The Ten Dollar Modem

When connecting to the Internet, the faster the connection, the better. In early January, with the installation of a cable modem, my connection speed jumped from 50 kbps (thousands of bits per second) to 256 kbps in theory. Usually, however, the servers supplying web pages, data, sound files and pictures cannot deliver content this quickly. Nevertheless, the speed improvement is noticeable and welcomed.

On rare occasions, the cable goes out, a situation most unsettling for serious I-netters. I fall back to using a modem to dialup JUNO for e-mail and web access – free of course. Because my son in Washington uses my USR Sportster V.90 modem, I needed to secure a replacement. I shopped eBay.

Perfection can be expensive. “Fixer-uppers,” while risky for the timid, hold challenge and excitement for the brave. The description of eBay item# 368440843 captured my attention: “56k modem master internal – working pull.”

The seller, with a feedback (FB) rating of 257, stated: “The picture tells the story modem master 8000 56k rev 1.1 this is a system pull, card looks new was working fine (no problems) upgraded to usr voice fax no software or manuals card only selling as is s/h $4.00 in USA.”  No manuals or software, combined with a no-name brand, scared off many bidders.

From the picture, I could see #368440843 was a full modem (not a cheap winmodem needing the computer’s central processor to function. Do not buy a winmodem.) With a PayPal transaction of $10.50 plus $4 shipping, the modem arrived in Connecticut from Baltimore within a few days. I inserted my prize in an empty ISA slot. Next, I plugged the telephone line and the spare telephone headset into the proper sockets. I heard a dial tone. Thumbs up. This is not rocket science.

Older Technology

Modems require driver software for operation. When on the Net, I entered “Master Modem” in the Google search engine. The first match took me right to the web site.

From the site, I learned the Master Modem 8000 was discontinued in December 1998. However, the modem driver software was available (mm8k701.exe – 817kb). Within a few minutes, the transfer was made and the self-extracting software loaded the driver. I turned off the computer.

Immediately, I turned the computer back on. The Windows 98 operating system sensed new hardware had been added. It found the Modern Modem 8000 driver and installed it properly. No fuss, no muss, no problems.

When JUNO v 4.0 or later (free e-mail and web access) starts, after log-in and password entry, the user can choose between e-mail or World Wide Web connection to the Internet. A click on the World Wide Web icon produces a new screen with an icon titled “Connect.”

When a cable modem subscriber clicks the Connect icon, the software overrides the cable connection and initiates a modem connection to the JUNO POP (point of presence). Immediately, I heard the faint but familiar sound of the Master Modem attempting to connect to a JUNO modem. The sound was most reassuring.

Sensitive to the length of time required for the Master Modem 8000 and the modem at the POP to connect, synchronize and communicate, it became obvious the Modern Modem lacked the high compatibility of the USR Sporter V.90. The connection process required an extra 20 to 30 seconds. Essentially, the throughput speeds would suffer somewhat.

Once connected, a check with the dialer software status icon (found on the right side of the taskbar) indicated the modems connected at 45,333 bps. This speed was confirmed using Net.Medic. Typically, USR Sportster connections ranged 48,000 to 50,000 bps.

Conclusions And

Observations

Buying a barebones out-of-production modem on eBay at rock bottom price can improve the Internet experience for users with 28.8 and 33.6 kbps modems. The time has arrived to replace the old clunker.

Replacing a slower modem with a 56k V90 unit takes but a few minutes. As many people move up to broadband access (cable modem and xDSL), working V.90 modems can be found on eBay at bargain prices. Keep in mind, however, when purchasing a no-name brand, the performance may fall short of higher end gear like USR Sportsters and Couriers.

A modem replacement could add a little excitement to your life and make the Internet experience even better as you await the arrival of reasonably priced broadband access. Trading activity on eBay slows over the summer months, so great deals abound. Don’t delay.

URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) of interest:

www.ebay.com

(This is the 215th of a series of elementary articles designed for surfing the Internet. Next, Accelerating Growth of the Net is the subject on tap. Stay Tuned. Until next week, happy travels through cyberspace. Previous issues of  Internet Info for Real People can be found at http://www.thebee.com. Please e-mail comments and suggestions to rbrand@JUNO.com or editor@thebee.com.)