Peter, at 15:15 on Feb 27 1997, you wrote to Bill Grimsley...

BG> The Dynalink's BTLZ pausing bug only applied to the Texas 
BG> Instruments RK-33600 (aka USR Sportster) with EPROM revision 
BG> levels prior to 2.5. No Rockwell-based modems marketed by 
BG> Askey have been affected in this manner.

PH> Bill, I have returned the modems to Askey, and they 
PH> "generously" replaced them with the 1428VQE (33.6K). The 
PH> models originally referred to above apparently were rebadged 
PH> "Hayes", according to Askey.

Since Hayes almost went bankrupt last year, they restructured their
operation in order to stay in business, the main result being that they no
longer manufacture their own modems, but simply use generic Rockwell-based
clones, probably sourced from the same place that Askey source theirs...

PH> IMHO, the Dynalink replacements are worse than the E288MX, 
PH> the Switch Mode regulator within the 1428VQE is so bad that 
PH> any Radio within a 2 metre radius cannot be listened to.

That shouldn't affect the modem's ultimate performance though.

PH> I have a pair of Netcomm M34Fs' that have a data throughput 
PH> on average 600 to 800 cps (at 28k) better than a pair of 
PH> Dynalinks operating at 31k, over the same lines, (using Askey
PH> suggested init strings).

I really can't comment, except to say that the 1428VQE I tested just over a
year ago was no worse than many other brands when it came to overall cps
rates, and indeed, much better than some.  Could be line-dependant.

PH> It also appears they haven't fixed the (X3-X4) dial 
PH> recognition problems.

You'd be surprised just how many brand-name "quality" modems fail
to detect service tones on some of Telstra's exchanges, although Dynalinks
have always been slightly less than perfect in this area.

PH> Damn it, I should have known better and purchased more M34Fs. :-( 

Personally, I wouldn't own another NetComm, not even as a gift...

Regards, Bill

--- MsgedSQ/2 3.50