🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <ant311822868a*2k@whtng.demon.co.uk>, Paul Whiting
<URL:mailto:paul@whtng.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>She has
> 4MBytes RAM, 82MByte HD with 25MBytes free, ANT Internet suite 1.22,
> Dynalink 33600 voice/fax/data modem, Demon internet account, and 2 

Fine.

> extension cables (3m and 15m) plugged into each other.

Not fine.

Golden rule - do NOT use extension cables for modems/data coms.  Ban
them ;-)

I had mine plugged into extension cables as I wanted to move the comp
quickly into another room.  But, my connections were so poor (Bad
FCS..) I had to give up and install a complete extension (properly -
not cables plugged into cables) from themain box which comes into the house
Only now do I get decent connections.


> The problem 
> specifically is grindingly slow access for the first few minutes of use,
> and then stationary access. There are a great many (about 3-5 per second)
> 'Bad FCS on frame count...' errors in the logging window at this stage.

Yes, cos of the fone line probably.


 
> I have a SA RPC with more RAM than you can shake a stick at etc., which is
> configured in the same way as the A3010 except for serial speed which is
> 19200 on the A3010. We share the modem (taking it in turns). With the RPC,
> Internet access is fine. For elimination purposes we used the A3010 with my
> phone line - and it didn't work - so I do not think that the extension
> cables are the problem.


I still don't like your extension cables :)

> I have also tried taking the serial speed right down
> to 9600, but to no avail. In addition, a friend suggested using SLIP intead
> of PPP, but I found that this produced an error along the lines of
> 'Different prompt to expected' in the logon phase.

No, don't bother with SLIP - kep with PPP.
 
 
Okay.  Here's what I think your problems are

a) Use of extension cables - major one
b) Demon simply giving you bad connections, although its unlikely to
keep doing it.
c) your sister needs a bit of a mode change.

By c) , I mean, she might be running in a VGA mode.  This a very very
bad idea for A3010s, and should only be used (IMOH) to view graphic
work; a definate no for internet access.
Vga modes are usually 27,28,and 31 - they're the most likely that
she's using, assuming she *is* in a VGA mode.

If she isn't, then she's in a 256colour mode.  256 colour modes are
also no-go areas for A3010s as far as I'm concerened.
I always run in 16colours, and switch to 256 when I want to see
something good on a web site.
Your computer will crawl in 256 col modes whether its on the internet
or not.  Well, actually, it depends what mode you are using it in -
as larger screen modes (like 40) use lots of CPU power.

Basically, I'd suggest changing screen mode to either
a) mode 12
b) mode 35

Mode 35 should be a bit better because it does not have letter boxing
around it - it fills the entire screen.


19200bps is a good speed, and is the best you will get out of an
A3010 (unless you use a serial buffering module which lets you go
higher - but there's still a risk of losing data down the line).

So, try the mode change, and get rid of those pesky extension cables
 - and you might be getting some decent connections :-)

cyl,
 MoZes 
-- 
MoZes.                  (remove KILLSPAM for reply-to address) 
                  http://www.digicron.com/mozes/
 I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky.  I was wrong.