TELECOM Digest Wed, 5 Jan 94 19:41:00 CST Volume 14 : Issue 11 Inside This Issue: Editor: Patrick A. Townson Digicom Modems FAQ Version 2.01 (Wolfgang Henke) Fax Services Wanted (Darren Ingram) Brendan Kehoe Critically Injured in Car Accident (Monty Solomon) How to Send Your Thoughts to Brendan Kehoe (Jim Thomas & Gordon Meyer) How do I Subscribe to Computer Underground Digest? (Wolf Paul) Re: Brendan Kehoe Seriously Hurt in Car Accident (Carl Moore) TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie. Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify: * telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu * The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers. To reach us: Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: ptownson@townson.com. ** Article submission address only: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu ** Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to use the information service, just ask. TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages should not be considered any official expression by the organization. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: wolfgang@netcom.com (Wolfgang Henke) Subject: Digicom Modems FAQ Version 2.01 Organization: Netcom Date: Wed, 05 Jan 1994 01:55:47 GMT Digicom Frequently Asked Questions Version 2.01 archived at ftp.netcom.com /pub/wolfgang/Digicom.faq email additions to wolfgang@netcom.com 1. Which different models of Digicom modems are there? 2. What is SoftModem technology and what are its benefits? 3. What is special about Digicom? 4. Can you explain the Signal Computing Architecture? 5. Are there Digicom related ftp sites? 6. What is the recommended setup string? 7. What are the current ROM revisions? 8. Where can I get technical support? 9. Are there any reviews available? 10. Where can I purchase Digicom modems? 11. What's so hot about modems? 1. Which different models of Digicom modems are there? Digicom currently offers Connection series, Scout+ series and 9624 series modems and a 1.544 Mbps digital CSU/DSU. A) Connection series The Connection modems are the industry's first SoftModems. Two models are available: the Connection 14.4+ is an internal 14,400 bps data modem and the Connection 14.4+ FAX is an internal 14,400 bps data and 14,400 bps fax modem. Connection series modems are software upgradeable without having to burn EPROMs. Digicom Connection 14.4+ (internal) software Digicom Connection 14.4+ FAX (internal) upgradeable CCITT V.32bis Modulation (14,400/12,000/7200 bps) X CCITT V.42bis Data Compression X CCITT V.32 Modulation (9600bps/4800bps) X CCITT V.22bis, Bell 212A (2400/1200bps) X V.42 (LAPM) and MNP 4 Error Control X Built-In Speaker for Line Monitoring X Autobaud and Automatic Speed Negotiation X DTE Speeds up to 115,200 baud X Flow Control Selection (Xon/Xoff or RTS/CTS) X Configurable COM Ports 1-4, IRQ 3-5 Support X Extended AT Command Set X V.54 Test Modes and Diagnostics X 16550A UART Compatibility X FCC Class A/B Approved X Five Year Warranty X Qmodem Lite Communication Software X Send/Receive Fax 14,400 bps V.17 Class 1 Group 3 X SoftModem manager, Delrina Winfax Lite (included with the Connection 14.4+ FAX) V.32terbo (19,200/16,800 bps de facto standard) X (available December/January) B) Scout+ series: There are five different Scout+ modems available. The Scout+ is an external 14,400 bps data and fax modem. The Scout+ PC is an internal 14,400 bps data and fax modem. The Scout+ Terbo is an external 19,200 bps data and 14,400 bps fax modem. External modems are also available for the Apple MacIntosh. Digicom Scout+ (external) 14,400 bps data 14,400 bps fax Digicom Scout+ PC (internal) 14,400 bps data 14,400 bps fax Digicom Scout+ Terbo (external) 19,200 bps data 14,400 bps fax V.32terbo de facto standard (19,200/16,800 bps) (Scout+ Terbo only) CCITT V.32bis Modulation (14,400/12,000/7200 bps) CCITT V.42bis Data Compression CCITT V.32 Modulation (9600bps/4800bps) CCITT V.22bis, Bell 212A (2400/1200bps) V.42 (LAPM) and MNP 4 Error Control Built-In Speaker for Line Monitoring Autobaud and Automatic Speed Negotiation DTE Speeds up to 57,600 baud (115,200 baud for Scout+ Terbo) Flow Control Selection (Xon/Xoff or RTS/CTS) V.54 Test Modes and Diagnostics Online help and signal quality testing 16550A UART Compatibility FCC Class A/B Approved Five Year Warranty Qmodem Lite Communication Software Send/Receive Fax 14,400 bps V.17 Class 1 Group 3 Delrina Winfax Lite and Dosfax Lite Compuserve and Prodigy membership kits C) 9624 series modems The 9624 series modems are 14,400 bps data and fax modems which are available in external and rack mounted versions. Digicom 9624LE+ (external) Digicom 9624LR+ (rack mounted; 16 per rack) Digicom 9624E+ (external) Digicom 9624AR+ (rack mounted; 16 per rack; modem management) V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.21, Bell 212A 14,400, 12,000, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, and 1200 bps V.42bis and MNP 5 data compression V.42 (Lap M, MNP 4), MNP 2, 3 and 4 error correction Group 3 send and receive fax, V.29, V.27ter and V.21 adaptive handshake, auto line monitor and retrain full duplex dial-up and two-wire leased line operation asynchronous 10 or 11 bit including start/stop synchronous with internal or external timing flow control XON/XOFF, RTS/CTS, HP ENQ/ACK single number call-back EIA RS-232C up to 38,400 bps RJ-11 with MI/MIC support transmit level -10 dBm (dial), -2 and -10 dBm (leased) receive level 33 db dynamic range, (-43 dBm dial, -35 dBm leased) test modes V.54 analog, digital and remote loopback with selftest Temperature 0 to 50 degrees Celsius relative humidity 0 to 95 degrees non-condensing Appropriate FCC, DOC, UL and CSA certificates with Qmodem and Fax software very low ping latency 2 year warranty 9624LE+ (external): eight LED indicator lights grey/white metal housing talk/data switch 1.5 x 6.5 x 9.0 inches 7 Watts maximum 9624LR+ (rack): 9 LEDS and fits into the 9100RS rack. The 9100RS accepts up to sixteen rack cards. Card dimension 6.25 x 0.8 x 11.5 inches Power: 18 VAC supplied to card Rack dimension: 7 x 19 x 14 inches Power: 117 VAC 60 Hz input 9624E+ (external): all features of 9624LE+ plus 4 wire leased line operation, V.25bis autodial, LCD front panel 9624AR+ (rack): all features of the 9624LR+ plus 4 wire leased line operation, V.25bis autodial, dial backup and Network Management support for 9000ARS rack system D) Digital CSU/DSU The Digicom 5664 FT1 is a fractional T1 CSU/DSU. The bandwith on digital lines can be increased in increments of 56,000/64,000 bps up to a maximum speed of 1,544,000 bps. Digicom 5664 FT1 fractional T1 CSU/DSU 1,544,000 bps digital line Framing: D4, ESF BIT Rate: 1,544 Mbps + 50 Hz Time-Slot Allocation: User defined Transmit Timing: Internal, Network, DTE and External DTE ports: 2,4 and 6 (field expandable) Line code: AMI Signal Levels: 3.0 V + 0.3 V Connector: D-Type 15 pin male Interface Type: RS-449, V.35 or EIA530 Network Performance Monitoring Alarms 2. What is SoftModem Technology and what are its benefits? The SoftModem (tm) Technology Story Digicom Systems' exclusive SoftModem Technology has revolutionized modem design using a general-purpose, reprogrammable Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip. This neat software solution allows you to take advantage of on-board RAM-based modem/DSP memory. The SoftModem approach allows operational algorithms to be easily installed, quickly changed, and most importantly, upgraded via software. Designed using upgradeable hardware architecture, SoftModem Technology provides the flexibility necessary to keep up with evolving communications standards and changing command interfaces. In addition, this design improves support and service and facilitates the integration of data, fax, and voice-related applications. SoftModem Technology provides all the standard features and characteristics of a high-speed, high-performance modem as a hardware programmable solution that can be modified or enhanced and then distributed over the telephone line, computer networks or on a diskette. Based on SoftModem Technology Upgrade modem features without changing the hardware. That means you can keep up with changing standards and save money. Just install new software to get more out of your modem! FREE ROM updates such as V.32bis (14,400 bps), V.42bis and MNP5 (data compression) can be downloaded. Feature upgrades like Send/Receive V.17 Fax (14,400 bps) and V.32terbo (19,200 bps) will be available from your local computer reseller or online distributors. The Connection 144+ is the world's first software upgradeable modem. It's based on SoftModem Technology, which reduces the risk of obsolescence that is always a problem with traditional modems. Protect your modem investment - the Connection 14.4+ will serve your needs for years to come. 3. What's so special about Digicom? Some background on Digicom: Digicom Systems, Inc. was one of the first to realize the power and flexibility of digital signal processing solutions in data communications (in 1987). DSI then emerged as a leader in modem DSP design which allowed them the flexibility to introduce the first V.32 modem using just one, albeit very powerful DSP. Digicom introduced the industry's first V.32bis modem to market, the first V.32bis modem with send and receive fax capability and very recently the first modem based on SoftModem Technology. A local Silicon Valley manufacturer. 4. Can you explain Signal Computing Architecture? Digicom's products are based on Analog Devices general purpose digital signal processors, abbreviated DSP. Modem algorithms require powerful computational resources and DSPs are well suited to meet them cost effectively. Analog Devices has introduced a common architecture for its DSPs and the accompanying peripheral chips. It is called the Signal Computing Architecture. The advantages of this approach are manifold. Companies developing in different areas of digital signal processing like voice, data communications, graphics can join efforts more easily and offer a more unified interface to application program developers. The Signal Computing Architecture is indeed very popular at present and is attracting more and more developers, like AOX, Cardinal, Dialogic, Hewlett Packard, Media Vision, Spectron and many others. For interested readers BYTE magazine's four article series on Signal Computing may be a good start (November 1992). The Signal Computing Architecture is emerging as a cost effective albeit powerful and versatile platform for communications and multimedia applications. 5. Are there Digicom related ftp sites? feenix.metronet.com /pub/wolfgang SoftModem related files. The subdirectory /smodem carries the latest production algorithms and open beta files. Drivers for Linux and OS/2 are available here. ftp.netcom.com /pub/wolfgang General information files, like this file Digicom.FAQ. ftp.rahul.net /pub/wolfgang Scout+ modem files sgi.com /sgi/fax FlexFAX Unix fax software and fax related documents and information. 6. What is the recommended setup for PCs, Macs and Suns? Here are a few simple setup strings for three different operating systems which work well for the author. They should work with the Digicom Scout+ as well as Digicom 9624 series of modems. For the Connection 14.4+ modems AT&F&W1 should work fine in most cases. Enabling &W1 will report error correction call progress when connecting. Setup for the Digicom Scout+ modem. Setup string for IBM compatibles: AT&F&W Software Qmodem at*o MODEL:SCOUT PLUS DTE: 57600 N81 DCE: IDLE E1 K1 M1 Q0 V1 X4 TONE &B0 &C1 &D2 &R2 &T5 *E9 *F3 *G1 *M1 *N6 *P0 *Q1 *S1 *T1 S00=002 S04=010 S08=002 S15=255 S01=000 S05=008 S09=000 S18=000 S02=043 S06=002 S10=003 S25=000 S03=013 S07=045 S12=050 S26=000 OK Setup string for Apple MacIntosh: AT&F&D0&W Software Quicklink II, cable included with modem Use *F0 with Eagle and non hardware handshake cable at*o MODEL:SCOUT PLUS DTE: 57600 N81 DCE: IDLE E1 K1 M1 Q0 V1 X4 TONE &B0 &C1 &D0 &R2 &T5 *E9 *F3 *G1 *M1 *N6 *P0 *Q1 *S1 *T1 S00=002 S04=010 S08=002 S15=255 S01=000 S05=008 S09=000 S18=000 S02=043 S06=002 S10=003 S25=000 S03=013 S07=045 S12=050 S26=000 OK Setup string for Sun 3/60: AT&F*F2*M0X5M0&W Software tip from 4.1.1 at*o MODEL:SCOUT PLUS DTE: 38400 N81 DCE: IDLE E1 K1 M0 Q0 V1 X5 TONE &B0 &C1 &D0 &R2 &T5 *E9 *F2 *G1 *M0 *N6 *P0 *Q1 *S1 *T1 S00=002 S04=010 S08=002 S15=255 S01=000 S05=008 S09=000 S18=000 S02=043 S06=002 S10=003 S25=000 S03=013 S07=045 S12=050 S26=000 OK 7. Where can I get technical support? Digicom Systems, Inc. 188 Topaz Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Voice: (408) 262-1277 FAX: (408) 262-1390 Digicom BBS: (408) 262-1412 SoftModem BBS: (408) 262-5629 Also have a look at the ftp sites listed under answer #5 and the list of competent resellers and distributors listed under answer #10. A few commands which can be very helpful in case of difficulties are ATI7 online help ATI6 reason of last disconnect ATSQ signal quality monitor AT*O display current connection statistics and register settings. 8. What are the current ROM code revisions? Latest production ROM releases: Scout+ 11.98 MHz 3225/2930 no V.17 3225/3310 with V.17 3507/3506 Eagle 3310/3310 Scout+ Terbo 3823/3A22 Connection 96+ DATA96 3628/3413 DATA144 3628/3413 DATA144B 3628/3610 FAX144C1 3614/3413 TEST.DSI 3628/3413 9624LE+/9624PC+/9624LR+ 1B11/2503 9624E+/9624AR+ 2227/2503 The first number represents the controller code revision, the second number (after the slash) the DSP code revision. It's datecoded: 3225 e.g. translates into 1993 February 25. 9. Are there any reviews available? There are numerous modem reviews in which Digicom modems are usually fairing quite well. Here is only a brief selection. PC Computing Magazine rated the Digicom Scout+ as the top choice from the 48 modem reviewed in the June 1993 issue. Modems were rated for price/performance. ftp.netcom.com /pub/wolfgang/Scout.txt has a review of the Scout+ by the author of these frequently asked questions. sgi.com /sgi/fax/bakeoff carries extensive test results on the fax capabilities of several current modems and rates them according to a metric called faxstones. The test was performed by Sam Leffler. The Scout+ faired well. PC Week reviewed the Digicom 9624LE+ favorably in its November 19, 1990 issue. PCWeek published benchmark results on April 29, 1991. The 9624LE+ was selected as the Analysts' choice. The fractional FT1 CSU/DSU received the 1993 user choice award in Communications News. Digicom is supplying modems and chipsets to several other modem manufacturers under OEM aggreements. 10. Where can I purchase Digicom modems? Firms that carry Digicom communication products and know them well: Argentina: Turbo Bulletin Board Service +54-1-545-0370 voice/fax +54-1-545-0365 BBS claudio@satlink.net contact: Claudio Vidal Australia: Amuse Developments New Zealand: +64-3-379-5000 +64-3-379-8760 BBS/fax jay@amuse.adsp.sub.org chrish@python.equinox.gen.nz contact: Jeremy Elgin Austria: Focus EDV GesmbH +43-316-28-16-16-0 +43-316-28-16-16-981 (fax) contact: Georg Tamm Germany: Seicom Computer Vertriebs- und Service GmbH +49-7121-9770-0 +49-7121-9770-19 (fax) +49-7121-9770-20 (Fido) +49-7121-9770-30 (Unix Test BBS) haug@seicom.de contact: Winfried Haug DIGICOM MODEM Support & Distribution Site in Germany Hongkong: Global Network Communication Technology Co. +852-4925025 (BBS) tomyan@gnct.com (retail) garyng@gnct.com (corporate) contact: Gary Ng Ireland: Gallimaufry Ltd. +353-88-599673 (Mobile) Paul Harrington +353-88-547228 (Mobile) Ronan Waldron +353-1-966052 (fax) phrrngtn@gallimaufry.ie info@gallimaufry.ie phrrngtn@dsg.cs.tcd.ie contact: Paul Harrington "We support the FSF. We support/install/configure Scout+ modems for fax, e-mail, slip, uucp etc. We offer consultancy by e-mail as well as by remote login over internet and phone." Japan: Independant Research Associates +81-75-951-1168 +81-75-957-1087 (fax) davidg@aegis.org davidg@aegis.or.jp (within Japan) contact: Dave McLane IRA offers Telix (DOS) and Z-term (Mac) installations configured for Scout+ (no extra charge) and consults on various telcommunication projects (contact for fees). Singapore: Modems By Mail order c/o DLS Pte. Ltd. 462 Siglap Road #01-06 Singapore 1545 pg: 4004316 fax: 4485831 inet: kohkhang@iscs.nus.sg contact: Jerry Koh USA: WH Networks +1-415-390-9316 +1-415-964-2027 (fax) wolfgang@netcom.com contact: Wolfgang Henke 11. What's so hot about modems? "A lowly device, called modem, was central to the initial formation stages of our information based society. For several decades after the invention of the transistor its cost of production declined dramatically while the cost of bandwidth remained high due to cost-plus regulation of local telephone monopolies." 4th grade textbook, 2043 WH Networks (415) 390-9316 2672 Bayshore Parkway Suite 503 fax (415) 964-2027 Mountain View CA 94043 ftp.netcom.com /pub/wolfgang USA feenix.metronet.com /pub/wolfgang ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 5 Jan 94 20:39 GMT From: Darren Ingram Subject: Fax Services Wanted Reply-To: satnews@cix.compulink.co.uk Greetings, I am looking for a low cost service which I can use to send faxes around the world. I have prime requirements to send fax to NA and the Asia Pacific regions. I could do with single copy and mailing list type services. Ideally I'd like to deliver straight ASCII via Internet for faxing out, *but* it must not have lots of urwry@fax.me. received @iworuw.;rwioruwr.wriu type gibberish; ergo, I'd want a similar output to that you'd expect through a fax card and winfax. Any ideas? By mail please! TIA, Darren Ingram, M2 Communications Ltd ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1994 13:32:15 -0500 From: Monty Solomon Subject: Brendan Kehoe Critically Injured in Car Accident [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: This report is presented FYI and passed along by Monty Solomon from our sister publication Computer Underground Digest to present more details about the accident and how to respond. Following this, a message from Jim Thomas and Gordon Meyer of CuD which will elaborate further. My thanks to the several readers who wrote to ask for more specifics both about Kehoe and CuD. Hopefully the messages which follow in this issue will answer questions. PAT] Begin forwarded message: Date: Mon, 3 Jan 1994 14:41:00 CST Reply-To: TK0JUT2@MVS.CSO.NIU.EDU Sender: CU-DIGEST list From: TK0JUT2@NIU.bitnet Subject: Brendan Kehoe critically injured in car accident To: Multiple recipients of list CUDIGEST Brendan Kehoe, Cu Digest archivist at ftp.eff.org and author of ZEN AND THE ART OF THE INTERNET, was critically injured in an automobile accident in Pennsylvania on Friday, 31 December. He sustained massive head injuries, but on Monday, the prognosis for his survival was "cautiously optimistic," according to his brother. Tragically, the severity of the injuries will likely produce permanent disability, although the nature and extent remains uncertain at this time. Doctors expect that he will be semi-comatose for at least two weeks. The hospital is not allowing him to receive flowers or other tangibles. Cards may be sent to him at: Brendan Kehoe c/o Alice Kehoe Penn Tower Hotel Civic Center Blvd ad 34th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 Brendan will not be able to directly communicate for some time. But, his brother and a few friends intend to set up a net-link to keep people informed of his condition. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 05 Jan 94 18:52 CST From: Jim Thomas (tk0jut1@mvs.cso.niu.edu) Subject: How to Send Your Thoughts to Brendan Kehoe As Pat noted in a previous issue of TELECOM Digest, Brendan Kehoe was seriously injured in a car crash on 31 December. Brendan's wit and helpfulness earned him many friends. The Cu Digest editors are encouraging netfolk to send electronic messages to him that include a joke, funny story, or a "get-well" recipe. The editors will accept e-mail contributions until about January 19. Then, we'll print the responses on rag-bond paper, bind them, and send them to him as a "net anthology." Send notes to: tk0jut2@mvs.cso.niu.edu with the subject header: TO BRENDAN Jim Thomas / Gordon Meyer CuD Editors [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I hope all readers of this Digest who are familiar with Brendan Kehoe will take a few minutes sometime in the next week or so to send their thoughts to Jim and Gordon per the examples above. I hope they get so much stuff they have to make two or three volumes to hold it all! :) PAT] ------------------------------ From: cc_paul@aaf.alcatel.at (Wolf Paul) Subject: How Do I Subscribe to Computer Underground Digest? Date: Wed, 5 Jan 1994 14:20:15 MET Unfortunately some of us don't know how to get hold of the current issue of the CUD. Could you please post a pointer to it, or post the appropriate sections here. Thanks, Wolf Paul (who wants to send a card). Wolf N. Paul, Computer Center wnp@aaf.alcatel.at Alcatel Austria Research Center +43-1-391621-122 (w) Ruthnergasse 1-7 +43-1-391452 (fax) A-1210 Vienna-Austria/Europe +43-1-2206481 (h) [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The message before this one explains how to write to Brendan. For those readers who are not familiar with Computer Underground Digest, now is a good time to tell you about it. It began back in 1990 as an overflow mailing list for a series of messages here in TELECOM Digest dealing with hacking and phreaking, and some persons who had been arrested and put on trial for related things. The messages just kept rolling in and CuD stayed around to become -- like this Digest -- a very popular, very well-read e-journal on the computer networks of the world. CuD should definitly be on your 'must read' list of e-journals and if you would like to subscribe I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Let me repeat the address Jim Thomas gave earlier: tk0jut2@mvs.cso.niu.edu This will get you a free subscription to our sister publication, Computer Underground Digest, and I hope you will sign up today. PAT] ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 5 Jan 94 9:38:55 EST From: Carl Moore Subject: Re: Brendan Kehoe Seriously Hurt in Car Accident Where in Pennsylvania is Newton? I know of West Newton, Newton Hamilton, Newtown Square, and Newtown. [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Good point, Carl. According to my Rand McNally atlas there are two separate communities in Pennsylvania each called "Newtown"; between them their combined population is less than four thousand people. There appears to be no such place as 'Newton' in Pennsylvania. Perhaps JT or the writer of the original message will issue a correction. In the meantime, his mother Alice is staying in Philadelphia; see an earlier message in this issue. PAT] ------------------------------ End of TELECOM Digest V14 #11 *****************************