Msg: 3299 *Conference*

10-12-92 09:00:54

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : JOE STEPHAN

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #3290 (THIS!IS!A TEST)

I totally understand the conditions you speak of.  When you generate a signal
from your end (hit a key) it's either packaged with noise, messing up the 8-bit
pattern you intended, or is produced on a weak carrier; again, messing up the
8-bit pattern.  Solutions:
 
You need to eliminate noise and weak signal factors.  Tune in closer whatever
is tunable.  Shorten connecting wires.  Turn of the laptop sound (go BASIC ...
SOUND OFF).  Increase the gain on the modem circuit (split the case ... find a
1/4" tall by 1/4 diameter, blue item over near the modem on the motherboard.
The top is recessed to accept a philips-head screw driver.  Turn this item
counter clockwise 1/4 turn).  Call your cellular transmission carrier and ask
assistance but don't let them blow you off when they hear you say Tandy
equipment.  You want to take your stuff over to a tech and have that person
tune you in.  Remember, Tandy's stuff is not all that different than anyone
elses stuff; basically!
 
Lastly, of course the menus will come over cleanly.  You are not generating the
menu display characters.  I am.  Again, you are generating noise on your end,
mixed in with your character pattern, i.e., when you tap your backspace your
cursor jumps ahead 8 spaces.  In other words, the ASCII 7-bit pattern for space
is altered to the ASCII 7-bit patter for tab.  Also, I noted you're using
M7I1E.  This I stands for "ignore" parity.  I don't think you want to have your
computer ignore the parity bit.  I recommend, based on the conditions you're
experiencing, changing over to M7E1E or M7O1E.  Either of these setting will
request our two computers to do some math in the background and perhaps clear
up a bit more of your signal loss.
 
Hope this helps... -Rick-