USRobotics Model 5686 External 56K Modem

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Brad - 08 Jul 2004 12:27 GMT

Hi,

I bought a used USRobotics model 5686 external 56K modem. This one has
8 dip switches for setting various modes. This modem powers on and
only the "CS" led glows. Connected to the computer, when I boot up Windows
98 (or 95 on other PC), it doesn't detect it. Also, via control panel, "add
hardware", a hardware search doesn't find any "new" hardware. I have two new
modem cables and tried both. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance, Brad

Before you type your password, credit card number, etc.,
be sure there is no active key logger (spyware) in your PC.

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Franc Zabkar - 08 Jul 2004 22:06 GMT

> I bought a used USRobotics model 5686 external 56K modem. This one has
>8 dip switches for setting various modes. This modem powers on and
>only the "CS" led glows. Connected to the computer, when I boot up Windows
>98 (or 95 on other PC), it doesn't detect it. Also, via control panel, "add
>hardware", a hardware search doesn't find any "new" hardware. I have two new
>modem cables and tried both. Any suggestions?

IMO, a better newsgroup for this type of question is comp.dcom.modems.
Some USR experts hang out there. Having said that, I would first try a
different COM port. Then you could try using HyperTerminal to
communicate manually with your modem.

Setting Up Hyperterminal
http://www.modemsite.com/56k/x2-hyperterm.asp

Using HyperTerminal
http://www.modemsite.com/56k/usehyper.asp

You could also try sending commands to your modem in DOS mode.

echo AT L3 M2 H1 > COMx where x = 1,2,3, or 4

This will take the modem off-hook and enable its speaker. If the modem
is connected to the phone line, you should hear a dialtone.

To hangup the modem, type:

echo ATH > COMx

- Franc Zabkar

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Lil' Dave - 17 Jul 2004 09:58 GMT

> Hi,
>
> I bought a used USRobotics model 5686 external 56K modem. This one has

I have the "E" version.

> 8 dip switches for setting various modes. This modem powers on and

The bottom of the modem has the dip switch settings and their meanings. The
default settings are indicated for each switch.

> only the "CS" led glows. Connected to the computer, when I boot up Windows

CS is the only thing that's supposed to be lit under that condition.

> 98 (or 95 on other PC), it doesn't detect it. Also, via control panel, "add

Be sure you are using the correct cable to the com port. There are two
types. The one meant for a printer/null modem cable (com port) will not
work. Will produce indications mentioned by yourself. This bites many
people. USR is almost mute on this point, yet is probably the most
important part of the installation. They may have stock options for Belkin
<grin>.

> hardware", a hardware search doesn't find any "new" hardware. I have two new
> modem cables and tried both. Any suggestions?

See above. This is assuming the com port is running and working correctly,
and system.ini has the default settings for it. Once you get it working,
there's a firmware update available for it at the USR site.

> Thanks in advance, Brad
>
> Before you type your password, credit card number, etc.,
> be sure there is no active key logger (spyware) in your PC.

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