PP> Is there any way to force a Rockwell/Hayes type modem (a
 PP> KTX external 33.6
 PP> fax/modem in my case) to connect with a more expensive modem at 33.6 ?

Not if the line/s quality plus modem/s front-end quality won't allow it.

 PP> Is it best to have compression set on or off if attempting 33.6 connects
 PP> with more expensive modems?

Makes no difference - compression isn't negotiated until well after the
physical modem connection is established.  V.42bis compression won't cost
you anything, and will assist if you're transferring compressible data. 
MNP5 compression, however, is usually best disabled (usually can be,
separately).

 PP> Should MNP Block Size be set to a figure less than the default of 256?

Probably not.  Only applies on links where you don't get a LAPM link layer
anyway, which will be rare with most V.42 modems.  MNP is actually faster
than LAPM, without compression, on good lines - mainly due to the larger
blocksize.

 PP> Should I turn off automatic fall forward/back?

Generally, no.  With some modems, turning off fallforward can help if the
modems are engaging in a lot of 'gratuitious re-negotiation'.  Turning off
fallback is asking for a dropped link, should line conditions deteriorate.

Ian

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