Multitech MultiModem MT5600ZDX User manual

Model MT5600ZDX
Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual
82068600 Revision A
#MT5600ZDX
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without
prior expressed written permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved.
Copyright © 1997, by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranties
with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any
implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. reserves the right
to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in
the content hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. to
notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Revision Description
A Manual Release at Revision Level A.
(8/2/97)
MultiModemZDX, Multi-Tech, and the Multi-Tech logo are trade-
marks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
K56flex is a registered trademark of Rockwell and Lucent Technolo-
gies Corp. ©Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc. 1997
All Rights Reserved. Reproduced by Permission.
All brand and product names mentioned in this publication are trade-
marks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112 U.S.A.
[phone] or [phone]
U. S. FAX [phone]
Fax-Back Service 612-717-5888
Technical Support [phone]
BBS [phone] or [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com
Technical Writer: mark@ multitech.com

Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
Introduction.................................................................................................................... 5
Product Description....................................................................................................... 5
What Is in Your Modem Package? ....................................................................... 8
How to Use This Manual............................................................................................... 8
Chapter 2 - Installation
Installation ................................................................................................................... 10
Computer............................................................................................................. 10
Serial Cable......................................................................................................... 10
Telephone Line.................................................................................................... 11
Communications Software ................................................................................. 11
Installation Process..................................................................................................... 12
Safety Warnings.................................................................................................. 12
LED Indicators............................................................................................................. 15
Is Your MT5600ZDX Ready for Use?......................................................................... 18
Operating Your MT5600ZDX ...................................................................................... 18
Simple Operations .............................................................................................. 19
Software Configuration ............................................................................................... 20
Hardware/Software Confirmation ....................................................................... 21
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 22
None of the LEDs Light When the Modem Is On.............................................. 22
The Modem Does Not Respond to Commands ................................................ 23
The Modem Dials But Cannot Make a Connection ........................................... 25
The Modem Disconnects While Online.............................................................. 28
The Modem Cannot Connect When Answering ................................................ 28
Slow File Transfer ............................................................................................... 29
Losing Data ......................................................................................................... 29
Garbage Characters on the Monitor .................................................................. 30
Chapter 3 - AT Commands, S-Registers and Result Codes
AT Commands............................................................................................................. 31
S-Registers.................................................................................................................. 51
Result Codes............................................................................................................... 64
Chapter 4 - Testing Your Modem
Local Analog Loopback Test/V.54 Loop 3 .................................................................. 68
Digital Loopback Test/V.54 Loop 2 (Local/Manual) ................................................... 69
Digital Loopback Test/V.54 Loop 2 (Remote/Auto).................................................... 70
iii

Chapter 5 - Warranty, Service and Tech Support
Introduction.................................................................................................................. 72
Limited Warranty ......................................................................................................... 72
Online Warranty Registration ............................................................................. 73
Tech Support ............................................................................................................... 73
Recording Modem Information ........................................................................... 73
Service................................................................................................................. 74
The Multi-Tech BBS .................................................................................................... 74
To log on to the Multi-Tech BBS......................................................................... 75
To Download a file .............................................................................................. 75
Using Flash to Upgrade Modem Firmware........................................................ 76
About CompuServe/Internet ....................................................................................... 78
About the Multi-Tech Fax-Back Service ..................................................................... 79
Appendix A - Technical Specifications
Appendix B - Tone Dial Frequencies
Appendix C - Regulatory Information
Index
iv

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
5
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
Introduction
Welcome to the world of data communications. You have acquired
one of the finest intelligent data, fax capable modems available today,
model MT5600ZDX, from Multi-Tech Systems. This Owner’s Manual
will help you install, configure, test and use your MT5600ZDX modem.
Product Description
Your MT5600ZDX incorporates a new modem technology, called
K56flex
TM
, that enables Internet connections at data rates up to 56K
bps over standard telephone lines. K56flex technology is able to
propel data downstream from the Internet to your computer at speeds
of up to 56K bps because data is digitally encoded instead of
modulated. Upstream transmission, mostly keystroke and mouse
commands from your computer to the central site, continue to flow at
the conventional data rate of 33.6K bps.
Your MT5600ZDX offers interactive automatic dialing, as well as
command mode option configuration. You may store four command
line/telephone numbers, of up to 40 characters each, in the modem’s
nonvolatile memory. The modem pulse or tone dials, and recognizes
dial tones and busy signals for reliable call-progress detection. The
modem can detect AT&T calling card tones. It is FCC-Registered for
connection to telephone networks without any Data Access
Arrangements (DAA’s).
* Although K56flex technology is capable of downloads of up to 56K
bps, FCC regulations currently restrict ISP modems to downloads of
53K bps.

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
6
The MT5600ZDX is a desktop fax/modem for compatible IBM Personal
Computers that also provides support for answering machine and
voice mail capabilities. The MT5600ZDX provides dial-up
asynchronous communication capability with other personal
computers, terminals, on-line computer services or other types of
computer systems. Connection to the phone line and/or an attached
telephone device is made by RJ11 modular type connectors; the PC
connection is made via an RS232C/V.24 serial cable receptacle; and
low voltage DC power is supplied to the MT5600ZDX through a
modular power supply connection included with the modem. All these
connections are located on the rear of the MT5600ZDX. Hardware
installation procedures are described in Chapter 2.
General features include:
• Compliance with major ITU-T, TIA, and EIA international
standards to ensure compatibility with other modems.
• Distinguishes data, fax, or voice calls using DTMF and tone
detection with software packages supporting these features.
• Caller ID to identify your caller’s phone number (available on U.S.
products).
Data
• Supports the K56flexTM standard for data transmission speeds up
to 56Kbps, while maintaining compatibility with lower-speed
modems.
Note the K56flex standard asymmetrically transfers data--client
downloads at speeds up to 56K bps, client uploads at speeds up
to 33.6K bps.
• Supports the enhanced ITU-T V.34 standard, with data
transmission speeds to 33.6K bps, while also maintaining
compatibility with lower-speed modems.
• Supports asynchronous data rates at 56K, 33.6K, 31.2K, 28.8K,
26.4K, 24K, 21.6K, 19.2K, 16.8K, 14.4K, 12K, 9600, 4800, 2400,
1200, and 300 bps.
• Automatic fallback to slower speeds in noisy line conditions, and
fall-forward to faster speeds as conditions improve.
• ITU V.42 LAP-M and MNP Class 3 and 4 error correction.
• ITU V.42bis (4-to-1) and MNP 5 (2-to-1) data compression.

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
7
• Automatic disabling of compression when transferring already-
compressed files.
• Autodial, redial, pulse (rotary) and touch-tone dial.
• Dial tone and busy signal detection for reliable call-progress
detection.
• Compatibility with the standard AT command set used by most
communication programs.
• MNP10 and MNP10ECTM Enhanced Cellular Performance (error
correction).
• H.324 compliant (videophone ready).
• Distinctive ring support to route voice, data, or fax calls on a
single phone line.
• Plug and Play ( PnP ) serial support.
• FlashROM upgradable.
Fax
• Supports V.17, Group 3 fax communication standards, allowing it
to communicate with other fax modems as well as with fax
machines.
• Sends and receives faxes from your computer at 14,400 bps,
9600 bps, 7200 bps, 4800 bps, 2400 bps, or 300 bps.

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
8
What Is in Your Modem Package?
Your MultiModemZDX has several components. Make sure you have
them all before installing your modem. Your package should include:
• MultiModemZDX data/fax modem
• DC power supply
• One set of four plastic feet
• Two sets of Velcro fasteners
• Telephone cord
• MultiModemZDX Owner’s Manual
• Trio Data Communications Software (3 diskettes)
• One Set-Up diskette
• Brochure with warranty registration card
If any of these items are missing, please contact Multi-Tech Systems
or your dealer/distributor.
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into five chapters and three appendices. The
information contained in each chapter and appendix is as follows:
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
Chapter 1 begins with a short product introduction and description;
followed by a guide (which you are now reading) to the use of this
manual.
Chapter 2 - Installation and Connection
Chapter 2 documents the procedure for connecting the MT5600ZDX to
your computer and to the phone line. Details are given, supported by
illustrations as a guide for installing your MT5600ZDX to the point of
operation. There is also a Troubleshooting section in the event your
MT5600ZDX is not operating properly.
Chapter 3 - AT Commands, S-Registers and Result
Codes
Chapter 3 documents default and option ATcommands, S-Registers
and Result Codes supported by the MT5600ZDX.

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description
9
Chapter 4 - Testing Your Modem
Chapter 4 covers the modem's built-in test features. These are:
Power-on Self Test, Local Analog Loopback, Digital Loopback and
Remote Digital Loopback Tests. We have included a description of
each test and how to use each test procedure.
Chapter 5 - Service, Warranty & Technical Support/
BBS
Chapter 5 provides instructions for getting modems serviced at the
factory, statements on your ten-year warranty, the procedure for
downloading firmware upgrades via FlashROM, information about our
user Bulletin Board Service ( BBS ) and receiving technical support via
the CompuServe and Internet forums.
Appendices
Appendix A - Technical Specifications
Appendix B - Tone Dial Frequencies
Appendix C - FCC, Canadian and BABT Regulations

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
10
Chapter 2 - Installation
Installation
In addition to the contents of the MT5600ZDX package, you will need
the following equipment.
Computer
The MT5600ZDX can be connected to any computer with an RS-232
serial port. Note : your computer system should have a processor
speed of at least 75 MHz in order to take full advantage of the
telephony features of this product.
Serial Cable
You must provide a serial cable to connect the MT5600ZDX to your
computer. Serial cables are available at computer stores and many
office supply stores. The cable must have a DB-25P connector at the
modem end. For IBM and compatible computers, the other end may
have a DB-25P connector or a DB-9S connector, depending on your
particular computer and whether you are using the COM1 or the
COM2 serial port. The FCC requires cables to be shielded.
DB-25 DB-9
Figure 2-1. Serial Connectors

Chapter 2 - Installation
11
Telephone Line
You must have a telephone line with a conveniently located connector
(jack) to accept the cable that comes with the MT5600ZDX. If you do
not have a telephone jack near your computer, you should install an
extension before proceeding.
In North America, telephone extension kits and accessories are
available at electronics stores and wherever telephones are sold. You
may also hire an independent contractor or your local telephone
company to do the work. If you want to add a line for your MT5600ZDX
fax modem, you must contact your telephone company.
Communications Software
To operate the ZDX, you must have data and fax communications
software. Data comm software simplifies control of the modem by
guiding you through the process of selecting your serial port, your port
speed, and other variables, and then storing your settings, including
frequently called phone numbers, so they can be recalled with the
stroke of a key or the click of a mouse. The software must be set up,
or configured, before you can use it. You must have Microsoft
Windows 3.1 or later to run most prevalent software packages. If you
require software for DOS or for the Macintosh operating systems,
please contact Multi-Tech Sales.

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
12
Installation Process
The installation of the MT5600ZDX consists of making the physical
connections necessary to render the modem functional with your
computer. This includes making the proper serial, phone line, and
power connections.
Safety Warnings
1. Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
2. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is
specifically designed for wet locations.
3. Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the
telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.
4. Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
5. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an
electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electrical shock
from lightning.
6. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the
leak.
RS232 PHONE LINE
RJ11/Phone Connection
RJ11/PSTN Connection
Power Connector
(to Transformer)
DB25 to Computer
POWER
Figure 2-2. MT5600ZDX Connections

Chapter 2 - Installation
13
To install your MT5600ZDX:
1. Attach MT5600ZDX to dial-up phone lines using the RJ11
telephone cord. This is accomplished by plugging one end of the
cable provided with the MT5600ZDX into the telephone jack in
your home or office; and plugging the other end into the LINE jack
on the MT5600ZDX.
Note: The LINE jack is not interchangeable with the PHONE jack
on the MT5600ZDX. Do not plug the telephone into the LINE jack
or the line cable into the PHONE jack.
2. Attach your MT5600ZDX to your PC or terminal with an RS232 (or
V.24) cable (see Figure 2-1). Be sure to tighten the mounting
screws on the DB connectors.
3. Connect your telephone set to phone jack via RJ11 cable.
4. Attach your MT5600ZDX to the AC Power transformer and
plugging the AC connector into a live AC outlet.
5. Turn on power by flipping the "ON/OFF" switch on the side of the
MT5600ZDX to the "ON" position.
Note: Use only the power supply provided with the MT5600ZDX.
Use of any other power supply will void the warranty and could
damage the modem.
6. Make sure modem and computer/terminal serial port baud rates
are adjusted. (Note that several programs can check this for you.
If you have MS-DOS 5.0 or higher, a program called MSD.EXE
[Microsoft Diagnostics] is in your DOS directory. Typing MSD at
the DOS prompt brings up a screen that provides a variety of
information about your computer. Select COM ports and it lists
information about your com port, e.g., UART Type, Address, and
IRQ, to name a few. Once you know your serial port's UART type,
you can set your communications's software appropriately.)
7. Proceed to Chapter 3 of this manual, or to your data
communications software manual.

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
14
✳#
Figure 2-2a. MT5600ZDX Connections

Chapter 2 - Installation
15
LED Indicators
The MT5600ZDX has ten LED indicators (Figure 2-3) to report
MT5600ZDX status (such as verifying proper installation) and line
activity (such as monitoring the status of a connection).
Figure 2-3. MT5600ZDX Front Panel
TD
Transmit Data. The TD LED flashes when data is being transmitted
(on for a space, off for a mark). Signals on this circuit are generated
by the terminal and transferred to the transmitter of the MT5600ZDX.
The transmitting terminal should hold this line in the marking state
when no data is being transmitted, including intervals between
characters or words. The TRANSMIT (TD) LED indicates the status of
this circuit.
RD
Receive Data. The RD LED flashes when data is being received (on
for a space, off for a mark). Data signals received from the remote
MT5600ZDX are presented on this line. When no carrier signal is
being received (pin 8 negative), this line will be forced into a marking
condition. The RECEIVE (RD) LED indicates the status of this signal.

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
16
CD
Carrier Detect. This LED lights when a valid carrier signal from
another modem is detected.
Figure 2-4. MT5600ZDX Front Panel
56
K56flex. This LED is lit when connected to an ISP-type K56flex
server. The actual connection speed is contingent upon server
capabilities and line conditions.
28
V.34. This LED is lit when the modem is connected in V.34 mode.
14
V.32 bis . This LED is lit when the modem is connected in V.32 bis
mode. Note at speeds lower than a V.32 bis connection, the
MT5600ZDX speed LEDs remain unlit.

Chapter 2 - Installation
17
OH
Off Hook. The condition of Off Hook indicates to the central office that
the MT5600ZDX wants the phone line to do something (i.e., dial or
answer a call). This LED is also lit when the MT5600ZDX has
achieved on-line status.
TR
Terminal Ready. When TR is lit, the MT5600ZDX can answer an
incoming call. This signal (TR or DTR) provides a meansfor the
terminal or computer to control the MT5600ZDX's connection to the
communications channel. A high DTR signal is required by the
MT5600ZDX to be able to communicate. The state of the TR LED
matches that of the DTR circuit on pin 20 of the RS232/V.24 interface.
EC
Error Correction. This LED is lit when the modem is set for V.42 error
correction, and flashes on and off when data compression is activated.
FX
Fax. This LED is lit when the modem is connected in Fax mode.

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
18
Is Your MT5600ZDX Ready for Use?
As soon as you have connected power to the modem, if you’re an
experienced modem user, you may simply want to check your
modem’s settings for data compression, error correction, and so on.
You may find that you can get moving quite quickly if you just issue the
AT&V<cr> command. This command lists how your modem is
currently configured. If you come across a setting you’re unsure of,
refer to Chapter 3 of this manual for AT command and S-Register
explanations and defaults.
If you’re a novice, please continue to the next sections of this chapter.
Operating Your MT5600ZDX
You control your MT5600ZDX by issuing AT commands and setting
S-Registers. Right now your MT5600ZDX is set up for the most typical
user application, that is, as a traditional modem set to make a dial-up
call to a remote installation where the call is answered automatically;
therefore, you shouldn’t need to change the current default
configuration. (If however, you know that your application does not
follow this profile, please refer to Chapter 3 for AT Commands and S-
Registers.)
In operating your MT5600ZDX it is likely that you will use your data
communications software to either:
•enter “terminal” mode, where you can “speak most directly” to the
modem by issuing AT commands, or to
•launch a datacomm session through a set of modem
configurations which you select and then associate with a target
telephone number. Once you have created, saved, and named
this set of information according to your connection needs and
your datacomm software’s conventions, the software then
simplifies your dialing because you needn’t reconfigure your
modem, nor run the risk of mistakenly keying-in incorrect
information.
Either way, you need to understand that an AT command is the
method by which your modem is controlled, and must therefore prefix
nearly all commands. AT stands for attention, and alerts the modem
that a command follows. You may enter these commands with either
upper- or lower-case characters. Entering AT automatically sets the

Chapter 2 - Installation
19
modem’s serial baud rate to match your computer’s and also sets the
modem’s parity. It also clears the modem’s command buffer.Once
you’re in terminal mode, enter AT followed by <CR> to check whether
your modem is operational. If everything’s fine, your modem will
respond OK .
Simple Operations
You can dial by using the ATD command and the phone number of the
modem with which you wish to connect, e.g., ATD6127853500. Your
modem will dial the number; a “scrambling” noise is heard as the
modem negotiates the kind of connection it can make, and once the
modems have settled on a common connection, a connect message
on your computer’s video is displayed. To hang up a call, enter
ATH0<CR>. Your modem will return on hook, just as if you had
returned a phone’s handset to its cradle. Your video now displays OK ,
signifying that your modem is ready for your next command.

MT5600ZDX Owner's Manual
20
Software Configuration
Communications software must be configured to work with the
MT5600ZDX, your computer, and the remote system it is calling.
Fortunately, most communications programs make the process easy
by providing a default initialization string to your modem as well as
defaults for most of the other required parameters.
Some software programs allow you to select your modem type from a
menu. By this method, initialization strings that correspond to a
particular modem type can be selected to operate optimally with the
software it is utilizing.
Figure 2-5. MT5600ZDX Initialization Setup
Other software programs require you enter an initialization string in the
software modem setup screen. If this is the requirement in your
software application, enter the following command string to initialize
your modem: AT&F<cr> . This setting configures your modem to
operate optimally with the software it is utilizing.
Note: Refer to your respective software manual for further information
on your communications software.