Dial Up Disconnections - Troubleshooting

A check list of common causes for premature disconnections.

The Telstra T200 Phone

This is a major cause of dropouts. Ensure that you do not have any T200 phones connected to the same line that the modem uses. The T200 phone is the standard slimline phone that Telstra issued up to about two years ago. If your phone is more than two years old, it probably is a T200. You can check by the model number on the back of the phone. Look for the number "200" in the model number. These phones obtain power for their memory from the phone line, and every 5-20minutes, they will put a burst of noise on the line as they recharge.
Solution:

• Unplug the phone to test it.
• Replace the Phone if possible.

Call waiting

The "call waiting" tones will disconnect you in the majority of cases.
Solution:

• Turn it off by pressing #43# on your phone before dialing in. (Dial *43# to enable call waiting.)

56K Modems

There is a chance that your phone lines cannot support this speed of modem. Drop it back to a V34 modem and it will probably function faster (no lost packets) and wont drop out.
Solution: Put this initialization string into your system. For Windows 95/98 go to My Computer , Dial Up Networking , Data Consulting Group Connection (right Click) then Properties. Under Connect Using: , click on Configure . Under the Connection tab and select Advanced .Then put the following string into Extra settings. A standard initialization string which works in most cases is:
+MS=11,1,14400,33600 If your modem responds with "Modem not Responding" then an alternate string is:
+MS=V34,1,14400,33600 The string for Acer Modems (Using TI chipset) is:
S32=98

Noise on the Phone Line

You can try to ride through the noise. You can extend the time that your modem will wait after loss of carrier, before it disconnects. This wont fix the real problem, but it may allow you to stay connected while your phone line is repaired.
Solution: Add this string to the present initialisation string. It can be added at the end of any other strings that you have in place. The string is:
S10=50

Noise from the Monitor

Solution: Keep the phone line and the modem away from the monitor. (at least 2 feet)

Faulty Modem

It happens. They are easily damaged by lightning strikes and other causes.
Solution: Borrow a modem and see if it fixes the problem.

Computer Settings

You have instructed your computer to disconnect if idle for more than x minutes.
Solution: You can turn this off. Go to the Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel, Modems, Properties, Connection. From there you can either turn it off of set it to something realistic.

A Faulty Phone Line

Last resort is to ask Telstra check the line. Their is a specific system in place to test a line for modem connectivity.
Solution: What does your phone line sound like? Pick up the phone, press one number, say 3, (to get rid of the dial tone) and just listen. Is it clear, o rhas it a myriad of hmmms or static noises on it? A good first check is to just listen to it. The modem requires a good clear line to function well.

Line Interference

Solution: Call Telstra on 132200 and ask them to do a quality test on your line. Explain you are having difficulties with your modem.

Facsimile Machines Sharing the Wall Port

Solution: Unplug all fax machines sharing the wall port.

WinModems

Solution: If the user is experiencing premature disconnections using a winmodem, refer to the Troublesome WinModems article, otherwise try: http://www.56k.com/reports/ltfaq.shtml