Commodore 1650 User manual

AUTOMODEM
Users Manual
Model 1650
f t commodore

REQUIRED FCC NOTICE
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules hich
govern data modem direct connection to the telephone net ork. A jack is
provided by the telephone company for the direct connection. Jacks of the
modular type required for the connection are not provided on party lines
or coin lines.
If the data modem is malfunctioning, it may be affecting the telephone
lines outside the permissable operating specification of FCC 68. In this
case, the modem should be disconnected until the source of the difficulty
is traced.
This equipment generates and uses ratio frequency energy and, if not
installed in strict accordance ith the installation and operating
instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
The modem has been type-tested and found to comply ith the limits for a
Class B computing device in accordance ith the specifications of Subpart
J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, hich are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential installation.
Ho ever, there is no guarantee that interference ill not occur in a
particular installation. If this modem does cause interference to radio
or television reception, hich can be determined by disconnecting the
modem, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
changing the position of the computer ith respect to the television or
radio. ^
Copyright 1983 by Commodore Electronics Limited. All rights reserved. No
part of this manual may be copied, photocopied, published or other ise
reproduced ithout ritten permission from Commodore. VIC 20, VICTERM I,
Commodore 64, TERM 64, and VICTERM 40 are trademarks of Commodore
Electronics, Limited. The Commodore product number for the AUTOMODEM is
1650.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction................................................... 3
Telecomputing..................................................4
Free Subscriptions to Computer Information Services.........4
Getting Started: Step-by-step Instructions .................. 5
Installing the AUTOMODEM......................................5
Connecting the Telephone......................................6
Disconnecting the AUTOMODEM .................................. 7
Soft are You Can Use ith the AUTOMODEM ..................... 8
Using the Terminal Soft are .................................. 9
Storing Phone Numbers........................................10
Dialing the Computer Service ................................ 11
Automatic Ans ering.......................................... 12
Manual Ans ering
............................................. 12
Using the Special Functions Menu............................13
Changing Screen Colors ...................................... 16
Function Keys ............. . ................................. 17
Communicating ith Other Commodore Computers...............18
Glossary......................................................19
Appendix A: Terminal Programs............................... 20
Appendix B: Technical Information .......................... 24
Index.........................................................26

INDEX
ASCII codes ........................................................ 18
Automatic ans ering................................................12
Automatic dialing..................................................11
Changing screen colors............................................ 16
Commodore Information Net ork......................................4
Communicating ith other Commodore Computers...................... 18
Communications Format Menu........................................ 13
CompuServe.......................................................... 4
Connect phone line to AUTOMODEM....................................6
Control Menu....................................................... 15
Disconnecting the AUTOMODEM........................................ 7
Do Jones........................................................... 4
Format Menu........................................................ 13
Full/Half Duplex...................................................13
Function Keys...................................................... 17
Glossary........................................................... 19
Installing The Modem............................................... 5
Load.................................................................9
Manual ans ering...................................................12
Soft are............................................................ 8
Special functions menu............................................ 13
Specifications.....................................................24
Storing phone numbers............................................. 10
Terminal Programs............................................... 8,20

THE 1650 AUTOMODEM: A PIONEERING ACHIEVEMENT IN TELECOMPUTING
Commodore ants everyone to take an active part in the Computer
Revolution. That's hy e invent products that are revolutionary in
technology and in price. That's also hy e introduce products that make
your computer easier to use. Your ne 1650 AUTOMODEM is one example of
our commitment to making state-of-the-art home computer accessories that
are reliable, easy to use, and reasonably priced. The AUTOMODEM lets you
use your telephone to connect your computer to other computers and to
large computer information services, such as CompuServe, the Source, Do
Jones, and the Commodore Information Net ork.
The AUTOMODEM orks ith either the Commodore 64 or the VIC 20 personal
computer. This package contains a soft are cassette called TERM 64 to use
ith a Commodore 64, and VICTERM I to use ith a VIC 20.
The AUTOMODEM offers ne features not present in the VICMODEM, hich is
Commodore's other modem:
* Built-in Phone Adapter
* Built-in Y Adapter
* Automatic Ans ering
* Automatic Dialing
* Compatibility ith any modular phone, including Trimline
Automatic dialing and ans ering make telecomputing even faster and easier.
These easy-to-use features are included in the TERM 64 program for the
Commodore 64. The VICTERM I program for the VIC 20 includes automatic
dialing, but not automatic ans ering.
AUTOMDDEM Page 3

TELECOMPUTING
Sending and receiving information on computers over phone lines is called
telecomputing. The AUTOMODEM translates electronic signals to and from
your computer so that those signals can be sent over phone ires to
another computer. Telecomputing lets you instantly perform tasks like
these:
* Sending ork from one site to another,
* Copying programs and information from dial-up computer services,
* Sending and receiving electronic mail,
* Connecting your computer to almost any type and size computer.
FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS TO COMPUTER INFORMATION SERVICES
One of the extras e've included ith your AUTOMODEM package is free
subscriptions to some of the computer information services that you can
use ith your modem. For example, e've included a free subscription and
a free hour of CompuServe and Do Jones as ell as Comp-U-Card and General
Videotex (Delphi). The subscription to CompuServe includes access to the
Commodore Information Net ork, our o n special information service for
Commodore computer users.
Here are just some of the services available through CompuServe and the
Commodore Information Net ork:
With your ne modem, you can access information resources that up to
no only the largest libraries and businesses could afford. If you're
a programmer, you can use different computer languages and programming
tools. Both programmers and non-programmers can take advantage of the
many personal services offered through this net ork.
* educational programs
* sports scores
* soft are encyclopedia
* computer games
* spelling aids
* home budgeting
* electronic mail
* Commodore Product Ne s
* free public domain soft are
* commodities prices
* ne s ire stories
* financial reports
* ordprocessing
* stock quotes
* airline schedules
* research data
* Commodore Technical Data
* Commodore Customer Support
AUTOMODEM Page 4

GETTING STARTED: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Please read this entire manual before you turn on your computer. Later
in this manual e'll explain ho to use the necessary soft are. Here
is a step-by-step explanation of ho to connect and use the modem:
INSTALLING THE AUTOMODEM
1. Make sure your computer is turned OFF. Whenever inserting or
removing any cartridge, make sure your computer is off.
2. Insert AUTOMODEM into the User Port. The picture sho s the VIC 20;
the user port is in the same position on the Commodore 64.
3. Turn your computer ON.
EXPANSION
PORT
(VIC Program
cartridges
plug in ere) 5 PIN
VIDEO
PORT
(For
connection
to TV set
or monitor)
USER PORT
(For special
accessories)
SERIAL
PORT
(For special
accessories
like printer,
disk drive, etc.)
CASSETTE
PORT
(Tape
cassette
goes ere)
AUTOVDDEM Rage 5

CONNECTING THE TELEPHONE
You must have a MODULAR phone, but you do not need a modular handset
because the AUTOMODEM is plugged into the cord at the base of the
phone, not the cord on the handset. The AUTOMODEM has a built-in phone
adapter, hich means that you can use the modem ith ANY TYPE OF
MODULAR PHONE, including the Trimline model.
1. Set the Originate/Ans er s itch on the side of the modem to the
correct position. You should push the s itch to the 0 (Originate)
position hen you are sending information from your computer. For
example, this s itch should be in the 0 position hen you connect to
the Commodore Information Net ork. Set the s itch to A hen you are
receiving a call from another computer. For example, if you plan to
receive a program from a friend, the friend ill start in Originate
mode, and you ill start in Ans er mode.
2. Set the Full/Half Duplex s itch according to the requirements of
the service you are using. There are some additional instructions in
the AUTOMODEM box that sho hich choice to make.
3. Set the Telephone/Data s itch. This s itch lets you keep the
AUTOMODEM attached to your phone even hen you aren't using the modem.
Just set the s itch to the D (Data) position hen you ant to use the
modem, and T (Telephone) hen you ant to use your phone for regular
calls.

4. Unplug the phone line from the base of your modular phone. Insert
the phone line into the socket marked LINE on the AUTOMODEM (see figure
2). Plug one end of the other line into the socket marked PHONE on the
AUTOMODEM. Plug the other end into the back of the phone. No your
computer is ready to be operated as a terminal.
If you are using one of the computer information services, refer to the
instructions you received ith your subscription.
DISCONNECTING THE AUTOMODEM
Manually disconnect the AUTOMODEM by setting the Telephone/Data (T/D)
s itch to the Telephone (T) position. Although the AUTOMODEM is still
connected to your telephone, the modem is off and the phone orks
normally.
AUTOIVDDEM Page 7

SOFTWARE YOU CAN USE WITH THE AUTOMODEM
Your AUTOMODEM depends on a soft are program to ork. You need this
soft are to make your computer act like a terminal. There are several
terminal programs you can use ith your AUTOMODEM.
Your AUTOMODEM package includes a FREE cassette that contains t o terminal
prog rams:
1. TERM 64 for the Commodore 64. This easy-to-use program lets you use
all the automatic features of the AUTOMODEM.
2. VICTERM I for the VIC 20. Similar to TERM 64, this terminal program
lets you use automatic dialing.
You can also use VICTERM 40, a cartridge that plugs into the VIC 20. This
soft are package not only turns your VIC into a terminal, it also gives
you a choice bet een a 40 or 22 column display. VICTERM 40 also lets you
save the information you receive on disk or print it on your Commodore
printer.
Appendix A contains t o BASIC terminal programs that you can key in to
turn your computer into a terminal.
AUTCMODEM Page 8

USING THE TERMINAL SOFTWARE
The free cassette terminal programs, TERM 64 and VICTERM I, are
easy to use. Just follo these steps:
1. Install the AUTOMODEM as previously described.
2. LOAD the terminal program by keying in:
LOAD "program name"
The program name is either TERM 64 or VICTERM I.
If you use the BASIC terminal program listed in this manual, LOAD
it ith hatever name you give it hen you store it on tape or
disk.
3. Key in RUN to start the program hen you see the READY prompt.
4. Wait for the prompt that displays this message:
DISCONNECTED
TERMINAL READY
No you are ready to dial the computer service. The subscription
information from each computer service contains the phone numbers
and any other data you need for connecting to the service.
There are t o ays to connect to a computer service:
1. Use the auto-dial feature to dial a stored number.
2. Input the number hen you are prompted.
AUTCMCDHVI Page 9

STORING PHONE NUMBERS
Storing phone numbers for auto-dialing is simple. If you are using a VIC
20, you can store up to five numbers ith a maximum of 30 digits each. If
you are using a Commodore 64, you can store up to ten numbers ith a
maximum of 30 digits each. Just follo these steps to SAVE phone numbers:
1. LOAD the TERM 64 program and ait for the READY prompt.
2. Key in LIST to display the phone number storage screen. This screen
includes five PRINT statements (lines 20 - 50), each of hich can hold
one phone number ith a maximum of 30 digits.
3. Move the cursor to the first * in the PRINT statement at line 20.
4. Enter the number. You cannot include either of these t o symbols: * or
# in the number sequence. Include a P (for Pause) if a dial tone
interrupts your dialing sequence. For example, if the phone system
you are using requires you to dial a 9 to get an outside line, and then
gives you a dial tone before you can dial the number, key in the number
like this: 9P2221234. Be sure to press the RETURN key after you key
in the number.
5. Repeat this sequence for up to four other numbers you ant to store,
moving the cursor to the first * in the next line before keying in the
number.
6. SAVE the phone number program to tape or disk so you can reuse the
numbers hen you ant to auto-dial. Do NOT use the TERM 64/VICTERM I
cassette for SAVEing the numbers. Instead, store them on another tape
or disk.
AUTCMODEM ESge 10

DIALING THE COMPUTER SERVICE
When you ant to dial the number, using either a stored number or a
number you'll input yourself, follo these steps hen you see the READY
prompt:
1. Key in RUN. You'll see a title screen for the terminal program,
and then a TERMINAL READY prompt.
2. Press the F6 key on the right side of the keyboard. You must
hold do n the SHIFT key to activate F6.
3. Wait for the screen that reads:
MOVE T-D SWITCH TO D
MOVE 0-A SWITCH TO 0
INPUT PHONE NUMBER:
4. Move the s itches on the AUTOMODEM box according to these
instructions. Then do one of the follo ing:
a. Key in the number and press RETURN if you are entering the
number yourself.
-OR- b. Key in the at sign (@) and a number from 0 to 4 for one of
the five stored numbers. 0 dials the first stored number,
1 dials the second, etc. For example, @ 3 dials the fourth
number you have stored on your number storage screen.
The red light on the modem comes on and the screen displays the
TERMINAL READY prompt hen you are connected to the computer service.
NOTE: If the modem's red light is on and the INPUT PHONE NUMBER
screen is displayed, press RUN/STOP to begin communicating.
Each computer service's introductory screen differs. Consult the
service's subscription material for instructions on ho to supply the
information you're prompted for hen you're connected.
NOTE: If you make a mistake hile entering a number, press the
up arro (right side of keyboard) to clear the screen and
redisplay the INPUT PHONE NUMBER screen. Just enter the number
again. This is the only ay to correct the number because the
delete and cursor keys don't ork during the INPUT PHONE NUMBER
screen. If you ant to return to the TERMINAL READY prompt
screen, press the RUN/STOP key.
If you don't succeed in connecting to the service you've dialed and the
modem hangs up, the auto-dial feature lets you simply redial ithout
reLOADing the program. Just press F6 and repeat the dialing procedure.
NOTE: TERM 64 and VICTERM I on't ork properly if you have any
cartridges in the expansion port. Be sure to turn the computer
OFF before you remove or insert any cartridges.
AUTOMODHVI Page 11

AUTOMATIC ANSWERING
TERM 64 lets you use your Commodore 64 to automatically ans er a modem
call. Follo these simple steps:
1. Install the AUTOMODEM.
2. LOAD the terminal program.
3. RUN the program.
4. Press the f8 key hen the TERMINAL READY prompt appears. Remember
to hold do n the SHIFT key to activate f8. F8 displays the
auto-ans er screen.
5. Move the s itches on the AUTOMODEM according to the instructions
on the auto-ans er screen:
MOVE T-D SWITCH TO D
MOVE 0-A SWITCH TO A
WAITING FOR CALL
NOTE: Press RUN/STOP to get back to the TERMINAL READY screen
if you ant to terminate the auto-ans er feature.
You do not need to be near your computer to receive the call because
automatic ans ering aits to do this for you. When the connection is
made, the red light on the AUTOMODEM comes on, and the TERMINAL READY
screen reappears.
MANUAL ANSWERING
To ans er an incoming call ith the AUTOMODEM, follo these steps:
1. Install the AUTOMODEM.
2. LOAD the terminal program.
3. RUN the program.
4. Set the T-D s itch to T (Telephone) so you hear the phone ring.
5. Set the 0-A s itch to A (Ans er). The computer sending data to
you must be set on 0 (Originate).
6. Reset the T-D s itch to D (Data) hen the call comes through.
No you are ready to receive.
You must remain in Ans er mode throughout the transmission. Do not
reset this s itch hen you ant to send a message to the Originating
computer; you can send in Ans er mode.
AUTCMODEM Page 12

USING THE SPECIAL FUNCTIONS MENU
A menu is a list of all the available options, just like a restaurant
menu. When the terminal program indicates "TERMINAL READY", you can
call up a menu at any time by pressing the F4 key (be sure to hold do n
the SHIFT key). The terminal program sends the other computer a special
character (control S) that tells it to stop sending so you on't lose
any data hile reading the menu.
There are t o pages in the special functions menu: the Communications
Format Menu and the Control Menu. You can s itch from one menu to the
other by typing the N key. When you are finished ith the menu, type
the T key to get back into terminal mode. Your computer sends the
character (control Q) that tells the other computer to resume sending
information to you.
If you have problems ith a transmission, try different combinations of
settings. For example, if you have problems using 2-color mode hile
communicating ith another Commodore computer, try different duplex
settings, both on the menu and on the AUTOMODEM box.
A. COMMUNICATIONS FORMAT MENU
Before you can communicate ith another computer, you must set the
parameters of the terminal program to agree ith the host computer.
The parameters that must be compatible ith the host are Baud Rate,
Duplex, and Word Length.
The terminal programs e provide are preset to CompuServe
parameters. To change any of the parameters, follo these simple
steps:
1. Key in the highlighted letter of the parameter you ant to change.
2. Press the CuRSoR right key until the highlighted box is over the
selection you ant to make.
3. Press RETURN to finalize the selection.
Here is a brief description of the parameters:
1. Baud rate - This controls the speed of the communications in bits
per second. The AUTOMODEM operates in the range 0 to 300 baud. If you
get nothing but strange characters on the screen, check the baud rate.
2. Duplex - A computer in'full duplex mode ill "echo" back to the
sender's screen all signals it receives. This checks information
against loss or alteration. It is similar to speaking to someone ho
repeats every ord you say.
The half duplex mode of operation does not "echo". It is similar to
normal conversation bet een t o people.
Table 1 sho s duplex combinations bet een t o computers and the
results you can expect on your screen.
AUTONDDEM Page 13

Table 1. Duplex Settings
Host
Computer Your
Computer Your
Screen Example
Full Full Normal HELLO
Full Half Double characters
on screen HHEELLLLOO 1st character
is yours
2nd is host's
Half Full Only see the
mainframe characters
Half Half Normal
Sometimes you need to have a particular combination of settings. For
example,' the 2 color VIC option requires both computers to operate at
half duplex. To make changes, refer to the host computer's reference
manual.
3. Word length - this controls ho many bits are in each character.
Most computers use 7 or 8 bits.
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
computer gets 8 bits of data for each character; this makes a total of
ten bits including the start and stop bit. 300 baud is 30 characters
per second.
5. Parity - Some computers check for transmission errors by setting
the highest bit in each character in a certain ay. In even parity,
the total number of "on" bits in each character should al ays be an
even number; in odd parity, the number of "on" bits is odd. Space
parity al ays leaves the highest bit off, and mark parity leaves the
bit "on".
Incorrect parity causes many characters to be printed incorrectly.
AUTCMODEM !fege 14

B. CONTROL MENU
1. LINEFEED
You press RETURN at the end of a line to start a ne line. Some
computers expect to receive a "carriage return" and a "linefeed"
signal. You can select both signals by pressing L. To choose the
"carriage return only signal" type C.
2. ASCII-to-COMMODORE 64 / 64-to-64, or ASCII-to-VIC / VIC-to-VIC
Most computers create characters according to a standard set of
codes called ASCII. Commodore's computers use a slightly different set
of codes. The terminal program translates this different "language"
from other computers as ell as giving you the full range of graphics
and sound hen communicating VIC to VIC or 64 to 64. When on the
second menu, press V to transmit or receive from a Commodore computer.
Any other computer requires 64 or VIC to ASCII; select A.
3. 2 Color Option
To improve readability, you can display the characters you send in
one color and the characters you receive in another color. Select the
2 color option by hitting the 2 key hile 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 ords that ould 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.
AUTOMODEM Page 15

CHANGING SCREEN COLORS
TERM 64 and VICTERM I let you select the color of the character,
screen, and border colors. You can change colors only hen you are at
the screen that displays the TERMINAL READY prompt. This table sho s
hich keys to press to change the colors:
COMMODORE 64 VIC 20 EFFECT ON OUTPUT
CTRL and 5 CTRL and f 5 character color
CTRL and 8 CTRL and f 3 background color
CTRL and 1 CTRL and
English pound border color
CTRL and 4 CTRL and fl sending computer's
character color
(2 color mode only)
AUTOIVDDEM Page 16

FUNCTION KEYS
We have set each of the function keys to send a different control
signal.
KEY RESULT
fl control C
f 3 control P
f 5 control Q
f 7 control S
Control C and control S are traditionally used to indicate a stop
command; control Q means to resume sending; control P is a break key.
Breaking tells the computer that you ant to exit the program you are
currently running.
Check the manual from the information provided on the host computer to
be sure that these keys are to be used.
AUTONDDEM Page 17

COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER COMMODORE COMPUTERS
"Talking" ith your computer to other computers is as simple as typing
on the keyboard. As you hit each key, the character is immediately
transmitted through the modem to the other computer. When
communicating ith another Commodore computer, all the cursor control
keys are active, including the CLR/HOME. This means you could clear
someone's screen from many miles a ay.
NOTE: Remember, communicating ith another computer requires the
modems to be set in opposite modes: one in "Ans er and the other
in Originate. Normally, hen you are orking ith services like
CompuServe, your modem should be set to "0" (Originate).
Table 2 lists the ASCII codes, their functions, and ho to access these
control commands on your computer. Included in this listing are the
special codes that tell the host computer to transmit, receive and
stop.
Table 2. Generating ASCII Codes
ASCII # FUNCTION Hold CTRL
and Press
3 End Transmission C
7 Bell G
9 Horizontal Tab I
10 Linefeed CRSR do n
12 Form Feed L
13 Carriage Return RETURN
15 SI 0
17 X-On Q
19 X-Off S
27 ESCAPE :
28 File Separator Left Arro
29 Group Separator ;
30 Record Separator Up Arro
31 Unit Separator
AJTCMODEM Rage 18