Re: [hylafax-users] Modem comparison

[Lee Howard <faxguy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 2004.12.20 08:12 Michael Crider wrote:

> I would like to migrate to a Linux-based fax server using Hylafax, 
> but am unsure about what fax board to recommend.  Looking for board 
> in the same class as the Dialogics,

I don't understand to what "class" you refer.  Generally when people 
indicate that the Dialogic cards are superior to traditional fax modems 
they're indicating that they, like BrookTrout cards, have some firmware 
that is dedicated to fax handling - generally relieving the DTE (the 
fax software) from doing practically anything with the fax protocol.  
Not only does the specialized firmware do that, but it makes the 
interface with the hardware non-standard.  "Class 1" and "Class 2" 
modems are standardized.  BrookTrouts and Dialogics are neither... at 
least I do not know of a way to use either of them with Class 1/2 
interfaces.  This non-standardized interfacing allows the manufacturer 
to profit from licensing their proprietary interfaces and API 
libraries.  So maybe you can understand the business incentive here 
that makes such manufacturers want to market their product as 
"superior" to anything else.

> I had chosen the Mainpine Rockforce Duo.  We would only use one line 
> on it, but Mainpine does not make a single line card.  However, I 
> also ran across the Multitech MultimodemZPX, which apparently uses 
> the same chip set as the Rockforce but is 5 times cheaper.

To the best of my knowledge, as far as Class 1/1.0 faxing goes, the 
MainPine and MultiTechs are nearly equivalent.

> I was wondering if anyone had experience with either of these cards 
> and could recommend which would best fit our needs.

Both the MainPines and MultiTechs work very well in Class 1/1.0 with 
HylaFAX.  I haven't tested the MainPines extensively in Class 
2/2.0/2.1, but the MultiTechs are also known to work well in Class 
2.0/2.1.  Both MainPine and MultiTech actively work on their fax 
firmwares, and parties from both companies are generally found here 
on-list (although they reply only on occasion).

> Five years ago when we were first experimenting with the fax server 
> idea we tried several modems (both internal and external, hardware 
> and controllerless) and all had trouble with at least some fax 
> machines we have to deal with on a daily basis.

Your synopsis of your analysis is too vague for me to comment on it.  
In 1999 it was relatively difficult to find a good Class 2 firmware, 
HylaFAX was still stuck in the "4.1beta2" rut, and the HylaFAX Class 1 
driver also had noticeable problems.  HylaFAX has come a long way since 
then.  I'll spare you the rest of the "promotional blip" that I was 
about to write.

> Because of that we have shied away from "just a modem".  However, 
> from archives of this mailing list it looks like a lot of people use 
> Multitech modems, and I wanted to know if others thought they were 
> really good enough for a business setting.

Yes.  A good Class 1/1.0 modem will work well for you with HylaFAX.  
Both MultiTechs and MainPines are good examples of good Class 1/1.0 
modems.

Lee.

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