Commodore modem 300 User manual

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300
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Vour Telephone Resource C e n te r

Your Telephone Resource Center
Modem/300
User’s Manual
For Your Commodore 128™ Computer
Commodore 64® Computer
Commodore SX 64™ Computer
or Commodore VIC 20® Computer

Copyright © 1985 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.
CompuServe™ is a trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
QuantumLink™ is a trademark of Quantum Computer Services, Inc.
Commodore 64® and Commodore VIC 20® are registered trademarks
of Commodore Electronics Limited.
Commodore 128™ and Commodore SX-64™ are trademarks of Com
modore Electronics Limited.

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/300 ............................................................5
lnstallingtheModem/300 ..............................................................5
ConnectingtheAudioSystem......................................................7
With a Commodore Monitor......................................................7
With a Television Set..................................................................7
Section 3
PreparingtoUseYourModem/300 ....................................................9
Setting the Answer/Originate Switch............................................9
What You Need to Know About the Host C om puter .................. 10
HowtoObtain Protocol Information ............................................ 10
Contacting a Computer at Work or S ch o o l ............................ 10
Contacting an Information Service ........................................ 10
Contacting anotherCommodoreComputer .......................... 11
Section 4
Using the Common SenseTerminal Program .................................. 13
Introduction..................................................................................13
Starting O ut..................................................................................17
Loading the Program....................................................................20
Guided Tour..................................................................................21
TheStatus Line........................................................................21
Modem S etting........................................................................26
Keyboard Functions................................................................27
Split-screenTyping..................................................................27
PrinterFunctions....................................................................28
Disk Functions........................................................................29
Screen Editor. . ......................................................................... 30

DiskWedge Commands..........................................................30
Autodial Functions..................................................................33
Screen Control Functions........................................................33
File Transfer Protocols............................................................34
Reference......................................................................................35
Command Index......................................................................35
Command Reference..............................................................36
CHANGE.MTS..........................................................................44
Setting up Multiple Drives........................................................45
Section 5
Using the VT100Terminal Emulator Program .................................. 47
What lsaTerminal Emulator........................................................47
HowTerminal EmulatorsAre Used..............................................47
VT100-128......................................................................................48
Section 6
Technical Inform ation......................................................................59
Section 7
Troubleshooting................................................................................63
Connection Problems..................................................................63
Terminal Mode Problems..............................................................63
Customer Support........................................................................64
Appendix
Advanced BASIC Programming foryour Modem/300 ...................... 65
Federal Communication Commission Statement .......................... 71
Glossary............................................................................................75

Introduction
The Commodore Modem/300 is a compact, powerful computer
device that lets you communicate instantly with other computers
over ordinary telephone lines.
Your Commodore Modem/300 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/300 and turn your Commodore com
puter into an electronic “ bulletin board” system.
WHAT A MODEM DOES
A computer uses a type of electrical signal called digital. Tele
phones use a type of electrical signal called analog. When you are
sending information to another computer, your Modem/300 converts
your computer’s outgoing digital signals to a modulated analog
signal that can be transmitted over the telephone line. When you are
receiving information, the modem converts (demodulates) the
incoming analog signals to digital signals that are understood by
your computer.
The term modem was created by combining the first parts of the
words MOdulator/DEModulator.
Your Modem/300 is an “ auto-modem” . The Modem/300 is controlled
by your computer and can dial a specific phone number, detect a
remote computer’s signals and establish a connection to your com
puter, or answer incoming calls from other computers. In addition, it
uses the audio system of your monitor or television set to let you
listen to a connection in progress, so you will know if you reach a
busy or incorrect number.
1

The software disk included with your Modem/300 includes several
terminal programs which may be used with your Modem/300. Your
Commodore computer requires a terminal program in order to con
trol your Modem/300 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/300
comes with a modular telephone cord, a DIN to RCA cable, a Y-
adapter(see photos below), a disk containing several communica
tions programs, and a special offer from the QuantumLink™ per
sonal computer network. If you do not have all of the items listed,
you should immediately contact the dealer from whom you bought
yourModem/300.
1 DIN-to-RCA
Cable
1 RCA
Y-Adapter 1 Six-foot Modular
Telephone Cord
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
computerowners, 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 for the Commodore 64 and 128 called 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 VT100
Terminal Emulator for use in the 80-column mode of the Commo-
2

dore 128 is also provided; instructions for using this program are
found in Section 5.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
If you have little or no previous experience with modems and com
puters, you should read this manual completely. Ifyou 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.
Section 2, Connecting the Commodore Modem/300, pro
vides step-by-step instructions for connecting your modem
to a Commodore computer.
Section 3, Preparing to Use Your Modem/300, describes how
to obtain information you’ll need prior to using your modem.
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 VT100-128 Terminal Emulator Program,
describes how to use this program to convert your computer
toanintelligentterm inal.
Section 6, Technical Specifications, gives technical informa
tion about the Modem/300 for the advanced user.
Section 7, Troubleshooting, provides help if you have prob
lems using your Modem/300 or connecting to an information
service.
Appendix A, FCC standards, describes the Federal Com
munication Commission regulations regarding use of
modems with personal computers.
Appendix B, Advanced BASIC Programming, provides infor
mation for persons developing their own telecommunica
tions software.
A glossary is included to provide definitions for telecommu
nications and technical terms used in this manual.
3

Section Q c o n n e c tin g Your
* M odem l300
This section explains how to connect the Commodore Modem/300
to your computer, to the telephone lines, and how to connect the
audio system.
The following instructions assume you have already connected and
used your computer, disk drive and monitor or televison set. There
are two stages to the connection:
1. Installing the modem and telephone lines
2. Hooking up the audio system so you can hear the phone ringing
Instructions for hooking up the audio system vary between systems
with a Commodore monitor, and systems with a televison set. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions appropriate for your equip
ment. The VIC 20 does not use an audio system at all.
Before you begin, re-read the paragraphs in Section 1 entitled
“ What Comes With Your Modem to be sure you have all the neces
sary cables and connectors. Ifyou will be usingatelevision set
you will also need the long RCA cable that was supplied with your
computer.
1) INSTALLING THE MODEM/300 AND
TELEPHONE LINES
Before you install the modem, locate the two square telephone jack
receptacles marked LINE and PHONE. Also locate the single round
receptacle marked AUDIO IN, and the answer/originate slide switch
labeled A and 0.
a. Turn off the computer, the disk drive, and the monitor.
5

b. Locate the user port on the computer. It is a slit several inches
long, with exposed metal contacts. Although the user and car
tridge ports are similar in appearance, your Modem/300 will not
fit into the cartridge port of your computer.
c. Insert the smaller end of the Modem/300 into the user port.
Insert the modem firmly, but do not force it in, as this can dam
age the connectors.
d. Remove your telephone’s connector from the wall jack, or locate
a telephone wall jack not in use. If your telephone’s connector is
a modern modular-style plug, squeezing the connector’s plastic
locking tab will allow it to slip out of the wall jack.
e. Locate the telephone cord supplied with your Modem/300. Com
pare the modular connectors on this cord to the telephone con
nector you just removed from the wall. If they are not the same,
an adapter must be used to connect your Modem/300 to the
telephone line. These low-cost adapters may be obtained at
most electronic stores.
f. Insert one end of the telephone cord provided with your Modem/
300 into your telephone wall jack, using an adapter if necessary.
Insert the other end into the modem receptacle labeled LINE.
Note: You may leave your Modem/300 permanently connected to the
telephone line, and still continue to use your telephone when
the modem is not in use. Plug yourtelephone’s modularplug
(that you removed from the wall in step d) into the modem
receptacle marked PHONE. Now the telephone will operate
normally when the modem is not being used.
6

If you intend to use a Commodore monitor with your Modem/300,
follow the set of instructions labeled 2a. If you use a television, fol
low the instructions labeled 2b.
2a. CONNECTING THE AUDIO SYSTEM
WITH A COMMODORE MONITOR
Note: You will not use the DIN-to-RCA cable.
a. Locate the audio/video cable connected to the monitor. It will be
a cable with two or three colored connectors. Unplug the white
(audio) portion of the cable from the monitor.
b. Insert the largest connector of the Y-adapter into the empty
socket you created in step a.
c. Insert the white audio plug (that you removed from the monitor
in step a) into either available end of the Y-adapter.
d. Locate the RCA cable supplied with your computer. Both ends
of this cable are identical. Insert one of the ends of the RCA
cable into the last available end of the Y-adapter.
e. Insert the other end of the RCA cable into the jack labeled
AUDIO IN on the back of the modem.
2b. CONNECTING THE AUDIO SYSTEM
WITH A TV SET
Note: You will not use the Y-adapter
a. Locate the DIN-to-RCA cable supplied with your modem. Insert
the DIN connector(the largerend) into the port labeled VIDEO
on the back of the computer.
b. Plug the RCA end of the DIN-to-RCA cable into the modem
receptacle labeled AUDIO IN.
After the modem is installed and the cables attached, turn on the
computer, the disk drive and the monitor or TV set. Your Modem/300
is now ready to use. See Figure 2-1 for connection diagram.
7

Hooking up a Modem/300 (1660)
With a TV Set:
With a Monitor
tow alljack
This RCA cable
was packed with your
computer, along with
the power supply.
white red yellow
(AUDIO) (LUMA) (CHROMA)
C X > -
a x :
Y-Adaptor
z ,
Note: RCA cables are available at most electronics stores.
FIGURE 2-1.
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
8

Preparing
To UseYour
M odem l300
Before you can begin telecommunicating there is certain informa
tion you must obtain. Read this section carefully and do not try to
use your Modem/300 until you have followed the instructions
printed here.
With your Modem/300 you have access to a large number of infor
mation networks and other databases that can bring a tremendous
amount of information into your home. You can also communicate
with other Commodore computers, or computers in your school or
business. The computer you contact—whether it is an information
service, a private network, a mainframe at work or another Commo
dore personal computer—is referred to as the host. Your computer
is considered the remote.
SETTING THE ANSWER/ORIGINATE
SWITCH
When you are calling another computer (you are acting as the
remote) you must set the switch on the side of the Modem/300 to 0
for originate. Turn all equipment off before setting the switch.
When you are receiving a call from another computer, this switch
must be set to A for answer.
9

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE
HOST COMPUTER
Each computer system has its own protocol, or rules for communi
cation. You must know the protocol forthe system you are contact
ing, in order to make adjustments to the way your modem sends
information. If the protocol of your computerdoes not match the
host, telecommunication will not be successful. You can change the
way your computer system transmits information, however, so that
almost any host computer can be contacted.
A protocol consists of several parameters (settings). Check the
glossary for brief definitions of baud, duplex, line feed, parity, stop
bits, and word length.
HOW TO OBTAIN PROTOCOL
INFORMATION
Contacting a Computer at Work or School
If you will be contacting a computer, especially a mainframe, at your
business or school, the computer operator can help you. Usually a
phone call to the computer operator will supply the details you
need.
Communicating with an information Service
You must usually obtain a subscription to the information network
you want to correspond with. Sometimes there is an initial fee,
and usually an hourly on-line rate. The literature you receive with
your initial subscription usually contains the necessary protocol
information.
Enclosed with your Modem/300 is a package containing details
about membership in the QuantumLink Personal Computer Net
work with instructions for obtaining a user i.d. code and pass
word. The protocol for contacting QuantumLink is part of the
QuantumLink software; you don’t have to be concerned with the
parameters.
10

Communicating with Another Commodore
Computer
When you contact anotherCommodore computer system with a
modem, use the following parameters:
Duplex: Half
Line feed: No
Stop bits: 1
Parity: None
Baud rate: 300
Word length: 8
Notice that because both computers communicate in Commodore
ASCII, the full Commodore character set will be available to you for
telecommunication.
Once you have registered with the information networks, or deter
mined the protocol of any other system you want to communicate
with, your telecommunicating can begin.
11

Using the
Common Sense
Terminal Program
INTRODUCTION
Requirements
Welcome to the exciting world of telecomputing! Now your Commo
dore computer can reach out for you to a vast body of information,
programs, and new peoplewith similar interests. COMMON SENSE
can connect you to computers of all sizes, from large database
mainframes, minis, micros, and laboratory equipmenteither
through modems or directly connected. The minimum equipment
required for operation of this software is a Commodore 64 com
puter, single disk drive, modem, and TV or monitor. Also supported
are serial printers, and an additional disk drive (or dual-drive).
Modems supported fall into three main categories: manual, pro
grammable (automodems), and smart. The manual modem requires
you to dial/answer the phone and physically connect the modem
to the phone line. Smart modems perform all phone operations
independently, communicating to your computer with their own
internal computers. COMMON SENSE supports all popular manual,
direct-connect automodems, and smart modems as of the date of
printing.
How you use COMMON SENSE depends on yourtelecomputing
need(s). You should obtain the requirements of your host computer
system listed below. Try the default settings if you are not sure.
Baud-Rate 300
Num berofStopBits 1
Word Length 8
Parity None
Duplex Full

Attention Procedure
Log-On Sequence
Prompt or Continuous Uploads
Protocols
These factors influence your ability to successfully connect to your
intended remote computer. This information should be readily avail
able at the data center or information service. Taking the time now
to prepare for using COMMON SENSE will save you hours of aggra
vation and phonecharges later. Most public information networks
will operate with the default settings in the program.
Equipment Supported
Commodore 128 in 64 mode
Commodore 64
1571 Disk Drive(device8-11)
1541 Disk Drive(device8)
2nd 1541 Disk Drive(device9-11)
4040 Disk Drive
1525 and 1526 Printers
Transparently-connected ASCII Printers
1600Vicmodem
1650Automodem
1660 CBM 300 Modem
1670 CBM 1200 Modem (Smart)
All RS232 smart modems
VIC 1011 A RS232 Terminal Adapter
NOTE
Before you use your Common Sense, or VT100 programs, we recom
mend that you copy these programs onto a separate blank disk.
This will provide you with additional disk space for your own text
and program files, and prevent damage to the special QuantumLink
software included on your software diskette. A file copy utility,
called MAKEDISK, is provided on the diskette. To use this utility,
type:
LOAD“ MAKEDISK” ,8 (in 64 mode)
14