🚀 go-pugleaf

     I have tried a few cheap modems lately and have found the following:

The GVC modem has problems with reliability.  The first one I had would
overheat after the 1st hour.  An auto answer modem which can't be left
on 24 hrs./day is not much good.  You'd have to turn it on manually to
answer the call just before the call was made.  My 2nd GVC just died outright.
I have no idea what happened to it.  It is going back to the manufacturer
shortly.  That's 2 out of 2 modems failed.

The Tandy 2212 is wonderfully reliable.  Did I mention that the signal quality
of the GVC mentioned above was maginal and it had data-errors consistently at
11200 baud for uploads thus limiting me to 300 baud uploads?  Don't expect all
cheap modems to have adequate signals.  The Tandy modems seem to have excellent
signal quality (I borrowed one before and bought one later, so they have
had 2 out of 2 winners -- the opposite of GVC).  The command system in the
Tandy is BETTER than Hayes.  It is simpler than Hayes (i.e. not Hayes com-
patible if you are a true invalid) and maintains the last number for redial.
IF you buy it on a sale you have an excellent modem fairly cheap.

The USR Password is a Hayes compatible with an excellent reputation.  I tried
one and almost bought it.  Signal quality is good.  The only slight drawback
I *think* it had (memory a bit poor on this point because I tried a few
modems) was that it had to have its commands entered in upper case only.  This
is common and I think even the real Hayes 1200 baud had this problem.  Strange
in the Hayes when you think about the cost.

The Avatex 1200 seems to have good signal quality (I haven't tried 1200 baud
uploads yet).  It requires commands to be entered in Upper Case only.  You
cannot use the Hayes +++ command.  Forced disconnect, baudrate selection on
originate and voice/data control are all manual.  Baudrate selection is
automatic on Auto-Answer, which suits me fine..

-- 
James Omura, Barrister & Solicitor, Toronto
ihnp4!utzoo!lsuc!jimomura
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