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Thread ID: 48097 2004-08-14 01:40:00 smartlink modems FredZundapp (2906) Press F1
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261476 2004-08-14 01:40:00 Hi...we got a smartlink 56k modem with our new computer......after wrestling with the installation and the inability to connect, a helpful man from our isp recommended we install init string.......at&f+ms=34

It works now...at least the modem conects ok....but it installs itself at only 33,600

In addition, windows update offers a new driver, calling it an ovis modem..... it did not work.....with or without the above modem string.
(rollback driver is cool addition for xp!)

Any comments or tips invited, please.
XP home...updated
1.8gig
FredZundapp (2906)
261477 2004-08-14 02:29:00 Ah the joys of cheap PCI WinModems!

The string you quote that makes the modem work, indeed limits it to 33.6 kbs, thats exactly what the "34" represents.

PCI (Internal) modems are just a collection of components that are instructed on what to do for every minute operation by the computer CPU. As such their operation is totally dependent on the other hardware and all other software and drivers "playing together".

There are so many permutations that its not uncommon for these cheap "modems" to misbehave or perform poorly. Often only replacement with a real modem will give trouble free connections.

These errant WinModems do make a very satisfying "clunk" sound when you drop them in the rubbish bin though.

Real modems (External RS232 Serial modems, and NOT a USB one) are quite expensive in comparison, and that is why they are not universally supplied.

When WinModems work OK, they are fine. When they don't they are frustrating to say the least.

Having changed to external RS232 modems years ago, I would never again consider a WinModem.

But - this is a new PC. Seek redress from the supplier?
If you have not loade any software that is causing the conflict that is, and thats a hard think to prove.
godfather (25)
261478 2004-08-14 06:52:00 it could simply mean that you have crap phone lines and the modem needs to be strung (ie slowed down enough so it can send/recieve data without it getting corrupt)

is this your first pc ? if not how well did the last one work ?
tweak'e (174)
261479 2004-08-15 09:28:00 thanks for responses.

We have had a pc on our phone line for the last 6 years and this is the slowest it has ever run.

I have dabbled with other strings but the above is the only one tried, that connects.

One way to fix the prob would be fit our old modem into the new box..... that will be if we can't get any joy from the supplier.

Its crazy situation, because we have another computer at a different location, using a winmodem and connecting to the same isp and no problems at all.
FredZundapp (2906)
261480 2004-08-15 11:42:00 >We have had a pc on our phone line for the last 6 years and this is the slowest it has ever run.

do you mean logon speed (the speed indicated when you hover over the connection symbol) or the actuall download speed ?

what was your old modem ?
tweak'e (174)
261481 2004-08-16 06:26:00 Have tested twice on pcpitstop.com.....I understand it can vary with the time of day and traffic volume.
Both times a speed of around 30kb

Hover mouse over connection symbol reports 33.6

Old modem is a dynalink v1456vqh.....which I can see runs a rockwell chip.....as a card, it's a lot larger than many others......it has a telepermit sticker.
FredZundapp (2906)
261482 2004-08-16 07:20:00 Yes, cheap PCI winmodems should only be inserted in the traders that sell them. However a good winmodem with a hardware DSP can use less CPU cycles to run than a serial port. PaulD (232)
261483 2004-08-16 08:06:00 >Have tested twice on pcpitstop.com.....I understand it can vary with the time of day and traffic volume.
Both times a speed of around 30kb

was that the old pc or the new one ?

just because the connection symbol saya 33 dosn't mean its any slower than your old one.
tweak'e (174)
261484 2004-08-16 08:15:00 Here (http://modemhelp.net/) is a good site for strings but after a quick check of the smartlink they only have one string which is the one you have. You could try replacing the 34 with 90 or 92 and see how that goes. Rob99 (151)
261485 2004-08-19 22:53:00 Have tried fiddling the numbers.....although lost track of exactly which combinations tried.............to date, only the the one posted as above, connects......It would help to understand what they do.
Have discovered, in our control panel, two extra modem settings icons. I will have a scratch around there....and try every conceivable option and combination of options!..........and then I will post back.
FredZundapp (2906)
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