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Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems,comp.dcom.fax,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm,comp.sys.mac.comm,de.comp.misc,de.answers,comp.answers,news.answers Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!hookup!ames!sgiblab!a2i!news From: wolfgang@whnet.com (Wolfgang Henke) Subject: Digicom modem FAQ version 2.02 Message-ID: <CMtI0p.2IE@rahul.net> Followup-To: poster Summary: Lists frequently asked questions and answers about Digicom modems Keywords: Digicom DSI Connection Scout 9624 5664 Sender: news@rahul.net (Usenet News) Nntp-Posting-Host: bolero Organization: WH Networks X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Date: Thu, 17 Mar 1994 16:34:01 GMT Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu Lines: 627 Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu comp.dcom.modems:30111 comp.dcom.fax:5102 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm:2121 comp.sys.mac.comm:31929 de.comp.misc:2045 de.answers:45 comp.answers:4200 news.answers:16491 Archive-name: modems/Digicom-faq Last-modified: 1994/3/17 Version: 2.02 Posting-frequency: As necessary Digicom Frequently Asked Questions Version 2.02 archived at ftp.whnet.com /pub/wolfgang/Digicom.faq email additions to wolfgang@whnet.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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- ITU-T V.32bis Modulation (14,400/12,000/7200 bps) X ITU-T V.42bis Data Compression X ITU-T V.32 Modulation (9600bps/4800bps) X ITU-T 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 3-5,9 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 4.52 Communication Software X Prodigy software and membership kit X DOS, Windows, Linux and OS/2 compatible X Connection + FAX X (included with the Connection 14.4+ FAX) X Send/receive FAX up to 14,400 bps, Class 1 Group 3 X Winfax, SoftModem manager for transparent switching X Connection + Voice upgrade X use single phone line for data, fax or voice operation X automatic switching between incoming voice/data/fax X voicemail * DTMF control of voice functions X record and playback functions X multiple mailboxes and greetings * available summer 94 X Connection + Terbo upgrade X 19,200 and 16,800 bps V.32terbo modulations X (de facto industry standard) X up to 115,200 baud data throughput X available Feb 15 X ...and MORE. (Let us know if you have good suggestions). The Connection 14.4+ is the industry's first SoftModem. Modem features can be added without changing the hardware. Users can keep up with changing standards and upgrades by just installing new software and don't have to burn EPROMs. Support and SoftModem info files are available for anonymous ftp from feenix.metronet.com in the directory /pub/wolfgang. gopher metronet.com option 1, option 7 for latest info. 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) ITU-T V.32bis Modulation (14,400/12,000/7200 bps) ITU-T V.42bis Data Compression ITU-T V.32 Modulation (9600bps/4800bps) ITU-T 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 4.52 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 synchronous and asynchronous operation (Scout+ Terbo only) 2 wire leased line support (Scout+ Terbo only) 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) -------------------------------------------------------------------- ITU-T V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.21, Bell 212A 14,400, 12,000, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, and 1200 bps ITU-T V.42bis and MNP 5 data compression ITU-T V.42 (Lap M, MNP 4), MNP 2, 3 and 4 error correction Group 3 send and receive fax, ITU-T 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? ======================================================================== Periodically an industry undergoes fundamental changes in technology resulting in a new generation of products that open the door to unique values and capabilities. That quiet revolution is now going on in the modem industry. SoftModem Technology, a software-based modem architecture, provides the flexibility necessary to accomodate evolving communications standards, changing command interfaces, the need for improved support and service, and the integration of data, fax, and voice related applications. Designed using a general purpose, reprogrammable digital signal processing (DSP) chip, SoftModem Technology takes advantage of on-board RAM-based program memory, allowing all of the modem algorithms to be software installed and upgraded. Other existing modem chipsets use dedicated or "masked" silicon solutions that effectively "lock-in" the features and performance level of a particular modem. In contrast, SoftModem Technology provides the features and performance characteristics of a modem as a software installable solution that can be modified or enhanced and then distributed over the phone line from a bulletin board service (BBS) in minutes. Historical Modem Design Architecture Today's modem designs include a "data pump" chipset and a dedicated controller microprocessor. Each of the corresponding algorithms are stored in erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or read only memory (ROM) located on the modem card itself. The data pump is responsible for the data or fax modulation functions such as ITU-T V.32 and V.17 respectively, while the controller functions include AT command processing, I/O control, error correction, and data compression. This approach evolved out of the standalone, or "box modem" design architecture that typically required the use of a controller processor to manage dip switches, indicator lights, and function keys often found on an external modem. One limitation of this architecture is that the core processor (a custom DSP) in the data pump is dedicated to modem functions only and cannot be used as a shared resource. Another shortcoming is that the effectiveness of the controller is diminished in internal PC card and motherboard modem designs which do not require dip switch or indicator light controls. SoftModem Design Architecture The SoftModem concept involves the integration of modem controller and data pump algorithms into a single RAM-based DSP hardware architecture. These integrated algorithms are stored in the Computer's hard disk memory, from which they download into the DSP board's random access memory (RAM). This downloading, or "booting" process of the PC-installed software algorithms occurs as part of the computer's power-up initialization process in less than 100 milliseconds, making it transparent to the user. While data modem functions such as V.32bis modulation and V.42 error correction may be selected as the default feature set to be loaded during the power-up cycle, the SoftModem architecture allows for the dynamic booting of alternate functions. The ability to install fax or voice software algorithms and effectively re-use the DSP board's RAM maximizes the value of the DSP chip which is after all, a general purpose device. The practice of utilizing the DSP as a general purpose processor in this manner effectively transfers the intellectual property of a modem from masked silicon to a software program on a floppy disk. Conclusion As a developer of communications technology, Digicom Systems has closely tracked the free-fall of modem prices in the last two years as well as the growth in the PC notebook and sub-notebook marketplace. The integration of data, fax, and voice applications is underway. Compatibility, performance upgrades, and emerging standards continue to confuse users while ever- increasing competition has resulted in the largest rate of price erosion in modem history. Collectively, these issues give birth to a new generation of technology and opportunity that will propel the modem industry well into the 90's. For further SoftModem information please check the SoftModem.faq. ======================================================================= 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.whnet.com /pub/wolfgang WH Networks modem prices, info, setup guides and more. 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 3C14/3506 Eagle 3310/3310 Scout+ Terbo 3823/3A22 Connection 144+ DATA96 3628/3413 Check feenix.metronet.com DATA144 3C09/3413 /pub/wolfgang/smodem for DATA144B 3C09/3610 these and also later FAX144C1 3614/3413 releases. 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. A low latency ROM is available for the Scout+ (3C14). Also a low latency version for the Scout+ Terbo will be available lateron. Currently it's in beta test. ====================================================================== 9. Are there any reviews available? ====================================================================== There are numerous modem reviews in which Digicom modems are usually faring 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 Week magazine. 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 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 (Japan approved ROMs +81-75-951-1168 available) +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: DLS Pte Ltd William Koh (Sales) Pager 4004316 Jerry Koh (Tech) Pager 3100745 Fax 4485831 462 Siglap Road #01-06 Singapore 1545 email: kohkhang@iscs.nus.sg DOML International +65-227-5455 +65-242-7795 fax +65-411-5053 pager Andrew.Loke@datanetlink.org contact: Andrew Loke USA: WH Networks +1-415-390-9316 +1-415-390-9317 (fax) wolfgang@whnet.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 -- Wolfgang Henke wolfgang@whnet.com ftp ftp.whnet.com /pub/wolfgang 415.390.9316 415.390.9317 fax