USR Sportster Voice 33.6 Faxmodem
Product: Sportster Voice 33.6 Faxmodem
Manufacturer: US Robotics (USR)
Contact: US Robotics (USR)
650 Wharfedale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TP
Tel: +44 (0)1734 228200
Fax: +44 (0)1734 695555
Tech support: +44 (0)1734 441000
USR BBS: +44 (0)1734 692200
Email: uksupport@usr.com
RRP: around £180
Requires: All Ataris
Pros: Plug 'n' play - if you're lucky, semi-future proof, established manufacturer
Cons: Only seems to work with the bundled RJ11C cord, ST's require a serial port modification to go faster than 19,200 bps.
Score: 90%
Plug 'n' play with Al Goold...
The phrase 'Plug 'n' play' was introduced as a key new feature in Windows 95 but in the case of the new external Faxmodem from US Robotics and my Falcon it certainly fits.
I bought my first USR Sportster modem, a 14,000 model, a couple of years ago and it's still in everyday use by a friend. I replaced the 14,400 model with a Sportster V1 (28,800) which stopped working last September so I took it back to PC World who told me it had been superseded by the USR Sportster Voice 33.6 Faxmodem and very little formality I was soon heading home with a new Sportster modem and five year warranty at no additional cost to me and is one of the reasons I've never regretted paying a small premium for a named brand.
At first glance the box is identical to the 28,800 model but on closer inspection a small red flash proclaims 33,600 capability and a small manual addendum describes the new features. It's a bit academic at the moment with only a few other 33,600 modems around. In fact the only full speed connections I have had are with the CiX Internet service.
The modem is BABT approved and additionally supports V34 (28,800), V32 (14,400) and Class 1 and 2 fax machines up to 14,400 bps.
The package includes a 9 pin serial cable - TT, Mega STe and Falcon owners can plug this straight in, along with a 9 to 25 pin adapter for use with ST models, standard BT RJ11 phone cable (see boxout), power adapter and PC software for Internet use, which went straight in the bin.
Finally USR have abandoned the cream coloured 'Stylophone' look of its predecessors in favour of dark grey. It feels solid and looks good. The modem is roughly 150x100x25 mm and can sit flat or upright, using the integrated stand. The on/off switch is located at the left side (or top if used upright) where it can be easily reached and a useful volume control leaves the rest of the household unaware of midnight comms sessions.
As the model title suggests voice recording and playback is supported but as usual there will be a delay before Atari programmers rise to the challenge and add support for these features.
Installation
Replacing an existing modem couldn't be simpler. After plugging the modem in just tweak your comms software to take advantage of the higher throughput. 115,200 bps works fine on my Falcon but the serial port on standard ST machines is limited to 19,200 bps - although DIY and commercial serial port upgrades are available.
If you're setting up a modem for the first time there are a few ground rules worth following:
- Use a simple comms package. Teddy Term is Freeware and recommended to newcomers. CoNnect is comprehensive and available from System Solutions in the UK, other software is available from PD/Shareware and online services.
- Install the Shareware utility HS-Modem in your Auto folder. Most TOS versions have buggy serial port routines, HS-Modem replaces these with faster bug free code.
- Start with ATZ as your modem initialisation string and test the modem with a local BBS and take it from there.
I have successfully connected at 28,800 bps using Cixcomm, StiK, Semper, Oasis and CoNnect - typically the connection string reports: 'CONNECT 28800/ARQ/V34/LAPM/V42BIS' and so far I haven't experienced a single dropped carrier. Until everyone else gets a 33,600 bps modem, that's the best I can expect.
Support
USR have their own UK Support BBS which offers technical support for their products on +44 (0)1734 692200, or by email at:uksupport@usr.com
Conclusion
Although you'll pay a small premium for this leading edge modem USR are an established company in an ever changing marketplace - which means they'll probably be around to honour the five year warranty and offer technical support.
Hot tip Use the RJ11 cable supplied with the modem. I didn't and couldn't log on anywhere until I fitted it - you have been warned!