How to test your modem speed, using the built in "Line Quality" test

1.  This requires a K56flex modem, or it will do nothing useful.  It also requires a bit of bravery, if you are not ready to do this kind of testing with your computer, please ignore this page. 

2.  This requires a passing familiarity with "Hyperterminal", and it must be installed on your computer.  This requires Windows95.

3.  MAC users, this same info will work for you, but you need a terminal program.   Zterm is available online, install it, then follow the basic instructions below.   A bit of computer knowledge is required.

4.  Windows 3.1 users, you can do this with "Terminal", inside the group "Accessories".   A bit of computer knowledge is required.

While NOT online (disconnect from the NET, close all other applications) go to the start button, then programs, then accessories, then "HyperTerminal".  Then open "Hypertrm".  At this time, enter "TEST" for the name, and on the next screen enter "direct to com X".  The "X" should be the com port your modem is connected to.  If you don't know the answer to this, the control panel "modem" will show you.

Now you should be looking at a blank screen, just a cursor flashing.  To test that it will work at all, type on that screen:

ATZ(enter)

the screen should show your ATZ and the next line should say OK.  It will look something like this...

ATZ
OK

First we are going to reset your modem, so type this:

AT&F1(enter)

You should get an OK back.  If you get ERROR, then type AT&F.

Now you are ready for the hard part...

Type
ATDT751-5032(enter)

and wait for:

xxxxxx login:

The xxxxx will be the name of one of our terminal servers, either Jaguar or Pampas

At this time, it gets tricky.  Hit "+++", that's 3 "+" (plus) signs, you should see them on the screen, and it should immediately give you a "OK", looking like this:

Jaguar Login:  +++
OK

If it does, continue, if not, just stop now, this is not going to work for you at all.

Now, at this time you are going to send a "AT&V1" to your modem, like this:

AT&V1(enter)

And it will give you a page of information.  Near the bottom half, there will be a line that says: "Line Quality" or similar to that.  The number there MUST be a low one, 0 to 20 is preferred, we have seen up to 40 work.  After 40 means your phone lines are dirty, and will not support K56 speeds at all.  A few lines at Beale have been coming in at 128, they are hopeless.

Call PacBell, complain!  There is NOTHING that we can do to fix your line quality.   Our lines from PacBell are completely digital, so cannot contain ANY noise, and we know 50K connections are possible in Yuba City, and know our lines work perfectly for K56flex.  PLEASE don't call SYIX on this kind of problem, there is nothing we can do except sympathize with you.

If you need any help with this testing, call the office, we will try to walk you through it.  But remember, SYIX can't fix your phone line, nor can we fix your modem.   This test will just let you know WHY its not working well, not how to get it fixed.