Fax Modems

Date: Fri, 4 Dec 1992 20:10:31 -0800 
From: Justin D. Bukowski <jdb@ocf.Berkeley.EDU>
Subject: [*] Fax modem answers 

I received several responses to my questions about Fax modems
for the Macintosh. I've compiled them in the following report,
and I've included another report written by Mark Scrivener, a
poster on comp.dcom.modems, about a poll he took between the Supra
V.32bis and the ZyXEL U-1496 (also V.32bis). Mark, in turn, included
a report from Paul E. Platt on a modem "shootout" between the Supra,
ZyXEL, Gateway Telepath, and Zoom. Also discussed in Paul's report are
the Practical Peripherals, Courier HST Dual, AT&T and Motorola modems,
though he didn't test them. Thanks to Yoshio Turner for sending me
Mark's report.

My original post to the digest follows:

>Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1992 23:45:53 -0800
>From: Justin D. Bukowski <jdb@ocf.Berkeley.EDU>
>Subject: Fax modem info/reviews wanted
>
>I've become interested in purchasing a modem with at least
>send fax capability. Receiving might be nice, too. I'd like a
>source of information and/or reviews on what's available. I've
>looked in the archives and found some recommendations but I'd like
>to know more. Some specific questions:
>
>How are fax modems different from normal modems? Software only or
>do they have special hardware? (ROMs, etc?)
>Are they reliable for transmission? What about receiving?
>How does speed compare to a stand-alone fax machine?
>What software is available? Recommendations?
>Can a modem be set up to pick up on incoming calls, scan for a fax
>transmission signal, and if none, let the call through to an
>answering machine? If so, what software and hardware is required?
>
>Please reply through e-mail or to the digest. Pointers to discussions
>on the net or in the Mac magazines would be appreciated. If I get
>a decent amount of information I'll compile a report for the archives.
>
>Thanks.
>Justin Bukowski   jdb@ocf.berkeley.edu

I was really looking for answers to my questions and not recommendations
on what to buy, since there are already some reports in the archives
on just that (/info-mac/report/fax-modems.txt, /info-mac/report/
inexpensive-modems.txt, also a nice report on modems in general is
/info-mac/report/modem-guide-10.txt) but it seems that the offerings
change rapidly so I'm grateful to those who included their opinions.

First, the six responses to my post:

(begin replies)
********************

>From: i6bk@odin.cc.pdx.edu (Brian Korver)

> How are fax modems different from normal modems? Software only or
> do they have special hardware? (ROMs, etc?)

Both.  That is, you need the firmware to communicate in the FAX modem format.
Plus you need the software to print/receive faxes.

> Are they reliable for transmission? What about receiving?

Some people have no trouble, some people have lots of trouble.  Whatever, you
can get a FAX modem now as cheap as non-FAX modems so it doesn't make much
sense to not buy one.  The computer modem part of them should be just as
reliable.

> How does speed compare to a stand-alone fax machine?

Slower, as fast, or faster, depending on the modem you get.  The SupraFAX
V32.bis goes at 14,400 (or whatever it is), which is much, much faster than
most current stand-along FAX machines.

> What software is available? Recommendations?

A couple.  I've only read bad reviews.  I have FAXstf and I wouldn't recommend
it except that it came with my modem (SupraFAX V32) and it was reviewed more
favorably than others (lousy, as opposed to really, really bad).

> Can a modem be set up to pick up on incoming calls, scan for a fax
> transmission signal, and if none, let the call through to an
> answering machine? If so, what software and hardware is required?

Yes.  In fact, Supra's next ROM upgrade will give you the ability to digitize
_voice_ via phone so that you could drive one of those obnoxous "automated
answering" things ("For the president, type 1... For the Vice President ....").
Okay, I realize this is totally in the bells & whistles category, but it shoes
that Supra is on the ball at least.  BTW, these ROM upgrades are free from
Supra.

**********

>From: Rick Gore <GORER@carleton.edu>

I have been using a Zoom 2400 baud modem with 9600 baud send/receive FAX since
this past summer.

To answer your questions -  yes, a FAX modem is a combination of special
hardware and special software.  My fax modem came with FAX stf software.  (I
had to upgrade the software for about $8 so that I could do manual sends)
Since then I have been quite pleased with it.

If you create most of the documents that you would be faxing on your Mac, then
a fax modem is very useful.  One really nice feature of fax modems is that they
eliminate the scanning portion of the fax -- so that the faxes come out on
maximum resolution on the receiving end and look really nice.

Sending FAXes is pretty simple with my system -- you switch drivers, as if you
were switching from a StyleWriter to a LaserWriter, and then your menus
magically change from "Print..." to "Fax...".  When you select that, you get a
fairly complex dialog box that allows you to add to a phone list of where you
want to FAX to.  You can change from fine to regular resolutions, and select
from a variety of cover pages.  You can then immediately transmit the fax, or
you can have it create a FAX file that you can manually send later.  If you
tell it to immediately transmit, the FAX modem does everything -- picks up the
phone, dials the number, establishes the connection, sends the FAX, confirms
that the other machine got the FAX, and then hangs up the phone again.
(I need to send international FAXes charged to an AT&T credit number from an
on-campus phone line, so I usually end up sending my faxes manually -- First I
create the FAX file, then I do my dialing shenanigans by hand to get the
receiving faxes tone, then I tell the computer to connect and start sending my
fax.  Works very well)

Receiving Faxes is somewhat more complex, especially if you don't have a
dedicated phone line.  However, my software allows you to manually receive a
fax as well, so if you get a phone call and instead of a human you hear a
bunch of beeps, if the computer is up and running and the fax modem turned on,
you can select the FAX DA and tell it to "manually receive."  That means it
will pick up the line and make the appropriate connection noises.  Voila.
Received fax.

Be advised that received faxes are graphic documents -- if you want to be able
to manipulate them like a word processing document, then you will have to run
them through OCR software.  They print out legibly enough though, even on an
ImageWriter I, (which I used over the summer) but much better on a StyleWriter
or LaserWriter.

Considering that a FAX modem doesn't cost very much more than a regular modem,
I would say go for it.  If you only have one phone line, and don't anticipate
receiving faxes, you might want to look into one of the send-only FAX modems
out there.

**********

>From: hallofjustice!bursik@uunet.UU.NET (Dave Bursik)

My recommendation is to buy a Supra.  I have bought 3 of them and
have been very satisfied.  To get the complete setup, you'd want
to order the "Mac pack" that includes the hardware-handshake modem
cable, FAX software, and terminal emulator (Microphone 1.x).  The
Microphone software is nearly worthless as far as I'm concerned[*]
but the FAX software (FAXstf) is pretty good (even though it lacks
one or two features I would like to have [**]).

The FAX/data modems have different hardware from a data-only modem,
but most of the ones on the market use a common chipset from Rockwell.
Supra has been doing some programming enhancements to the basic
Rockwell software, and is apparently selling/giving their improve-
ments back to Rockwell.  The Supra modems are very small, have a
"normal" (rectangular) shape, sturdy metal cases (dissipate heat),
and have been highly rated.  They are also much less expensive
than comparable data modems from Hayes, Telebit, and UDS (Motorola),
but are somewhat more expensive than the "cheapie" FAX/data modems
(Zoom, Quicktel).  I currently use my 2 V.32bis Supra's to dial up
my Sun (office) from my Mac (home) at 38400 bps.

My first FAX/data modem was a "cheese wedge" Quicktel, and I ended
up returning it.  The software didn't work right with my Mac (they
have since changed to the same package Supra sells) and the modem
itself didn't work right (problems setting registers, etc.).  Also,
the general construction of the Quicktel's is poor (all plastic)
and I found the cute little icon indicators on the front panel far
less useful than the letter abbreviations/dynamic matrix display
on the Supras.  Whatever you decide to do, I would _not_ recommend
buying a Quicktel (full name: Logicode Quicktel Xeba) modem.

As for speed, FAX modems are at least as fast as stand-alone FAX
machines since there is no mechanical paper scanning involved (if
you are FAXing from an application).  Also, since the incoming
FAXes are saved to disk, you can print as many copies as you
want (without resorting to a photocopier).  If you want to be
able to FAX hardcopy documents, however, you will need some sort
of scanner.

[*] I bought the (discounted) Microphone II upgrade and didn't like
it, either.  Both versions of MP are very slow (i.e., unresponsive)
when compared to VersaTerm.

[**] It doesn't have a way to "bundle" multiple documents into a
single file for transmission (but there is a workaround for this)
and it doesn't have a way to convert existing documents to FAX
format -- you have to print from an application.

**********

>From: ekeller@ul9000.unil.ch (Eric Keller)

For a year, I used an Interfax modem. I was reasonably happy with its send
fax capacity. The only problem was faxing printed material which occured
more often than was originally foreseen.

I was *not* happy with its receive capacity. Originally I had reserved an
old MacPlus for this, but it turned out to be too slow and it missed many
incoming faxes. When I put the modem on the IIcx, things improved, but
there were still too many missed faxes for my taste. I also tried different
phone lines and different exchanges around town (this was in Montreal), but
I still had communication difficulties with a fairly large number of fax
machines.

I then got a standalone fax machine: what a relief! It meant I could turn
off the computer again at nights, which was much better on the ears. It was
surprising how much one got to dislike the continuous hum of the
ventilator. Also, the communication difficulties were distinctly fewer. Of
course, sending printed material is much easier.

Recently I got a PowerBook fax modem. I like this addition to the
standalone. It lets you send with better quality print, and you don't have
to print something out if you don't want to. I don't like the address book
facility that comes with it, though. It won't let you distinguish between
frequently used and rarely used numbers and it gives you a teeny selection
box.

In general I've found that a lot of people found the incoming capacities of
fax modems very much lacking, no matter what manufacturer you use or which
type of computer it runs on (Mac, IBM-compatible).

**********

>From: kkirksey@world.std.com (Ken B Kirksey)

JB> I've become interested in purchasing a modem with at least send fax
JB> capability. Receiving might be nice, too. I'd like a source of
JB> information and/or reviews on what's available. I've looked in the
JB> archives and found some recommendations but I'd like to know more.

Well, I'll try to give you more. :)  My experiences are with the old
AppleFax modem and the new Supra v.32bis/Fax  modem.

JB> Some specific questions:
JB>
JB> How are fax modems different from normal modems? Software only or
JB> do they have special hardware? (ROMs, etc?)

All the Fax is handled in hardware.  A number of new modems, including
the Supras, use the Rockewell ASYNC144 modem chipset which handles
all modem modulation, compression, error correction, and fax functions.

JB> Are they reliable for
JB> transmission?

My supra v.32bis Fax has proven reliable in both transmission and recieving.

JB> What about receiving? How does speed compare to a
JB> stand-alone fax machine?

Well, on the sending side, if you're just sending a memo or letter you
typed in your word processor for instance, it's faster.  Most fax software
will let you "print" the document to your fax modem just as you would
send it to the printer.

On the recieveing side it can be a little slower, especially if you have a
slow machine.  The software must convert from the Fax format to a format
that can be displayed or printed.  On a slower machine, this can take a while.
The speed is quite acceptable on my SE/30 however.

JB> What software is available?
JB> Recommendations?

I don't know if BackFax is still available, but if it is, don't get it!
FaxSTF come bundled with the Supra modems, and is the best fax software
I've seen.  My recommendation would be to get the Supra v.32bis Fax with
software and cable.  I've seen it advertised for as low as $350.

JB> Can a modem be set up to pick up on incoming
JB> calls, scan for a fax transmission signal, and if none, let the
JB> call through to an answering machine? If so, what software and
JB> hardware is required?

Supra just sent out a ROM upgrade for their modems that addresses this issue.
The modem answers if it detects fax carrier tones, but doesn't pick up
if it doesn't, passing the call to your answering machine.

JB> Please reply through e-mail or to the digest. Pointers to
JB> discussions on the net or in the Mac magazines would be
JB> appreciated. If I get a decent amount of information I'll compile a
JB> report for the archives.

A recent MacUser (october or november I beleive) had a roundup of High Speed
fax modems.  You might want to check it out.

Again, my recommendation is going with the Supra.  According to MacUser, it's
the best modem value for the buck.  I've owned Supras for over 3 years now,
and have yet to have any problems with them.  All my friends that own supras
have had similar experiences.  Hope that helps.

**********

From: morgio@loop.ausom.oz.au (Moreno Giovannoni)

Netcomm in Australia make a nice Fax Modem, the Auto FaxModem 24. Comes
bundled with Microphone and FaxSTF software. Both very good and work
excellently in Australia. Fax side is excellent for sending. If you intend
to receive a lot of faxes consider a machine. Printing the fax is a pain and
slow and holds up the Mac.

*******************
(end replies)

I posted a quick summary of the first five replies, saying that the
Supra seemed to be favored (although the sample size is small).
I received a letter from yoshio@CS.UCLA.EDU (Yoshio Turner)
who wanted to know why I hadn't considered the ZyXEL U-1496E
and the honest answer is that I hadn't ever heard of it.

It seems that comp.dcom.modems has seen tons of traffic on modem
comparisons and Yoshio forwarded the results of a poll conducted
by Mark Scrivener on the Supra V.32bis and the ZyXEL U-1496 (also V.32bis).
Mark's article follows, including the results of a modem "shootout"
between the Supra, ZyXEL, Gateway Telepath, and Zoom conducted by
Paul E. Platt.

The long and short of it is that the ZyXEL is great but somewhat more
expensive than the Supra. One of these two should fit your budget, but
go with the ZyXEL if you can afford it. Many people on comp.dcom.modems
complain that the Supra has trouble making and keeping connections on
noisy lines where the ZyXEL has no problems. This is especially true
for those using the modem to receive calls (running a BBS and so forth)
so the Supra may be OK if you're only dialing out.

(begin Mark's article)
********************

From: scriv@angmar.llnl.gov (Mark Scrivener)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: RE: Straw Poll of Supra and ZyXEL
Keywords: Straw Poll, Supra, ZyXEL
Message-ID: <140718@lll-winken.LLNL.GOV>
Date: 5 Nov 92 19:30:18 GMT
Sender: usenet@lll-winken.LLNL.GOV
Organization: UC LLNL
Lines: 349
Nntp-Posting-Host: angmar.llnl.gov


Well the results are in! I'd like to thank everyone who took time to
respond. In my initial post, I asked people to rate the Supra and the
ZyXEL modems on a scale of -10 (worst) to +10 (best). Here are the results:

        Total responses: 40
        Total Supra:     27
        Total ZyXEL:     13     (Note: some people scored both modems,
                                       for purposes of the total I counted
                                       this as 2 responses.)

        Supra average:   +5.8
        Supra SDev        4.1

        ZyXEL average:   +8.2
        ZyXEL SDev        1.2

A histogram of responses follows:

        Score           Supra (#)       ZyXEL (#)
        -----           --------        --------
        -10             0               0
        -9              0               0
        -8              0               0
        -7              0               0
        -6              1               0
        -5              0               0
        -4              1               0
        -3              0               0
        -2              1               0
        -1              0               0
         0              0               0
         1              1               0
         2              0               0
         3              0               0
         4              1               0
         5              3               1
         6              3               0
         7              5               1
         8              5               4
         9              3               7
        10              3               0

Those persons who scored both modems ALWAYS scored the Supra LOWER than
the ZyXEL (the lowest ZyXEL score was a +5, and this person gave the
Supra a +1).

It seems that the Supra is a good modem for the money, but it has some
flaws (gets hot, latches up, sometimes has problems with connections,etc).
If you have good phone lines, don't plan on unattended operation, need
special protocalls, and are willing to tollerate the ocasional glitch,
then the Supra might be a good deal for you.

The ZyXEL, however, appears almost bullet proof. If you want the next
best thing to perfection and don't want to pay out the nose for it,
buy a ZyXEL (or so say our survey respondants). Other benifits of the
ZyXEL included better customer support, instant free ROM upgrades via
down-loadable ROM images (provided you can burn your own ROMs), and a
68000 with 2 DSP chips (providing a much more flexable engine than the
Rockwell ASICs in the Supra).

I've included a response I got that gave a nice comparision of several
modems, including the Supra and the ZyXEL. The respondant (sorry, don't
know his name) tested each modem and then ranked it on the -10 to +10
scale. His results agree with the survey.

					-Mark
P.S. I've decided to buy a ZyXEL (E+ model).



>From pep@cypress.com Tue Nov  3 23:34:54 1992
To: Scrivener%llnl.gov@meson.cypress.com
~Subject: modems
Cc: pep@cypress.com


I did a one on one comparison of Gateway, Zoom, Supra, and ZyXEL. Here is
rough cut at data. I called several hard to connect to systems both local
and long distance. Modems were rotated and the calling sequence cycled
through approximately 5 times.  As an example of the variance, Gateway
never connected to ZyXEL BBS. Rarely to R&E. Rarely (once? - don't have
my notes with me) to work. ZyXEL connected to Supra, ZyXEL, USR Dual, PPI
reliably. Gateway never got 14400 connect to PPI. Only ZyXEL, and PPI
(seperate test on PPI - not one on one) connected all of the time.
PPI droped carrier or had UUCP problem depending on PROMs used. PPI wasn't
tested under as adverse conditions as the others were.

>  Anyone interested in a comparison test against other
>  modem brands? I have the ZyXEL, can borrow a Zoom.
>  The Supra MAY be able to be borrowed again.
>

RESULTS OF THE FIRST Paul E. Platt …

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