ActionTec External USB 56K Modem User manual

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Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Features 1
Package Contents 2
Firmware Updates 2
Front Panel 2
Rear Panel 3
Safety Information 4
Connecting the Modem 7
Installing the Software 9
Windows 98, 98 SE 9
Windows Millennium Edition (Me) 16
Windows 2000 19
Windows XP 25
Verifying Driver Software Installation 28
Troubleshooting 33
AT Commands 37
Command Format 37
Basic AT Commands 37
ITU–T V.90 Operation Commands 38
Command Examples 40
Notices 41
Regulatory Compliance Notices 41
Modifications 42
Limited Warranty 43

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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec External USB 56K Modem. The Modem is
also compatible with the V.90 and K56Flex™ standards.
Important! Please read this entire chapter. It contains important
safety information.
Features
Among the features of the External USB 56K Modem:
Quick Connect
Reduces the time it takes for the Modem to connect to the Web by remem-
bering the characteristics of the phone lines.
V.44 Data Compression
Enables faster browsing and faster downloads.
48Kbps Upload Speed
Up from 33.6Kbps (depending on line condition).
Modem On Hold
Generates a Caller ID window when a phone call comes in while online.
The call can be ignored while remaining online, or it can be answered, put-
ting the Internet session on hold. The Internet session can be resumed after
the call is completed.
☞Note:Modem On Hold will function correctly only if the ISP
supports this feature, and if call waiting is activated. For updates
and instructions relating to the Modem On Hold feature, go to
www.actiontec.com.
Other features include:
Conformance to the ITU-T V.92 and V.90 specifications, with auto-negotia-
tion of V.44, V.42bis, V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.23, V.22bis, V.22, V.21, Bell 212A,
and Bell 103 protocols
Group 3: class 1 fax protocols support
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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
V.80 video standard support for videophone and video conferencing
Controller-based, with support for Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000, and XP
Simple “Plug-N-Play” installation
Package Contents
Actiontec External USB 56K Modem
Installation CD-ROM
Quick start guide and user manual (pdf version on Installation CD)
Te lephone cable (RJ-11)
USB cable
Power adapter
Firmware Updates
Firmware updates are made available on a regular basis for this product. To check
for updates, visit the Actiontec Web site at www.actiontec.com.Follow the
instructions on the Web page to upgrade the modem with the latest firmware.
Front Panel
The Modem has four lights (LEDs) on its front panel.
PWR (Power)
When the Power light is on, the Modem is powered up.
PWR
RD
TD OH

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Chapter 1 Introduction
RD (Receive Data)
When the Receive Data light is on, the Modem is receiving data.
TD (Transmit Data)
When the Transmit Data light is on, the Modem is sending data.
OH (Off Hook)
When the Off Hook light is on, the Modem is off hook.
Rear Panel
The Modem has a number of ports and other features on its rear panel.
Power Switch
The Power Switch is located on the left side of the rear panel, and is a push-button
type switch. Push the button to turn the Modem on, and push it again to turn it off.
Power Port
The Power port accepts the smaller end of the Modem’s Power cord.
Modem Cable (RS-232)
This cable plugs into the Modem’s USB cable.
PowerLinePhone

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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
Line Port
The Line port connects to a phone wall jack, using a standard telephone cord.
Phone Port
The Phone port connects to a telephone, using a standard telephone cord.
Safety Information
Shock Hazard
To avoid shock hazard:
The power cord and any other equipment to which this product is attached
must be connected to properly wired receptacles. Do not connect or dis-
connect any cables or perform installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration
of this product during an electrical storm.
When using telephone equipment, basic safety precautions should always
be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, and injury. Never
install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically
designed for wet locations.
Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone
line has been disconnected at the network interface. Use caution when
installing or modifying telephone lines. Avoid using a telephone (other than
a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of
electrical shock from lightning. Do not use the telephone to report a gas
leak in the vicinity of the leak.
Connecting the Modem
Do not connect the Modem to a digital PBX (switchboard) system, as dam-
age to the Modem can occur. Modems are designed to function with analog
telephone lines, such as residential lines.
Do not connect the Modem to an ISDN line. In some areas, ISDN (digital)
lines are provided for residences and businesses. These lines may damage
the Modem.

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Chapter 1 Introduction
☞Note:The Modem is fully compatible with analog telephone lines
connected to a Digital Exchange. Digital Exchanges are used in
some areas to supply analog lines to homes and businesses.
Technical Support
Actiontec Electronics prides itself on making durable, high-quality, high-perform-
ance products. If you need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support Department is
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide professional support.
Actiontec Electronics, Inc.
760 N. Mary Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: http://support.actiontec.com/email_support/support_form.php
Internet: www.actiontec.com/support

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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual

7
Connecting the
Modem
The Modem connects to a computer via USB. To connect the Modem to a com-
puter, follow these instructions:
1. Ensure the computer is powered down.
2. Plug the Modem cable connected to the rear panel of the Modem into the
large end of the USB cable.
2. Plug the other end of the USB cable into a USB port on the computer.
4. Plug one end of the phone cable to the “Line” port on the rear panel of the
Modem, and the other end to the phone wall jack.
.☞Note:Ifconnecting the Modem in the United Kingdom, insert
the telephone adapter included with the Modem package
between the wall jack and phone cable.
5. Plug the cable connected to the telephone in the “Phone” port on the back of
the Modem.
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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
6. Plug the power adapter into an electrical wall outlet, and plug the power cable
in the “Power” port on the back of the Modem.
The Modem is now connected. Next, install the driver software as explained in the
“USB Port Installation” section of Chapter 3,“Installing the Software.”
PowerLinePhone
Modem Cable
USB Cable
(to USB Port
on computer)
Power Adapter
(from Power Port
to Power Outlet)
Phone Cord
(from Line Port
to Phone Jack)
Phone Cord
(from Phone Port
to Telephone)

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Installing the
Software
After connecting the Modem to the computer and the phone line, the driver soft-
ware must be loaded on the computer. Select the operating system used, and fol-
low the instructions.
Windows 98, 98 SE
1. Ensure the Modem is turned off, then power up the computer and, while it is
booting, insert the Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2. After the computer has booted, turn on the Modem.
3. The first “Add New Hardware Wizard” window appears. Click Next.
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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
4. In the next window, select Search for the best driver for your device
(Recommended),then click Next.
5. When the next window appears, select Specify a Location,then click Browse.

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Chapter 3 Installing the Software
6. Navigate to the CD, open the “EX560LKA_UP” folder, and open the “INF”
folder. In this folder, open the “INF_USB_PL” folder and select WIN98ME.
Click OK.
7. Make sure the location entered in the text box below “Specify a location” is the
one chosen in step 6. Click Next.

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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
8. Read the onscreen instructions, then click Next.The software installation
begins.
9. When the installation is complete, click Finish.

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Chapter 3 Installing the Software
10. Windows displays another Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box. Click Next.
11. Select Search for the best driver for your device.Click Next.

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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
12. Select Specify a location,then click Browse.
13. Navigate to the CD, open the “EX560LKA_UP” folder, and open the “INF”
folder. In this folder, open the “INF_EX560LKA_V31” folder and select
WIN98.Click OK.

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Chapter 3 Installing the Software
14. Make sure the location entered in the text box below “Specify a location” is the
one chosen in step 13. Click Next.
15. Read the onscreen instructions, then click Next.The software installation
begins.

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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
16. When the installation is complete, click Finish.
The Modem is now ready to use.To verify the driver software installation, see
“Verifying Driver Software Installation” on page 28.
Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
1. Ensure the Modem is turned off, then power up the computer and, while it is
booting, insert the Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2. After the computer has booted, turn on the Modem.
3. After the computer powers up, the “Add New Hardware Wizard” window appears.
Select Automatic search for a better driver (Recommended),then click Next.

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Chapter 3 Installing the Software
4. From the list box in the “Select Other Driver” window, select the Prolific USB-
to-Serial Bridge driver for Windows Me (see figure below), then click OK.
5. After the software driver is loaded, Windows states the installation is finished.
Click Finish.
6. Restart the computer.

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Actiontec External USB 56K Modem User Manual
7. After the computer restarts, another Add New Hardware Wizard window
appears. Select Automatic search for a better driver (Recommended),then
click Next.
8. From the list box in the “Select Other Driver” window, select the Actiontec
56K External Modem driver for Windows Me (see figure below), then click
OK.