Comtrol RocketModem Parts list manual

Product Overview
The RocketModem multimodem card is Hayes®
compatible and contains four or eight RJ11 modem
ports, depending on the model, that can operate at
speeds up to 33.6 Kbps.
RocketModem features for this model include:
• Four or eight RJ11 modem ports
• Bootable diagnostic tests on diskette
Note: See the Software Installation and Configuration
Guide for information about installing software,
the AT command set.
Note: If the Comtrol RocketModem is not among the
modem models listed in your software
applications modem list, you can select
SupraFAXModem 288(336) for fax emulation and
Zoom Telephonics Zoom V.34X for modem
emulation.
Installing the RocketModem
This RocketModem card features a DIP switch that is
used to set the I/O address. The factory default is 180
(hexadecimal).
You will need to change the DIP switch setting on the
card, if:
• Existing peripherals in the system overlap or use
the default I/O value (180h).
• Installing more than one RocketModem ISA. You
must change the DIP switch setting on the second
and subsequent cards.
To install a single RocketModem, follow these steps:
Note: For best results we recommend installing
RocketModem cards one at a time, to simplify the
configuration process.
1. Determine if you need to change the DIP switches
from the default value of 180h. To reset the DIP
switch, see the Setting I/O Address DIP Switches
section.
2. Turn your computer off and remove the system unit
cover.
3. Select an available ISA or EISA slot and remove the
slot cover. For EISA installation, see Installing a
RocketModem on an EISA Bus below.
Note: The RocketModem ISA requires a full-length ISA
or EISA slot.
4. Write down the serial number of the RocketModem.
5. Insert the RocketModem in the expansion slot.
Make sure it is seated securely.
6. Reinstall the expansion slot cover screw.
Note: When powered up, the RocketModem
generates significant heat. After you install
and configure the RocketModem, make sure
the system cover is closed and the ventilation
fan is unobstructed. If you install more than
one RocketModem, you may want to add an
additional internal cooling fan.
7. Connect standard RJ11 (telephone) cables between
the RocketModem ports and the phone line jacks.
8. Power up the computer and run the Diagnostics
program to verify that the RocketModem is installed
and working correctly. For instructions, see the
Using the Diagnostics discussion in this card.
9. After the RocketModem has successfully passed
diagnostics, install and configure the device driver
for your operating system, using the RocketModem
Software Installation and Configuration Guide or
the README file released with the driver.
After you have successfully installed one RocketModem,
you can install additional RocketModem cards by
repeating this process.
Installing a RocketModem on an EISA Bus
If you are installing a RocketModem in a computer with
an EISA bus, you may need to use the EISA
configuration files. These can be found in the \EISACFG
directory on the Diagnostic diskette. The
EISAREAD.TXT file contains information on using the
EISACFG files.
Setting I/O Address DIP Switches
This RocketModem (and the ISA-bus RocketPort series)
use I/O address ranges at 400h (hex) intervals above the
base I/O range. If you are mixing RocketModem and
RocketPort ISA cards, they are treated the same for the
purpose of setting the I/O switch.
The first card requires a 68-byte I/O address range.
Subsequent cards use a 64-byte range. Most peripherals
use I/O address ranges between 0 and 3FF hex. If you
have peripherals installed above 400h, you may
experience an I/O conflict and will need to reset the DIP
to an available address for your system.
The first card installed determines the switch settings
for subsequent cards. For example, if you are installing
two cards and using the default I/O address range, you
would set the DIP switches on the cards as follows:
Characteristic RocketModem Support
Supported standards V.34, V.32turbo, V.32bis,
V.32, V.22bis
Error correction V.42, MNP2-4, MNP10
Data compression V.42bis, MNP5
Fax group Group 3
Fax class Class 1.0 and Class 2
Card Model
Number* Serial Number* I/O Address
1
2
3
4
* The tag is located on the back (non-chip) of the card.

Port Identification
The modem ports on the RocketModem
mounting bracket are numbered as
shown in the illustration at right. The
port on the “top” edge of the card is
modem Line 1, and the port at the
“bottom” edge of the card, nearest the
bus connector, is Line 8.
A four-modem version of the
RocketModem card is also available. The
four-modem version uses the same
mounting bracket and connector block
as the eight-modem version, but Jacks 5
through 8 are blocked with blank plugs.
The four-modem model is not user-
upgradeable to an eight-modem model.
Using the Diagnostics
After you have installed one or more RocketModem
cards in your computer, use the diagnostic program
RCKTMDM.EXE to establish that the card is working,
before installing the device driver.
The diagnostic program is an operating system-
independent program that is distributed on a bootable
diskette. You must boot the system from the diagnostic
diskette in order to run the diagnostic program.
Follow these steps:
1. Insert the Diagnostics diskette in the floppy drive.
2. Power up the machine. The diagnostic program
starts automatically on boot-up.
If your computer cannot boot from a floppy, boot up
into native MS-DOS, then log on to the a: drive and
execute RCKTMDM.EXE.
The diagnostic title screen displays. Note the release
number and date. You may need this information if
you contact Comtrol technical support.
3. Press any key to continue.
A message about PCI-bus cards displays. If you have
one or more PCI-bus RocketModem cards installed,
the diagnostic recognizes them automatically and no
entry is needed.
4. Press any key to continue.
A list of ISA-bus RocketModem models displays.
5. Select the letter that corresponds to the model you
installed, select NOT INSTALLED if you have no
RocketModem/ISA cards in the system, or select Xto
exit the diagnostic.
If you select an ISA-bus model, a list of valid I/O
addresses (A through K) displays:
a. Select the letter for the I/O address you used
when installing the card. A list of valid IRQ
interrupts displays.
b. Select the letter for the IRQ you used when
installing the card.
Note: Some drivers require an IRQ. If this is a new
installation, the correct entry will be I: NO
IRQ.
c. The diagnostic program loops back to Step 5.
d. If you have more than one ISA RocketModem
installed, repeat this step until you have entered
the information for all cards. When you are
done, select NOT INSTALLED to exit this loop.
Example DIP Switch Settings
1st RocketModem
or RocketPort
180(hex)
2ndRocketModem
or RocketPort
RocketModem or
RocketPort #1 DIP Switch Settings (I/O Address Range)
100 – 143 hex
140 – 183 hex
180 – 1C3 hex
(Default)
200 – 243 hex
240 – 283 hex
280 – 2C3 hex
300 – 343 hex
340 – 383 hex
380 – 3C3 hex
1. If installing one RocketModem, set the DIP switch
as shown in this table.
2. If installing two RocketModem cards, follow Step 1
for the first card, then set the DIP switches on the
second card the same as the switches on the first
card, except Switch 5 off.
3. If installing three RocketModem cards, follow Steps
1 and 2 for the first and second card, then set the
DIP switches on the third card the same as the
switches on the first card, except Switch 6 off.
4. If installing four RocketModem cards, follow Steps 1
through 3 for the first, second, and third cards, then
set the DIP switches on the fourth card the same as
the switches on the first card, except Switches 5
and 6 off.
ON
12345678
FIRST
SECOND
ON
12345678
12345678
ON
12345678
ON
12345678
ON
12345678
O
N
12345678
ON
12345678
O
N
12345678
ON
12345678
ON
12345678
ON
Modem
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Note: Only the first card requires that the I/O
address entered in Step 5a matches the
physical DIP switch setting. For each
subsequent card, select any unused I/O
address.
The list of I/O and IRQ parameters you entered
displays.
6. If the list is correct, press Y. If the information is not
correct, press Nto restart the diagnostic.
The diagnostic resets and re-initializes all modems.
7. After initialization completes, an option box displays
at the bottom of the screen:
– D to run the Diagnostic
– T for Terminal Mode at 9600 baud
– M for Terminal Mode at maximum baud
– Q to QUIT
8. Press Dto test the serial I/O and IRQ. (The Tand M
options are discussed under Terminal Mode, below.)
The diagnostic tests eachRocketModem card’s serial
I/O, IRQ, and telephone type, and displays the
results.
9. Press any key to continue. If you have more than one
card installed, the diagnostic repeats until all cards
have been tested.
10. Press any key to continue. The diagnostic displays a
summary of the test results.
11. Press any key to continue.
The diagnostic resets all modems and re-initializes
all RocketModem boards.
12. Press Yto restart the diagnostic at Step 3 (for
example, to enter Terminal Mode), or Nto quit.
If you select N, remove the diagnostic diskette from
the drive, then press the space bar or Enter key to
boot the system. Do not use the CTRL-ALT-DEL
reboot command. Use of this command may result
in CMOS errors on some systems.
Note: The Terminal Mode option is used to test modems
by dialing out using AT commands. For an
example of how to use this option, see Terminal
Mode, later in this Installation Card.
Troubleshooting
If an ISA-bus modem card fails to initialize, check to
make sure you have selected the correct I/O address and
IRQ. If that does not solve the problem, try removing the
card and reseating it in another slot.
If you have tried any “short cuts” in running the
diagnostic, try rebooting your system from the floppy.
The diagnostic WILL NOT WORK in a “DOS over
Windows” session.
Terminal Mode
If you select either the Tor MTerminal Mode option
while running the diagnostic, the diagnostic starts a
simple terminal emulation program. The Toption
selects terminal mode at 9600 baud, while the Moption
selects terminal mode at the maximum baud rate
supported by your RocketModem model.
1. If there is more than one RocketModem installed,
you are asked to select a card. Do so.
2. A numbered menu listing the ports on the selected
card displays. You may also press Hfor help with AT
commands, Rto reset a single modem, Tto reset all
modems on the selected board, or Xto exit.
3. Enter a port number to select a modem. The
Terminal Mode screen displays.
4. Type AT commands to communicate with the
modem.
5. When you are done, press Esc to return to Step 2.
For example, follow these steps to test two modem ports.
This example requires that phone lines be connected to
both Ports 1 and 2.
1. Select Port 1.
2. Enter AT&F0 to initialize the modem to factory
default parameters.
3. Enter ATS0=1 to direct the modem to answer the
phone on the first ring.
4. Press Esc to return to the port menu.
5. Select Port 2.
6. Enter AT&F0 to initialize the second modem.
7. Enter ATDxxx xxxx (where xxx xxxx is the phone
number of the line connected to the first modem).
Watch and wait. The Port 2 modem should dial the
Port 1 modem and you should eventually see the
CONNECT message.
8. Press Esc.
9. Select Port 1. You should see RING and CONNECT
messages.
10. Any keys you press while looking at Port 1 display
when you look at Port 2. Likewise, any keys you
press while looking at Port 2 display when you
return to the Port 1 display.
11. To exit, on either of the ports enter the escape
sequence +++. This enables you to enter ATH to
hang up, or any other valid AT command string.
If you do not hang up, you can return to the still-
active connection by entering ATO.
12. To exit terminal mode and return to the port menu,
press Esc.
Modem Cables
RocketModem ports use standard telephone-type
unshielded twisted-pair cables with RJ11 modular
connectors. These can be purchased anywhere
commercial telephone products are sold.
If you choose to build your own cables, use the following
information. When building cables, use Category 3 (or
better) unshielded twisted-pair wiring.
The connector pinouts are as shown below:
RJ11 Pins Signals
1 and 4 Not used
2Ring
3Tip
Pin 1 Pin 4

Safety Notices
Installation of inside wire may bring you close to
electrical wire, conduit, terminals and other electrical
facilities. Extreme caution must be used to avoid
electrical shock from such facilities. Avoid contact with
electrical current by following these guidelines:
• Use tools with insulated handles.
• Do not place telephone wiring or connections in any
conduit, outlet or junction box containing electrical
wiring.
Note: Do not work on your telephone wiring at all if you
wear a pacemaker. Telephone lines carry
electrical current.
• Telephone wiring must be at least 6 feet from bare
power wiring or lightning rods and associated wires,
and at least 6 inches from other wire (antenna
wires, doorbell wires, wires from transformers to
neon signs), steam or hot water pipes, and heating
ducts.
• Before working with existing inside wiring, check all
electrical outlets for a square telephone dial light
transformer and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
Failure to unplug all telephone transformers can
cause electrical shock.
• Do not place a jack where it would allow a person to
use the telephone while in a bathtub, shower,
swimming pool, or similar hazardous location.
• Protectors and grounding wire placed by the service
provider must not be connected to, removed, or
modified by the customer.
CAUTION: Do not touch telephone wiring during
lightning!
FCC Notices
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105)
This card has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for Class B digital devices pursuant to Part 15 of
the Federal Communications Commission rules.
The RocketModem generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with this card, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, you are encouraged to try and correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the distance between the equipment and
the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
Labeling Requirements (FCC 15.19)
The RocketModem complies with part 15 of FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Modifications (FCC 15.21)
Changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by Comtrol Corporation may void
the user's authority to operate this equipment.
Cables (FCC 15.27)
This equipment is certified for Class B operation when
used with unshielded cables.
FCC Part 68 Notice
1. This equipment complies with Part 68 of FCC rules.
On the bottom panel of the unit is a label containing
the FCC registration number, ringer equivalence
number, and the USOC jack code.
2. The RocketModem uses FCC compliant modular
plugs, it is designed to be connected to the telephone
network or premises wiring using a compatible
modular jack which is FCC Part 68 compliant.
3. If this equipment causes harm to the telephone
network, the telephone company will notify you in
advance that temporary discontinuance of service
may be required. But, if advance notice is not
practical, the telephone company will notify you as
soon as possible. Also you will be advised of your
right to file a complaint with the FCC, if you believe
it is necessary.
4. The telephone company may make changes in its
facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that
could affect the operation of the equipment. If this
happens, the telephone company will provide
advance notice in order for you to make necessary
modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted
service.
5. If the equipment is causing harm to the network,
the telephone company may request you to remove
the equipment from the network until the problem
is resolved. If so, contact Comtrol Corporation at
651-631-7654.
6. No repairs are to be made by you. Repairs are to be
made only by Comtrol or its licensees. Unauthorized
repairs void the warranty and the registration.
7. This equipment may not be used for public coin
phone service provided by the Telephone Company.
Connection to Party Line Service is subject to state
tariffs. (Contact the state public utility commission,
public service commission, or corporation
commission for information.)
8. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991
makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer
or other electronic device, including fax machines, to
send any message unless such message clearly
contains in a margin at the top or bottom of each
transmitted page or on the first page of the
transmission, the date and time it is sent, an
identification of the business or other entity, or other
individual sending the message, and the telephone
number of the sending machine or of such business,
other entity, or individual. (The telephone number
provided may not be a 900 number or any other
number for which charges exceed local or long-
distance transmission charges.) In order to program
this information into your fax software, you should
refer to the manual of the Fax software being used.
RocketModem - Canada
The RocketModem connects directly to off-premises
Common Carrier facilities using the standard two-wire
telephone connection. In some cases, the building’s
inside wiring associated with a single line individual
server may be extended by means of a certified
connector assembly (telephone extension card).

NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified
equipment. This certification means the equipment meets
telecommunications network protective, operational, and
safety requirements as prescribed in the appropriate
Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements
document(s). The Department does not guarantee the
equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure
that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of
the local telecommunications company. The equipment
must also be installed using an acceptable method of
connection. The customer should be aware that
compliance with the above conditions may not prevent
degradation of service in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by
a representative designated by the supplier. Any repairs
or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or
equipment malfunctions, may give the
telecommunications company cause to request the user
to disconnect the equipment.
Users should ensure for their own protection that the
electrical ground connections of the power utility,
telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe
system, if present, are connected together. This
precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.
CAUTION: Users should not attempt to make such
connections themselves, but should contact the
appropriate electric inspection authority or electrician,
as appropriate.
NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN)
assigned to each terminal device provides an indication
of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be
connected to a telephone interface. The termination on an
interface may consist of any combination of devices,
subject only to the requirement that the sum of the
Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not
exceed 5.
This digital apparatus meets the Class B limits for radio
noise for digital apparatus set out in the interference-
causing equipment standard entitled: “Digital
Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada.
When connecting the RocketModem to the telephone
service, avoid contact with the telecommunications lead
wire. Grasp the insulated part of the jack, and do not
contact the back of the circuit board. Telephone wiring
can carry dangerous voltages from electrical faults or
lightning.
External Wiring
Any external communications wiring you may install
needs to be constructed to all relevant electrical codes.
In the United States this is the National Electrical Code
Article 800. Contact a licensed electrician for details.
Canada - Return Center
In Canada, contact the following Return Center:
Gandacar Consulting, Ltd
189 Lake Avenue East
Carlton Place, Ontario
Canada K7C 1J7 Phone: [phone]
Operating Conditions
This table illustrates RocketModem environmental
conditions:
Hardware Specifications
The following table illustrates hardware specifications:
Electromagnetic Compliance
This table lists electromagnetic compliance
certifications:
Environmental Conditions Value
Air temperature:
System on
System off 0 to 40oC
-20 to 85oC
Altitude: 0 to 10,000 feet
Humidity (non-condensing):
System on
System off 8% to 80% 20% to 80%
Description Specification
Baud rate 300 to 33.6 Kbps
Bus interface ISA
Card dimensions (meets ISA
specifications) 13.5" by 4.2" (w x h)
Cards per system 4
Current consumption (+5V):
RocketModem 4
RocketModem 8 1.3A max 2.2A max
Device driver control:
Data bits
Parity
Stop bits
7 or 8
Odd, Even, None
1 or 2
Heat output:
RocketModem 4
RocketModem 8 22.2 BTU/hr 37.5 BTU/hr
DTE speed Up to 115,200 bps
Interrupt (driver dependent) None, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10,
11, 12, and 15
Mean time between failures:
RocketModem 4
RocketModem 8 18.3 years 11.6 years
Modems per card 4 or 8
Modems per system 4 to 32
Power consumption:
RocketModem 4
RocketModem 8 6.5 W 11 W
Telco connector RJ11
Weight (card only):
RocketModem 4
RocketModem 8 12.1 oz 15.8 oz
Electromagnetic Compliance Status
Emission:
Canadian EMC requirements
FCC Class B Certification Yes

Technical Support
If you need technical support, contact Comtrol using one
of the following methods.
Corporate Headquarters:
•email:
[e-mail]
• FAX: [phone]
• Phone: [phone]
•FTP Site: ftp://ftp.comtrol.com
• Web Site: http://www.comtrol.com
Comtrol Europe:
•email:
[email protected].uk
•FAX: [phone]
• Phone: [phone]
• Web Site: http://www.comtrol.co.uk
Comtrol has a staff of technical support specialists
available to help you.
First Edition, March 25, 1999
Copyright © 1998, 1999. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or
warranties with regard to the contents of this reference
product or to the suitability of the Comtrol product for
any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change
without notice. Some software or features may not be
available at the time of publication. Contact your
reseller for current product information.
Trademark Notices
Comtrol and RocketModem are trademarks of Comtrol
Corporation.
RocketPort is a registered trademark of Comtrol
Corporation.
Other product names mentioned herein may be
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
2000017 Revision A
RocketModem™ ISA V.34
Hardware Installation Card
Safety:
UL Listed Yes
FCC Part 68 Certification Yes
Electromagnetic Compliance Status