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Who Made My Modem?
In the 56K.COM Troubleshooting Guide, I frequently suggest downloading new drivers or firmware from the manufacturer. Many readers have no idea who made their modem, so they have no idea where to get new drivers or firmware updates. I wrote this area to help those readers. It will show you how to use readily-available techniques to find out who made your modem. You can then download drivers or get tech support from the manufacturer, who is probably listed on the 56K.COM Modem Manufacturers Link Board. An important note The company that made the modem isn't necessarily the company that's responsible for technical support. For instance, if the modem came pre-installed in a computer, the computer manufacturer is probably responsible for supplying technical support, software drivers, and firmware updates. ContentsUsing ATI commands to determine the manufacturer
Using ATI commands to determine the manufacturerModems store information about themselves. Some modems will tell you their maximum speed, their brand name, or their model number. Some, mind you. Some modems will just tell you their speed or firmware version, and return some incomprehensible numbers. In particular, so far I've never seen a Rockwell-based modem that stored the manufacturer name in the firmware. ATi commands are still the first thing to try, because they don't require you to open your computer's case. You can send ATi commands to your modem using a piece of software called a terminal emulator, or terminal program. If you're using Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, you probably already have a terminal program on your computer. There are complete instructions below for using the most common terminal software. Using a terminal program is a great way to learn about your modem. For instance, you can get information about your last connection by using ATI6 and ATI11 with x2 modems, or by using AT&V1 with K56flex modems. If you have Windows 95, you don't have to use a terminal program. The Modems control panel will send the commands for you and display the results. However, you may still want to use a terminal program to get information about your last connection.
If your modem reports the manufacturer and model information in the ATi commands, you can go to the last step to find the manufacturer on the Web. Unfortunately, not all modems are so obliging. In that case, you can use the FCC numbers to find the manufacturer. Once you know the manufacturer, you can find their web site on the 56K.COM Modem Manufacturers Link Board.
Using FCC ID numbers to determine the manufacturerProducts approved by the U.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) usually have one or more FCC ID numbers printed somewhere on the device. For internal modems, you'll have to peak inside the computer and look at the labels stuck to the modem. If you don't feel comfortable opening your computer, ask a computer geek friend to do it for you. Some 56K.COM readers have reported that their modems did not have FCC ID numbers. My laser printer has a Part 68 FCC Registration Number: B3QJPN-30042-FA-E. The first three characters - B3Q in this case - are unique to each manufacturer. You can search for the enter ID number, or search for just the first three characters if all you want to know is the manufacturer. Once you've found the FCC ID number on your modem, look it up at this site: FCC Equipment Authorization Database (may be slightly out of date) Once you know the manufacturer, you can find their web site on the 56K.COM Modem Manufacturers Link Board.
Using search enginesIf there is a model number printed on your modem, try searching for it in Google, AltaVista, or one of the other search engines. Alan King searched for FM-56XT and found WellModem at the top of the list.
Using BABT numbers for UK modemsShane Archer writes: Modem users in the UK who are unsure of their Modem Make/Manafacuturer may want to visit the BABT site. As long as you have the BABT approval no. (******) six figures., you should beable to locate the Manufacturer of the Modem. Note: the site requires free registration to use the search service. Once you know the manufacturer, you can find their web site on the 56K.COM Modem Manufacturers Link Board.
Help for PCtel chipset modemsFollow this link for help in identifying PCtel-chipset modems.
Help for Rockwell HCF chipset modemsFollow this link to identify and download the software you need. Rockwell's HCF chipset is a software-based chipset (the HC is short for "host controller") that is used in many popular PCI card modems.
Help for Lucent (LT) chipset modemsAll Lucent LT Win Modems can use the same software. It doesn't matter who made the actual modem or who sold it to you. For links to software download sites and more information about your modem, visit 56K.COM's Lucent LT Win Modem FAQ.
Help for Cirrus Logic and Ambient Systems chipsets(Ambient Systems purchased Cirrus Logic's modem chipset division.) Follow this link to either identify the manufacturer or to download generic drivers.
Now I know the manufacturer. What next?Once you know the manufacturer, you can check the 56K.COM Modem Manufacturer's Link Board to see if the company has a Web site. If the company isn't listed there, you can try to find their Web site through a search engine like AltaVista or Google. An important note The company that made the modem isn't necessarily the company that's responsible for technical support. For instance, if the modem came pre-installed in a computer, the computer manufacturer is probably responsible for supplying technical support, software drivers, and firmware updates.
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