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From: ewilts@janus.mtroyal.ab.ca (Ed Wilts)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.datacomm
Subject: Re: 9600 baud modem standards.  Please assist.
Message-ID: <1991Jun5.091711.8716@janus.mtroyal.ab.ca>
Date: 5 Jun 91 15:17:11 GMT
References: <1991Jun4.232906.9797@ucselx.sdsu.edu>
Organization: BC Systems Corporation, Victoria, B.C.
Lines: 43

In article <1991Jun4.232906.9797@ucselx.sdsu.edu>, maxc1553@ucselx.sdsu.edu (InnerTangent - human1) writes:
> 
> I'm fasinated about 9600 baud modems.  Reasons are, more and more BBS are moving to this speed.  But, looking thru the local BBS list, there are many different
> 9600 baud standards.  My worries are:  If I'm to get an 9600 baud modem, which 
> one would be best for me.
> 
> Of course, prices are also a big consideration.  For example, I myself wouldn't
> buy a modem that's more costly then a HardDrive or DeskJet.

I believe that the prices for good modems are still more than what you'd pay
for a DeskJet or a hard drive.

> 
> I read in magazines about the US Robotic HST 9600 modems.  Just the name, so I 
> have no idea what this HST does.  

The HST uses a proprietary format to achieve its high speeds.  Therefore, it
will ONLY achieve 9600 (or 14.4Kbps) with another HST.  When connecting to a
standard V.32 modem, you will get only 2400 bps.

> I also heard about a much cheaper 9600 baud modem with a different standard then
> US Robotic's HST.  Again, could you help me understand this one.

The cheap modems typically use proprietary methods to get the high speed.  If
you plan on hopping from BBS to BBS, you want to avoid these, or you'll be
stuck with 2400 for those systems that have different modems than yours.
You don't want to be sucked into one these cheopos unless you have a dedicated
application and can ensure that compatible modems are on both ends.  

> Finally, I would like your personal biased opinion.  

My recommendation would be to go with the HST DUAL-STANDARD.  This modem
supports not only the proprietary HST mode that a lot of BBS operators use, but
also the standard V.32 mode, allowing it to connect with any other V.32 modem,
whether it is made by USR, Motorola, Gandalf, or anybody else.

As prices for standard modems drop, I expect that proprietary schemes will go
the way of the dodo bird.

-- 
        .../Ed     Preferrred:  Ed.Wilts@BSC.Galaxy.BCSystems.Gov.BC.CA
Ed Wilts            Alternate:  EdWilts@BCSC02.BITNET    (604) 389-3430
B.C. Systems Corp., 4000 Seymour Place, Victoria, B.C., Canada, V8X 4S8