Commodore Computers VICMODEM VIC-20 User manual

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The friendly computer
VICMODEM
S commodore
' COMPUTER

REQUIRED FCC NOTICE
The Federal Com munications Commission (FCC) has established rules
which govern data modem direct connection to the telephone network. A
jack is provided by the telephone company for the direct connection.
Jacks o fth e m odulartype re q uiredfo rthe connection are not provided on
party lines or coin lines.
If it is suspected that the data modem is m alfunctioning, it may be causing
effects on the telephone lines outside the permissable operating specifi
cation of FCC 68. In this case, the modem should be disconnected until
the source of the difficulty is determined.
This equipm ent generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not
installed in strict accordance with the installation and operating instruc
tions may cause interference to radio and television reception. The
modem has been type tested and found to comply with the lim its for a
Class B com puting device in accordance with the specifications of
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, w hich are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installa
tion. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particula r installation. If this modem does cause interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determ ined by disconnecting the
modem, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
changing the position of the VIC with respect to the television or radio.
Copyright® 1982 byCommodore Business Machines, Inc. All rights reserved. No part ofthis manual
may copied, photocopied, published or otherwise reproduced without written permission from
Commodore. VIC 20, VICTERM I and VICMODEM are trademarks of Commodore Business
Machines, lnc.The Commodore product numberforVICMODEM is 1600. TheCommodore product
number for VICTERM I is VT 232.

A PIONEERING ACHIEVEMENT IN MODEM
TECHNOLOGY
Commodore wants everyone tojoin the “Computer Revolution” —
that’swhywe invent productswhich are notonlyrevolutionarybut
also affordable. The VICMODEM™ is only an example.
When Commodore introduced VIC 20" — the Friendly Computer,
the first color computer priced under $300, we wanted to include
a telephone modem to go with it, but we wanted our modem to be
in the $100 range, so everyone could afford telecomputing.
Unfortunately none of the major modem manufacturers we
contacted would, or could, make a modem we could sell at this
price. Finally we located a small creative design group and
presented them with our concept and design specifications. The
group started working with us and a few months later delivered
the modem we asked for. It took a total of 6 months from concept
to production and.in March 1982 the first VICMODEMs were
delivered for sale.
The result is a low priced modem cartridge which plugs into the
VIC 20 and connects directly to your telephone. The VIC 20 and
the VICMODEM together retail for less than $410 . . . and that
price is lower then the price of many modems!
We at Commodore are committed to leading the Personal Com
puter Revolution with new products that bring you the most
advanced technology available, at prices you can afford.
WHAT IS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS?
What is “ Electronic Communications”? Very simply, it’s the ability
to send and receive information over phone lines using your
computer. The VICMODEM “translates” electronic signals to and
from your computer so those signals can be sent over the
telephone. Your VICMODEM lets you communicate and exchange
1

data with almost any type orsize computer. You can use yourVIC
to “talk” over the phone with other VIC users or users of other
computers, tie into computer “telephone bulletin boards,” or
access a computer information service.
SCIENCE FICTION IS NOW REALITY
Science fiction writers used to speculate that one day we’d be
able to use “electronic libraries” in our home or office - the
technology has been here for several years - but it took the low-
priced VIC-20 and VICMODEM to make this service affordable...
and turn science fiction into reality.
Your Commodore computer gives you tomorrow’s world of elec
tronic communications... today. By allowing you to connect your
computertoatelephone, yourVICMODEM putsyou in touch with
incredible information services like “CompuServe”, “The Source”,
“ Dow Jones”, and other computer networks.
FREE “COMPUSERVE55 SUBSCRIPTION
As a VICMODEM owner, you’re entitled to ONE FREE HOUR of
access time on the CompuServe Information Service... PLUS ...
Commodoregivesyou a FREE SUBSCRIPTION toCompuServe,
which includes Commodore’s own special information network
for Commodore computer users.
Here are just a few of the services available through CompuServe
(and the “Commodore Information Network”):
★ educational programs
★ sports scores
★ encyclopedia
★ computer games
★ spelling aids
★ home budgeting
★ electronic mail
★ Commodore Product News
★ commodities prices
★ newswire stories
★ financial reports
★ wordprocessing
★ stock quotes
★ airline schedules
★ research data
★ Commodore Technical Data
2

With your new modem, YOU can access information resources
that up to now only the largest libraries and businesses could
afford. If you’re a programmer, you can use different computer
languages and programming tools. Add to this the many personal
services available and you’ve stepped into the next era of
technology. . . the Computer Information Age.
GETTING STARTED - STEP-BY-STEP
INSTRUCTIONS
Please read this entire manual before you turn on your computer.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to connect and use the
modem:
1. Make sure yourcomputer is turned OFF. (When ever inserting
or removing any cartridge it is best to have the unit off.
2. Insert the VIC MODEM into the User Port (see figure 1).
3. Turn your computer on.
INSTALLING THE VICMODEM
3

/ /
Expansion Port User Port
Figure 1.
3. Dial the correct phone number, listen for a high pitched tone,
then remove the plug from the handset, (see figure 3)
4. On the side of the VICMODEM there is a red indicator light,
(see figure 2) This light will illuminate when the modem is
transmitting and receiving information via the telephone.
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5. Load your terminal software (you will need to use a “terminal
program” to allow your VIC to “talk” over the telephone). You
can use any of the following programs.
a. VICTERM I - this is a cassette program included with your
VICMODEM. Requires use of the DATASSEJTE to load into
the computer. See instructions later in this manual.
b. VICTERM-40 Cartridge - A special Terminal cartridge avail
able summer 1982.
c. VIC-terminal program. - see page 7.
6. In order for VICTERM I to function properly you must not have
any cartridges in the Expansion Port (see figure 1). Be sure to
turn the computer off before inserting or removing any car
tridges. If you are not using VICTERM I be sure to follow the
instructions as given in the manual provided with the software.
CONNECTING THE TELEPHONE
1. You must have a modulartelephone in which the plug may
be disconnected from the handset, (see figure 3) If your
handset does not have an RJ11C plug (afour pin plug) you may
have to purchase a VICMODEM Non Modular Telephone
Adapter.
2. Set the originate/answer switch on the side of the modem to
the correct position. You should push it to the “O” position
(originate mode), when you are using yourcomputer to “talk” to
most information providers. It will be in this position to
connect to the Commodore Information Network. It is set
“A” (answer mode), when you are receiving a call originated by
another computer; example, you plan to communicate directly
by phone with a friend; he will start his VICMODEM in “originate
mode” and you will set yours to “answer mode”.
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4. Insert the plug into the phone socket in the back of the
VICMODEM. (see figure 2) Now your computer is ready to
operate as a terminal. At this point you must follow the
instructions given to you with your CompuServe subscription,
or, if using another service, in their instructions. (NOTE: Once
you have removed the handset, put it on the side, DO NOT put it
on the phone cradle!)
SOFTWARE
Included FREE in this package isVICTERM l,which is loaded into
yourcomputer via the Commodore DATASSETTE. By loading this
software and following the instructions provided in the manual
your computer will be able to operate over the telephone.
Also available is VICTERM-40, a cartridge which plugs into the
VIC 20 User Port. This software package not only turns your VIC
into a terminal, it gives you a 40 or 22 column display and allows
you to save the valuable information you receive, on your
Commodore printer or the Commodore disk.
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The following computer program is for use with the VIC 20. This is
a third method of turning your VIC into a terminal. You may type
this into the computer and then start it by typing “ run”, those of
you learningto program mayfindsomeofthe routines interesting!
For your convenience, we have provided an explanation of the
listing.
Term inal Software for the VIC
100
110
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
280
290
300
310
320
330
340
350
360
370
380
390
410
OPEN 5,2,3,CHR$(6)
DIM F%(255), T%(255)
FOR J=32 TO 64: T%(J) =J: NEXT
T%(13)=13: T%(20)=8: RV=18: CT=0
FOR J=65 TO 90: K=J+32: T%(J)=K: NEXT
FOR J=91 TO 95: T%(J)=J: NEXT
FOR J=193 TO 218: K=J-128: T%(J)=K: NEXT
T%(146)=16: T%(133)=16
FOR J=0 TO 255
K=T%(J)
IF K< >0 THEN F%(K)=J: F%(K+128)=J
pnfJr« «punff/1471 NOTE:lnsertaspacebetween
rnllNl v^nncj>^l^f () thequotesinprogramlines
GET#5,A$ 300, 330 and 360. Do not put a
IF A$=“ “ OR ST < >0 THEN 360 sPace in the Quotes in tine 320.
PRINT“ “CHR$(157); CHR$(F%(ASC(A$)));
IF F%(ASC(A$))=34 THEN POKE 212,0
GOTO 310
PRINT CHR$(RV) “ "CHR$(157); CHR$(146);: GET A$
IF A$< > “ “ THEN PRINT#5,CHR$(T%(ASC(A$)));
CT=CT+1
IF CT=8 THEN CT=0: RV=164-RV
GOTO 310
TIP. Once you have typed the above program into
your computer, save it on your tape or disk for
future reference or use.
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Line Number(s)
Software Explanation
Explanation
100 Opens channel to modem
110 Dimensions input and output buffers
200 Places special characters into transmitting array
210 Enters carriage return, disables Shift into the
array and defines the reverse key
220 Enters lower case characters into the array
230 Enters special characters into the array
240 Enters upper case characters into the array
250 Defines the RVS/OFF and f1 keys as break keys
260 thru 290 Defines the receiving array(F%) to be identical to
the sending array (T%)
300 Clears the screen
310 thru 330 Reads from the modem and prints that character
on the screen
340 Resets the quote mode
360 thru 390 Places a cursor on the screen for ease of reading
and writing
400 Checks modem before sending characters
You can add the following line to your- program to give the
standard start and stop commands.
255 T%(1 37)=03: T%(134)=17: T%(138)=19
t%(137) turns the f2 key into a control C
T%(134) turns the F3 key into a control Q
T%(138) turns the f4 key into a control S
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GLOSSARY
The following is a brief explanation of a few of the words used in
this manual.
1. Answer/Originate — This function refers to the switch on the
side of the VICMODEM and allows your computer to initiate
communications or receive data when another VIC or other
computer connects to you. You will use originate mode
when signing ontotheCommodore Information Network.
2. BPS (Baud Rate) — This is the speed in which data is
transmitted over a communications line. Your VICMODEM
operates in the range 0 to 300 BPS (0 - 300 Baud).
3. Full Duplex — A full duplex mode is one in which two-way
communications is accomplished by using two communications
lines, one going in each direction.
4. Information Utilities — Providers of information services like
“The Source” and “CompuServe”. Information can be obtained
(for an hourly connect fee) from the providers through your
computer. The information you can obtain ranges from games,
consumer information to an electronic encyclopedia, stock
quotes and news reports.
5. Modem — A modem is your key to accessing the world of
telecomputing. It is a data transmission device that converts
computer “talk” into a form that can be carried over the phone
lines.
6. X/ON and X/OFF — These commands allow you to stop and
start the flow of the data transmission on yourscreen. Control Q
and control S are the traditional commands for X/ON and
X/OFF.
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VICMODEM is a data communications modem. The VICMODEM
iscompatiblewith the Bell 103 type modems. It isadirectconnect
modem, can operate in full duplex, has a switch selectable
originate and answer mode and has a data rate of 0 to 300 BPS.
(The baud rate may be changed thru VICTERM I).
Troubles?! Be sure your modem is firmly installed in the proper
slot. If you still encounter telephone problems disconnect the
VICMODEM. Check to see if you still have those problems. If not,
the modem may have been the cause. Do not use it until it has
been repaired, (examine your warranty) The telephone company
is not responsible for difficulties caused by this equipment.
TELEPHONE COMPANY NOTIFICATION
Since the VICMODEM utilizes phone lines, the telephone com
pany will need the following information before it is connected to
the phone lines:
★ The telephone number, in your home, to which the modem is
to be connected.
★ The FCC registration number: B4V8N2-68331-KX-N
★ The ringer equivalence: 0.0B
MODEM SPECIFICATIONS
Data Format: Serial, Binary, Asynchronous
Operate Mode: Manual Dial, Manual Answer/Originate select,
Full Duplex
Data Rate: 0-300 BPS
Modulation: Frequency Shift Keyed
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Line Interface: FCC part 68, Direct Connect
Data Interface: TTL Standard
Indicator: Data Carrier Detect Lamp
Power Requirement: 9-11 Vac, 60 Hz, 180 mW

VICTERM I AND TERM 64
Introduction
There are two sides to the cassette tape — one side is for use
with the VIC-20 (VICTERM I) and the other side is for use with
the Commodore 64 (TERM 64). This software gives your com
puter the ability to act as a “terminal”. When you connect
your microcomputer to a modem and a telephone you
become an active participant in the Information Age. To ease
your entry into this era Commodore has designed the
VICTERM I and TERM 64 so that you can enjoy your new VIC-
MODEM within a matter of minutes. We have made every ef
fort to make this manual and software as uncomplicated as
possible. It’s what we call “user friendly”. The capabilities of
VICTERM I and TERM 64 can be best understood if you read
the entire manual before attempting to use this software.
To simplify writing and reading of this manual, all instruc
tions will be stated forVICTERM I. Unless qualified, these in
structions will also work for the TERM 64.”
VICTERM I FEATURES —
WHAT THE PROGRAM CAN DO
VICTERM I, has many impressive features. They include:
*“User Friendly” — menu operation where you can “order”
such delectables as baud rate, parity, and stop bits to match
almost any system! More about these terms later.
*Format end of line — use to stop wraparound. Wraparound
occurs when a word is too large to fit at the end of a line, and
the remainder of the word is continued on the next line. Even
a little wraparound makes the text difficult to read. Therefore
we designed the “Format end of line” to eliminate wrap
around and create easier to read text!
*2 color option — aids in reading the computer dialogue by
making your text a different color than the host computer’s
text. This makes the dialogue easier to read.
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*Activated control — keys to send operating instructions to
the host computer such as stop, hold, and begin transmitting.
*100 % machine language program — give you very fast
and accurate program operation.
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS MENU
A menu is a listing of all the options available to the user, in the
same manner a restaurant menu is a listing of the entrees
available. When VICTERM I indicates “TERMINAL READY” you
can call up a menu at anytime by typing F4 (Todothis, hold down
the SHIFT keyand pressf3).VICTERM I sendstheothercomputer
a special character (control S for the technically minded) that tells
it to stop sending so you won’t lose any data while reading the
menu.
There are 2 different menus, the Communications Formate Menu
and the VIC Control Menu. You can switch from one menu to the
other by typing the N key. When f inished with the menu, type the T
key to get back into terminal mode. The VIC sends the character
(control Q) that tells the computer to resume sending information
to you.
A. COMMUNICATION FORMAT MENU,
MENU #1
1. Baud Rate — This controls the speed of communicationsin bits
per second. The VICMODEM operates in the range 0 to 300
baud. If you get nothing but strange characters on the screen,
check the baud rate.
To set the baud rate press the B key, then use the CRSR right
key until the correct rate is found. Press RETURN to make the
selection.
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2. Duplex — A computer in full duplex mode will “echo” back to
thesender’s screen all signals it receives. This checks infor
mation against loss or alteration. It is similar to speaking to
someone who repeats every word you say.
The half duplex mode of operation does not “echo”. It is similar
to normal conversation between two people.
Below is a table of duplex combinations between two compu
ters and the results you can expect on your screen.
Table1. DublexSettings
Host Your YourScreen
Computer Computer
Full Full
Full Half
Half Full
Normal
Ex: HELLO
Double characters on screen
Ex: HHEELLOO
1st character is yours
2nd character is the host
Only see the Mainframe
characters
Half Half Normal
Sometimes it is desirable to have a particular combination ot
settings (ex: 2 color VIC option requires that both computers
operate at half duplex). To make changes refer to the host
computer’s reference manual.
14

3. Word Length — This controls how many bits are in each
character. Most computers use 7 or 8 bits.
Set the word length by pushing W, then use the CRSR right key
to make your selection. Press RETURN when finished.
4. Stop Bits — Some computers require that blank bits be sent
after each character, to signal the end of a character. Normally,
a 300 baud computergets 8 bits of data for each character, this
makes a total of ten bits including the start and stop bit.Hence,
300 baud becomes 30 characters per second.
To set the number of stop bits, you press the S key, use the
CRSR right key to select the number of stop bits. Hit RETURN
when the proper selection is made.
5. Parity — Some computers check for transmission errors by
setting the highest bit in each character in a certain way. In
even parity, the total number of “on” bits in each character
should always be an even number; in odd parity, the number of
“on” bits is odd. Space parity always leaves the highest bit off
and mark parity leaves the bit “on”.
Incorrect paritywill cause many of the characters to be printed
incorrectly.
Set the parity on the first menu page by pressing the P key,
then use the CRSR right key to select the proper parity. Press
RETURN when through.
B. VIC CONTROL MENU, MENU #2
1. Linefeed — You press return at the end of a line, in orderto start
a new line. Some computers expect to receive a “carriage
return”, to start a new line. Other computers expect both a
“carriage return” and a “ linefeed” signal. You can select both
signals by pressing L. To choose the “carriage return only
signal” type C.
15

2. VIC-to-VIC/VIC-to-ASCII — Most computers create characters
according to a standard set of codes called ASCII. Com
modore’s computers use a slightly different set of codes.
VICTERM I translates this different “language” from other
computers as well as giving you the full range of graphics and
sound when communicating VIC to VIC. When on the second
menu press V to transmit or receive from a Commodore
computer. Any other computer requires VIC to ASC!I, select A.
3. 2 Color Option — To improve readability, we have made it
possible to display characters you send in one color and the
characters you receive in another color. Select the 2 color
option by hitting the 2 key, while the second menu is displayed.
To cancel this feature press the 2 key again.
4. Format End of Line — Words that run past the end of the line on
the screen normally appear fragmented, partially on one line
and partially on the next. By selecting format end of line, any
words that would have been broken up are moved entirely to
the next line, this makes text more readable.
Select the format end of line by hitting f, and to cancel the
choice press F again.
GETTING STARTED
1. VICTERM I tape should only be used on VIC’s without extra
memory. This means there can be no expander cartridges or
game cartridges plugged into the back of the VIC. When the
screen comes up it should read 3583 bytes free.
2. Install the modem as given in the modem instruction manual.
3. Turn on the VIC, and rewind the VICTERM I tape.
4. Type “ Load” command on the VIC, press play on the cassette
when prompted on the TV screen.
16

5. When the VIC has found the program, “loading” will ap
pear on your TV screen, which lasts for a minute or two.
6. As soon as loading is complete the computer will say
“READY.” Type “RUN” and press return. The screen will
briefly flash the copyright notice and next, TERMINAL
READY will appear at the top of the screen.
7. Type f4, to make the necessary selections from the menu
pages. Press N to change from menu one to menu two.
Type T to enter terminal mode.
8. Now pick up your telephone. Dial the telephone number of
the computer you’re calling. The computer will answer the
phone with a high pitched tone. Connect the phone jack to
the back of the modem. The red light on the modem will
light up when the connection is complete.
9. Use the sign on procedure as described in your computer
network reference guide.
VICTERM I and TERM 64 let you control the character, screen
and border colors. To change the screen color, for example,
using the VIC-20 hold down the CTRL key and hit the f3 key,
and using the Commodore 64 hold down the CTRL key and
press the 8 key; you’ll see the color change on the screen.
Continue pressing the f3 key (or the 8 key) until screen is the
color you want. Below is a table of the color control
functions.
CHANGING SCREEN COLORS
Table 2a. Color Controls for VICTERM I
Depress CTRL key with:
f3
English Pounds
Effect on Output:
screen background
border
character color
(2 color mode only)
sending computer’s character
color
f5
f1
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Table 2b. Color
Depress CTRL key with:
1
5
8
f1
FUNCTION KEYS
We have set each of the function keys to send a different con
trol signal.
Type Result
f1 control C
f3 control P
f5 control Q
f7 control S
Control C and control S are traditionally used to indicate a
stop command; control Q means to resume sending and con
trol P is a break key. (This tells the computer that you want to
exit the program you are currently running.)
Check the manual from the information provided to be sure
that these keys are to be used.
COMMUNICATING
WITH OTHER COMPUTERS
“Talking” with your computer to other computers is as sim
ple as typing on the keyboard. As you hit each key, the
character is immediately transmitted through the modem to
the other computer. When communicating with another VIC
(or any other Commodore computer) all the cursor control
keys are active, including the CLR/HOME. This means you
could clear someone’s screen from miles away!
Controls for TERM 64
Effect on Output:
border color
character color
screen background
(2 color mode only)
sending computer’s character
color
18