[comp.dcom.modems] Help with FOSSIL driver

cambler@polyslo.CalPoly.EDU (Chris Ambler) (07/09/89)

I am nearing completion of my BBS software package, and have recently had
a bout of software rot with the medium-level routines for the modem
communication.

I am using x00.sys, a FOSSIL standard driver, and have created functions
like
	char_ready;
	getchar;
	sendchar;
	sendstring;

etc.. etc..

I am having the following problems:

	every so often, the receive buffer will stop being filled. char_ready
reports that there is nothing in the buffer, even though the modem's
receive light is flashing. I can output stuff to the modem, and it will
act on it (eg. ATDT 555-1212), but it does not echo back. I have tried
resetting the echo... this happens at random, and is DEATH to any kind of
protocol transfer.

	every so often, the modem gets REAL confused, and a call to function
0x04 (init) will make the modem autoanswer (pick up phone and give carrier).

	hanging up by dripping dtr, waiting a second, and raising it again
does not work.

By every so often, I mean completely at random. I cannot determine what is
doing this, although it HAS to be software, as many others use x00 with
no problem.

I would consider using another comm package, but I need buffers that can be
accessed by different programmes (eg. by programme X, which then spawns
or execs programme Y) without having to re-initialize (and drop carrier on
the caller).

If anyone has written a set of routines for talking to a FOSSIL driver
(the kind that must be in OPUS, for example), I would GREATLY appreciate
some assistance.

I can be reached as: cambler@polyslo.calpoly.edu
or voice at +1 805 546 0820 (home)

Help!!!
-- 
Christopher J. Ambler