3COM 3C905B, 3C900B User Manual

This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following 3Com® U.S. Robotics

modems:

Sportster® Voice 33.6 kbps internal modems

3Com, the 3Com logo, U.S. Robotics, the USRobotics logo, and Sportster are registered trademarks; Connections, Total Control, Courier, RapidComm, x2, and the x2 logo are trademarks and Towne Square 2000 is a service mark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. Windows and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Inc. America Online is a registered trademark of America Online Inc. Netscape Navigator is a trademark of Netscape Communications Corp. Any other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used in this manual are the property of their respective owners.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before You Begin (Windows 95 Users) 1

Determining Available Resources 1 Determining Your Version of Windows 95 2 Upgrading to x2 Technology 2

Modem Installation with Windows 3.x 3

A Word About COM Ports and IRQs 3 How to Use ComTest to Determine Your Modem’s Settings 5 Testing an Installed Modem 7 What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation 8 How to Change the Modem’s Settings 10 How to Insert the Modem into the Computer 12

Modem Installation with Windows 95 19

How to Prepare for Plug and Play Installation 19 How to Insert the Modem into the Computer 21 Installing the Modem Drivers 25

Software Installation and Testing 33

Software Installation and Registration Using the Setup Wizard 33 Sending Your First Fax 48

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Installing Other Fax/Data Software 52

Type of Modem 52 Initialization String 52 Flow Control 52

U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard 53

Installation 53 Operation 58

Using Modem Station 65 Troubleshooting and Online Help Resources 89

When Plug and Play Fails 95 Online Help Resources 96 Are You Still Having Problems? 100 If You Need to Return the Modem to Us 101 RapidComm Voice Troubleshooting Tips 102 A Note to Users with Older Versions of RapidComm Voice on Their Systems 102

Glossary 103 Technical Quick Reference 113

AT Command Summary 114 S Registers 128

Regulatory Information 138

Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity 138

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Caution to the User 139

IC (Canada) 139 UL Listing/CUL Listing 139 Connecting to the Telephone Company 140 Fax Branding 140 Radio and Television Interference 141 For Canadian Modem Users 142 Limited Warranty 145

Index 148

BEFORE YOU BEGIN (WINDOWS

95 USERS)

Determining Available Resources

Your Sportster® Voice modem is a Plug and Play device. Windows™ 95 can automatically identify a Plug and Play device and determine if your system has the resources necessary to support the device. However, Plug and Play will not work if you do not have resources available or if devices on your system are not reporting resource usage correctly. Here’s how you can verify that your system has the necessary resources before installing the modem:

1. Click the Windows 95 Start button, point

to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the System icon.

3. When the “System Properties” screen

appears, click the Device Manager tab.

4. Double-click Computer and the

“Computer Properties” screen appears.

5. Select the option at the top of the screen to

show Interrupt Requests (IRQs).

You will see the IRQs your system is currently using. If IRQs 3, 4, 5, and 7 are being used, you need to free an IRQ before you begin installation. This process involves moving a device from the IRQ you want to use to a different (and usually higher) IRQ setting. Please read the documentation for (or contact the manufacturer of) the device that is currently using the IRQ you want to use for your modem to learn more about how to free the IRQ for your modem.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN (WINDOWS 95 USERS)

Determining Your Version of Windows 95

Follow these steps to determine your version of Windows 95. This information will be important during installation.

1. Click the My Computer icon on your

desktop with the right mouse button.

2. Click Properties.

3. In the “System Properties” screen, look at

the system information under the General tab (circled in the following screen image). The number following the text “Microsoft Windows 95” will end with “950”, “950a”, or “950b”. This indicates your version of Windows 95. Write this number on the blank below for later reference. Then click

OK.

Windows 95 version

_________________

Upgrading to x2™ Technology

Be sure to read the section titled “U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard” on page 53 for information on upgrading your 33.6 faxmodem to x2™ technology, allowing downloads of up to 56 kbps*.

• IMPORTANT! All x2 products are capable of 56 kbps

downloads; however, due to FCC rules which restrict power output of the service providers' modems, current download speeds are limited to 53 kbps. Actual speeds may vary depending on line conditions. Uploads from end users to service providers travel at speeds up to 28.8 kbps. An x2 modem, an analog phone line compatible with x2 technology, and an Internet Service Provider with x2 service are necessary for these high-speed downloads. See http://www.3com.com/x2 for details.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS

3.X

You’ll need these items from your Sportster® modem box:

modem phone cord

Connections™ CD microphone

Plus:

a screwdriver (not included)

A Word about COM Ports and IRQs

Most computer accessories — a mouse, sound card, enhanced graphics card, scanner, etc. — require a special connection through which they can communicate with the computer. For some devices, this connection is called a communications (or COM) port. Most computers have 1 or 2 COM ports, but they can have up to 4. Although internal modems do not connect to COM ports directly, they do require a COM port setting, which is determined by the setting on the modem’s COM jumper pins.

Each COM port uses an interrupt request (IRQ). An accessory uses an IRQ to get the attention of your computer’s central

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

processing unit (CPU) so that the accessory can perform a task. The computer stops what it’s doing, depending on the priority of the request, to help the accessory perform its task. When two accessories share an IRQ, it’s like two people asking different questions in unison to a third person. Just as the person being asked the two questions cannot understand either request, a computer can lock up or otherwise fail to communicate properly with your modem when there is an IRQ conflict.

D KEY POINT: Accessories cannot

share COM ports and should not share IRQs. When accessories try to share settings, they will either not work properly or not work at all. This section of the manual will help you understand the COM/IRQ settings on your new Sportster modem.

3Com has set your modem to a default Plug and Play setting geared towards Windows 95 users. In this configuration, the shunts used to set your modem’s COM port and IRQ settings are hanging from single jumper pins and will not affect your modem’s settings. As a Windows 3.x user, you need to run the ComTest program (on the Connections CD) to determine what settings your modem should use.

NOTE: Some communications

software programs require a particular setting for your modem (RapidComm, which shipped with your modem, does not). If you wish to use a program other than RapidComm, now is a good time to read that software’s manual to determine what setting is required.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

How to Use ComTest to Determine Your Modem’s Settings

1. Insert the Connections CD into your CD-

ROM drive.

2. In Windows’ Program Manager, click Run

on the File menu. Type d:\comtest.exe and press ENTER. This starts ComTest, the program that determines which COM ports and IRQs are available for use by your modem.

3. The screen in the next column appears

when ComTest starts.

• If there is a modem in your computer

which you are replacing with your new Sportster modem, go to “Testing an Installed Modem” on page 7 to

determine which COM and IRQ settings the older modem is using.

• If a modem is not currently installed in

your computer, click Recommend settings for a new modem.

Then click Next.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

4. Click Internal Modem. Then click Next.

5. If you have a free setting, you will see a

screen like this.

COM2/IRQ3 is free in this example. ComTest might instead recommend COM1/IRQ4, COM3/IRQ4, or COM4/IRQ3 for your modem.

Write down the displayed settings. You’ll need to know these settings later. Click Next.

If you do not have a free setting, you will

see a screen like this.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

Click Finish to exit ComTest. Go to “What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation” on page 8.

6. When you see this screen, click Finish to

exit ComTest.

Go to “What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation” on page 8.

Testing an Installed Modem

If there is a modem already installed in your computer, you can determine its COM and IRQ settings by selecting the Test an installed modem option. Follow the instructions on screen until you see the screen that tells you “Testing is complete.” This screen will also tell you which COM and IRQ settings your present modem is using. These are the settings you want to use for your new Sportster modem. Write the settings down.

Turn off and unplug your computer and remove your present modem. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation

NOTE: If your communications

software requires a modem that ComTest does not recommend, there is a good chance that the setting is being used by another device in your system. To free that setting in your system, consult your computer’s manual. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10.

If ComTest recommended COM1/IRQ4

Write down “COM1” and “IRQ4” somewhere where it will be handy during software installation. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10.

If ComTest recommended COM2/IRQ3

Write “COM2” and “IRQ3” somewhere where it will be handy during software installation. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10.

If ComTest recommended COM3/IRQ4 or COM4/IRQ3

Do not use either of these settings. While the COM port part of the setting is acceptable (ComTest only recommends COM ports that are not being used), the IRQ part of the setting is not acceptable. When ComTest recommends either COM3/IRQ4 or COM4/IRQ3, the IRQ in the setting is being used by another accessory. You could use the suggested IRQ for the modem, but you run the risk that the modem and/or the other accessory sharing the IRQ might not work properly.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

If you do not have a sound card, use COM3/IRQ5. Write “COM3” and “IRQ5” somewhere where it will be handy during software installation. You will have to change the settings on your modem. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10.

If you do have a sound card, use COM2/IRQ3. To use this setting, you have to first disable your computer’s second serial port (COM2). This is a pronged socket on the back of your computer.

• Go to your computer manufacturer’s

manual.

• Find out how to disable the COM port.

• Find out which of the sockets on the back

of your computer is the second serial port.

• If you have something plugged into that

port, find out if you can plug it in somewhere else. Any accessory plugged

into that port will not work after the port has been disabled.

• Then return to this point in this manual to

continue.

After disabling COM2, you can use the COM2/IRQ3 setting.

Write “COM2” and “IRQ3” somewhere where it will be handy during software installation and go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 10.

If ComTest reports that “You do not have any available COM ports and/or IRQs”

We recommend you disable COM1 or COM2. When you disable one of these COM ports, you can use it and its default IRQ for your modem. Go to your computer manufacturer’s manual.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

• Find out which socket is COM1 and which

is COM2.

• If nothing is plugged into either port, you

may choose either of the ports to disable. Your computer manufacturer’s manual will tell you how to disable the COM port.

• If one port does not have anything plugged

into it, note if the port is COM1 or COM2. This is the port you’ll want to disable for your modem.

• If both ports are being used, you may be

able to attach one of the plugged-in accessories elsewhere so that you can disable its COM port. The accessory will not work once its port is disabled.

If you’ve disabled COM1, you can now use the COM1/IRQ4 setting. Write it down somewhere where it will be handy during

software installation. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” (on this page).

If you’ve disabled COM2, you can now use the COM2/IRQ3 setting. Write the setting down somewhere where it will be handy during software installation.

How to Change the Modem’s Settings

1. Always touch an unpainted metal part of

your computer (the back is usually unpainted) to discharge static electricity before handling the modem. Static can damage your modem. Then take the modem out of its plastic bag.

2. Find the COM and IRQ jumper shunts

(small black plastic pieces) on your

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

modem’s jumper pins (see the following diagram).

3. To change the COM port and IRQ settings,

you need to reposition the jumper shunts on the COM port and IRQ pins. To do this, lift the jumper shunts off the pins.

TIP: Grasp the jumper shunts with

a tweezers or needle-nosed pliers. DO NOT grasp too firmly, as you may crush the jumper shunts. If a jumper shunt seems stuck, gently rock it back and forth as you lift. Do not touch any other part of the modem or your computer with the tweezers/pliers. A jumper shunt needs to be sitting on both jumper pins in order to effectively set the modem to the desired setting.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

0 1 SEL

4. Move the jumper shunt to the new setting.

• The COM port setting can involve one

to three shunts. The four possible COM port settings are as follows:

COM 1

COM 3

COM 2

COM 4

• Unlike most COM port settings, the

IRQ setting involves only one jumper shunt. Simply move the jumper shunt to the pins labeled with the IRQ you need.

How to Insert the Modem into the Computer

NOTE: Before installing your

modem, write its serial number somewhere where it will be handy during software installation. (You’ll find the serial number underneath the bar code on the white sticker on the modem and on the outside of the box the modem came in.) If you ever need to call our customer support department, a customer support representative will ask you for the serial number. This will help him or her identify your modem.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from

the electrical outlet.

2. Unplug any peripheral devices (printer,

monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) from the computer.

TIP: Before you unplug anything,

label the cords or make a sketch of how things are connected. This can be helpful when you plug things back in later.

CAUTION: To avoid the risk of

electric shock, make sure your computer and all peripheral devices are turned off and unplugged.

3. Remove the screws from your computer’s

cover and then remove the cover, as shown in the following diagrams. Your computer may differ in appearance from these diagrams, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same. Contact your computer manufacturer or review their manual if you need further instructions.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

4. Find an empty ISA expansion slot at least

as long as the gold edge of your modem. (ISA slots have black plastic grooves lined with silver.) Unscrew and remove the expansion slot cover (the long narrow piece of metal that keeps dust from entering through the opening perpendicular to the slot). Be careful not to drop the screw into the computer. You will need it later to screw the modem into place.

5. Holding the modem at each corner, with the

gold edge facing the slot, push the modem down as gently as possible until it snaps into the expansion slot. (NOTE: The drawings show horizontally aligned expansion slots. Some computers have vertically aligned slots. The instructions apply to both styles.)

You need to apply a little pressure to seat the modem properly. Sometimes a gentle back-and-forth motion helps to fit the

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

modem all the way into the slot. If you feel resistance, the modem may not be properly lined up with the slot. Do not force it into the slot. Remove the modem and try again.

6. Once the modem is in place, fasten it firmly

using the screw that you removed in step 4.

7. Replace the computer’s cover and fasten it

with the screws you removed in step 3.

8. If you currently have a phone plugged into

the wall jack you plan to use for the modem, disconnect the phone’s cord from the jack.

WARNING: The phone jack you use

must be for an ANALOG phone line (the type found in most homes). Many office buildings have digital phone lines. Be sure you know which type of line you have. The modem will be damaged if you use a digital phone line.

9. Plug one end of the phone cord that came

with the modem into the TELCO jack at the rear of the modem. Plug the other end of the cord into the wall jack.

10. If you wish to use a phone through the line

the modem uses (when the modem is not in use), plug your phone’s cord into the modem’s PHONE jack.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

NOTE: You cannot use the modem

and a phone at the same time if they share the same telephone line.

11. Plug the microphone included with your

modem into the MIC jack on the modem.

12. To enhance the modem’s full-duplex

speakerphone capabilities, plug a set of powered external speakers (not included) into the SPEAKER jack on the modem.

13. If you have your modem set to

COM1/IRQ4 or COM2/IRQ3, go to “Software Installation and Testing” on page

33. If you have your modem configured to any other setting, open Program Manager and double-click the Main icon.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

14. Double-click the Control Panel icon.

15. Double-click the Ports icon.

16. If it’s not already selected, click the COM

port for your modem. Then click Settings.

17. Click Advanced.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

18. In the Interrupt Request Line (IRQ)

box, select the IRQ that ComTest recommended.

19. Click OK.

You will see a brief series of screens after the preceding screen. Click OK on each screen until you see a screen with a Close button. Click Close to exit Program Manager.

You are now ready to install the software on the Connections CD-ROM (included with your Sportster modem). Turn to “Software Installation and Testing” (page 33) for detailed information about installing the software, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS

You will need these items from your Sportster™ modem box:

modem phone cord

Connections™ CD microphone

Plus:

a screwdriver (not included)

Since your new Sportster is a “Plug and Play” device, Windows 95 may be able to detect your modem automatically after you plug it into your computer. The operating system should do all the work of recognizing the modem for you.

How to Prepare for Plug and Play Installation

1. Touch an unpainted metal part of your

computer (the back is usually unpainted) to discharge static electricity. Static can damage your modem.

2. Take the modem out of its plastic bag.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

3. Find the jumper shunts (small black plastic

pieces) on the COM port and IRQ jumper pins on your modem. They should be in roughly the area indicated in the following illustration.

When doing a “Plug and Play” installation, the jumper shunts should be placed so that they are hanging from single jumper pins rather than on pairs of pins. Move your

jumper shunts so they are hanging as in the following diagram.

NOTE: If you need to move the jumper

shunts, grasp them with a tweezers or a needlenosed pliers. DO NOT grasp too firmly, however, or you may crush the jumper shunts. If a jumper shunt seems stuck, try gently rocking it back and forth as you lift.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

How to Insert the Modem into the Computer

NOTE: Before installing your

modem, write down its serial number. (You’ll find the serial number underneath the bar code on the white sticker on the modem and on the outside of the box the modem came in.) If you ever need to call our customer support department, a customer support representative will ask you for the serial number. This will help him or her identify your Sportster modem.

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from

the electrical outlet.

2. Unplug any peripheral devices (printer,

monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) from the computer.

TIP: Before you unplug any cords,

label them or make a sketch of how they are connected. This can be helpful when you plug them back in later.

CAUTION: To avoid risk of

electric shock, make sure your computer and all peripheral devices are turned off and unplugged from electrical outlets.

3. Remove the screws from your computer’s

cover and then remove the cover, as shown

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

in the following diagrams. Your computer may differ in appearance from these diagrams, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same. Refer to your computer manufacturer’s manual if you need further instructions.

4. Find an empty ISA expansion slot that’s at

least as long as the gold edge of your modem. (ISA slots are black plastic grooves lined with metal.) Unscrew and remove the expansion slot cover (the long narrow piece of metal that keeps dust from entering through the opening perpendicular to the slot).

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

5. Holding the modem at each corner, with the

gold edge facing the slot, push the modem down as gently as possible until it snaps into the expansion slot. (NOTE: The following diagram shows horizontally aligned expansion slots. Some computers have vertically aligned slots. The instructions apply to both styles.)

You need to apply a little pressure to seat the modem properly. Sometimes a gentle back-and-forth motion helps fit the modem all the way into the slot. If you feel resistance, the modem may not be properly lined up with the slot. Do not force it into the slot. Remove the modem and try again.

6. Once the modem is in the slot, fasten the

modem firmly into place using the screw that you removed in step 4.

7. Replace the computer’s cover and fasten it

with the screws you removed in step 3.

8. Locate the wall jack you plan to use for the

modem. If you have a phone plugged into

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

this jack, disconnect the telephone cord from the jack.

WARNING: The phone jack you

use must be for an ANALOG phone line (the type found in most homes). Many office buildings have digital phone lines. Be sure you know which type of line you have. The modem will be damaged if you use a digital phone line.

9. Plug one end of the phone cord included

with the modem into the TELCO jack at the rear of the modem. Plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.

10. If you wish to use a phone through the line

the modem uses (when the modem is not in use), plug your phone’s cord into the modem’s PHONE jack.

NOTE: You cannot use the modem

and a phone at the same time if they share the same telephone line.

11. Plug the microphone included with your

modem into the MIC jack on the modem.

12. To enhance the modem’s full-duplex

speakerphone capabilities, plug a set of powered external speakers (not included) into the SPEAKER jack on the modem.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

13. Plug the power cords, cables, and

peripherals back into the computer and turn on the computer.

Installing the Modem Drivers

NOTE: If you wrote “950b” on

page 2 of this User’s Guide, go to “Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Version 950b” on page 29. Otherwise, follow these instructions.

Click Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer. Then click OK.

Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Versions 950 and 950a

1. When Windows 95 restarts, it should

detect the modem. If it does, you will see the following screen.

NOTE: If this screen does not

appear, go to the section titled “When Plug and Play Fails” on page 95.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

2. When you see this screen, insert the

Connections CD into your CD-ROM drive and type D:\ to replace the A:\. (NOTE: If your CD-ROM drive has a different letter name, type that letter instead of D.)

Click OK. Windows will load the modem’s drivers.

3. Once Windows finishes loading the

information from the CD-ROM, you should verify that the modem installation was a success. When your desktop returns, click the Windows Start button and point to Settings. Then click Control Panel.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

4. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in

the screen image below).

5. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you

should see “Sportster 33600 Voice Internal PnP” listed.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

This means the installation was a success. Click OK.

NOTE: If you do not see your

modem listed in the preceding screen, the Plug and Play installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to “When Plug and Play Fails” on page

95.

6. Next, click the Diagnostics tab at the top

of the “Modems Properties” screen. Write down the COM setting for your modem. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different setting than that shown in the following screen.) You will need to know this setting when you install RapidComm Voice.

Turn to “Software Installation and Testing” (page 33) for detailed information about installing RapidComm Voice, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

Installing Modem Drivers with Windows 95 Version 950b

1. When Windows restarts, it should detect

the modem (see following screen image). Insert the Connections CD and click Next.

NOTE: If this screen does not

appear, go to the section titled “When Plug and Play Fails” on page 95.

2. When you see the following screen, click

Finish.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

3. Once Windows 95 has installed the

modem’s drivers, you will see the following screen. This screen tells you which communications port your modem is installed to. (NOTE: Your screen may show a different COM port.) Make a note of the COM port setting. You will need this information later when you installing the software on the CD-ROM. Remove the CD from your CD-ROM drive and click OK. Windows will restart.

4. Once Windows restarts, you should verify

that the modem installation was a success. When your desktop returns, click the Windows Start button and point to Settings. Then click Control Panel.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

5. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in

the screen image below).

6. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you

should see “Sportster 33600 Voice Internal PnP” listed.

MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

This means the installation was a success. Click OK.

NOTE: If you do not see your

modem listed in the preceding screen, the Plug and Play installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to “When Plug and Play Fails” on page

95.

7. Next, click the Diagnostics tab at the top

Turn to “Software Installation and Testing” (page 33) for detailed information about installing RapidComm Voice, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

Software Installation and Registration Using the Setup Wizard

This section guides you through the U.S. Robotics Setup Wizard, the Connections CD-ROM interface, and the installation of RapidComm™ Voice fax/data/voice software. It also shows you how to register and test your new Sportster modem.

RapidComm Voice fax/data/voice software simplifies sending and receiving faxes directly from your computer desktop. You can build your own fax directory, send faxes to specified groups of phone numbers, request individual cover pages when necessary, and send individual faxes without exiting your word processing program.

™

Additionally, RapidComm Voice software lets you connect to BBSs and other online data providers. Take advantage of this access to enter a new world of information and entertainment.

NOTE: The following instructions

apply to Windows 3.x and Windows 95 users. However, only Windows 95 screens are shown.

NOTE: If you have an older

version of RapidComm Voice software installed on your system, uninstall it before continuing.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

1. From the Windows 95 desktop, click the

Start button and then click Run.

2. In the text box, type D:\setup.exe. (If your

CD-ROM drive has a letter name other than D, type that letter in place of D.)

3. You will briefly see a screen that looks like

this.

4. When you are asked if you wish to run the

Setup Wizard, click Yes.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

5. This is the Setup Wizard’s “Welcome”

screen. After reading the screen, click Next.

6. When you see the following screen, select

your modem from the list and select the correct COM port setting in the Port box. Then click Next.

NOTE: Check the COM port

setting against the setting you wrote down during the hardware installation.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

7. When you see the next two screens, fill in

the blank boxes with the appropriate information, using the TAB key to move between fields. Click Next on each screen when you have filled in all of the necessary information.

8. You will see the following screen as the

Setup Wizard creates a U.S. Robotics Connections program group.

9. Next, the Setup Wizard looks for Netscape

Navigator on your system.

If the Setup Wizard does not find Netscape Navigator, it searches for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. If the Setup Wizard does not find Internet Explorer, it will automatically install the application later in the Setup Wizard process.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

10. The next screen introduces the U.S.

Robotics Registration Wizard. After you read the screen, click Next. Read through each of the next two screens and verify or correct the information you typed earlier. Click Next on each screen to move on.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

11. When you see this screen, you are ready to

Modem. We recommend you choose the By Modem option because it’s a great

way to verify that your Sportster modem is correctly installed.

12. When you see this screen…

• If you need to dial a prefix (such as 9) to

make a call outside your building, type the prefix before the 1 in the Prefix box and then click Dial. If the modem still does not dial the number properly, you may need to insert a comma between the prefix and the 1 to force the modem to pause.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

• If you do not need to dial a prefix,

simply click Dial.

13. You will see a screen indicating that the

registration information has been sent (see circled text in the screen below).

14. The next screen indicates that the Setup

Wizard is finished. Click OK to launch the Connections CD-ROM.

NOTE: If the Setup Wizard detected Internet Explorer on your system during the setup process, your computer will launch the Connections CD-ROM when you click OK. Continue at step 15.

If the Setup Wizard DID NOT detect Internet Explorer on your system earlier in the setup process, it will launch the Internet Explorer installation utility after you click OK. When you see the following screen, click Install Internet Explorer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the software.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

At the end of the installation process, you will see the following screen. Click Yes.

Windows 95 users: Windows will restart and the Connections CD will launch automatically upon restart.

Windows 3.x users: Windows will restart. When your desktop reappears, you will see a Connections icon (shown below) in the Connections program group. Double-click the icon to launch the CD.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

15. When the main Connections menu appears,

click Business & Productivity on the menu on the left hand side of the screen (circled below).

16. On the Business & Productivity menu is

a RapidComm Voice button (circled in the following screen shot). RapidComm Voice is the fax/data/voice software you can use to send faxes directly from your desktop, transfer files electronically, set up multiple voice mail boxes, or dial into a BBS. Click RapidComm Voice.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

17. The next screen contains another menu on

the right hand side of the screen. Included on the menu is a Learn More & Get Software button (circled in the screen image below). Click this button.

18. The next screen displays information about

the RapidComm Voice software. When you are ready to install the RapidComm Voice software, click Install (circled in the lower left hand corner of the following screen image).

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

NOTE: If you are using Netscape

Navigator to view your Connections CDROM, you may be asked to save the application’s installer to your computer when you click the Install button. Note the installer’s file name and its location on your computer. To run the installer or demo, find the file on your computer and double-click it. The installer will start.

19. The next screen is the first of the

“RapidComm Voice Setup” screens. When this screen appears, make sure the location shown in the text box is where you would like the files copied to and then click Install. If you wish to copy the RapidComm Voice files to a different

directory, type that location in the text box before clicking Install.

20. You will see this screen as files are copied.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

21. When you see this screen, click either Yes or No.

• If you click Yes, every document you print will be

treated as a fax unless you change the printer selection in the program from which you are printing.

• If you click No, RapidComm Voice will not be

selected as the default printer. When you want to send a fax, you must select RapidComm Voice as the printer in the program from which you are printing.

This screen marks the end of the RapidComm Voice installation. Click OK to return the Connections.

23. Click Exit (circled in the following screen

image).

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

24. Restart Windows by clicking the Windows

Start button and pointing to Shut Down. Click Restart the Computer? on the “Shut Down Windows” screen. Then click Yes.

25. When your desktop appears, click

Windows Start. Point to Programs. Then point to RapidComm Voice.

26. The following is the first “RapidComm

Voice Setup Wizard” screen. After you read the screen, click Next.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

27. When you see this screen, verify the

information shown and then fill in the Data box (if you have a third phone number just for your modem) and the Local Area Code box. Then click Next.

28. After you verify the information on this

screen, click Next.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

29. Select the correct modem in the text box

on the following screen. Then click Next.

30. The next screen allows you to select single

or multiple mailboxes for your personal voice mail system. Click Single or Multiple and then click Next.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

31. When you see this screen…

• If you want the RapidComm Voice

program to launch at Windows startup, select the box to the left of Run

RapidComm Voice at Windows startup. A check will appear in the box.

Then click Finish.

• If you do not want RapidComm Voice

to start every time you start Windows, simply click Finish.

32. You will see this screen.

This is the main RapidComm Voice screen. To send your first fax, keep this screen open. (After this initial run, RapidComm Voice will not need to be running in order to send a fax.)

Sending Your First Fax

Using RapidComm Voice software, you can send and receive faxes directly from your computer and eliminate the need for a fax machine. Once you learn the basics of sending faxes, you can learn more involved fax

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

functions, such as sending documents to groups of numbers at assigned times and how to transfer data files. These more advanced functions are explained in the electronic RapidComm Voice manual on your Connections CD. This chapter will walk you through sending your first fax.

1. Open an application in which you can

create documents that you might want to fax (e.g., a word processing application). Create a document containing only a sentence or two. Name the document tester. Keep the document open.

2. From the File menu, click Print.

3. Select RapidComm Voice as the printer.

This can be changed in most Windows applications in the Print or Printer Setup dialog box.

4. Click OK or Print (whichever button you

click in your application to indicate that you are ready to print) in the Print dialog box.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

5. When you see the following screen, fill in

the necessary information in the text boxes. For testing purposes, send your “tester” document to the 3Com fax number, 847676-3559.

NOTE: If you need to enter a

prefix (such as 9) to dial a number outside your building, type the prefix before the fax number in the Fax number field.

When you finish, click Send Fax.

6. You will see a series of screens as the fax is

being transmitted. When the fax has been successfully transmitted, you will see a screen that looks like this.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

Congratulations —you are now ready to start using your Sportster modem!

Go to the electronic RapidComm Voice manual on your Connections CD for more detailed instructions on sending faxes and other things you can do using your Sportster modem and RapidComm Voice software.

INSTALLING OTHER FAX/DATA SOFTWARE

Your modem was designed for and tested using a wide range of communications software packages. This section will guide you through some of the details you may need to know when installing communications software packages other than RapidComm Voice (included on the Connections CD-ROM).

Type of Modem

Most communications software programs will ask you to select the type of modem you are using. Select a U.S. Robotics Sportster high speed modem. If that selection is not listed, pick Courier Dual Standard, V.32bis, or V.

34.

Initialization String

For hardware flow control, a fixed serial port rate, and full result codes, type AT&F1 and then press ENTER. If you must use software flow control, type AT&F2 and then press ENTER.

Flow Control

For hardware flow control (highly recommended), select RTS/CTS. For software flow control, select XON/XOFF. You may need to disable the flow control (hardware or software) that you are not using.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

Your Connections™ CD-ROM includes the U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard. This software is designed to quickly update your modem, whether to a newer version of its current code or to 3Com’s revolutionary new x2™ technology. You can update your modem in any of the following 3 ways:

NOTE: Complete the instructions in

the Software Installation and Testing section of this manual before installing the Modem Update Wizard.

33.6 K to 33.6 K (update) = FREE

33.6 K to 56 K (upgrade) = $FEE 56 K to 56 K (update) = FREE

* Fee for upgrades is subject to change.

NOTE: You can obtain this software

from our BBS (847-982-5092) or from our World Wide Web page (www.3com.com) if you do not have a Connections CD-ROM.

NOTE: These instructions pertain to

Windows 3.x and Windows 95. However, only Windows 95 screen shots are shown unless the process for Windows 3.x users differ significantly.

Installation

1. Insert the Connections CD-ROM into your

CD-ROM drive.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

2. Click the Windows Start menu and point to

Programs. Point to U.S. Robotics Connections. Then click Connections.

NOTE: Windows 3.x users launch the

CD-ROM by clicking the Connections icon in the Connections program group.

3. From the main Connections menu, click

Customer Support (circled in the following

screen shot).

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

4. When the Customer Support menu appears,

click Modem Update Wizard (circled in the following screen shot).

5. Next, click Learn More & Get Software

(circled in the following screen shot).

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

6. In the following screen, click Install (circled

below).

7. This launches the U.S. Robotics Modem

Update Wizard Installer. The screen that follows is the welcome screen for the installer. After you read this screen, click Next.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

8. The next screen indicates where the installer

will store the files for the Update Wizard. If the indicated location is acceptable, click Next. Otherwise, click Browse to find an acceptable directory.

9. You will see the following screen for a moment

as the installer creates the Modem Update Wizard program group.

10. This screen indicates that the setup is

complete. Click OK.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

Operation

1. Click the Windows Start button. Point to

Programs. Then point to U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard. Finally, click Modem Update Wizard.

2. After you read the “Welcome” screen, click

Next.

3. This brings up the license agreement. After

reading the license agreement, click Accept to continue.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

4. The software will now detect any modems

installed on your system. When the detection phase finishes, you will see the following screen (the modems shown on your screen may differ). Click the modem you wish to upgrade and then click Next to continue.

5. The program will now determine if the selected

modem is software upgradable.

Non-Upgradable Modems

If your modem IS NOT software upgradable, the program will display the following screen.

• Click U.S. Robotics if your modem is a

U.S. Robotics modem to learn more about your upgrade options.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

• Click Other to learn more about how to

purchase a U.S. Robotics x2 modem.

Upgradable Modems

If the modem IS software upgradable, you will see the following screen.

Click Dial U.S. Robotics (which should be the default selection) in the pull-down menu. Click Upgrade to x2 Technology if you wish

to upgrade a 33.6 kbps modem to 56 kbps code or click Update my modem’s code to update your modem with the most recent version of its original code. Then click Next.

6. The next screen you will see is the order

information screen. Users who are purchasing a 56K upgrade will see a screen that includes a credit card information query. Users who are updating their modem’s code will see a personal information query screen. Fill in the screen with the appropriate information and then click Next.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

7. The following screen dials the U.S. Robotics

Update Server. Click Tone or Pulse dialing as necessary. If you normally dial a prefix (such as 9) to dial out on your phone line, type that prefix before the 1 in the Prefix box. Then click Dial.

NOTE: Your screen may show a

different number in the Number field.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

8. Once connected, the server will compare

available upgrades with the current code in your modem. If they differ, the server will automatically initiate the download procedure.

NOTE: Users purchasing a 56K upgrade are

asked if the charge is acceptable (see the following screen image). Unless you have already been charged for an upgrade, click Yes to continue. If you have already been through this process once before, DO NOT click Yes. Click No and call Customer Support at 847-982-5151. (The price of the upgrade is subject to change and includes applicable taxes.)

NOTE: If you do not have the most up

to date .inf file for your modem (the file that helps Windows correctly identify your modem), you will see the following screen as the Modem Update Wizard automatically downloads the file.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

9. You will see this screen as the Wizard

downloads the file for your modem.

10. When the download is complete, the modem

disconnects from the server. The words “Downloading file…” change to “Upgrading …” or “Updating …”, depending on whether you are upgrading or updating your modem. A new progress bar appears. This indicates that your modem’s code is being updated.

WARNING! To avoid the risk of

damaging your modem, DO NOT turn off the modem while it is being updated.

11. When updating is complete, the progress bar

will be full and an “Update/Upgrade Complete” message appears. Click Next.

U.S. ROBOTICS MODEM UPDATE WIZARD

12. You will see a “Congratulations!” screen.

Click Details.

13. Click OK once you verify that the process was

a success. When you return to the “Congratulations!” screen, click Finished.

Congratulations!

Enjoy the benefits of your updated Sportster modem!

USING MODEM STATION

What Does Modem Station Do?

♦ Modem Station provides a simple to use

interface that makes communicating with your modem even easier.

♦ Modem Station allows you to point and

click your way through configuration.

♦ Modem Station can automatically detect

your modem and provide you with all the technical information you need, whenever you need it!

Why Modem Station?

♦ Modem commands can be confusing and

difficult to memorize.

♦ Communications software often needs

technical information about your modem.

♦ You may want to “tweak” your modem for

optimum performance.

♦ You’d rather be surfing the Internet.

Installing Modem Station

If you did not install Modem Station when you first installed the Connections CD, please follow these instructions.

1. Insert the Connections CD into your CD-

ROM drive.

2. Double-click the My Computer icon on

your desktop.

3. Double-click the CD-ROM icon.

4. Double-click the USR Tools folder.

5. Double-click the umssetup icon.

USING MODEM STATION

6. You will be asked whether you wish to

install Modem Station. Click Yes.

7. Wait a few moments for the Installation

Wizard to load.

8. After reading the information on the

“Welcome” screen, click Next.

9. When you see this screen, click Next to

accept the default directory or click Browse to change directories.

USING MODEM STATION

10. Click Next on the following screen to

accept the default program folder. You can place Modem Station in an existing folder by selecting one from the list.

11. When you see the following screen, click

Finish to complete the installation.

If this is the first time you’ve installed Modem Station, you may be asked to restart your computer.

USING MODEM STATION

Starting Modem Station

1. If you didn’t start Modem Station from the

Setup program, please start it now.

2. Click Windows Start button and then point

to Programs. Click U.S. Robotics Modem Station (or the folder you selected during installation).

3. Click the Modem Station icon. This brings

up the main menu.

USING MODEM STATION

The main menu gives you direct access to the following options:

♦ DETECT NEW MODEMS ♦ TERMINAL ♦ MODEM CONFIGURATOR ♦ ABOUT ♦ CONTACT/SUPPORT

DETECT NEW MODEMS

This option detects US Robotics modems installed on your system and shows what COM port they are using. Click this option if you are running Modem Station for the first time, if you are changing modems, or if you simply need to know what port your modem is using.

TERMINAL

Terminal allows you to send commands directly to your modem and displays the

responses. You can use Terminal to dial up BBSs. In addition, you can configure your modem using Terminal. However, it is much easier to use the Modem Configurator.

MODEM CONFIGURATOR

Modem Configurator provides an easy-to-use interface for entering hard to remember commands. Use Modem Configurator for troubleshooting, initial configuration, and tuning your modem for optimum performance. Using the options available in Modem Configurator, you can control nearly every aspect of your modem’s performance. We will discuss Modem Configurator’s options in more detail in later sections.

ABOUT

The About option provides copyright and version information.

USING MODEM STATION

CONTACT/SUPPORT

This option details how to get in touch with U.S. Robotics.

TIP: For your convenience, we

provide many on-line support avenues. For specific questions, our fax-on-demand service is a good place to start. You can download FAQs, software, and help files from our Web sites and BBS, or receive individualized support via support@usr.com. Type 0000 (4 zeroes) in the subject line of your e-mail.

Using Detect New Modems

1. Click Detect New Modems to bring up

the following screen.

The screen consists of four columns, one for each possible COM port on a PC. You can scan a specific port(s) by selecting the checkbox for that port.

USING MODEM STATION

2. Click Scan to have Modem Station check

for installed modems. This may take a few moments.

3. When the scan finishes, you will see the

following display. Your display may differ depending on the type and number of modems installed.

If your modem is installed and configured correctly, Modem Station will find the modem and display make and model information under the assigned port. All currently active ports should display “Port OK” under the heading. If a port displays a “Port Error”, it usually means that the port is disabled in system setup.

NOTE: Different systems and

BIOSes use different methods of disabling COM ports. As a result, we cannot provide support for enabling COM ports. Please refer to your system’s documentation or contact the manufacturer of your system for further information.

USING MODEM STATION

If you look at the information for the port your modem is using, you will see three buttons. These allow you to access Terminal and Modem Configurator without going back to the main menu. Extended Information provides detailed information about your modem, previous connections, firmware dates, etc. This next section details using the Terminal option.

Using Terminal

You can access Terminal from either the Main menu or the Detect New Modems screen. Clicking Terminal brings up the Terminal window.

In addition to allowing direct entry of modem commands, the Terminal window also allows you to dial into Bulletin Boards, listing services, and other online services.

USING MODEM STATION

Terminal window is provided primarily for troubleshooting convenience. If you frequently use BBSs, you will probably want to use a separate, full-featured Terminal program like the one provided in our RapidComm software.

On the lower part of the Terminal screen, you will see the COM port your modem is currently using. To select another modem, simply click on the arrow and select that modem’s assigned port.

To the right of the port settings are the port speed settings. Port speed is the speed at which your computer sends data to the

NOTE: Modem Station’s

USING MODEM STATION

modem. We will discuss port speed settings in detail later in this section.

Terminal includes a basic auto dialer. To have Terminal dial a number for you, click

Dial to bring up the “Dial” screen. You need to tell the Dialer a few things about

your phone system, such as whether it uses tone or pulse dialing, what digit, if any, you need to dial to get an outside line, and whether the dialer should wait between dialing that digit and the rest of the number. Once you provide this information, simply enter the phone number as if you were dialing a telephone. Click Dial Now to dial the number.

You can end a call by clicking Hang Up at the bottom of the screen.

When you are finished using Terminal, click Exit to return to the screen you accessed it from.

Using Modem Configurator

You can access Modem Configurator from either the Main menu or the Detect New Modems screen.

Click Modem Configurator to bring up this menu.

USING MODEM STATION

The Modem Configurator menu gives you access to the following options:

♦ DATA CONTROL ♦ CONNECTION CONTROL ♦ MODEM TO COMPUTER ♦ CONNECTION RATES ♦ DIALING/ANSWERING ♦ STORED NUMBERS ♦ RESTORE DEFAULTS ♦ EXIT

Data Control

This is the “Data Control” screen.

The “Data Control” screen allows you to assign the following basic communications settings:

♦ PORT SPEED ♦ PARITY ♦ STOP BITS ♦ WORD ♦ FLOW CONTROL ♦ SERIAL PORT RATE

For information on using these settings, please refer to the “Glossary” at the back of this manual.

Click Help for quick definitions of the terminology used in this screen.

In the upper left-hand corner of the screen, you will see the data control commands currently in use.

USING MODEM STATION

Once you have entered the Data Control settings, click Save to Modem. This stores the settings so that you do not have to re-enter them.

This screen also displays the default DIP switch settings.

TECHNICAL STUFF: DIP

switches are tiny switches that control a few basic functions on some external modems. On modems without DIP switches, these functions are handled by modem commands.

Click Exit to return to the Modem Configurator menu.

CONNECTION CONTROL

This is where you adjust your modem’s connection and transmission settings.

Click Connection Control to bring up this screen.

In the upper left hand corner of this screen, you will find the current Connection Control settings.

USING MODEM STATION

Use the “Connections Control” screen to configure the following settings:

♦ DATA TERMINAL READY (DTR) ♦ ERROR CORRECTION ♦ DATA COMPRESSION ♦ CARRIER DETECT

For detailed information about these settings, refer to the “Glossary” or the “Technical Quick Reference” sections of this manual.

TIP: On external modems,

receiving a Data Terminal Ready signal causes the TR light to light up.

Once you have configured your Connection Control settings, click Save to Modem to save your settings

Using Modem to Computer

Click Help for quick definitions of terminology used in this screen.

These settings control how your modem and computer communicate with each other. They control what you see on your terminal screen and how results are displayed.

USING MODEM STATION

TIP: If you type ATDT and see

‘AATTDDTT’ on your screen, it is possible that both your software and modem have Local Echo set to ‘ON’. Turn Local Echo ‘OFF’ on EITHER the modem or the software to solve this problem.

If you look in the upper left hand corner of the display, you will see the commands currently in use.

The “Modem to Computer” screen allows you to configure the following settings:

♦ LOCAL ECHO ♦ RESULT CODES ♦ RESULT CODE PREFERENCES

For details on using the commands in this screen, refer to the “Glossary” or “Technical Quick Reference” sections of this manual.

Click Help to see quick definitions of terminology used in this screen.

This screen also includes a chart of the ways result codes can be displayed. Click Codes to view a chart of the display options.

Once you configure your settings, click Save to Modem to save your choices.

USING MODEM STATION

CONNECTION RATES

The “Connection Rates” screen allows you to configure modem speeds and protocols.

WARNING! Use caution

when changing connection settings. Improper settings may cause your modem to function incorrectly, disconnect, or fail to connect at all.

In the upper left hand corner of the screen you will see the current connection commands.

This screen allows you to configure the following settings:

♦ MODULATIONS ♦ V.34 SYMBOL RATES ♦ SPEEDS

Again, once you have selected your settings, click Save to Modem to save them.

When you are finished, click Exit to return to the Modem Configurator menu.

Please refer to the main body of the manual and the “Glossary “for detailed information about the terminology and settings used in this screen.

Click Help for quick definitions of terminology used in this screen.

DIALING/ANSWERING

USING MODEM STATION

The next screen allows you to adjust how your modem initiates and receives calls.

Using this screen, you can configure the following dial settings:

♦ WAIT FOR CARRIER ♦ AUTO-ANSWER # OF RINGS ♦ SPEAKER OPERATION ♦ DIALING METHOD ♦ SPEAKER VOLUME

TECHNICAL STUFF:

“Negotiation” is the noise we hear when two modems connect. The modems exchange information about their respective protocols and configurations. Once they agree on the fastest protocol they can both handle, transmission begins.

STORED NUMBERS

The “Stored Numbers” screen displays the phone numbers currently stored in your modem’s memory.

Use this screen to edit or add numbers stored in the modem’s memory.

USING MODEM STATION

To store a number in your modem’s memory, simply click in one of the entry boxes. Type in the phone number exactly as you would dial it. NOTE: Position Zero has a special feature. You can set your modem to automatically dial this number when your computer is turned on or when it is reset.

This is very useful if you are using your modem with a “dumb terminal” or know that you need to connect to a specific bulletin board or listing service.

You can change stored numbers by highlighting them and then typing the new numbers in their place. Once you store your numbers, you can dial them by entering this command from Terminal Mode:

ATDS0, ATDS1, ATDS2, etc. Your U.S. Robotics modem comes with one

phone number already stored in Position 0. If you haven’t changed the default, typing ATDS0 will automatically dial the U.S. Robotics BBS. You will want to change this if you are using a dumb terminal or online listing service, of course.

Once you enter the numbers you wish to store, click Save to Modem to store them. Click Exit to return to the Main menu.

The last option, Restore Defaults, resets your modem to factory specifications. This option is

USING MODEM STATION

available from many of the screens within Modem Station. When you click Restore Defaults, you will see a confirmation screen asking if you are sure you want to restore defaults. Click OK to proceed.

TIP: Restore Defaults will set

your modem back to factory specifications. It is a good place to start when troubleshooting.

Using the Extended Information Screens

The “Extended Information” screens provide important and useful information about your modem. Unfortunately, some of this information is very complex.

We devote a separate section to the Extended Information screens so that we can explain what you’ll see (and why it is important to you) as fully as possible.

There are a series of commands used to obtain detailed information from U.S. Robotics modems. Extended Information provides a convenient way to get that important information without memorizing the commands.

From the “Detect New Modems” screen, click Extended Information.

The “Extended Information” screen provides access to the following information about your modem:

♦ ROM CHECKSUM ♦ PRODUCT ♦ ACTIVE PROFILE ♦ STORED PROFILE

USING MODEM STATION

♦ CONFIGURATION PROFILE ♦ LINK DIAGNOSTICS ♦ VxD CONFIGURATION ♦ DIAL/SECURITY

Winmodem users will have access to VxD information via these screens.

Courier users will have access to Dial/Security information.

Click ROM Checksum to bring up the following screen.

Technicians use the ROM Checksum to verify information stored in the modem’s Read Only Memory. You can check the ROM Checksum from any Terminal program by typing ATI1 and pressing ENTER. For information about the specific modem you are using, click Product to bring up the next screen.

USING MODEM STATION

The “Product” screen displays the make and model of your modem. It is the equivalent of the ATI3 command.

Your modem is able to store two configurations or “profiles.” Only one can be active at any time.

To see information about the profile in use, click Active Profile to bring up the next screen.

This screen contains information about your modem’s current configuration. Starting from the top, you will see the make and model of your modem. Directly below that you will see basic commands currently in use. Below that are the current connection settings.

USING MODEM STATION

The two lines below the connection settings are the advanced commands currently in use. Below them is a display of the contents of the ‘S-Registers’ for your modem. These registers are special programmable areas of your modem’s memory. They are used to store commands that are too complex to be handled by the standard (or ‘AT’) commands.

Just below that you will see the last number dialed. You can also see this information by typing ATI4 in a Terminal program and pressing ENTER.

The next option displays the “Stored Profile” screen. This screen shows the configuration stored in your modem’s NVRAM (special programmable memory). Note that any stored phone numbers are displayed on this screen as well. This is the equivalent of the ATI5 command. The information displayed is in the

same format as the “Active Profile” screen with the addition of stored phone numbers.

The next two screens contain information that our technical support representatives may need if you request support.

Click Configuration to bring up the first of these screens.

USING MODEM STATION

The “Configuration” screen displays the following information about your modem.

• Product Type displays the information

relating to the make and model of your modem.

• Options displays the protocols available to

your modem.

• Fax Options displays your fax compatibility.

• Clock Frequency displays the speed of the

tiny “clock” that controls the timing of operations within the modem.

• EPROM displays how much information

can be stored in the EPROM (or Supervisor) chip.

• RAM displays how much memory your

modem has for processing commands and internal functions.

• Supervisor Date (or EPROM Date)

displays the version date of the ‘firmware’ stored in the Supervisor chip. (The

Supervisor chip contains the special software used to control your modem’s functions.) If a support representative asks you for your Supervisor or EPROM date, look here.

• DSP Date is the date of the ‘firmware’ that

controls the DSP in your modem.

• Supervisor and DSP rev (or revisions) are

the equivalent of software version numbers.

TECHNICAL STUFF: The

Supervisor chip contains the commands that control your modem. The DSP controls execution of those commands. The Supervisor chip needs orders from the DSP before it can carry out a command.

USING MODEM STATION

• DAA Country displays the countries your

modem is designed for. This is important because phone systems and telecommunications laws vary from country to country.

Click Link Diagnostics to bring up the “Link Diagnostics” screen.

The “Link Diagnostics” screen displays statistics about your last connection. This screen is most often used as an aid in diagnosing connection failures, but it also can provide information about connection speeds and phone line conditions.

• Modulation displays the speed and type of

connection.

• Carrier Frequency displays the electrical

frequency of the carrier signal.

• Symbol Rate displays the speed of the

transmission.

• Trellis Code, Nonlinear Encoding, Shaping,

and Precoding all refer to methods of handling high speed data transmission.

• The items followed by (dB), (-dB), (-dBm),

and (msec) refer to variations in the modulation tones that actually carry the information.

USING MODEM STATION

The rest of the screen contains information about CRC errors, Block Errors (Blers), resent data, and other data. This information is very important if you experience problems transmitting or receiving data or if you suspect problems with your phone service.

Only our U.S. Robotics Winmodem

™

faxmodems use VxDs, or Virtual Device Drivers. The Winmodem product uses special software (called a ‘driver’) to manage many of the functions handled by hardware in our other modems. If you are using a Winmodem, the Extended Information menu will offer you the option of clicking on VxD to view information on the Winmodem driver. Please refer to your Winmodem manual for detailed information on the Winmodem drivers.

Courier modem users will see a display of current Dialback/Security settings. Refer to

your Courier documentation for instructions on configuring these special features.

We hope that you enjoy exploring the world of information and entertainment your new Sportster modem will open up for you and that Modem Station will make using and configuring your new modem as simple as possible.

Remember: If you have any questions or problems, feel free to visit one of our many online forums. For answers to specific questions, be sure to visit our World Wide Web support site at www.usr.com/home/online/main.htm, or try our BBS (847-982-5092).

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

0 1 SEL

2 3 4 5 7

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION

The computer or software will not recognize the modem.

Your modem might not be turned on.

You may not be entering modem commands in the proper manner while in terminal mode.

You may have a COM port/IRQ conflict.

Make sure the modem is turned on. The power switch is on top of external modems. The CS light on the front panel should be lit. If you installed an internal modem, it should power up when the computer is turned on.

When entering commands in a terminal program, type in all upper case (AT) or all lower case (at).

WINDOWS 95 USERS: Uninstall the modem from your computer. In Device Manager, determine what COM port and IRQ settings are free on your system. Set the jumper shunts on your modem’s jumper pins to these free settings, using the diagrams below as a guide. If no IRQ setting is available, you may need to move a device off of an IRQ in order to free it for use by your modem.

COM 1

COM 3

COM 2

COM 4

IRQ

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION

The computer or software will not recognize the modem (cont.).

The modem displays double characters on your monitor.

The modem won’t go off hook to dial or doesn’t answer the phone.

You may have a COM port/IRQ conflict (cont.).

Both the modem’s and software’s local character echoes are turned on.

You may have plugged your modem’s phone cord into a digital line.

You might have a bad phone cord connection to your modem.

You may have devices between the modem and the phone jack.

You may have a poor line connection.

Make sure you have the correct COM port and IRQ settings in your software and/or in the Windows Device Manager.

Disable Local Echo in your software OR on your modem (not both). Turn local echo off on the modem by typing ATE0 and pressing ENTER in your software’s terminal mode. To turn the local echo off in the software, refer to its documentation.

Plugging your modem’s phone cord into a digital phone line can damage the modem. Call your phone company if you are unsure whether or not your phone line is digital.

The phone cord should be plugged into the TELCO jack on the modem and an analog wall phone jack. The phone cord should not exceed 12 feet in length. Use the phone cord included with your modem if possible.

There should be no line splitters, fax machines, or other devices between the modem and the wall jack.

Place the call again. Calls are routed differently each time. To verify a valid phone connection, enter RapidComm’s Terminal mode, type ATX3DT18479825092 (the 3Com BBS), and press ENTER. This string bypasses the dial tone, allowing a connection if the modem is functioning properly.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION

The modem won’t go off hook to dial or doesn’t answer the phone (cont.)

Both modems exchange carrier signals but fail to establish a link.

If you have voice mail, your dial tone may be altered when messages are waiting.

Your software may not have auto answer enabled.

You may have a poor line connection.

Answer your voice mail to restore your normal dial tone.

Enable the auto answer feature. In RapidComm’s Terminal mode, type ATS0=1 and press ENTER. NOTE: You need to enable auto answer before every session unless you alter your software’s initialization string to permanently enable auto answer.

Try placing the call again. The phone company routes calls differently each time. To verify a valid phone connection, enter RapidComm’s Terminal mode and type ATX3DT18479825092 and press ENTER (the phone number is the 3Com BBS). This string bypasses the dial tone, allowing a connection if the modem is functioning properly.

Your 33.6 kbps modem cannot achieve a 33.6 kbps Internet connection.

There may be line splitters or other devices between your modem and the phone jack.

The phone line you are currently using may not be clean enough to achieve a

33.6 kbps connection.

Remove all devices between the modem and the phone jack it is using. Make sure the phone cord you are using is no longer than 12 feet in length. Use the phone cord included with your Sportster if possible.

Try using a different phone line. Make sure the phone line you are using is an analog phone line. Using a digital phone line will damage your modem.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION

Your modem won’t connect at 2400 bps with a 2400 bps modem.

Your screen keeps displaying random garbage characters.

The modem you’re trying to connect with could be an older model that doesn’t support error control.

You could have a conflict with the remote modem’s settings for word length, parity, and stop bits.

Your software and modem might not be set to the same flow control settings.

The best flow control settings might not be enabled on your modem.

You can disable error control on your modem by typing AT&M0 in terminal mode and pressing ENTER. Now try placing the call to the remote modem again. When finished, reset your modem to enable the error control features. In terminal mode, type ATZ and press ENTER. Note: ATZ4 or AT&F1 are often the best reset strings, as they restore hardware flow control defaults.

Set your modem’s word length, parity, and stop bits the same as the remote modem or BBS you are calling. The most common settings are: data bits=8. Stop bits=1, parity=none, flow control=hardware (RTS/CTS)

Make sure the software and modem have the same flow control settings (hardware [RTS/CTS] and software [xon/xoff]).

In terminal mode, type AT&F1 and press ENTER to load the optimal settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION

Your communications software is reporting many cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors and low characters per second (CPS).

You may have a bad phone line.

Optimum flow control settings may not be enabled on your modem.

The serial port rate in your communications software may be set too high for your modem’s UART or your area’s phone lines.

The remote site you are dialing into may have trouble with the file transfer protocol.

There may be a Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) program (such as a screen saver or virus scanner) running in the background, disrupting data communications.

Try placing the call again. The phone company routes calls differently each time.

In terminal mode, type AT&F1 and press ENTER to load the optimum hardware flow control settings.

Lower the serial port rate in your communications software to 57,600 bps, 38,400 bps, or 19,200 bps. Some software programs, including AOL, allow port rates of 14,400, 28,800, 33,600. These values are invalid and should not be used. NOTE: The port rate for an x2 modem cannot be set lower than 57,600 if you want to achieve and x2 connection.

Try using a different file transfer protocol. Zmodem is the preferred protocol.

Disable any Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs running in the background. If you have software running as a TSR, check the software’s manual for information about disabling its ability to operate as a TSR.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION

Your communications software is reporting many cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors and low characters per second (CPS) (cont.).

Errors are constantly occurring in your V.17 fax transmissions.

RapidComm fails to initialize the modem.

You may be trying to download a file to a compressed area of your hard disk.

Your modem initialization string could be insufficient for fax transmissions.

There may be a Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) program (such as a screen saver or virus scanner) running in the background, disrupting data communications.

Your baud rate may be set too high.

You may be trying to fax a compressed file

RapidComm’s port settings may be incorrect.

Download to an uncompressed area on your hard drive.

In your communications software, change the modem initialization string to AT&H3&I2&R2S7=90.

Lower baud rate to 9600, 7200, or 4800.

Open the file in the application in which it was created. Select RapidComm as the printer and then print the file.

Make sure RapidComm’s port settings are correctly set for your modem.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

When Plug and Play Fails

If you have been directed to this section, your Plug and Play installation was not successful. Try the following possible solutions:

1. Click Windows 95 Start and click Shut

Down. When asked if you wish to shut

down your computer, click Yes. When Windows 95 indicates that it is safe to turn off your computer, turn it off and wait 15 seconds. Then turn the computer back on. Windows 95 may detect your modem upon this restart even if it did not detect the modem during the initial installation. If you see screens indicating that new hardware has been detected by Windows 95, turn to “Installing the Modem Drivers” on page xx. If not, continue with the next step.

2. Click Windows 95 Start, point to

Settings, and click Control Panel.

Double-click the System icon and then click the Device Manager tab on the “System Properties” screen. Look for “Other Devices” or “Unknown Devices” in the list that appears. If you do not see either of these options in the list, continue with the next section to learn about our support options. If you do see one of these options, double-click the option. If the description that appears matches the modem you are trying to install, click the Remove button. Click OK when Windows asks if you wish to remove the device. Next, restart the computer as described in step 1 on this page. If the computer does not detect the modem after this second restart, please continue

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES

reading to learn about our support options.

Online Help Resources

Connecting to the 3Com BBS

To connect to the 3Com Bulletin Board System, follow these steps:

1. Start the RapidComm Voice program.

The software settings for the BBS are:

ANSI terminal emulation Data Bits: 8 Parity: None Stop Bits: 1

2. Put RapidComm Voice in Terminal mode

by clicking on the Terminal button.

3. Type ATDS0 and press ENTER.

NOTE: ATDS0 automatically dials

1-847-982-5092, the 3Com BBS.

If this is your first time connecting to our BBS, you will be asked to enter your name, create a password of your choice, and to fill out a questionnaire.

3COM 3C905B, 3C900B User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual