Ok - after 2 long nights and most of today trying many pieces of software and solutions, I am beginning to think that I'll have to dual boot with Windows to be able to log onto the internet. Yes I have a winmodem - Conexant RH56D/SP-PCI. I really don't want to go out and buy an external modem for this computer (unless you know of one cheaper than $20), so if anybody else has come up with a solution, please let me know. (I know, I know - I did search and lurked and searched again, but isn't this the most frustrating part of Linux?) Everything else is working fine and I am even learning a little SQL to solve my data needs.
I really want to move completely to Linux, but if I have no way of connecting to the internet, it won't be a reality.

This would be a good place to start.

Well, I've been there and identified my chipset, downloaded the HCF driver for the Mandrake 10.1 distro, installed and tried to configure the modem for internet and no joy. It hasn't been a happy experience.

Can you post up your error messages?

I'm a little past the error point. I installed the driver and it did come up with the message that there were some errors in the file, do I want to continue? I continued and then nothing. I then went to configure the internet connection and it still told me that modem wasn't supported.
I am now in the process of loading Win98 back in and then Mandrake in dual boot mode. So I'll still be able to get online.

Too many modem manufactors fell in bed with micro$oft and only made drivers just for windows. Whenever I buy a pc (allways put it together myself), I allways make sure each piece of hardware is compatible with linux. The modem is usually the biggest problem but I went to cable internet a couple of years ago myself so I'm outta date with what will work and what won't.

Well, I found this site and article which was very informative.
http://www.linux-mag.com/2000-03/newbies_01.html

And just a few minutes ago a friend called me to tell me he found an external USRobotics 5686D modem! Only thing is there is no power supply. Does anyone know the voltage and tip type for this modem?
Thanks again for all the help.

http://www.usr.com/search/search-res...x=0&search.y=0 is the search I did on the US Robotics website, the results are all pdfs. http://www.usr.com/support/drivers-t...p?prod=s-modem is a link to their support page. Hopefully, one of them will give the details. I seem to recall that whenever I used a USR external modem, I just grabbed a mains lead/plug that fit and wasn't too bothered about the voltage.

Radiolarian

Did you ever get the AC adapter or find the specs for the adapter for US Robotics 5668D?

Anyone?

Anyone?

As you have suspected, online connection with PCI modems is very difficult. This goes for BOTH winmodems AND linux-compatible modems ( I think it has to do with IRQ placement associated with PCI bus).

Anyway you are on the right track with external serial port modems because:

1. no drivers necessary. Installs for PCI modems took me several weeks to locate drivers, make sure kernel sources were available, learn commands, troubleshoot, etc.........
2. Ext serial (NOT USB - they are usually winmodems) are actually faster than some internal PCI modems. I have installed several internal PCI modems, but they are generally slower than the external modems.
3. They can be had for cheap! I am gobbling them up from local thrift shops for $1 - $5. Don't be afraid of older modems that are 34k or don't have v92 feature. The downside of these modems is sometimes difficult fax features.
4. Resist the urge to tweak them up to the fastest speeds. This will usually cause them to be fine for loading webpages, but then they will stall when downloading files. 34k to 42k speeds are OK for dialup.
5. Make sure your ISP is linux friendly (AOL - Walmart connect has not been in the past).
6. Usually setting the modem as /dev/ttsy0 in the Kppp dialer does the trick

Sorry about the ramble, but it took me 2 months to get connected because there was no info that seemed "definitive" about dial up 'cause everyone was using DSL, so hoping to help others in the same boat I was in.

Now on to your question - - yes lookup tech data online for the power supply. Also 9 times out of 10 there is a sticker underneath OR if you hold the plastic case so the light hits it just right, you will see tiny raised lettering indicating the voltage (AC or DC), the amperage, and whether or not it is a center positive connector.

modems power supplies are almost always:
9-12 VDC
650 - 900mA
Center positive
These can also be found at thrift shops for $.50 to $3.

good luck
Go Linux!

Well trio3b i have tried all angles. no info about power requirements on the case of the US Robotics 5686D. emailed tech support and waiting for a reply.

Thanks for the info.

Sorry can't help other than to say if tech support will not give any satisfaction, then:

1. Look for another USR, Best Data, Zoom/Hayes, ActionTech external modem. ($20 - $100)
2. If money is an issue, then go to your local thrift shop or flea market and look for a modem that DOES have the power requirements listed.
3. I cannot assume any responsibility for the following advice:
This is for DC powered units ONLY! Some USR modems are AC powered.
If you CANNOT wait ---AND--- the modem is dispensible, then you can start with a 6 VDC 500mA PS. If it lights up AND you dont' smell smoke - fine.

If it runs hot, then move to a 9VDC PS. The ampereage should be fine as long as its a minimum of about 500 to 750mA. HIgher ampereages are no problem.

Please - no flames if this advice smokes your modem. You have been warned!


Good luck

Sorry I haven't checked my messages for a while, but yes I got the USR external working. Here is my response from them

Thank you for choosing U.S. Robotics.

The specs for your power supply are, 9v AC 1.0A. The modem will work with
Linux, but there aren't any USR drivers for that modem on our site for
Linux.


Again, thank you for choosing U.S. Robotics.

I only had a slight problem with my connection slowing down to a crawl, but solved that with a new telephone cable and now all is well. Just looking for a good fax solution.
Hope this helps.

(PS You need to upgrade to the V.92 status from the USR website. Mostly painless.)