Actiontec electronic 56K ISA Lite manual

If you are going to use the Telephone Answering Machine (TAM) functions of the modem and you are running Windows 95, you need to install a software component called Unimodem V. If you have Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2 (Version 4.00.950 B) or a later version of Windows, this component comes standard as part of the operating system.

To find out which version of Windows 95 you are using, right click the My Com- puter icon on the desktop, and choose Properties from the menu that appears. If the version of Windows 95 is 4.00.950 or 4.00.950A, go to the UNIMODEM directory of the CD-ROM that came with your modem and right-click on the UNIMODV.INF icon, (this may be named UNIMODV) then click on Install.. Restart your computer to enable the drivers.

Make sure you have an available COM port and IRQ on your computer. The mo- dem needs one IRQ and one COM Port in order to function. To check which inter- rupts are available on your system, double-click on the System icon in Control Panel and click the Device Manager tab. Highlight Computer in the dialog box and click Properties. There are only 16 (0 to 15) interrupts in a PC system. Make a note of any interrupt not listed.

Figure 2: Windows 95 IRQ Resources Dialog Box

If you do not have any free interrupts you may need to disable a COM port for an installed device that you are not currently using, such as COM2.

56K ISA Lite specifications

The Actiontec electronic 56K ISA Lite modem is a pivotal technology that played an essential role in the evolution of internet connectivity, especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a dial-up modem, it facilitated access to the internet at a time when broadband was not widely available. This device utilized the ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus, which was popular for connecting hardware components to the motherboard in personal computers.

One of the hallmark features of the Actiontec 56K ISA Lite is its compliance with the V.90 standard, enabling it to achieve download speeds of up to 56 Kbps. This capability marked a significant improvement over earlier modems that typically operated at lower speeds. The modem's design focused on providing a reliable and stable connection, which was crucial for homes and offices relying on dial-up services.

Another key technology behind the Actiontec 56K ISA Lite is its use of a data compression technique called V.42bis. This technology optimizes the transfer of data, allowing it to reduce file sizes and enhance the efficiency of internet connections. Coupled with error correction capabilities, V.42bis helps in ensuring that data transmitted over the phone lines remains accurate and intact, further improving the user's experience.

In terms of characteristics, the ISA Lite modem was relatively easy to install and integrate into existing computer systems of the time. It supported a straightforward plug-and-play functionality, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical know-how. The modem also came equipped with diagnostic LEDs that provided real-time feedback on its operation, such as connection status and data transmission activity.

The Actiontec electronic 56K ISA Lite was built with a compact design, fitting well into the ISA slots of most PCs. It was compatible with various operating systems, allowing users to connect to the internet regardless of the software they were using.

Though now considered outdated due to the advent of high-speed broadband connections, the Actiontec 56K ISA Lite modem represents a significant milestone in telecommunications history. Its features and technologies helped pave the way for the internet accessibility that we enjoy today, shaping the digital landscape for future generations.