In a message dated 11/19/02 8:08:35 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << The modem is a PCI modem, does not go into the available modem slot (it doesn't fit). So I had to use the available PCI slot. In the modem control panel the option for a US Robotics is there, but ONLY for Printer/Modem port, NO PCI option. >>
There are two flavors of PCI modems: 1) true modems, and 2) so-called WinModems. Let's take the WinModem first. A WinModem is a down-costed modem which relies on software within Windoze to provide much of the intelligence of the modem. A WinModem can't work at all in anything but a PCI-based PC, one which is running the correct version of the modem software on the corresponding version of Windoze. Now the true PCI modem. This modem simulates an external modem in every respect, although it is internal to the PC and is contained on a PCI card. The physical interface to an external modem is always a 16450 or 16550 chip, which is how the PC handles its serial (RS-232) connections. The true PCI modem contains a 16450 or 16550, or a "core" of one in its LSI chip, and you must, therefore, disable the COM1 or COM2 ports, assuming you already have these, or you can change your COM1 and COM2 to COM3 and COM4. Anyway, the true PCI modem simply replaces the serial card and makes everyone think that what you actually have is a serial card with an external modem, although everything is actually provided by that one card. Now the Mac problem with these true PCI modem cards (as, clearly, the WinModem is NEVER going to work). The Mac interface to the serial world is through its own specialized LSI chip, a Zilog SCC, or a simulation of one, which every serial-equipped Mac has, and also through its own unique version of a serial interface, provided by 26LS30 and 26LS32 chips, which are simulating an RS-422 interface, not an RS-232 interface. However, by using the proper cable, this can support an external RS-232 modem. Bottom line is a PCI modem for a Mac would have to simulate a completely different architecture chip (Zilog SCC) than a PCI modem for a PC would (NS 16450/16550). And, that's just not going to happen. So, get a generic 56K external model (the USR is probably the best choice as it "trains" the fastest, and seems to be the most tolerant of line abnormalities), and a good hardware handshaking cable, one which has a DB-25 on one end and a Mini-DIN-8 on the other end. If you buy a USR Mac-n-Fax modem, you will get the modem and the correct cable all in one package. -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
