Global Village Communication
June 1997

To allow for future updates and enhancements to your product, Global Village designed your TelePort Platinum Comm Slot Edition fax/modem with updateable firmware. The term "firmware" refers to the software in the fax/modem's read-only memory (ROM). By updating the firmware, you can quickly and easily improve the operation and functionality of your fax/modem, without changing its hardware components.

This document provides information about updating the firmware for your TelePort Platinum Comm Slot Edition fax/modem. It contains information about the following subjects:

• What's new in this version of the firmware?
• Who should use this updater?
• Updating the TelePort Platinum for Comm Slot firmware
• Updating your Apple Remote Access (ARA) configuration

What's New in this Version of the Firmware?
Version 1.510 of the TelePort Platinum Comm Slot Edition firmware updates the modem to the V.34+ ITU standard, enabling connection speeds of up to 33.6 kilobits per second (kbps). Connection speeds can vary due to telephone line noise and limitations in telephone system capabilities.

Note: After downloading the 33.6 kbps firmware, you might notice that your initial connection speed is lower than with your 28.8 kbps firmware. When the modem starts to negotiate a connection with another modem, it attempts to connect at 33.6 kbps. If the modem can't negotiate a stable 33.6 kbps connection, it reduces the connection speed and tries again. If line conditions improve during the connection, the modem attempts to negotiate a higher speed. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of telephone lines in North America allow connection speeds of 33.6 kbps.

Who Should Use This Updater?
You should use this updater only if you have a TelePort Platinum 28.8 kbps Comm Slot Edition fax/modem that you purchased in North America.

You should not use this updater if you have a TelePort Platinum fax/modem, PowerPort Platinum fax/modem, TelePort Platinum V Telecommunications Card (bundled with some Performa computers), International TelePort Platinum fax/modem, or other Global Village modem.

The firmware updater automatically checks that you have the correct modem hardware before allowing an update to the 1.510 firmware.

Updating the TelePort Platinum Firmware
Before updating the firmware, be sure to unmount any AppleShare servers that you have mounted on your desktop. If you fail to unmount the servers, the firmware updater will ask you to do so.

Important: Because the updater turns off AppleTalk while updating the modem, anybody who is connected to your computer when you run the updater will be disconnected. While the fax/modem is being updated, do not turn off the computer or disconnect the computer from the modem. Interrupting the update process can leave your modem unusable. If the update process is interrupted and the modem no longer responds to the firmware updater, communications software, or fax software, contact the Global Village Customer Satisfaction department; a representative will arrange for a replacement fax/modem.

To update the TelePort Platinum firmware:

1. Copy the updater to your hard disk.
2. Double-click the firmware updater.
3. Click the Update Modem button.

   If you are running any AppleTalk services, an alert box appears telling you that another application, such as file sharing, is using AppleTalk. At this point, you can either quit the application to unmount any servers or proceed. If you proceed, AppleTalk will be turned off and all services closed down.

   If the firmware updater stops and reports that you cannot run the updater on your Macintosh computer, restart with Extensions off and run the firmware updater again.

4. Choose the port to which the TelePort Platinum Comm Slot Edition fax/modem is connected.

   On most Macintosh computers that support the Comm Slot products, the choice will be the Modem Port.

   When you choose a port, the Continue button appears highlighted.

5. Click the Continue button to begin the update process. A progress dialog box appears. The progress indicator begins filling up, pauses for several seconds, and then continues. This is normal.

When the update process is complete, a dialog box appears indicating that you have successfully updated your TelePort Platinum Comm Slot Edition fax/modem.

Updating Your Apple Remote Access (ARA) Configuration
If you use ARA 2.0 or ARA 2.1, be sure to install and select the new ARA connection script for your software. Located in the TP Comm Slot 1.510 ROM Update folder, the ARA 2.0 and ARA 2.1 scripts allow your modem to connect at speeds of up to 33.6 kbps. For ARA 2.0 users: Drag the script entitled "Global Village 33.6 for ARA 2.0" to the Extensions folder in the System Folder. Select the new script in the Remote Access Setup control panel.

For ARA 2.1 users: Drag the script entitled "GV 28.8/33.6 for ARA 2.1/OT-PPP" to the Modem Scripts folder, in the Extensions folder, in the System Folder. Select the new script in the Remote Access Setup control panel.

Download the Firmware Updater 1.510