TELECOMMUNICATIONS: How To Get Started

Kathy Yakal, Editorial Assistant

More and more people are using their personal computers to communicate with bulletin board systems, information services, mainframe computers, and other personal computers. How do you get started in telecommunications? What kind of software do you need? Here's an overview.

Anchor Automation's Volksmodem can interface with most personal computers via a separate cable. It is a direct-connect modem.

Telecommunications has been big news lately. People are breaking into university systems and bank account files. They're even doing what some people said couldn't be done after WarGames came out: making some sort of contact with computers that monitor and control this country's defense system.

Translating Foreign Signals

In telecommunications, the information being sent from one computer to another travels over the telephone lines. Though this is the most efficient method available now, there is a problem: telephones and computers are based on different technologies. Phone systems are designed to filter out the very clicks and pops that computers use to communicate.

This is why you need a modem (MOdulator/DEModulator). This device modulates the computer's digital signals into analog signals, so the phone lines can carry them, and then demodulates them back into digital, so the computer on the other end can receive them. The modem serves as a translator.

There are two types of modems commonly used with personal computers. Acoustic modems have a set of soft rubber cups into which you insert the phone's handset. One cup contains a speaker, which generates audio tones, the other a microphone, which receives tones from the other modem.

Direct-connect modems plug directly into the telephone through a modular phone jack. Some, like the VICmodem, are cartridges that are plugged directly into a port on the computer. Others are stand-alone units about the size and shape of an eight-track cartridge tape which can be placed directly beneath the phone and plugged in. Some of these have a feature which allows you to switch from phone functions to modem functions. This spares you from having to keep connecting and disconnecting the modem when you want to use the phone to make a call.

Acoustic modems are generally less expensive but direct-connect modems generally offer a better connection, since the sound frequencies necessary for telecommunications are generated directly on the phone lines. Extraneous room noises can interfere when you're using an acoustic modem if the phone handset is not sealed very tightly in the cups.

Some computers come with a built-in modem. The Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 Portable Computer is an example. The modem functions and terminal software are contained inside the computer; all you need is a cable to start telecomputing.

Dumb Peripherals

If you turn your personal computer into a terminal when using a modem, how can it accomplish something as complicated as transmitting data to another terminal around the block or around the world? Your computer must be able to send and interpret bits in the pattern you want, or you'll just be sending and receiving nonsense. This is why you need special software for telecommunications.

Some terminal software comes on cassette, some on disk, and some in cartridge form. There are several terminal programs in this issue.

Matching Up

Also, a modem must be properly aligned with another modem before information transmission is possible. Both modems must be matched in several ways.

Baud rate is the number of bits being sent every second. This can vary from 110, which is what the old teletypes use, up to 9600. The faster the rate, the lower your phone bills. But sending information as fast as 9600 bits per second really tests the capabilities of the telephone system. In order to establish communications, you need to know the baud rate at which the system you are calling is operating so that you can set your terminal software to the same rate.

Another factor is duplexing. Full-duplex means being able to send and receive data at the same time. Half-duplex allows for only one-way communication. If this is not matched correctly to the system with which you are communicating, you may see double characters on your screen or none at all.

The Racal-Vadic VA3413 is an acoustic modem. The telephone handset is pushed into the soft rubber cups on the side.

Some terminal software allows you to upload and download programs. Say you have a friend in another part of the country who just programmed a great game and wants to share it with you, but doesn't have a printer. If you both have the same kind of computer, and an appropriate terminal program, that program can be uploaded (sent) to you. What you will be downloading is ASCII code (numbers which represent all possible screen characters). Each character is received one at a time. Not all terminal software has this capability; make sure that yours does if you want to be able to upload and download to and from bulletin board systems, information services, or other personal computers.

Modem Manufacturers And Distributors Listed below are the manufacturers and distributors of the modems included in our buyer's guide, as well as those of the major information and news services. Anchor Automation 6913 Valjean Street Van Nuys, CA 91406 Cermetek Microelectronics, Inc. 1308 Borregas Avenue P.O. Box 3565 Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Commodore Business Machines 1200 Wilson Drive West Chester, PA 19380 Emtrol Systems, Inc. 123 Locust Street Lancaster, PA 17602 Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. 5923 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Norcross, GA 30092 Microbits Peripheral Products, Inc. 225 West 3rd Street Albany, OR 97321 The Microperipheral Corporation 2565 152nd Avenue N.E. Redmond, WA 98052 Novation, Inc. 20409 Prairie Street Chatsworth, CA 91311 Prentice Corporation 266 Caspian Drive P.O. Box 3544 Sunnyvale, CA 94088 Racal-Vadic 1525 McCarthy Boulevard Milpitas, CA 95035 TNW Corporation 3444 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 Universal Data Systems 5000 Bradford Drive Huntsville, AL 35805

The World Of Telecomputing

Once you have the correct hardware and software for telecommunications, there is a great deal of information that you can access:

News and information services. CompuServe and The Source are two examples. Once you have purchased a subscription, you can call, type in your secret ID number or password, and have all kinds of information delivered to you immediately – news, sports, stock market reports. You can set up your own electronic mailbox so that messages can be left for you. CompuServe even has its own version of CB radio: You can get on-line with other people using the system and have a conversation.

Bulletin board systems. Offering some of the features of the major information services, there are hundreds of bulletin board systems set up in North America. Some of them are free, some require a membership fee. Most of them are designed to bring together people with common interests: owners of specific types of computers who want to share programs and help solve

News And Information Services Here are addresses and phone numbers for some of the major news and information services. New York Zoetrope publishes The Directory of On-Line Databases; you can get one by sending $29.95 plus $1.50 for shipping and handling to New York Zoetrope, 80 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10003. CompuServe 5000 Arlington Centre Boulevard P.O. Box 20212 Columbus, OH 43220 Customer Service: (800) 848-8990 or (614) 457-8650 Dow Jones Information Services P.O. Box 300 Princeton, NJ 08540 Customer Service: (800) 257-5114 or (609) 452-1511 The Source 1616 Anderson Road McLean, VA 22102 Customer Service: (800) 336-3366 or (703) 734-7500 Telenet (GTE Communications) 8229 Boone Boulevard Vienna, VA 22180 Customer Service: (800) 572-0408 (in Virginia) (800) 336-0437 (outside of Virginia) (703) 442-2200 (outside of U.S.)

hardware or software problems, people involved in ham radio, film buffs – even people who want to find a date.

Personal business. It may be possible soon to attend to most of your personal needs with your personal computer. Periphonics, an Exxon affiliate, has developed an interface that permits a bank to link up with almost any personal computer for individual bank transactions. Shopping by mail is possible through the Burbank-based "Fantasy Plaza." Expect to see more services like this springing up.

Computer programs over the radio. It is possible to download computer programs from your radio. The Microperipheral Corporation has even developed a modem designed for reception of computer data from commercial radio stations. Though this is not a widespread use right now, radio stations and cable operations around the country may soon be following the lead of stations like KMPS in Seattle, which has been downloading computer programs by radio since March.

A Buyer's Guide To Modems The following chart lists features of several modems compatible with personal computers. We have tried to include as many as possible; any omissions do not represent an editorial judgment on their quality. If you need more information about a specific modem, consult the list of manufacturers and distributors. Here is a brief explanation of the categories on the chart: Compatibility. This is probably the most important consideration in choosing a modem. Since modems are serial devices, most are RS-232 compatible; some, however, are specific to certain machines. Even if your computer has an RS-232 port, make sure you have the necessary interface cable. Communication Standard. The Bell 103 is the most common communication standard found on modems available for personal computers. It allows information to be sent at the rate of 300 baud; some can go as fast as 600 baud. The Bell 202 and 212A facilitate data transmission at a faster rate. Coupling Method. A modem can link your home computer to the phone lines in one of two ways. A direct-connect modem plugs directly into the phone through a modular phone jack. Acoustic modems require a standard desk phone handset, so that the handset can be pushed directly into the modem's soft rubber cups. Baud Rate. Or, more technically correct, bits per second. A speed of 300 baud is pretty standard on most of the modems you will encounter. Duplexing. Half-duplex and full-duplex indicate whether information can be sent and received at the same time. When telecomputing, failure to match your modem's duplexing abilities with those of the modem at the other end may result in character duplication or "echo." Auto-Answer. This feature is necessary if you want to be able to automatically answer calls from other telecomputing stations (for example, if you want to set up a bulletin board system for others to call). Auto-Originate. Lets your modem dial phone numbers to call other telecommunications facilities. Self-Test. Some modems have the capability to test themselves to see if everything is hooked up correctly and working. Carrier Detection Indicator. How can you tell if you have connected with the party at the other end? Most modems have a way of indicating this to you, either by a light or LED on the modem itself, or by a signal that appears on the screen. Power Supply. Your modem must operate from some kind of power source. Usually this is through a wall socket or internal battery; sometimes the modem draws its power directly from the host computer. Cables/Connectors Included? Connecting your modem to your computer may require the purchase of additional cables or connectors like an RS-232 cable (if you do not already own one), or some other kind of system-specific connector. Some, like the VICmodem, plug directly into the computer. Terminal Software Included? Some modem packages include terminal software. If the one you buy does not, you will need to either purchase a program or type one in from a magazine or book. Price. The modems listed on this chart include suggested retail prices at the time of this writing.

MODEM	Volksmodem	Mark VI	Mark VII	Mark X	Mark XII	Auto VIC 1650	VIC modem	Info-Mate ZIZA	TRS-80 LYnx
Manufacturer/Distributor	Anchor Automation	Anchor Automation	Anchor Automation	Anchor Automation	Anchor Automation	Commodore Business Machines	Commodore Business Machines	Cermetek Micro-Electronics, Inc.	Emtrol Systems, Inc.
Compatibility	most personal computers	IBM-PC	RS-232	Hayes-compatible	Hayes-compatible	Commodore 64	VIC-20 and Commodore 64	RS-232	TRS-80 I, III
Communication Standard	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 212A	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 212A	Bell 103
Coupling Method	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect
Baud Rate	300	300	300	300	300-1200	0-300	0-300	300/1200	300
Duplexing	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	lull/half	full/half	full	full	full/half
Auto-Answer	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	yes	yes
Auto-Originate	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	yes	yes
Self-Test	yes	no	no	no	no	no	no	yes	no
Carrier Detection Indicator	varies	tone	light	light	varies	LED	LED	light	LED
Power Supply	9-volt battery	host computer	AC	12-volt adapter	12-volt adapter	host computer	host computer	AC	AC
Necessary Cables/Connectors Included?	no	plugs into computer	yes	yes	yes	plugs into computer	plugs into computer	yes	yes
Terminal Software Included?	no	yes	no	no	no	no	yes	no	yes
Warranty	lifetime	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years	90 days	90 days	1 year	1 year
Price	$79.95 ($12.95 for cable)	$239	$159.95	$179.95	$399	$179.95	$109.95	$595.00	$299.95
MODEM	Apple Lynx	Hayes Micromodem 100	Micromodem II	Stack Smartmodem 300	Smartmodem 1200	Smartmodem 1200B	MPP-1000C	Micro-connection 01	Micro-connection R1
Manufacturer/Distributor	Emtrol Systems, Inc.	Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.	Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.	Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.	Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.	Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.	Microbits	The Microperipheral Corp.	The Microperipheral Corp.
Compatibility	Apple I, II, II+	S-100 bus	Apple	RS-232	RS-232	IBM-PC	Atari (no 850 needed)	Osborne	RS-232
Communication Standard	Bell 103	Ball 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103 & 212A	Bell 212A	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103
Coupling Method	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect
Baud Rats	300	45-300	110 or 300	0-300	0-300 & 1200	0-300 & 1200	300	300	300
Duplexing	full/half	full	full	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half
Auto-Answer	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no
Auto-Originate	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yea	no	no
Self-Test	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Carrier Detection Indicator	LED	none	LED on board	LED	LED	on screen	tone	LED	LED
Power Supply	AC	host computer	host computer	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC
Necessary Cables/Connectors Included?	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes
Terminal Software Included?	yes	no	yes	no	no	yes	yes	no	no
Warranty	1 year	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years	1 years	90 days	90 days
Price	$299.95	$399	$409	$289	$609	$599	$149.95	$159	$159
MODEM	Micro-connetion TI	PConnection Modem Card	Micro-connection A1A	Micro-connection A2A	Micro-connection TC1	Micro-connection A1	Micro-connection R1A	Micro-connection T1A	Micro-connection A2
Manufacturer/Distributor	The Micro-Distributor Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.	The Micro-peripheral Corp.
Compatibility	TRS-80 Modell	IBM-PC	Atari (with 850)	Atari (no 850)	TRS-80 Color	Atari (with 850)	RS-232	TRS-80 II, III, 16	Atari
Communication Standard	Bell 103	Bell 103/113	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103
Coupling Method	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect
Baud Rate	300	300	300	300	300	300	300	300	300
Duplexing	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half
Auto-Answer	no	yes	yes	no	no	no	yes	yes	no
Auto-Originate	no	yes	yes	yes	no	no	yes	yes	no
Self-Test	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no
Carrier Detection Indicator	LED	onscreen	LED	LED	LED	LED	LED	LED	LED
Power Supply	AC	host computer	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC
Necessary Cables/Connectors Included?	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Terminal Software Included?	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	yes	no	yes	yes
Warranty	90 days	90 days	90 days	90 days	90 days	90 days	90 days	90 days	90 days
Price	$209	$170	$239	$279	$199 50	$199	$199	$259	$249
MODEM	Micro-connetion Auto-Print	Cat	D-Cat	Auto-Cat	212 Auto-Cat	Apple-Cat II	212 Apple-Cat II	J-Cat	103 Smart-Cat
Manufacturer/Distributor	Micro-peripheral corp.	Novation, Inc.	Novation, Inc.	Novation, Inc.	Novation, Inc.	Novation, Inc.	Novation, Inc.	Novation, Inc.	Novation, Inc.
Compatibility	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	Apple II, II+, IIe	Apple II, II+, IIe	RS-232	RS-232
Communication Standard	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103 & 212A	Bell 103 & 202	Bell 103 & 212A	Bell 103	Bell 103
Coupling Method	direct-connect	acoustic	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct connect
Baud Rate	300	0-300	0-300	0-300	0-300 & 1200	0-300 & 1200	0-300 & 1200	0-300	0-300 & 4110
Duplexing	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full/half	full	full
Auto-Answer	yes	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yea	yes	yes
Auto-Originate	yes	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Self-Test	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Carrier Detection Indicator	LED	LED	LED	LED	LED	light	light	LED	LED
Power Supply	host computer	AC	AC	AC	AC	host computer	host computer	AC	AC
Necessary Cables/ Connectors Included?	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Terminal Software Included?	yes	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	no	no
Warranty	90 days	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Price	$149.95	$189	$199	$249	$695	$389	$725	$149	$249
MODEM	103-212 Smart-Cat	Star Acoustic	P-113D	P-212	VA103 Modemphone	VA315	VA317	VA355	VA1252 G/K
Manufacturer/Distributor	Novation, Inc.	Prentice Corp.	Prentice Corp.	Prentice Corp.	Racal-vadic
Compatibility	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232
Communication Standard	Bell 103 & 212A	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 103 & 212A	Bell 103/113	Bell 103/113	Bell 113B/113C	Bell 103/113	Bell 202
Coupling Method	direct-connect	acoustic	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect
Baud Rate	0-300 & 1200	0-300	0-300	0-300 & 1200	0-300	0-300	0-300	0-300	0-1200
Duplexing	full	full/half	full/half	full/half	full	full	full	full	full/half
Auto-Answer	yes	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no
Auto-Originate	yes	no	no	no	yes	no	no	no	no
Self-Test	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	yes	yes	yes	no
Carrier Detection Indicator	LED	LED	LED	light	lamp	LED	LED	LED	LED	LED
Power Supply	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC	AC
Necessary Cables/ Connectors Included?	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Terminal Software Included?	no	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no	no	no
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Price	$595	$199	$260 (rack mounted) $395 (stand-alone)	$495 (rack mounted) $595 (stand-alone)	$250-$380	$375	$250	$375	$525
MODEM	VA1250/55	VA3413	VA212PA	VA212LC	TNW-103	Operator 103	UDS-212LP	UDS-103JLP	UDS-103 O/A LP
Manufacturer/Distributor	Racal-Vadic	Racal-Vadic	Racal-Vadic	Racal-Vadic	TNW Corporation	TNW Corporation	Universal Data Systems	Universal Data Systems	Universal Data Systems
Compatibility	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	PET/CBM IEEE-488	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232	RS-232
Communication Standard	Bell 202	Bell 103	Bell 103/212A	Bell 103/212A	Bell 103	Bell 103	Bell 212A	Bell 103	Bell 103
Coupling Method	direct-connect	acoustic	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect	direct-connect
Baud Rate	0-1200	0-300, 1200	0-300, 1200	0-300, 1200	300	0-300	1200	0-300	0-300
Duplexing	half	full	full	full	full/half	full/half	full	full	full
Auto-Answer	yes	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	yes	no
Auto-Originate	no	no	yes	no	yes	yes	no	no	no
Self-Test	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Carrier Detection Indicator	LED	LED	LED	LED	on screen	beep	none	none	none
Power Supply	AC	Internal	AC	AC	AC	AC	telephone line	telephone line	telephone line
Necessary Cables/Connectors Included?	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Terminal Software Included?	no	no	no	no	yes	no	no	no	no
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	2 years	1 year	1 year	1 year
Price	$425-$525	$695	$795	$550	$449	$189	$445	$195	$145