Date   : Mon, 23 Nov 1987 02:30:23 GMT
From   : ciaraldi@cs.rochester.edu (Mike Ciaraldi)
Subject: Re: Modem info

In article <8711180156.AA03056@crash.CTS.COM> pnet01!mwilson@nosc.mil writes:
>crash!dmc-crc.arpa!marwood (G. J. Marwood) writes:
>>I am contemplating the purchase of an Avatex 1200 modem (not HC).  Does 
>>anyone have any information on the limitations of the Hayes compatability
>>of this modem, and any other comments on its performance ?
>>                                        Gordon Marwood
>
>
>     The performance of the Avatex 1200 has been quite adequate for me.  It is
>not particularly noise-sensitive, and is extremely reliable.
>
>     As for its Hayes compatibility...  All you get are a few of the AT
>commands.  No S registers.  The only way to drop carrier is to drop DTR on
>your RS-232 port.  Linitations, but not serious ones.
>
I generally agree.
I know several people who are presently using the Avatex 1200
with no problems.  

Four things to note:

1) While the 1200 is "not particularly  noise-sensitive",
   it is not tremendous at noise filtering either.
   Around Rochester there is a great variation in phone-line
   quality.  Avatexes work fine in some areas and not in others.
   However, it is at least as good as most $200 modems I have tried.

2) The 1200 has no speaker, which can be annoying when your
   calls don't go through--you don't know if the other end didn't
   answer, answered but wasn't a modem, or was a modem
   but wasn't recognized.

3) Several stores in Rochester sell the 1200 for $99 to $110.
   I have seen it advertised in _Computer Shopper_ as
   low as $88.

4) When you place your order, explain that you are not sure if
   this modem will work on your phone lines and be sure
   the store will give you a refund if it doesn't.

Hope this helps.

Mike Ciaraldi
University of Rochester Computer Science Dept.
seismo!rochester!ciaraldi