Simon Williams wrote: > Ed Eastman wrote: > > >>Run a phone cord from one modem strait to the other. Tap ATD on one >>telecom software then ATA on the other and your modems will initiate and >>answer (squacks, etc). > > > Just curious... could this work with the "file server" running BBS > software? > The answer could be very complex, but it is definately yes. If you can control the serial line from the BBS or send modem commands then the BBS can control the functions necessary for connection on demand. OR you can use the modems in a 'long haul' application where one modem is set to constantly answer if it looses connection while the other is set to constantly originate on connection loss. Then all you'd have to do is turn them on, they will provide a live connection to each other whenever they are on, no muss, no fuss. (This would be null modem IF modems were not involved.) Aside: This is a mode frequently used in branch offices along with a concentrator and leased phone line to provide terminals connectivity to the main computer system in another location. (Think bank branches.) Lets discuss modems a little more. Modem are a 'smart' device that follows commands given it from the serial line. It has a plethora of settings to tell it how to operate, protocol settings, speed settings, dialing settings, answer settings and a bunch more. (Consult a modem reference.) It can also remember settings when it is off because it has nonvolatile ram. This is the key. The modem is smart enough to turn on in answer or originate mode once the settings are set correctly and saved to NV ram. It can also be set to originate or answer on a serial signal line (DTR?)for the computer so it only operates when requested. I hope some of this information helps. and I also hope you have older modems that have the diverse settings that my older modems do. Thankx, Ed