glennw@dadla-b.UUCP (07/28/83)
Since there seems to be a lot of interest in the USR modems lately, I will add some more comments. The Password, S-100, & Auto Dial 212 are the same modem inside and use the same commands, which are identical to Hayes Smartmodem. Yesterday I borrowed a Hayes 1200 manual to compare. There are quite a few commands in the Hayes that USR chose not to implement because they range from useless to questionable value. The main difference lies in Hayes ability to control Command/data mode, on/off hook, and carrier up/down independently. The only advantage I see is if you are changing between data and voice communication with USR you must pick up the phone before stopping the data link (Hayes can go to command mode without dropping the line). Also if you are calling an originate only modem (do such things still exist?) the Hayes can go into answer mode after dialing, but with the USR you must pick up the phone, escape to command mode, and say ATA to enter answer mode. It is not clear whether this is actually slower than wading through Hayes 60 page manual, and it sure doesn't seem like much for $140. Some corrections to other comments... The +++ command to disconnect the call requires a 1 second of no data guard band before and after in both Hayes and USR. It can be changed to another character, including >127 (delete) which disables the command. The USR modems have the lowest part count of any Bell 212 modem, and as a result the highest reliability. They run a little warm because there are 5 Intel chips inside! The Password lacks the status LED's, analog loopback, and second RJ11C jack of the USR Auto Dial 212A, but it comes in 6x4x1.2" plastic case with the RS-232 cable (your choice of male or female) built in. The lowest price available on the Password and S100 is $350 from me. The Auto Dial with the metal case is $425. Glenn Widener Widener Consulting 270 SE 15th #5 Hillsboro, OR 97123 (503) 648-0363