M:::++««««::::::::.»»»»»»».::++»»»»»»»».:::P A:::||««««::::::||»»»»»»»»»::||«««««««««:::A R:::||««««::::::||»»»»....:::||»»»» »»»»:::N C:::||««««::::::||»»»»»»»»»::||«««« ««««:::T ::::||««««::::::::`····»»»»::||»»»» »»»»:::H ::::||««««::::::||»»»» »»»»::||«««« ««««:::E ::::||««««««««::||»»»»»»»»»::||»»»» »»»»:::R ::::++««««««««::::·»»»»»»»·::++««««««««':::: ::::::>>>>>>>>>>>>PRESENTS<<<<<<<<<<<<<::::: Troubleshooting 28,800 Connects Extended Information Released 1st of March 1995 Troubleshooting 28,800 Connects Extended Information ==================================================== Most of the text below was for the benifit of our American Brothers. I have added some extra text on this subject as I have been using/running a 28.8 modem since USRobotics released the modem to the general public. At the very end of this text file I have included the bog settings which may help you if you fiddle and mess up your modem. I have modified my 28.8 settings which have Improved the performance and I have had successfull transfer speeds of over 3700+ on Dms/Lha/Zip files.. This extra Information (I hope) will benifit ALL 28.8 modem models, if your still confused you can call my bbs (any Lsd member will point you in the right direction). I have plenty of modem information in my bulletins in my DEMP/PD Conference. Tips for High Speed Connections with V.34/FastClass Modems ========================================================== Very few people can get consistent 28,800 bps connections. Speeds of 28,800bps require pristine line quality along the entire length of the connection. However, VFC and V.34 modems are capable of pushing the limits of analog phone lines, commonly offering connect speeds of 21.600, 24,000 and even 26,400 bps. Line Impairment =============== Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low connect rates. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and has to hang up and call again to get a better connection. However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates above 19200 bps, you will want to investigate the line quality of your connections. Begin with the following: *Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or modem at the other end of a particular call. The U.S. Robotics BBS (708 982-5092) is a good one to try. or if you live in the U.K Try The UK U.S Robotics BBS (01753-818992) *Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance companies.) * USA ONLY * *Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack. * USA ONLY * *If you know someone else In your area with a high speed modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making the connection from their location. If you encounter the same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from impairments along the lines running to the local telephone company or within your home or office. Your telephone company or a private consultant may be able to help. Information on how to troubleshoot a line for specific problems is provided at the end of this document. Software Setup and Modem Configuration ====================================== In addition to line impairments, modem configuration and software setup can Daffect connection rates and throughput. The Courier's default configuration allows 28,800 connections with other V.34 and V.FC modems. Information on software setup is available through the U.S. Robotics fax-on-demand (FOD) system (800)762-6163 or through your software's support service. New Code (Courier V.34 modems only): ************************************ Download the latest code from the U.S. Robotics BBS (see Upgrades in your user's manual or FOD document #565). The upgrade is free and the latest code revision can improve performance. *New v.34 courier modems bought have already had the FLASH ROM upgraded. The Above information is directed at those who bought courier v.34 modems before the upgrade release. Dropped Connections Prt 1 ************************* Dropped connections can occur when there is a sharp decrease in line quality during a call. V.34 modems will switch to rates as low as 4800 bps to compensate for these changes. If the loss of quality is extremely severe, they will drop the connection. If you are running your 28.8 in V34 mode the chances are that you will probably suffer DROPPED CONNECTIONS from time to time. V.FC is very very tempremental any slight hickup on the line the modem will drop carrier (In v32 mode the same will also happen but the modem will hang onto the connection alot longer before dropping even if you forget to dissable call waiting). Dropped Line ************ This can be can be a problem and can be experianced when A). when you are in chat or B). when you have uploaded file(s) and your waiting for the bbs checker(s) to check the file(s). The most common cause is your serial baud rate setting on your Term software just because the handbook says set the baud rate at 57600 dont mean that your Amiga can handle it. If you are using an A500 or A1200 the serial is of very poor quality and you should consider setting your serial baud rate at 19200 which your A500- A1200 serial will quite happily accept. Only set the serial baud rate of 57600 on Amigas/Pc(s) which have had an extended I/O card fitted, they're usually better Quality. May I remind you that having a serial baud rate set at 19200 will also help if you multi-task while upload/downloading and you should not experiance any resend errors. If you are still experiancing drops after this ask BT to investigate the Line tell them you're getting static or a poor line while talking, the BT engineer will probably tell you its the weather and armed with a can of WD 40 he will sort your Line problem out. Dropped Connections Prt 2 ************************* V.FC connections can only switch rates down to 14,400 bps. If you connect using V.FC and line quality drops below that allowable for a 14,400 connection, the modems will disconnect. If this occurs frequently for a particular call, you will want to disable V.FC before calling that modem again. A different modulation protocol (V.32 bis, for example) will be established and will allow the modems to switch to lower bit rates as line quality warrants. Send the modem the following command to disable V.FC: ATS56=128 or <----This dissables V.FC ATS56=64 <----- This will stop the annoying TRILLING sound Heard when Two 28.8 V.FC's connect. This dissables v34. Remember to return the modem to its original configuration after the call is completed by resetting the modem or entering ATS56=0. Some VFC modems from other manufactures do not support rate switching. These connections are more likely to drop. For these calls, you can force a lower connect speed by locking the modem to a lower link rate via the &N command, or disable VFC by entering ATS56=128. Remember to reset the modem or return it to its original configuration after the call is completed (AT&N0 or ATS56=0). Ok lets Re-cap Dropped Connects are caused by: A) Stupity (leaving call waiting switched on) B) Serial Baud set too High C) Poor Line Quality from BT Exchanges D) Incorrect modem/Term setup Bandwidth Requirements ====================== This information is provided for consultants or experienced modem users only. V.34 and VFC connection( rates are based on the available bandwidth over the phone line. The modems test the phone lines before establishing a connection rate and will select the highest symbol rate allowable. In general, a higher symbol rate allows greater speeds, but requires greater bandwidth. The approximate bandwidth requirements for each symbol rate are shown in the chart below. Note that when using V.34, the Courier modem can operate at either of two frequency ranges for any of the given symbol rates. This allows it to select the frequency range of better quality for that call. Symbol Carrier Bandwidth Maximum Rate Protocol Frequency Requirements Bit Rate 2400 V.34 1600Hz 400-2800 Hz 21600 V.34/VFC 1800Hz 600-3000 Hz 21600 2743 V.34 1646 Hz 274-3018 Hz 24000 VFC/V.34 1829 Hz 457-3200 Hz 24000 2800 V.34 1680 Hz 280-3080 Hz 24000 67-3267 Hz 24000 3000 V.34 1800 Hz 300-3300 Hz 26400 V.34/VFC 2000 Hz 500-3500 Hz 26400 VFC 1875 Hz 375-3376 Hz 26400 3200 V.34 1829 Hz 229-3429 Hz 28800 VFC 1920 Hz 320-3520 Hz 28800 3429 V.34 1959 Hz 244-3674 Hz 28800 NOTE: Minimum bit rates. V.34 will connect at speeds as low as 4800 bps with any of the above symbol rates. VFC does not support rates below 14,400 bps. If the bit rate is much lower than the maximum bit rate supported by the symbol rate, the phone line has lots of noise or other impairments on it. Determining a Connection's Bandwidth ==================================== The symbol rate and carrier frequency used during a connection is displayed on the modem's I11 screen. (The I11 screen is an undocumented USR AT command). Using the above table, you can determine the approximate bandwidth detected by the modem. V.34 can be disabled by setting S56=64. VFC can be disabled by setting S56=128. (S-Register 56 is an undocumented AT command). :) Additions to Sportster V.FC and V.34 Command Set and S-Registers ================================================================ The following command and S-Register settings apply to V.FC and V.34 modems. &Nn Sets forced connect speed. If connection cannot be established at this speed, the modem will hang up. &N0 Variable rate &N1 300 bps &N2 1200 bps &N3 2400 bps &N4 4800 bps &N5 7200 bps &N6 9600 bps &N7 12,000 bps &N8 14,400 bps &N9 16,800 bps &N10 19,200 bps &N11 21,600 bps &N12 24,000 bps &N13 26,400 bps &N14 28,800 bps Register Default Function S39-44 0 Reserved S51 0 Bit mapped register. To set the register see the instructions for S13. Bit Value Result 0 1 MNP/V.42 disabled in V.22. 1 2 MNP/V.42 disabled in V.22bis. 2 4 MNP/V.42 disabled in V.32bis. 3-7 - Reserved. S54 0 Bit mapped register. To set the register see the instructions for S13. Bit Value Result 0 1 Disable 2400 symbol rate. 1 2 Disable 2743 symbol rate. 2 4 Disable 2800 symbol rate. 3 8 Disable 3000 symbol rate. 4 16 Disable 3200 symbol rate. 5 32 Disable 3429 symbol rate. 6 64 Disable Call Indicate (V.34 only). 7 128 Disable V.8 (V.34 only) S55 0 Bit mapped register. To set the register see the instructions for S13. Bit Value Result 0 1 Disable 8S-2D map. 1 2 Disable 16S-4D map. 2 4 Disable 32S-2D map. 3 8 Disable 64S-4D map. 4-7 - Reserved. Register Default Function S56 0 Bit mapped register. To set the register see the instructions for S13. Bit Value Result 0 1 Disasble non-linearing coding. 1 2 Disable TX level deviation. 2 4 Disable pre-emphasis. 3 8 Disable pre-coding. 4 16 Disable shaping. 5 32 Reserved. 6 64 Disable V.34 (V.34 only). 7 128 Disable V.FC. S57 0 Reserved. If you have your V.34 V.FC setup correctly you should get cps rates over 3700+ on DMS/LHA/LZH/ZIP files.. A1200 users please note setting your serial baud rate at 57600 might get you a faster cps rate but your not doing your serial port any good you will experiance drop carriers (this is the usual serial port re-action telling you that your serial port has had enough) and is it really worth it getting all those serial resends on a download? which dont help your phonebills. If you want to cure the 57600 illness buy an B1500/B2000/B3000/A4000 and buy a multi-serial card.. or opt for the cheaper solution Lower your serial baud rate on your Term. My Settings (Bog Standard) ************************** ATI4 USRobotics Courier V.32bis Dual Standard V.FC Fax Settings... B0 C1 E1 F1 M1 Q0 V1 X7 SPEED=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8 DIAL=HUNT OFF LINE TIMER &A3 &B1 &C1 &D2 &H1 &I0 &K1 &L0 &M4 &N0 &R2 &S0 &T5 &X0 &Y1 %N6 S00=000 S01=000 S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008 S06=004 S07=060 S08=004 S09=006 S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000 S14=001 S15=000 S16=000 S17=000 S18=000 S19=000 S20=000 S21=010 S22=017 S23=019 S24=150 S25=005 S26=001 S27=001 S28=008 S29=020 S30=000 S31=000 S32=009 S33=000 S34=000 S35=000 S36=000 S37=000 S38=000 S39=009 S40=000 S41=000 S42=126 S43=200 S44=015 S45=000 S46=000 S47=000 S48=000 S49=000 S50=000 S51=000 S52=000 S53=000 S54=000 S55=000 S56=000 S57=000 LAST DIALLED #: T0642613095 OK ATI5 USRobotics Courier V.32bis Dual Standard V.FC Fax NVRAM Settings... DIAL=PULSE B0 F1 M1 X7 SPEED=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8 &A3 &B1 &H1 &I0 &K1 &L0 &M4 &N0 &R2 &S0 &T5 &X0 &Y1 %N6 S00=001 S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008 S06=004 S07=060 S08=004 S09=006 S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000 S15=000 S19=000 S21=010 S22=017 S23=019 S24=150 S25=005 S26=001 S27=001 S28=008 S29=020 S31=000 S32=009 S33=000 S34=000 S35=000 S36=000 S37=000 S38=000 S39=009 S40=000 S41=000 S42=126 S43=200 S44=015 S51=000 S53=000 S54=000 S55=000 S56=000 S57=000 STORED PHONE NUMBERS 0: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: STORED COMMAND = OK AT&F OK ATI&F 2886 OK Here is my settings with the NORMAL FIRST then the AT&F FACTORY SETTINGS You can ONLY SEE THEM WHEN YOU HAVE DONE AT&F ATI4/ATI5 THEN TYPE ATZ THEN TYPE ATI4/ATI5 OK.... ati4 USRobotics Courier V.32bis Dual Standard V.34 Fax Settings... B0 C1 E1 F1 M3 Q0 V1 X7 SPEED=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8 DIAL=PULSE OFF LINE TIMER &A3 &B1 &C1 &D2 &H1 &I0 &K1 &L0 &M4 &N0 &R2 &S0 &T5 &X0 &Y1 %N6 S00=000 S01=000 S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008 S06=004 S07=060 S08=004 S09=006 S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000 S14=001 S15=000 S16=000 S17=000 S18=000 S19=000 S20=000 S21=010 S22=017 S23=019 S24=150 S25=005 S26=001 S27=001 S28=008 S29=020 S30=000 S31=000 S32=009 S33=000 S34=000 S35=000 S36=000 S37=000 S38=000 S39=009 S40=000 S41=000 S42=126 S43=200 S44=015 S45=000 S46=000 S47=000 S48=000 S49=000 S50=000 S51=000 S52=000 S53=000 S54=000 S55=000 S56=000 S57=000 LAST DIALLED #: OK ati5 USRobotics Courier V.32bis Dual Standard V.34 Fax NVRAM Settings... DIAL=PULSE B0 F1 M3 X7 SPEED=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8 &A3 &B1 &H1 &I0 &K1 &L0 &M4 &N0 &R2 &S0 &T5 &X0 &Y1 %N6 S00=001 S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008 S06=004 S07=060 S08=004 S09=006 S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000 S15=000 S19=000 S21=010 S22=017 S23=019 S24=150 S25=005 S26=001 S27=001 S28=008 S29=020 S31=000 S32=009 S33=000 S34=000 S35=000 S36=000 S37=000 S38=000 S39=009 S40=000 S41=000 S42=126 S43=200 S44=015 S51=000 S53=000 S54=000 S55=000 S56=000 S57=000 STORED PHONE NUMBERS 0: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: STORED COMMAND = OK at&f <------FACTORY READ OUT... the readout below is with the v34 upgrade installed OK ati4 USRobotics Courier V.32bis Dual Standard V.34 Fax Settings... B0 C1 E1 F1 M3 Q0 V1 X7 SPEED=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8 DIAL=PULSE OFF LINE TIMER &A1 &B0 &C1 &D2 &H0 &I0 &K1 &L0 &M4 &N0 &R1 &S0 &T5 &X0 &Y1 %N6 S00=000 S01=000 S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008 S06=004 S07=060 S08=004 S09=006 S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000 S14=001 S15=000 S16=000 S17=000 S18=000 S19=000 S20=000 S21=010 S22=017 S23=019 S24=150 S25=005 S26=001 S27=001 S28=008 S29=020 S30=000 S31=000 S32=009 S33=000 S34=000 S35=000 S36=000 S37=000 S38=000 S39=009 S40=000 S41=000 S42=126 S43=200 S44=015 S45=000 S46=000 S47=000 S48=000 S49=000 S50=000 S51=000 S52=000 S53=000 S54=064 S55=000 S56=000 S57=000 LAST DIALLED #: OK ati5 USRobotics Courier V.32bis Dual Standard V.34 Fax NVRAM Settings... DIAL=PULSE B0 F1 M3 X7 SPEED=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8 &A3 &B1 &H1 &I0 &K1 &L0 &M4 &N0 &R2 &S0 &T5 &X0 &Y1 %N6 S00=001 S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008 S06=004 S07=060 S08=004 S09=006 S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000 S15=000 S19=000 S21=010 S22=017 S23=019 S24=150 S25=005 S26=001 S27=001 S28=008 S29=020 S31=000 S32=009 S33=000 S34=000 S35=000 S36=000 S37=000 S38=000 S39=009 S40=000 S41=000 S42=126 S43=200 S44=015 S51=000 S53=000 S54=000 S55=000 S56=000 S57=000 STORED PHONE NUMBERS 0: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: STORED COMMAND = OK SEE THE SLIGHT DIFFERENCE??? IN THE HEADER WRITING? You can try this setting S39=5 I have used this on many occations it Improves Long distant connections. (This setting is for the die-hard 28.8 modem trader who still calls overseas :)) REMEMBER (for those who skipped most of this text) ======== 19200 is okay for trading and use on the bbs ONLY USE 57600 IF YOU HAVE A MULTI-SERIAL CARD. Also whats the point of connecting at 26,400 bps with a 28,000 bps modem its like buying a 16.8 and connecting at 14.4. A 28.8 modem and Term correctly set up wont give you any problems at all. When if you had your setup set correctly it will save you online time and money on your phonebill.. WHEN CALLING YOUR FAVORITE BBS USE HYDRA WHENEVER POSSIBLE! :+) The bog standard serial port on an A1200/A3000/A4000 IS CRAP... A500/+ bog standard serial port is alot better than the A1200/A4000 so it can take slightly more hammer! (Probabaly because the Older Amiga models are more robust). Sysops who are using supras/Zoltrix 28.8 modems to run their bbs's should not have any problems as long as they stick to the bog standard nramm settings of their modems. Which popular 28.8 modem(s) are the best? 1. USR 28.8 V34 V.FC HST DS VEVERYTHING (FOR BBS'S THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST) 2. USR SPORTSTER 28.8 V34 V.FC (FOR ITS COMPACT SIZE IT GIVES AMAZING SPEEDS) 3. ZOLTRIX 28.8 V34 V.FC (FOR IT'S PRICE AND SPEED) 4. SUPRA 28.8 V34 (NOT AS CHEAP AS THE ZOLTRIX BUT GETS RESULTS) They are other 28.8 modems but these are the most popular makes used. If cash is no problem the best 28.8 modem to buy is the USR 28.8 V34 V.FC HST DS VEVERYTHING if your running a bbs this is the best modem, if you use it to trade only you will get good results. This modem is BABT approved. If your into space saving on your computer desk the compact USR SPORTSTER 28.8 V34 V.FC is the one for you, dont let its size fool you this little modem gives exellent results. This modem is BABT approved and is cheaper than the USR 28.8 V34 V.FC HST DS VEVERYTHING. If you have very little money the modem to buy is a ZOLTRIX 28.8 V34 V.FC which is the cheapest modem out of the above four 28.8 modems although this modem is not BABT approved. And last of all the SUPRA 28.8 V34 which is more expensive than the Zoltrix 28.8 V34 V.FC I supose it depends on how much money you have to spend... SUPRA 28.8 V34 modem is not BABT approved. If you have any problems setting up your USR28.8 call my bbs and leave me email I will sort them out. One finger typed by: Marc Panther Sysop of Syncopation LsdUkHq