On Tue, 14 Dec 1999, Alberto Bigazzi wrote:
>
> Hi everybody.
>
> I've got a 3Com USR 56K Message Modem.
>
> This modem is capable of receiving fax and voice messages
> WHEN YOUR PC IS OFF ("Independent Mode").
> Very nice feature! ( makes the modem fairly expensive, too).
>
> BUT
> ===
> I can't use it with my Debian (hamm) !
> ======================================
>
> The 3com package includes a Windows software (Winphone) to deal with the
> Independent mode. But it does not include any Linux script for enabling
> that mode.
>
> I wrote to them and asked for a Linux script. They told me they haven't
> got such a thing...! I complained to them and I'm still waiting for an
> answer.
> Note that the modem is NOT one of those windows-specific modems. I use it
> and works fine for connecting to my ISP.
>
> Now, how is it possible that it there exist something that Windows can
> handle and Linux cannot ??!
>
> 1) Has anybody a solution to this?
> 2) What information do I need about the "Independent mode" in order to
> write down a script myself and make the modem work?
> Would that be possible, anyway? (how?)
It's probably something they want to keep hidden to boost use of that
other OS, I'm guessing. I recently had a run-through with them regarding a
firmware update for my USR Sportster over a non-intel machine.
My suggestions:
Ask for a telephone number and call tech support. I ended up repeating
myself in email because each email was answered by a different support
droid, only one of which seemed to have any intelligence. One of them
suggested I install Windows 98 on my Sparc IPX. ;> I spoke to a droid on
the phone who was actually helpful, aparantly had called the hardware
people to find out if they could do anything. I'm still stuck on the
so-called `free' firmware upgrade but at least the guy was nice about it.
Perhaps if enough people request support from 3com they'll start offering
support. :>
If you have access to a Wintel anywhere, you can connect it to your
machine with a null-modem cable, run minicom (and expect) on the Linux
side and set up the Wintel side so it thinks the null-modem is your modem.
I had successfully done this with my USR and their Windows-based software
(borrowed a friend's computer) and learned the undocumented AT codes for
flashing the Sportster. Oh, and aparantly you can change the modem's
internal serial number too.
<rant>
What's up with these people, anyway? They give you explicit instructions
to use their modem on your Sparc, then turn around and say you
<I>can't</I> have your free upgrade unless you purchase from Redmond?
Couldn't that be considered breach of contract?
</rant>
Hope this helps
-- Ferret no baka
