Commodore modem 1200 User manual

COMMODORE
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Model 1670

MODEM/1200
USER’S MANUAL
For Your Commodore 128™
Commodore 128D™
Commodore 64®
Commodore SX 64™

Copyright © 1985, 1987 by Commodore Electronics Limited
All rights reserved
Copyright © 1985 by Microtechnic Solutions, Inc.
All rights reserved
This manual contains copyrighted and proprietary information. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys
tem, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of Commodore Electronics Limited.
This software product is copyrighted and all rights reserved by
Commodore Electronics Limited. The distribution and sale of this
product are intended for the use of the original purchaser only. Law
ful users of this program are hereby licensed only to read the pro
gram, from its medium into memory of a computer, solely for the
purpose of executing the program. Duplicating, copying, selling or
otherwise distributing this product is a violation of the law.
Commodore 128, Commodore SX-64, Commodore 64 are registered
trademarks of Commodore Electronics Limited.
CompuServe and Common Sense are trademarks of CompuServe,
Inc.
Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer
Products, Inc.
QuantumLink is a trademark of Quantum Computer Services, Inc.
TOPS-20, Vax, VMS, VT52, and VT100 are trademarks of Digital
Equipment Corporation.
UNIX is a trademark of AT&T Bell Laboratories, Inc.

CONTENTS
Section 1
Introduction......................................................................................1
What a Modem Does....................................................................1
What Comes with Your Modem....................................................2
How to Use This Manual..............................................................3
Section 2
ConnectingYourModem/1200 ........................................................ 5
Installation Instructions..............................................................5
Section 3
Terminal Mode.................................................................................. 7
Hayes Commands....................................................................... 7
Command Summary....................................................................8
Sample Session...........................................................................12
Setting Registers......................................................................... 13
Section 4
Using theCommon SenseTerminal Program..................................15
Keyboard E ntry............................................................................16
Loading the Program....................................................................17
Customizing Common Sense..................................................17
Guided Tour..................................................................................18
The Status Lines......................................................................18
Modem S etting........................................................................23
Dialing......................................................................................24
Function Keys..........................................................................25
Screen Control Functions........................................................27
Keyboard Functions................................................................28
Split Screen Typing..................................................................28

Screen Editor ............................................................................ 29
Printer Functions .................................................................... 29
Disk Functions ........................................................................ 31
Disk Wedge Commands ...................................................... 32
FileTransferProtocols ............................................................ 34
Other Functions ...................................................................... 35
Reference...................................................................................... 36
Command Index ...................................................................... 36
Command Reference .............................................................. 37
Using the CHANGE.MTS Program .......................................... 44
Setting Up Multiple Drives ...................................................... 45
Section 5
Using the VT52-64 and VT100-128 Terminal Emulators................47
What Is a Terminal Emulator ....................................................... 47
How Terminal Emulators Are Used .............................................. 47
VT52-64 ........................................................................................48
Keyboard Substitutions ................................................................ 48
Declaring the VT52 Terminal Emulator ....................................... 50
VT100-128 .................................................................................... 51
Section 6
Technical Information........................................................................61
Technical Specifications...............................................................61
High Speed/Low Speed Protocol ................................................ 63
Section 7
Troubleshooting...............................................................................65
Connection Problems .................................................................. 65
Terminal Mode Problems.............................................................65
Customer Support........................................................................67
Appendices
Appendix A DIP Switches...............................................................69
Appendix B Customizing Common S ense ................................... 71
Appendix C Federal Communications Commission Statement . 74
G lossary.......................................................................................... 76
Index 80

Introduction
The Commodore Modem/1200 is a compact, powerful computer
device that lets you communicate instantly with other computers
over ordinary telephone lines.
Your Commodore Modem/1200 gives you direct access to the wide
range of information available on many information services, both
national and local. You can play games against distant opponents,
obtain the latest stock quotes and news, check airline schedules,
send and receive mail electronically—and much, much more. With
appropriate software, you can also take advantage of the auto
answer feature of the Modem/1200 and turn your Commodore com
puter into an electronic “ bulletin board” system.
WHAT A MODEM DOES
Telecommunication consists of electrical signals sent from your
computer to another computer via the phone lines. The type of elec
trical signal your computer generates cannot be sent directly over
phone lines. Your Modem/1200 acts as a translating device. It trans
lates (modulates) outgoing computer signals into signals the phone
lines can transmit. The receiving modem retranslates (demodulates)
the incoming signal into a signal your computer can use.
The term modem was created by combining the first parts of the
words MOdulator/DEModulator.
Your Modem/1200 is an “ intelligent modem” . This means it contains
its own microprocessor to oversee the telecommunications pro
cess. The Modem/1200 can be instructed to dial a specified phone
number, detect a remote computer’s signals and establish a con
nection to your computer with a single command, or to answer
incoming calls from other computers. It can adjust itself to match
1

the speed of incoming or outgoing transmissions (auto-baud), and
will automatically hang up the phone when the connection is bro
ken. In addition, it uses its built-in sound system to let you listen in
on a connection in process, so you will know if you reach a busy or
incorrect number.
The software disk included with your Modem/1200 includes several
terminal programs which may be used with your Modem/1200. Your
Commodore computer requires a terminal program in order to con
trol your Modem/1200 and to communicate with other computers.
WHAT COMES WITH YOUR MODEM
Carefully unpack your modem if you have not already done so.
Examine the package contents. Your Commodore Modem/1200
comes with a modular telephone cord, a disk containing several
communications programs, and a special trial offer from the Quan
tumLink™ personal computer network. If you do not have all of the
items listed, you should immediately contact the dealer from whom
you bought your Modem/1200.
QuantumLink, which is accessed using special communications
software included on your disk, is a personal computer database
offering features designed to appeal to Commodore users. For a flat
monthly subscription rate, you can access a number of services
which allow you to download and save hundreds of unpublished
programs, post messages on electronic bulletin boards, play enter
taining games, order products, carry on conversations with other
computer owners, look up references in an electronic encyclopedia,
and more. Detailed instructions for using QuantumLink are con
tained in a separate manual.
Also included on the program disk is a general purpose terminal
program forthe Commodore64 and 128called Common Sense,
which enables you to communicate with many other information
services and other personal computers. Section 4 of this manual
describes the functions of the Common Sense program. A VT52
Emulatorforthe Commodore64 and 128, and aVT100 Emulatorfor
use in the 80-column mode of the Commodore 128 are also pro
vided; instructions for using these programs are found in Section 5.
2

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
If you have little or no previous experience with modems and
computers, you should read Chapters 1-5 completely. If you have
had previous experience with modems, the following section-by
section summary of the contents should allow you to locate any
specific information you may need.
Note: All users, regardless of previous experience, should read sec
tions 2 and 3.
Section 2, Connecting the Commodore Modem/1200,
provides illustrated, step-by-step instructions for connecting
your modem to a Commodore computer.
Section 3, Hayes® Commands, gives detailed descriptions
of the commands used to control the Modem 1200.You need
to be familiar with the dialing commands described in this
chapter in order to use any terminal software programs
whether they are provided with your modem or purchased
separately.
Section 4, Using the Common Sense Terminal Program,
contains descriptions of the variety of functions that can be
performed using the Common Sense terminal software.
Section 5, Using the VT-52 and VT-100 Terminal Emulator
Programs, describes how to use these programs to convert
your computer to an intelligent terminal.
Section 6, Technical Information, gives technical specifi
cations and details about the Modem/1200 for the advanced
user.
Section 7, Troubleshooting, provides help if you have prob
lems using your Modem/1200 or connecting to an information
service.
Appendix A, DIP Switches, explains how you can use the
DIP Switches to customize how your modem operates.
Appendix B, Customizing Common Sense, explains how
you can customize the BOOT program within Common
Sense.
Appendix C, Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
Statement, describes the Federal Communication Commis
sion regulations regarding use of modems with personal
computers.
3

A glossary provides definitions for terms used in this
manual.
Index
There are many terminal software programs available that will func
tion with your Modem/1200. You need to be familiarwith the dialing
commands described in Section 3 in order to use any software,
whether provided with your modem or purchased separately.
4

ConnectingYour
Modem /12 0 0
This chapter explains how to connect the Commodore Modem/1200
to your computer and to the telephone line. Read all of this sec
tion and be sure you understand it before you try to install your
Modem/1200.
You can connect the Modem/1200 to a Commodore computer sys
tem with a monitor or a television set. The instructions are the
same, because the only equipment directly involved in the installa
tion are the modem, the computer, and your telephone.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions assume you have already set up your computer,
diskdrive, and monitororTV set.
1. Turn off the computer, the disk drive, and the monitor or TV.
2. Locate the recessed switches near the jacks (called DIP switch
es) and check that they are all down. If they are not all down, or
you will will be using this modem with a Plus/4, see Appendix A for
complete instructions on how the DIP switches operate.
3. Locate the two jacks labeled LINE and PHONE on the back of the
Modem/1200.
4. Locate the telephone cord included with your Modem/1200. Com
pare the modular connectors provided on this cord to your tele
phone connector. If they are not the same, an adapter must be
used to connect your Modem/1200 to the telephone line; these
adapters may be obtained at most electronics or specialty stores.
5. Unplug the cord on the back of your telephone that connects the
phone to the wall jack, or locate a telephone wall jack not in use.
5

Squeezing the edges of the connector will allow it to slip out of the
wali jack.
6. Insert either end of the telephone cord provided with your Modem/
1200 into your telephone wall jack. Insert the other end into the
modem jack labeled LINE at the back of the modem.
7. If you intend to leave your Modem/1200 permanently connected
to the telephone line, but would like to continue to use your tele
phone when the modem is not in use, plug your telephone’s con
nector into the modem jack labelled PHONE. This step is not
required in order to use your Modem/1200.
8. Locate the USER PORT on the back of the computer.
NOTE: Although the USER and EXPANSION ports are similar in
appearance, your Modem/1200 will not fit into the expansion port
of your computer.
9. Insert the connector end of the Modem/1200 into the user port
(see Figure 2-1). Insert the modem firmly, but do not force it in, as
this can damage the connectors.
Figure 2-1: Modem connected to Commodore 128 computer and a
telephone.
See Section 7, Troubleshooting if you have trouble connecting or
using the Modem/1200.
6

Terminal
Mode
Terminal mode is the mode of operation in which telecommunication
takes place. Terminal software programs, such as Common Sense,
perform various functions in terminal mode—such as downloading a
file from an information service or controlling the memory buffer. The
specific commands that execute those functions vary from program
to program. For example, some programs use a system of menus,
while others use predefined function keys or command codes.
Hayes® C om m ands
Some commands remain constant regardless of the terminal pro
gram in use. These are often called Hayes commands. Most are used
in command mode (before actual communication is established with
a remote computer). Those include commands that instruct the
modem to dial or answer the phone. In addition, many terminal pro
grams have built-in Hayes commands.
In general, the Hayes commands used with the Modem/1200 consist
of a single letter, usually followed by a number (called a value). The
letter represents a function, and the value represents a particular op
tion of the function. If you don’t specify a value, a pre-set (default)
value is used.
All commands must be given in format described below:
• Type the letters AT.
The ATtention code alerts the modem that what follows is a
command, not just random characters.
• Type in the command.
Commands are listed and described in Table 3-1.
• PresstheRETURNkey.
That signals the end of the command line.
There are two exceptions to the above procedure.
• The A/ command requires neither the AT nor the carriage return
(RETURN key).
• The + + + command doesn’t need the AT.
7

Those exceptions are also noted in the descriptions of the com
mands in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1
Command Summary
NOTE: All commands are sent to the modem as ASCII characters
(see Glossary). Also remember that, except where noted, all com
mands are preceded by an AT and followed by an ASCII carriage
return (RETURN key).
Command Function
AT Attention; indicates to the modem that the following
characters are a command. AT must precede all com
mands except A/ and + + +. Up to 58 characters may
be entered as a command or series of commands.
Characters can be upper- or lowercase, and spaces
may be inserted without affecting the command.You
must use a carriage return to complete a command
(except A/).
+ + + Escape; interrupts a telecommunication session by tak
ing the modem out of terminal mode and putting it into
command mode, where you can issue more commands
or hang up.
It does not require the AT prefix, but it must be pre
ceded and followed by at least one second of no data
transmission.
The + + + can be changed to another symbol (see
Register S2 in Table 4-2).
AAnswer; tells the modem to answer a call without wait
ing for a ring, allows you to switch from voice to comput
er communication.
A/ Again; repeats the previous command, generally used
to redial after getting a busy signal. Requires neither AT
before, nor carriage return after.
8

Table 3-1, con’t
Command Function
Cn Transmitter Carrier; used when more than one modem
is connected to the same phone line. C1 (default) turns
it ON for normal operation with one modem. CO turns
it OFF for setting a RECEIVE ONLY condition of an
additional device sharing the phone line.
DDial; indicates to the modem that the following charac
ters are part of a phone number. Spaces and hyphens
can be used, without affecting the transmission. Com
mands commonly used with
D include: P, T, R, comma (,) and semicolon (;).
PPulse; selects pulse method for dialing phone numbers.
It’s the default setting for the modem.
TTouchtone; selects touchtone method for dialing phone
numbers. After you issue the AT T command, all subse
quent dialing commands will be executed in touchtone.
The modem recognizes the touchtone characters
# and *.
The touchtone dialing speed can be changed (see
Register S11 in Table 4-2).
You can use both pulse and touchtone dialing in the
same phone number by combining the two commands.
You can also mix the two within a dialing sequence.
RReverse; allows you to contact “originate only” mo
dems. Placing this command at the end of a dialing se
quence puts your modem in answer mode and enables
you to contact those modems programmed to transmit,
but not receive calls.
, (comma) Pause; creates a two second pause in transmission,
most often used in dialing sequences.The length of the
pause can be changed (see Register S8 in Table 3-2).
■
5Return to com m and m ode; returns you to command
mode after dialing. It must be the last character in the
dialing sequence.
9

Table 3-1, con’t
Command Function
En Echo; used only in command mode. When ON (E1, the
default), the characters you type appear on (echo to)
the screen. When OFF (EO), characters don’t appear
on the screen, but commands are executed anyway.
Fn Duplex; controls the echo in terminal mode. F1 (default)
indicates full duplex communication, where the local
echo is turned OFF and your characters are echoed
back to you from the on-line system. Use FO to turn the
local echo ON if the system does not echo back
characters.
If the local echo is ON and you are transmitting to a sys
tem that echoes back, everything you type appears
twice (aass iiff yyoouu"rree sseeeeiinngg ddoouu
bbllee).
Hn Hook; used to hang up (put ON the hook) or pick up
(take OFF the hook) the phone.
Whenyouterminateacallwith + + +,thephonelines
are still open, although the link to the host computer
has been broken.
H0, or just H, hangs up the modem’s connection to the
phone (puts it ON the hook). H1 takes the phone OFF
the hook. The default setting is 0.
Note that you must first issue the Escape command
(+ + +) before you issue the Hook command.
In Inquiry: requests the product code (10) or the ROM
checksum (l1).There is no default setting.
Mn Monitor speaker; enables you to listen in on an attempt
ed connection or a connection in progress. M1, the de
fault, turns the speaker on during command mode and
off in terminal mode. M2 turns the speaker on all the
time. MO turns the speaker off completely.
0On-line; returns you to terminal mode (on-line) from
command mode if you have been issuing commands
in the middle of a telecommunication session. You
can use the Escape code (+ + +) to get out of termi
nal mode without terminating the session, issue com
mands, then type AT 0 to resume telecommunicating.
10

Table 3-1, con’t
Command Function
SSetregisters; sets the 14 registers that control various
elements of telecommunication. Table 3-2 lists the
registers and their functions.
Sr? Query register; Tells you the current value of register r.
Xn Result codes; status reports that are displayed on the
screen in numeric or verbal (words) form (see the V
command). You can prevent the codes from being
displayed (see the Q command).
There are 10 codes, divided into three overlapping
groups. X0 selects codes 0 through 4, XI selects
0 through 5, and X2 selects the full set of codes. The
following table lists and describes the codes.
Result Code
Number
Result
Code Meaning
0~OK Command being executed.
1 CONNECT Going on-line.
2 RING Incoming call (enters answer
mode).
3NO CARRIER You’re disconnected.
4 ERROR Invalid command.
5CONNECT
1200
On-line at 1200 baud.
6 NO DIAL
TONE
Returns to command mode.
7BUSY The host is busy.
11 RINGING The host is not busy.
12 VOICE A person, not a modem,
answered.
Qn Quiet; decides whether or not result codes are dis
played on the screen. Result codes (see the X com
mand described later in this table) are status reports
that are ordinarily displayed during telecommunication.
QO, the default, displays the codes. Q1 suppresses
them.
11

Table 3-1, con’t
Command Function
Vn Verbal; determines whether result codes are displayed
as words (V I, the default) or code numbers (VO).
ZZap; resets modem to all default settings. Has the same
effect as unplugging, then plugging it in again.
Can be used to initiate new dip switch settings.
Sam ple Session
Since many terminal programs handle some modem commands
internally, you may only have to use a handful of commands to
successfully telecommunicate. Here is a sample of a tele
communications session:
Let’s say you are going to the shore for the weekend, and want to get
the weather report from the information service you subscribe to.
Type: AT XI Turns on the result code set that allows you
to see if the connection has been made at
300 or 1200 baud.
Type: ATDT xxx-xxxx AT D puts the modem in Dial mode. T
indicates touchtone dialing, and xxx-xxxx
represents the local access number for your
information service.
Place a comma in the number to transmit
a 2-second pause. This is often necessary
when dialing from a PBX line (a private
phone system, often within a large
company.)
You will hear a clicking sound, the monitor
speaker function. Then the remote phone
will ring.
If the call is successful, CONNECT 1200
appears when a connection is made at 1200
baud. NO CARRIER appears if a connection
is not made.
12

If connection is not successful,
Type: A/ Re-executes the previous command. It does
not require the AT prefix.
Once you receive a CONNECT response, you can begin to navigate
the information service. These are all different, but when you sub
scribe to a service you are provided with enough information to get
you started.
When you are ready to complete your telecommunications session,
Type:+ + + Terminatesthetelecommunicationssession.
Type: AT H Hangs up the phone.
If you want to issue a command while you are still on-line,
Type: A T ; Returns you to command mode but does not
terminate the session.
Type: AT 0 Returns to terminal mode and resumes the
telecommunications session.
S ettin g R egisters
There are 14 registers, most of which deal with timing, that alter as
pects of the modem’s memory to tailor the modem’s performance to
your needs. All the commands use the same structure:
AT Sr = n Where r is the number of the register and n is
the new value.
Table 3-2 lists the 14 register settings and describes their functions.
Table 3-2
Register Settings
Register Default Function
SO DIP
Switch 1
Sets the number of rings before automatic
answering.
S1 0Counts and stores the number of rings
from an incoming call.
13

Table 3-2
Register Settings (cont.)
Register Default Function
__________________________
S2 43 Redefines the ASCII code for the escape
code character.
S3 13 Redefines the ASCII code for Carriage
Return.
S4 10 Redefines the ASCII code for Line Feed.
S5 8Redefines the ASCII code for Backspace.
NOTE: When you use a backspace to de
lete a character from a command, the
character remains on the screen but will
not be transmitted.
S6 2 Sets the number of seconds the modem
waits for a dial tone before dialing.
2 is the lowest value possible. S6 defaults
to 2 if a value less than 2 is input.
S7 30 Sets the number of seconds the modem
waits for a carrier. May be set for much
longer duration if, for example, the modem
is originating an international connection.
S8 2 Sets the duration, in seconds, for the
pause (,) option in the Dial command and
the pause between command reexecu
tions for the Repeat command.
S10 7 Sets the duration, in tenths of a second,
that the modem waits after loss of carrier
before hanging up.
S11 70 Defines duration and spacing, in millisec
onds, of Touch-Tones. 50 is the minimum
value for this register. S11 resets to 50 if a
value less than 50 is input.
S12 50 Defines guard time, in 50ths of a second,
for escape code sequence.
S16 0 Modem self-test:
0 Data mode (no testing)
1 Analog loopback
14