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Modem User Guide

Modem Use 

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Modem Use

 

Symptom:

V.90 is not working

Possible Solution:

  • Be sure your ISP supports V.90.

  • Remember that V.90 is available only for downloading (receiving) files, not uploading (sending) files.

  • Be sure you are receiving the file from a system that supports V.90 in host mode.
  • On the 3Com Internet site, go into www.3com.com/56k and click "What do I need for 56K?" for instructions on running a line test.
  • Trying to make a connection through a PBX may give an untrue response that V.90 is not possible. Ignore this message if you get it.

Symptom:

Modem does not function or functions incorrectly.

Possible Solution:

 

With the Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and Windows running, follow these steps:

    1. Click Start.

    2. Click Programs.
    3. Click 3Com Utilities.
    4. Select Diagnostics. This selection displays on the computer the modem's setup and other information pertinent to the modem.

If you are using an IBM computer that has an internal modem, you must disable the internal modem before you can use your PC Card:

    1. Load Windows

    2. Open the IBM Thinkpad Setup Group
    3. Open the DSP Icon
    4. Remove the check from the Telephony Function
    5. Save
    6. Reboot the computer

 

 

Symptom:

Cannot hear modem or speaker.

Possible Solutions:

  • Make sure the modem's speaker output is turned on (ATM1) and is turned up (ATL1, ATL2, or ATL3). Also make sure your application has the speaker turned on.

  • Make sure the computer's speaker is turned on and the volume is turned up. See the computer's user manual for instructions.

 

Symptom:

Modem not responding.

Possible Solutions:

  • Check the computer's BIOS setup. If it requires specific settings for modems, be sure they have been enabled.

  • Make sure the correct COM port is selected in the software setup.

 

Message:

ERROR

Possible Solution:

  • If you are typing from the command line in terminal mode, try retyping the command.

  • Make sure the correct AT command is being issued (see AT commands).

 

Symptom:

Modem does not dial correctly.

Possible Solutions:

  • Make sure the telephone number is entered correctly if the dialing directory is being used.

  • Make sure the number dialed is correct if it is being dialed in terminal mode.
  • In North America, be sure there is a 1 before the telephone number when dialing long distance.
  • If a prefix such as 9 is required to reach an outside line, be sure it is being dialed.
  • The other line could be busy or not answering. Make sure it is available to answer before calling.
  • If you are dialing internationally, the modem may not recognize the dial tone. Try the command ATX3DT and the telephone number.
  • If you have Call Waiting, disable it (usually *70 in North America).

 

 

Symptom:

Modem will not dial.

Possible Solutions:

 

  • Check the phone line and cable connections. Make sure the RJ-11 connector is plugged into the modem and the wall jack.

  • Make sure no other phone extension has been picked up on the same line.
  • Make sure a standard analog telephone line is being used. An error could result if you are trying to connect to a digital phone system or a Private Branch Exchange (PBX).
  • Listen for a normal dial tone on the line. If there is no dial tone or the dial tone sounds different than normal, use another telephone line.

 

 

Symptom:

Modem does not fit in the computer's PC Card slot.

Possible Solutions:

  • The modem can be inserted only into a Type II, Type III, or Toshiba 16mm slot.

  • Make sure the modem has been removed from its plastic travel case.
  • Make sure the correct end of the modem has been inserted into the slot.
  • Make sure the correct side of the modem is facing upward.
  • Make sure the modem is straight and level when it is inserted.

 

 

Symptom:

Modem not listed in software.

Possible Solutions:

 

  • See Software Settings.

  • See the SCRIPTS directory on the Installation CD, where you will find *.MDM and *.SCR files for several popular communications software packages.

 

 

Symptom:

Modem will not connect.

Possible Solutions:

 

  • If there is no trouble communicating with any modem except on one particular line, the problem may be with the modem on the other end.

  • Disable error correction (&M) and data compression (&K) (see AT Commands) and try again.
  • Check the Terminal Emulation Protocol you are using. Different kinds of computer systems use different types of terminal emulation, such as IBM 3270, TTY, DEC, or ANSI. Contact the System Operator of the host you are dialing into to determine the type of emulation to use for that connection. Most BBS systems in a stand-alone environment use the ANSI terminal emulation protocol.

 

Symptom:

Modem connects, but characters are garbled.

Possible Solutions:

 

  • Make sure the parity, modem speed, word length, and stop bits match on both sending and receiving modems.

  • Check with your system administrator to determine what type of terminal emulation you must use.

 

 

Message:

Modem Not Found or Modem Communication Error.

Possible Solutions:

  • Make sure the modem has been installed correctly.

  • Make sure the correct COM port has been selected in the software setup.
  • Check the computer's BIOS setup. If it requires specific settings for modems, be sure they have been enabled.
  • Use DIAGWIN to verify modem function and port.

 

Message:

NO DIAL TONE.

Possible Solutions:

  • Check all the cable connections and make sure they are secure. The connection to the phone line could be incomplete, or the phone cable could be bad.

  • Make sure the telephone line being used is not in use by someone else.
  • Check to make sure that a standard analog telephone line is being used. If the connection being attempted is to a digital phone system or a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), an error message may result.
  • Make sure the phone line is in working order by connecting a standard telephone and listening for a dial tone.
  • Use the RJ-11 phone cord that was shipped with the modem.

 

 

Symptom:

Frequent error messages when using the modem.

Possible Solution:

 

Your modem is probably not seated securely in the computer's slot. Pull the modem out and insert it again, giving it an extra push to be sure it is tightly in the slot.

 

 

Symptom:

Modem will not work. There is a LAN Card or LAN+Modem Card in one slot and the modem in another.

Possible Solution:

  • Change the COM port your modem is using.

  • Change the IRQ your modem is using.
  • Swap the cards in the computer's PC Card slots.

Message:

DIGITAL LINE ERROR.

Possible Solution:

The modem is trying to connect to a digital phone system or a Public Branch Exchange (PBX). Change lines to connect to a standard analog telephone line.

 

 

Symptom:

Modem clicks repeatedly, but no connection is made.

Possible Solutions:

 

  • The modem is trying to connect to a digital phone system or a PBX. Change lines to connect to a standard analog telephone line.

  • Ordinarily, a DIGITAL LINE ERROR message would appear, but if the current is under 100mA or you are not in terminal mode, the modem will click repeatedly but this message will not appear.
  • The cable may not be seated securely. Check all cable connections.