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.

+ 149 hidden pages

US Robotics Sportster, Sportster 56K Operating Instructions Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual