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Current Modem Updates

Background:  Many computer manufacturers buy their modems as chip sets from an IC manufacturer, commonly Rockwell and Lucent. The Lucent and Rockwell modem chips are particularly favored by HP, Compaq, and Gateway. They are also used in many "Generic" and "Brand Name" modems. These modems can work fine, however they do use your computers CPU chip and can be a bit troublesome while you are multi-tasking. We recommend a good brand name modem with it's own CPU , however, these cheaper OEM modems will work, with some work on your part. The firmware is available and the 2 links below can help you find the fix for your modem.   Examples of some of the problems:  frequent disconnects, continual handshaking between your modem and ours with infrequent successful connects. The message "The computer you are calling is not answering" is frequent and incorrect if you can hear the "Fax connection" like noise,,, hssssss,,, buzzzzz, hsssssssssssssss; the modems are simply not able to find a compatible protocol and speed so they eventually just give up. 

Rockwell Based Modem Upgrade Chart:

If you modem brand is not listed on the charts above, please consult http://808hi.com/56k/rockhcf.htm to help you update your modem.  There are known problems with v.90 connects and certain firmware versions for this chipset. Rockwell is only the chipset manufacturer, many OEM make modems based on this chipset. The good news is that most all of them have interchangeable firmware. This page will help you identify your modem, has several manufacturer web links. 

Lucent Based Modem Upgrade Chart

There is an extremely good page for modem updates and modem identification for Lucent Win LT modems here:  http://808hi.com/56k/ltwin.htm

Other upgrades can be found here: http://www.k56flex.com/flexupgrade.html

We have found that users of both HP and Compaq computers are having difficulty in making a solid connection to V.90 modems. We have checked with both companies and found that users experiencing difficulty will need to upgrade their modem drivers to newest V.90 standard.
Please note: both of these companies have been using both Lucent and Rockwell chips of late and you'll need to know exactly which modem you have installed in your computer.


Compaq Users:

Please go to: http://www.compaq.com/athome/support/serv_desk.html

Compaq does offer an upgrade to the Rockwell HCF 56k PCI modem V.90 which is the modem used in most of the new Compaq Presario PC's. Compaq states that this enhancement "corrects errors in connect rate messages when connected to a V.90 Head End and fixes Win98-related issues which cause a system lock when an incoming call is received when no modem/communications applications are running."

For Hayes, Practical, and Cardinal modems

Please go to: http://www.56kstandard.com/

For HP Users:

Please go to: http://www.hp.com/cposupport/jsnav/pchome.html

You will need to follow the steps to download the latest driver update for your PC. You will need to know the name and model number of your PC to begin the search. HP states that "the update fixes many compatibility problems with various V.90 ISP's".