Zoom PCMCIA V.90 User manual

User’s Guide
for
56K PC Card™ Faxmodem
with 14,400 Send/Receive Fax

NOTICE
This document contains proprietary information protected by
copyright, and this manual and all the accompanying hardware,
software, and documentation are copyrighted. No part of this
document may be photocopied or reproduced by mechanical,
electronic, or other means in any form.
The manufacturer does not warrant that the hardware will work
properly in all environments and applications, and makes no
warranty and representation, either implied or expressed, with
respect to the quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness
for a particular purpose of the software or documentation. The
manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the hard-
ware and manual content without obligation to notify any per-
son or organization of the revision or change.
All brand and product names are the trademarks of their re-
spective owners.
© Copyright 2000
All rights reserved.

Contents
GETTING STARTED....................................................4
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS..........................4
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR FAXMODEM............6
WINDOWS 95 AND WINDOWS 98 .........................................6
WINDOWS NT 4.0 .............................................................6
INSTALLING THE DRIVERS ...................................................7
INSTALLING THE FAXMODEM CARD.......................................8
VERIFYING THE INSTALLATION............................................10
CHANGING YOUR COUNTRY SETTING ..................................10
INSTALLING YOUR COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE..................11
Testing Your Faxmodem............................................11
UNINSTALLING YOUR FAXMODEM.......................................12
CHAPTER 2: USING YOUR FAXMODEM................... 13
USING FAX/DATA/VOICE COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE.......13
CUSTOMIZING FAXMODEM SETTINGS ..................................13
Tips for Setting Up Fax Software................................14
Tips for Setting Up Data Communications Software....15
RETURNING TO THE FACTORY SETTINGS ..............................16
HOT SWAPPING THE FAXMODEM CARD ...............................17
CONSERVING POWER .......................................................17
TRAVELING WITH YOUR FAXMODEM....................................18
CHAPTER 3: TROUBLESHOOTING...........................19
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING............................................19
DIAL TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................21
ONLINE TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................22
APPENDIX A: DISABLING POWER MANAGEMENT IN
WINDOWS 95/98........................................................26
APPENDIX B: PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .................... 28
APPENDIX C: REGULATORY INFORMATION.................. 30

4User’s Guide
Getting Started
The 56K PC Card you’ve just purchased is a full-featured
controllerless faxmodem. A controllerless modem is cost-
effective. It has an onboard DSP (digital signal processor)
to handle all the computation-intensive data transmis-
sion functions, and it relies on the power of your com-
puter to perform other, less-demanding functions: hard-
ware error correction, data compression, and AT com-
mands.
In contrast to the soft modems that ship inside many
computers today, controllerless faxmodems offer an out-
standing price/performance benefit. A controllerless fax-
modem imposes a minimal load on a computer’s CPU—
typically about 1 percent—compared with a soft modem’s
load of 20 to 40 percent. Even if your computer came with
a preinstalled soft modem, you can easily upgrade to a
controllerless modem and speed up your system consid-
erably.
In addition, we’ve designed the PC Card to be compatible
with the telephone systems in over 185 countries. If you
travel internationally with your laptop computer, our
World Traveler™ software allows you to change the
country-specific configuration almost instantaneously.
Hardware and Software Requirements
In your modem package, you should have received the
following items in addition to this manual:
•PC Card faxmodem
•PC Card phone cord
•Communications software on CD or diskette
•Phone cord adapter (certain models only).
To use your modem, you need the following hardware:
•A 133MHz computer with a CD-ROM drive, running
Windows® 95, 98, NT 4.0, or 2000, with a PC Card
Type II, Type III, or Toshiba 16mm slot, at least 16 MB

Getting Started 5
RAM (32 MB recommended), and a hard drive with at
least 5 MB available.

User’s Guide6
Chapter 1: Setting Up Your Faxmodem
Windows 95 and Windows 98
We have enhanced Windows’ plug-and-play capability
and streamlined the installation of your modem by in-
cluding an InstallShield® software program. For Windows
95/98 computers, you must run this program before you
install your faxmodem.
This InstallShield® program installs driver files and sets
up your computer to recognize the new faxmodem. When
you restart your computer after installing the faxmodem,
your hard drive will already contain the files Windows
needs to complete the installation. Continue with the In-
stalling the Drivers section below.
Windows NT 4.0
For computers running Windows NT 4.0, we’ve also
streamlined the installation, but the sequence is differ-
ent. You must first install your new faxmodem, then run
the InstallShield program. To begin installing your new
PC Card faxmodem with Windows NT 4.0, please go to the
Installing the Faxmodem Card section on page 8.

Chapter 1: Setting Up Your Faxmodem 7
Installing the Drivers
For Windows 95/98: Put the faxmodem aside for now.
Follow the steps below.
For Windows NT 4.0: Turn to page 8to first install the
modem and then follow the steps below:
1
Your computer should be turned on. Close any ap-
plications you have running.
Insert the CD-ROM disc that came with your fax-
modem into your CD-ROM drive. The CD-ROM disc
should auto-run after a few seconds and display an
installation screen.
If the CD does not auto-run:
•Click on My Computer on your desktop; then
double-click on the icon for your CD-ROM drive.
•If the installation program doesn’t start up right
away, double-click on setup.exe.
2
When the installation interface screen appears,
click on the Install Modem Drivers button. The in-
stallation program will run and automatically copy
driver files to your hard drive. Do not install any of
the other software at this time.
3
Windows NT 4.0 only:
A Select Components dialog box will display. Make
sure the Install new modem driver and compo-
nents choice is selected. Click Next. A Setup Com-
plete dialog box will display. Click Finish.
4
Shut down your computer.
5
For Windows 95/98: Follow the instructions for
Installing the Faxmodem Card below.
For Windows NT 4.0: After you’ve followed the in-
structions on page 8for Installing the Faxmodem
Card and then installed the drivers following the in-
structions above, go to Verifying the Installation
on page 10.

User’s Guide8
Installing the Faxmodem Card
Note To Users of Computers Running Windows 95/98:
If you have not already run the modem installation pro-
gram on the CD-ROM disc, please do so now, before you
install the faxmodem card. See Installing the Drivers on
page 7.
1
Before you start the hardware installation, close
all running programs and shut down Windows if
you have not already done so.
2With the top of the modem card facing up, insert
the modem into the PC Card Type II, Type III, or
Toshiba 16mm card slot in your computer as
shown below. Push the modem firmly, but gently
until it is seated inside the slot and you cannot
push it any further.

Chapter 1: Setting Up Your Faxmodem 9
3
Connect the phone cable to the modem card as
shown. You should feel the connector snap into
place. If the cable’s connector still does not fit easily
into the card, turn the connector over and try again.
4
Plug the other end of the cable into the modular
telephone jack (receptacle) on your wall. You may
need to use an adapter plug between the cable’s jack
and your wall jack.
If you want to plug both the modem cable and a tele-
phone cable into one wall jack, you may be able to
use a phone line splitter, which is available through
electronics supply stores.
5
Turn the computer back on.
Windows NT 4.0 users: Now return to Installing the
Drivers on page 7.
Note: Windows 95/98 have a power management fea-
ture that powers down the PC Card completely
when it is not in use. This feature may cause
problems with some communications software.
For advice, see Appendix A: Disabling Power
Management in Windows 95/98.

User’s Guide10
Verifying the Installation
Windows 95/98 users:
Windows PC Card support must be in-
stalled before you can use a PCMCIA-
compatible card of any type. If you are
unsure if you have this support, click
Start | Settings | Control Panel. If you see the PC Card
(PCMCIA) icon (such as the one shown here) in the Con-
trol Panel window, you can proceed. If not, consult your
Windows 95/98 documentation for instructions on in-
stalling this software.
Windows NT users:
To check that your system has detected
the PC Card, open the Control Panel
and select PC Card (PCMCIA). This
modem should be listed under the
Socket Status tab. Select Properties.
Under Device Status, “The device is
working properly” should be listed along with a COM port
number. Click OK to exit the PC Card dialog box.
Note to Users of Computers Running Windows NT:
1. You must be running Windows NT 4.0 with Service
Pack 3 or higher. If the native PC Card services is not
already installed, please see your Windows NT user
documentation for PC Card modem installation.
2. PC Cards are not hot-swappable when running Win-
dows NT.
Changing Your Country Setting
Our World Traveler™ country select software, included on
the accompanying CD, provides configuration information
so that your modem automatically works with the tele-
phone system in your country.

Chapter 1: Setting Up Your Faxmodem 11
If you need to change your country setting, follow these
steps:
1
Click Start | Programs. Select World Traveler to
launch the application.
2
A dialog box will display. Select the country of your
choice from the drop-down list and click Set.
That’s it! If you have problems with your faxmodem after
running the software, be sure your modem is connected
properly and try again.
Installing Your Communications Software
Please refer to your software installation guide for setting
up your communications software. You may also want to
read Chapter 2: Using Your Faxmodem for additional
fax and data configuration tips.
Then continue with the rest of this section for procedures
to test your faxmodem and remove it from your computer.
Testing Your Faxmodem
After you install and configure your fax and communica-
tions software (and your card management software if
needed), you can test whether the modem is properly
connected.
If you have installed data communications software, start
up the software. As part of its startup routine, it may
send the command AT to the modem and receive the re-
sponse OK. This indicates that your faxmodem is work-
ing.
If you do not see an AT command and response, change
to terminal mode (also known as command, direct, or lo-
cal mode). Type AT and press the Enter key. The modem
should display the word OK on your screen. If you do not
see this response, make sure that the data software is
configured for the same COM port specified in the card
management software. Then enter the AT command
again. If the modem still does not respond, refer to

User’s Guide12
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting. When you finish the test,
you can exit the software.
If you have installed fax software, you may be given an
opportunity to register the software with its publisher. If
there is a registration form, follow the steps for registering
the software. If you are unable to transmit the registra-
tion form, make sure that the fax software is configured
for the same COM port specified in the card management
software. Then try transmitting the form again. When you
finish the test, you can exit the software.
Uninstalling Your Faxmodem
If you ever want to uninstall your faxmodem, follow these
steps:
For Windows 95/98:
Click Start | Run. Type ltremove and click OK.
For Windows NT:
Follow the same steps listed on page 7until the Select
Components dialog box displays. Select Remove exist-
ing modem driver and components. Click Next. The
Modem Properties box will display. Select the Zoom 56K
Modem and click Remove.

Chapter 2: Using the Faxmodem 13
Chapter 2: Using Your Faxmodem
If you have installed the faxing and communications
software that came with your faxmodem, you probably do
not need to read this chapter. The software sets itself up
automatically and takes care of sending any necessary
commands to the faxmodem.
You may, however, want to read this chapter if you want
to learn some general facts about how software works
with your faxmodem or if you intend to use your new
faxmodem with other software.
This chapter provides tips for setting up faxing and com-
munications software, sending initialization strings con-
taining AT commands to the faxmodem, using a video
camera, and accessing the Internet.
Using Fax/Data/Voice Communications Software
Fax and data communications programs are designed to
simplify the tasks of sending and receiving faxes and
data. You communicate with most programs by making
menu selections. The programs then translate your se-
lections into the AT commands needed to communicate
with the modem. In addition, your faxmodem supports a
full-featured single or multiple mailbox voicemail system.
Through your software, you can also set up fax-back (fax-
on-demand), and record and playback messages.
When you install your software, you are taken through a
series of setup options. With virtually all commercially
available software, once you select the name of your mo-
dem during installation you can accept all the default
settings that the software suggests.
Customizing Faxmodem Settings
The software sends a string of AT command settings to
the modem as soon as you start up the software. The
string is called an initialization string. The software de-

User’s Guide14
termines which commands go into the initialization string
based on the device you select during installation. The
commands remain in effect throughout the communica-
tions session, unless the software sends other commands
to override them.
The software uses other AT command strings for other
purposes. For example, when you make a call from your
modem, the software inserts AT commands in a dial
string with the phone number you are calling. You can
use the AT command strings that are provided with the
software.
It is sometimes necessary, however, to add other AT
commands to initialization strings. Some AT commands
are suggested in the following sections and in Chapter 3:
Troubleshooting. You can also find a fuller discussion of
AT commands on the World Wide Web at
www.modems.com. Click on Reference and then on AT
Command Sets.
In setting up your software, you may be asked to enter
certain information. Most programs have default settings
that are correct for use with this modem, and there will
be no need to change them. You should, however, check
the following items.
Tips for Setting Up Fax Software
•You may be asked to select the “modem type” from a
menu. If you don’t see this modem listed by name on
the menu, select a 56K,V.90,or V.34 modem with
14,400 send/receive fax.
•If your telephone service includes Call Waiting that
you can temporarily suspend by dialing a special
code, include that code in the dial prefix option, fol-
lowed by a comma, in the software. If your software
does not have a dial prefix option, you need to insert
the code for each phone number in the dialing direc-
tory. If you need to dial a special code number, such
as 9, to get an outside line, put the number (followed
by a comma) before the phone number.

Chapter 2: Using the Faxmodem 15
Tips for Setting Up Data Communications Software
•You may be asked to select the “modem type” from a
menu. If you don’t see this modem listed by name on
the menu, select a name that includes K56flex, V.90,
or 56K if possible.
•In the dialing directory, all entries can be set to the
highest rate the software supports. The modem will
auto-negotiate the highest speed connection between
itself and the other modem.
•In the section of your software that may be called
“Terminal Settings,” make sure that Hardware Flow
Control (RTS/CTS) is ON (or Yes). This is necessary
for V.42bis file transfers to work.
•Set auto baud detect to OFF (or NO).
•Some programs ask Send init if CD high?,which
should be set to YES. Otherwise the modem may not
receive the proper initialization string.
•If your software suggests an initialization string for
this modem, you should use it. If this modem is not
listed by your software and no initialization string is
suggested, use the following initialization string for
IBM PCs and compatibles: AT &F &C1 &D2.
Note: If you are familiar with AT commands and you
save any settings in the modem’s nonvolatile
memory using the modem’s &W0 or &W1 com-
mand, remove the &F from the initialization
string. Otherwise, the contents of the initialization
string will override the saved settings.
•If the software does not provide a dial string, use
ATDT for tone dialing.
•If your telephone service includes Call Waiting that
you can temporarily suspend by dialing a special
code, include that code in the dial prefix option, fol-
lowed by a comma, in the software. If your software
does not have a dial prefix option, you need to insert
the code for each phone number in the dialing direc-

User’s Guide16
tory. If you need to dial a special code number, such
as 9, to get an outside line, put the number (followed
by a comma) before the phone number.
•When you use your software and modem, you will
rarely, if ever, need to send AT commands directly to
the modem. If you do want to enter AT commands,
however, you must do so from the software’s terminal
mode.
To use AT commands in terminal mode
1
Start your data communications program.
2
Change to terminal mode (also called command,
local, direct, or dumb mode).
3
Type the AT command you need and press the
Enter key.
When you finish, you can return to the data communica-
tions program’s standard user interface. See the soft-
ware’s documentation if you need help.
The modem is in data mode when it is communicating
online with another modem, such as a modem at your
workplace or home. While in data mode, the modem will
not respond to AT commands. To communicate with your
modem without disconnecting the call, use active options
in the software’s user interface or the +++ escape se-
quence. Communicating directly with your modem during
a call is seldom necessary.
Returning to the Factory Settings
Tip: Many programs for IBM PC-compatible computers
require that the modem initialize (or start up) with
command settings &C1 and &D2, the factory de-
fault settings, in the initialization string.

Chapter 2: Using the Faxmodem 17
To return to the modem’s factory default settings:
•In terminal mode, type AT &F and press the Enter
key.
To return to the basic settings expected by many
data communications programs for IBM PC compati-
bles
•In terminal mode, type AT &F and press the Enter
key.
Hot Swapping the Faxmodem Card
Your PC Card modem hardware supports hot swapping
(or “hot plugging”). This means that after installing the
modem you can remove and re-insert it as needed with-
out powering down or restarting (rebooting) your com-
puter. If you are using Windows 95/98 with PC Card 2.x-
compliant card management software, hot swapping is
supported automatically.
Remember: PC Cards are not hot-swappable when
running Windows NT.
Note: For reliable communications, you should insert
the modem card before you start up your data
communications or fax software. Otherwise the
modem will not receive the initialization string
from the software. You should remove the modem
only after you exit the software or the modem may
not receive important call termination information.
Conserving Power
To conserve power when the modem is running on the
computer’s battery, the PC Card defaults to sleep mode
when not in use. When the modem is in sleep mode, it
“wakes up” as soon as it senses activity such as a modem
command or an incoming call.

User’s Guide18
To Disable the PC Card’s Sleep Mode:
Change your communication software’s initialization
string to include S24=0. For example, if the current ini-
tialization string is AT&C1&D2, change it to
AT&C1&D2S24=0.
If you want to disable your PC Card’s sleep mode “perma-
nently,” run your Windows HyperTerminal program. Give
the command ATS24=0&W&Y (Enter). This command
will last until you change the S24 setting from 0 using
HyperTerminal.
Note: You can set S24 to any value between and in-
cluding 1 and 255 seconds (0 = off.)
Disabling the Computer’s Sleep Mode When Using
Auto-Answer
Many notebook computers also have a sleep mode. It is
usually implemented by software that automatically shifts
the computer to a reduced operating speed when the
processor has been idle for more than a specified period
of time. If you want the modem to answer incoming data
or fax calls when you are away from the computer, you
may need to disable the computer’s sleep mode. See
Appendix A: Disabling Power Management in Windows
95/98. You should also enable the auto-answer function
in the fax or data communications software.
Traveling with Your Faxmodem
When you pack your computer for travel, you can leave
the modem in the PC Card slot and simply disconnect
and pack the phone cable. The modem does not draw
power from the computer battery when the computer is
off.

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting 19
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
This chapter covers three categories: general trouble-
shooting, dial troubleshooting, and online troubleshoot-
ing.
For help with this problem... See
page...
The modem does not respond to AT commands,
or stops working completely. 20
The modem does not auto-answer. 20
The modem goes off-hook and seizes the tele-
phone line. 21
No response appears after executing a com-
mand. 21
The speaker volume is too high or too low. 21
The modem does not automatically dial a call
when you send a dial command line. 21
The modem does not respond to dial commands
from your software. 22
The modem can connect to some modems, but
not to others. 22
Your online service reports a connect speed that
doesn’t match your modem’s speed. 24
You cannot hear the connection through the
speaker. 24
Your modem disconnects while communicating
with a remote system. 25
The modem does not make a data connection. 25
Data appears garbled on the screen. 25
General troubleshooting
First of all, be sure that your modem is plugged in with a
phone cord between the modem and a working telephone
jack. If you’re not sure that the jack is working, plug a
telephone into it, go off-hook, and confirm that you have
a dial tone.

User’s Guide20
Problem: The modem does not respond to commands,
or stops working completely. (The following
solution applies to many other problems, too.)
Solution: Make sure the modem is inserted securely in
the PC Card slot.
Your modem may have not been initialized.
Exit and restart your communications software
application.
The most common error with modems is that
more than one piece of hardware is assigned to
the same COM port, or that the software is not
configured for the same COM port as the mo-
dem. For example, if the modem is configured
for COM2, the software should be configured
for COM2. Your card management software
should make sure that no other device in-
stalled in your computer is trying to use the
same COM port setting as the modem. You can
check that you have used the correct COM
port setting in your software.
Note that if your computer has an external se-
rial port, it can create a conflict, even if you are
not using the port. This holds true for serial
ports on cards, peripheral devices, and built-in
serial ports. Some trackball pointing devices
are assigned to a serial port. In general, when
a PC has one built-in serial port, the port is
assigned to COM1. If you don’t know which
COM port to use, try configuring your modem
for COM2; then be sure to configure your data
communications and fax software to match.
Problem: The modem does not auto-answer.
Solution: Your computer may be in sleep mode. In addi-
tion to enabling auto-answer in your fax or
data communications software, you should
disable sleep mode in your computer. See the
computer’s documentation for instructions.
Your modem may not be configured to auto-
matically answer incoming calls. Select auto-