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33.6/V.34 PC Card Fax/Modem, Model 538PUS

General Information:

The Performance 33.6 V.34 fax/modem supports data communications at rates from 300 bps to 33600 bps, and fax at rates of 4800 to 14400 bps. The modem supports data standards V.34, V.FC, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.21 and industry standard 212A and 103. Fax standards V.17, V.29, V.27ter, and both Class 1 and Class 2 fax. Error control standards supported are V.42 and MNP 2 through 4. Data compression standards supported are V.42bis and MNP5. When utilizing both the highest speed and compression the modem can achieve throughput speeds up to 115,200 BPS, while also being able to auto-baud to slower speeds. This flexibility allows connection with just about any modem in use.

Installation FAQ:

Q. I have Windows 95 and I am installing the Performance Modem, do I need any drivers or files other than those that came with the modem?

A. No. Windows 95 provides its own Card and Socket Services, and the driver is for the modem is either preinstalled on your hard drive or is on the disk provided with the modem.

Q. I have DOS and Windows 3.11 and I am installing the Performance Modem, do I need any drivers or files other than those that came with the modem.

A. Yes. You have two options when installing the modem in DOS and Windows 3.11.

• The first is to use Card and Socket Services. Those files are available for each computer in the Drivers and Utilities area of this site. The drawback to this is that Card and Socket Services uses large amount’s of memory even when those drivers that can be loaded into High Memory are. The advantage is that they will support more cards than just the modem.
• The second option is to use the point enabler that comes with the card and the socket driver for the modem. The socket driver is loaded in the config.sys file and the point enabler is installed in the autoexec.bat. The advantage to this is that it uses much less memory. The disadvantage is that it will only allow you to use the modem. If you have a FX, XP5Pro or an LM the socket driver is sscirrus.exe. For the XP5, the driver is ssvadem.exe.

Q. I am using Windows 95 and I pushed in the modem for the first time and did not get the "New hardware found" message. What should I do now?

A. First, ensure that the card is fully seated in the socket. This card can sometimes be more difficult to insert than others.

• Try ejecting the card. Did you hear any sounds when the card came out of the socket? If not try seating the card again. If you do not get the message then push the card in further. If you get sounds only when ejecting the card, call WinBook Technical Support.
• Did you hear double-beeps when you pushed the card in? Look in the lower right corner of your screen. Is there a PC card icon in the area next to the clock? If the icon is there then the card has already been installed. To confirm this double click on the PC Card icon and in the PC Card Properties you should see V.34 Data Fax PC Card – Model 538P US.

Q. I am running DOS and Windows 3.1 and I did not get any tones when the computer loaded.

A. If you are using the point enabler, you will not get the beeps, that indicate the card is starting. If you are using Card and Socket Services, watch the messages as the computer is starting. You should see the message Card Services Installed. If you do not see this message the most common cause is not having "x=d000-dfff" at the end of the "device= c:\dos\emm386.exe NOEMS" line in the config.sys file.

Communication FAQ:

Q. Why is the fastest FAX speed 14.4? Isn’t this a 33.6 modem?

A. The fastest rate for a fax is currently 14.4 bps. This will be the case whether you are talking about a fax machine or a computer.

Q. When I look at my connection rate it is slower than 33.6. Is there anything I can do about this?

A. There are several things to consider when trying to determine how to increase the connection speed. First, what is the connection speed of the computer you are dialing in to? If it is only 14.4 line, that is the fastest you can connect to them. Call the ISP or network support personnel and find out if they have a faster connection point. Second, your speed will depend on the phone lines. Older phone lines, heavy traffic on the lines, noise on the lines and other factors will limit the speed and quality of your connection.

You should also check the Maximum speed box on the General Page of modem properties. If is set too low it will only reach that speed. For example if it is set to 19200, that is as fast as the modem will connect. A good general setting is 57600 or 115200. That does no mean you will achieve that speed but allows the modem to go to the highest speed it can achieve.

Q. I am using DOS and Windows 3.11. What Windows driver do I use for this modem?

A. Unlike Windows 95, Windows 3.11 does not provide support to applications for modems. The driver you use will depend on the application you are using because each program provides its own modem support.

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Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you as a service from the Technical Support Department of WinBook Computers. It is intended to assist you in the resolution of your technical problems or questions. If you feel uncomfortable implementing any of the information or suggestions contained herein then you should e-mail the WinBook Technical Support Department. WinBook will not be held responsible for any loss of information, data or programming as a result of the use of this TechNote.