-=> Quoting Lewin Edwards to Meng-Shi Lim <=-

 ML> It is a Xircom PCMCIA 28.8k modem. Firmware update 3.78 - flash upgrade
 ML> from a patch at Xircom's WebSite. I used to be able to force a 21600
 ML> connection a few weeks ago (albeit very difficult to sustain. I would
 ML> lose DTR suddenly) but now I'm only getting 14.4k.

 LE> Whoa ! Is that an _AUSTEL-APPROVED_ Xircom ? Did you upload
 LE> AUSTEL-APPROVED firmware ? If so, backlevel now if you can. It's
 LE> possible that your new ROMs have enforced Australian Tx levels. 

It is an Austel approved Xircom. Actually, when I downloaded the new
firmware I forgot all about Austel-approval (How are they going to do
anything about this? The modem's got an Austel approval sticker and I'm
mobile :-). I shouldn't be too smug come to think of it because there is
NO Austel approval sticker on the PC Card itself but there is an Austel
approval sticker/number on the 'dongle' thing to which the RJ11 is
connected. The problem is that the print on the sticker is beginning to
rub off.

Anyway, Xircom has 2 firmware versions out, one is USA/Canada and one is
International. According to the warning, they are mutually exclusive (I
hope I've used the term correctly).

mslim{at}ne.com.au
There is also a register to change to different country codes (S133).
I'm not sure whether this has anything to do with different phone
systems approval for this modem but Australia is obviously included. I
know that because of the mobility involved with PCMCIA modems, a lot of
manufacturers include features to allow the modem to be usable in
different countries legally, usually via a software switch. eg The
Euromodem and TDK International modem.

 ML> According to the review in Australian Personal Computer this modem
 ML> performs really badly and has great trouble sustaining a high speed
 LE> I've not had a lot of reproducible luck with any PCMCIA 28.8s to be
 LE> honest. I still run V.32bis modems in my machines. I think there are
 LE> some sorts of design compromises in the DAA sections of these beasties
 LE> - either that, or I've just been unlucky... 

The problem is in the quality of the phone line. I can get very
consistent and sustainable connection at 28.8k (renegotiated to 26.4k
most of the time according to ATI6, the modem summary screen) on a good
quality line.

The number of the 28.8k modem I usually dial (my ISP) is on the same
exchange as my home phone line and I have no doubt the quality of the
line, either from the exchange to the house or within the house itself,
is questionable. Probably the latter.

--- Blue Wave/Max v2.20 [NR]