[Duo2400] USR 56k Sportster external modem problem

Wed Dec 10 13:08:43 PST 2003

I think I'd ditch MacPPP as fast as possible and switch to FreePPP.   
It's much more stable and has a lot of features.  If you look around  
the MacPPP control panel, you should find a place to select your modem.

Download FreePPP here:

http://hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/HyperArchive/Archive/comm/inet/conn/ 
ppp/free-ppp-262.hqx

Unpack it, install it, it will probably give you directions.  If it  
doesn't, just remember to switch the connection from MacPPP to FreePPP  
in the TCP/IP control panel.

USR High Speed is the modem script you need.  It should automatically  
connect at the appropriate speed for your hardware.  Alternatively  
there is a script included with OS 8 (probably versions of Open  
Transport after System 7.6) called "USR Universal" but it seems a  
little "weird" in my experience.  Don't worry about a Modem Scripts  
folder, that didn't come along until OS 8 and even then, you could  
still get away with just sticking scripts in the Extensions Folder.

While I'm thinking about it, are you running System 7.5.3 or 7.5.3  
Update 2?  You might even want to investigate the possibility of  
upgrading to OS 7.5.5.  People say it's the same as 7.5.3v2 but I've  
found 7.5.5 more stable.

I used to run that exact same setup (7.5.5, OT 1.1.2, FreePPP, USR 56k  
external,) except it was Netscape 3 and a Duo 230 ;-)

Josh

On Wednesday, December 10, 2003, at 08:25 AM, Art Rice wrote:

> If anyone has the time and inspiration to think about
> my situation...
> I have some questions about using the USR 56k modem (a
> Sportster) with my Duo 2300c. I'll try to describe
> things completely to give the best information
> possible.
>
> I built a hardware handshaking serial cable per the
> 3Com/USR website. I downloaded a driver file
> (usrara.hqx) from 3Com/USR which after unstuffing is
> called "U.S. Robotics High Speed" and installed it in
> the extensions folder. (There is NO subfolder called
> "Modem Scripts"). The 2300c is running OS 7.5.3, Open
> Transport 1.1.2, TCP/IP 1.1.2, and Netscape
> Communicator/Navigator 4.01 with Mac PPP.
>
> Express Modem software is also installed for the
> internal 14.4 modem (that works OK when selected). In
> Express Modem control panel I chose OFF when using the
> 56k external. I also did not select "Use internal
> modem instead of modem port".
>
> The 2300c also has a control panel for config PPP
> which allows me to select the external modem and to
> set an initialization string, etc. I set the string as
> recommended by 3Com for hardware handshaking. When I
> opened Netscape, the USR 56k Sportster dialed,
> connected and the TD & RD lights were going like
> crazy, but the actual speed to download a file or web
> page was much slower than the 14.4k modem. In fact it
> would not even load one page that loaded fine with the
> internal modem.
>
> When I did this, the drivers for the express modem
> were still in the extensions folder.
>
> It seems like there should be some way to select the
> type of modem I am using other than just internal or
> serial port external. (maybe I'm just  used to higher
> level software). Is it enough just to have the correct
> driver in the extensions folder? Or do I need a
> software update of some kind to either the OS or Apple
> Remote Access or PPP? (In order to choose the correct
> modem/driver)
> I can't tell which ARA I have. If it is 1.0 the 3Com
> site said the modem driver might not work with ARA
> 1.0. I'm not sure if ARA is used for the internet or
> if it's just to access a remote LAN. It seems that it
> isn't used unless Appletalk is active, which it isn't
> when using the modem.
>
> Anyway, if you have any suggestions, fire away!
>
> Art in Silicon Valley
>
>
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"I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I  
wish to practice resignation unless it was quite necessary."

Henry David Thoreau