Hi Steven,
> I got a cheap external modem at an auction ...
> ... didn't come with cable or power supply
<snip>
> I've been using a "straight-through" serial cable.
= Yes, this is correct.
> Are there any types of external modems that don't
> use a "straight-through" cable.
= No, not for years.
> ... next to the serial port it says: DTE/EIA-232D.
= (D)ata (T)erminal (E)quipment is where you plug
= in the "terminal" (your computer). The number
= 232D is simply the revision of RS-232, means
= "garden variety serial connector"
> On the front of the modem are lots of little lights:
> HS AA CD OH DTR DSR CTS TXD RXD EC SQ TST.
= (H)igh (S)peed (for this modem, > 9600 bps)
= (A)uto (A)nswer (modem will answer phone)
= (C)arrier (D)etect (you're connected)
= (O)ff (H)ook (modem has picked up phone)
= (D)ata (T)erminal (R)eady (computer ready to talk)
= (D)ata (S)et (R)eady (modem ready to talk)
= (C)lear (T)o (S)end (modem handshake)
= (T)rans(X)mit (D)ata (computer send line)
= (R)eceive(X) (D)ata (computer listen line)
= (E)rror (C)orrection (hardware error corr)
= (S)... (Q)... (I dunno, may indicate fax mode)
= (T)e(S)(T) (loopback test mode)
> When I power up the modem, different combinations
> of lights ome on, depending on the voltage and the
> polarity of the power supply.
= Get a BIG magnifying glass and look carefully at
= the AC adaptor input connector. There's usually
= a little circle-and-line with (+/-) to indicate
= positive or negative center. Some (USR) require
= 9v AC. Others will take from 6v to 12v DC.
= Polarity is important -- some components can't
= handle wrong polarity.
> It would be really useful to know which should
> light up when the modem is first turned on.
= When you turn on the modem, the following
= lights may come on:
= DTR (from your computer)
= DSR (because it wants your computer to like it)
= CTS (because the transmit buffer is clear)
= These other lights COULD come on:
= AA (because the modem is eager to answer phone)
= HS (because it defaults to high speed)
= SQ (fax mode? I'm guessing here)
= If the following lights come on, something's
= not right (check your power supply):
= OH (should only pick up phone when told)
= TXD (you're not sending anything)
= RXD (it shouldn't be replying, either)
= EC (error correction only when negotiated)
= TST (why would it default to test mode?)
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Garry
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