USRobotics 5686 External 56K Modem

[Brad]

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. Windows 95, 98 computers can't detect it. I tried
two new modem cables. I connected it to an older computer with "Telix" (Dos
based) and used the init string that was listed in a file on the CD rom, but
still no communication. Also, an "ATZ" sent to the modem, returns no
response. What is the most likely defective part in this modem?

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.

[Pete]

On Tue, 13 Jul 2004 13:56:58 GMT, ***@verizon.net (Brad) wrote:

Hi Brad,

The 5686 looks like a nice modem if it was running.

Post by Brad
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. Windows 95, 98 computers can't detect it. I tried
two new modem cables. I connected it to an older computer with "Telix" (Dos
based) and used the init string that was listed in a file on the CD rom, but
still no communication. Also, an "ATZ" sent to the modem, returns no
response. What is the most likely defective part in this modem?

There are several components that could go wrong.

Power Supply.
Com Cable
Modem
Computer
Drivers
Human

I would suspect the power supply, cable or modem.

Have you tried HyperTerminal. (Start Menu \\ accesories\
communications\) ... If so are you sure you are connected to the
right port?

Some modem drivers will install without the modem being present so in
this case its best to choose an actual Com for initial test. Should be
either Com1 or Com2...

As to the power supply. Is this the original? Have you a voltage \
multimeter?

These power supplies are often not the common DC (battery replacement)
type. They are AC. If you can check the AC voltage of the power
supplies output it will help eliminate problems such as Low Voltage?

I have two USR modems. They both have the same 9V AC 1000ma outputs. I
am in the UK so input voltages are 240V AC. On my two they have a
code: SP3..

May not be the same for you as my modems are at least 2 years old but
a good guess...

The cables you have already discounted.

The computer you have discounted. Except for the issue of double
checking your usage of a terminal program.

Thats all I can suggest at the moment.


Regards

Pete

[David C Dawson]

Post by Pete
Hi Brad,
The 5686 looks like a nice modem if it was running.

Post by Brad
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. Windows 95, 98 computers can't detect it. I tried
two new modem cables. I connected it to an older computer with "Telix"
(Dos based) and used the init string that was listed in a file on the CD
rom, but
still no communication. Also, an "ATZ" sent to the modem, returns no
response. What is the most likely defective part in this modem?

There are several components that could go wrong.
Power Supply.
Com Cable
Modem
Computer
Drivers
Human
I would suspect the power supply, cable or modem.
Have you tried HyperTerminal. (Start Menu \\ accesories\
communications\) ... If so are you sure you are connected to the
right port?
Some modem drivers will install without the modem being present so in
this case its best to choose an actual Com for initial test. Should be
either Com1 or Com2...
As to the power supply. Is this the original? Have you a voltage \
multimeter?
These power supplies are often not the common DC (battery replacement)
type. They are AC. If you can check the AC voltage of the power
supplies output it will help eliminate problems such as Low Voltage?
I have two USR modems. They both have the same 9V AC 1000ma outputs. I
am in the UK so input voltages are 240V AC. On my two they have a
code: SP3..
May not be the same for you as my modems are at least 2 years old but
a good guess...
The cables you have already discounted.
The computer you have discounted. Except for the issue of double
checking your usage of a terminal program.
Thats all I can suggest at the moment.
Regards
Pete

Also check the dip switch settings to make sure it's in smart mode and other
things are correct.

[R.L. Horn]

Post by Brad
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.
What is the most likely defective part in this modem?

I can think of a number of possibilities. The 56k Sportsters used a 9VAC
power supply, make sure you haven't got a DC supply plugged into it. As has
been pointed out, make sure it's set for smart mode. Make sure your serial
ports are enabled in BIOS. Try setting the DIP switch DTR override.

Worst case scenario: it's been fried, either by lightning or something else.
At least some Sportsters had a peculiar grounding problem (never actually
acknowledged by USR) that could conceivably contribute to such a situation
under the right circumstances (usually in conjunction with crappy phone
service).

Second worst case: Someone has tried to upgrade the modem and it went
horribly wrong. Couriers had a magic DIP switch setting that would
generally allow you to recover, Sportsters may as well. You might Google
for it.