geoFAX Modems

geoFAX Takes the 64 Beyond Its Capabilities!

Modems That Work

Please email me if you are a current geoFAX user and don't see your modem listed here. I began this list with just the few modems listed that I know the actual model numbers on. I know there are others that work, but I want this list to be as accurate as possible.

So please let me know your modem make and model number and a brief description of the modem and how well you think the modem performs with geoFAX. As information comes in, I will keep this list updated.

Send email to: maurice@cmdrkey.com

If you are currently looking for a modem and don't see a particular one on this list, there are certain things to look for. First of all, the modem must support either Class 2 or Class 2.0. Sometimes the box will tell you this info, but if not, you will have to open it up and read the manual. But be careful, I've seen some generic manuals that talk about Class 2, yet the modem doesn't support it. Class 1 modems won't work with geoFAX, plain and simple. That's an outdated protocol and any manufacturer that doesn't supply Class 2 or 2.0 is getting their chipsets at a discounted rate. Most of the Class 2 modems also support Class 1, if that is a requirement for software that you might use on another computer platform.
Don't worry about paying any attention to the Group classification. They all support Group III, this is not a factor.
Secondly, and this is very important, the modem must have some internal ram of its own. There are reasons why geoFAX needs this ram.16K seems to work nice. Some modems like the USRobotics have 32K of ram. The manufacturers that don't put at least 16K of ram in their modems are certainly cheapskates in this day and age. But just try to get any info from a modem tech rep on the amount of ram they use! I haven't heard of a tech rep that knows enough about their modems to give you the answer on this one. For this, you are going to have to find it out for yourself.
The fax protocol provides commands for determining the amount of onboard ram. First put the modem in fax mode, some modems require this before any further fax commands will be recognized. From any terminal program, type the following command to put the modem into fax mode:

AT+FCLASS=2

...then use the following command:

AT+FBUF?

If the modem reports an error, then you can't trust that it has any ram, because it probably doesn't and the manufacturer doesn't want to admit to it. But if it does have some ram, then you will see 4 numbers separated by commas on the screen. The first number is the important one. A 16K modem will say 16384. Anything less than this will make geoFAX's performance suffer. Just click here to find out why.
If your modem is a Class 2.0 modem, then the above commands are a little different. The following should be substituted:

AT+FCLASS=2.0
AT+FBS?

And then the reading will be different. Instead of getting the 4 numbers, you will get two numbers and they will be in hexidecimal format. They will be the transmit buffer size and the receive buffer size. But don't worry, because if you have a Class 2.0 modem, it is most likely a USRobotics modem and it will have enough ram. I haven't heard of one yet that didn't. If you find a USR modem with Class 2.0, it will work with geoFAX.

Here's the current list, let's make it grow...

Boca Modems

Model M144EW

This was the original modem that was used to develop geoFAX. It contains the Rockwell chipset which seems to be one of the most reliable of the available fax chipsets for use with geoFAX. This is a 14.4 modem and contains 16K of internal ram and works great with geoFAX. Perhaps the only drawback is that it won't work in a direct connection with a fax machine for scanning purposes. A device for putting voltage between the two must be used to accomplish this.

BestData Modems

SmartOne 1442FX

This 14.4 modem functions as well as the Boca M144EW. It has 16K of ram and works great. ( I have never tested this modem in a direct fax machine hookup. When I do, I will report the results here - Maurice )

Generic 'No-Name' Modems

There are some excellent inexpensive modems that work with geoFAX. They will be posted here.

USRobotics Modems

(I need actual model numbers for all the USR modems that are known to work with geoFAX.)

Zoom Modems

Model 350

This is an excellent 14.4 modem for geoFAX. It performs as well as the Boca M144EW with most of the same features and has the added benefit of allowing a direct hookup to a fax machine for use as a scanner.

Email me at maurice@cmdrkey.com if your current modem works good with geoFAX, or if you know of any not listed here. Thank you to all who help out.