September 17, 1997

Welcome to ModemBridge, V2.6

Trans Lunar Designs Incorporated
cimino@voicenet.com
http://www.voicenet.com/~cimino

ModemBridge V2.6, this version is "unlocked" 
until midnight, October 31st, 1997.  At that time, 
ModemBridge will still work, but only up to 9600 
baud.  After that time, you will have to register 
ModemBridge to regain full functionality.

What is ModemBridge ?

   ModemBridge (MB) allows another computer to 
   access your Newton's PCMCIA Modem via serial 
   port.  This is useful if you don't have the 
   budget for both a PCMCIA modem and a desktop 
   modem.  Or you may have a laptop on the road 
   which doesn't have a modem or PCMCIA slot.

   MB will iconify, allowing you to use your 
   Newton for other tasks, while your 
   desktop/laptop machine is using the modem.

New Features :

      Now supports all Newton Compatible internal modems

      System beep upon connect

      Better power management

      Recognizes Busy Signals

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The biggest change to V 2.6 is the support of all Newton Compatible modems. This is accomplished by adding a new mode to ModemBridge.  Now the two modes are :

   External Mode
   Newton Mode

In "External Mode", ModemBridge behaves the same as it does in version 1.x.  The Newton modem is treated exactly like an external modem connected to your PC.

The trouble with version 1.x, is that not all modems work properly with ModemBridge.  Some modems expect to be treated like a modem, and not like a serial port device.  For a list of modems known to have this problem, see the bottom of this document.

In order to fully support all modems, "Newton Mode" has been introduced.  In this mode, ModemBridge accesses the modem through the Newton's communication tools.  One advantage is that you'll hear the dialing and connection progress (if you have the volume turned up in your modem dialing prefs).  The disadvantage, is that you'll have to input a phone number for dialing.

Some modems still have problems with ModemBridge, where the modem doesn't seem to recognize that an error checking protocol is being used, so garbage characters are passed through to the serial port.  This problem is being worked on.

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Requirements :

   ModemBridge requires Newton OS 2 and a serial 
   connection to a computer and PCMCIA Modem.

Installation :

Install ModemBridge as you would install any other 
Newton package.

If you're using a Newton 120/130, make sure you install it on the internal memory store.

Starting ModemBridge :

   Open the Extras drawer and tap the "Bridge" icon.  

The Screen :

   There are 5 "pickers" to set up your port settings.
   The baud rate should be the max baud of your 
   modem card.  

   The 6th picker lets you choose the "External Mode" or "Newton Mode"

Icon Buttons  (Left to Right) :

   "i" info : Read about ModemBridge, get a quick 
   "Help" screen, or register your software.

   "Bridge" : Iconifies ModemBridge, so you can 
   go use your Newton while ModemBridge is in use.

   Connect/Disconnect Toggle : Open a connection 
   or close it.

Using ModemBridge :

   ****** SPECIAL NOTE FOR MP2000 USERS ******
   ModemBridge has a selectable slot, Slot 1 
   corresponds to "Right Hand PC Slot" in the 
   Newton Modem Prefs.  Slot 2 corresponds to the 
   "Left Hand PC Slot".  The Modem must be in the 
   correct slot AND the prefs must match, as well 
   as the PCMCIA Slot # in ModemBridge.

   ****** SPECIAL NOTE FOR MP1220/130 USERS ******
   Use the "PCMCIA Slot 1" for your modem choice 
   in ModemBridge.

   First, install the ModemBridge package 
   on your Newton.

   If you normally use AppleTalk with your 
   Newton, you'll have to switch over to a 
   serial cable/connection

********************************************************************

How to use MB :

The easiest way to use MB is in the "External Mode". In this mode, the Newton will behave like an external modem connected to your PC/Mac/Amiga.

First, we'll walk through connecting MB with a desktop machine, and testing the connection :

   Testing MB in "External Mode" with terminal software

   1) Connect a Null modem/Apple Serial cable 
   between the Newton and PC

   2) Recommend you power the Newton by AC Adapter 
   if possible, since both the modem card and the 
   serial port consume copious amounts of power.

   3) Power up the Newton and PC

   4) Open the MB (ModemBridge) software, select 
   these settings :
      Baud Rate (Set to the same speed as your modem)
      8 Bits
      None (No Parity)
      1 Stop Bit
      None (Flow Control)
      PCMCIA Slot X (use Slot 1 for MP 120/130. For MP 2000,
         Slot 1 is the "Left" slot in Modem Prefs,
         or the bottom slot.  Slot 2 is the "Right"
         or top slot)
      Modem Mode

   5) Open terminal software (ZTerm on the Mac works great)

   6) Set up the prefs in ZTerm for the same speed and settings as MB

   7) Start the connection on MB by pressing the "Connect" button

   8) Wait until the button changes to "Disconnect" and MB "beeps"

   9) Start the connection on your terminal : Try the "AT" 
   command by typing :
         AT
   The repsonse should be "OK"

   10) Now try the command "ATS37?"
         ATS37?
   The response should be a number like 017, 018.  If the response
   is 000, then you need to skip to the section on using 
   the "Newton Mode", or plan on getting very poor throughput
   (1200 ~ 2400 baud).  For a list of modems, known to behave this
   way, skip to the bottom of the document.

   11) Try dialing into your provider : ATDTxxx-xxxx
   where xxx-xxxx is the phone number you wish to dial

********************************************************************

Testing MB in "Newton Mode" with terminal software

If you get the "000" code from the test, then you'll probably want to use the "Newton Mode".  Disconnect MB by pressing the "Disconnect" button.  Now choose "Newton Mode" and a window appears.  Double tap for the keyboard and enter your access phone number, including any prefixes and area codes.

   Start with the Testing Steps 1-7, described above in
   the "Testing MB in External Mode" section.

   Now when you press connect, this is what happens :

   A) MB Opens the Serial Port to your computer, anything 
   sent to the Newton (i.e. terminal software) will recieve 
   the codes :
         CONNECT
         OK

   B) MB will "beep" to let you know the serial port is connected

   C) Assuming your modem prefs set the dialing volume to 
   an audible level : You'll hear MB pick up the phone and
   dial the number, and connect.

   D) Once the modem connects, MB will "beep" again to let you
   know the modem is connected.

   E) Your terminal software should act normally.

   F) Although one of our Beta Testers reported getting the same 
   CONNECT 2400 message, he also reported normal (fast)
   download speeds.  Apparently his modem did adjust speeds
   accordingly, after the initial connection.

********************************************************************

Using MB in "External Mode" with PPP

   Basically perform all the same steps to set up MB as 
   in the Terminal test.  The important thing here, is 
   BE SURE TO CONNECT MODEMBRIDGE BEFORE STARTING PPP.

********************************************************************

Using MB in "Newton Mode" with PPP

   1) Input the phone number to ModemBridge
   2) Set up PPP with no phone number
   3) Press the "Connect" button on MB
   4) First "beep" tells you when the serial port is connected
   5) Next you'll hear the Newton dialing
   6) Start PPP AFTER the first beep, and BEFORE the modem finishes connecting
   7) The Newton should connect, and your PPP should log on

********************************************************************

Common Problems :
	
   The most common problem is trouble getting PPP to connect.
   Usually the problem is resolved by using terminal software
   to verify MB is set up and operating properly.  Refer to
   the appropriate Testing section above.

   "Buffer Overrun/Modem Reset" error :
      1) Usually because PPP was started before MB connect
      button was pushed

      2) Speeds not matching up properly

      3) No data synch

   Solutions : 
      1) Follow appropriate steps described above 
      for connecting in your selected mode.

      2) Make sure speeds are set up properly in your
      communication software and MB

      3) Usually "No Flow Control" works best, but 
      depending on your situation, you may have to set 
      your computer and MB to something else : 
      Try X-On/X-Off (software flow control) in both 
      MB and your computer first.  If the problem 
      persists, try Hardware flow control.

********************************************************************

Notes for ALL Users :

Do not rotate the Newton screen while connected.  MB will drop the connection, if active.

********************************************************************

Notes for Mac OS 7.6 Users :
	
In Mac OS 7.6.x, there are two places you may want, or need to change modem settings.  First, under control panels, open "Modem".  There are a number of modems to choose from, select "Null xxxxx" where xxxxx is the appropriate speed for your modem.  And select the appropriate serial port.  If you use AppleTalk, then you may want to plug the cable into the printer port.

Next, in the Internet Connection kit (or if you're using some other PPP software there may be something analogous).  Select a modem, choose "Add/Modify".  Create a new modem (Call it ModemBridge) and set up the appropriate speed.  For modem init string, you can try using just AT, or refer to your modem manual.

********************************************************************

Timed usage :

   This version of ModemBridge works full featured 
   until October 31st, midnight.  After this date, 
   it will still work, but only up to 9600 baud, 
   until you register.

Registration :

   Select the "i" button and choose "Register".  
   The first screen gives some instructions 
   about registering.  The next screen shows
   the Owner name as determined by ModemBridge.  
   You will need to send this name in EXACTLY as
   it appears, when you register.  You will be
   sent a number, which goes into the text input 
   area on this same screen.  I find that double 
   tapping to get a numeric keyboard works best 
   for entering the passkey.  Once this is done, 
   ModemBridge will be fully unlocked and registered.

Deinstalling :

   To deinstall ModemBridge, select the icon 
   from Extras, and delete it.  If you also wish 
   to get rid of the configuration info and 
   password file, go into the "Extras" drawer and 
   look in "Storage".  There will be two icons 
   to delete :

      BridgeConfig:TransLunar
      BridgePassword:TransLunar

Upgrades :

   Free upgrades.

Versions :

   Version 1.1 : Fixed a bug involving backups to 
   memory cards (see bottom of this page)

   Version 1.2 : Sped up the screen initialization
   when the app is started

   Version 1.3 : The icon button will now remember
   it's last placement on the screen

   Version 1.4 : Now supports the new Newton 
   MP2000 screen size

   Version 1.5 : Fixes a bug in how it saves and 
   reads in the configuration file

   Version 1.6 : Added 33,600 Bau

   Version 1.7 : Removed performance meter bars, 
   since they cause serious throughput degradation

   Version 1.8 : Proper support of both 
   PC Slots on the MP 2000

   Version 2.0 : Proper modem support.  MB doesn't allow the Newton to
   shut off until disconnected.

   Version 2.1-2.5 : Changed some of the modem parameters in "Newton Mode" 
   to make the software more compatible with all modems.

   Version 2.6 : MB Now recognizes busy signals.

Contacting Trans Lunar Designs Inc. :			

   http://www.voicenet.com
   cimino@voicenet.com/~cimino

Purchasing ModemBridge :

PA Residents add 6% sales tax

Credit Card Orders :
   Call (610) 524-5237, and leave a message with 
   a phone number and time to return your call.
OR
   Or fax the following information to (610) 524-5237 :
      Type of card : Visa, Mastercard or Discover
      Name (as it appears on the card)
      Card #
      Expiration date

      Name as it appears in the Newton Owner Info 
      (or go into the ModemBridge registration screen)

DO NOT EMAIL CREDIT CARD INFO !!! I do not have a 
secure site.

Mail Orders :
   Mail $25 US check or money order to :

      Trans Lunar Designs Inc.
      564 Worthington Road
      Chester Springs, PA 19425

      Include an email address and the name as 
      it appears in the Newton Owner Info 
      (or go into the ModemBridge registration screen)

Cost is $25 for email registration.  
For a disk by mail, specify Mac or IBM format, 
and add $5 US for disk & shipping within the 
US & Canada, or add $10 US for all other locations.

Warranty :

This software has been tested to the best of our ability.  It is provided "as is" with no warranty beyond the upgrades offered.

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Modems known to work improperly with ModemBridge Version 1.3-1.9

      Megahertz CruiseCard XJA3288
      Megahertz CruiseCard XJ4336