Usenet 1994 January/usenetsourcesnewsgroupsinfomagicjanuary1994.iso/answers/modems/practical-peripherals-FAQ

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Subject: Fax/Modems: Practical Peripherals "PractiFAQ"
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Summary: This posting contains Frequently Asked Questions - and answers - about Practical Peripherals fax/modems and data modems.  It should be read by users seeking information on these products.
Keywords: Practical Peripherals FaxModems FAQ
X-Last-Updated: 1993/11/05
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Archive-name: modems/practical-peripherals-FAQ
Last-modified: 1993/10/31
Version: 1.01

Practical Peripherals Frequently Asked Questions
Compiled by Shag ([e-mail])
Revision 1.01, October 31, 1993

This document seeks to provide accurate answers to Frequently Asked
Questions about PPI (Practical Peripherals, Inc.) modems, faxmodems, and
other products.  Information contained herein isn't guaranteed to be the
best or latest available, but has been compiled from several sources,
including PPI's own catalog and information services.  Please send
questions regarding this FAQ, questions you would like included in this
FAQ, and suggestions or corrections for this FAQ to the address above.
Posting frequency should be about once a month, for those who keep track.

*************************************************************************
* This file is NOT officially sanctioned by PPI.  The prices listed are *
* suggested prices, and retail prices are usually considerably lower.   *
* Thanks go out to PPI's tech support, the maintainers of the PractiFAX *
* service at PPI, and especially Paul at PPIFORUM, for the debugging.   *
*************************************************************************

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Contents of this FAQ:

    What's PPI?
    How can I contact PPI?
    What if I live in Canada?
    What external modems and faxmodems does PPI offer?
    Why does the PM14000FXSA cost so much more than the PM14400FXMT?
    What internal modems does PPI offer for my PC?
    What are the differences between all these 2400bps units?
    What faxmodems does PPI offer for my portable computer?
    What other products does PPI offer?
    Will I need a high-speed UART to use my PPI modem with my PC?
    What software comes with PPI modems?
    What are the current EPROM versions for 14400bps faxmodems?
    My modem is buggy, how can I get an EPROM revision?
    What's this about data pumps?
    How do I find out which data pump I have?
    What do all the different Fax terms mean?
    What kind of warranty and support does PPI offer?
    Will PPI be supporting Caller ID?
    Will PPI be supporting Distinctive Ring Recognition?
    Will PPI be supporting the "V.32terbo" or "V.Fast" standards?
    Why does the CD light on my PPI 14400bps faxmodem blink?
    How can I display the help screens on my PPI 14400bps faxmodem?
    Why is my PPI 14000bps faxmodem so reluctant to hang up?
    Where can I get a PPI modem configuration file for my BBS?
    Are there any PPI SIGs on BBS networks?

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What's PPI?

    PPI is Practical Peripherals, Inc., a manufacturer of computer
    peripherals.  PPI is known particularly for modems and faxmodems.
    The company is a fairly autonomous subsidiary of Hayes, and
    generally offers lower-priced units than the Hayes brand.

How can I contact PPI?

    Practical Peripherals, Inc.
    375 Conejo Ridge Avenue
    Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

    [phone]    Corporate Headquarters (yes, 4774 spells 4-PPI)
    [phone]    U.S. Sales Office
    [phone]    Canadian Sales Office
    [phone]    Tech Support and Upgrades
    [phone]    General/Sales FAX
    [phone]    Tech Support FAX
    [phone]    PPI BBS
    [phone]    PractiFAX

What if I live in Canada?

    In Canada, PPI is represented by:
    Keating Technologies, Inc.
    25 Royal Crest Court, Suite 200
    Markham, Ontario L3R 9X4

    [phone]    Sales
    [phone]    Corporate Headquarters
    [phone]    FAX

What external modems and faxmodems does PPI offer?

    PPI offers a variety of external modems and faxmodems which can
    be connected to just about any computer with an RS-232 port.
    These units are primarily aimed at IBM-compatible PC's and Apple
    Macintoshes, and most are available for either system.  The
    Macintosh ones cost a bit more but include the special cabling
    necessary for use on the Macintosh.  Price sheets are available
    from PPI's PractiFAX service, and the prices at the beginning
    of Fall 1993 were:

    Model Name    US$    CAN$  MAC US$  MAC CAN$
        PM14400FXSA     549     659    579    695
    PM14400FXMT    299    379    299    399
        PM9600FXMT      249     329    269    369
    PM2400EFXSA    169    195    189    229
    PM2400FX96SA    149    179    159    189
    PM2400F Mini    119    143     -     -
    PM2400SA     89    129    119    179

Why does the PM14000FXSA cost so much more than the PM14400FXMT?

    The PM14400FXSA includes a 12-character LCD display - in addition
    to the 10 LED's which the PM14400FXMT also offers - and uses an
    AT&T data pump, mounted on a factory-upgradable daughterboard,
    rather than the PM14400FXMT's single-board Rockwell design.  The
    PM14400FXSA was introduced several months before the PM14000FXMT,
    at which time prices for 14400bps modems were markedly higher.

What internal modems does PPI offer for my PC?

    PPI offers several modems which are compatible with ISA-bus PC's
    and one which is compatible with MCA-bus PS/2's and PC's.  These
    units can not be used with Apple Macintosh computers, and do not
    offer LED or LCD readouts.  The prices on PractiFAX at the
    beginning of Fall 1993 were:

    Model Name    Bus    US$    CAN$
    PM14400FX    ISA     259    349
    PM14400FXPS/2    MCA     599    719
    PM9600FX    ISA     229    319
    PM2400EFX    ISA     159    189
    PM2400FX    ISA     139    167
    PM2400F        ISA     99    119
    PM2400        ISA     79    99.95

What are the differences between all these 2400bps units?

    The PM2400 and PM2400SA are plain 2400bps modems.  The PM2400F
    series offers 9600bps send and 4800bps receive Fax capabilities.
    The PM2400FX and PM2400FX96SA offer 9600bps send and receive Fax.
    And finally, the PM2400EFX series offers 9600bps send and receive
    Fax, V.42 error correction, and V.42bis compression.  Pretty
    complex?  Here it is in chart form.

    Model Name    Data    Fax S    Fax R    V.42    V.42bis
    PM2400/SA    2400     N       N       N       N
    PM2400F/Mini    2400    9600    4800     *     *
    PM2400FX/96SA    2400    9600    9600     *     *
    PM2400EFX/SA    2400    9600    9600     Y     Y

    * These units offer V.42 and V.42bis support through software,
      via a Rockwell trick.  This usually only works with the DOS
      software shipped with the product, so Macintosh mileage may
      vary.

What faxmodems does PPI offer for my portable computer?

    PPI offers three faxmodems designed for use with portable
    computers.  The PM2400FPPM plugs directly into the serial port
    on a PC, and offers the same capabilities as the PM2400F/Mini
    listed above.  The PM14400FXPKT is available for either PC or
    Macintosh, and includes a leather carrying case and the proper
    cables to connect it to the system.  The recently introduced
    PractiCARD 144 works with any IBM PC-compatible computer with a
    standard PCMCIA v2.0 type 2 (or 3) slot.  It uses software power
    management to consume less than 20 milliwatts of power in sleep
    mode. Prices on PractiFAX at the beginning of Fall 1993 were:

    Model Name    US$    CAN$  Mac US$  Mac CAN$
    PractiCARD 144    449    649     -     -
        PM14400FXPKT    499     599    529    719
    PM2400FPPM    159    189     -     -

What other products does PPI offer?

    PPI also offers the FaxMe cartridge for HP LaserJet II and III
    printers, and the MicroBuffer Universal, P/Link, and Mini printer
    buffers.  Prices on PractiFAX at the beginning of Fall 1993 were:

    Model Name    US$    CAN$
    FaxMe        159    199

    Model Name    RAM  Max. RAM    US$    CAN$
    Universal    32k    16mb    259    311
    P/Link        32k    512k    159    191 (w/75' cable)
    Mini        512k    512k    299    359
            256k    512k    229    275
            128k    512k    179    215
             64k    512k    149    149
             32k    512k     99    119

Will I need a high-speed UART to use my PPI modem with my PC?

    A high-speed buffered UART chip such as the NS16550AFN will
    improve your data transfer speeds if you are using a 9600bps or
    14400bps modem with your terminal software set at speeds above
    9600bps.  All PPI internal 14400bps modems (including the new
    PractiCARD) contain 16550 chips.  If you have an external modem,
    you'll need a serial port card with a 16550 chip.

What software comes with PPI modems?

    PPI modems for PC's ship with Smith Micro Software's QuickLink
    II/FAX software for use with DOS and MS-Windows.  When new
    versions of the software are released, PPI provides them as free
    upgrades to current users.

What are the current EPROM versions for 14400bps faxmodems?

    Early-model PM14400FX and PM14400FXSA models currently use
    version 1.23.  Late-model 14400bps models with the V.17 AT&T or
    Rockwell data pump use EPROM version 2.17, which adds V.17
    14400bps fax support.

My modem is buggy, how can I get an EPROM revision?

    If you have an old EPROM version with bugs which have been fixed
    in a more recent version, you can call tech-support at the number
    listed above and request the new EPROM.  They will send it to
    you, with instructions on how to install it in your modem.  If
    you call after working hours, you can leave a message and the
    EPROM will be shipped the next day.  PPI will include a return
    envelope for you to send back your old EPROM, postage is about 50
    cents, and you should do so after you're sure the new one works.
    There is no charge for EPROM upgrades unless they add functions
    to the modem, but if you don't have problems, there's not really
    any need to upgrade.

What's this about data pumps?

    When the PM14400FX, PM14400FXSA, and PM14400FXPKT were first
    introduced, an AT&T data pump (mounted on a daughterboard) was
    selected, which did not support V.17 14400bps fax.  At that point
    in time (and to an extent, even today), the competing Rockwell
    integrated chipset had a reputation for a somewhat flawed
    implementation of the V.32bis 14000bps data protocol, which
    caused trouble connecting to some other brands of modems.
    Currently, all PPI's 14400bps units use either a newer version of
    the AT&T pump, which supports V.17, or the integrated Rockwell
    chip, which reportedly is less buggy now.  Early models of the
    PM14400FX and PM14400FXSA can be upgraded by to the newer AT&T
    pump by swapping the daughterboard and EPROM.  This costs $99 and
    has to be done by PPI.  If you have the newer data pump, but an
    old (1.xx) EPROM, you can get the new (2.17, currently) EPROM for
    $29.

How do I find out which data pump I have?

    You can find out which data pump is in your PPI 14400bps faxmodem
    by sending the command ATI3 to the modem.  An informational
    string will be displayed, including a 3-character code for the
    pump.  The second character is the manufacturer, the third
    character is the revision.  For example, the old AT&T pump is
    [1A3], the V.17 one is [1A4].  The Rockwell V.17 pump is [1R4].

What do all the different Fax terms mean?

    "Group 3" is the general designation for faxes that can handle
    transfers at speeds of at least 9600bps.  "Class 1" faxmodems
    cannot automatically sense whether incoming calls are data or
    fax calls.  "Class 2" faxmodems can automatically sense this.
    If you like standard numbers, V.27ter is the 2400/4800bps fax
    standard, V.29 is the 9600bps one, and V.17 is the 14400bps one.
    PPI's faxmodems support all those which would be expected.

What kind of warranty and support does PPI offer?

    As of October 12, 1991, all PPI modems and printer buffers are
    covered by lifetime warranties which provide free factory repair
    or replacement of products suffering from damage not caused by
    the user.  Reportedly, this warranty even covers lightning
    strikes.  Batteries and battery packs are, of course, not
    covered.  PPI also offers telephone technical support, a support
    BBS, the PractiFAX 1-800 fax-back support service, and PPIFORUM
    on CompuServe.

Will PPI be supporting Caller ID?

    All the current 14400bps faxmodems using the 2-series EPROMS
    support the single-message Caller ID format.  The multi-message
    format is not supported.

Will PPI be supporting Distinctive Ring Recognition?

    The PractiCARD 144 PCMCIA modem offers Distinctive Ring
    Recognition already, and it may be added to PPI's other 14400bps
    faxmodems in future EPROM revisions.

Will PPI be supporting the "V.32terbo" or "V.Fast" standards?

    PPI is introducing V.FC (V.Fast Class, 28800bps) modems at Fall
    Comdex in November 1993.  This is the interim protocol which is
    being supported by Hayes until the final V.Fast standard is
    ratified by ITU-T next year.  When the V.Fast standard is
    ratified by ITU-T PPI plans to support it, and may offer an
    upgrade for their existing 14400bps or 28800bps modems.  However,
    the price of new V.Fast units be more economical than the price
    of the upgrade, though PPI will try to keep the upgrade price
    minimal.  AT&T's "V.32terbo" pseudo-standard will probably not be
    supported, as it isn't compatible with V.Fast - a v.32terbo modem
    will only connect to a V.Fast modem at speeds up to 14400bps.

Why does the CD light on my PPI 14400bps faxmodem blink?

    A blinking CD light indicates that the carrier signal quality has
    changed, and the modem may be renegotiating the carrier speed.
    This takes several seconds, usually.  Under some circumstances,
    the process may disrupt file transfers, but normal typing and
    communication should not be disrupted.  If your modem is a
    PM14400FXSA, the LCD display will inform you that a retrain is in
    process.

How can I display the help screens on my PPI 14400bps faxmodem?

    The AT$H command will display the multi-screen command summary.
    The ATI6 command will display information about your current, or
    most recent, connection.

Why is my PPI 14000bps faxmodem so reluctant to hang up?

    In your modem's configuration, register S10 contains a setting
    (from 1-255 in tenths of a second) that determines how long the
    modem will wait after carrier is lost, to see whether the carrier
    comes back.  In situations where the line is very noisy, this can
    be quite convenient.  However, if you have call-waiting and want
    calls to disconnect you for some reason, it can be a problem.
    Setting the delay to a shorter period might help, but in some
    cases, the modem will just keep doing what it thinks is right -
    stubbornly maintaining that connection.  PPI tech support hasn't
    said anything about a definite fix.

Where can I get a PPI modem configuration file for my BBS?

    Check with the PPI support BBS.  If your system is a WWIV BBS,
    you can get a PM14400FXSA configuration file from The Sandman,
    1@3462, or a PM14400FXMT configuration file from Aldur, 1@3314.

Are there any PPI SIGs on BBS networks?

    WWIVnet's PPI SIG is hosted by The Sand Castle, node 3462.

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