Hooking up old Hayes Optima 288

[Retro2001]

Hello all. I just got my hands on an old Hayes Optima 288 V.34/V.FC + FAX. It came with no cables. I've sence modified an old powersupply to power it, but my problem is the "DTE Interface". I understand that modems are serial devices, however the interface on the modem is the same size as a parallel port cable. I have a bi-directional parallel port cable lying around, can I use it, or do I have to buy some sort of parallel to serial cable? If the answer is yes, I can use it, what do i need to do, windows doesn't seem to think that a parallel port is an approprate place for a modem Thanks.

Will

 

[Retro2001]

Also, the modem has the "hs" and "mr" lights lit. Does that mean anything? Thanks.

Will

 

[MattCo]

I have the same modem (Hayes 5205AM) ... it uses a parallel to serial port cable. I dont know the pin to pin info though (it doesnt have any info written on it). I would try a parallel to serial adapter and go from there.

FYI the specs on the power cord are as follows:
Hayes P/N: 52-00042
Input: 120VAC 60Hz 150mA
Output: 9VAC 800mA


Hope this helps.

-MC

 

[MattCo]

Also I believe the lights are (I may be wrong):

MR - Modem Ready
HS - High Speed connect

-MC

 

[Retro2001]

Is there any way to make a parallel port emulate a serial port? I'm just trying to save my self a trip to office max because I have a parallel port cable and I'm lazy. Thanks

Will

 

[Retro2001]

Just a bump looking for an answer

 

[Possum]

All modem's I've ever owned have been external with serial connections (Hayes 2400, Hayes Optima 14.4, Hayes Optima 56k, Zoom 56k, US Robotics 28.8, US Robotics x2/56k, Motorola ModemSurfr 56k). That connector you say is the size of a parallel port connector is still a serial connector, just in the 25 pin format. With all of the latest motherboards, I've only seen 9-pin external serial port connections. With my older computers, I had serial port connections consisting of the 25-pin size that you see on the modem.

All you have to do is buy a 25-pin to 9-pin adapter for your parallel port cable (if the cable I think you're talking about is 25-pin male (sticks) one one side and 25-pin female (holes) on the other), if the small serial port size on the motherboard is what's confusing you.