Black Box MD1641A, MD1640A User Manual
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 7877-877-BBOX (outside the U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • Email: info@blackbox.com
AUGUST 2000
MD1640A
MD1641A
Series II Modem 336
Series II Modem 336+
Series II Intelligent Data/Fax Modems
Model 336 (Product Code MD1641A)
Model 336+ (Product Code MD1640A)
User Guide
336 and 336+
Series II Modems
2
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
DISCLAIMER
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior
expressed written permission from the manufacturer. The manufacturer
makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof
without obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person or organization
of such revisions or changes.
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
MNP and Microcom Network Protocol are trademarks of Microcom Inc.
AS/400 and System3x are registered trademarks of IBM.
Appletalk, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple
Computer Inc.
Unix is a registered trademark of X/Open Co. Ltd.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks mentioned in this manual are the property of their
respective owners.
3
Table of Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
1.1 Introduction............................................................................7
1.2 How To Use This Manual ......................................................7
1.3 What is in Your Modem Package? ......................................10
1.4 Modem Features ..................................................................10
1.5 Fax Features ..........................................................................11
1.6 Technical Specifications ......................................................12
1.7 Power ....................................................................................16
1.8 Modem LED Indicators ......................................................16
1.9 Controls on PC Board..........................................................18
Chapter 2 - Installation and Connection
2.1 Safety Warnings ....................................................................19
2.2 Installation ............................................................................20
2.3 Is Your Series II Modem Ready for Use? ............................23
2.4 Operating Your Series II Modem ......................................24
2.4.1 Simple Operations ......................................................25
2.5 The Answer/Originate - Voice/Data Toggle Switch..........25
Chapter 3 - Software Configuration
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................26
3.2 Serial Port Limitations ........................................................26
3.2.1 How Can You Identify Your UART Type? ....................27
3.2.2 The 16550 UART and Windows 3.1 ............................28
3.3 Configuring Your Software..................................................29
3.3.1 Configuring Software for Your Modem ......................29
3.4 PC Initialization Strings ......................................................30
3.4.1 Changing Default Parameters ......................................30
3.4.2 Other Parameters ........................................................31
3.5 Macintosh Initialization ......................................................31
3.6 Configuring Software for Your Computer..........................32
3.6.1 Configuring Software for the Remote System ............32
3.6.2 Terminal Emulation ......................................................33
3.6.3 File Transfer Protocols ..................................................33
4
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
3.7 When to Disable Data Compression ..................................33
3.7.1 Disabling Error Correction ..........................................34
Chapter 4 - Manual Dial and Automatic Answer
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................35
4.2 Dialing/On-Line/Answering ..............................................35
4.3 Auto. Leased Line Restoral Operation (336+ Only) ........37
4.4 Manual Dial Backup Call Termination (336+ Only) ........37
4.5 Dial Backup and Leased Line Restoral (336+ Only) ........37
4.6 Dial-Up Operation (336+ Only)..........................................39
4.7 Manual Call Origination......................................................39
4.8 Automatic Answering ..........................................................40
4.9 Manual Answering................................................................41
4.10 Handshaking Details ............................................................41
4.11 Call Termination ..................................................................42
Chapter 5 - Command Mode
5.1 Introduction..........................................................................44
5.1.1 AT Command Editing ..................................................44
5.1.2 Functional Modes..........................................................45
5.2 Summary of AT Commands ................................................46
5.3 Result Codes ........................................................................50
5.4 Dialing Commands ..............................................................52
5.4.1 Dialing Action Commands ..........................................52
5.4.2 Dial Modifier Commands ............................................54
5.4.3 Phone Number Memory Commands ..........................58
5.4.4 Configuration and Default Storage Commands ........60
5.4.5 Command Response (Result Code) Commands........63
5.4.6 Phone Line Conditioning Commands ........................66
5.4.7 RS232C Interface Control Commands........................68
5.4.8 Error Correction Commands ......................................70
5.4.9 Flow Control Commands..............................................75
5.4.10 Compression, Error Correction, Flow Control,
Pass-Through and Pacing Commands ........................81
5.4.11 Speed Conversion Commands ....................................82
5
Table of Contents
5.4.12 Immediate Action Commands ....................................85
5.4.13 Line Probe Commands ................................................90
Chapter 6 - S-Registers
6.1 Introduction..........................................................................92
6.2 Reading and Assigning S-Register Values ..........................102
6.2.1 Examples of Assigning Values ......................................102
6.2.2 Examples of Reading Values ........................................103
6.3 AT Command and S-Register Summary ............................103
Chapter 7 - Callback Security and Remote
Configuration
7.1 Introduction..........................................................................104
7.2 Callback Feature Description ..............................................104
7.3 Remote Configuration Description ....................................105
7.3.1 Initial Setup Procedures for Callback and Remote ..
Configuration. ..............................................................105
7.3.2 Remote Configuration Procedures..............................111
7.4 Remote Configuration and Callback Security AT ............
Commands ..........................................................................112
7.5 Remote Configuration/Callback Security S-Registers ......114
Chapter 8 - Modem Testing
8.1 Introduction ........................................................................116
8.2 Local Analog Loopback Test/V.54 Loop 3 ........................117
8.3 Digital Loopback Test/V.54 Loop 2 (Local/Manual) ......118
8.4 Digital Loopback Test/V.54 Loop 2 (Remote/Auto.) ......120
8.5 Back-to-Back Test ..................................................................121
8.6 Synchronous Mode Testing ................................................123
8.7 Local Analog Loopback Test (Synchronous Mode) ..........123
6
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
8.8 Digital Loopback Test (Local/Manual) (Sync Mode) ......124
8.9 Digital Loopback Test (Remote/Auto.) (Sync Mode) ......125
Chapter 9 - DIP-Switch Settings
9.1 Introduction..........................................................................127
9.2 DIP-Switch Option Settings ................................................128
9.3 Speaker Volume Control ....................................................136
9.4 Recording Option Configurations......................................137
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
A.1 Possible Causes and Solutions ............................................139
A.2 Contacting Black Box ..........................................................147
A.2.1 Recording Modem Information ..................................147
A.2.2 Making the Call ............................................................148
A.3 Shipping and Packaging ......................................................148
A.4 Upgrading the Series II Modem’s Firmware......................149
Other Appendixes
Appendix B - Dial Pulse and Tone-Dial Frequencies ......................150
Appendix C - Command Summary ..................................................151
Appendix D - DIP-Switch Summary ..................................................164
Appendix E - S-Register Summary ....................................................167
Appendix F - Result Code Summary ................................................171
Appendix G - V.25bis Operation........................................................174
Appendix H - Series II Modem Cables..............................................187
Appendix I - RS232C Interface Specifications ................................189
Appendix J - Regulatory Information ..............................................195
7
CHAPTER 1: Introduction and Description
1. Introduction and Description
1.1 Introduction
Welcome to the world of data communications. You have acquired one
of the finest intelligent desktop data/fax modems available today, a
Series II Modem from Black Box. Your Series II Modem provides data
communication at 33,600-14,400 bps (Enhanced V.34/V.32bis), as well
as other prevalent datacomm standards. The Modem supports adaptive
protocol enhancing used in typical Unix
®
batch file transfers and
support for IBM's AS/400
®
and System/3X®environment. If your
Series II Modem is a 336+ model, it also performs dial backup with
automatic lease line restoration. This Owner’s Manual will help you
install, configure, test and use your Modem.
1.2 How To Use This Manual
This manual is divided into nine chapters. There are also several
appendices at the end of this manual, most of which repeat information
contained in the chapters, but in a more condensed form. These appendices can be used as a quick reference. The information contained in
each chapter and appendix is as follows:
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
This chapter begins with a short introduction, followed by a guide (which
you are now reading) to the use of this manual. There is a discussion
about what components you can expect in your Series II Modem
package. We then provide a more detailed description of the modem,
including the modem’s technical specifications. Chapter 1 includes
sections covering power, LED indicators and a brief summary of PC
board controls. (Chapter 9 covers switch settings more thoroughly.)
8
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
Chapter 2 - Installation and Connection
Chapter 2 covers the procedure for connecting the Series II Modem to
your computer and to the phone line. Details are given, supported by
illustrations on the Modem's back panel connections as a guide to
install your Modem to the point of operation.
Chapter 3 - Software Configuration
Chapter 3 documents communication software configuration
recommended specifically for the Series II Modem. There is also some
discussion of how to identify the limitations and capabilities of your
computer before the software installation process is done. Other issues
covered include setting up initialization strings, changing default
parameters, configuring software for the remote system and file
transfer protocols.
Chapter 4 - Manual Dial and Automatic Answer
This chapter covers some modem operations, but delays discussion on
Command Mode operation until Chapter 5. Automatic Leased Line
Restoration, Dial backup, Manual Dial Mode, and Answer Mode operation are covered in detail, as well as the handshaking procedures
employed between two modems in an auto-answer application.
Chapter 5 - AT Command Mode Operation
This may be the most important chapter of this manual. It begins with
an introduction and discussion on Command Mode fundamentals. A
flow chart is provided to illustrate Command Mode and On-Line Mode
operation and the methods used in each mode. Next, there is a
summary of the modem’s commands and responses. We then go into
a detailed explanation of each Series II Modem command, providing
examples where applicable.
Chapter 6 - S-Registers
Chapter 6 covers the Series II Modem's S-Registers, which enable the
user to establish, read, and modify various modem options. All of the
S-Registers are charted and explained, followed by instructions on
accessing the S-Registers and reading or changing their values.
9
CHAPTER 1: Introduction and Description
Chapter 7 - Callback and Remote Configuration
Chapter 7 documents instructions on how to operate the Series II
Modem's Callback and Remote Configuration features; and the usage of
LOGIN Passwords, Set-Up Passwords and Remote Escape Characters as
network management tools.
Chapter 8 - Testing Your Modem
This Chapter covers the modem's built-in test features. These are:
Power-on Self Test, Back-To-Back Test, Local Analog Loopback, Digital
Loopback and Remote Digital Loopback Tests. We have included a
description of each test and how to use each test procedure.
Chapter 9 - DIP-Switches
The Series II Modem printed-circuit board options are covered in this
chapter. Sixteen DIP-Switch settings and the modem's speaker volume
control are explained in detail, including all default settings.
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Appendix B - Pulse Dial and Tone-Dial Frequencies
Appendix C - AT Command Summary
Appendix D - DIP Switch Summary
Appendix E - S-Register Summary
Appendix F - Result Code Summary
Appendix G - V.25bis Operation
Appendix H - Series II Modem Cables
Appendix I - RS232 Interface Specifications
Appendix J - Regulatory Information
10
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
1.3 What is in Your Modem Package?
Your Series II Modem is made up of many components. Make sure you
have them all before trying to operate your modem. Your package
should include:
• The Series II Modem itself
• AC Power Transformer
• (2) RJ-11 to RJ-11 telephone cords
• This Owner’s Manual
• 336+ (MD1640A) only: (1) RJ-11 to spade lugs leased-line cable
If any of these items are missing, please contact Black Box.
1.4 Modem Features
Your Series II Modem meets the proposed Enhanced V.34 ITU standard
for data signalling rates as high as 33.6/31.2K bps in full duplex mode.
Connections can be made on Public Switched Telephone Networks
(PSTNs) and/or point-to-point 2-wire and 4-wire leased telephone type
circuits. Enhanced V.34 is an extension of V.32/V.32bis/V34 standards,
and supports and is compatible with those features, including EIA
extended Automode; adaptive line probing; automatic symbol rate and
carrier frequency during start-up; and retrain and rate renegotiation
(in 2400 bps increments).
Your modem is compatible with the AT command set and the ITU
V.25 bis standard for sunchronous dialing. It also features ITU V.42
error correction and V.42bis data compression, providing 100% errorfree data transmission. V.42 error correction incorporates MNP (Classes
3 and 4) and LAP-M. You may select V.42bis data compression for 4-1
throughput, or MNP Class 5 for 2-1 throughput.)
11
CHAPTER 1: Introduction and Description
Your Series II Modem offers interactive automatic dialing, as well
as Command Mode option configuration. You may store up to ten
command line/telephone numbers, of up to 60 characters each, in
the modem’s nonvolatile memory. The modem pulse or tone dials,
and recognizes dial tones and busy signals for reliable call-progress
detection. The modem can detect AT&T calling card tones. It is
FCC-Registered for connection to telephone networks without any Data
Access Arrangements (DAA’s).
Your modem also features Callback Security to protect networks from
unauthorized use, and to manage phone line costs. By using the
modem’s phone number and password directory, a host site can, upon
receipt of a call, callback to a remote site at a predetermined number.
Remote Configuration permits you to assist users at remote sites, saving
you the time and trouble of site visits and preventing misinterpretation
of configuration instructions.
In addition, the major application for the 336+ (MD1640A) model of
the Series II Modem is in 4-wire leased line networks with the addition
of dial backup capability. With this capability, the dialup feature
prevents downtime if the leased line fails. Since the Modem operates
according to ITU V.34 modulation, it can operate full-duplex over two
wires, so that the dial backup mode performs the same throughput as
the leased line.
1.5 Fax Features
Your Series II Modem meets the ITU V.17 standard for sending and
receiving faxes. When linked to a compatible fax machine or modem,
it can transmit faxes at 14,4 K bps. It also meets the ITU’s Group 3
Designation for sending and receiving faxes at 9600 bps; and Group 2
Designation for sending and receiving faxes at 4800 bps. The Modem is
also downward-compatible with modems to speeds as low as 300 bps, so
it can send and receive faxes with any fax machine in the world.
12
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
1.6 Tec hnical Specifications
Your Series II Modem data/fax modem meets the specifications listed
below:
Data Rates (modem) 33,600, 31,200, 28,800, 26,400, 24,000,
21,600, 19,200, 16,800, 14,400, 12,000, 9600,
7200, 4800, 2400, 1200, 0-300 bps
Data Rates (fax) 14,400, 9600, 7200, 4800 bps
Data Format Serial, binary, asynchronous at 0-300, 1200,
2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 12,000, 14,400,
16,800, 19,200, 21,600, 24,000, 26,400,
28,800, 31,200, 33,600 bps; synchronous at
1200, 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 12,000,
14,400, 16,800, 19,200, 21,600, 24,000,
26,400, 28,800, 31,200, 33,600 bps
Compatibility ITU V.42bis, V.42, Pending ITU Enhanced
V.34 approval, ITU V.34, ITU V.32bis, V.32,
V.22bis, V.22, V.25bis, Bell 212A and
103/113, ITU V.17, Group 3 T.4, T.30 and
EIA TR-29 Class 2
Error Correction V.42 (LAP-M or MNP 3 & 4) error
correction
Data Compression V.42bis, (4:1 throughput) or MNP 5
(2:1 throughput) data compression
Speed Conversion Serial port data rates adjustable to 300,
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19,200, 38,400,
57,600 and 115,200 bps
Flow Control Xon/Xoff, Hardware RTS/CTS, ENQ/ACK
Options Unix-to-Unix Copy Protocol (UUCP)
"Spoofing"
13
CHAPTER 1: Introduction and Description
Mode of Operation Full duplex over both dial-up lines and
2-wire or (336+ [MD1640A] only) 4-wire
leased lines; automatic or manual dialing,
automatic or manual answer; and (336+
[MD1640A] only) automatic dial backup on
separate lines in leased line operation
Intelligent Features Fully “AT command” compatible, micropro-
cessor controlled remote configuration, EIA
extended Automode, adaptive line probing,
automatic symbol rate and carrier
frequency during start-up, retrain and rate
renegotiation, autodial, redial, repeat dial,
dial linking, pulse or tone dial, dial tone
detection, dial pauses, call status display,
auto-parity and data rate selection,
keyboard-controlled modem options,
nonvolatile memory and on-screen displays
for modem option parameters and up to
ten telephone numbers/command lines of
up to 60 digits each, help menus
Command Buffer 60 characters
Modulation Trellis Coded Modulation (TCM) at 33,600,
31,200, 28,800, 26,400, 24,000, 21,600,
19,200, 16,800, 14,400, 12,000 and 9600
bps, Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
(QAM) at 9600 (non-trellis), 4800 and 2400
bps, PSK at 1200 bps, FSK at 300 bps
Fax Modulations V.21CH2 FSK at 300 bps
V.27ter DPSK at 4800 and 2400 bps
V.29 QAM at 9600 and 7200 bps
V.17 TCM at 14400, 12000, 9600,
and 7200 bps
14
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
Fax Carrier V.21CH2 (Half Duplex)
Frequencies 1650Hz Mark, 1850Hz Space for Transmit
Originate
1650Hz Mark, 1850Hz Space for Transmit
Answer
V.27ter 1800Hz Originate/Answer
V.29 QAM 1700Hz Originate/Answer
V.17 TCM 1800Hz Originate/Answer
Lease Line Restoral 336+ (MD1640A) only: When in dial backup
mode, modem attempts leased line restoral
periodically (controlled by S-Register S18
setting)
Carrier Frequencies 1800 Hz V.32/V.32bis/V.34/Enhanced V. 34 :
33.6K/31.2K/28.8K/26.4K/24K/21.6K/
19.2K/16.8K/14.4K/12K/9.6K/7.2K/4.8K
Carrier Frequencies Transmit Originate: 1200 Hz
2400 & 1200 bps Transmit Answer: 2400 Hz
(V.22bis/V.22 or Receive Originate: 2400 Hz
Bell 212A Standard) Receive Answer: 1200 Hz
Carrier Frequencies, 1270 Hz Mark, 1070 Hz Space for
300 bps (Bell Standard) Transmit Originate
2225 Hz Mark, 2025 Hz Space for Receive
Originate
2225 Hz Mark, 2025 Hz Space for Transmit
Answer
1270 Hz Mark, 1070 Hz Space for Receive
Answer
T ransmit Level -11dBm (dial-up), -9 or -15 dBm (leased-
line); dBm level selectable with DIPSwitch #3 in leased line setting
Frequency Stability ±0.01%
15
CHAPTER 1: Introduction and Description
Receiver Sensitivity -43 dBm under worst case conditions
AGC Dynamic Range 43 dB
Interface EIA RS-232C/ITU V.24
Connectors Both models: (1) DB25 female for RS232C,
(1) RJ-11 female for phone hadset, (1)
Power inlet;
336+ (MD1640A) model only: (1) RJ-11
female for dialup line, (1) RJ-11 female
for 2- or 4-wire leased line;
336 (MD1641A) model only: (1) RJ-11 female
for dialup line or 2-wire leased line
Diagnostics Power-on Self Test, Local Analog Loop,
Local Digital Loop, Remote Digital Loop,
Back-to-Back Test.
Indicators All front-mounted LEDs:
Both models: Transmit Data, Receive Data,
Carrier Detect, Speed Indicators, Off Hook,
Terminal Ready, Error Correction, and Fax;
336+ (MD1640A) model only: Error
Controls Toggle switches for Power and for
Voice/Data with Originate or Answer, DIP
Switches for various modem options, and
volume knob
Speaker Speaker for call progress monitoring
Operating Temperature 0˚ to 50˚C (32˚ to 120˚F)
Power Requirements 115-VAC, 60Hz, 0.3amp (2-prong outlet-
mounted transformer)
Dimensions
1.38"H x 6.2"W x 9"D (3.5 x 15.6 x 22.9 cm)
Weight 1.6 pounds (0.7 kg) without transformer,
2.6 pounds (1.2 kg) with transformer
16
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
1.7 Power
Power is supplied through an AC power transformer terminated with a
standard two-prong plug. The transformer supplies low voltage AC to
the modem, and plugs into any conventional 115 volt AC, 60 Hz, twoprong power outlet. The power transformer supplied with the modem
is the only one that should be used. Use of any other transformer could
cause damage to the modem. A Power On/Off switch is located on the
back of the modem.
1.8 Modem LED Indicators
The Series II Modem has fourteen diagnostic LED indicators. They are:
Figure 1-1. LED Displays of the 336 (MD1641A, top)
and 336+ (MD1640A, bottom)
1) Transmit (Send) Data (SD). This LED blinks when data is being
transmitted, on for a space, off for a mark. The state of this LED
matches the TD circuit on Pin 2 of the RS-232C/V.24 interface.
2) Receive Data (RD). This LED blinks when data is being received,
on for a space, off for a mark. The state of this LED matches that of
the RD circuit on Pin 3 of the RS-232C/V.24 interface.
3) Carrier Detect (CD). This LED is lit when a valid carrier tone
has been detected.
SD
SendRDRcvCDCarr
33.6
33.6K
24.0
24.0K
19.2
19.2K
14.4
14.4K969600242400OHOff HkTRRdyECV.42FXFax
ERR
Error
Answ
Orig
Voice/
Data
SD
SendRDRcvCDCarr
33.6
33.6K
24.0
24.0K
19.2
19.2K
14.4
14.4K969600242400OHOff HkTRRdyECV.42FXFax
Answ
Orig
Voice/
Data
17
CHAPTER 1: Introduction and Description
4) 28,800 bps (28.8). This LED behaves differently depending on your
connection:
• When the modem is connected at 33,600 bps, it blinks 5 times/sec.;
• When the modem is connected at 31,200 bps, it blinks once/sec.;
• When the modem is connected at 28,800 bps, it is solidly lit.
Note: if the modem falls back to 26.4K bps while in V.34 mode,
both the 28.8 and 24.0 LEDs light.
5) 24,000 bps (24.0). This LED is lit when the modem is connected at
24,000 bps. Note: if the modem falls back to 21.6K bps while in V.34
mode, both the 24.0 and 19.2 LEDs light.
6) 19,200 bps (19.2). This LED is lit when the modem is connected
at 19,200 bps.
7) 14,400 bps (14.4). This LED is lit when the modem is connected at
14,400 bps. Note: if the modem falls back to 12,000 bps while in V.32bis
mode, both the 14.4 and 96 LEDs light.
8) 9600 bps (96). This LED is lit when the modem is connected at
9600 bps.
9) 2400 bps (24). This LED is lit when the modem is connected at
2400 bps.
10) Off Hook (OH). This LED is lit when the phone line is "off hook".
This occurs when the modem is dialing, on-line, or answering a call.
This LED also flashes when the modem is pulse dialing in Command
mode.
11) Terminal Ready (TR). When the TR LED is lit, the modem is
permitted to answer an incoming call. When it goes off, a connected
modem will disconnect. The state of the TR LED matches that of the
DTR circuit on Pin 20 of the RS-232C/V.24 interface.
12) Error Correction (EC). This LED is lit when the modem is set for
V.42 error correction, and flashes on and off when data compression
is activated.
18
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
13) F AX (FX).This LED is lit when the modem is connected in FAX
mode.
14) 336+ (MD1640A) only: ERROR (ERR). When this LED is lit, either
the leased line is down and the modem is in dial backup mode, or else
the self-test has failed.
1.9 Controls on PC Board
The Series II Modem is designed on a single printed circuit (PC) board.
This board contains one 16-position DIP-Switch (numbered 1-16). The
DIP-Switches are accessible through a cut-out on the side of the
modem. There is also a knob which is used to adjust the speaker
volume. This knob is accessible through the modem's rear panel.
The sixteen DIP-Switches control various modem options or set default
values for Command Mode operation. There is a difference in how
several of the switches operate depending on whether you are in synchronous or asynchronous mode. Refer to the switch label on the
bottom of the Modem for an exact list of the switch functions in
asynchronous and synchronous operation.
Chapter 9 of this manual also provides detailed instructions on
configuring all of the Modem's PC board options.
19
CHAPTER 2: Installation and Connection
2. Installation and Connection
2.1 Safety Warnings
1. Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
2. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack
is specifically designed for wet locations.
3. Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the
telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.
4. Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
5. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an
electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electrical shock
from lightning.
6. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity
of the leak.
20
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
2.2 Installation
The installation of the Series II Modem consists of making the physical
connections necessary to render the modem functional with your
computer. This includes making the proper serial, phone line, and
power connections. Refer to Figure 2-1 below for the Series II Modem
336 (MD1641A) or to Figure 2-2 on the next page for the Series II
Modem 336+ (MD1640A). Following the installation instructions are
some preliminary aspects of issuing AT commands and the Modem's
"Originating/Answering" capabilities.The installation process involves:
1. Verify the settings of DIP switches #5 (Originate vs. Answer mode)
and #10 (Lease Line vs. Dial-Up operation). See Chapter 9.
2. Attach the Series II Modem to a dialup phone line and/or a 2-wire
leased line using the included RJ11 telephone cords. For the 336
(MD1641A) model, run a cord from the LINE jack to the dialup
21
CHAPTER 2: Installation and Connection
wall jack or the leased-line wall jack or terminal (refer to Figure 2-1
below). For the 336+ (MD1640A) model, run a cord from the
PSTN jack to the dialup wall jack if you’re connecting to a dialup
line; run a cord from the LEASE jack to the 2- or 4-wire leased-line
wall jack or terminal if you’re connecting to a leased line (refer to
Figure 2-2 on the next page). 336+ (MD1640A) models only: For fourwire lines, the modem uses pins 1 and 6 to transmit and pins 2 and
5 to receive.
Figure 2-1. Series II Modem 336 (MD1641A) Connections
Figure 2-2. Series II Modem 336+ (MD1640A) Connections
VOLUME
INTERFACELINE
POWER
ON
OFF
PHONE
PSTNPHONE
VOLUME
INTERFACELEASE
POWER
ON
OFF
22
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
2. Attach your Modem to your PC or terminal with an RS-232
(or V.24) cable.
3. Connect telephone set to phone jack (if desired).
4. Attach your Modem to the AC Power transformer and plug t
he AC connector into a live AC outlet.
5. Turn on power by flipping the "ON/OFF" switch at the left rear
of the Modem to the "ON" position.
6. Assuming you have already chosen Dial-Up mode (DIP Switch #10
in the UP/OPEN position) or Leased Line mode (DIP-Switch #10
in the DOWN/CLOSED position, assign your modem to either
“originate” or “answer” mode. It doesn’t matter which mode you
select — just give the modem you’re connecting to the opposite
setting. For example, if you place DIP-Switch #5 UP, that modem
will be the answering modem. Then you should place DIP-Switch
#5 DOWN on the other modem so that it will be the originating
modem. Again, it doesn’t matter which is which, as long as the local
and remote modems have opposite settings.
7. Verify transmit dBm levels. The transmit level for dial-up lines is -
11dBm. The transmit level for leased lines is -9 dBm and may be
set alternately to -15 dBm with DIP-Switch #3.
8. Verify remote modem's current configuration settings with your
Series II Modem in terms of data compression, error correction,
transmission rate, etc. (per Chapter 5, Section 5.7.12, ATL5and
ATL7 Commands).
9. Make sure modem and computer/terminal serial port baud rates
are adjusted. (Note that several programs can check this for you.
If you have MS-DOS 5.0 or higher, a program called MSD.EXE
(Microsoft Diagnostics) is in your DOS directory. Typing MSD at
the DOS prompt brings up a screen that provides a variety of
information about your computer. Select COM ports and it lists
information about your com port, e.g., UART Type, Address, and
IRQ to name a few. Once you know your serial port's UART type,
you can set your communications's software appropriately.)
10. Verify self-test results (Section 2.2).
11. Proceed to Chapter 3 of this manual, or to your data communica-
tions software manual.
23
CHAPTER 2: Installation and Connection
Note: Appendix A lists some basic and specific troubleshooting
actions to take if your Modem is not operational.
2.3 Is Your Series II Modem Ready for Use?
As soon as you connected power to the modem, it performed a
diagnostic self-test. The speed indicators flashed in sequence for
approximately four seconds, then the 28.8 indicator is lit. The TR
indicator should be lit as well. The SD, RD, CD, and OH indicators
should remain off at this time. If not, check that the transformer is
solidly connected and that your AC outlet is live.
If you’re an experienced modem user, you may simply want to check
your modem’s settings for data compression, error correction, and so
on. You may find that you can get moving quite quickly if you just issue
an ATL5, ATL6and an A TL7 command. These commands lists how
your modem is currently configured. If you come across a setting you’re
unsure of, refer to Chapters 5 and 6 of this manual for AT command
and S-Register explanations and defaults.
If you’re a novice, please continue to the next sections of this chapter.
24
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
2.4 Operating Your Series II Modem
You control your Series II Modem by issuing AT commands, setting
S-Registers, and setting DIP-Switches. You can easily change the settings
of your DIP-Switches, as they are located on the right side of your
Modem’s chassis. Right now your Modem is set up for the most typical
user application, that is, as a traditional modem set to make a dial-up
call to a remote installation where the call is answered automatically;
therefore, you shouldn’t need to change the DIP-Switches. (If however,
you know that your application does not follow this profile, please refer
to Chapter 9 of this manual for full details on DIP-Switch settings.)
While you may operate your Series II Modem manually, it is more
likely that you will use your data communications software to either:
• enter “terminal” mode, where you can “speak most directly” to
the modem by issuing AT commands, or to
• launch a datacomm session through a set of modem configurations
which you select and then associate with a target telephone
number. Once you have created, saved, and named this set of
information according to your connection needs and your
datacomm software’s conventions, the software then simplifies
your dialing because you needn’t re-configure your modem, nor
run the risk of mistakenly keying-in incorrect information.
Either way, you need to understand that an AT command is the method
by which your modem is controlled, and must therefore prefix nearly all
commands. AT stands for attention, and alerts the modem that a command follows. You may enter these commands with either upper- or
lowercase characters. Entering AT automatically sets the modem’s serial
baud rate to match your computer’s and also sets the modem’s parity. It
also clears the modem’s command buffer.
Once you’re in terminal mode, enter AT followed by <CR> to check
whether your modem is operational. If everything’s fine, your modem
will respond OK. (If your Modem is a 336+ [MD1640A] model, refer to
Chapter 4 for additional details on Dialing, Automatic Answering, Dial
Back-Up and Automatic Leased Line Restoral.)
25
CHAPTER 2: Installation and Connection
2.4.1 Simple Operations
You can dial a number by using the ATD command and the phone
number of the modem with which you wish to connect, e.g.,
ATD6127853500. Your modem will dial the number, and hear a
“scrambling” noise as the modem negotiates the kind of connection it
can make, and once the modems have settled on a common
connection, you will receive a connect message on your computer’s
video display. As the modem dials and connects, you may notice
changes across its front LED panel: the OH (Off Hook) LED lights to let
you know the modem is operating as if you had picked up the handset
to a phone. The CD (Carrier Detect) LED lights to let you know the
modem has detected a device it can connect to. A speed LED lights to
let you know at which speed the connection has been made.
To hang up a call, enter +++ATH<CR>. Your modem will return on
hook, just as if you had returned a phone’s handset to its cradle. Notice
also that the OH, CD and speed LED’s are no longer lit. Your video now
displays OK, signifying that your modem is ready for your next
command.
2.5 The Answer/Originate - Voice/Data Toggle Switch
Located on the front of the modem is a Voice/Data "toggle" switch with
Originate/Answer capabilities. This switch enables the modem to automatically dial a phone number stored in the N1 location of memory
whenever this switch is toggled. (Note that you must first enter
AT$VD1&W0<CR>. This command string enables Voice/Data dialing
when the Voice/Data toggle switch is activated.)
If you are "manually" dialing with an attached telephone device (and
not with your keyboard), your Modem originates when this switch is
toggled to the corresponding position (DOWN); and if you are
"manually" answering (modem is not configured to automatically
answer via S-Register S0 setup), the Modem answers when this switch
is toggled to the corresponding position (UP).
26
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
3. Software Configuration
3.1 Introduction
Since your communications software configuration is affected by the
capabilities of your computer, this chapter begins with a discussion of
the limitations of some serial ports and how to identify them. It then
discusses communications configuration in general and recommends
settings specifically for the Series II Modem.
3.2 Serial Port Limitations
When you configure your software, you need to consider how the
hardware on both ends of the connection will affect the connection.
Some serial ports, particularly those in older PC-compatible computers,
may limit the performance of the Series II Modem. You should know if
yours is one of them.
The limiting factor is an integrated circuit called a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, or UART. All data from your modem
flows through it. The UARTs typically used in PC-compatible computers
are types 8250, 8250A, 16450, and 16550AFN. The 8250 is unreliable
above 9,600 bps, and the 8250A and 16450 are unreliable above 19,200
bps. If the modem sends data to the UARTs above those speeds, the
UARTs may not be able to process the data fast enough to keep from
losing some of it. The 16550AFN, however, can safely handle data to
115,200 bps.
When a modem communicates with V.42bis 4-to-1 compression enabled, it sends up to four times as much uncompressed data to the serial
port as it receives compressed over the telephone line. Therefore, a
modem communicating at 14,400 bps may require a serial port that can
reliably transfer data at four times 14,400 bps, or 57,600 bps; at 19,200
bps it may require one that works reliably up to four times 19,200 bps,
or 76,800 bps; and at 28,800 and 33,600 bps it may require one that
works reliably up to a maximum of 115,200 bps. If your serial port
cannot handle these speeds, we recommend that you replace your
present serial card with one that has a 16550AFN UART or equivalent.
27
CHAPTER 3: Software Configuration
Macintosh®computers do not use UARTs. The Macintosh SE through
IIfx models use a Zilog
®
Z8530 chip called a Serial Communications
Controller, or SCC, that has a maximum speed of 57,600 bps. This
speed can be compromised by other serial communications, including
printer transmissions and Appletalk
®
, the networking software that
allows Macintoshes to share files. When Appletalk is active it controls all
serial communications on the Macintosh. Because it gives priority to
network communications, it may lose modem data at higher
transmission speeds. Therefore, when Appletalk is active you risk losing
data on serial port communications over 2400 bps, though most users
can work up to 9600 bps without problems. Other activities that could
cause the serial driver to drop bits at high speeds include the floppy disk
driver formatting a disk, the CPU paging in or out in virtual memory
mode, and the Mac
®
IIci or IIsi running the on-board video in 8-bit
mode. Therefore, for maximum communications speed on the
Macintosh, we recommend as few concurrent activities as possible. To
use V.42bis compression at 19,200 bps or faster, we recommend that you
install a high speed serial port card. Newer Macintosh computers, such
as the Quadra and Centris models, support serial port speeds up to
115,200 bps.
3.2.1 How Can You Identify Your U ART Type?
If you have MS-DOS 6.0 or later, you can find your UART type from
a diagnostic program called MSD. To use it, type MSD at the DOS
prompt. After the opening screen, select COM Ports.... The last line of
the report tells you what type UART you have for each COM port. MSD
does not distinguish between the 8250 and the 8250A. However, if you
have an IBM AT or newer computer, you likely have an 8250A or 16450
UART installed, both of which are reliable to 19,200 bps. If you would
like more detailed information about your UART than MSD can
provide, you can download shareware UART identification programs
from the World Wide Web, from the IBM Communications Forum on
CompuServe
®
, or from a local BBS.
28
SERIES II INTELLIGENT DATA/FAX MODEMS
3.2.2 The 16550 UAR T and Windows 3.1
Windows 3.1 may cause a loss of data when communicating at high
speed, even with a 16550 UART installed. Because Windows is multitasking—it switches between several programs running at the same time—
it can make the serial port wait briefly while Windows performs other
tasks. Meanwhile, incoming data can be lost. The older 8250A and
16450 UARTs can store data in a one-byte first in-first out (FIFO) buffer
(a memory area in the UART in which the first bit in is the first out),
but once the buffer is full, the data is lost. The 16550 has a 16-byte FIFO
buffer, which accounts for much of its high speed. However, in Windows
3.1, the 16550’s FIFO buffer is disabled by default. To enable the buffer,
use Notepad to open the SYSTEM.INI file in your Windows directory,
and add the following line to the [386Enh] section:
COMnFIFO=1
where n is the number of the COM port the 16550 is installed on.
For example, if the 16550 is installed on COM2, the line should be:
COM2FIFO=1
After you save SYSTEM.INI you must restart Windows for the change
to take effect.
However, there is another problem when the FIFO buffer is enabled:
Windows cannot recognize the COM port because of a bug in the
Windows 3.1 serial port driver, COMM.DRV. The only way around this
problem is to replace the COMM.DRV file in the WINDOWS\SYSTEM
directory with another driver. Several drivers are available commercially,
on the World Wide Web, or on BBSes that will solve this problem.
A freeware driver called CyberCom is available as CYBERC.ZIP on
CompuServe in the IBM Communications Forum, Library 0. CyberCom
will enable Windows communications at speeds up to 115,200 bps if you
have a 16550 UART installed.
29
CHAPTER 3: Software Configuration
3.3 Configuring Your Software
Communications software must be configured to work with your modem, your computer, and the remote system it is calling. Fortunately,
most communications programs make the process easy by providing a
default initialization string for your modem as well as defaults for most
of the other required parameters.
3.3.1 Configuring Software for Your Modem
Because remote computers may have different connection requirements such as speed, number of bits, parity, log-on sequences, etc.,
communications software is typically configured by sessions, each session
having a unique configuration for a given connection (e.g., to the
Internet, to a BBS, or to a commercial on-line service). Most communications programs, however, have a separate modem configuration menu
because modem configurations rarely change from session to session.
The most important configuration is the modem initialization string.
This is a sequence of commands the software uses to configure the
modem when the communications software is loaded or when a session
begins. Always begin the initialization string with the ATtention
command AT, then follow it with the modem reset command, &F.
Issuing a reset command before other commands ensures that you are
starting with a known state.
The rest of the commands in the initialization string depend on the
capabilities of the modem and what you want it to do. Some older
communications programs require you to create the initialization string
by yourself. Most modern communications programs, however, provide
you with a ready-made initialization string that is automatically selected
when you choose your modem model from a list. It is a poor idea to use
an initialization string intended for another modem, especially one
from another manufacturer, because modem capabilities and command
implementations vary from modem to modem. However, if your Series
II Modem does not appear on a modem list, you may use any initialization string labeled “MultiModemII” that might appear in the list.
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