kjh@pollux.usc.edu (Kenneth J. Hendrickson) (03/16/91)
A little more than a month ago, a representative of Galaxy Networks called me, and asked me to review their 9600 v.32 modem. I did. The modem I reviewed was supplied by the vendor. Here is my (short) review: -- Fri Mar 15 13:41 PST 1991 Dear Jackie, After using your modem, the Galaxy Networks UFO v.32/v.42bis modem for more than a month, I can say that it performs well. There are a couple of seriously annoying drawbacks, however. Disadvantages: o The phone line (to the attached telephone) is not disconnected while the modem is in use. This is a feature that is found on almost all other modems, and should be incorporated into your otherwise fine modem. o The phone jacks on the back of the modem are not labeled "line" and "phone". See above. Perhaps they are wired in parallel. o The modem only accepts 40 characters on an AT command line. o There are no front panel lights to indicate Error Correction, Data Compression, or Auto Answer. The modem does have some interesting features not found on other modems: Advantages: o There is a mechanical speaker volume control, in addition to the standard AT command. o The modem supports alphanumeric dialing (ATDT 555-ABCD). o The modem has an automatic redial feature. o The modem has the classical shape, to fit under a standard desk telephone. o The documentation that came with the modem was well written, complete, and easily understandable. Since this modem performed well, making connections with a variety of other modems at all speeds from 1200 - 9600 bps, I would be able to recommend it as soon as Galaxy's Engineering staff designs a relay into the phone line connection, to disconnect the attached phone while a modem connection is in progress. Kenneth J. Hendrickson kjh@pollux.usc.edu -- favourite oxymorons: student athlete, military justice, mercy killing Ken Hendrickson N8DGN/6 kjh@usc.edu ...!uunet!usc!pollux!kjh
lars@spectrum.CMC.COM (Lars Poulsen) (03/23/91)
In article <31095@usc> kjh@pollux.usc.edu (Kenneth J. Hendrickson) writes: >Disadvantages: >o The phone line (to the attached telephone) is not disconnected > while the modem is in use. >o The phone jacks on the back of the modem are not labeled "line" > and "phone". See above. Perhaps they are wired in parallel. All the modems I have ever used has had the two jacks wired in parallel. A relay (a) introduces an opportunity for miswiring the hookup and (b) adds about $15 to the retail price. I'd rather save the $15!! (c) prevents me from using the modem as a dialer interface to my MacIntosh Rolodex program. >o The modem only accepts 40 characters on an AT command line. That's plenty for me; how many do you need and why ? >o There are no front panel lights to indicate Error Correction, > Data Compression, or Auto Answer. I like lights, too, but they are expensive; look how they have disappeared from computers. >Advantages: >o There is a mechanical speaker volume control, in addition to the > standard AT command. Is it really in ADDITION to ? It would be cheaper to make it INSTEAD of; i.e. the ATL command has no effect. >o The modem has the classical shape, to fit under a standard desk > telephone. I like that too, but it's becoming irrelevant. None of the telephones in my house are "standard desk telephone". And since the invention of keyboard dialing and the AT command set, there is no reason for the modem to be anywhere near the telephone. I put mine near the walljack. >o The documentation that came with the modem was well written, > complete, and easily understandable. Sounds like this modem is a real winner. How much did you say it costs ? -- / Lars Poulsen, SMTS Software Engineer CMC Rockwell lars@CMC.COM