US Robotics Sportster, Sportster 56K Operating Instructions Manual

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

Sportster® 56 kbps∗ internal and external modems

U.S. Robotics, the USRobotics logo, and Sportster are registered trademarks and Connections, Total Control, Courier, RapidComm, x2, and the x2 logo are trademarks of 3Com Corporation and 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.

∗∗ 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 users to service providers travel at speeds up to 28.8 kbps. An x2-capable modem, an x2-compatible analog phone line and an x2-capable Internet Service Provider are necessary for these high-speed downloads.

Welcome to x2 Information Access 1 Product Features 3 Before You Begin (Windows 95 Users) 4 Internal Modem Installation with Windows 3.x 5

A Word about COM Ports and IRQs 5 How to Use ComTest to Determine Your Modem’s Settings 7 Testing an Installed Modem 9 What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation 10 How to Change the Modem’s Settings 12 How to Insert the Modem into the Computer 14

Internal Modem Installation with Windows 95 21

Plug and Play Installation 21 How to Prepare for Plug and Play Installation 21 How to Insert the Modem into the Computer 23 How to Move Through the “New Hardware Found” Screens 27

External Modem Installation with Windows 3.x 31

How to Determine Which Serial Cable to Buy 31 How to Connect the Modem to the Computer 32

External Modem Installation with Windows 95 35

How to Determine Which Serial Cable to Buy 35 How to Connect the Modem to the Computer 36

Software Installation and Testing 43

Software Installation and Registration Using the Setup Wizard 43 Sending Your First Fax 58

Installing Other Fax/Data Software 61

Type of Modem 61 Initialization String 61 Flow Control 61 UART (External Modems Only) 62

Using Modem Station 63

Why Modem Station? 63 What Does Modem Station Do? 63 Installing Modem Station 63 Starting Modem Station 66 Using Detect New Modems 69 Using Terminal 70 Using Modem Configurator 73 Using Modem to Computer 76 Using the Extended Information Screens 80

U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard 89

Installation 89 Operation 94

Troubleshooting and Online Help Resources 101

Online Help Resources 107 Are You Still Having Problems? 111 If You Need to Return the Modem to Us 111 RapidComm Troubleshooting Tips 112 A Note to Users with Older Versions of RapidComm on Their Systems 113

Glossary 114 Technical Quick Reference 127

Front Panel Lights (External Modems) 128 Command Summary 129 DIP Switches (Modems with DIP Switches Only) 144 S-Registers 146 The Serial Interface 157

Regulatory Information 159

Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity 159

Caution to the User 160 IC (Canada) 160 UL Listing/CUL Listing 160 Connecting to the Telephone Company 161 Fax Branding 161 Radio and Television Interference 162 For Canadian Modem Users 163 Limited Warranty 166

Index 169

WELCOME TO X2 INFORMATION ACCESS

The latest breakthrough in online communications

Until now, 33.6 kbps was thought to be the practical limit for speed over standard phone lines. Now, x2™ 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 53 kbps. This modem is software upgradable, allowing easy upgrades to new features and enhancements as they become available.

An integrated end-to-end solution 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.

WELCOME TO X2 INFORMATION ACCESS

Taking advantage of the modern telephone network

x2 technology takes advantage of the typical network configuration found when an analog subscriber connects to a digitally connected server. Because it requires no analog-to-digital conversions in the downstream path (which can cause line noise), x2 can 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.

Updating x2 technology is easy and FREE!

Read the section of this manual titled “U.S. Robotics Modem Update Wizard” (page 85) for information about using this software (on the Connections™ CD) to update your modem’s code to the latest version.

The new standard for online speed

U.S. Robotics has already submitted x2 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.

PRODUCT FEATURES

Your new x2 modem provides many advanced features. Here are just a few:

Modulation Schemes

x2 technology ITU-T V.34+ ITU-T V.34 ITU-T V.32bis ITU-T V.32 ITU-T V.22bis ITU-T V.22 ITU-T V.23 Bell 212A ITU-T V.21 Bell 103

Error Control and Data Compression Schemes

ITU-T V.42 ITU-T V.42bis MNP 2-5

Fax Modulation Schemes

ITU-T V.17 ITU-T V.29 ITU-T V.27ter ITU-T V.21

Fax Standards

EIA 578 Class 1 FAX EIA 592 Class 2.0 FAX

Front Channel Link Rates

33333, 37333, 41333, 42666, 44000, 45333, 46666, 48000, 49333, 50666, 52000, 53333, 54666, 56000, 57333

Back Channel Link Rates

14400, 16800, 19200, 21600, 24000, 26400, 28800, 31200

V.34+ Link Rates

4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400, 16800, 19200, 21600, 24000, 26400, 28800, 31200, 33600

V.32bis Link Rates

4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400

Additional Link Rates

300, 1200/75 (V.23), 1200, 2400

Fax Link Rates

2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400

BEFORE YOU BEGIN (WINDOWS 95 USERS)

Your Sportster 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.

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 unusually 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 what you should do to free the IRQ for your modem.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

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

modem phone cord

Connections CD

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 processing unit (CPU) so that the accessory can perform

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

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.

U.S. Robotics 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.

INTERNAL 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 9 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.

INTERNAL 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 in the spaces provided on the first page of this manual. 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.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

Click Finish to exit ComTest. Go to “What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation” on page 10.

6. When you see this screen, click Finish to

exit ComTest.

Go to “What to Do with ComTest’s Recommendation” on page 10.

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 in the spaces provided on the first page of this manual.

Turn off and unplug your computer and remove your present modem. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 12.

INTERNAL 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 12.

If ComTest recommended COM1/IRQ4

Write “COM1” and “IRQ4” in the spaces provided on the first page of this manual. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 12.

If ComTest recommended COM2/IRQ3

Write “COM2” and “IRQ3” in the spaces provided on the first page of this manual. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 12.

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.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

If you do not have a sound card, use COM3/IRQ5. Write “COM3” and “IRQ5” in the spaces provided on the first page of this manual. You will have to change the settings on your modem. Go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 12.

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 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.

• Find out how to disable the COM port.

• Then return to this point in this manual to

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

Write “COM2” and “IRQ3” on the first page of this manual and go to “How to Change the Modem’s Settings” on page 12.

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.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

• Find out which socket is COM1 and which

is COM2.

• If nothing is plugged into either port, you

can 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 on the first page of this manual. 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 on the first page of this manual.

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’s jumper pins (see the following

diagram).

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

The jumper shunts will be hanging from single jumper pins as shown in the following illustration.

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 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 shunt needs to be sitting on both jumper pins in order to effectively set the modem to the desired setting.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

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:

0 1 SEL

COM 1

0 1 SEL

COM 3

0 1 SEL

COM 4

0 1 SEL

COM 2

• 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 in the space provided on the first page of this manual. (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.

INTERNAL 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.

INTERNAL 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

INTERNAL 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

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. 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.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

10. If you wish to use a phone through the

same phone wall jack as the modem 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 power cords, cables, and

peripherals back into the computer and turn the computer on.

12. Start Windows.

13. If you have your modem set to

COM1/IRQ4 or COM2/IRQ3, go to

“Software Installation and Testing” on page

43. If you have your modem configured to

any other setting, open Program Manager

and double-click the Main icon.

14. Double-click the Control Panel icon.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

15. Double-click the Ports icon.

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

port for your modem. Then click Settings.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

17. Click Advanced.

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 43) for detailed information about installing the software, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

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

modem phone cord

Connections CD

Plus:

a screwdriver (not included)

Plug and Play Installation

With Windows 95, you may be able to simply plug your new modem into your computer, power up, and be ready to work. The operating system should do all the work of recognizing the modem for you. This section will guide you through this “Plug and Play” installation.

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.

INTERNAL 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. Your modem’s jumper shunts should already be in this Plug and Play configuration. If they are not,

move them so they are hanging as in the following diagram.

NOTE: If you need to move the

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

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

How to Insert the Modem into the Computer

NOTE: Before installing your

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 risk of

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

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

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.

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 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.

INTERNAL 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, screw 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

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

this jack, disconnect the phone’s cord from the jack.

WARNING: The phone jack you

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

same phone wall jack as the modem 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 power cords, cables, and

peripherals back into the computer and turn

the computer on.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

How to Move Through the “New Hardware Found ” Screens

1. When Windows 95 restarts, the following

screen appears automatically after a few seconds.

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

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 setup information.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

3. Once Windows 95 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 then point to Settings. Then click Control Panel.

4. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in

the screen image below).

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

5. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you

should see “Sportster 56000 Fax Internal PnP” listed.

This means the installation was a success. Click OK.

NOTE: If you do not see your

modem listed in the preceding screen, the installation was unsuccessful. Please refer to the “Troubleshooting and Online Help Resources” section (page 81) for possible solutions to your installation problem.

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 later.

INTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

Turn to “Software Installation and Testing” (page 43) for detailed information about installing RapidComm, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

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

modem phone cord

Connections CD power adapter

Plus:

Serial modem cable. (Not included. See next

column.)

How to Determine Which Serial Cable to Buy

Before you can begin installation, you need to purchase an RS-232 serial modem cable. This section will help you to determine which serial modem cable to purchase.

NOTE: Your computer’s rear panel

may not be identical to the following diagrams. However, you should look for connectors that match the enlarged portions of the diagrams. If you cannot locate the proper connector, refer to your computer’s manual.

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

If your PC's serial connector looks like this…

you need a shielded serial modem cable with a 25-pin female to 25-pin male connector.

If your PC's serial connector looks like this…

you need a shielded serial modem cable with a 9-pin female to 25-pin male connector.

How to Connect the Modem to the Computer

1. Turn off your computer and any attached

devices, such as a printer.

2. Connect the serial cable to the modem and

to the computer. When looking for the

serial port label on the back of your

computer, look for ports labeled COM,

MODEM, RS-232, or SERIAL. DO

NOT select AUX, GAME, LPT, or

PARALLEL.

3. Plug the power adapter into the a standard

wall outlet and insert its plug into the power

jack on the modem (labeled with a power

adapter icon on the bottom of the case).

4. Plug one end of the phone cord into the

TELCO jack (labeled with a wall plug icon

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

on the bottom of the case) and the other end into a phone wall jack.

WARNING: The phone jack you

5. If you wish to use your modem and phone

through the same phone wall jack, plug your phone's cord into the modem's phone jack (labeled with a phone icon on the bottom of the case).

NOTE: You cannot use the modem

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

6. Turn your modem on. Then turn your

computer on.

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 3.X

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

43) for detailed information about installing

the software, registering the modem, and trying out your modem by faxing U.S. Robotics.

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS

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

modem phone cord

Connections CD power adapter

Plus:

Serial modem cable. (Not included. See next

column.)

How to Determine Which Serial Cable to Buy

Before you can begin installation, you need to purchase an RS-232 serial modem cable. This section will help you to determine which serial modem cable to purchase.

NOTE: Your computer’s rear panel

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

If your PC's serial connector looks like this…

you need a shielded serial modem cable with a 25-pin female to 25-pin male connector.

If your PC's serial connector looks like this…

you need a shielded serial modem cable with a 9-pin female to 25-pin male connector.

How to Connect the Modem to the Computer

1. Turn off your computer and any attached

devices, such as a printer.

2. Connect the serial cable to the modem and

to the computer. When looking for the

serial port on the back of your computer,

look for labels marked COM, MODEM,

RS-232, or SERIAL. DO NOT select

AUX, GAME, LPT, or PARALLEL.

3. Plug the power adapter into a standard wall

outlet and insert its plug into the power jack

on the modem (labeled with a power

adapter icon on the bottom of the case).

4. Plug one end of the phone cord into the

TELCO jack (labeled with a wall plug icon

on the bottom of the case) and the other

end into a phone wall jack.

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

WARNING: The phone jack you

5. If you wish to use your modem and phone

through the same phone wall jack, plug your phone's cord into the modem's phone jack (labeled with a phone icon on the bottom of the case

NOTE: You can not use the modem

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

6. Turn on your modem (the power switch is

located on the front panel). Then turn on

your computer and peripherals.

How to Move Through the “New Hardware Found ” Screens

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

1. When Windows restarts, the following

screen appears automatically after a few seconds.

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

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 setup information.

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

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.

4. Double-click the Modems icon (circled in

the screen image below).

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

5. In the “Modems Properties” screen, you

should see “Sportster 56000 Fax External PnP” listed.

This means the installation was a success. Click OK.

NOTE: If you do not see your

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 later.

EXTERNAL MODEM INSTALLATION WITH WINDOWS 95

Turn to “Software Installation and Testing” (page 43) for detailed information about installing the software, 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™ (fax/data software). It also shows you how to register and test your new Sportster modem.

RapidComm fax/data 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 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 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, verify that the

COM port setting is correct, and 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.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

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.

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.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

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 after dialing the prefix.

• 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.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

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.

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.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

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.

15. When the main Connections menu

appears, click Business & Productivity

on the left hand side of the screen (circled

below).

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

16. On the Business & Productivity menu is

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

17. The next screen contains a 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.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

18. The next screen displays information about

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

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 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 files to a different directory,

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

type that location in the text box before clicking Install.

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

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 will not be

selected as the default printer. When you want to send a fax, you must select

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

RapidComm as the printer in the program from which you are printing.

22. This screen marks the end of the

RapidComm installation. Click OK.

23. Click OK to return to Connections. 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 click RapidComm.

26. The following is the first RapidComm

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. When you see this screen…

• If you want RapidComm to launch with

every Windows startup, select the Run

RapidComm at Windows startup check box. Then click Finish.

• If you do not want RapidComm to start

every time you start Windows, simply click Finish.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

31. You will see this screen.

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

Sending Your First Fax

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

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

sentence or two. Name the document tester. Keep the document open.

2. From the File menu, click Print.

3. Select RapidComm as the printer. This can

be changed in most Windows applications in the Print 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.

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 U.S. Robotics fax number,

847-676-3559.

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.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND TESTING

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.

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

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

INSTALLING OTHER FAX/DATA SOFTWARE

You do not have to use the RapidComm fax/data software included with your new Sportster modem. 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 other communications software packages.

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.

D KEY POINT: Refer to the manual

that came with your software for its installation instructions. The software’s installation program will ask you questions about the modem you are using.

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.

INSTALLING OTHER FAX/DATA SOFTWARE

• For software flow control, select

XON/XOFF.

NOTE: You may need to disable

the flow control (hardware or software) that you are not using.

UART (External Modems)

If you are running Windows 3.x or you have upgraded your system from Windows 3.x to Windows 95, you can run MSD to determine your UART setting. In DOS, type MSD at the Windows directory prompt and then press ENTER. Follow the on-screen instructions to access the COM port settings panel. In this panel you should find the UART chip used. Match the UART type listed in MSD with the serial rate listed in the chart below. Select this

serial rate in any communications software you use.

Select this

If this is your UART... serial rate

16550* 115.2 or

57.6 kbps 16450 38.4 kbps 8250 19.2 kbps

*All Sportster internal modems have a 16550 UART.

NOTE: DO NOT select a 28,800,

14,400, or 12,000 bps serial port rate, if offered. Your modem will NOT work correctly with any of these settings. Fix or lock the serial port (baud) rate (if it’s referred to as autobaud, select OFF).

USING MODEM STATION

What Does Modem Station Do?

♦ Modem Station provides a simple to use

interface that takes the pain out of communicating with your modem.

♦ 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. Double-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 MODEM STATION

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.

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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

NOTE: Modem Station’s

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 such as that 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

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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.

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

USING MODEM STATION

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

Using Modem to Computer

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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

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

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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

♦ 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.

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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.

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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’

USING MODEM STATION

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.

• 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.

USING MODEM STATION

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.

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 Winmodems use VxDs, or Virtual Device Drivers. The Winmodem 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 users will see a display of current Dialback/Security settings. Refer to your

USING MODEM STATION

Courier documentation for instructions on configuring these special features.

General Installation Guidelines

Here are a few tips that may make setting up your new modem as simple as possible:

♦ Make certain you have everything you

need before you get started.

♦ Take a few minutes to read through the

manual(s) that come with your modem.

♦ Have a small jar or cup handy to hold

screws and jumper shunts.

♦ Choose a time when you won’t be

interrupted.

♦ Check in advance to see what IRQs you

have available.

♦ Set the jumper shunts on your modem (if

necessary) before installation.

♦ If you are doing a Plug and Play installation

with Windows 95, remember to remove all the jumper shunts from your jumper pins first.

♦ Before installing your modem, write the

serial number in the space provided on the first page of this manual.

♦ Once you’ve installed your modem, make

a note of the COM port and IRQ settings you are using on the first page of this manual. You may need this information to configure your communications software.

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

USING MODEM STATION

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).

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 U.S. Robotics’ revolutionary new x2 technology. You can update your modem in any of the following 3 ways:

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.usr.com) if you do not have a Connections CD-ROM.

NOTE: Complete the instructions in

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

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, point to the Modem Update Wizard selection.

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 is the order information

screen. Users who are purchasing a 56K upgrade will see the first screen on the next page. It includes a credit card information query. The second screen appears to users who are updating their modem’s code. Fill in the screen with the appropriate information and then click Next.

US Robotics Sportster, Sportster 56K Operating Instructions Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual