Modem & dialup issues on iMac G3 running 10.2.8

Trying to fix up mom's iMac G3 running 10.2.8 so she can continue to connect to Juno through dialup. I can connect to the Internet through my network but that's obviously no good to her. I think I've isolated the problem to the modem but I'm getting mixed messages. The profiler doesn't show the modem. Since I was reared on PC's (sorry, guys), I don't know if that's correct or not. Installed Zterm and all the AT commands are answered in the affirmative. Followed all the Apple documentation for the correct PPP and modem settings. Reinstalled Juno. Tried running the modem updater - it wouldn't allow me, saying that the software was up to date. Saw the response to one of the discussion topics to try and reset the firmware with apple-option-o-f, but all that got me was tired fingers. (Is there a particular place in the boot sequence or on one of the windows where this key combination is supposed to be run? Or, maybe, there's a different sequence for 10.2.8?)

I've gotten Juno to fail consistently. The status line tells me it's connecting, but I never hear the modem actually dial (yes, I have the volume up and used the Zterm command ATZ to turn it on). It then disconnects and tells me my modem is improperly configured. (I don't think so.)

Before I drag this down to the Apple store (last resort), I'd like to see if you guys can suggest something else to try.

Thanks.

iMac G3, Mac OS X (10.2.x), It's blue

Posted on Aug 20, 2008 8:30 AM

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4 replies

Aug 20, 2008 12:29 PM in response to NCogNeato

Assuming the modem is working you need to configure Network preferences in System Preferences. Open Network preferences and select the Modem port to configure. In the TCP/IP configuration set the Configure IPv4 drop down menu to DHCP. In the PPP configuration enter the required dialup information. There should be an Options or Advanced button (I don't remember precisely since it's been a long time since I used Jaguar, so you may need to do a little experimenting to find everything.) You will need to select a script from the Modem drop down menu. If there's no script listed for the modem then you may need to write one (or simply copy an existing script and modify it.)

I don't know if this is helpful, but this site goes through a setup for a university dial-up. It may help you figure out how to do the setup for your location.

Aug 21, 2008 8:06 AM in response to NCogNeato

Welcome To  Discussions NCogNeato!

This configuration works for me on my iMac G3/Panther 10.3.x/AOL Dial-Up.
You may need to make some adjustments for your particular Mac, Modem, ISP, and OS.

Read the entire document. Pay attention to *Notes.
And if you have any questions, please ask them before preceeding.
Delete only the files listed, no more.

If connected, sign off and Quit the Internet.

See *Note 1
Navigate to:
HD > USERS > YOUR HOME > LIBRARY > PREFERENCES
If present, move to Trash:
com.apple.internetpref.plist (a file)
com.apple.internetconnect.plist (a file)
com.apple.internetconfig.plist (a file)

Don't empty the Trash just yet.

*Note 1Before you change the settings below, you might want to make notes, or take screen shots of your present configurations. Actually, this should be done before you trash or move the files I've listed above.

Then, open System Preferences > Network
In each of these panels, after you have made your selections or changes, be sure to click on the "Apply Now" button in the lower right corner, if it's available.

Location: Select "Automatic"
Show: Select "Internal Modem".

On the PPP screen, click "PPP Options". CHECK ONLY THESE options:
"Send PPP echo packets"
"Use TCP header compression"
Click OK

On the TCP/IP screen, Configure using IPv4: Select "Using PPP"

On the Modem screen, Select your modem from the list. I'm using an iMac (Summer 2001), and I have "Apple Internal 56K Modem (v.90)" selected. Select your modem.

Check "Enable error correction and compression in modem"
"Wait for dial tone before dialing"
"Dialing": Tone
"Sound": On
"Show modem status in menubar" (This isn't really necessary, but it's handy.)

Also select your Country.

Then, still in "Network" preferences,
Location: "Automatic"
Show: "Network Port Configurations"

Make sure "Internal Modem" is checked and at the top of the list.
Click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the screen.
Quit System Preferences.

I'm not familiar with Juno, but if it's similar to AOL, before you sign on, you will have to reset your "Access Numbers" & "Location".

If everything is hunky dory, you can empty the Trash.

ali b

Aug 27, 2008 11:11 AM in response to ali brown

Thanks, guys, for responding. I've been trying all of these suggestions, unfortunately, unsuccessfully. I was able to find a modem init string in another question's response and I got the modem to fail on a SerGetBuf() call, so that tells me there's signs of life.

I'll try these scripts and suggestions once or twice more. Then, I'll see if I can pick up a cheap USB modem (yes, I'll check the OS' supported). If that fails, I'll give the iMac back to mom as a doorstop, dig through my old PCs and configure a low end one so she can do dial-up (yuck) again.

Once again, thanks!

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Modem & dialup issues on iMac G3 running 10.2.8

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