DataBox |
© SEG Communications 1998 Version 0.7 Last updated 07/12/02 |
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| Frequently Asked Questions (Speed Dragon & Speed Viper) | ||
DataBox |
© SEG Communications 1998 Version 0.7 Last updated 07/12/02 |
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| Frequently Asked Questions (Speed Dragon & Speed Viper) | ||
If the Databox doesn't respond to an incoming call, the caller will hear an NU tone. If the caller does hear a ring tone but none of the phones are ringing, then check that they are calling the right number and that there is a phone connected to the correct port. Check that that phone has a dialtone.
If callers do just hear an NU tone, this is commonly caused by a programming mismatch - i.e. how you have programmed the Databox's MSNs doesn't match the MSNs that BT (or your Telco) are sending. Where no terminal equipment on a line responds to an incoming call, BT send the caller and NU (Number Unobtainable) tone after approximately 15 seconds of no response.
If you factory reset the Databox (See section 2.5) any incoming MSN will ring all three phone ports. When this happens, you can look at the LCD and on the second line, it will show what MSN BT are sending you. The number of digits may vary, so it's important that you observe closely. For instance, if your phone number is 0381 987 6543 then the MSN may appear as a single digit -> 7, six digits -> 876543 or ten digits -> 3819876543. The leading zero is never sent. Once you see this, you will know how to program the Databox to match it. . The area code should never be entered with a leading zero (e.g. enter 181 not 0181). Ideally, you will have 10 digits, in which case you can program the Area code and local codes into the right boxes in the setup program. If you have less digits, then they will only go into the Port 1/2/3/Collective tabs in the setup program. If you have 1 or 6 digits only, you can ring BT faults and request that they change it to the full 10 digits.
You can also program the Databox's analogue ports using the telephones handset, as described in the manual. The country and area code (sequence R 99 919 44 * area R) are entered separately from the local number (sequence R 99 911 port msn R). Never enter a zero as part of the area code (e.g. it's 181, not 0181).
Call waiting will work if you have a free B channel and you are speaking on a phone which has an exclusive MSN allocated. You will hear a bleep tone and you can then switch to the second call. If both B-channels are in use, however, BT send a BUSY signal to the caller immediately, without offering the call to the Databox. Full call waiting on ISDN2e may be introduced by BT in due course.
The Databox will present busy tone to the local user when dialling if it cannot seize a free B-Channel. For instance, if you were connected to the Internet on a Data channel and making a voice on the other channel then there would be no channels left. If you know that no channels are in use, and still have the problem then there is another reason for the channel being unavailable, such as : Your line has a fault, the ISDN cable might be damaged or loose. A green LED on the ISDN2 wallbox should show that the line has power. Also try rebooting the Databox in case it is still in diagnostic mode.
Ensure that you are using the supplied RJ11/BT socket adaptors for the ports - not another adaptor you might have from another product; cables from other devices are not suitable. The dialtone is generated locally by the Databox (this feature means that a B-channel is not seized until you start dialling). The dialtone you will hear is either an intermittent single tone or a continuous single tone, not the more normal BT-style warbly dialtone.
Each analogue (a/b) port on the Speed Dragon can be set to ring on a specific MSN. A collective call is an extra MSN which is assigned to one or more ports in addition to the individual MSN. As such, a total of five MSNs can be set up on the Databox - one for each a/b port, one for the data port and a collective MSN which can ring any one or more of those ports. Collective call MSNs are selected from the setup program. You cannot enter the same MSN into more than one port directly, so if you do want the same MSN to ring more than one port, you must use the Collective Call tab.
This is common with BT branded but also some other answerphones. On an analogue line, an answerphone looks for a 'line break' to detect the end of an incoming call. On ISDN, being digital, there is no line break so the answerphone doesn't detect the end of the call. To get around this problem, you can try altering the BUSY tone presented by the Speed Dragon. This feature is available in Databox firmware 3.10 and later :
This problem is caused by your equipment not recognising the ring cadence (pattern) of the Terminal Adaptor, which is international style rather than specific UK style. A workaround is being investigated.
This is a compatibility problem where Orange have their switches (exchanges) set up to reject 3.1Khz type calls (though that's how they make outgoing calls !). The problem can also occur with some company's DDI and Freephone numbers. In Databox firmware version 3.10 and later, you can select the call type. The setting applies to all three ports :
No; Caller ID information is not transmitted to the analogue ports. You can view Caller IDs on the Databox's LCD or in one of the CAPI applications.
The REN value is approximately 3, though the number of phones you can connect will vary depending on their own characteristics, so experimentation might be needed. If you extend the wiring, the quality of that can also effect the REN rating.
Some of the programming sequences begin with '99' and then another '9', which means that if the preceding RECALL press isn't working, the Speed Dragon will place a normal call to 999. If this does happen, it's best to apologise and hang up immediately, rather than let the operator worry (this isn't official advice, it just seems sensible !). If recall isn't working, then it could be set to the wrong type on your telephone, or you're pressing the wrong button. Some phone's buttons are marked ambiguously. Check that your phone's recall key is set to "Timed Break" not "Earth Recall". There is usually a switch somewhere on the phone marked "TBR/ELR" etc.
Yes you can. You can normally connect up to six ISDN devices to the same line. B-channels will be allocated on a "first come first served" basis. Each device can also be assigned its own MSNs so that the correct device answers.
You may have older firmware which didn't include the particular function. You can download later firmware from http://www.seg.co.uk
You can change this in two ways. Lift a handset and dial R 99 72 1. Alternatively, in AT command mode, type AT&HS1 <CR>. This changes the display to English.
Lift a handset and slowly dial R 98 R 15 06 96 23 R. Alternatively, from a terminal program, type AT&HU <CR>. Note that this will wipe all settings, including MSNs and call diversions.
This feature is not currently supported by BT in the UK; it may be introduced later.
Check that your phone is using DTMF (tone) dialling and that the Recall key is set to Timed Break not Earth Recall. There is usually a switch somewhere on the phone marked "TBR/ELR" etc. Always dial sequences slowly. See also section 2.1.
You can select which items are included in the LCD cycle from the Speed Dragon Setup program or via a handset with the R 99 55 X N sequence (see file 'Brief Operating Instructions' document).
Caller ID is a subscription service which you have to request from BT. If you have not subscribed, no Caller ID information is available. If you have subscribed but numbers still aren't shown, you can use the Line Analyser Tool to examine the line information (see later).
The Speed Dragon uses an RJ45 socket for its serial port, rather than the more common DB25 socket. This is the same socket used for the power and ISDN connections too, so be careful to connect each cable to the right socket. If you wish to make up your own cable, the serial port is as follows : Taking the RJ45 socket, rotated so that the retaining clip slot is at the bottom and the pins on the top, the pins are numbered from left to right. They are allocated as follows : 1-RI, 2-DCD, 3-DTR, 4-Ground, 5-RX, 6-TX, 7-CTS, 8-RTS. DSR should be hardwired to DTR inside the 'D' plug at the PC end.
The Flash ROM within the Speed Dragon allows you to upgrade the internal firmware to the latest version without having to open the case. If the process of upgrading the firmware is interrupted, for instance if there is a power cut part-way through, then the Speed Dragon will not boot, as it has incomplete firmware. In this happens, then an emergency boot routine should work - this is hard coded into the Speed Dragon and cannot be overwritten. To use this, shut down CAPI and open a terminal program. Select a Serial (DTE) speed of 38400bps and reset the Databox (power down, then up again). Look for a message on the LCD "Rom CRC failed. Download a new flash ROM with (1k) protocol". At that point, you can upload a new ROM image.
You can divert an incoming call to any of your MSNs to any external number you like, including international and mobile numbers. Each MSN can have a different diversion set. This can be programmed from a handset or more easily using the Databox setup program (Setup Menu/Call Diversions). BT do not currently support user-controlled exchange diversion, so call diversions on the Databox work by making use of the second B channel to divert the call. As such, the second B channel must be free.
The Speed Dragon has a special mode in which it can capture and debug all information sent on the ISDN line's D (signalling) channel. This is useful for solving problems but also for those generally interested in how your Databox talks to the public exchange. Once enabled, all D-channel data sent between the Databo and the exchange will be output to the terminal screen in a decoded form For full details, see section 7 of this guide.
Use the CAPI View program; check or Uncheck the 'Active' box.
The Speed Dragon does not auto-sense the DTE rate; it has to be manually selected. Set your terminal to 9600 which is the Databox default, then use the AT&HX command to select your preferred rate (e.g. 115200bps would be AT&HX115200). You can also use the Configuration program in the Speed Dragon program group to select the AT command-mode DTE rate.
See section 3.3 about selecting the right DTE (serial port) rate.
Use the command ATB12 <CR> (see ATMODE.DOC for full listing)
The program supplied with the Databox for Windows 95/98/NT is the simplest and easier method to upgrade the firmware, however not everyone has Windows. First, ensure that you have the right firmware. It must be specifically for the unit you are using. It is a good idea to have a copy of the old firmware too in case you need to revert back to it. The Databox's firmware can be upgraded using any regular terminal package which support XMODEM (or Xmodem1K) file transfer. The ATI0 command displays the version number of the current firmware in the DataBox or you can view it when the box powers up. Remember to select the correct DTE (serial) rate in your comms program. The factory default for the Databox is 9600bps. Enter the ATUPX command. A security query appears after a short while. The update procedure only commences if you enter a "Y" within approx. 20s. Otherwise, the DataBox restarts with the existing firmware. The DataBox now waits for an XModem transmission at the baud rate which is currently being used. Start the XModem transmission of the firmware file in your terminal program. The transmission of the file takes approximately 1 minute at 115200 bps (longer if the baud rates are lower). Ensure that you use Xmodem and not Ymodem, Zmodem etc. You can use the AT&HX command prior to transmission to select your preferred DTE rate, e.g. 115200bps.
Compuserve in the UK currently uses V120 connections, not PPP. Therefore you should select "Hagenuk Databox V120" (non-CAPI mode) or "RVS V120" (CAPI mode) as your modem type ('Connect Using') in Dial-up Networking. If the modem type is not shown, you can add it in control panel/modems (don't let it detect the hardware, load it manually - find 'Hagenuk' in the list of manufacturers. If it is not shown, offer it the CD via 'Have disk'). Check with Compuserve for the latest information.
Yes. 128Kbps is achieved by combining both 64Kbp/s B channels. There are several downsides though :
If all of the above hasn't put you off, then you can use Multilink-PPP which is the most common standard used for channel combining. There is documentation on how to set that up on the SEG web site.
No, not currently. Data compression if often not very effective, particularly on the Internet where most transferred data is already compressed (including all GIF/JPG images and ZIP files).
No. Most regular fax software only supports Class 1 and Class 2 fax modems. On the Databox, the analogue modem/fax capabilities are generated supplied by the RVS-Comm software. In versions 1.50 and later of RVS-Com, Class 1 fax support is available so you can use your own fax software. In version of RVS-Com preior to 1.50, you can only use the RVS-Com fax client. You can of course use a standard fax modem connected to the Speed Dragon's analogue ports with any fax software.
No. Various 'TAPI' programs are available for Windows which allow you to dial numbers from a database using a standard modem. This includes various PIMs, such as Symantec Act!. Once the program has told the modem to dial, you then pick up a parallel connected telephone and speak - all of this relies on various intrinsic properties of an analogue line. A Terminal Adaptor doesn't work like a modem - if you tell a TA to dial from the serial port, then the call can be placed in any number of ways (V120, PPP, Voice, 3.1Khz etc) but more importantly, TAs don't use in-band dialling like a modem does. Furthermore, as an ISDN line is digital you can't plug in parallel devices and listen in like you can with a telephone - normal modem dialling programs rely on the fact that they dial like a normal data call. The Dial Aid program supplied with the Speed Dragon does allow voice dialling from the database, but that program is written specifically for the Speed Dragon. Normal Windows 95 dialler programs expect a normal modem. TAPI compliance is something which could be included at a later date but for the time being, the only way to use such programs is to connect a modem to your PC and connect that to one of the analogue ports with a telephone in parallel.
Check whether CAPI is enabled; use the CAPI View program to do this. You can turn CAPI on and off by ticking/unticking the 'Active' box. If you have CAPI enabled, then it has exclusive control of the serial port to which the Speed Dragon is attached. In order to use the Speed Dragon, you must use a virtual COM port instead, such as those provided by RVS-Commcentre (see later). If you don't need/use CAPI, turn it off and let your comms program talk directly to the serial port.
The exact method depends on whether you are using CAPI or standard AT-command mode. Either way, most ISPs expect you to connect in Async. PPP mode, NOT asynchronous V120 (though there are some exceptions). In CAPI mode, the correct 'modem' to select for your DUN properties would be "RVS PPP Internet". In non-CAPI (AT) mode you should select "Hagenuk Databox : PPP (Internet Provider)". Normally, you would not use a script ( the automatic PAP authentication provided by Microsoft Dialup Networking Upgrade 1.2 handles the logging in).
In CAPI mode, you can load the Dial Aid program (in the Databox program group). In Dial Aid, you can select Settings/Incoming Calls to pop up whenever an incoming call appears.
It's important to understand the logical structure of a CAPI system. The CAPI driver takes full control of the PC's serial port. CAPI programs then request access from the CAPI driver; it acts as a 'switchboard' and thus a Caller ID program can be active at the same time as an Internet session, for example. Standard Windows comms programs (including Dialup Networking) are not yet CAPI compliant - they expect to find a regular com port so RVS-COM, in turn, provides 'Virtual COM ports' which look to your comms software (e.g. DUN) like regular COM ports. To use these virtual COM ports, therefore, you have to have CAPI enabled, have the RVS-CommsCenter program running and have the virtual ports enabled. You can set that to load automatically in the RVS options. Once you have your virtual comm port enabled and open, make sure that the modem's properties (control panel -> modems) have the virtual COM port number selected (e.g. COM3) rather than the actual real COM port.
You can set the number of rings by examining the Properties of the ISDN connection which appears in the main RVS-Com window. Select the Autoanswer tab and go to the Properties button (not the Answerphone button as you might think) for the Connection shown at the bottom of the screen (even if this is greyed out, as it will be if you have not enabled 'file transfer and host mode' - but that doesn't matter). Then select the Answer Call tab and adjust the number of rings.
Installing of RVS-Com requires the use of a unique 'unlocking' key. This is printed on the envelope in which the Speed Dragon CD comes in. One key is issued with each Speed Dragon unit, which implies one licence to use the software. RVS-Com is copyrighted software and it can only be used by licenced persons; as such, it is absolutely vital that you do not lose your key; you can make a note of it elsewhere, but you must not permit anyone else to use the software or key. To upgrade to a later version of RVS-Com, you will have to obtain a new key, in most cases.
The RVS-Com online documentation covers this in depth. You must ensure that the RVS Fax services are installed. If not, select Email/Fax services in the RVS installation wizard. Once installed, you can send a fax from any Windows program by selecting PRINT and then selecting "RVS Fax" instead of your regular printer. The send dialogues will then appear.
When you are using RVS-Commcentre as a voice answerphone or fax receiver, the messages/faxes it takes are stored on your hard drive. On versions of RVS-Com 1.24 and below, the messages (fax and voice) are logged into MS-Exchange (or Windows Messaging) and it is from there than you can check for new messages and listen to them. MS-Exchange is part of Windows 95 and instaled as a component from the Windows 95 CD. It is also hidden on the Windows 98 CD in the directory tools\oldwin95\message\intl
Versions of RVS of 1.36 and later allow you to use Exchange, Outlook or RVS's own client.
There is no 'free' upgrade path, but you can upgrade directly with RVS (the German software producers). See their web site http://www.rvs.de for details of the various versions of RVS.
No. In RVS-Com you can specify one number for voice (answephone), another for fax reception, another for Eurofile Transfer etc. If you do not have MSN (Multi Subscriber Numbering) then RVS cannot distinguish between the calls. As such, you can only select one of these functions at a time on your single incoming phone number. MSN is available on ISDN2e and BT's Business Highway but not on BT's Home Highway.
That hole is for test purposes in the factory to allow a cable in; it has no useful purpose for the end user. You should not insert anything into that hole, for instance cigarettes.
If you are a programmer, the CAPI organisation have a web site at http://www.capi.org
There is a selection of freeware/shareware CAPI applications linked to at http://www.seg.co.uk/support. Those programs are all produced by, and thus the responsibility of, third parties.
Yes; BT install, as standard, an ISDN wallbox which has two sockets on the bottom. These sockets are identical and they each carry all three (2B+D) channels. You can plug the Speed Dragon into one socket and another ISDN device into the other.
EAZ is a German acronym (Endgeräte-Auswahlziffer) which is their equivalent of DDI, on old style (1TR6) German ISDN lines (pre-EuroISDN). The facility and program has no function in the UK.
Yes, it will. HH/BH provides the same physical connection as ISDN2e.
Cable & Wireless (formerly Mercury) offer indirect service over BT lines. This will work over ISDN lines too for both digital and analogue calls. You should make sure that all of your MSNs are registered with C&W in order that they recognise them when you make a call. You cannot use cost centres for digital (data) calls so you mustn't have those enabled.
For English language software for UK users, go to http://www.seg.co.uk/support
There is no software, drivers, cables or support for a Mac, however there are some independent vendors providing packs. See http://home.t-online.de/home/rbschmitt/sdmac2.htm or http://www.tkr.de. Those are both independent products and not produced by Hagenuk.
For UK users, there is an email 'mailing list'. To subscribe, see http://www.seg.co.uk/seg/draglist.htm. You are welcome (and encouraged) to contribute to the discussions and also read other people's contributions. Usage of the list is subject to the list rules. You can resign (and rejoin) the list at any time.
You're the customer so you can pronounce it any way you like :-) The official pronunciation is 'Hagen' to rhyme with 'bargain' and 'uk' to rhyme with 'book'. It is not pronounced " Hargen U.K. ".
The Speed Dragon has a special mode in which it can capture and debug all information sent on the ISDN line's D channel. The D channel is the third channel on your ISDN line in addition to the two B channels which are used for data. The D channel is used for signalling, that is, passing information between your Databox and the public exchange. This is useful for solving problems but also for those generally interested in how your Databox communicates to the exchange. Once enabled, all D-channel data sent between the Databox and the exchange will be output to the terminal screen in a decoded form.
To generate your own logs, use any terminal program, such as Windows 95 HyperTerminal - this is a standard component of Window 95/98/NT so should be installed. If it isn't you can install it from your Windows CD (under 'communications components').
Ensure that CAPI is NOT active before you load the terminal program otherwise you will get a "Port in Use" error. You can check CAPI is inactive in the CAPI View program.
Load up your terminal program. Ensure that you select the correct COM port and Serial rate (e.g. 115200 bps). This will correspond to those shown in the Hagenuk Configuration program. If it's HyperTerminal you're using, ensure that you select "Connect Using : DIRECT TO COM x" as opposed to selecting the Databox itself.
Type AT <CR> in the terminal window. The Databox should respond with OK. Next, type :
AT&hm"ua s 1" <CR> (The Databox will respond in German)
AT&hm"mo l3 0 3" <CR >
Now, start your terminal program's log facility (whereby text will be saved to a file for later review). Then make/receive a call on the analogue ports and the D channel data will appear on the screen and be logged to the file. The information you'll see is fairly complex for the novice; there is more information on interpreting the data on the SEG web site.
In the first instance you should obtain technical support from your dealer SEG are the UK distributors of the Hagenuk Data products. If you are outside the UK, you should obtain support from your local distributor or dealer in that country. These notes specifically refer to operation of the Databox in the UK so may not apply in other countries.
If your Databox fails to operate correctly and it is determined by Technical Support that the unit is faulty then it should be returned to your dealer. You will need your proof of purchase and should enclose a fault report. Most dealers will need to issue authorisation before you return the product, so please phone your dealer first to check their procedures. This is subject to the standard terms of the Hagenuk Warranty; faults caused by mechanical damage, mis-use or external factors are not covered by the warranty. Your statutory rights are not affected.
© 1998 SEG Communications. Version updated 07/12/02
Distribution of this document in anything other than its original form is prohibited. The specification of the Databox is subject to change at any time, without notice.
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