CompuServe Thread

#9600 baud modem choice

40 messages in this thread
#49230From: Michael GerardFeb 13, 1992 5:40 PM
Everyone did such a great job recommending mice & such to Dominic, I figured I should begin my search for a 9600 baud modem the same way. I'd like to get a non HST inexpensive 9600 baud modem that supports the latest & greatest in data compression and error correction (and I'd also like to undersatnd what all these MNP's and v32/v42 & bis's are all about :). So… if you've got any thoughts, especially if you've made a purchase that disappointed you, please let me know what you think. Thanks. Michael ….from the north coast
#49235From: Black Belt SystemsFeb 13, 1992 6:36 PM
I have a zoom 9600. Bought it from The Computer Room in Denver colorado. It was the least expensive full featured 9600 baud modem I could find. Works well, nice case, good manual, lots and lots of lights (14!) in green and red. Call em for a price quote. 303-799-9733. John's a great guy, too. He'll take good care of you. –Ben
#49239From: Michael GerardFeb 13, 1992 7:56 PM
Ben: Thanks for the info on the Zoom. I'm using a Zoom 9624e on my pc laptop and a regular 2400 on the Amiga right now. I like their products alot for the value they offer. What model Zoom 9600 do you have, and what error correction & compression facilities does it employ? Michael ….from the north coast
#49247From: Black Belt SystemsFeb 13, 1992 9:37 PM
It's got v32, v42, MNP 3-5, and it goes to 12k baud. The nameplate says "v32Turbo", but I don't know if that's the model number. John would know, though, he suggested it originally to me. –Ben
#49254From: Michael GerardFeb 13, 1992 11:21 PM
Thanks Ben. I'll check it out.
#49951From: Bob DudleyFeb 20, 1992 4:25 PM
Sorry to butt in Ben, but what price is John offering the external 9600 ZOOM modem for, and would he ship to London UK? and lastly, is he on CIS? Yours hopefully! Regards Bob Whap!ping from sunny (!?) East London
#49965From: Black Belt SystemsFeb 20, 1992 6:28 PM
He's not here very often, but he shows up now and then. As to shipping overseas… I really don't know. Sorry! –Ben
#49241From: Betty Clay/SYSOPFeb 13, 1992 8:44 PM
Michael, I sue the Practical Peripherals 9600SA modem, and I like it very much. I've had it for more than a year, and it gives excellent service. Betty
#49244From: Michael GerardFeb 13, 1992 9:23 PM
Thanks Betty. Michael ….from the north coast
#49629From: Jim SakladFeb 17, 1992 4:11 PM
I'm another happy user of the PM9600SA from Practical Peripherals. I believe it costs a little more than some others, but you can get support by phone, BBS, or CIS (GO PPIForum), and they recently changed (retroactively) their warranties from 5-year to lifetime! . . . . . JimDoc
#49656From: Michael GerardFeb 17, 1992 7:42 PM
Thanks for the recommendation Jim! Michael ….from the north coast
#49408From: John PendergrassFeb 15, 1992 11:37 PM
I've looked at that one Betty. I gather that it works with CIS then? What about most other private BBS's? Likely to work with them too (if they support 9600 at all)? –jp–seattle–
#49520From: Betty Clay/SYSOPFeb 16, 1992 10:10 PM
John, The PPI modem will work with CIS. It will work with a BBS that has a dual standard or a V.32 modem, but not with those that are strictly HST modems (not at 9600 baud). If it connects with an HST 9600 modem, it works at 2400, because the HST's do not use the same protocol unless they are dual standard ones. I have no trouble connecting with the HST modems at 2400 and none connecting with the dual standards at 9600. Betty
#49678From: John PendergrassFeb 17, 1992 11:04 PM
Thanks Betty. I'll keep a lookout for it in my neighborhood shops. –jp–seattle–
#49630From: Jim SakladFeb 17, 1992 4:11 PM
jp – Like Betty, I own a PM9600SA. > I gather that it works with CIS then? What about most other > private BBS's? Despite what USR would like you to believe ("Dual Standard"), there is only on international STANDARD for 9600 bps full duplex communications, and that is CCITT V.32. The "Dual Standard" understands V.32 AND USR's proprietary HST protocol. Why am I talking about USR? Because they have for years had extremely attractive sysop pricing, and as a result there are many, many BBS's out there running on HST's. If they have upgraded to current state-of-the-art "Dual Standard"s, then ANY V.32 modem can talk to them at 9600 bps. If they haven't, then the fastest common speed for a non-HST modem is only 2400 bps (CCITT V.22bis protocol). HST protocol is now a relic of the past, and will slowly fade away (IMHO), while, as I said, the STANDARD is now V.32 (and V.32bis for 14,400 bps full duplex communication). . . . . . JimDoc
#49677From: John PendergrassFeb 17, 1992 11:04 PM
Thanks. For my purposes then it sounds like all I need to worry about is V32, period. Given that there are Practical Peripherials and Supra modems avail, it sounds more attractive all the time. Maybe this summer. –jp–seattle–
#49706From: George EllisFeb 18, 1992 2:22 AM
Jim: I would highly recommend investing in a modem with V.32bis capabilities. More and more BBS's are going to that standard, and there is a world of difference between 14.4 with error correction and 9600. Personally, I wouldn't go for the Dual Standard unless it also conforms to the V.32bis standard and is extremely well priced. I think you'll either see a nosedive in USR prices shortly, or they will lose their popularity. I recently purchased a ZyXEL V32b/V42b fax modem (14.4 fax) for $469. It is also chip upgradeable to the 19.2K standard when adopted for $25. Nobody here seems to be familiar with ZyXEL, but it performs flawlessly. I'd give it serious consideration. George
#49255From: Nelson IngersollFeb 13, 1992 11:37 PM
Michael – 1) Look in AMIGAUSER Communications LIB for a file MODEM.LZH (?) which describes (as of March 1991) the meaning of the ne-various modem fl-acronyms specifically 9600+ modems IMHO well worth the DL cost. 2) SUPRA has announced, and claims they will be shipping in 2-to3 weeks a new series of modems. They purport to have a v.32bis (14400 baud) modem and a vanilla v.32 (9600 baud) modem. All support according to their promo-TP v.42 and v.42bis (MNP 1-5,10) protocols. They're phone is 1-800-727-8772. 3) Listen to Ben. He's not _always_ right (snicker); but about "The Computer Room" he is. John Jr. is about as knowledgable and concientious an Amiga store owner as you'll likely find anywhere. Plus he's honest and generally reliable, though he does forget to stock the soda-pop machine most of the time. That, and I live two miles from his store. If he gives you any crap I'll chew him out after this exceptional and free promo. (303-799-9733). John will supposedly be getting in the new Supra modems and he can get the ZOOM modems. I am not on his payroll. 9-) – Nelson …
#49275From: Black Belt SystemsFeb 14, 1992 10:34 AM
Gee, thanks. I think. :^) –Ben
#49285From: Michael GerardFeb 14, 1992 2:09 PM
Nelson: Thanks for pointing out the modem info file in the libs, AND for the second recommendation on John. I will check it all out. Michael ….from the north coast
#49331From: Tom SawyerFeb 15, 1992 3:49 AM
Dear Michael, Thanks for the original post. I was thinking about doing the same myself Right now I'm only at 1200 bps..even thou my zoom modem(V22bis) can do 2400 bps…I can't connect at HS. I'm waiting to hear when a decent modem will be available(9600) before I place an order..and have to wait for ever. As I understand..Supra has not shipped modem one. But Zoom has? Well anyway..let us know what you decide..it will help me. – Tom Sawyer
#49349From: Michael GerardFeb 15, 1992 9:54 AM
Tom: It sounds like it will be only be a few more weeks before the Supra and Zoom are out in the market… as more dealers begin advertising, and competition heats up, I think we'll see great prices available on 9600 baud v32/v32bis v42/v42bis modems. I can't wait to hear from some folks that have picked up any of the new ones! Michael ….from the north coast
#49382From: Alan WheltonFeb 15, 1992 4:19 PM
Michael, Me too…can't wait for these new modems to come out to choose one. Have the money ready right now. ooohhh…to go from 2400 baud to 9600 or 14.4 K <G> Alan > Whapping! from N. W. Ontario
#49409From: William GorderFeb 16, 1992 12:05 AM
Just a comment… "It sounds like it will be only a few more weeks before the Supra and the Zoom are out on the market" The Zoom V.32turbo modem has been available for some time now, since I had mine in early December. 🙂 Last I looked(a while ago), Direct Micro (in the Compuserve Mall) had them for $309. BTW, the 12k bps "turbo" mode of this modem is *not* some one-off "will only work with two Zoom turbo modems" mode, but is an implementation of the 12k fall-back speed of the V.32bis standard. This was something I wasn't clear about until I checked carefully into the modem. For example, I connect at 12k to US Robotics Dual Standard modems all the time. However, since the best price (projected, since they're not available yet, as far as I know) I've seen on the Supra V.32bis (14.4k bps) fax modem is around $275, you might want to wait for it. Also, I personally believe that V.32/V.32bis modem prices are going to drop very rapidly in the coming months. The Supra modems are just the first shot being fired. Later, Bill – via Whap!
#49445From: Michael GerardFeb 16, 1992 10:47 AM
Bill: Thanks for the info. Steve & Don also mentioned that waiting a short period for the competition to heat might not be a bad idea. Michael ….from the north coast
#49519From: Tom SawyerFeb 16, 1992 9:51 PM
Dear Michael, Well it sounds like if you are patient…you will save $50 – $75 bucks.. But..if you wait.. your savings will be eaten up in connect $$$.|8^) What I would like to know, is what company has deliverd a 9600 bps modem in a reasonable amount of time, and if anyone would recommend doing the same. – Tom Sawyer
#49256From: Don Curtis/SYSOPFeb 13, 1992 11:49 PM
Michael, Ask again in a week or so. I've got a Supra v32/v32.bis on the way and should have it by then. If it's anything like their other products, or their 2400 baud modems…it'll be a winner. Don
#49276From: Black Belt SystemsFeb 14, 1992 10:34 AM
Don, who shipped it? I have one on order and have not heard a thing about shipping or expected shipping??? –Ben
#49304From: Nelson IngersollFeb 14, 1992 11:31 PM
Ben – I called Supra last Wednesday morning and the kind, probably only a lackey, lacy who answered said that they will be shipping in "two to three weeks". I got the impression that the units are made and being boxed up, but that was only an impression. Gawd I'm gettin' the willies. A v.32bis modem for less than the national debt! BTW – Since all of the new Supra modems support FAX do you have any plans to come out with any sort of FAX software? (ducking quickly) 9-) – Nelson …
#49307From: Black Belt SystemsFeb 15, 1992 12:15 AM
We'll make our decisions when, and if, the Supra modem(s) are released. It's been "real soon now" for too long for us to be comfortable. –Ben
#49386From: Steve AhlstromFeb 15, 1992 4:52 PM
Nelson, Rumor has it that Supra will have Amiga Fax software after all. Supposedly they've licensed a package from Australia. This info is second hand from someone who was told this by Supra at AmiExpo. -sja
#49430From: J. Scott ThayerFeb 16, 1992 1:51 AM
Steve, For what it is worth Supra told me the same thing 3 days ago. – via Whap!
#49432From: John DraperFeb 16, 1992 2:02 AM
Hope that's true. I just don't have the free time to write my own these days. -larry
#49394From: Dennis O'NeillFeb 15, 1992 8:15 PM
Nelson, I called two days before you and was told 4-6 weeks. I hope the situation had changed in those two days 🙂 Dennis – via Whap!
#49429From: J. Scott ThayerFeb 16, 1992 1:51 AM
Nelson, I spoke to MY guy at Supra the same day (Thomas, a nice guy). I have 2 of the v.32bis new modems on order on the sysop deal… $250 each!!! (ONE Dual Standard on USRs sysop deal was going to cost me $560). Anyway, the deal is (supposedly) at the last minute they detected a flaw on a batch of circuit boards before any had been shipped. He anticipates I should receive my modems in the first 7-10 days of March as a result of this 3-4 week delay. – via Whap!
#49313From: Don Curtis/SYSOPFeb 15, 1992 12:41 AM
Ben, Just going by what I last heard…will be shipped the week of the 10th. I don't have any definate information that it has, in fact, been shipped. Don
#49368From: Black Belt SystemsFeb 15, 1992 1:32 PM
Ok, I'll bite. The week of the tenth… it's the fifteenth of Feb, so they must not mean Feb. March? April? December? –Ben
#49414From: Don Curtis/SYSOPFeb 16, 1992 12:27 AM
Ben, ???? The week of the 10th ended on the 15th. I haven't the faintest idea why they said 10th, not 9th…but in any event. I presume it'll be RSN. Don
#49371From: George EllisFeb 15, 1992 1:53 PM
Don: If you're expecting your new Supra V.32bis in another week or so, then maybe I jumped the gun. I finally got discouraged with the postponements. I ordered the new Supra the first week of December with a promised ship date of the 2nd week of January. The 2nd week of Jan. came and I called Supra. They told me that it had been moved to the 4th week of Jan. In the 4th week of Jan., I called and they told me the 1st week of Feb. I again called the 1st week of Feb. and they told me the last week of Feb. or the 1st week of March. Having gone through the same ceremony with a company called Compucom (ordered in August – promised in September and finally canceled in December), I'd had enough of vaporware. I picked up the phone and called Zero One Networking. A friend has their Zyxel modem and has nothing but rave reviews. Ordered on Tuesday, and received on Thursday. 2 days to a rural town in Alaska aint bad. They also called after shipping to let me know it was on the way. It is V.32bis and high speed fax (14.4K). They also tell me it is chip upgradable to 19.2K when that standard is adopted. Cost of upgrade will be $25. I paid $469 which is higher than the Supra, but then it is a real and available now modem. Also, I wasn't sure if the Supra or any of the new "low cost" V.32bis modems would be upgradable to the 19.2K standard. If in fact they won't be, then the Zyxel could turn out to be a great bargain. If they will be, then my impatience cost me $150, but I got a fine modem for the $$$. V.32bis is presently overkill for CIS, but does this baby fly when connected to another V.32bis modem. Last night I got in excess of 1650cps when downloading from one of my V.32bis BBS's. George
#49378From: Dennis O'NeillFeb 15, 1992 2:40 PM
Don, I have one on order and hope that they ship soon. For the $279.95 I'm paying for it I don't see how I can go wrong. Dennis – via Whap!