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From: amm@NeXT.COM (Alan M. Marcum)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next
Subject: Re: Fax/modem for NeXT
Message-ID: <240@rosie.NeXT.COM>
Date: 31 Jan 91 19:14:01 GMT
References: <1991Jan29.131126.26062@ulrik.uio.no>
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In <1991Jan29.131126.26062@ulrik.uio.no> me@spirea.UiB.NO (My Account):
> ... an Everex fax/modem that works after the ROMs are upgraded to
> Class II - isn't class III the "newest" Fax spec...?

First, some clarification, since misunderstanding appears rampant.
'Course, the nomenclature chosen doesn't help matters any....

There are two different sorts of standards in the fax world (relating to
these issues): how the computer communicates with the modem, and how
fax machines (including modems) communicate with each other.

"Class 2" describes a pending standard for how a computer communicates
with a fax modem.  It is to fax modems as the Hayes AT command set pseudo-
standard is to data modems.  Note that this standard is still in the
balloting-updating-balloting stage.

"Group III" describes how one fax machine communicates with another,
over the phone lines.  It is to fax modes as V.32 (such as it is) is
to data modems.

The software NeXT ships in 2.0 includes support for Class 2 fax modems.
If a modem does not support Class 2 a custom modem driver would have
to be used.

Note that there's a small bug in 2.0: a symbolic link is missing for
the file Class2_Fax_Modem_Driver in /usr/lib/NextPrinter.  The symptom
of this: a known-compliant Class 2 modem, installed and configured
correctly in PrintManager as a Class 2 Fax Modem, does not work right.
The simple workaround: indicate in PrintManager that the modem is an
InterFax Fax Modem.  The simple fix: create the link; it should reference
Interfax_Fax_Modem_Driver, also in the /usr/lib/NextPrinter directory.

Regarding old InterFax fax modems (for a Mac, e.g.): according to Abaton,
the difference between the 24/96 and the 24/96 NX is more than just a
PROM change.  They will not be providing an upgrade from the 24/96 to a
24/96NX.  They will, though, provide a 30% discount for a 24/96 NX to
existing 24/96 Customers.  For more information, contact your Abaton
dealer or Abaton.
---
Alan M. Marcum
NeXT Technical Support
amm@NeXT.COM