For information about how to install software, refer to the documentation that came along with it. This chapter provides additional tips for setting up your fax and data communications software and using the faxmodem.

After you set up the software, you are ready to start using your faxmodem. The best way to get familiar with your faxmodem is through practical experience. Get started! Try dialing a bulletin board, or calling a friend with a faxmodem and transferring a file. Send a fax to them and get them to send one back to you.

Fax and data communications programs are designed to simplify the tasks of sending and receiving faxes and data. You communicate with most programs by making menu selections. The programs then translate your selections into the AT commands needed to communicate with the faxmodem.

Installing your software takes you through a series of setup options. With virtually all commercially available software, once you select the name of your faxmodem during installation you can accept all of the default settings that the software suggests.

The software sends a string of AT command settings to the faxmodem as soon as you start up the software. The string is called an initialization string. The software determines which commands go into the initialization string based on the device you select during installation. The commands remain in effect throughout the communications session, unless the software sends other commands to override them.

The software uses other AT command strings for other purposes. For example, when you make a call from your faxmodem, the software inserts AT commands in a dial string with the phone number you are calling. You can use the AT command strings that are provided with the software.

If necessary, you can add other AT commands to the strings as suggested in the sections below and in Chapter 3. For a table of AT commands, see Appendix B.

In setting up your software, you may be asked to enter certain information. Most programs have default settings that are correct for use with this modem, and there will be no need to change them. You should, however, check the following items.

You may be asked to select the "modem type" from a menu. If you don’t see this modem listed by name on the menu, select a V.34 faxmodem with 28,800 bps data and 14,400 send/receive fax.

If your fax software gives you the option of selecting Class 1 or Class 2 fax drivers, select Class 2 when you use a standard, non-cellular connection. Class 2, which gives more control to the faxmodem, generally results in higher speed fax communications. Select Class 1 if you have upgraded your faxmodem to support cellular operation, if you are using the faxmodem with a cellular phone, and if your fax software supports Error Correction Mode (ECM) in Class 1.

If your telephone service includes Call Waiting that you can temporarily suspend by pressing *70 and you are using tone dialing, include *70, in the dial prefix option in the software. (NOTE Be sure to enter the ,) If your software does not have a dial prefix option, you need to insert *70, for each phone number in the dialing directory. For example: *70,1-999-999-9999.

You may be asked to select the "modem type" from a menu. If you don’t see this modem listed by name on the menu, select a V.34 faxmodem with 28,800 bps data and 14,400 send/receive fax.

In the dialing directory, all entries can be set to the highest rate the software supports. The highest rate is sometimes 115,200 bps, but more often 57,600 bps. The faxmodem will auto-negotiate the highest speed connection between itself and the other modem.

In the section of your software that may be called "Terminal Settings," make sure that Hardware Flow Control (RTS/CTS) is ON (or Yes). This is necessary in order for V.42bis file transfers to work.

Set auto baud detect to OFF (or NO).

Some programs ask "Send init if CD high?", which should be set to YES. Otherwise, the faxmodem may not receive the proper initialization string.

If your software suggests an initialization string for this faxmodem, you should use it. If this faxmodem is not listed by your software and no initialization string is suggested, use the following initialization string for IBM PCs and compatibles: AT &F &C1 &D2

Note!  If you are familiar with AT commands and you save any settings in the faxmodem’s non-volatile memory using the modem’s &WO or &W1 command, remove the &F from the initialization string. Otherwise, the contents of the initialization string will override the saved settings.

If the software does not provide a dial string, use ATDT for tone dialing. If your telephone service includes Call Waiting that you can temporarily suspend by pressing *70, include *70, in the dial prefix option in the software. (NOTE Be sure to enter the ,) If your software does not have a dial prefix option, you need to insert *70, for each phone number in the dialing directory. For example, *70,1-999-999-9999.

If your telephone service includes Call Waiting that you can temporarily suspend by dialing 1170 and you are using pulse dialing, include 1170 in the software’s dial prefix option. If your software does not have a dial prefix option, you need to insert 1170 for each phone number in the dialing directory. For example: 11701-999-999-9999,

While using your software and faxmodem you will rarely, if ever, need to send AT commands directly to the faxmodem. However, if you want to enter AT commands, you must do so from the software’s terminal mode.

When you finish, you can return to the data communications program’s standard user interface. See the program’s documentation if you need help.

The faxmodem is in data mode when it is communicating online with another modem, such as a bulletin board service (BBS) or a modem at your work or home. While in data mode, the faxmodem does not respond to AT commands. To communicate with your faxmodem without disconnecting the call, use active options in the software’s user interface or the + + + escape sequence. (See Appendix B.) However, communicating directly with your faxmodem during a call is seldom necessary.

IMPORTANT!  Many programs for IBM PC-compatible computers require that the faxmodem initialize (or start up) with command settings &C1 and &D2.   &C1 and &D2 are not included in the factory default settings because the faxmodem conforms to the Hayes standard, which is &CO and &DO. Programs for the Macintosh require &C1 and &DO.

To return to the factory default settings for the faxmodem

In terminal mode, type AT &F and press the Enter key.

To return to the basic settings expected by many data communications programs for IBM PC compatibles

In terminal mode, type AT &F &C1 &D2 and press the Enter key.

To return to the basic settings expected by many data communications programs for Macintosh computers

In terminal mode, type AT &F &C1 &DO and press the Enter key.

Your PCMCIA faxmodem supports hot swapping (or "hot plugging"). This means that after installing the faxmodem and the PCMCIA 2x-compliant card management software, you can remove and re-insert the faxmodem as you need to without powering down or restarting (rebooting) your computer. If you upgrade to cellular support, you may need to run additional software.

IMPORTANT!  For reliable communications, you should insert the faxmodem card before you start up your data communications or fax software. Otherwise, the faxmodem will not receive the initialization string from the software. You should remove the faxmodem only after you exit the software. Otherwise, the faxmodem may not receive important call termination information.

To conserve power when the faxmodem is running on the computer’s battery, you can enable the sleep mode option in the faxmodem. When the faxmodem is in sleep mode, it "wakes up" as soon as it senses activity such as a modem command or an incoming call.

Many notebook computers also have a sleep mode. It is usually implemented by software that automatically shifts the computer to a reduced operating speed when the processor has been idle for more than a specified period of time. If you want the faxmodem to answer incoming data or fax calls when you are away from the computer, you should disable the computer’s sleep mode. See your computer’s documentation for instructions. You should also enable the auto-answer function in the fax or data communications software.

When you pack your computer for travel, you can leave the faxmodem in the PCMCIA slot and simply disconnect and pack the phone cable. The faxmodem does not draw power from the computer battery when the computer is off.

In terminal mode, the command AT -K1 enables MNPIO EC. AT - KO disables it. The factory setting is "MNP10 EC enabled," so you only have to reenable MNPIO EC if you previously disabled it. You can add either command to the initialization string.

MNP 10 EC automatically adjusts the rate of data flow depending on line quality. When a faxmodem is using the MNP 10 EC protocol, it can typically maintain a connection and send and receive data even in poor line conditions.

If you are faxing over a cellular connection, you may find it worthwhile to use full-featured fax software that supports Class 1 Error Correction Mode (ECM). When using ECM, your faxmodem must communicate with another ECM-enabled fax machine or faxmodem.

Your PCMCIA faxmodem will use the MNPIO EC protocol if it is communicating with another modem that supports MNP10 EC. Otherwise, it will switch automatically to the MNPIO error correction protocol.

In terminal mode, the command AT -K1 enables MNPIO EC. AT - KO disables it. The factory setting is "MNP10 EC enabled," so you only have to re-enable MNP10 EC if you previously disabled it. You can add either command to the initialization string.