Re: Datalink 2400 Problems/Solutions

[bjohnson@sys6626.bison.mb.ca (Brian Johnson)]

Stephen Buggie (sebugg@presby.edu) from Presbyterian College, Clinton SC,
wrote the following...
 
 
 
>                            AE DATALINK 2400 INTERNAL MODEM:
>         IT ANSWERS PHONE CALLS UNINTENTIONALLY WHEN THE COMPUTER
>                           IS ON!     SUGGESTIONS APPRECIATED
>                       ----------------------------------
>
>      My main computer is a fully loaded IIe.  Recently I bought a used
> 2400 internal modem to replace my AE Datalink 1200:  the AE Datalink
> 2400.
>
>      I have used it for about five days now.  On a few isolated
> occasions, the modem has created gibberish from the incoming messages.
> That is not a serious problem because it has happened so rarely and
> all that has been needed is to restart the message.
 
 -------------
 
I was using a Datalink 2400 for several years until recently I purchassed
an inexpensive, second hand modem. I purchassed the replacement because
of the little problems I was having with the Datalink.
 
I found that everytime I powered up my computer and started calling
BBS's, I would have to make an "initialization" call. I would have to
call any BBS, establish a logon and then log off immediately. The reason
I had to do this was to "initialize" the modem.
 
No matter when, who or where I called with my Datalink, the first call
would always generate nonlegible miscellaneous ascii text. Every call
after the "initialization" call would log on without any problems.
 
I have no idea what the problem was, but I can tell you I am using the
same software and same system with an external USRobotics Sportster 2400
and I have not had any log on problems or garbage text ever. The only
difference in the software is a different modem string.
 
 -------------
 
>       But I have now detected a potentially BIG problem!  When I am
> doing word processing, the phone line is open and the modem should not
> be in use. But, three times in the past two days, when incoming calls
> have arrived when the computer is on, THE MODEM ANSWERS THE CALL!
> It answers with the shrieking static that you have all heard when an
> extension phone is lifted while you are transmitting.  I even heard the
> calling party via the on-board speaker on the Datalink 2400.  This
> caused great confusion with the incoming party as well as with family
> members who wish to speak to their friends.
 
>  The eight DIP switches on the Datalink 2400 are all set "closed"
> (tilted upwards towards the top of the board).  The manual suggests
> that this setting array is the normal default.
 
 ----------
 
I checked my Datalink, and all the switches are closed. I never had this
answer problem with the Datalink even when the communications software
was loaded and was not on-line.
 
Have you changed your Modem Initialization String in your communications
software. I know that even though the Datalink 1200 and 2400 models are
brother/sister models, the modem initialization setup strings are not
the same.
 
Check your modem initalization string to see if you have this command in
your string...
 
&D2   Datalink hangs up, enters command state and disables auto-answer
          when DTR (Data Terminal Ready) makes an on-to-off transition.
 
This command is not used by the Datalink 1200, however the 2400 model
needs this command in the string, otherwise the modem will answer the
phone.  Make sure you have "&D2" in your modem initialization string.
 
Also check to see if you have this command in your string...
 
A   Manual Answer
 
If you have "A" in your string, delete it. The command "A" allows you to
manually tell the computer to answer the phone.  Using this command
overrides the Number of Rings Before Answering setting and the Answer
Off setting.
 
If you happen to be using ProTERM, the software sets up the modem string
for you automatically when you select the modem you are using from the
Install Menu.
 
 
Brian Johnson
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
 
bjohnson@sys6626.bison.mb.ca