General FAQs

A: Essentially, the BitSURFR and the TA210 are the same product - the difference being the TA210 does not come with any of the software bundled with the BitSURFR. The BitSURFR only has one "POTS" or analog telephone port and one DATA (RS232) port. The unit can have one voice call and one data call going at the same time independently using both B channels or a data call using both B channels. The BitSURFR PRO has two "POTS" ports and one DATA port.

The unit can have one data call and one voice call going or two voice calls going at the same time independently using two B channels. Or one data call using both B channels. If the data port is in use with one B channel one voice port will be inactive. If the data port is in use with both B channels then both voice ports will be inactive.

The BitSURFR supports the following protocols: 64k Clear channel, V.120, PPP, Bonding. The BitSURFR Pro supports the following protocols: 64k Clear channel, V.120,PPP,Bonding, AIM (async Bonding) and MLPPP (Multilink PPP). Please note that Bonding , AIM and MLPPP protocols uses two B channels . Clear 64k, V.120 and PPP protocols uses one B channel . Also MLPPP can dynamically drop a B channel to allow an incoming or outgoing call on a voice port when a data call is using both B channels.

Q: What is the difference between the internal and external BitSURFRs? Do they both have the same features?

A: The features of the internal and external BitSURFRs are the same with the exception of synchronous CLEAR Channel and Bonding. The external unit will do Synchronous Bonding at 128kbps and CLEAR Channel 64kbps protocols. The internal unit will not have any synchronous modes of operation. Currently the external unit will not have AIM (Async Inverse Muxing) allowing "Async Bonding". The internal unit will ship with this feature.

Q: How does an ISDN line come into the house?

A: ISDN Basic Rate Interface is provided on the same type of wiring used for analog phone lines. A single copper pair is all that's required. Many people bring in an additional line for their ISDN connection and leave their existing service in place.

Q: Does the BitSURFR and BitSURFR Pro require that I use Chameleon?

A: No. You may use your existing Internet access package and account with the BitSURFRs. Or you can use any of the popular packages like Netscape, Mosaic, or Internet in a box, as long as your ISP (Internet Service Provider) has ISDN dial in access. Just treat the BitSURFR or BitSURFR Pro like a Really Fast Modem using AT command strings to configure it.

Q: Can I send and receive faxes with the BitSURFR or BitSURFR Pro?

A: No, the BitSURFRs do not have fax capability. If you want to send and receive faxes you will need a fax machine or fax modem. If you want to use the BitSURFR or BitSURFR Pro and the fax/modem on the same line, you will still need to plug a fax/modem into a pots jack on the BitSURFR.

Q: Does the BitSURFR work with other non-digital modems?

A: The BitSURFR will only exchange data with other digital terminal adapters. The BitSURFR has a POTS port for regular analog telephones or a modem. If you own a modem already you can connect it to the POTS port and the BitSURFR will connect those incoming modem calls to your modem automatically. Motorola sells a product that has the two products (modem and TA) integrated together (the HMTA200) but if you already own the modem you can save money while getting most of the same functionality.

Q: What standard protocol(s) do you support for allowing two B channels to be used for 128Kbps?

A: The BitSURFR can "BOND" two B channels together to get 128Kbps data rates. This is "BONDING" protocol. This 128Kbps rate is Synchronous and NOT Asynchronous.

NOTE: A PC or MAC or any other DTE device with Asynchronous serial ports can NOT utilize this Synchronous protocol. Any Synchronous DTE device like a Route or a Multiplexer or VIDEO teleconferencing equipment can use the BitSURFR in BONDING mode because they have Synchronous serial ports

For a PC or MAC the BitSURFR Pro offers AIM and MLPPP for combining the two B channels and rate adapting the 128kbps link to a 115.2 kbps async DTE.

Q: How does the BitSURFR and BitSURFR Pro use both B channels?

A: Both B channels can be used depending on how the BitSURFR is being used. The BitSURFR has one data port and one voice port. The most common way is for calls made on both ports at the same time. Or use Bonding protocol during a data call. Reference chapter 8 in the users Motorola BitSURFR users guide.

NOTE: Bonding is for synchronous data calls only. The BitSURFR Pro has two voice ports and one data port. For the BitSURFR Pro the most common way is to make a data call and a voice call at the same time. Or make two voice calls at the same time. Or use a channel aggregation protocol such as BONDING or AIMux or MLPPP during a data call.

Q: What type of terminal adapter is the BitSURFR and BitSURFR Pro?

A: The BitSURFR and BitSURFR Pro are a type A terminal adapter.

Q: I'd like to install an ISDN line in my home and remove the existing analog line. I have heard that the external BitSURFR Pro can provide service for my regular telephone. Provided the computer is always on, can I do the same with the BitSURFR Pro?

A: The BitSURFR/Pro connects to your MAC in the same way any generic analog modem would attach via a serial cable.

Using the BitSURFR/Pro with a Mac is analogous to using a 28.8 modem. You connect and talk to the BitSURFR/Pro just like you would a generic analog modem using AT commands. For configuration purposes, the BitSURFR/Pro offers 'Local Menu', a series of configuration menus supported via VT100 terminal emulation to configure the ISDN modem and note the ISDN line configuration specifics( Only Microphone and White Knight support true VT-100, Zterm, etc. will not run the "Local Menu").

The BitSURFR/Pro has been used in a number of Macintosh applications including AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA), terminal emulation, file transfer, and Internet access. Some specific applications that have been used include: Internet Valet and Micro Phone by Software Ventures which are provided in the software bundle for the BitSURFR Pro MAC version. Setup strings for the Motorola BitSURFR Pro are included in the latest releases of these applications.

Most applications that can be used with analog modems should work with the BitSURFR Pro; however, users should understand that the realized throughput will be affected by several factors including: the serial port speed capability, the application software's supported speeds, and your cable. Most Macintosh built-in serial ports will only support up to 57.6 kbps. High speed serial port (115.2 kbps and above) add-in cards such as the Hurdler-HQS/Hustler by Creative Solutions Inc. are an option for Macintosh computers that have NuBus slots. Quality cables with adequate pin outs is also important for very high speed serial communications.

Q: What cables do I need with my Mac?

A: For the Mac, use a standard Mac modem cable (High Speed RS-232 with a DB-25 connector that supports hardware flow control (CTS, RTS/CTS on later models). Be sure that your communication cable supports RTS/CTS flow control by supporting the `handshake in' and `handshake out' leads on the Macintosh, and is specified to be a shielded cable.

These cables are readily available where most analog or ISDN modems are sold.

Q: How Do I set up a BitSURFR or BitSURFR Pro for INTERNET?

A: If you are using an Internet Dialer such as ConfigPPP, FreePPP, etc..., here is a Table of AT commands that you need to use to set the unit up.

Here is a translation of each AT command:

&F1: Factory reload of parameters for Async to Sync PPP, Single-Link, this does not affect the ISDN line parameters

%A4=0: Sets Line Channel Speed to 64k.

@B0=2: set rate multiplier to 2, this enables Multi-link PPP, set it to 1 if you want single link PPP BitSURFR Pro only. The BitSURFR will not support MLPPP

A: Simply select the Motorola BitSURFR Pro in the Control Panel/modems window when you follow the modem installation process.

Q: How do I make the BitSURFR Pro work with Windows 95?

A: Place the .inf driver file on the Configuration Manager diskette in the INF directory in windows to add the BitSURFR Pro to the modem list. Then simply select the manufacturer's file in the Control Panel/modems window when you follow the modem installation process.

Q: What about drivers for OS/2?

A: Since the BitSURFR Pro appears as a standard modem using AT commands to your operating system there are no drivers typically required. If your OS can talk to a modem it can talk to a BitSURFR.

Q: Can BitSURFR Pro be used with UNIX workstations or NT client/servers?

A: If the workstation or NT can talk to AT commanded modem it can talk to a BitSURFR. NT has a RASINF file on the software download area for you.

Before you call Pacific Bell Internet Technical Support:

Check all cables (ISDN phone cable between the phone jack and the terminal adapter; Serial communications cable between the computer and the terminal adapter).

If you suspect the ISDN line, contact the Pacific Bell Repair Service at 611.

If you still have to call Pacific Bell Internet Technical Support:

Please be prepared to let the Technical Analyst know any tests/procedures you have tried already.

ISDN Hardware: PBI will provide full technical support on the 3Com Impact and 3Com ImpactIQ Terminal Adapter.

PBI will provide minimum support for a variety of Terminal Adapters that we have experimented with in our lab. Those being (subject to change without notice): Motorola BitSurfr Pro, US Robotics Sportster 128, Farallon Netopia, IBM Waverunner, Diamond Multimedia/Supra Net Commander and the US Robotics I-Modem.