I've outdone myself, documenting the faults at the time
after all...

I have now included this file (and the previous message) in
the VIPER.ZIP archive available for FREQ.  I've also made
USRPROB.TXT available for FREQ.  I'll see if I can dig up
the Spirit II problem files and make them available to.

BTW, everyone watch now as the USR Courier owners jump on me
for rubbishing the Spirit II (see below).  After all, we all
know that the Spirit II problems I refer to are just operator 
error, not real bugs, etc etc, the Spirit II really is a
wonderful modem.  They said so when I was initially bagging
the Spirit II.  They are wonderfully consistent people, these
USR owners, not even a slight hint of hypocrisy.  Oh, actually,
I think I may have the USR owners confused with a tin of
sardines.


 WT> HmmM i think i'm gonna get a viper. Can someone who actually knows what
 WT> they're talking about answer some questions (i.e someone that owns one and
 
I got one on loan for two days.  I have my Binkley logs available
for FREQ for that period if you are interested, FREQ VIPER.ZIP
from 3:711/934. 
 
 WT> that isnt a moron :). Ok here goes. Does the viper have the double send
 
No it doesn't have the double-send problem.  They are using the
Rockwell chipset now, so it's not like they have the brainpower
to fix their bugs, it's just that they've got the brainpower to
know that they are braindead. 
 
 WT> bug?   does the viper have any problems at all getting v34 connects (i.e
 WT> is there a brand of modem giving you trouble?). What sorta average cps do
 
Not on V34.  I have had some reported problems with connects in
those 2 days, I haven't had a chance to analyse it yet. 
 
 WT> u get between 2 vipers? I know the question might seem a bit permature but
 WT> i wanna make sure its a good modem. I'm kinda impressed and maybe just
 
I'd wait if I were you.  Let someone else find out the problems
with it. 
 
 WT> a little hopefull that off all the modem makers out there spirit has seen
 WT> alot of rubbishing and maybe because of this they've built a damn
 WT> fine modem %100 bug free! Sort of a trial and error thing I own a spirit
 
Don't believe that.  They could have fixed the problems with the
Spirit II if they'd had the will to do it.  Like have the will to
actually answer my faxes after I've sent them international.
Like answer the messages I left on their BBS after calling them
international.  Like responding to Trev Roydhouse after he went
and visited them personally in USA. 
 
 WT> II at the moment I rang MBE and the dude said $300 for an upgrade he said
 WT> the offer will be available in about four weeks, might be a goer :) Oh the
 WT> viper doesnt operate on flash roms does it?

No, the Viper doesn't have flash roms.  Probably not relevant
though, as that's only of use if the company actually fixes
bugs, and Digicom have far more important things to do than
fix bugs in their modems.  Like flogging modems, for example.

I wouldn't have considered soiling my hands with another Digicom
product, except that I got this loan by chance, and I also 
figured that if it had worked PERFECTLY FIRST TIME, ie I didn't
actually need Digicom to fix bugs in their product, then I would
be reasonably safe.  It didn't work perfectly first time.  I have
unexplained failed connects, and other strange things.  Two of
the strange things were:

1. "Too many errors" error in Binkley.  I tracked this down to a
software bug, which was showing up because the Viper was returning
three lines of connect messages.

2. I expected the "W0" command to make this into a one-line connect
string, but it didn't.

In short:

1. If you think Digicom have had a change of heart and are
happy to fix bugs, they can START with the Spirit II.  If you think
that they've turned a new leaf with the Viper, you're just
gullible.

2. The Viper is cheaper than the other Austel-approved modems that
I have seen, which is good.

3. I expect other modems will have problems too.  However, I think
you will have more chance of getting a bug fixed from another brand
than Digicom.

4. If you get a locally-produced modem, you don't have to ring USA
for technical support. 

5. I am considering Banksia, USR and Maestro myself, but I want
prices that are within a stone's throw of the Viper, but I'd rather
wait for the prices to become reasonable.

BFN.  Paul.
@EOT:

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