No response from WiModem232 on C-128DCR
#1
Hi, new user here. I just ordered and received a WiModem232, intending to use it with my C-128DCR. I have a GGLabs Turbo232/Swiftlink clone that I'm using to hook it up.

I'm in 64 mode, using CCGMS, set to 300 baud, 8N1, and am able to receive the power-up messages from the modem just fine. (Looking for router, no router located, Filesystem Ready). However, the modem won't respond to any commands. ATI, AT, etc. don't send back anything.

I tried Desterm 128 in 128 mode, and it behaved exactly the same way. Not sure what I'm missing here?
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#2
I have never tried this myself, but as long as the cable is correct then it should work. Can you verify your cable is good? You could try sending a command to the WiModem, like AT*REBOOT to see if the receive line is getting there. I do program and test each WiModem232 before it ships.
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#3
(04-27-2020, 07:15 PM)admin Wrote: I have never tried this myself, but as long as the cable is correct then it should work.  Can you verify your cable is good?  You could try sending a command to the WiModem, like AT*REBOOT to see if the receive line is getting there.  I do program and test each WiModem232 before it ships.

I'm using a known-good DB25 to DB9 adapter since the Turbo232 card has a DB9 port. I'm also seeing the same behavior on an old XP-era PC with a real serial port, so I think we can rule out the Turbo232.

For fun I also tried a USB-to-serial cable on my modern Linux PC--same results.

All I can think of is the modem not liking my adapter for some reason, but I can't fathom why.
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#4
Maybe the adapter is bad or perhaps has some pins jumpered that are interfering with other pins? Do you have a DB-25 based RS232 interface or cable? Make sure you are not using a NULL modem adapter or cable. That will never work. You need a modem cable or adapter.
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#5
(04-27-2020, 11:43 PM)admin Wrote: Maybe the adapter is bad or perhaps has some pins jumpered that are interfering with other pins?  Do you have a DB-25 based RS232 interface or cable?  Make sure you are not using a NULL modem adapter or cable. That will never work.  You need a modem cable or adapter.

It's not a null adapter. I last used it to hook up a PC with a modem with a DB-25 port using a modem cable.

I'll order a DB-9 to DB-25 modem cable just to be safe. Weirder mysteries have happened with retro gear.  Big Grin
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#6
Like I said before, I program and test these before shipping. The programming is actually done on my Amiga 1200 using a terminal program, so both transmit and receive have to work or I can't program it at all. I also test the wireless connection and format the filesystem (there is 3MB of available storage space that will be accessible remotely with a future firmware update).
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#7
Works fine with the new cable I got. The weird thing is, that adapter works fine with a real modem I have. Curious. But at least this is working now. Thanks for your help!

The file system access would be pretty cool indeed! Looking forward to that.
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#8
Glad that it is working. There must be something in that cable (like RTS, CTS, DTR, or DSR) that is different from the new one you have that works. I know a LOT of cables tie some of the handshaking pins together. You need to be using a complete 9 pin or 25 pin pass through. It's usually the DB9 to DB25 cables that tie the handshaking lines or DCD line.
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