Won't connect with AT*SSID, but will with AT*NS

[admin]

It sounds like you are trying to enter text to the WiModem in a non-ASCII mode. If you are using CCGMS for the C64 make sure you are in ANSCII mode, not the typical graphics mode. Capitalization matters and being in the wrong text mode will prohibit you from entering the proper case that might be required. Also, make sure there are no space characters between SSID and the router name, or between the router name and comma (,) character.

The other modem you have is NOT a WiModem or WiModem232 - I don't ever use '$' in a command string.