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Chapter 4 - Manual Dial and Automatic Answer
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MT2834BA/BL Series User Guide
4.8 Automatic Answering
The modem can be used as an automatic answering modem. No special modifications or settings are
required other than making sure that the Auto-Answer select switch is set to Auto-answer enabled
(DIP-Switch #5 UP).
The modem, when in its idle state, is set for Originate mode frequencies. An incoming ring signal
automatically switches the modem into Answer mode.
You can program the modem to answer a call after a certain number of rings using S-Register S0
(see Chapter 6). Refer to Section 4.10 for the handshaking procedures used by the modem when in
automatic answer mode.
In many originate-only applications, you may wish to disable the automatic answer capability of the
modem. If a telephone set is connected to the modem, you may wish to receive incoming calls in a
voice mode for normal voice conversation. If auto-answer is not disabled, all incoming calls are
answered by the modem, preventing voice communications. To disable automatic answer, place DIP-
Switch #5 to the DOWN (Disable Auto Answer) position (refer to Chapter 9).
Another way to disable automatic answer is to use S-Register S0 to configure the modem to answer
on the nth ring, where n equals zero (0). Another alternative is to have the modem answer after five
or six rings, which gives you time to answer it manually if you wish. (See Chapter 6 for S-Register
information.)
4.9 Manual Answering
We have shown that the modem can automatically answer incoming calls. The MultiModem can also
answer manually, under your control. The most typical application involves you and another person,
who, after carrying on a voice conversation, want to convert to data communications between your
modems without having to hang up and dial again.
The problem here is that both modems are in originate mode. For two modems to communicate, one
of them must be in originate mode and the other must be in answer mode. The solution here is to
force either one of the two modems to Answer mode, and the other to Originate mode.
The modem can be forced into either Answer mode or Originate mode by using the Voice/Data
switch on the front of the modem.
In our example, let's say that you and your friend Bill have just had a voice conversation. Both of you
have your telephones connected to your modems, and your modems are connected to computers or
terminals. Set the speed switches to the proper speed on both modems. To switch to Data mode
from Voice mode, you would switch the Voice/Data switch Down (to the Originate position), and Bill
would switch his up to Answer. This switches your modem to the originate on-line mode, and Bill's to
the Answer on-line mode. You would both then hang up your telephone handsets, and continue the
conversation via your keyboards.