Choosing a good 56k Modem!

colbyh · 07-25-2007, 02:13 PM

I am looking for purchase a 56k modem for my desktop PC and was hoping someone would be able to give me a little advice. At the moment, I am currently sold on the US Robotics line of modems due to the fact that the US Robotics PC Card Winmodem I use in my laptop performs flawlessly and is very stable. However I cannot use a PC card with my desktop, and the current Conexant D850 internal PCI modem is horrible at reliability when it comes to disconnections under my semi-poor line conditions.

There are a few things I am looking for in this modem:

1. I'd like to keep the price at or under 100$ (ruling out the expensive USR Couriers and such)

2. I am looking for a FULL DUPLEX/HARDWARE controlled modem. (Tired of buying these different internal and external modems and findout out they are either Win/Software based or just don't have all the parts of a full hardware-controlled modem)

3. Internal or External makes little difference, as I have a free PCI slot, free USB ports, and a free Serial port - however, I am not sure which one of these 3 types would give me the most reliable and stable connection. (I have heard that some are more prone to line noise than others)

If anyone has any recommendations they could make for me our look around at sites such as http://www.usr.com/products/analog/p-56k-menu.asp and help me pick out a modem that would best fit my needs without going overboard on the ole' wallet. Also, if anyone has any SPECIFIC modem's that they have firsthand experience with being of very good quality and cost, feel free to provide me with a link of that modem as well. Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!!!

**johnwill** · 07-25-2007, 02:14 PM

I like USR for dial-up, they always treated me well. I like the externals, but as long as the internal model is NOT the WinModem, it's pretty much the same.

colbyh · 07-25-2007, 03:23 PM

You wouldn't know of any local stores or online stores that allow a money-back return policy for items that have been opened do you? This way, I could check out a couple modems and see for myself which works best with my computer and on my phone line.

**johnwill** · 07-26-2007, 10:05 AM

I don't know of any. It's been a lot of years since I even looked at dial modems.

colbyh · 07-27-2007, 11:06 AM

Ok, no problem. The reason I am asking is that currently I am using a Conexant D850 PCI modem that came with my XPS 400 when I got it from Dell. I have experienced terrible disconnections from this modem since I got it. Dell has sent me 3-4 new ones to try, but they are all the exact same modem. (The last 2 times I requested being sent a different modem but still was sent the same one). I am pretty sure this is a controller-less modem and is the reason it disconnects so much. It has extreme sensitively to any line noise and is prone to disconnect under any but the best weather conditions, but most of the time it disconnects at random.

Through many extensive troubleshooting calls to Dell, they agreed to send me a new computer (an XPS 700 due to the fact that the 400 was discontinued). This did not solve my problem, as they included the same Conexant D850 modem back in this computer.

I have also tried a Creative Modem Blaster USB modem (cheap, maybe 20-30$) and still experienced disconnections.. I think this was a software modem also.

I also get disconnected in the same random way when I try to connect these modems to my laptop. However, I recently purchased 60$ U.S. Robotics winmodem PC card for my laptop, and had NO DISCONNECTION problems at all. I was even able to play through a very bad storm without the slightest pause or dropped connection.

I can't use this PC card in my desktop (have tried using a PCI to PCMCIA card adapter, but couldn't get it to work) so I am in need of another modem that I can get as good of performance out of as I can this PC card, which is why I am looking into another US Robotics modem.

I have tried all the most updated drivers and firmware for all my modems, and can't get this problem solved.

Do you think that this could be a computer issue with my desktop, even though I still have the problem on my laptop with one of the USB modems I have tried and that I have had this problem with 2 different XPS computers/ Could there be an issue with my motherboard and the modems that I am trying? None of this seems very likely to me because I don't think that the modem and the computer itself is related in these ways, but I could use some technical advice.

SHould I go ahead and try out the US Robotics Pro Performance 56k modem (full hardware PCI modem) for around 90$? Does it seem very likely that this is my problem?

I have had countless line tests ran on my phone, and even convinced Sprint to run me a brand new telephone line from the pole to my house, and none of this affected my disconnections at all. Also have went through 3-4 different ISP's and it did not make any difference. They tell me that I have no line noise problems. I never had this problem for the first 2 years I used my laptop (it had a generic Gateway modem in it, but was fried by lightning so I can't test it anymore)... and this problem started 3 weeks after I got my new PC..

Now I am at a loss concerning what to do now. I know this is quite a bit of information, but hopefully someone with similar problems or experiences can give me some advice! Thanks very much!

**johnwill** · 07-27-2007, 01:49 PM

I'd consider trying another computer with that modem, perhaps you have a friend that you can buy a six-pac for to come help.

colbyh · 07-27-2007, 06:49 PM

Yeah, I have tried using the Creative Modem Blaster (gets same disconnection problem as my PCI modem on my desktop) on my laptop, and still have the same exact problem. This is why I was pretty sure it wasn't a modem issue in the first place. But then again, I have had many tests ran on my phone line, all the way from the central office to my home, and they replaced the phone line from the pole to my house for free. This had no affect. With these other modems I am lucky to be able to stay connected on days with perfect weather, but if there is the slightest bit of wind or rain, I will be lucky to maintain a connection for 5-10 seconds after connecting. However, like I said, with the US Robotics winmodem I have 0 disconnections and can play straight through a lightning storm (not advisable, but I had to check =D) with no pauses in data transmission or disconnections. So if it's possible with this winmodem, I don't see why it disconnects with everything else... also my friends onboard laptop modem has trouble maintaining a connection at my house, but I had no trouble with my laptop's modem for 2 years until it was fried :(

I don't know what the problem could be..

Tumbleweed36 · 07-27-2007, 07:01 PM

With USRobotics modems, it is as a rule a driver issue that causes the most problems. What one has to do is FORCE it to take the latest drivers from the manufacture's website. Repeat after me....I will download the drivers from the manufacture's website and not use the disk that comes with the modem!!!!!

A problem that is common is that with XP, the modem drivers are actually only v.90 compliant and you need the v.92 drivers for the USRobotics modems to have them work properly.

What I do is make sure your modem is in PCI #3 (third down from your video card area, then download the latest drivers, and then manually force the computer to take the drivers.

Oh, it will say they are the most recent drivers (which they are not from microsoft), not digitally signed, etc. (that is a money issue between Microsoft and USRobotics), but force the drivers anyhow by pointing it to the EXACT location.

I found out this information about three years ago from a USRobotics representative. I am not a modem expert, but use this method every time I use a USRobotics modem. Darn, I tried it and it works for me just as the USRobotics rep said it would.

Addendum: IMHO, the zoom modems are one of the best, although be sure to set up the modem exactly as the directions say.

colbyh · 07-27-2007, 08:02 PM

Well, after browsing for a couple days.. I couldn't find a store that would allow me to send a modem back after it was opened. I wanted to see if that particular modem could perform up to par with my US Robotics PC card.

BUT!!!!

I managed to get my hands on a used US Robotics Pro Performance modem on ebay for a mere 25$ +8$ shipping buyout. I was very skeptical at first, but after confirming that it was indeed the pro performance PCI modem (and after noticing the seller had 617 successful transactions with a 99.8% seller rating) I thought i'd give it a shot since I can't take back a new one after I buy it anyway.

Hopefully it will be in good condition. Most likely, he finally got High speed and no longer needed the modem.. *fingers crossed*

I'll try this one out and let you know.. this is supposed to be a full hardware internal modem, and the one im using right now is software.. so hopefully I can see a difference.

Also, would someone mind explaining "throughput" to me.. and how it is different from the actual speed you connect at (ie: 50.6, 44)
Most people say after upgrading from a software modem to a hardware, that they can see a huge increase in their throughput...

colbyh · 07-28-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed36

With USRobotics modems, it is as a rule a driver issue that causes the most problems. What one has to do is FORCE it to take the latest drivers from the manufacture's website. Repeat after me....I will download the drivers from the manufacture's website and not use the disk that comes with the modem!!!!!

A problem that is common is that with XP, the modem drivers are actually only v.90 compliant and you need the v.92 drivers for the USRobotics modems to have them work properly.

What I do is make sure your modem is in PCI #3 (third down from your video card area, then download the latest drivers, and then manually force the computer to take the drivers.

Oh, it will say they are the most recent drivers (which they are not from microsoft), not digitally signed, etc. (that is a money issue between Microsoft and USRobotics), but force the drivers anyhow by pointing it to the EXACT location.

I found out this information about three years ago from a USRobotics representative. I am not a modem expert, but use this method every time I use a USRobotics modem. Darn, I tried it and it works for me just as the USRobotics rep said it would.

Addendum: IMHO, the zoom modems are one of the best, although be sure to set up the modem exactly as the directions say.

Concering the problem you said with XP:
I just checked with my ISP and my connection v.92 capable, however at the moment I only have a v.90 modem. You said there was an issue with XP concering the drivers being only v.90 compliant. If I download the v.92 firmware update and the newest drivers from the US Robotics site.. should this fix the problem? Will these drivers work with XP?

Tumbleweed36 · 07-28-2007, 11:26 AM

One way to find out and if it does not, then uninstall them. Normally, if they are v.92 compliant, they are backward compatible.

I don't know what model number the modem you have is, but it should work. You don't really need a high priced modem to do the same job for you. For example, a Wal Mart sells the USRobotics Mod 5699 modem for around $30 bucks.

A good zoom will run you a little more, but not an arm and a leg. If you go to Bestbuy or Staples and get a modem and if it does not work for you, you can return it for a small restocking fee. That might be worth a try. I would call them and ask if you can return it if it does not work in your machine and that way, no loss of money. Hope that helps you.

07-25-2007, 02:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
colbyh Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 9 OS: XP	Choosing a good 56k Modem! I am looking for purchase a 56k modem for my desktop PC and was hoping someone would be able to give me a little advice. At the moment, I am currently sold on the US Robotics line of modems due to the fact that the US Robotics PC Card Winmodem I use in my laptop performs flawlessly and is very stable. However I cannot use a PC card with my desktop, and the current Conexant D850 internal PCI modem is horrible at reliability when it comes to disconnections under my semi-poor line conditions. There are a few things I am looking for in this modem: 1. I'd like to keep the price at or under 100$ (ruling out the expensive USR Couriers and such) 2. I am looking for a FULL DUPLEX/HARDWARE controlled modem. (Tired of buying these different internal and external modems and findout out they are either Win/Software based or just don't have all the parts of a full hardware-controlled modem) 3. Internal or External makes little difference, as I have a free PCI slot, free USB ports, and a free Serial port - however, I am not sure which one of these 3 types would give me the most reliable and stable connection. (I have heard that some are more prone to line noise than others) If anyone has any recommendations they could make for me our look around at sites such as http://www.usr.com/products/analog/p-56k-menu.asp and help me pick out a modem that would best fit my needs without going overboard on the ole' wallet. Also, if anyone has any SPECIFIC modem's that they have firsthand experience with being of very good quality and cost, feel free to provide me with a link of that modem as well. Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!!!

07-25-2007, 02:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,748 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! I like USR for dial-up, they always treated me well. I like the externals, but as long as the internal model is NOT the WinModem, it's pretty much the same. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

07-25-2007, 03:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
colbyh Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 9 OS: XP	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! You wouldn't know of any local stores or online stores that allow a money-back return policy for items that have been opened do you? This way, I could check out a couple modems and see for myself which works best with my computer and on my phone line.

07-26-2007, 10:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,748 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! I don't know of any. It's been a lot of years since I even looked at dial modems. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

07-27-2007, 11:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
colbyh Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 9 OS: XP	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! Ok, no problem. The reason I am asking is that currently I am using a Conexant D850 PCI modem that came with my XPS 400 when I got it from Dell. I have experienced terrible disconnections from this modem since I got it. Dell has sent me 3-4 new ones to try, but they are all the exact same modem. (The last 2 times I requested being sent a different modem but still was sent the same one). I am pretty sure this is a controller-less modem and is the reason it disconnects so much. It has extreme sensitively to any line noise and is prone to disconnect under any but the best weather conditions, but most of the time it disconnects at random. Through many extensive troubleshooting calls to Dell, they agreed to send me a new computer (an XPS 700 due to the fact that the 400 was discontinued). This did not solve my problem, as they included the same Conexant D850 modem back in this computer. I have also tried a Creative Modem Blaster USB modem (cheap, maybe 20-30$) and still experienced disconnections.. I think this was a software modem also. I also get disconnected in the same random way when I try to connect these modems to my laptop. However, I recently purchased 60$ U.S. Robotics winmodem PC card for my laptop, and had NO DISCONNECTION problems at all. I was even able to play through a very bad storm without the slightest pause or dropped connection. I can't use this PC card in my desktop (have tried using a PCI to PCMCIA card adapter, but couldn't get it to work) so I am in need of another modem that I can get as good of performance out of as I can this PC card, which is why I am looking into another US Robotics modem. I have tried all the most updated drivers and firmware for all my modems, and can't get this problem solved. Do you think that this could be a computer issue with my desktop, even though I still have the problem on my laptop with one of the USB modems I have tried and that I have had this problem with 2 different XPS computers/ Could there be an issue with my motherboard and the modems that I am trying? None of this seems very likely to me because I don't think that the modem and the computer itself is related in these ways, but I could use some technical advice. SHould I go ahead and try out the US Robotics Pro Performance 56k modem (full hardware PCI modem) for around 90$? Does it seem very likely that this is my problem? I have had countless line tests ran on my phone, and even convinced Sprint to run me a brand new telephone line from the pole to my house, and none of this affected my disconnections at all. Also have went through 3-4 different ISP's and it did not make any difference. They tell me that I have no line noise problems. I never had this problem for the first 2 years I used my laptop (it had a generic Gateway modem in it, but was fried by lightning so I can't test it anymore)... and this problem started 3 weeks after I got my new PC.. Now I am at a loss concerning what to do now. I know this is quite a bit of information, but hopefully someone with similar problems or experiences can give me some advice! Thanks very much!

07-27-2007, 01:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,748 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! I'd consider trying another computer with that modem, perhaps you have a friend that you can buy a six-pac for to come help. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

07-27-2007, 06:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
colbyh Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 9 OS: XP	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! Yeah, I have tried using the Creative Modem Blaster (gets same disconnection problem as my PCI modem on my desktop) on my laptop, and still have the same exact problem. This is why I was pretty sure it wasn't a modem issue in the first place. But then again, I have had many tests ran on my phone line, all the way from the central office to my home, and they replaced the phone line from the pole to my house for free. This had no affect. With these other modems I am lucky to be able to stay connected on days with perfect weather, but if there is the slightest bit of wind or rain, I will be lucky to maintain a connection for 5-10 seconds after connecting. However, like I said, with the US Robotics winmodem I have 0 disconnections and can play straight through a lightning storm (not advisable, but I had to check =D) with no pauses in data transmission or disconnections. So if it's possible with this winmodem, I don't see why it disconnects with everything else... also my friends onboard laptop modem has trouble maintaining a connection at my house, but I had no trouble with my laptop's modem for 2 years until it was fried :( I don't know what the problem could be..

07-27-2007, 07:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,661 OS: XP Professional	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! With USRobotics modems, it is as a rule a driver issue that causes the most problems. What one has to do is FORCE it to take the latest drivers from the manufacture's website. Repeat after me....I will download the drivers from the manufacture's website and not use the disk that comes with the modem!!!!! A problem that is common is that with XP, the modem drivers are actually only v.90 compliant and you need the v.92 drivers for the USRobotics modems to have them work properly. What I do is make sure your modem is in PCI #3 (third down from your video card area, then download the latest drivers, and then manually force the computer to take the drivers. Oh, it will say they are the most recent drivers (which they are not from microsoft), not digitally signed, etc. (that is a money issue between Microsoft and USRobotics), but force the drivers anyhow by pointing it to the EXACT location. I found out this information about three years ago from a USRobotics representative. I am not a modem expert, but use this method every time I use a USRobotics modem. Darn, I tried it and it works for me just as the USRobotics rep said it would. Addendum: IMHO, the zoom modems are one of the best, although be sure to set up the modem exactly as the directions say. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread. Last edited by Tumbleweed36; 07-27-2007 at 07:03 PM.

07-27-2007, 08:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
colbyh Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 9 OS: XP	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! Well, after browsing for a couple days.. I couldn't find a store that would allow me to send a modem back after it was opened. I wanted to see if that particular modem could perform up to par with my US Robotics PC card. BUT!!!! I managed to get my hands on a used US Robotics Pro Performance modem on ebay for a mere 25$ +8$ shipping buyout. I was very skeptical at first, but after confirming that it was indeed the pro performance PCI modem (and after noticing the seller had 617 successful transactions with a 99.8% seller rating) I thought i'd give it a shot since I can't take back a new one after I buy it anyway. Hopefully it will be in good condition. Most likely, he finally got High speed and no longer needed the modem.. fingers crossed I'll try this one out and let you know.. this is supposed to be a full hardware internal modem, and the one im using right now is software.. so hopefully I can see a difference. Also, would someone mind explaining "throughput" to me.. and how it is different from the actual speed you connect at (ie: 50.6, 44) Most people say after upgrading from a software modem to a hardware, that they can see a huge increase in their throughput... Last edited by colbyh; 07-27-2007 at 08:04 PM.

07-28-2007, 11:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,661 OS: XP Professional	Re: Choosing a good 56k Modem! One way to find out and if it does not, then uninstall them. Normally, if they are v.92 compliant, they are backward compatible. I don't know what model number the modem you have is, but it should work. You don't really need a high priced modem to do the same job for you. For example, a Wal Mart sells the USRobotics Mod 5699 modem for around $30 bucks. A good zoom will run you a little more, but not an arm and a leg. If you go to Bestbuy or Staples and get a modem and if it does not work for you, you can return it for a small restocking fee. That might be worth a try. I would call them and ask if you can return it if it does not work in your machine and that way, no loss of money. Hope that helps you. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.