Cheap controller-based PCI modem

[Franc Zabkar]

Yes, and I lost the CD and/or the tray icon did not work properly in my
next version of Windows (or something like that).

All you need to do to configure the Gaming Modem for gaming mode is to
add &FG (ie AT&FG) to DUN's Extra Settings.

See http://www.usr.com/support/5610b/5610b-files/5610b-install.pdf

The advice for Linux users, who can't use GMtray, is that they "will
have to issue AT commands to the modem to control Gaming Mode".

To enable Gaming Mode: AT&FG.
To disable Gaming Mode: AT&F1.

- Franc Zabkar

 

[Franc Zabkar]

I've had good luck with both of these:
Zoom 3025C
AOpen FM56-PX
Both are PCI; neither are Winmodems (or any other
version of soft modem), and they are both full duplex voice
modems.

Both modems appear to be controllerless which does make them
winmodems.

http://store.computerccw.com/ccw/catalog-images/BMD047S.jpg
http://images.tigerdirect.ca/skuimages/large/A457-1408-a1.JPG

The big clue is that neither has ROM or RAM. Zoom's datasheet boasts
that the 3025C has a DSP, but makes no mention of a controller. The
other clue is the size of the driver files.

The fact that both are described as "controllerless" may also be a
giveaway. ;-)
http://www.computerhq.com/AOPEN_FM5...91.AC001.398/hardware/partinfo-id-456004.html
http://aztekcomputers.com/detail.php/part_num/030191/ZOOM/3025-00-00N

As far as I know, they are still available.

I'd avoid the MultiTech MT5634ZPX-PCI-U -- I went through
two of these. The voice over the phone was very "scratchy"
on both.

--Bob Day
http://bobday.vze.com

- Franc Zabkar

 

[John Doe]

All you need to do to configure the Gaming Modem for gaming mode
is to add &FG (ie AT&FG) to DUN's Extra Settings.

Using a script is much easier.

See http://www.usr.com/support/5610b/5610b-files/5610b-install.pdf

The advice for Linux users, who can't use GMtray, is that they
"will have to issue AT commands to the modem to control Gaming
Mode".

To enable Gaming Mode: AT&FG.
To disable Gaming Mode: AT&F1.

- Franc Zabkar

There were other software issues, a long time ago. I don't remember
the specifics, I distinctly remember having a lot of trouble finding
the software on their website.

 

[John Doe]

Here in Australia the vendors usually let you open the box. Otherwise
you may be able to discern this info by looking at the photo on the
outside.

But seriously.

 

[Man-wai Chang ToDie]

I've had good luck with both of these:

Zoom 3025C AOpen FM56-PX

3025C is not controller-based from what I read. Zoom 2029 is... but no
longer available...


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[Bob Day]

Both modems appear to be controllerless which does make them
winmodems.

OK, I did some checking, and you are correct. It turns out that
there are two varieties of softmodem: those that perform much of
the modem work on the card and require only small amounts of
CPU power (such as modems based on Conexant's HCF standard),
and pure software modems, which perform the entire emulation of
a hardware (controller) modem on the CPU. The modems I mentioned
are of the first type. If the OP wants to be independent of Windows
though, he should not use one of those.

-- Bob Day

 

[Franc Zabkar]

OK, I did some checking, and you are correct. It turns out that
there are two varieties of softmodem: those that perform much of
the modem work on the card and require only small amounts of
CPU power (such as modems based on Conexant's HCF standard),
and pure software modems, which perform the entire emulation of
a hardware (controller) modem on the CPU. The modems I mentioned
are of the first type. If the OP wants to be independent of Windows
though, he should not use one of those.

-- Bob Day

Conexant's "soft" modems are HSF or HSP (PCtel). IME
Rockwell/Conexant's "hard" modems are ACF types.

Soft modems relegate both the controller and DSP (digital signal
processor) tasks to the host CPU, whereas controllerless modems have
an onboard DSP. It is the DSP, not the controller, which is
responsible for most of the CPU intensive work.

IMHO the following site is the best modem resource:
http://modemsite.com/56k/trouble.asp

Here is some chipset info:

Rockwell/Conexant ACF Modem:
http://modemsite.com/56k/rockacf.asp

Rockwell/Conexant HCF Modem:
http://modemsite.com/56k/rockhcf.asp

Rockwell/Conexant HSF Soft56 Modem:
http://modemsite.com/56k/soft56.asp

- Franc Zabkar

 

[Franc Zabkar]

Using a script is much easier.

The way that I accounted for distinct configurations (for example, two
different ISPs) was to install my modem (ISA, non-PnP) twice. The
first instance was assigned to ISP #1, the second to ISP #2. Each copy
of the modem would have different Extra Settings. In your case one
would have &FG, the other nothing.

BTW, this appears to be a good primer:
http://modemsite.com/56k/gamerslag.asp

- Franc Zabkar

 

[Franc Zabkar]

But seriously.

Yes, seriously. The last ISA modem I bought had no visible RAM. The
vendor allowed me to pry off the EEPROM chip and I was able to see the
RAM inside the EEPROM socket. He got the sale.

Elsewhere in this thread I was able to discount an Aopen and a Zoom
modem merely by inspecting their photographs. In my case it's been a
worthwhile rule of thumb.

- Franc Zabkar