Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!mcnc!ecsgate!ecsvax!uncw!session
From: session@uncw.UUCP (Zack C. Sessions)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Damark 2400 Modem
Message-ID: <1054@uncw.UUCP>
Date: 7 Mar 91 16:44:27 GMT
Reply-To: session@uncw.UUCP (Zack C. Sessions)
Organization: Univ. N. C. at Wilmington, CS & Math Dept.
Lines: 57

There have been numerous requests for me to re-post a recent article
of mine which I discussed the Damark 2400 modem. That article was not
a reall full review, but really some comments, instead of re-posting
that article, I'll post this full review of what I think of the Damark
2400 modem.

The modem is not manufactured by Damark, Damark is merely a catalog
marketing house who gets things at volume discounts and then puts
them intheir catalog. Sort of like DAK, but the lines of merchandise
are much more varied than DAK. The brand on my modem is "COM-CALL
TM-2400". The guarentee card lists TT Systems Corp. in Yonkers, NY.
The don't specifically claim to be the manufacturer, though.

Cost for the modem from Damark was $69.95 for the 2400 bps version
and $49.95 (I think) for the 1200 bps version. Since $70 is a decent
price for ANY 2400 bps modem, I opted for it. Tech Specs state that
it supports 2400, 1200 and 0-300 bps. AT compatable command set with
a 40 character buffer. Size is listed as W 2.2" x H 3" x D .80". As
you may imagine, it is rather small, about the size of a DB25 to
DB25 gender changer (just a little thicker). Weight is 4 oz, and power
is obtained from the telephone line. (VERY convenient!!)

OK, now that I have quoted the manual enough, let me express some
original comments.

So far, I like it. I can see that in the future, it will continue to
display it's usefullness in various situations. Example, you are
travelling. You take along the laptop and the COM-CALL TM-2400. With
access to any modular phone jack, you can instantly communicate. If
your laptop is charged up, no power connection at all would be
requiried at all since the TM-2400 gets its power from the phone
line.

There are a few things which I don't like. First of all is the
physical design. While the modem is advertised as being "perfect
for a laptop", it has a DB25 connector on it! It is my impression
that most laptops would have a DB9 connector for COM1 (like my
Tandy 1100FD does).

Secondly, I am having problems conecting with some modems at 2400 bps.
While I call at 2400, when the carrier is detected, the connection
will come up at 1200 bps. Very annoying, but I only call a finite
number of modems and I have identified which ones do not appear to
work with the TM-2400 at 2400 bps. (It is a minority, most do answer
just fine at 2400.)

As far as software goes, I have used the TM-2400 with both MS-Kermit
and the shareware version of Pro-Comm.

So bottom line, I recommend the COM-CALL TM-2400 modem if you have
a laptop and it doesn't have a built in modem. Also, if you need
a very portable modem for any PC, the TM-2400 shines there as well.

Happy communicating!

Zack Sessions
session@uncw.UUCP