[misc.handicap] use modem as tty

Stu.Turk@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Stu Turk) (05/09/91)

Index Number: 15444

 JB>  I would like to know if it is possible to use a modem as a TTY. I
 JB>  am using a 2400baud Hayes compatable. How do I go about setting
 JB>  this up, and what software is needed?  Thanks for your HELP!

    If the TDD (TDD is Telephone Device f/t Deaf which is what you want. TTY
is the old initials for TeleTYpewriter once used by the deaf) has switches to
set it to 300 baud and ASCII, and you can get your modem down to 300 baud,
some standard comm prgm's will let you chat with a TDD.  You'd have to
experment with the data bit, parity, and stop bit settings (I used 7E2 once).
Most TDD's, however, do not have ASCII (they use a older system called Baudot)
and are 110 baud or slower.  A special TDD modem is needed to connect with
them and its cheaper to buy a inexpensive TDD than the modem unless you are
going be receving a lot of incoming TDD calls.

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Phil.Roberts@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Phil Roberts) (05/14/91)

Index Number: 15622

JB> I would like to know if it is possible to use a modem as a TTY.
JB> using a 2400baud Hayes compatable. How do I go about setting
JB> this up, and what software is needed?  Thanks for your HELP!

I wouldn't try it.  The only modems that can handle Baudot (TDD) are the
older Hayes Smartmodems and Novation Apple Cats.  If you have an Apple
// machine, you can use an Apple Cat and a program called Ascii Express
(non-user friendly hacker-type terminal program).  One of my users
communicates with his brother using this setup.

The Apple Cat is no longer manufactured, and Novation has gone out of
business.  It would be really nice if someone would re-introduce Baudot
capable modems!  A computer is a lot better investment than a TDD
console...can do more for about the same money.

                                Phil

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Stu.Turk@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Stu Turk) (05/14/91)

Index Number: 15626

 PR>  out of business.  It would be really nice if someone would
 PR>  re-introduce Baudot capable modems!  A computer is a lot better

   It would be nicer if someone forced TDD manufactures to make their low-end
TDD's ASCII capable.

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Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (05/14/91)

Index Number: 15632

 ST>    It would be nicer if someone forced TDD manufactures to make
 ST>    their low-end TDD's ASCII capable.

I think we will see that over time, Stu.  Not force, actually, but
robust encouragement :-)  TDI Inc. advocates a phase-out of Baudot
over the next 5 years.  But it will die very slowly and painfully.

The price of the ASCII option on some TDDs is a real ripoff!  As is
the price of dual code 300 baud modems.

... Jack.

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Phil.Roberts@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Phil Roberts) (05/17/91)

Index Number: 15726

ST>    It would be nicer if someone forced TDD manufactures to make
ST> low-end TDD's ASCII capable.

I'm not sure what a low-end TDD is going for any more.  Last I heard, it
was still quite an expensive piece of hardware...and dedicated to one
use.  I WOULD like to see them go to ASCII compatibility.  It would
solve a lot of problems, and TDD users could access non-TDD services.
True, the display would leave a lot to be desired, but it would work.

                                Phil

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Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (05/24/91)

Index Number: 15796

Hi Phil.

Just a note to you. There are a number of ascii capable TDDs! There
have been for awhile.

I have had two ascii capable TDDs already, each one provided to me.
at no charge, courtesy of Ma Bell.  My first was a Krown Research
Porta Printer Plus and my present is an Ultratec SuperPrint (with
the large external display.) Each TDD have Baudot / ascii modes,
110bps / 300bps speeds, half duplex  / full duplex and originate /
answer modes. There are a number of other brands which also offer
these features.

For those who want them and who live in states where Ma Bell
provides TDDs to certified deaf customers, and when they are
availble, all one has to do is ask for one (and perhaps swap their
Ma Bell owned Baudot only model.).

It is true that TDD to PC or BBS connect leaves a lot to be desired
when it comes to display. But, using 110bps speed and with some BBS
modification, such communication can be considerably smoother than
one might imagine. I have called my own BBS via TDD many many times
and do quite well. I might also add here that I am legally blind! I
have others who call via TDD as well. Of course, a larger display
would be nicer!

Yes, you are right, TDDs are still relatively expensive. I have
seen "Baudot only" types for as lows as $135.00. However, I am not
sure of the pricing for your typical Baudot / ascii capable model,
but Baudot only TDDs have been a thing of the past (so to speak)
for a time now. I understand that my Ultratec SuperPrint with the
huge external L.E.D. runs for around $600.00 to $700.00. All I can
say is, "Thank goodness for Ma Bell" otherwise I could not afford
my TDD at all.

Keepin' the faith!

.                         Vixen

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Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (05/31/91)

Index Number: 15879

Hi Phil.

Just a note to you. There are a number of ascii capable TDDs! There
have been for awhile.

I have had two ascii capable TDDs already, each one provided to me.
at no charge, courtesy of Ma Bell.  My first was a Krown Research
Porta Printer Plus and my present is an Ultratec SuperPrint (with
the large external display.) Each TDD have Baudot / ascii modes,
110bps / 300bps speeds, half duplex  / full duplex and originate /
answer modes. There are a number of other brands which also offer
these features.

For those who want them and who live in states where Ma Bell
provides TDDs to certified deaf customers, and when they are
availble, all one has to do is ask for one (and perhaps swap their
Ma Bell owned Baudot only model.).

It is true that TDD to PC or BBS connect leaves a lot to be desired
when it comes to display. But, using 110bps speed and with some BBS
modification, such communication can be considerably smoother than
one might imagine. I have called my own BBS via TDD many many times
and do quite well. I might also add here that I am legally blind! I
have others who call via TDD as well. Of course, a larger display
would be nicer!

Yes, you are right, TDDs are still relatively expensive. I have
seen "Baudot only" types for as lows as $135.00. However, I am not
sure of the pricing for your typical Baudot / ascii capable model,
but Baudot only TDDs have been a thing of the past (so to speak)
for a time now. I understand that my Ultratec SuperPrint with the
huge external L.E.D. runs for around $600.00 to $700.00. All I can
say is, "Thank goodness for Ma Bell" otherwise I could not afford
my TDD at all.

Keepin' the faith!

.                         Vixen

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Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (06/05/91)

Index Number: 15976

 PR> What's this?  A conversion service from the phone company?

Hi Phil.  The relay isn't a conversion service but a communication
service that facilitates communication between TDDs and voice phones.
Special AT&T operators called "Communication Assistants" listen to
voice calls and type the verbatum content to TDD users, and also
"voice" TDD messages to callers who do not have TDDs.  This service
is mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

All phone companies are required to make this service available
nationwide by July 26, 1993, at no additional cost to the user.
The relay service started in Pennsylvania last September, but
at present is limited to in-state calls.  That's a price we pay
for pioneering, and must be changed.

I believe Ohio has passed enabling regulations, but has not as yet
initiated the service.  (I assume you're posting form Ohio.)

 PR> Some of the ancient Hayes 1200 baud Smartmodems could handle
 PR> the Baudot system.

True, and Baudot is an ancient code.  It was the only way to go
when Weitbrecht invented the coupler that permitted HI folks to
use the telephone.  ASCII came later.  But TDI now recommends that
Baudot be phased out over the next five years and replaced by ASCII.
So I wouldn't spend any big bucks on a Baudot capable modem.

Besides, I already have a Baudot TDD.

 PR> Are the current TDD machines running ASCII now?

Most all current TDDs (except for the very low-end models) now offer
ASCII capability, either as a feature or an option.  I anticipate
that before long ASCII will be the "standard" and Baudot the option.

... Jack.

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