Multitech CC1600 Series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 25 / 76

25
Chapter 3 - Software Configuration
3.6 Configuring Your Software
Communications software must be configured to work with your modem, your computer, and the
remote system it is calling. Fortunately, most communications programs make the process easy by
providing a default initialization string for your modem as well as defaults for most of the other
required parameters.
3.6.1 Configuring Software for Your Modem
Because remote computers may have different connection requirements such as speed, number of
bits, parity, log-on sequences, etc., communications software is typically configured by sessions,
each session having a unique configuration for a given connection (e.g., to a BBS or commercial on-
line service). Most communications programs, however, have a separate modem configuration menu
because modem configurations rarely change from session to session.
The most important configuration is the modem initialization string. This is a sequence of commands
the software uses to configure the modem when the communications software is loaded or when a
session begins. Always begin the initialization string with the ATtention command AT, then follow it
with the modem reset command, &F. Issuing a reset command before other commands ensures that
you are starting with a known state.
The rest of the commands in the initialization string depend on the capabilities of the modem and
what you want it to do. Some older communications programs require you to create the initialization
string by yourself. Most modern communications programs, however, provide you with a ready-made
initialization string that is automatically selected when you choose your modem model from a list. It is
a poor idea to use an initialization string intended for another modem, especially one from another
manufacturer, because modem capabilities and command implementations vary from modem to
modem. However, if your MultiModem does not appear on a modem list, you may use the
MultiModemII initialization string.