Path: utzoo!utgpu!attcan!uunet!husc6!uwvax!oddjob!uxc!uxc.cso.uiuc.edu!uxh.cso.uiuc.edu!richards
From: richards@uxh.cso.uiuc.edu
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: Direct modem line from USA to Franc
Message-ID: <11100004@uxh.cso.uiuc.edu>
Date: 3 Aug 88 16:14:00 GMT
References: <297@amanue.UUCP>
Lines: 18
Nf-ID: #R:amanue.UUCP:297:uxh.cso.uiuc.edu:11100004:000:874
Nf-From: uxh.cso.uiuc.edu!richards    Aug  3 11:14:00 1988


Ralf.Brown@B.GP.CS.CMU.EDU writes:

> I think most modems nowadays are software-based (i.e. a CPU + an EPROM).  
> Certainly the USRobotics HST and "desktalk ][" (actually an Incomm) are.
> Considering that Z80's sell for something like 40 cents in quantity, and 
> EPROMs for a buck or so, it's probably a lot cheaper than hardwiring things,
> anyway.

While this is true, isn't the distinguishing feature of the Trailblazer
the presence of the digital signal processor?  That way, *via software*,
the modulation scheme can be altered.  You want QAM, you set up the DSP for
QAM (with software support I 'spose, I never have looked at what it takes to
control a DSP).  Same for PEP, phase-shift keying, or simply dual-tone
modulation methods.  (and whatever is used with V.32bis?) I don't know
if the modems mentioned are that versatile with their analog components.

-Paul