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ZOOM info file - updated 3/22

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Daniel (Doni) Rosenzweig

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Mar 22, 1996, 3:00:00 AM3/22/96
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Updates:
V.34x 1.4000b ROM
S210 - ALL SETTINGS
V.FC models - init string suggestions

(Last updated March 22, 1996)
I. Zoom Contact info (US and international)- UPDATED MARCH 10, 1996
II. Other sources of modem help.
a. European Zoom support BBS
a1. Note for European modem users.
b. Other sources
III. Zoom V.FC (VFX or VFP) to V.34 upgrade program info.
IV. Zoom V.34i/V.34x (28.8) ROM info
*NEW! UNDOCUMENTED S210 register -asymmetric speed/symbol rates* updated 3/21
*NEW! UNDOCUMENTED AT %Q1 connection info command*
****a. SIMPLE FIX FOR SPEAKER PROBLEM IN WIN95!*****
b. MAC SETUP INFORMATION WITH ROM 1.309
V. ROM installation instructions
VI. Zoom 14.4 PC/EX (RPI/WinRPI) info.
WINRPI FOR WIN95 HAS BEEN RELEASED BY ROCKWELL!!!!
VII. COMSTAR installation information
a.MORE General COMSTAR installation instructions
****b.IMPORTANT COMSTAR INFORMATION FOR COMPUTERS WITH PCI BUS****
c.COMSTAR continued
d.NEW COMSTAR ROM RELEASED Friday, January 26th!
VIII. General Info
---Instructions on how to receive the WWW documents and files via Email

I. ZOOM TELEPHONICS - ALL TIMES EASTERN

Sales -Toll Free 800-666-6191 9-6 Mon-Fri (Switchboard 8:30-6)
Sales -Toll Free 800-631-3116
Fax- Sales 617-423-3923 24 hrs
Voice Main 617-423-1072 8:30-6
Repairs 617-423-2564
Voice Tech Supp. 617-423-1076 8:30-11 Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat
Pay Tech Support 900-555-COMM 95 cents/min 8:30-6 M-F
Fax- Tech Support 617-423-5536 24 hrs
Faxback 617-423-4651 24 hrs
BBS 617-423-3733 24 hrs
AOL (keyword) zoomt
AOL Email ZoomRep
Compuserve GO ZOOM
Compuserve Email 76711,770

NEW! Internet Email Tech Support for Internet users:
Internet Email sup...@zoomtel.com (Tech support)

Tech support Internet Email addresses meant for on-line service users:
Zoo...@aol.com 7671...@compuserve.com
zoom...@aol.com zoom...@aol.com

Returns ret...@zoomtel.com
Sales sa...@zoomtel.com
General Internet Email zo...@zoomtel.com (General- will forward msgs-slow)
Employment at Zoom mar...@zoomtel.com
Zoom Investment info inve...@zoomtel.com
Comments about Web site webm...@www.zoomtel.com

WWW Homepage http://www.zoomtel.com
WWW Tech Support form http://www.zoomtel.com/tech-sup.html

Zoom Telephonics
207 South Street
Boston, MA 02111-2720
-----------------------
Voice Tech Support UK 44 (0) 171 720 0585
Fax 44 (0) 171 720 2464

Address: Zoom Telephonics UK
1e Tideway Industrial Estate
Kirtling Street
London SW8 5BP
U K

Belgium: Sales/Returns - 322 716 5014

Germany: Sales - 498949 000 186

Zoom now has most contact info on their WWW site:
http://www.zoomtel.com/contacts.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAX number listed on some of the Zoom warranty cards (423-9231) is
INCORRECT. That is the OLD Zoom SALES fax number- I listed the new one
above. The Tech Support fax number is correct in the users manual- and above.
You can use the toll free phone numbers for ROM replacements and to get an
RA number if you have to send in your modem for repairs.

Each of the online services and the BBS have seperate Zoom tech support
representatives. The zoomrep email address has more than one. So, if you're
not satisfied by one tech support method, you can try another. Some are
much quicker than others- and some may give you better answers. It seems
that when one person is on vacation, even for a week, there is no replacement.
Therefore, some support options take longer on one week, but faster on most
weeks. The WWW tech support form seems to take a long time to get a reponse
from. Zoom is still searching for a good search engine for self-help on their
WWW site.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Other sources of modem help.

a. Zoom information especially for European users (not Zoom itself)!

Packlink/Zoom Modem Support
sy...@f235.n254.z2.fidonet.org
BBS +441812972486, +441812972488 (7pm-7am GMT)
Most Zoom help files from Zoom's Boston BBS available at this location
Fidonet Netmail 2:254/235

a1. Note for European users

Since many European countries have restrictions on modem use, Zoom (like
other modem manufacturers) has certain 'features' on its World Class modems.
As a result, there may be BLACKLISTED numbers which you can not dial - and a
DELAY (usually 30 seconds) between each number dialed- no rapid redial. This
is the NORMAL way the European modems are set up and is NOT a defect with
your modem.

b. Other sources

Besides Zoom's WWW site, BBS and faxback, Rockwell's WWW site has some
useful information. http://www.nb.rockwell.com

The BAUDMAN (Baud-A-Cator) section is very useful and contains various FAQs
and manuals. The BAUDMAN is back to answer your Rockwell modem chip
(Zooms use Rockwell chipsets) questions!
bau...@nb.rockwell.com

Having problems installing your modem in Win95? First contact Zoom.
COMSTAR installation help is listed below.
If that doesn't help, try the below URL for generic Rockwell chipset
modem installation help:
http://www.nb.rockwell.com/ref/win95modem.html
You may want to try selecting "Record a Log File" so that you can get
detailed information showing the commands to the modem and its responses.
This option is found in the "Modems" option of the "Install New Modem"
Wizard. Look at the log file that it creates called Modemlog.txt .

Rockwell has generic AT command set reference manuals available for
display and download. As these manuals are generic for Rockwell
chipset modems, Zoom may add, delete or change some of the commands.
http://www.nb.rockwell.com/ref/at_commands.html

Another interesting WWW site is John Navas' modem FAQ. Look there for
solutions to common high speed modem problems. The site includes
current modem news, modem help (including data overruns, IRQ conflict,
Winsock, Win95 modem questions and much more), and explanations of many high
speed modem technical terms. Although somewhat controversial - he does
have a USR slant and doesn't realize that the Zoom v.34, as of ROM 1.309, has
many of the 'advanced features' he mentions - it is very informative.
http://web.aimnet.com/~jnavas/modem/faq.html

Check out the Usenet newsgroups called:
comp.dcom.modem General modem discussions
comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm IBM-PC & general modem discussions
comp.sys.mac.comm For Macintosh communications

MAC communications FAQ:
http://www.cis.ohio.state.edu:80/hypertext/faq/usenet/macintosh/comm-faq/
top.html

RPI help is listed in the RPI section of this file.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Zoom V.FC (VFX or VFP) to V.34 upgrade program info.
Zoom V.FC init string info.

The upgrade from the Zoom V.Fast Class 28.8 modem (VFX or VFP 28.8K) to
v.34 is $89. From the 24k V.FC modem (VFX or VFP 24K) to v.34 is $109
Get the upgrade form from the Zoom WWW site, faxback, BBS or call the
Toll Free Zoom Sales number.

If you do not upgrade, for better performance and connections on your V.FC,
modem it is suggested to add %E2 -K0 to your initialization string. It'll
allow for fall forward/back for changing line conditions and turn off v.42
to MNP 10 conversion which other modems sometimes have problems with.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Zoom V.34i/V.34x ROM info

Zoom has released a smaller 'mini-board' V.34x. This model comes with ROM
version 1.400b which they say won't run on the larger model.

Improvements known so far:
1. It has BOTH hardware error correction and data compression AND RPI+ (not
just hardware ECC). Truthfully, RPI+ would probably never be used anyway.

2. The at\v1 command will return BOTH the send and receive speeds at connect
time.

Newest ROM for v.34i and v.34x (larger board) (U.S.) version 1.309 - Contact
Zoom (you could use the toll free phone number) for free upgrade that you
install- instructions below.

This ROM is NOT for the old Zoom V.FC modems. The last ROM for the Zoom
V.FC models is 1.000d for the internal VFP and 1.000h for the external
VFX.

To check what version ROM you have, type at i3 in your communications
program.

Improvements:
A) Fixed dropped carrier problems
B) Increased connect speed
C) Improved LAPM -- added SREJ (Selective Rejection)
D) Fixed adaptive answering -false fax receive detection- problem
E) SPLIT/ Asymmetric speeds

NEW undocumented S210 register!

(Some of this info from Richard Town)
Split speed (asymmetric channeling) has been enabled on the
Zoom V34 series from ver1.309 ROM upwards.
The S210 register allows you to control split speed plus the
available symbol rates.

S210 Available symbol rates Supported data rates (bps)
===== ============================ ==========================
NON-ASYMMETRIC (Split) Speed
=0 2400 2400 to 21600
=1 2400 2400 to 21600
=2 2400, 2800 2400 to 24000
=3 2400, 2800, 3000 2400 to 26400
=4 2400, 2800, 3000, 3200 2400 to 28800
=5 2400, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3429 2400 to 28800

ASYMMETRIC (Split) Speed)
=8 2400 2400 to 21600
=9 2400 2400 to 21600
=10 2400, 2800 2400 to 24000
=11 2400, 2800, 3000 2400 to 26400
=12 2400, 2800, 3000, 3200 2400 to 28800
=13 2400, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3429 2400 to 28800 <--DEFAULT

The receive channel speed may be observed from setting a CARRIER
report instead of CONNECT. Setting S95=47 should do. Version 1.4
V.34x ROMs can report both send and receive speeds with the at \v1 command.

These settings can be used if connecting with (usually some older v.34s) that
have a bug with certain symbol rates.

If your having trouble connecting to a modem that has a problem with
the 3429 symbol rate you can:
A)Force V34 up to max 26k4 with
AT+MS=11,0,,26400

B)Force V.FC at up to max 28k8 with AT+MS=74,0,,28800

C) PREFFERABLY- If you have 1.309 Rom or later, do as above:
use AT S210=12 to limit the symbol rate and still have the possibility of a
v.34 28.8 connection or AT S210=4 without split speeds.


NEW UNDOCUMENTED AT %Q1 COMMAND

In ROM version 1.309 the %q1 command was enabled.
This command only works in v.34 mode. This info supplements the info
available by at %q %l . To use the %q1 %q or %l commands you must go to
command mode while on-line. Press +++ and wait a second. It'll say OK -
then type the commands that you want. To go back to the system that you were
on (if the system allows you to) type ato or ato1. That's the letter o not a
0. ATO1 starts a retrain while ATO doesn't.

Here is a breakdown of what at %q1 returns
(from Kiwin (Stephen) Palm):

Here is an example output from the AT%Q1 command:
005 028 038 000 002
| | | | |
| | | | \___ Pre-emphasis
| | | \_______ TX Level Reduction
| | \___________ Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
| \_______________ Signal to Noise Ratio Index (Not in dB)
\___________________ Symbol Rate Index

It shows a fairly decent connection, when interpreted with the following:

Symbol rate index (higher the better)
0 = 2400 -Supports up to and including 21600 BPS
2 = 2800 -Supports up to and including 24000 BPS
3 = 3000 -Supports up to and including 26400 BPS
4 = 3200 -Supports up to and including 28800 BPS
5 = 3429 -Supports up to and including 28800 BPS

SNR - Signal to Noise Ratio Index
The reported value is a raw value. To convert to dB use:
db= raw*1.7 -7
Thus for the example (28*1.7-7) it is about 40dB

THD Total Harmonic Distortion

TX Level Reduction
- just indicates how many dB lower the transmitter is feeding
the central office.
Zero through E (hex) in -dBm

Pre-Emphasis
- Pre-emphasis is a linear equalization method where the transmit
signal spectrum is shaped to compensate for amplitude distortion.
- There are 11 different filter spectrums for various
tuning to the local loop. They are labled 0 - A.

------------------

a. SIMPLE FIX FOR SPEAKER PROBLEM IN WIN95
---------------------------------------
There is a slight ROM bug that makes the speaker mute in Windows95. I'm not
sure which ROM version(s) have this problem. The below simple fix of removing
a semi-colon will generally work. Some comm programs, though, may assume that
you have the semi-colon there and not work properly if you plan on dialing
more digits after the connection has already been made. If you do plan to
dial more digits after the initial connection, you could probably still add
commas to the end of the phone number, before the extra digits, to make your
modem wait a few seconds before continuing to dial. This is the way it has
been done for years.

In your C:\WINDOWS\INF there is a file named MDMZOOM.INF. First, make a
backup of that file. Then, load that file into a text editor such as
MS-DOS's EDIT. Do a search for ";" (parenthesis included) and replace
with "" (remove semicolon)-double check that you're editing the correct line.
The original line

HKR, Settings, DialSuffix,, ";"

should now be

HKR, Settings, DialSuffix,, ""

After you save the changes to MDMZOOM.INF. Go into the Control Panel and
double click on the modems icon. Delete the entry for the modem, then
re-add it. If this causes any problems (none are expected), you could just
reenter the semi-colon or use your backup copy.
-----------------
One MAC user on comp.dcom.modems said that he has problems with hardware
flow control with this ROM and not with a previous ROM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

b. MAC SETUP INFORMATION WITH ROM 1.309
=====================================
While the old ROM defaulted at &c0 &d0, the NEW ROM defaults at
&c1 &d2 the setting ideal for PC's. While you may not have problems with
this setting, you should make sure that you change your initialization
string anyways by adding &d0
To put it into NVRAM type at &d0 &w
Reinitialize the modem and software or type at &d0 by itself to activate
it for the first time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
V. NOTES ON CHANGING ROMS
======================
These instructions were written for the v.34 modems, but they are more or
less applicable to all Zoom modems.
Take normal Static Precautions.
-From Posting by Richard Town
If you've never changed a ROM chip before and feel a bit put off by
doing it yourself, then ask your supplier who'll be glad to help

There is a proper chip-puller tool (available from Maplins [or Radio Shack in
the U.S.] and any other good hobbys electronic parts outlet).

Switch off your computer, switch off your monitor, switch off at the
mains. Unplug your monitor from the supply (either at rear of your
computer or at the mains), unplug your computer. Unplug your modem's
power cube (if external) Remove the 'phone lead from your modem, remove
the data lead (if an external modem).

For Internal Modems
-------------------
Remove your computer's case. Gently remove the modem
card from its slot. Place the two inward pointing prongs of the chip
puller between the old chip (you can recognize it as the only one
looking exactly the same as your replacement) and it's socket. On
each of the short sides there should be a very slight gap. Gently
squeeze the puller and the prongs should enter the gap. Gently rock
the chip puller from left to right and you will see each side of the
ROM chip slowly rise. As it rises you can gently decrease the "pull"
pressure upwards away from the modem. It will slowly become more free.
Take the replacement ROM from its protective plastic case and hold length
-wise between thumb and forefinger. The chip's label should not be
upside down! Check that it's the same way round as the way the original
was socketed! Place the new ROM over the vacant socket and gently
squeeze the pins until they are exactly over the socket's holes. Insert
pins into socket all the way along the chip's length. When both rows of
pins are correctly located into socket, gentle thumb pressure will seat
the chip firmly into socket. Do not press too hard! Zoom Telephonics'
products are warrantied for seven years for the US versions and are
subject to continual improvement. Do leave a slight gap (say 1/16 inch
between chip and socket) so if you need to update ROMs again it'll be
easier to change chips if another update is issued.

For External Modems
-------------------
There are two screws that hold the board down and two hex nuts on the
back which hold the RS232 socket. Remove all of these, then the modem's
circuit board. Now you can unbend the metal tabs which hold the metal
shielding on the top of the board and remove the shielding.

Once you have the shielding off, it's just a matter of swapping the ROM
chips as for the internal modem. Be careful, the ROM in mine was in tight
with no gap between the chip and its socket making it hard to get
anything in to lever it up.

IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY ABOUT DOING IT YOURSELF THEN DO TAKE YOUR MODEM AND
REPLACEMENT CHIP BACK TO YOUR RESELLER.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
VI. Zoom 14.4 EX/PC -(RPI/WinRPI) info.

******Rockwell has released a v.34 chip with RPI+. I don't know if Zoom is
planning to use it or not. If they do, then most of the below information
should apply to those modems as well.*******

The EX and PC models (unlike other Zoom 14.4 models) need special software
to be able to support Error Checking and Data Compression (ECC) since they
use RPI (Rockwell Protocol Interface- a description of RPI is given in the
Rockwell RPI FAQ- the URL is listed below). The WinRPI free software driver
gives this functionality to just about any Windows program.

Newer versions of these Zoom modem models come with WinRPI on the COMit
disk. Of course, even if your RPI modem came with WinRPI, CHECK TO SEE THAT
YOU HAVE THE LATEST VERSION. If you don't, then get it from Zoom's or
Rockwell's WWW site listed below. Zoom's installation program is better
than Rockwell's, as it actually tests the capabilities of your modem before
installation. Zoom's version can also update your COMit installation,
if you have COMit on your system. On the other hand, the drivers on
Rockwell's WWW site are newer- with bug fixes.

For 14.4 EX and 14.4 PC (including models 100 and 110) - which are RPI or
RPI+ modems:
Serial # xxxZA1ixxx or xxxZA2ixxx are plain RPI (older) models

If you type at i3 you'll get the ROM version which would also say RPI
or RPI+ after it. The '+' is at the end of the line, not immediately after
the letters 'RPI'- the RPI+ message will look something like this.
AFEP-V1.xxx-BP39 ROCKWELL RPI (TM) MODEM+

If after typing at i3 your modem returns something like this:
V2.400-ACF_DP ROCKWELL RPI (TM) MODEM+01
That is, it says "ACF" (the rest depends upon the version)- EVEN THOUGH IT
SAYS RPI+, it ALSO has built in hardware ECC, so WinRPI is NOT needed.
Rockwell has released both 14.4 and 28.8 chips with this configuration. I
don't know if any Zoom models have this chip installed. Look at Rockwell's
list on their WWW site (URL listed below) and explanation of RPI chips to
make sure whether or not you have an RPI or RPI+ only chip, RPI+ and
hardware ECC or just hardware ECC.

No new modems are being produced with the plain old RPI chips- they are all
RPI+. Check to make sure that you have the current ROM version. If not,
contact Zoom (you could use the toll free number) to get a replacement ROM
for you to install. Since the older models use different ROMs than the newer
ones, you'll have to ask Zoom what the newest version is for your modem.
The current ROM for the newer 14.4 RPI models is 1.625. Look at section V.
for general ROM installation instructions.

Zoom has WinRPI on their WWW site. It has the older 2.23 WinRPI drivers.
I would STRONGLY advise using the wrpi_226 driver listed below and not the
Zoom driver. The Zoom driver is older and contains more bugs.
http://www.zoomtel.com/files/rpikit4.exe

Rockwell has released WinRPI version 2.26 (for WIN 3.1)- Bug fixes which may
help any problems that you are having- give it a try!
http://www.nb.rockwell.com/ref/rpi/wrpi_226.zip

WINRPI for WIN95 - version 1.15. Includes INF file for RPI modems including
v.34 RPI modems. Remember that if you are using Win 3.1 comm applications
inside WIN95, you still have to change the init strings in the individual
applications.
http://www.nb.rockwell.com/ref/rpi/95RPI115.ZIP

Instructions for WinRPI installation- including how to change your
initialization string in your communications program (e.g. Procomm,
America OnLine, Winsock) - WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT- are included in each
package. Zoom has more application specific (America OnLine etc.)
information on its WWW site. I would advise trying the 2.26 WinRPI drivers
The author of those information files has tried WinRPI 2.26 since the writing
of those files and now advises using 2.26. He had problems on AOL which were
fixed when he tried the 2.26 WinRPI version.
(The URL for WinRPI 2.26 is above)
http://www.zoomtel.com/rpi_file.html

Rockwell has an (old) unofficial list of DOS and Windows communications
programs that support RPI (without using the universal WinRPI Windows driver):
http://www.nb.rockwell.com/ref/rpi.software.info

If you use a Windows program that has RPI support built in, and you have
WinRPI installed, you must disable either RPI support in the program or
WinRPI.

Rockwell has a very extensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) file about
RPI and WinRPI. The file has already been updated a number of times, so
check it periodically. Zoom now has a link to this FAQ from their homepage.
http://www.nb.rockwell.com/mcd/bman/rpi_faq.html

The instructions with some of the WinRPI drivers tell you to change the
S95 register so that your modem will return a more informative CONNECT
string (including whether or not you have made a error corrected and/or
data compressed connection). Also, your RPI modem returns TWO sets of
CONNECT info- first saying no ECC- then saying yes ECC once WinRPI kicks in.
The problem is that some script files (e.g. in Trumpet Winsock, Chameleon or
script files in a communications program) don't like this extra (or different)
info. As a result, your communications program may never know that you're
connected and will keep waiting for your modem to connect. Therefore, IF you
have a problem- either change your S95 register (using the below table as a
guide) - or tell your script file to search for the more complex CONNECT
string. On RPI (non-RPI+) modems, there is a 'display' setting in the applet
that comes with WinRPI instead of the S95 register.

S95 register- add numbers for message desired-(valid for RPI+ and modems with
hardware error correction)
0 CONNECT DTE (computer to modem) speed
1 CONNECT DCE (modem to modem) speed
2 /ARQ if error correction
4 CARRIER
8 PROTOCOL
32 COMPRESSION
For example: at s95=1 will return CONNECT 14400 when connected at 14400.
at s95=47 will return ALL the above info.

RPI+ models use standard AT commands to control ECC. Plain RPI models have
their ECC controlled via an applet that comes with WinRPI.
Also, on plain RPI models, you must disable WinRPI (with the applet that
comes with the WinRPI driver) before using fax mode. You do NOT do this
with an RPI+ model. Older RPI models don't support WinRPI.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. COMSTAR INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Important Notice (This message is from the Zoom BBS):

If SETMODEM.EXE terminates upon installation before completing its
execution and displays the message, "abnormal termination error", this
could be due to a conflict with another device in your system, i.e. a
soundcard. In that case, there are two other utilities that allow you
to configure your modem.

First, to determine the available comports in your system, run the
ZPORTS.EXE program included on this disk. From a DOS prompt and this
disk, type ZPORTS and press ENTER. ZPORTS will suggest a combination of
comport and possible IRQs that the modem could use.

Secondly, run the SETPORT.BAT utility using the settings provided by
ZPORTS. For example, if ZPORTS suggests COM 4, you would type
SETPORT 4 and hit the enter key. Then, if the program didn't confirm
that the modem was set up on COM 4, you could try COM 4 with a different
IRQ than the default. To try COM 4 on IRQ 5, for example, you would type
SETPORT 2E8 5 and hit enter. Please note that when you need to try an
IRQ that is different than the default, you need to enter the hex address
rather than the number of the comport. Please refer to the tables below
for different comport/IRQ combinations.

Modem set to: If the ZPORTS info fails,
Typing = Comport IRQ try SETPORT in this order:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SETPORT 1 = 1 4 (default IRQ)
SETPORT 2 = 2 3 (default IRQ) 1
SETPORT 3 = 3 4 (default IRQ)
SETPORT 4 = 4 3 (default IRQ)
SETPORT 3E8 5 = 3 5 2
SETPORT 2E8 5 = 4 5 4
SETPORT 3E8 7 = 3 7 3
SETPORT 2E8 7 = 4 7 5

Comport Hex Address Reference Table:
------------------------------------
COM 1 = 3F8
COM 2 = 2F8
COM 3 = 3E8
COM 4 = 2E8

Note:

SETPORT.BAT runs a file called PORTWIZ.EXE which actually does all the
work. If PORTWIZ is successful in configuring your modem, it will ask
you if you want to add it to autoexec.bat so that your modem is
configured automatically each time you start your machine. This is
a good idea. In order for PORTWIZ to work from autoexec.bat, there
has to be a copy of it in your root directory. SETPORT.BAT
does this when you run it. This means is that you will only have
to run SETPORT during installation to find a configuration that
works in your system. Thereafter, each time you restart your computer
after that, your modem will be automatically configured on a comport/IRQ
when autoexec.bat runs at boot time.
---------------
Files of interest (on the BBS, AOL, CIS and WWW servers) to COMSTAR users:
Setmodem.zip Revision D modem installation files including COM/IRQ setup
programs (e.g. setport and portwiz) and a new .inf file for
WIN95.

Bitware2.zip The second Cheyenne Bitware disk (without current above files)
--------------------------------

a. MORE GENERAL COMSTAR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

To set up the Comstar in Windows 95, remove any old modems and sound
card(temporarly until after setup) from your computer if you have them.
In Control Panel>System>Device Manager, Remove any modems under Modem and
remove ALL Com ports under Ports.
Then go to Add New Hardware and let Win 95 detect the modem.
IF THE MODEM IS DETECTED ON COM5, then do the following.
DO NOT USE SETMODEM, PORTWIZ, SETPORT, etc.
Goto Control Panels>System>Device Manager>Modem>ComStar 28.8(14.4). Click on
Properties>Resources and take the check out of "use automatic settings"
Change to basic configuration 002. Click on Change Setting. Using the up/down
arrows,change the address to 03E8-03EF Click on OK. Highlight the IRQ
selection. Click on Change Setting Change the value to 05 (or 07 if 05 shows
a conflict) Click on OK and then OK again.
The modem is now set to Com3 with irq 5.
Select a different address and IRQ if Com3 is in use.
Happy modeming
Joe
Zoomrep

If you have a PCI bus and are having a problem with installation, continue
reading.

b.IMPORTANT COMSTAR INFORMATION FOR COMPUTERS WITH PCI BUS

The "floppy drive controller error" problem you are having is due to a
conflict due to the PCI BUS, Floppy controller starting address and the PnP
modem starting address. About 30% of the P5 systems have the same type
controller that you do and exhibit this problem in one of several ways.
Rockwell Int'l (the makers of the modem chipsets) is currently working on a
workaround for this.

In your Computers BIOS settings, try changing the PnP BUS type to ISA instead
of PCI.
In Windows 95,
1. Remove all Comports but Com1 in the Device Manager.
2. Remove any modems (none but the Comstar should be in the computer at this
point) from the Device Manager.
3. Remove the PCI BUS from the System Devices portion of Device Manager.
4. Restart the Computer and allow Windows95 (if you get this far) to install
all new Hardware.

Please let me know how you fare.
Regards,
Chris, Zoom Tech
----------------------------------
From another tech support representative:

If your bios does not have the PCI to ICU option, follow these instructions:
In control panel>system>device manager>system devices, remove the PCI plug n
play bus. Then go to Add new hardware and MANUALLY add system devices>ISA
plug n play bus. Click thur next until you get to finish.

Happy modeming
Joe
Zoomrep
-----------------

c.Comstar continued....

If you can't get your modem to work using a 32 BIT (Win95) comm software,
then it is possible that the registry has
AT&FE0V0&C1&D2S95<cr>
instead of the complete
AT&FE0V0&C1&D2S95=47S0=0<cr>
Therefore a mistaken init string is sent to the modem. The ModemLog.txt
file may say that the correct string was sent, even though it wasn't.

Take a look at Microsoft's Zoom COMSTAR problem sheet on their WWW/gopher/ftp
sites. It's document Q146639.

d.NEW COMSTAR ROM

On Friday Jan 26th, Zoom released a new ROM for the COMSTAR. As of
yet, I don't know which model it is for or what it fixes. I'm still waiting
for a good answer from Zoom. They've been giving me very vague answers.
Give them a call and ask for it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
VIII. General Info

ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR MODEM FROM BOTH POWER AND PHONE LINES BEFORE A THUNDER
STORM! The majority of modem breakage occurs from lightning damage.
Zoom modems do have built in surge protection (the COMSTARs have even
greater surge protective devices) - but nothing will protect from a
direct lightning strike.

To improve communications reliability with high speed modems using
Windows 3.x (not Win for Workgroups 3.11 or Win95) with your
16550A UART, you should install an enhanced comm driver such as the one that
comes with Winfax - also available at:
http://www.cdrom.com/pub/cica/misc/wfxcomm.zip

Before purchasing any modem of any brand, make sure that the store in which
it was purchased has a good return policy. This will allow you to make sure
that the modem works well with your computer and phone lines- and with the
phone lines and modem on the end of the services that you are connecting to!
Once you have purchased a modem, call the manufacturer to make sure that you
have the current firmware. Many manufacturers (including Zoom) will send out
updated ROMs for free- at least while the modem is under its 7 year warranty
and they still produce the modem (or have ROMs leftover).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

TO RECEIVE WWW (World Wide Web) DOCUMENTS VIA EMAIL -
(You do not need World Wide Web access- only Internet Email)

ag...@capri.mi.mss.co.jp Type SEND then the URL.
web...@www.ucc.ie Type GO then the URL (address).
w3m...@bagheera.gmd.de Type GET then the URL.

To get detailed help- send the word HELP as the whole message. An
instruction file will be returned via Email. Follow the instructions about
how to get the documents that you want. It may take a while to receive the
document- I once tried and it took about two days. You can even receive binary
files such as WinRPI via this method. You'll need a copy of UUDECODE to decode
binary files.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER:
I have no connection with Zoom Telephonics other than being a consumer
(I own a Zoom v.34i and Zoom FX9624 non-RPI faxmodems- so I can't actually
test RPI problems.) The above is not a release of Zoom Telephonics, it is just
information that I have collected. Subject to change. Please inform me of any
errors- or additions that I should make. Any (positive or negative as long as
their are 'non-flame') comments are welcome. The author does not assume
responsiblity for the use of anything in this file- use at your own risk.

Daniel Rosenzweig
---------------------------------------
Internet:
dros...@its.brooklyn.cuny.edu

daniel.r...@nypc.org (Slow-about 3 days each way)

Fidonet: Daniel Rosenzweig
1:278/404
Note:I should be a Fidonet point node soon - so the exact address may change.

Use the below addresses, only if you can't get to me via the above addresses.
I can't reply from the below addresses. I'll reply when I get access again.
daniel.r...@nycps.nycenet.edu
daniel.r...@commspec.com

This document should be on the World Wide Web soon (when I get a change to
HTMLize it).

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