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From: Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: use modem as tty
Message-ID: <15976@handicap.news>
Date: 5 Jun 91 02:49:55 GMT
Article-I.D.: handicap.15976
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 PR> What's this?  A conversion service from the phone company?

Hi Phil.  The relay isn't a conversion service but a communication
service that facilitates communication between TDDs and voice phones.
Special AT&T operators called "Communication Assistants" listen to
voice calls and type the verbatum content to TDD users, and also
"voice" TDD messages to callers who do not have TDDs.  This service
is mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

All phone companies are required to make this service available
nationwide by July 26, 1993, at no additional cost to the user.
The relay service started in Pennsylvania last September, but
at present is limited to in-state calls.  That's a price we pay
for pioneering, and must be changed.

I believe Ohio has passed enabling regulations, but has not as yet
initiated the service.  (I assume you're posting form Ohio.)

 PR> Some of the ancient Hayes 1200 baud Smartmodems could handle
 PR> the Baudot system.

True, and Baudot is an ancient code.  It was the only way to go
when Weitbrecht invented the coupler that permitted HI folks to
use the telephone.  ASCII came later.  But TDI now recommends that
Baudot be phased out over the next five years and replaced by ASCII.
So I wouldn't spend any big bucks on a Baudot capable modem.

Besides, I already have a Baudot TDD.

 PR> Are the current TDD machines running ASCII now?

Most all current TDDs (except for the very low-end models) now offer
ASCII capability, either as a feature or an option.  I anticipate
that before long ASCII will be the "standard" and Baudot the option.

... Jack.

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