Msg: 3693 *Conference*

01-03-93 23:08:19

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : EARL VAUGHAN

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #3687 (MODEMS)

Excellent question and much appreciated.  The answer is yes.  You can "easily"
connect and use a faster modem on Model T's.  Simply go out and purchase any
external modem you would normally purchase for use with DOS and Mac computers.
Plug the modem into the RS232C port, connect a phone line into where it says
"line", go into TELCOM and set your stat (see below), tap <f4> Term, enter
ATDTnumber (where "number" is the number you wish to dial--no need to include
the <> symbols), and hit <enter>.  That's it!
 
The baud rate is set with the first character in the stat string.  Values range
from M, 1 to 9.  M = built in modem, 1 = 75, 2 = 110, 3 = 300, 4 = 600, 5 =
1200, 6 = 2400, 7 = 4800, 9 = 9600, and 9 = 19200.  Example: Set your stat to
1200 baud, 8 bit, no parity, 1 stop bit, enable xon/xoff.  Your stat would be:
58N1E
 
Traveling at light speed is nice but there are some bumps.  Downloading or
uploading via xmodem protocol is very fast, but reading online is much slower
then you'd expect on a Model 100 or 102.  The reason is that the LCD of the
100/102 is a 600 baud device, thus slowing your total throughput to 600 baud.
The Model 200's screen is considerably faster.  Again, up and downloading via
xmodem is at light speed, reading online in ASCII is slow.
 
You may ask, "Is the speed worth the effort and expense?"  The answer is yes.
Can you use an external, high speed modem with an accoustic coupler on a pay
phone?  Yes, depending on the external modem.  If you are going to communicate
via acc cups then I recommend shopping around for an external, accoustic
coupler modem.  A handfull of companies offer such a device.  You'll find their
ads in magazines like Portable Office.
 
FYI: Now that I have 2400 baud modems online, I will be selling my 4, 1200
baud, external Hayes modems.  I'm not sure what I'll ask for them just yet but
it will not be much--if you're interested, of course.  It was just a thought
while editing this message.
 
Good question.  Thanks for asking... -Rick-