Any V.90 modem experts around?

iadom · 16-08-2004, 21:09

I have an ESS Technologies ES56h-PI DFV modem that has decided to throw a wobbly. Although I have Ntl BB I use the modem for my stock ordering software. It incorporates a direct Fax link to my main spares supplier. It has been faultless for 20 months ( the PC is under a 2 year G/tee) but tonight when sending a fax I could tell instantly from the noise that something was amiss. It made a brief dialling noise but there was also a lot of loud background hiss and no connection was made. To eliminate a fault at my suppliers end, I attempted to log on to my Zen dial up account but got the same noise. I confirmed that my phone line and all connections to my PC had no faults by using my laptop to send a fax and access the internet via the laptop modem.
I checked in Device Manager and "Queried" the modem from there ( I have saved the log file) everything points to the modem being installed and working correctly. I removed the modem from device manager and rebooted, Windows found and installed the modem and drivers, I have checked drivers as well. Now when I attempt to fire up the modem it does not even make an attempt to dial but makes a much quieter noise. Is it possible that even though everything I have checked says the modem is correctly installed and working that it is indeed faulty? I still have 3 months of the g/tee left to run and recently had to return it to the local shop for a new PSU to be fitted, I would try another modem if it was out of g/tee.

iron25 · 16-08-2004, 21:37

It's difficult to diagnose problems without being there but have you done the following:

1. Checked all the cables.
2. If external modem, checked the serial ports. If internal, changed slot.
3. Tried dialling modem to see if it picks up. This should allow you to check the phone cable.
4. Connect via hyperterminal and run some at commands to see if the modem is communicating with the PC correctly.
5. Checked for a dial tone.
6. Try another modem to see if it PC causing the problem.

I'm sure there are other things you can try as well.

iadom · 16-08-2004, 22:30

Thanks for reply,
Internal PCI modem, as stated above I have already eliminated all cables and external connections by using my laptop on the same connection without problems.

Cannot try another modem yet as PC is still under g/tee with seals on case.

Using the "Query Modem" facilty in device manager reveals that the PC is communicating with the PC and reports no faults.

iron25 · 16-08-2004, 22:45

When you say that you have tested all cables do you include the cable going from the modem to the phone socket. I mention this because in the past I have had problems with modems not dialling because the wrong cable was used albeit a modem cable just not the one supplied with the modem. If the cables are working then what happens if you dial the modem.

iadom · 17-08-2004, 16:38

I had checked all the cables with my laptop, see above

. I decided that the modem must be goosed., and although it still has a couple of months g/tee left I didn't want the hassle of lugging it back to the shop again. I fitted a new modem myself and it is working fine. I was just puzzled as to why all the checks and tests stated that the duff modem was apparently fine when it patently was not.

Matth · 17-08-2004, 17:29

If the line interface has failed, then the modem would still appear 100% good on the PC side.

My stock test is to connect to the modem as a COM port with terminal software.
If it cannot dial and ring an ordinary number by TONE (ATDTnumber), try PULSE (ATDPnumber) - if that succeeds, then the line isolating transformer is blown (or a microfuse).