duggan@cs.ucf.edu (Richard Duggan) (06/25/91)
I have two somewhat related problems that I would appreciate any input about. First, I have a Packard Bell 2400 external (AT command set) hooked up to COM2 of my 386/33. It has recently stopped dialing/responding to commands. However, when I boot the machine, the lights on the modem blink until the HS, AA, MR, TR lights are on. Occasionally, the MR light will not come on. If I type from the DOS command line "COPY CON COM2: <return> ATZ <CTRL-Z><RETURN>" the MR light will come on, but DOS hangs with something like "Abort, Retry, Fail?" indicating that it dowsn't think it can talk to the modem. At this stage, anything else I type causes the "RD" light to blink, but not the "SD" light (indidcating that the modem is echoing back the characters). I have tried COM1:, a new cable, and finally another modem on COM2:, so I know that it's something in the modem. The curious thing is that when I run CheckIt diaganostic on COM2, the modem lights blink on and off quite frequently, which I think means that the darned modem can be talked to. Is there anything else I should try? Or is it dead? Second part: If the modem is indeed dead, what type (speed/brand) of modem should I get? I am familiar with the new standards (MNP5, v.42-v.42bis). Here are my telecommunications needs: light Compuserve use (I know they have 2400 MNP4 lines most everywhere and quite a few 9600 lines), Prodigy (don't gag, please), and very light local BBS calls. Also, I will be attending Georgia Tech in the fall and anticipate dialing into GTNet (?). Some of the dialup lines listed for there support 2400 with MNP 4 and 5. Does anyone know if they have 9600 dialup lines (I tend to doubt it)? I would prefer to get a 2400 with MNP5/v.42bis (particularly the ZOOM), but if 9600 would be a better choice given the above info, I will save up some money and spring for a 9600. Any input (email or net, whichever you feel is more appropriate) will be most appreciated. rd (duggan@eola.cs.ucf.edu) -- "Too new to have a real .signature" duggan@eola.cs.ucf.edu