WinSpm Problem 1

[dizzyphil]

Folks,

I have a Dell Inspiron 600m laptop with a Conexant D480 MDC V.92 Modem. I am running SPM 9 and this is my problem. When I finally connect to a system regardless of version, WinSpm randomly select F Keys and sends me through programming windows. I can select extensions for example and it will send me there but then back me out of it all the way to language or monitor without me selecting anything. I have the modem options set to spec but can't seem to find an answer. Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Diz

 

[dizzyphil]

Also, running WinXP Pro.

Diz

 

[2BAvoice]

I have a different laptop, but it happens to me sometimes, too, no matter what PC I am on. We have several different ones at work, and it happens occasionally on all of them. Sometimes, clicking quit (the red quit on the menu) and then reselecting SPM mode will clear it, sometimes not. It even happens sometimes when I dial into our own switch onsite here with *10. Don't know the cause, I used to think it was noise on the line, but I don't now. Usually dialing in again, or several more times, has cleared it for me. Good luck.

 

[dizzyphil]

I often have to press quit and start over also. It never seems to quit though. It is happening on a consistent basis. I have to think it is the internal modem I am using becuase if I hook up directly to the Admin port it does not happen.

Diz

 

[telecomtekperson]

That happens to me when I have a "dirty line

 

[tdaugirdas]

I find that hanging up the phone (parallel connected) usually causes a disconnect - so I just lay it down gently and leave it off-hook until I am finished. This sounds like a poor connection problem or a VOIP connection - which generates a lot of noise - often too much noise for a good modem (or fax) connection.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[dizzyphil]

Usually to avoid that, I call the customer on my cell and tell them when I am calling and they just transfer me in. I have tried different speeds on the modem but to no avail. I don't have a setting of modulation on my modem, do you think this might be a problem? Is there somewhere else to do it?

Diz

 

[dizzyphil]

BTW,....

Would an external modem be an adequate answer? It would be worth the money not setting on this craptop for an hour to change something that normally takes 10 minutes.

Diz

 

[tdaugirdas]

If you want to make changes quickly - use standard SPM - instead of the GUI interface that seems to take forever. The other option I often use is making programming changes using a copy of the customer's backup - then I email them the revised backup file and have them restore it locally.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[merlinman]

Set your modem for a TOP SPEED of only 1200 BAUD.

That may, or may not work.

Having worked on this system for the last SEVERAL YEARS my experience is that SOME MODEMS are better than others.

I jumped all over VOIP from Comcast 'cause of the FREE LD, and then had to back WAY OFF, and go back to a REAL COPPER LINE from QWEST 'cause VOIP just didn't work.

However, that being said, pure copper is not bullet proof either. But it is a lot better than VOIP.

Your thought on an EXTERNAL MODEM could be worth a shot, but I have had those give me bad service as well.

I would try different lines, if possible.

Also, you stated that just dialing *10 fails to connect, I think I would try a different Craptop, or maybe even a Desktop.

 

[jwilson2015]

dizzyphil,

I am having the same issue with a Dell Latitude D820 with a Conexant modem. Did you ever come to a workable solution to that problem?

thanks,
Jon

 

[Pepperz]

Dirty line. It happens to nearly all systems, all modems, if you connect enough. If you have a lot of issues, it's probably your own line or local CO switch rather than the customer's. MAybe local Telco can run a test. (Not likely they would find anything, though. It might be interesting to take the same computer to a friend's house near the CO, and see if you get the same results with the same customer's Merlin.??

 

[phonesrus]

A lot of modem issues are related to the fact that newer laptops have 56k modems and many do not support older Bell 212 capability 1200/2400 E71. My solution has always been PCM-CIA (PC-card)modems that state they support it. For desktops, I have always used US Robotics (NOT the Win-Modem, but the pro version that has a processor on the card)and I rarely have a problem connecting to anything.
Modem connections via IP will not work period, unless you use a Lantronix or Digi IP to serial adapter, but you must have the device installed at each site, and in the case of Legend/Magix use the IP capability of SPM9 etc to connect.

 

[jwilson2015]

Well, I know it isn't a dirty line issue as I use this same line to dial into all kinds of systems other than Magix. And I have also used this line with my two previous laptops and it worked just fine to get into Magix systems. As soon as I get this new laptop, I now have these troubles.
What happens is, the Magix connects, then seconds after the main SPM screen comes up, random F keys start to get pushed.
My other laptop had a 56k modem. No troubles with it.
I was hoping that perhaps dizzyphil had found a magic bean to make his work without needing an additional modem.

 

[dagwoodsystems]

If Bell Labs had only spent that extra 50 cents on a modem...eh merlinman? I know you tried to fix this in advance!

 

[dagwoodsystems]

I'm with phonesrus on this one. This problem has been posted a number of times before, and I doubt he or I are the first to repeat a solution.

I feel for you because I too had no problem with my old IBM clunker, but now I've got Dell hell. The beeps and dings, weird F-Keys...menu jumping all over the place...(ding)(ding)pause(ding)...French menus (ding). Arghhh! I've actually had to go to an external modem in order to properly handshake with both Magix and Partner systems.

In my experience, anything advertised as "Winmodem" or "softmodem" tends to stink out loud. I use an old corporate-grade Motorola modem. phonesrus isn't the first to mention that specific USR modem, so you might want to check one of those out as well. You can buy them for a buck at your local 7-11 or Circle K (that's a joke for the locals, but they ARE cheap).

 

[dizzyphil]

jonwilson,

Sorry it took so long to answer back to you. I switched to a Verizon Wireless card and US Robotics and have no issues. I tried many things to alter the modem and nothing worked. I have used two seperate US Robotic modems and the wireless and never have a problem. The modems were 2 for $10.00 still new in the box from a pawn shop I was in looking for an amp for my sons guitar. I thought what the heck, it's worth a try. I have a spare now. It is set up in my home at the desk so it is not in the way,.. just a work around. Cheapest route and less headaches, just get a robotics.

Diz

 

[phonesrus]

Next time buy a Compaq/HP laptop they generally us Agrere modems which work, but you must do your homework on the specs.
The issue with SPM is that IT sets the INIT string for the modem (Bell-212) and the Dell (and some other) modems do not recognize the string and go nuts, because they aren't compatible with what Dell (and others) consider an obsolete standard. Also how many laptops do you see these days with a serial port? Also considered obsolete!
I have never liked Dell, personal opinion: they are a POS!

 

[samelbe]

I had this same problem and got rid of it. I bought a PCMICA Modem Card on EBAY for $1.00 and us it instead of the soft modem that laptop computers use. WALLA - no more connectivity problems I have a DELL 610 Win XP Pro. Nuff said.