Commodore VIC-20 - Page 295

Chapter 8 Peripheral Devices 281
THE VIC MODEM
The VIC Modem allows your VIC 20 computer to communicate with
other computers over telephone lines. This will allow your VIC to talk to
other VICs directly and to acess the various computer networks. These
allow you to use your VIC
20 as a terminal to a large mainframe computer
somewhere in the network. The networks give you access to information
such as stock market reports, articles from a variety
of publications, airline
schedules, and messages from other computer users.
Installing the VIC Modem
To install the VIC Modem, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the power to your VIC 20.
2. Plug the VIC Modem into the VIC 20's user port (see Figure 1-2).
3. Turn the VIC 20 back on.
4. Load a program to operate the VIC Modem. A program called
VICTERM I is packed with the VIC Modem. There is also a
program in the handbook
that comes with the VIC Modem. Either
of these will operate the Modem adequately. A program that turns
the VIC (with its Modem) into 40-column terminal will soon be
available.
5. Dial the appropriate phone number to reach either the network you
wish
to access or the other computer you are calling.
If you are accessing one of the networks, you will need to code
in,
on the VIC, your ID and access code numbers.
If you are accessing another computer, you will need to set your
Modem to
"0" (originate), and the computer you are calling must be
set to
"A" (answer).
6. When you hear a high-pitched tone, unplug the telephone receiver
and plug the cord into the VIC Modem.
Note:
If you have a Trimline telephone, you will need a special
adapter for the VIC Modem; it will not work with this kind
of
telephone because the telephone electronics are in the handset,
which you unplug when you disconnect the cable.
7. Put the handset aside. Do not hang it up; this will disconnect the
Modem.