RS> Thats the classic stuff I get occasionally too. I normally abort
RS> the first call with an ESC, but it will timeout eventually. I just
RS> abort it if I am at the keyboard to minimise the online charge.

BG> So you see the problem from your end as well!

Yes, its now clear that three completely different modems get the same
problem, mine, yours and Jeffs. All quite different modem brands etc.

BG> Thank Christ for that, I thought it was just me.  As it's happened
BG> with all 3 USRs, as well as my last Rockwell, I knew the problem
BG> wasn't at this end, but as soon as I suggest that Paul's modem is
BG> fucked, he gets all abusive and defensive on me.  |-)

Yeah. It does appear that there must be some sensitivity to line
conditions or something that causes his modem to get confused about
the EC negotiation. That explains why not all USRs that call Paul get
the same result you do. That negotiation stuff is at a pretty low level
and its not surprising that that can be sensitive to line conditions.
Its only later after they have agreed on an EC etc that they can start
blowing in each others ears about the BTLZ dictionary size and the higher
level detail. By then over a reliable ECed channel, so that works fine.

RS> Its basically your modem fucking up the EC negotiation.
RS> Our modems know they are still trying to negotiate the
RS> EC when yours has decided that its over and done with.

BG> Time to don your asbestos suit Rod.  |-)

Well, winter is coming on, fucking cold first thing in the morning |-)

RS> Thats because YOUR modem thinks its got a non EC connect,
RS> OUR modems still think they are negotiating the EC stuff,
RS> and eventually give up and hang up the line. Your modem gets
RS> its brain scrambled and you dont actually have a proper non
RS> EC connect at all, your modem just thinks you have got one
RS> when you havent. Our modems know better, so it dont work.

BG> Fucking Digicom modems ...

In some ways we have the smallest problem since the failed connects
are cheaper for us than the local call people. And if he got a flash
new bleeding edge modem, we may well spend more on dud connects anyway.

--- PQWK202