Communicating with AlphaSense or PBXaminer
and Using Modem Initialization Commands


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Background

Modems, the device that computers use to communicate over analog connections such as phone lines, have enjoyed a fantastic increase in performance and capabilities. Just a few short years ago, modems were a lot "slower" than now. This rapid development has resulted in modems that cannot "talk to each other" without some special setup commands - commonly called "modem init strings" . As an illustration of the many modem versions, consider that all these modem "types" of communication are currently in popular use on PC's:

212A, V22, V22.bis, V32, V32bis, V34, HST, V.Fast, V.42, MNP, LZW, LAP-D, 56K, K56-Flex, V.90, and V.92

Now you can see why they have trouble communicating!!


What can be done?

First, you need software to communicate with the AlphaSense from another PC or laptop that has a modem installed. We strongly advise that you use our Remote Support Software for your communications with AlphaSense. RSS runs on Windows 9x, NT4+, 2000, Me, and XP. You can download a free trial, and if your trial has expired, you may purchase a permanent RSS license here which will re-activate your expired version and make it permanent.

Next, the issue of the setup commands. RSS provides an easy place to enter them, once the correct command is determined. Fortunately, the user can issue these "commands" to their modem that will instruct it to behave in a particular way - these are the modem init strings. Not all modems are the same, so the correct command may be different for different modems. Below, some choices are presented that should work over 90 percent of the time. If the commands below do not work for you, look in your Owner's Manual for your modem for a "Hayes Command" that will "disable data compression and specialized error correction" - that is how they are usually described.


Other Helpful Hints

Often it is helpful to limit the connection speed, so that other modem modes are not engaged, AlphaSense internal modem connects at 1200 baud. Here is a link that provides commands for many types of modems to specifically limit connection speeds:
http://modemsite.com/56k/x2-linklimit.asp

You might also find some further useful information on our AlphaSense FAQ Page, or by visiting our Product Discussion Forums

For specific data on your particular modem, access your modem manufacturer's website. Most all of them publish extensive information on setup and initialization commands, If you have tried all the above, and still need help, contact Compuquest Inc., using our Support Question Form. Be sure to provide your modem manufacturer and model number, firmware revision, the operating system you are using, and specific details on what init command(s) you have tried, and what the problem is.


Modem Command Example Choices

Your modem will probably be advertised as conforming to one of the "V standards" designations used by the majority of manufacturers. The selections below are arranged starting with lower speeds, and ending with high. Choose the highest designation that your modem supports. Match your modem's designation to the following list of commands, and then enter, or cut/paste that command into the "Modem Initialization Command" entry box in your RSS software, or simply enter it from the keyboard when you are at a terminal screen and are offline. If you enter it from the keyboard, be sure to enter "AT" first, (without the quotes) then the command letters. The "AT" is the standard Hayes "attention" command, and must appear first in order to let your modem know that you are sending it a setup command. If your command is accepted, the modem will respomd by sending "OK" to your terminal screen.

Once the correct command is entered, use the RSS software site lookup or keyboard entry to dial the number of your AlphaSense or PBXaminer. It will answer, and you should see the "Login Please:" message. If you do not see Login Please: you have not entered the correct modem initialization command! Once you see the login message, enter your password, and begin your AlphaSense setup or programming session.

For V22, V22.bis, V32, V32bis, V42,V.Fast, and K-56Flex (except modems made by 3COM or US Robotics)
...try this command: &Q0 (the last char is a zero)

For v22bis, Courier, HST, V32, V32bis, V34, by 3COM or US Robotics
...try this command: &M0 (the last char is a zero)

For all V.90 and V.92 modems:
...try this command: \N or \N%C0 (the last char is a zero)


Special note for "WinModems"

Winmodems are "different" and can sometimes be problematic, since they do not support some modem commands. They are not really "modems" because thay have implemented many of the modem "hardware circuit" functions in software. Due to today's fast and powerful PC processors, this kind of thing can be done, although it places an additional load on the PC's main CPU. What is also different about Winmodems is that they have their own specialized set of commands, and many do not support the other standard commands. For these, there is a good reference site on the internet, if you need this information. The address is:
http://www.56K.com/reports/ltfaq.shtml