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Table of contents Modem Q & A's (Miscellaneous)
Modem Q & A's (Windows 95)
Online Support
Modem Q & A's (Miscellaneous)
Where can I locate information on using Modem AT commands?
You can read Controlling your Modem with AT Commands.
Where can I obtain the Voice AT command set for the Zoltrix Voice modems based on a Rockwell Voice chipset.
Click here for a version compiled by Zoltrix.
What is the default INITialization string for my Zoltrix modem?
The default INITialization string for the Zoltrix modems is as follows:
AT &F &C1 &D2
For more information on INITialization Strings read:
"Every thing you wanted to know about INITialization String, but were afraid to ask!"
What are the jumper settings for the Zoltrix Internal models?
The dip switchs or jumper settings for Zoltrix Internal Modems can be located on the internal modem board. For more info click here.
My modem responds that it is connected at 28,800 instead of 115,200bps so I don't get full compression. What can I do about this?
Most modems can be set (with an AT command) to respond with the true carrier rate or the rate the software is set to. High speed modems allow the software to be set higher than the carrier rate to allow for the compression that may be achieved by the modem when using MNP5 or V.42bis compression protocols. To achieve the V.42bis top compression of 4 to 1, you need to set the software rate 4 times higher than the top carrier rate.
If the modem is set to respond with the carrier rate, (the W2 command will force this), compression is still enabled and the top virtual speed (speed with compression) will still be the rate the software is set to. The modem does not need to respond with the sofware rate for the compression to operate.
For more information on what AT commands to use to setup the modem to respond with the carrier rate (DCE) or the software rate (DTE), read the AT command manual.
Note: Make sure the software is set higher than the top carrier rate of the modem (i.e. 38,400 or 57,600 or 115,200). You must also ensure that the communication software locks the DTE rate and does not lower the speed to match the carier rate. Most all new software locks the DTE rate when a high speed modem is selected, but, if you cannot force your software to lock the DTE rate, you should change the INIT string so the modem responds with the DTE rate.
Does Zoltrix support Windows NT or OS/2 with drivers and Tech Support?
Zoltrix does not provide technical support for Windows NT or OS/2. The Win95 modem driver will operate for Windows NT 4.0. You may use Zoltrix modems in OS/2 with a compatible driver. Since over 70% of all modems use a Rockwell chipset, you should be able to find a compatible driver from another manufacture.
I installed my internal modem but my communications software will not INITialize the modem. What's going on?
The most common reason is a hardware conflict with your I/O ports. You can use the DOS based method to trouble shoot or use the Windows 95 instructions click here.
If you do not have MSD.EXE you may also use the DOS DEBUG program to determine what ports are in the system before installing the modem.
When ever I try to dial with the modem, it report's "NO DIALTONE", what's the problem?
First of all, a improper INIT string can NOT cause a modem to respond with NO DIALTONE. But with some phone systems you may need to raise the value contained in S register 6. S6 contains the a value that represents the amount of time the modem will wait to detect a valid DIAL Tone. If you use the local phone company's Answer Phone service instead of an answering machine, when messages are stored, you can hear the dial-tone beep 4 times when the line is picked up. Modems sees this as NO DIALTONE. To correct this problem change S6 from the default 2 second wait to whatever is required on your system. This may vary. To change S6 use the following:
ATS6=n
n= the number of seconds to wait for a vailid DIAL TONE.
To set the time to 6 seconds use:
ATS6=6
To manually verify that you don't have a INIT string problem, use a terminal program
and INITialize the modem with the following:
AT&F&C1&D2
Then type:
ATDT a phone number <ENTER>
i.e. ATDT555-5555 <ENTER>
If the modem responds NO DIALTONE, you have verified that the modem is defective.
If the phone connected to the phone jack on the modem does not have a dialtone, the problem could be with the phone line from the wall jack to the modem or the line may be disconnected. Verify this by connecting a phone to the wall jack. If the phone now operates, try using a new phone line from the wall to the modem. If the modem still reports NO DIALTONE, the modem is defective.
My modem speaker volume is too loud or too soft when using communication programs, How do I control it?
Use the AT command to lower the volume.
Following are the commands:
You may also use the M0 command to turn the speaker off.
Just add the command the the INIT string of the software you are using.
Hint: Many communications programs have speaker volume settings on a setup screen. When you use them, the software will issue the correct L command to the modem.
Some modems have a higher volume level then others. This can be caused by component tolerances. If the modem is too loud, you may want to put some scotch tape over the hole in the middle of the speaker. This muffles the sound nicely.
My modem keeps locking up after I get off bulletin boards, internet, etc. I do instruct the modem to hang up, but the modem still won't respond to any commands. The only way I can get a dial tone is to press reset or turn off the computer and then turn it back on to reboot. How can I fix this?
How can I tell what UART chip is used in my internal modem or by the I/O port my external modem is connected to?
The internal models using the Rockwell ACF chipset uses the 16C550 UART. If you have the MSD.EXE program, you can use this program to detect the UART used. If you have an external model, your serial port needs the 16C550 UART.
Can I upgrade my modem to a 56Kbps modem?
Many of these model were sold with a sticker on the box indicating that the modem was upgradable to 56K and to refer to the Zoltrix web site for details. This was not a free Upgrade or a software Upgrade but was actually a trade as indicated on the UPTrade plan.
Why won't my modem detect a BUSY signal?
Zoltrix modems sold in the United States and Canada are designed for use with the United States and Canadian phone systems. If the frequency of the BUSY signal is the same as that found in the United States and Canada, the modem will detect the BUSY signal and function properly. Zoltrix modems will function properly in many areas of Europe where the signals are similar to those used in the United States and Canada. It has been reported that a modem will detect the BUSY signal at one location, but if the computer is moved to a location a few miles away, the modem will NOT detect the BUSY signal.
How can I connect two modems without using a outside phone line so I can transfer files from one computer to the other?
This is really very simple.
ATX3DT
The other modem will not detect a ring, so it cannot auto answer. Instead send the following command to cause the modem to pick up the line and try to connect to the calling modem:
ATA
You should hear the handshaking and then get the connect message. You can then transfer files from one system to the other via the communications softwares file transfer protocols (i.e. ZMODEM, YMODEM,XMODEM etc...).
Does my Zoltrix modem support Caller ID?
The Voice and speaker phone models do support Caller ID and the newer non voice model also does. T determine if your modem supports Caller ID, send the following command from the terminal mode of a communications program.
AT#CID=1
Some modems may respond OK to the command even if the modem does not support Caller ID.
You must have paid for Caller ID service on the phone line to determine if the feature is working.
Then have someone call the phone number the modem is using.
As long as the phone line you are using has Caller ID service you should see something
similar to the following:
RING
DATE = 0826
TIME = 1551
NMBR=5106575737
RING
If the calling modem has caller ID blocked, you will receive Date and Time info, but
the Phone number will be missing.
You will see something similar to the following:
DATE = 0826
TIME = 1551
NMBR=P
RING
Does my Zoltrix modem suport distinctive rings?
No.
Will the default INITialization string work with games like DOOM?
Yes, the majority of the time, for most users, the Zoltrix Default INITialization string! will work with most all online game programs.
If the modem you are trying to connect to requires that you send a special command to
your modem before attempting the call, the INITialization string will not work! There is
NOT one INITialization string that will work for all modems and all
users all the time.
Following are a few examples of why you would need to change the INIT strings:
You may need to disable error-correction on your modem. The command to disable error-correction for Rockwell based modems that support hardware error-correction is &Q6. Read your AT command manual for more information.
You may need to disable error-correction on your modem. The command to disable error-correction for Rockwell based modems that support hardware error-correction is &Q6. Read your AT command manual for more information.
You may need to limit the modems top speed for the attempted connection. Rockwell currently supports 3 main commands to limit the modems top speed. For Rockwell based modems you should use the +MS command. Read your AT command manual for more information.
Why can't I connect at 33,600 bps with my V.34+ modem?
There are a number of factors that can limit the top connection speed of your modem.
Connection rates are manily determined by your line conditions. The farther you are from the telephone central office, the longer your local loop will be, which will cause slower connection rates. If you had a 28,800 modem that connected at 26,400 bps, a 33,600 modem will usually also connect at 26,400 to the same modem from the same location. But there is good news for K56Flex owners. If your conditions are poor causing a slow 26,400 connection, you may still be able to achieve a connection of 40,000 bps to 44,000 bps. This may not be the top rated speed, but it is still a big improvement that you can actually see while cruising the web or downloading large files.
For information on controlling the connection speed (carrier rate) with you V.34+ Rockwell based modem read Using the +MS Command to Your Advantage
When I connect to a BBS or online service using the Zoltrix V.34 modem, I see giberish or the connection drops. What could be happening?
Click here, for more information on Line noise and how to measure it.
My modem disconnects me after ?? minutes and I don't have call waiting, what's going on?
There are many reasons why this could happen, but line noise is the main problem. You may be connecting faster than the line conditions can really handle for a long time. When first connecting the line noise may have been minimal, therefore the modems connected at a high rate, but then the line conditions got worse and the modems could no longer stay connected.
You can try to solve this with a couple of methods:
I have call waiting, and I want my modem to disconnect when another call comes in. How can I do this?
The loss of carrier that occurs when the call waiting signal comes in will disconnect the modem if the duration is long enough. You may need to run the modem using software Xon/Xoff flow control with the error correction turned off to allow the call waiting signal to inturrupt the modem connection. Of course this is NOT the desired operating modem of the modem. You may first want to try changing the value contained in the S register that controls the modems Lost Carrier to Hangup Delay, with the following:
Lower the default value in S10 from a default of 14 to a lower value. It must be greater than the value in S9, which has a default value of 6. Try lowering S10 to 12,10, or 8 or as low as 7, to see if the call waiting signal will force the modem to disconnect.
Add the command to the INIT string of the communication software that you are using.
If the current INIT string is: AT&F&C1&D2
Add S10=12
This gives you: AT&F&C1&D2S10=12
Both of these methods may not work because the modems job is to attempt to keep the connection, not drop it. If this method does not work, it is suggested that you get a seperate phone line for the modem.
Why does my modems ATi3 response indicate that it is a RPI modem?
Your modem will not reply with the RPI in the ATi3 response unless you have the WinRPI driver installed on your computer. The Rockwell based V.34 and V.34+ modems can use the WinRPI driver for error correction and data compression or it can use the modems hardware to perform these functions. Most people perfer the hardware to perform the task or error correction and compression so the CPU does not have to work as hard. Rockwell claims, and we have verified with testing, that if you have a fast computer, the WinRPI driver will out-perform the hardware data compression. But the choice is yours. If you do not want your modem to be a RPI modem, just remove the WinRPI driver.
If your Zoltrix modem responds with ATF instead of ACF in the ATi3 response, either the Rockwell chip or the onboard ram chip is defective. If this is the case, you must return the board to be repaired/replaced.
How do I use the AudioSpan feature?
Click here for information on how to use the AudioSpan feature.
How do I connect the voice modem to the sound card to share speakers?
The easiest way is to use a audio cable with a 1/8 inch stereo connector at each end. Then plug one end into the modems speaker out jack and the other to the sound cards Line-in jack. You can then control the volume with the sound cards software volume control. You can use this method for both the internal and external models. The internal model also allows you to turn off the modems internal amplifier so the sound card will not be overdriven. The external model does not have this feature, so you should keep the line-in software volume at a very low level to start, otherwise you may do permanent damage to the speakers, the sound card or your ears. If using an internal model, you can also use the method shown on the Quick Reference and here. This method uses the sound cards CD-ROM input.
How can I tell if I have the Speaker Phone model?
First off, if the modem does not have a mic and speaker jack, you do not have a voice modem. The modems ATi6 response is the best method for determining the modems capabilities. If SP is in the response, the modem has speaker phone capabilities. Following are example responses of the three types of modems:
Voice modem with Speaker Phone
RCV336DPFSP Rev 44BC
Voice Modem
RCV336DPF Rev 44BC
Non Voice modem
RC336DPF Rev 44BC
Modem Q & A's (Windows 95)
Why won't Windows 95 startup completely after installing my internal modem?
The most common reason is a hardware conflict with your I/O ports. You can use the DOS based method to trouble shoot or use the Windows 95 instructions click here.
If you do not have MSD.EXE you may also use the DOS DEBUG program to determine what ports are in the system before installing the modem.
Windows 95 setup didn't detect my modem, how do I install it?
Microsoft Windows 95 contains a text file, FAQ.TXT, containing Frequently Asked Questions. Click here to read the portion related to modems setup.
My Zoltrix modem is not auto detected as a Zoltrix modem in Win95. What's the problem?
These Zoltrix modem models will not be automatically detected. If Windows 95 detects the modem as a "Standard Modem", it should work fine. Click here for setup instructions.
Where can I locate Windows 95 drivers for my Zoltrix modem?
Click here to go to the driver page.
Why does dial-up networking report, "I should turn my modem on"? (How to create a modemlog.txt file)
How to trouble shoot your dial-up networking problem.
This can occur if a unsupported command is being sent to the modem. To verify if this is the case, follow the directions below:
You should now try connecting using the dial-up networking. After you receive the error message, close down the connection.
When selecting Record a log file a file is created that contains useful information to help determine what the cause of the problem is. The file name of the text file created is ModemLog.txt. It should be located in your Windows directory.
You can either read the information in the file to locate the trouble yourself or
e-mail the contents of the ModemLog.txt file to support@zoltrix.com
How do I monitor the bps download and upload rate?
A very handy tool for monitoring download and upload speed is the Windows 95 SYSMON.EXE that comes on the Win95 CD-ROM. If not installed (check under Start, Programs, Accessories, Sytem Tools), you can install it by selecting Add/Remove hardware in the Control Panel. Click on the Windows Setup Tab. Then double click on Accessories and scroll down the list and put a check mark next to System Monitor. In will then install from the Win 95 CD ROM.
Online Support
I cannot find the information on the problem that I'm having with the modem. What should I do now?
You can contact online support to answer your modem questions.
My modem is defecive, where do I return it?
If you purchased your modem in the United States, read the warranty for information on obtaining a RMA number and return instructions.
If you purchased your modem in Canada, refer your RMA requests to 3D Microcomputers.
If you purchased your modem anywhere else in the World, refer your RMA requests to your local dealer or Zoltrix (International).
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