US Robotics 005689-03, Sportster 56K User Manual

This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following U.S. Robotics modems:

• Sportster 56K* faxmodem for Macintosh computers

Sportster, U.S. Robotics, and the U.S. Robotics logo are registered trademarks and Connections, x2, and
the x2 logo are trademarks of U.S. Robotics. Macintosh is a registered trademark and Mac is a trademark
of Apple Computer, Inc. MacComCenter is a trademark of Smith Micro Software, Inc. America Online is
a registered trademark of America Online Inc. CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Inc.
Other trademarks, trade names, and service marks owned or registered by any other company and used in
this manual are the property of their respective companies.

© 1997 U.S. Robotics

7770 North Frontage Road

Skokie, IL 60077-2690

All Rights Reserved

* IMPORTANT! This modem is 56Kbps capable. However, current FCC rules limit download speeds to
53Kbps. See page 3 for details.

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

U.S. Robotics: The Intelligent Choice in Information Access™ 1
Welcome to x2™ Information Access 3
Features 5
Installation 7
Software and Registration 11
U.S. Robotics Online for Mac™ Users 13
Troubleshooting 17
Glossary 23
Technical Quick Reference 35

Front Panel Lights 36
Command Summary 37
S-Registers 50

Regulatory Information 59
Limited Warranty 69

U.S. Robotics:U.S. Robotics:
The Intelligent Choice in Information AccessThe Intelligent Choice in Information Access

1

Congratulations! You have just purchased
the Sportster® 56K faxmodem for
Macintosh

®

computers. Since 1976, U.S.

Robotics has grown to become a key
manufacturer and developer of information
access technology. U.S. Robotics' advanced
technology allows you to use your
faxmodem to open up a new world of
information access. And now you can take
advantage of the highest transfer rates
available today with our new x2 technology!

As an innovator in the data communications
field, U.S. Robotics has a history of bringing
the latest technology to market at an
affordable price.

U.S. Robotics owns the core technology,
known as the data pump, that works in its
access products. This allows U.S. Robotics
to bring new technologies and features to

market faster and at a lower cost while
passing the savings on to you.

Be sure to read the following section to
learn more about the latest U.S. Robotics
breakthrough, x2 technology. Your new
Sportster takes advantage of this technology
to make connecting over analog lines faster
than ever before.

For more information on U.S. Robotics,
visit the U.S. Robotics Web Server at:

http://www.usr.com.

Welcome to x2Welcome to x2 Information Access Information Access

3

The latest breakthrough inThe latest breakthrough in
online communicationsonline communications

Until now, 33.6 Kbps was thought to be the
practical limit for speed over standard phone
lines. Now, U.S. Robotics shatters that
barrier, to bring you download speeds of up
to 56 Kbps. However, due to FCC rules

which restrict power output of your service
provider’s modems, current download
speeds are limited to 53Kbps. This modem
is software upgradable, allowing easy
upgrades to new features and enhancements
when they become available.

An integrated end-to-endAn integrated end-to-end
solution from the leadersolution from the leader

U.S. Robotics is well positioned to bring
you x2 technology. Our Sportster® modems
are the world's number one seller, and our
Total ControlTM and CourierTM product lines
are favored by many Internet service
providers. This widespread acceptance
allows U.S. Robotics to offer x2 technology
to virtually anyone.

4

Taking advantage of theTaking advantage of the
modern telephone networkmodern telephone network

x2 technology uses the increasingly digital
telephone network to bring you faster
downloads by eliminating the analog-to­digital conversion in the downstream path.

x2 takes advantage of the typical network
configuration found when an analog
subscriber connects to a digitally connected
server. x2 bypasses the analog-to-digital
conversion in the downstream path to use
nearly all of the available 64K network
bandwidth. (Upstream data, typically less
speed sensitive, travels at the standard V.34
rate.)

The result is a completely new kind of
transmission technique. Based on
“encoding” rather than “modulation,” it can
give you download speeds that you never
thought possible. What’s more, with

standard V.42 bis compression, x2 can
download at speeds up to a blistering 115.2
Kbps.

The new standard for onlineThe new standard for online
speedspeed

U.S. Robotics has already submitted x2
technology to the ITU-T standards
committee for acceptance as the next online
standard.

For more information on U.S. Robotics’ x2
technology, see our World Wide Web page
at http://x2.usr.com.

FeaturesFeatures

5

Data CommunicationsData Communications

Your new modem will transmit at speeds up
to 33.6Kbps. And with x2 technology, you
can download at speeds up to 56Kbps∗.
This will save you money in online service
charges and long distance bills.

Not only is your modem fast, it is
compatible with internationally accepted
standards which allow you to connect to
other modems across the globe. These
standards include: V.34+, V.32 bis, V.32,
V.22 bis, Bell 212A/V.22, V.23, V.25, and
Bell 103/V.21 modems.

To send data faster and more efficiently,
your modem uses hardware-based

V.42/MNP 2-4 error control and
V.42 bis/MNP 5 data compression.

Fax CapabilityFax Capability

Your modem is compatible with Class 1 or
Class 2.0 fax software included in your
package to exchange faxes with Group III
fax machines worldwide at speeds up to

14.4 kbps.
∗ Current FCC rules limit download speeds

to 53Kbps.

InstallationInstallation

7

Getting StartedGetting Started

Before you begin, make sure that the
following items are at hand:

1. This package: modem, RJ11 (standard)
phone cord, power adapter, serial
connecting cable, this guide.

2. Not with this package: analog (standard)
phone jack.

Install your modem:

1. Turn off your computer.

2. Firmly attach the enclosed serial connecting
cable to both the modem and the port on the
back of your computer marked with a
telephone icon.

8

3. Connect the power adapter to your modem
and plug it into the wall.

4. Plug one end of the phone cord into the
telephone jack of the modem (labeled with a
wall plug icon on the bottom of the case)
and the other end into the telephone jack.

If you wish to use your modem and phone with
the same telephone wall jack, plug your phone’s
cord into the other available port on the back of
your modem.

Once your modem is connected, you’ll need to
install the MacComCenter software included
with your modem. This allows you to send and
receive faxes, surf the Internet, call an online
service to access e-mail, or call a local bulletin
board (BBS).

For more information on installingFor more information on installing
the communications software andthe communications software and
other applications included withother applications included with
your modem, see the Software andyour modem, see the Software and
Registration chapter.Registration chapter.

9

The Serial InterfaceThe Serial Interface

Macintosh computers require an 8-pin
mini-DIN hardware handshaking cable for
high-speed communications. This cable is
included in your Sportster for Macintosh
package.

Hardware Handshaking Cable PinHardware Handshaking Cable Pin
AssignmentsAssignments

Mini DIN-8 DB-25
Connector

Handshake Output HSKo 1 4 RTS

20 DTR
Handshake Input HSKi 2 5 CTS
Transmit Data+ TXD- 3 2 TXD
Ground GND 4 7 GND
Receive Data+ RXD+ 8 7 GND
Receive Data- RXD- 5 3 RXD
Transmit Data+ TXD+ 6 not connected
Gen. Purpose Input GPI 7 not connected

Note: The Handshake Output pin is connected to both

pins 4 (RTS) and 20 (DTR) on the DB-25 connector.

Software and RegistrationSoftware and Registration

11

MacComCenterMacComCenter™™
SoftwareSoftware

MacComCenter, a software application
designed by Smith Micro Software, Inc., is
included with your new Sportster modem.
Follow these instructions to install the
software. Please refer to the electronic
MacComCenter user’s guide on your
Connections™ CD for details about
operating the software.

NOTE: ARA scripts install along with
MacComCenter.

Follow these steps toFollow these steps to
install MacComCenter:install MacComCenter:

1. Quit all other applications.

2. Insert the Connections CD-ROM into

your CD-ROM drive.

3. Double-click on the U.S. Robotics

Connections icon.

4. Follow the on-screen directions to install

the Connections software onto your
computer.

12

RegistrationRegistration

We recommend you fill out the enclosed
registration card and send it back to us.

Registering your modem allows you to
automatically receive priority notification of
new product releases, product upgrades,
and other special services for registered
users.

U.S. Robotics Online for MacU.S. Robotics Online for Mac™™ Users Users

13

Downloading Enhanced GraphicsDownloading Enhanced Graphics
SoftwareSoftware

U.S. Robotics has a Mac™ specific BBS.
Please follow these instructions to view the
Mac BBS with enhanced graphics
capabilities.

1. Start your communications software and

enter Terminal (sometimes called
Command) mode. The software settings
for the BBS are as follows:

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

2. Enter the following command:

ATDT 1-847-676-1598

(If you get a busy signal, use the A/
command to redial the number.)

3. Once you are connected, type MMM.

4. Next, select the Download

TeleFinder/User for Macintosh option
from the menu. This downloads special
software used when logging onto the
Macintosh BBS at U.S. Robotics.

Using TeleFinder to access theUsing TeleFinder to access the
Macintosh BBS at U.S. RoboticsMacintosh BBS at U.S. Robotics

Follow these steps to run the TeleFinder
software and log onto the Macintosh BBS
at U.S. Robotics:

1. Double-click on the TeleFinder/User

4.0.sea icon in your hard drive. This will
install the TeleFinder application onto
your hard drive.

14

2. Double-click on the new

TeleFinder/User 4.0 icon.

3. Enter your name and choose a

password. Next, select Modem from the
same screen. You will now be asked to
select/double-click on the modem you
purchased. Click on the U.S. Robotics
Sportster model you purchased.

4. Type 1-847-676-1598 in the Telephone

Number box.

5. Click the OK box, followed by the

Connect box. The modem should now
connect to our site at U.S. Robotics.
Congratulations! You have successfully
logged onto the Macintosh BBS at U.S.
Robotics. From here you can download
technical reference manuals or learn
more about U.S. Robotics by clicking on
the various icons.

Other U.S. Robotics SupportOther U.S. Robotics Support
Sites and ServicesSites and Services

Internet FTP

Provides a free library containing the same
files as the BBS site. FTP to ftp.usr.com.

Internet On Demand

Provides automatic technical support
through a library containing product
information, quick reference cards, and
installation help. To obtain an index of
available documents, send blank e-mail to
[e-mail]. To have a document
e-mailed to you, send the document's
multi-digit number as the subject.

15

World Wide Web

A U.S. Robotics Home Page containing
much of the same information as the
Internet on Demand listing as well as
information about U.S. Robotics. Log on to
http://www.usr.com.

Fax on Demand

Provides automatic technical support via fax
with immediate response. This service
provides documents on product information,
quick reference cards and installation help.
Call [phone] toll free in the U.S. and
Canada. International callers dial (847) 676-

8536.

CompuServe

Connect through the Modem Vendor
Forum or e-mail us through CompuServe
Mail for a response within 24 hours.
Modem vendor forum address is GO

USROBOTICS, Modem Vendor Section
#4. Address message to 76711,707. Send

messages directly to us through
CompuServe Mail at 76711,707.

America Online

Connect to U.S. Robotics through America
Online. Go to the Keyword field and type
USROBOTICS to participate in the various
online message forums or to download files
from the library.

16

Fax and Technical Support Hotline

Technical questions about U.S. Robotics
modems can also be answered via fax or by
live technical support representatives.

FaxFax

[phone]

(The fax machine can receive
faxes 24 hours a day.)

Technical SupportTechnical Support

[phone]

(8:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m., Mon.–Fri.,
Central time)

Priority “No Hold” ServicePriority “No Hold” Service

(900) 555-USR1

(8:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m., Mon.–Fri.,
Central time)

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting

17

Before the modems connect…Before the modems connect…

If your modem doesn't respond toIf your modem doesn't respond to
any AT commands,any AT commands,

• Make sure the modem is on.

• Make sure the computer is in Terminal

mode.

• Type in all upper (AT) or lower (at) case.

• Check that the bit rate is not 14,400 or

28,800.

If your modem displays doubleIf your modem displays double
characters on your monitorcharacters on your monitor
(example: AATT),(example: AATT),

• You can turn the local echo off on the

modem by typing ATEO <enter> in your
software’s terminal mode. To turn the local
echo off in the software, refer to your
software’s documentation.

If your modem doesn't dial aIf your modem doesn't dial a
number or doesn't answer thenumber or doesn't answer the
phone,phone,

• Make sure the phone cord is connected

to the jack on the modem labeled
TELCO and to a phone jack.

• Review your software documentation to

see what DTR operations are required.
For MacComCenter and most other Mac
applications, dip switch 1 should be
down and &D0 should be in the init
string.

• Check that the bit rate is not 14,400 or

28,800.

• Also, try dialing with ATX3DT as the dial

string.

• For answering, make sure that your software

has auto answer enabled.

18

If both modems exchange carrierIf both modems exchange carrier
signals but fail to establish asignals but fail to establish a
communications link,communications link,

• Place the call again. The telephone

company routes all calls, even local calls,
differently each time you call.

• Call a different modem to see if the

problem persists.

• The remote modem might be an older 2400

bps modem that doesn't support error
control. Disable error control by entering the
following command in terminal mode:
AT&M0<Enter> and place the call again.

If your modem doesn't connect atIf your modem doesn't connect at
2400 bps with a 2400 bps modem,2400 bps with a 2400 bps modem,

The remote modem might be an older 2400 bps
modem that does not support error control.
Disable error control with the following
command: AT&M0<Enter> and try connecting
again. When the call is finished, reset the
modem: ATZ<Enter>.

During data transfer…During data transfer…

If your screen displays random orIf your screen displays random or
garbage characters,garbage characters,

• Set your software to the same word

length, parity, and stop bits as the remote
modem.

19

• Make sure that your software and

modem are set to the same flow control
setting and to a fixed serial port rate (it
should not be 14,400 or 28,800).

• Type the following command to load the

template that enables hardware flow
control and other optimal settings:

AT&F1&D0<Enter>

If your communicationsIf your communications
software is reportingsoftware is reporting
many Cyclic Redundancymany Cyclic Redundancy
Check (CRC) errors andCheck (CRC) errors and
low Characters Perlow Characters Per
Second (CPS),Second (CPS),

• You might have a bad phone line. Place

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

• Type the following command to load the

template that enables hardware flow
control and optimal settings:

AT&F1&D0<Enter>

• Lower the serial port rate in your

communications software to 38,400 bps
or 19,200 bps.

• Try a different file transfer protocol.

Zmodem is best. Ymodem is second best.

If errors are occurring in yourIf errors are occurring in your
V.17 (14.4) fax transmissions,V.17 (14.4) fax transmissions,

• Enter the following initialization string in

your software modem setup screen:

AT&D0&H3&I2&R2S7=90

20

Are you still havingAre you still having
problems?problems?

• Review this manual.

• Call or visit your modem dealer. They

will be able to give you assistance.

• If you’re able, take advantage of support

available through U.S. Robotics’ various
online support sites. You can access
them at the addresses listed on this page
and in your Quick Install Guide.

• If your dealer cannot help you and you

cannot access the online support sites,
please contact U.S. Robotics Customer
Support. When you call, please have
your modem’s serial number (found on

the modem and on the outside of the
box), the name of the software being

used, and, if possible, the contents of
your ATI7 screen ready.

USR Mac BBS: [phone]
Fax On Demand: [phone]
CompuServe: GO USROBOTICS
America Online:
keyword: USROBOTICS
Internet: [e-mail]
World Wide Web:

http://www.usr.com
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support: [phone]
Priority “No Hold” Service:
(900) 555-USR1

21

Internet FTP: ftp.usr.com

22

If you must return the modemIf you must return the modem
to us...to us...

• Call U.S. Robotics Customer Support.

When you call, please have your modem
serial number (found on the modem
and on the outside of the box) ready.

• After a Support Representative has

determined that you need to return the
modem, they will give you a Service
Request Order (SRO) number.

• Ship the unit, postage paid, in a strong

box made of corrugated cardboard with
plenty of packing material.

• Include your SRO number, name, and

address on the shipping label as well as inside
the package.

Ship to the following address:

U.S. Robotics
U1 Receiving

SRO #
U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
8100 N. McCormick Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60076-2999