Note: This article relates specifically to the internal modems that shipped with some first-generation PowerBook G3 Series models. The early PowerBook G3 Series shipped with a version of Mac OS 8.1 unique to this model. Upgrading the OS or running the Apple Modem Updater application may change the modem script selection found in the Modem Control Panel and/or modem related files installed within the System Folder.
An internal modem is included in some of the PowerBook G3 Series (M4753) models. The modem is based on Rockwell's K56 Flex technology. It has upgradeable flash ROMs. If you wish to update this modem to the V.90 standard, there is an updater application available from the Apple Software Updates web site.
What connections speeds can I expect when dialing into a K56 Flex provider?
In testing the modem with some of the national internet service providers, speeds ranging from 44000 bps to 48000 bps were consistently achieved. This is representative of average connections speeds for K56 Flex modems.
Phone line noise and service provider line quality are the two most common issues which can cause lower connect speeds with 56k modems.
Where do I plug in the phone line?
Unlike the PowerBook 3400 and PowerBook G3, the PowerBook G3 Series computer has a separate dedicated modem port on the left side of the unit.
The window below shows the correct modem script selected for the internal 56k modem.
Figure 1, Modem control panel
What drivers are necessary to use the modem?
The PowerBook G3 Series Modem Extension is needed for using the internal modem. The PB/GV Internal 56 file is an AppleTalk Remote Access modem script and is optional when not using OT/PPP or ARA (2.1 or greater).
Figure 2, PowerBook G3 Series Modem Extension icon
Figure 3, PowerBook/GV Internal 56 icon
How to tell if the modem is K56 Flex or V.90?
You should launch some type of communications application such as ZTerm or ClarisWorks and type the following command: ATI3
(for more information on how to perform this in ClarisWorks, click here)
You will get a response from the modem that will show whether or not it is still K56 Flex or has been upgraded to V.90. For example, you may see:
A811-K56_DLS v1.200_CS
This particular string indicates that the modem is still K56 Flex.
Where can I get a list of the AT Commands?
A PDF document containing the complete AT Command list is included on the the System Software CD.
In some documentation, the modem is called an Apple/GV. Although this may imply that the modem is a Global Village modem, Apple provides all support, service, and driver updates for this modem.
Note: This article mentions an Apple software update. You may search for software updates in Apple Downloads at following URL: http://www.apple.com/downloads
Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. For more information differentiating between the computers, read article 24604: "PowerBook G3, G3 Series: Identifying Different Versions"
An internal modem is included in some of the PowerBook G3 Series (M4753) models. The modem is based on Rockwell's K56 Flex technology. It has upgradeable flash ROMs. If you wish to update this modem to the V.90 standard, there is an updater application available from the Apple Software Updates web site.
What connections speeds can I expect when dialing into a K56 Flex provider?
In testing the modem with some of the national internet service providers, speeds ranging from 44000 bps to 48000 bps were consistently achieved. This is representative of average connections speeds for K56 Flex modems.
Phone line noise and service provider line quality are the two most common issues which can cause lower connect speeds with 56k modems.
Where do I plug in the phone line?
Unlike the PowerBook 3400 and PowerBook G3, the PowerBook G3 Series computer has a separate dedicated modem port on the left side of the unit.
The window below shows the correct modem script selected for the internal 56k modem.
Figure 1, Modem control panel
What drivers are necessary to use the modem?
The PowerBook G3 Series Modem Extension is needed for using the internal modem. The PB/GV Internal 56 file is an AppleTalk Remote Access modem script and is optional when not using OT/PPP or ARA (2.1 or greater).
Figure 2, PowerBook G3 Series Modem Extension icon
Figure 3, PowerBook/GV Internal 56 icon
How to tell if the modem is K56 Flex or V.90?
You should launch some type of communications application such as ZTerm or ClarisWorks and type the following command: ATI3
(for more information on how to perform this in ClarisWorks, click here)
You will get a response from the modem that will show whether or not it is still K56 Flex or has been upgraded to V.90. For example, you may see:
A811-K56_DLS v1.200_CS
This particular string indicates that the modem is still K56 Flex.
Where can I get a list of the AT Commands?
A PDF document containing the complete AT Command list is included on the the System Software CD.
In some documentation, the modem is called an Apple/GV. Although this may imply that the modem is a Global Village modem, Apple provides all support, service, and driver updates for this modem.
Note: This article mentions an Apple software update. You may search for software updates in Apple Downloads at following URL: http://www.apple.com/downloads
Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. For more information differentiating between the computers, read article 24604: "PowerBook G3, G3 Series: Identifying Different Versions"