#2400 BAUD MODEMS
8 messages in this thread
I am looking for information on 2400 baud modems. Currently I am using a
Novation 1200 Smart-Cat which has just failed for the third time in 4
months. While it is being repaired under warranty it is costing me a small
fortune in shipping charges to keep sending it for repair. I think I
perhaps got a lemon so after it is repaired I think I will sell it and get a
2400 modem.
However I am having problems in deciding which make and model to buy (.i.e.
I am looking for something in the $200-$300 range). I have read some of the
reviews in Byte and PC Magazine and only the most expensive units seem to be
any good at 2400 baud with "average" or "poor" quality lines. Some modems
seem to be funtionally inoperable at anything less than optimal line
conditions.
Unfortunately I am not sure what "average" and "poor" lines mean in
practical terms. Most of my communications work is done locally or with
commerial networks via Tymnet. At 1200 I have noticed virtually no problem
with spurious characters or resennding packets in dls. Does this mean that
I have better than average lines or is this not neccessarily true at 2400
baud?
The units I am considering are the Avatex 2400, THE 2400 (from PC Network),
the Progressive Peripheral modem (haven't seen any info on this but the
price is good) and the Anchor Lightning 2400. The latter has MNP protocol
but as I understand it this protocol only works if the modem at the other
end also has MNP. Does anyone know if Tymnet or any of the networks use
MNP? i.e. is it worth the extra money for this feature?
In summary ….a) does anyone have any comments on the above modems
especially how they work with commercial networks (this is important since I
am trying to cut costs by getting 2400 baud) b) are there any other modems
that people recommend in this price range?
Have you heard of ZOOM modems? They have a new external 2400 baud modem coming
out in SEPT. that should be very interesting, with some features that other
modems don't have. For instance demon dialing a redial feature that constantly
repeats dialing of busy or unanswered phone numbers, my regular phone demon
also has 176 number (stored phone numbers) memory. It also has an 8k buffer
expandable to 34K so E-mail can be dl'd to you while the Ami is sleeping. It
also can accept voice synths, and has audio in and out RCA jacks. If you want
the specs I'll list them in another message. It is called the ZOOM modem EX.
ZOOM Telephonics is in Boston, Mass. 617-423-1072. It's HT compat. has a clock
calendar,handles voice response,speaker, can be purchased 1200 and upgraded
later to 2400, three levels of password security…and on and on. Hope this
helps you out, probably just makes your decision a bit harder!
Christopher J. Tolmie
Do they support the CCITT standard V.21 and V.23 ? – J0RGEN
Jorgen
In looking over the specs, it says compatibility 2400bps-CCITT
V.22 bis (2400 models only)
1200bps Bell 212A (all models)
1200bps CCITT V.22 bis,A,B
(2400 models only)
0-300 bps Bell 103 (all models)
2400/1200/0-300 for EX 2400
1200/0-300 for EX 1200
There is also headset interface
Printer interface
A-to-D Converter
D-to-A Converter
Analog IO Jack – RCA phono type ground input output
Digital IO Jack- Rca " " " " "
Processor 15 mhz nec 7810 processor
Real time clock calendar,
touchtone decoder with touchtone password security
hardware disconnect detector
Background electronic mailbox (8K expandable to 34K)
Well there's more on it …if you'd like it, just ask.
Christopher
This sounds really interesting, but will these modems cost a fortune ?
J0RGEN
Jorgen,
I think the external modem will be priced close to 300 dollars, but I saw a
price of 199.00 for their internal card unit. Still having all the HT set plus
ZOOM's ZT set, I think it would be worth it.
Christopher
Ed,
I also have a Novation 103/212 Smart-Cat (have had it for about 4 years
now) and mine also mysteriously died on me twice before I figured out what was
wrong. Contrary to the manual (and they said they'd change it), if you change
the DIP switches while the modem is powered, it will kill the modem.
Once I got that straightened out, I haven't had problem 1 with it and
it has been absolutely reliable.
I still use it at work, but at home, am now running a CTS2424ADH 2400
baud modem. It can be found in your price range (I've seen it advertised for
$300) and in my opinion is an excellent buy. Fully Hayes compatible and after
about 9 months of very heavy usage…also absolutely reliable.
As to MNP, yes, both modems have to use the protocol for it to work. I
don't know if Tymnet supports it or not, I know CIS did have several nodes
around that did support it, but the have removed their phone #'s from the phone
list as it did have some problems…the modems and phone lines are still there
(I'm on one now), but unless you had a listing from a few months ago…you'll
only find "normal" 2400 baud phone #'s listed now. An MNP modem works just
fine with a non-MNP modem, it just doesn't use the protocol.
Don
Hi Ed,
Here's a "second" on Don's plug of the CTS Datacomm 2424ADH. I've had mine
for just under 3 months, and it's been a flawless performer. I mailordered it
from a company called S-100 (they usually have ads in Byte and Computer
Shopper). Cost me $274 total. The MNP version, if you must have that, costs
$80 to $90 more. It's Bell 212A, and CCITT V.22 bis / V.22 A/B compatible.
BTW, I've found that I haven't saved a single penny by moving up to
2400bps…I'm just online twice as much. 8^)
Yours truly,
David K.