CompuServe Thread

Supra modem voice ever?

18 messages in this thread
#117177From: Ron LegroOct 6, 1993 8:57 AM
I've been using a Supra v.32bis 14.4K modem since spring and it's been great, especially with the GPFax software. But I'm distressed to learn from Supra that the long-awaited voice mail functions (which require software and a ROM upgrade) are as yet unavailable for the Amiga. The Mac version just came out, and the PC version is scheduled next. No mention of when if ever an Amiga version will hit. Very disappointing. It's a great modem as is, but don't buy it based on any assurances of voice support. — Ron Legro from Milwaukee via AUTOPILOT (The only way to fly)
#117393From: Oct 8, 1993 3:28 PM
I am eagerly awaiting the voice option for the Amiga, too, but Supra has repeatedly said, that there are plans for Amiga voice support. However, their priorities are 1) Mac 2) IBM PC 3) ???. Regards, J0RGEN ….from DENMARK
#117730From: BILL BURKETTOct 12, 1993 3:18 PM
Joergen, I saw a message on AmigaNet's GPFAX echo from Richard Carde, who says he's one of GPFAX's programmers. They're apparently working on GPFAX 3.0 and he says, "Re-done all the FAX internals, completely new design of the program. Voice will be added, cover pages will be configurable, etc… MANY new features, a lot of re-design and programming." So, it looks like voice support will be coming. Last potential release date I saw quoted was end of '93.
#117765From: Ron LegroOct 12, 1993 8:35 PM
That's great news, bill. now if Supra will just get an Amiga voice ROM out. I hope owners of the Supra GPFax version, like me, will have an upgrade path to version 3.0. I like GPFax already; voice support would make it a killer product. — Ron Legro from Milwaukee via AUTOPILOT (The only way to fly)
#117788From: MARK R WIRTZOct 12, 1993 10:12 PM
HI RON, what is voice support?? eveyone is talking and i hate to be left out. -mark-
#117947From: Ron LegroOct 14, 1993 9:50 AM
Supposedly, there will be ROM upgrade by year's end for the SupraFaxModem that allows voice mail functions on the Amiga version. Software will have to be rewritten to accomplish this.
#117813From: Sean LallyOct 13, 1993 2:41 AM
I wonder if we're not just waiting on software to support voice, Ron. It seems to me (although I am anything but an expert) that the hardware in the modems would be pretty much the same for all machines. Is this not the case? I'm looking forward to voice support too. <g> -Sean
#117863From: Dale LarsonOct 13, 1993 5:20 PM
Not the case. ZyXELs and very few other modems currently support voice. Supras don't currently support voice. Dale Larson – An Amiga Software Engineer with less and less time on his hands.
#117878From: gary ludwickOct 13, 1993 8:52 PM
I think you missed Sean's point: anyone with a Supra V32/v32.bis modem can put in the ROM's that supply voice support. But without some type of software to support them, they're useless to Amiga owners.
#117916From: Sean LallyOct 14, 1993 1:43 AM
I guess I should have been more clear. What I meant was that since the Supra has been released for the Mac with voice that the hardware within the Mac Supra would be the same as that within the Amiga Supra and we are just waiting for the software support. I could still be wrong though, any comment, Dale? -Sean
#118240From: Dale LarsonOct 16, 1993 6:03 AM
Is that a new modem or just new ROMS? I didn't realize either way, but I'd been given the impression that they were going to have a lot of difficulty upgrading old modems. Yeah, all you should need is software. The software already exists on the Amiga for ZyXEL modems. Unfortunately, there aren't "standard" voice extentions, so the Supra voice stuff is probably completely different. Still, it shouldn't be too long before you see Supra voice software available from somewhere if the Supra modems with voice are a reasonably priced upgrade and/or if new modems with voice are priced as low as the other Supra modems. (I paid less than $250 for my ZyXEL U-1496E with voice about six months ago, and it is significantly more reliable for data than the Supra — it connects with fewer problems and it is less suseptible to common line noise, etc.) Dale Larson – An Amiga Software Engineer with less and less time on his hands.
#118310From: Sean LallyOct 16, 1993 2:05 PM
Hello Dale, I think it's just new ROMS. I also think that they're only going to be compatable with modems that were made after April (bummer) which leaves me out in the cold. I'm not sure about the cost either. Your ZyXEL sounds like it's a good deal. I guess I'll have to be happy with my Supra for a while in any case, it's been doing pretty well for me as far as line noise goes. BTW, <<…with less and less time on his hands.>> I hope you mean in a good way! Talk to you soon. -Sean
#118452From: daniel stripesOct 17, 1993 6:42 AM
Where does one get a U-1496E with voice for under $250? // daniel on autopilot in paradise \X/ with intel and motorola inside
#118648From: Dale LarsonOct 18, 1993 8:26 AM
Oops. I paid $294. I think I got the $250 number from the fact that ZyXEL has been offering a $50 rebate and prices have gone down. I ordered mine from Mubashir Cheema at Sparco Computers, who looked to have the best price at the time. Their number is (601) 324-7324. Dale Larson – An Amiga Software Engineer with less and less time on his hands.
#118788From: daniel stripesOct 19, 1993 12:35 AM
hmmm, does anyone know if they're still offering the rebate? // daniel on autopilot in paradise \X/ with intel and motorola inside
#117949From: Ron LegroOct 14, 1993 9:50 AM
Probably so. But since you need to get the ROM/software bundle from Supra, it's the same difference.
#118059From: Sean LallyOct 15, 1993 2:00 AM
I think you're right about that. Oh well… -Sean
#118640From: Michael ClarkeOct 18, 1993 8:13 AM
G'day guys! Just had to point out that Richard Carde is a Sysop down here in sunny Brisbane, Australia. So, if you wanna leave a message to him, just dial +61 7 3006356. That's the BBS of the Commodore Computer Users Group. zzzzz….. The Sandman…..