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How To Use the Zoom 3049 Modem With A Macintosh

by GEK

March 23, 2003

I read ComputerBob's review of the Zoom 3049 external modem, and thought I'd add some set up instructions for Zoom modems with a Macintosh computer.

As ComputerBob wrote, the modem doesn't come with a serial cable, so anyone buying this modem for their Mac will have to buy a Macintosh serial cable (25 pin to mini DIN 8).

Since Macs are plug-n-play, unlike WinTell computers, there are no modem "drivers" that have to be installed; however, you will still have to configure your computer's dial up software.

If you are using that old standby, FreePPP (from Rockstar Software http://www.rockstar.com/ppp.shtml), you must change your FreePPP settings to:

  1. Port Speed = 115,200 (57,600 for older 68K Macs like the Quadra or Centris, etc)
  2. Flow Control = CTS & RTS (DTR)
  3. Initilization String = AT&FW2

Now you should confirm that your TCP/IP control panel is set to use FreePPP as the default dialup to the internet. It's always a good idea to confirm all settings with your ISP, too.

FreePPP does come with a manual, with lots of pictures, to help with the setup of the software.

That's it! You're ready to cruise the 'net.

If you are using Mac OS' 9.x (and lower) dialup software, Remote Access (ARA), there is a little more to it. (By the way, ARA was called OpenTransport in older operating systems, but it works the same as the newer ARA).

Remote Access uses modem scripts (or CCL files). These little files tell ARA how to "talk" to the modem. These Zoom Universal CCL files are a free download from Zoom's Macintosh web page at http://www.zoom.com/ts1/analog/304x.shtml.

All you have to do is download the CCL's, drag them into the MODEM SCRIPTS folder and follow Apple's built in HELP to set up ARA (or OpenTransport) and, again, that's it. You're ready to cruise the 'net.

Mac OS X uses the same CCL file. Just drag-n-drop the Zoom Universal (115K) modem script into the MODEM SCRIPTS folder in the Mac OS X's LIBRARY folder and follow Apple's built in HELP to set up your NETWORK system preferences and, again, that's it. You're ready to cruise the 'net.

Lastly, for those using a newer G3 or G4 with built in USB ports, the Keyspan USB-to-Serial converter works just ducky with this modem.

Now for the bad news: Although (as you know) the modem has hardware which is Modem-on-Hold (MoH) enabled, unfortunately there isn't any MoH application for Macintosh computers. Nothing, nada, zilch.

No Macintosh software developer has stepped up to the plate on this... not even Apple Computer. So if someone wants faster connections, with faster uploads and downloads, the modem is wonderful, but if any Mac user wants to use MoH, they're out of luck.

Setting up new hardware isn't always as easy as reading (following?) the instructions so, of course, you can always contact the "angels" at Zoom Technical Support (http://zoom.custhelp.com/) for guidance.


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