Now I hate USRobotics

[skuz]

I only heard good things about USR modems. Since January I bought an external and an internal PCI hardware modem.

****, are these modems sensitive to glitches...

Whenever I turn on/off the lights in the room or the refrigerator starts/stops, the modem stops transmitting and most of the time hangs up.

I wonder why my Supra winmodem doesn't have any problem even tough I know the glitches are still there...

Wasted 300 $ for the modems, and nearly another 100 $ for the 3Com technical support because these idiots don't have a toll-free number. I eventually found out myself the cause of these disconnections.

[This message has been edited by skuz (edited 05-01-2001).]

[NDD]

Nice advice, but first thing check your PSU and power cables ...
Working with USR for more than 10 years, internal, external, WinModem - never had problems. Now on 56k Courier.

Best Regards ...

[skuz]

Problem is : I bought a UPS WITH a regulation system in hope to get rid of this problem (and also to have a chance to save...).

I STILL hear a glitch in my speakers when the events I described before happen even if they are plugged in the regulator.

I thought the power supply of the external to be the problem and 3com wouldn't replace it, so, after cursing 3com's tech support, I bought an internal one, same **** problem...

I don't understand, isn't a UPS supposed to supply its power from the battery all time ?

How the hell can a glitch get through a battery ?

[RandomGoon]

It could simply be EMI causing faulty data on the lines. The modems may be sensitive to the other electrical appliances/lights in your house. Oh, and if the PS for the ext. modem isn't on the UPS you'd still see the same problems. And, some models of UPS don't use the batteries until there is a main line interruption; check the specs on your UPS to be sure.

'Goon

[thekingofpain]

Is the outlet you are connecting to forsure grounded? I have a dedicated circuit with my battery bank attached to it grounded to an 8 foot rod in the earth ...

[thekingofpain]

Maybe a UPS/surgesupressor would eliminate the surges? I used to have problems when people would fire up 2 commercial washingmachines in the utility building next to my house, cleared it right up for me...

[Mntsnow]

What make and model of UPS are you using? My bet is that you do not have any filtering on the unit you have.

[LemonHead]

and they dont even make robots...

goddamm

[derek79602]

That kind of language isn't necessary. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

I had the same tech support trouble trouble with USR, I got a junk 56k x2 external, And spent $40 on long distance to tech support trying to get an RMA. Spent another $25 on an expedited delivery, and they were "out of stock" on my model, you know, the model that every Wal-mart, comp usa, and Jack Sprats Computer service has rotting on their shelves because of the $100-129 price tag.

Granted the Sportster External doesn't display the stuff you are talking about, and once I finally got a good one, it's almost like broadband compared to my old winmodem.

[barbados]

Transients (spikes) can ride on the AC output of a poorly filtered UPS supply, enter a poorly filtered P/S and cause you troubles with a poorly filtered M/B.

I don't think you are having voltage drop problems as the UPS should take care of this (hopefully).

I would first: take the computer to another room on a different AC circuit and see if it is affected. If not..

I would monitor the AC line at your primary location with a voltmeter looking for a voltage drop when the refer starts...even better, monitor the 12 or 5 volt buss with a voltmeter to see if it drops..

If the AC line drops you've got UPS or mains problems, if the 5 or 12 volt buss drops, you've got P/S problems. If nothing drops, you may have M/B filtering or regulator problems.

..I really doubt it is the fault of the USR modem, I've had half a dozen with no problems..

Let us know your progress and good luck!

[skuz]

Logically, it can't be the power supply since the external modem has problems too.

USR 56K Performance Pro Modem 3CP325610A
USR 56K FaxModem (external) 568603

UPS is a Belkin model 425.
Written on the box : Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) - A line-conditioning feature that ensures clean and consistent power.

[Kuasimodem]

I had a similar problem with my modem until I replaced the phone line from the box on the outside of the house to the computer's phone jack with shielded phone cable.

You might give that a try...

[skuz]

I am completely clueless now.

I tried plugging it to an outlet that is NOT on the same breaker and that I know is correctly grounded, and it still has a problem.

What's happening ? Are there too much cosmic radiations in my area amplified by the lights and refrigerator ?