Resurrecting trusty 6500

[jjoan]

Dragged our old 6500/250 out of the closet to give to ANOTHER friend who has no knowledge whatsoever of computers. So we're starting from scratch. I did a clean install of 8.5, then updated to 8.6, as I remember 9 wasn't recommended. Everything went fine until I tried the internal modem, it wouldn't respond. From the modem list, I chose the modem I'm pretty sure is in there (geoport56 I think), but I'm not at her house right now). Scrounged an external Zoom modem out of another closet, and that works just fine. However, I had to connect throught the printer port, and now there's no place to connect the printer. I know that modem was working when we put it in the closet last year. Well? Any ideas?
Thank you,
Joan and friend Sue

[jepinto]

Joan:Did you use the original software to install 8.5 and 6?

If not (and I'm sure you couldn't, they shipped with 7.5-I think), you need to reinstall the software for the internal modem.

You can find it on the original install disks, or check at the 6400 zone

edit-Here is Tom Koon's 6400 page on geoport modems much of the info you need can be found there.

This section is all about 6500 modems

And while you're in there, you'll see some references to running OS 9 on a 6400 (almost the same as the 6500).  I ran it on my 6400, up to 9.1.  Her's the complete page.

[jjoan]

I found the System 8 disk. I seem to remember doing this same thing a million years ago after a clean reinstall. I've been using OSX for so long I'm sort of lost! In the CD Extras folder, there is a folder "Apple Telecom, and two folders within that folder, "Geoport/Express Modems" (which I believe I'm dealing with), and "Serial Modems". Could it be this easy? Just run the installer? Then is there some tweaking, or turning anything off or on in the extensions or control panels? I don't have any other disks that came with this machine, I just held onto the System 8 disk which I THINK came with it but don't remember, maybe I bought it shortly after purchasing the 6500. Foggy memory. Any more guidance or suggestions?
Thank  you again,
Joan

[bobw]

I still have my 6500/300 upstairs and have 9.2.1 on it and it runs very well.

yes, just run the installer.

There's a modem updater for the 6500 here;

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=26173

[Greg Dunn]

Question:  Why do you have to connect the modem through the printer port?  This may solve your problem:
6400s, and I think 6500s with internal modems have a piece of plastic inserted in the modem port, because, with the internal modem, the port is disabled.  If you remove the internal modem, and then take the plastic piece outt of the modem port, you should be able to hook up an external modem.

[jjoan]

Hmmmm. Interesting! I connected the modem through the printer port because there was this WEIRD piece of plastic over the modem port. Took that at face value, accepted that I needed to use the printer port instead. Maybe this is the direction I should follow. I don't know, I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed.
Joan

[bobw]

The plastic plug is over the modem port because you have an internal modem and that disables the external modem port.

[zodraz]

It's been a long, long time.

But if my memory is correct, then I advise ripping out that bit of failed technology.

As I recall the GeoPort is similar in function to a "WinModem", both of which were "virtual machines" that were running in RAM and using the main Processor. The appeal in their day was low-cost AND upgradeability (since it was just software). The "hardware" was just a "media converter" of sorts, just enough electronics to get the signal into the computer, after that, the software handled the "modulation-demodulation" and other protocols.

However, I don't think the last version of software written will go to 56K. I think the best you can do is 48 or 33K.

I did that years ago to my mother-in-laws machine, so I know you will be able to use that covered port!

Stick with the external modem!

     

[bobw]

Yes, you would be better off taking the internal modem out and using an external modem in the modem port. Simple to take out. The logic board slides out on a track. You'll see two tabs on the back of the machine within a rectangular cut out, with two small phillips screws, one close to each tab. Take those two screws out and pull the board out. It will probably be tight and require some effort to pull out. Take the modem card out and put the board back in and uncover the modem port.

[jjoan]

I know how to take the logic board out, I replaced the clock battery yesterday. That was one powerful piece of velcro! Does the modem pop out like the memory cards? And does the modem port cover come off from the inside or the outside (since I'm not looking at it right now and can't visualize it)?

[bobw]

The modem should have a small phillips screw holding it in the slot. It will then pull out. The modem port cover comes off from the outside.