pin adapter): &C0 Modem presumes the presence of the carrier signal and maintains the DCD signal on at all times. &C1 Modem turns the DCD signal on when it detects a carrier signal from the modem on the other end of the telephone line, and off when it does not (factory setting). The &D command selects the modem's response to signal sent from the computer on the Data Terminal Ready(DTR) signal (pin 1 on the modem-to-computer cable; pin 20 with 25-pin adapter): &D0 Modem presumes presence of DTR signal and ignores the actual status of the signal (factory setting). &D1 Modem monitors DTR signal. When communications software is used to cause an on-to-off transition of DTR signal, the modem enters command state and ignores AT commands. When the software causes an off-to-on transition of DTR, the modem will again respond to AT commands and can be returned to the on-line state (if the connection has not been broken) with the AT0<CR>. &D2 Modem monitors DTR signal. When communications software is used to cause an on-to-off transition of DTR, the modem will again respond to AT commands. Writing to the Modem's S-Registers ---------------------------------- S-Registers provide special access to settings that determine modem operation. The factory-set values stored in these registers are recalled and used to control the modem each time it is powered up or reset. Aside from using S0 to store the number of rings for automatic answer (described earlier), you will have little need to change an S-Register value. However, if your use of the modem requires that one or more of these be changed, you can do so by using the Sr command: Sr? Modem reads and responds with the value of register "r" (r=number of register; "?" requests the value). Sr=n Modem sets the value of register "r" to "n" (n=value within the range of the register). Writing to the modem's S-Registers is not recommended unless your use of the modem requires that one or more of these settings be changed. For your reference, the modem's S-Registers, their function, ranges in units, and factory settings are provided in the chart below. ------------------------------------------------------------------- S-Register Number & Units Range Factory Function Setting ------------------------------------------------------------------- S0 Ring to answer on Rings 0-255 0 S1 Rings received Rings 0-255 0 S2 Escape sequence ASCII 0-127 43 (+) character S3 Carriage return ASCII 0-127 13 (CR) character S4 Linefeed character ASCII 0-127 10 (LF) S5 Backspace character ASCII fixed at 8 (BS) S6 Wait time for dial seconds fixed at 4 tone S7 Wait time for carrier seconds fixed at 45 S8 Duration of comma seconds fixed at 2 S9 Carrier detect 1/10 sec 1-255 6 response time S10 Delay between loss 1/10 sec 1-255 7 of carrier signal and modem hang up S11 Duration of DTMF msec fixed at 95 tones for dialing S12 Escape sequence 1/50 sec 20-255 50 guard time S25 Delay between loss 10 mec 1-255 5 of DTR signal and modem hangup S30 Delay time from no 10 sec 0-255 60 modem activity until auto hangup ------------------------------------------------------------------- Cable Connections ----------------- The table below describes the pin number on the modem's cable, the direction the signal pass, and the name of the signal used by the modem. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pin Direction Signal ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 From Computer DTR - data terminal ready 2 To computer DCD - data carrier detect 3 From computer TxD - transmit data 4 Not applicable ground - signal ground 5 To computer RxD - receive data 6 To computer DSR/CTS - data set ready/ clear to send 7 To computer RI - ring indicator 8 Not applicable ground - signal ground ------------------------------------------------------------------- The housing of the connector provides a shield that reduces noise and interference. The actual pin number on which a signal is carried will vary depending on the adapter used. The table below cross-refrences the pin numbers used for signals on the 8-pin DIN with those for the adapters provided with your modem. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Signal DIN-8 DB-9 DB-25 ------------------------------------------------------------------- DTR 1 4 20 DCD 2 1 8 TxD 3 3 2 ground 4 5 7 RxD 5 2 3 DSR/CTS 6 8 5 RI 7 9 22 signal ground 8 5 7 shield shield shield 1 NOTE: If you construct an adapter for use with the modem, consult your computer's owner's manual for the signals supported and the appropriate pin numbering. ------------------- END --------------------