Re: USR 56K modems

From: Roby (nada_at_nada.net)
Date: 03/22/04 

Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 14:21:35 GMT

Maurice Batey wrote:

> This is a modem problem, not a Linux problem, I believe.
>
> Bought a new USR 56K Faxmodem for use with my new SuSE 9.0 Pro
> installation, using Kppp.
> But the modem struggles to obtain a connection; it keeps re-trying the
> ISP number, alleging that the number is 'busy' but it's not.
> If I let it keep re-trying for 5-10 minutes it eventually obtains a
> connection. Also, I notice that the modem speaker sounds are crackly.
>
> However, if I replace the new modem with its (6 years) older brother
> (same make, shape, size, but has a 'phone socket at the rear, and has
> twice as many indicator lights as the new one) the Kppp obtains a
> connection first time, every time. If I swap back to the new one the
> old trouble starts again... Using same phone socket in each case.
>
> Anyone alse had this and/or can suggest what is going on?
>
> (I did take the first new one back to PC World for replacement. but
> the replacement has the same problem.)
>
>
> Maurice Batey (Retired in Hampshire, UK)
>
> http://www.maurice.eurobell.co.uk
>
> (Change "no.spam" to "." in E-mail address.)

I bought a USR external modem (model 5686) last summer. Had problems with
it. Long series of e-mails with tech support. Finally they agreed to
replace it, like this:

"Standard turn around time is 7-10 business days upon our receipt of the
defective modem. The replacement modem is shipped through Airborne
Express."

When I suggested that many companies send a replacement *first*, they said:

"The alternative is to contact our tech support group via phone and order
the product replacement via Advance shipment option. This option affords
for a product to be sent to you within 3 to 5 business days first. The
package comes with a prepaid shipping lable to send the defective one
back to us. This method is a charged shipping order. The order Requires
a $25 dollar fee for shipping, non refundable. The charge is not placed
until the product actually ships."

Tech support group lacketh a toll-free number.

My USR modem cost $99US and carries a three-year warranty. I wouldn't buy
another USR modem.

Roby

Relevant Pages

  • Re: modem hang up after connection..
    ... > failed to negotiate a PPP connection. ... > significant retraining of the modem connection and the session login ... So I used kppp to connect since Mandrake use kppp to connect and it ... But it still fails on debian.. ...
    (comp.os.linux.networking)
  • Re: Modem Problem.
    ... s> I have a 56K US Robotics Internal Modem. ... but I often don't get a 56K connection (rarely ... Unfortunately, when I use anything other than kppp, soon after connection my modem disconnects. ... s> Since kppp is connecting properly this is probably a software configuration problem with wvdial, pon etc.,. ...
    (comp.os.linux.misc)
  • Re: /dev/modem
    ... > When attempting a connection with KPPP, I get the message "kppp can ... > Trying to connect to smpppd ... > Can anybody help me configure my modem properly. ...
    (comp.os.linux.setup)
  • kppp works wvdial doesnt for pppd (logs included)
    ... I have a working internet connection using kppp over a dedicated dial up ... modem. ... Username = username ...
    (comp.os.linux.networking)
  • /dev/modem
    ... I have PCI modem with Suse 9.0 but keep getting errors when I try to ... When attempting a connection with KPPP, I get the message "kppp can not ... Trying to connect to smpppd ...
    (comp.os.linux.setup)