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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: JasonMc on November 27, 2007, 04:32:20 AM

Title: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: JasonMc on November 27, 2007, 04:32:20 AM
Hi All,

I'm interested in connecting my A3000 to the internet so I can download stuff from Aminet, etc. Does anyone have suggestions/recommendations on what modems to look for and where to look for it? I'm basically looking for something that is not considered a "rare" or "collector's" item - just something cheap and functional.

Thanks,
Jason
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: corsavert on November 27, 2007, 05:49:12 AM
Post a note on your local computers for sale newsgroups and freecycle group. I'm sure you'll get a pile of them for free. I'd help you out but I just gave away my last 4!!! Other than the single one that I'm keeping for 'emergency'.
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: JasonMc on November 27, 2007, 05:57:48 AM
Thanks for the tip. I'll try craigslist I guess.

What's the maximum speed the serial port can handle? I read somewhere that a 56k modem is too fast.

I'm currently running OS 2.1

Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: Delta on November 27, 2007, 06:53:00 AM
I got an old USR sportster 28.8 external with serial cable that I would get rid of if you pay the shipping from Canada (prolly around $14.00)
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: Oliver on November 27, 2007, 09:53:01 AM
Perhaps you could consider an ethernet card, and connect your A3000 to an ADSL modem.

There are plenty of ADSL modems available second hand now, too, and the prices are not much different from dial-up modems.

Where I live, ADSL connections are a lot cheaper than dial-up, due to the lack of phone calls to make each connection.
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: AmigaMance on November 27, 2007, 01:02:27 PM
Quote
Does anyone have suggestions/recommendations on what modems to look

 The best brands are Zoom, USR and diamond supra. Make sure that they are 56k.

Quote
What's the maximum speed the serial port can handle? I read somewhere that a 56k modem is too fast.

 Unless your CPU is really slow and without fast ram, this isn't true. A serial port can handle 115200 bps easily, but you will only benefit from this in dowloading text. With binary files you will get less than 56 kbps.
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: RRunner on November 27, 2007, 02:17:11 PM
I think I might still have my old 1200 baud modem that I used with my old A1000 kicking around the basement somewhere!  :-D
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: Homer on November 27, 2007, 05:33:23 PM
I guess it totally depends on what software you will use to connect to the internet. I used to use a Pace Solo, which worked very well until the lightning got it  :cry:
Since you had to set the modem type in the software, or use a generic setting with a specific string of codes to get one to work, you need to know what is compatible with the software you have.
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: motrucker on November 27, 2007, 06:04:32 PM
Any dialup type connection is painfully slow. Cable or some type of DSL is they way to go. If you have a wintel type computer connected, just create a LAN, using a network card in your A3000.
But, if you can stand dialup, I am sure you can find a 56KBaud modem for free....
Title: Re: Anybody know where to find cheap modems?
Post by: leirbag28 on November 27, 2007, 06:11:22 PM
@JasonMc


 I got a Sportser 56k external here that I picked up specifically for any Amigan that was in need of one.

So its yours FREE if I can find it!  PMAIL me. I am in NY


And AMigas can do 34k through the Serial by the way.....so its better to have a 56k as sometimes it can reach higher speeds.

Modems are good for Aminet and downloading as long as your not browsing heavy gfx websites. its also awesome for IRC (AmIRC)