Ticket Options

Question Details

TICKET ARCHIVE -> Dial-up Modem For G4

Kit - Jul 19, 2005 - 12:38 pm

I have an ADSL connection that sometimes fails. I'd like to have a dial-up modem to use as a fail-safe back-up. Is this possible? How do I install and configure one? I have a G4 - dual 1 Ghz - running OS-10.3.6.

Thanks
Kit
whimsy@telus.net

earthsaver - Jul 19, 2005 - 12:40 pm

So, you don't already have a modem built into your computer?

- Ben

Kit - Jul 19, 2005 - 12:48 pm

Wow - you guys are fast!

Sorry, no: I don't have a dial-up modem in my G4. If my ISP was a little more consistent and the ADSL connection was more stable, I wouldn't even have to think about getting one. It's like looking for a saddle for your horse after your Porsche breaks down...

Thanks,

Kit

earthsaver - Jul 19, 2005 - 1:26 pm

Which model of PowerMac G4 do you have? There was the QuickSilver model from 2002 (came with OS X 10.1.2), Mirrored Drive Doors from late 2002 (came with 10.2), and a later MDD from early 2003 (came with FireWire 800 and 10.2.3).

- Ben

earthsaver - Jul 19, 2005 - 1:40 pm

I'm not finding that either of those PM G4s were available without a modem, unless yours perhaps was from a special Education order available configured without it. I've been able to find replacement modem cards for these models, but none with the RJ-11 port included.

- Ben

Kit - Jul 19, 2005 - 1:44 pm

Hi,

sorry about my slow response. i'm having internet connection problems this morning (which is, of course, the reason i'm looking into a modem.)

here's the info on my g4

machine model: power mac g4
cpu type: powerpc g4 (2.1)
number of cpus: 2
cpu speed: 1 ghz
l2 cache (per cpu): 256 kb
l3 cache (per cpu): 1 mb
memory: 768 mb
bus speed: 167 mhz
boot rom version: 4.4.8f2
serial number: xb248009mbg
sales order number: m8692ll/a

i believe it's the later mdd model. sorry i'm not more savvy on the mac hardware.

thanks again!

Kit - Jul 19, 2005 - 1:46 pm

And here's info on the modem set-up, from About This Mac:

Modem Information:

Driver: com.apple.driver.AppleSCCSerial (v1.2.6)
Modem Model:
Country:
Modulation: V.90

earthsaver - Jul 19, 2005 - 2:05 pm

I suppose, the question really is: "Do you have a modem port on the back of the machine and just no actual modem inside?"

- Ben

Kit - Jul 19, 2005 - 2:25 pm

Now we're cookin'...
I don't see a modem port. There's an RJ-45 jack, into which my ADSL cable goes. Next door, there's a space for what I assume should be a modem port - there's a little phone icon beside it - but there's no jack for a phone/modem plug. I vaguely remember my Mac tech - who supplied and configured my G4 - mentioning something about this way back when I first got the Mac. So maybe there isn't room for a modem port... I have a couple of USBs and a couple of Firewire ports back there already. Maybe the modem option has been squeezed out. Or can one always add one in...

earthsaver - Jul 19, 2005 - 2:32 pm

The next question, perhaps, is: There's a metal plate where the modem port should be, right? If so, I wonder if there's a modem port behind it, and whether you can remove the metal plate to access the port. (I've never tried.)

Then, you would only have to spend about $25 to $50 on the modem hardware, which I've found available:
http://www.dvwarehouse.com/categories/238_261_485.html

If you have AppleCare for the computer and the plan is still active, I would contact Apple about the matter, at least to find out. Or, stop by an Apple store Genius Bar, if it's convenient.

- Ben

Kit - Jul 19, 2005 - 2:37 pm

You're right: there is a metal plate behind the hole where the modem port should be.

As long as you think it's technically possible for me to have a modem installed, I think it's worth a try. However, I'll call in the services of my Mac guru for this; it's a little more than I'm capable of.

I do appreciate your getting me this far, Ben. My first time using the macosx.com tech support, and it's been very good. Thanks again.