Upgrade to V.90


Statement:

281 Communications suggests you contact your manufacturer before
attempting any of these upgrades to V.90 to your modem.  Since these
upgrades rewrite the code on the modems EPROM, it is possible to harm
your modem if done incorrectly!  Read all instructions carefully before
attempting these upgrades!

All Zoltrix modems purchased from 281 Communications are covered under a
one year warranty through 281.COM!  Should the installation fail, you
may have your modem replaced, but a $30 installation fee will apply if a
281 staff member performs the removal and subsequent installation of a
new modem.  Please read all instructions carefully before performing
these upgrades!  281.COM will perform these upgrades for you for new
modems purchased from 281 Communications FREE of charge!  Simply drop
your system by our office(ETA 1 day).

56K LINE TEST ! 
- Courtesy of US Robotics - 
- Follow the instructions below to test your line for 56K compatibility - 
Open a terminal session (using Hyperterminal in Windows 95 for example) 
Dial the USR BBS number with the modem: 1-847-262-6000 
When prompted for graphics, hit enter. 
When prompted for a user name enter: Line Test 

Why can't I connect at K56Flex or V.90 rates? 
- Courtesy of Zoltrix -
The most common barrier to 56k performance, is the presence of a SLC96 (slick)
concentrator in your neighborhood. Telephone companies install a SLC96 to split
up lines in existing phone hubs to add more lines in high-growth areas.
This split nullifies the 56k capability, dropping all lines down to a 
maximum V.34 specification.  A second barrier occurs when a phone line is stretched
beyond 18,000 feet from a telephone company office, which is beyond the effective 
range of the 56k technology.  This occurs primarily in rural areas.  Corporate 
offices that are using PBX systems will lose 56k capabilities due to line attenuation. 

Check with the phone company to see if the above applies in your situation. 

Another cause could also be the connectors and wiring in your house. 

Following is from a user of a K56Flex Zoltrix modem. 

Like alot of us I also was having trouble with the 56k! 
I have both the 56k access lines from my ISP and a 56k modem! 
But usually I would only connect at 21,600 (sometime 44,000 bps if I was Lucky) 
My average speed only being 17,000 bps! 
My high was 27,000 bps and my low was 500 bps! 
I also kept getting error messages! 
If you are like me, you thought the Telephone Company had bad wires! 
But then I thought about my house's plugs (I have a Old house with Old jacks)! 
So I cleaned the connecter pins on all the cords I was using, I cleaned the Jack's
connecter pins I was plugged into and the Wire inside the jack! 
I cleaned them with a fluid that cleans connector pins! (aka video game cleaner!) 
I cleaned everything until it turned from a dark green to a Bright Brass-e Color.
And WOW! I connect at 50,000 bps sometimes and get no errors. My speeds are
great with 37,000 bps being my average 
28,000bps being my lowest and 50,000bps is my highest!
What a Great improvement! 

Links and Support numbers to popular Computer and Modem manufacturers offering V.90

Zoltrix
http://www.zoltrix.com/modem.htm

US Robotics/3COM
http://www.usr.com/home/online/
**281.COM suggests downloading their Upgrade Wizard FIRST!

Dell Computers
http://support.dell.com/filelib/


Gateway Computers
http://www.gateway.com/frameset.asp?s=home&p=support


Micron Electronics
http://www.micronpc.com/support/file_lib/bbs/modem.html

Boca Research
http://www.bocaresearch.com/support/bocaftp.html

Compaq Computers
Call:  1-800-OK-COMPAQ

IBM Corp.
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/support/desktop/pcmatrix.html

Apple Computer
http://www.apple.com/support/

Cirrus Logic
http://www.cirrus.com/

Rockwell
http://www.rockwell.com/


Other Modem Websites

Cellular & Modem Guide Almost everything you need to know about cellular technology, GSM data/fax transmission, and the basics of modems. Curt's High Speed Modem Page Covers the basics when it comes to using a 33.6 modem. Navas 28800-56K Modem FAQ Extensive overview covering many questions about modems. The Costmo Modem Pages The Tech Bit Examines the finer points of using your modem under Win95.