LinuxQuestions.org HCL - External Serial 56K/V.92 Modem (Model # EX560LKA)

aaa · 11-15-2003, 12:24 PM

Being an external serial modem, it worked in Linux with ease. No driver installation. No rebooting (well I had to do that with Windows... stupid Windoze ME!). Just running a ppp program (like kppp). The hardest part was threading the cable into the tangled mess that is the back of my computer. I can definitely say that this great modem works better in Linux than in Windows. One time Windows wanted to reboot just because it wasn't plugged in on bootup! But in Linux - What is this strange thing of which you speak of? Reeee-booo-ting? Never heard of it. There was one bad thing though. The modem's speaker sounds tinny. When you crank up the volume, it sounds like it's going hoarse.

Dapper Dan · 12-05-2003, 04:55 PM

I have also used this modem. It works perfectly right out of the box, with no configuration necessary. I highly recommend it for any Linux user still on 56k.

a0zguy1 · 10-16-2004, 05:10 PM

Does this modem have the ability to automaticly disconnect when someone tries to contact me via phone?

(on Linux)

aaa · 02-03-2005, 08:16 AM

Yes. Use AT+PCW=n in your init string. n would be on of these:
0 for caller id
1 for disconnect
2 for ignore.
It can show the caller id in minicom but I don't know of any programs that let you see it when you're on the internet.

Tiyogi · 02-15-2005, 06:36 AM

I have been looking for a modem that has the modem on hold feature.

Do you mean to say you have one of these modems working with the modem on hold working? If so thats great I have posted in about 6 different forums and have yet to get anyone who actually has a modem. I get replies saying this or that modem has the feature but no one actually has one.

So if you do in fact have one does it work ok? Will it drop the modem so you can answer the incoming phone call?

TGWDNGHN · 07-26-2005, 12:14 PM

Thing worked straight out of the box: Plug it in, run kpp- and go online!

At first, the thing was as slow as Mollasses (if you don't know what that is, imagine a snail on peanut butter). But the box did say it automatically "readjusts" and optimizes itself according to your connection. Afted browsing a few sites (which ook forever to load), the thing picked up speed and now surfs like a rocket.

An interesting thing I noticed was that the Download Rate was the same, but it actually collected data twice as fast. For example: both my Windows and Linux computer state their DL speeds around 2Kb/s. While My Windows Pc gets a chunk of data every 2-4 seconds or so, this one eats it up at a rate of 1-2 seconds. This modem is a tad bit faster than my PCI modem. The page loading has definately improved

Another Note: in the beginning, I noticed that many times the connections just plain dies. You are technically connected ot the internet, but when you see the I/O of your modem, no data is being transfered except the ocasional .3 Kb (Maximum .9Kb transer rate). This fixed itself in time due to the modems ability to auto-optimize itself.

The Blinking lights do help tell you if data is being transfered or not. Sometimes its just best to restart the connection, but you don't need to after a while because it optimizes itself (I know I sound like a broken record but it's true!)

Oh and... this is a 9-Pin Serial Cable, mind what Amazon says- there is no USB :(

(You know... it's kinda funny, the box keeps saying how "Today's modems are Windows Based..." and how they use CPU cycles. It states how its a hard modem and all, but it's almost as if it is "Afraid" to mention Linux. Well. it works!)