ModMon

ModMon stands for Modem Monitor. It's a handy tool that shows you the real-time status of your computer's modem for a specific COM port. So, whenever your modem's status changes, you can see those updates right away in the display table.

Understanding ModMon's Display

In this display, ModMon uses symbols to let you know what's happening. A "ú" (light bullet) means "off" or "low," while a "Û" means "on" or "high." To check your modem's status on a specific COM port, just type ModMon #, replacing # with the COM port number you want to check. If you want to hear a beep when your phone rings, add the /b switch. But if the COM port you're checking isn’t connected to anything, you won’t see any symbols in the table. For instance, if you type MODMON 3 and there's nothing on COM 3, the table will stay blank.

How to Use ModMon

If you've got a modem on COM 2 and want to keep an eye on it while also hearing your phone ring through your computer speakers, just type: ModMon 2 /B.

The Indicator Names Explained

Here’s a quick rundown of what each indicator means:

• CCT: Change in "clear to send"


• CDS: Change in "data set ready"


• CRI: Change in "ring indicator"


• CDC: Change in "data carrier detect"


• CTS: "Clear to send" set high


• DSR: "Data set ready" set high


• DCD: "Data carrier detect" set high


• DCD: Data carrier detect set high

A Closer Look at Key Terms

You might be wondering what some of these terms mean. Here's a breakdown:

• Clear to send: This means the modem is all set to receive data from the PC.


• Data set ready: The modem is powered up and ready for action.


• Ring indicator: Your phone line is ringing! When it does, RI stays high (or on), letting your PC know about it.


• Data carrier detect: The modem is connected with another modem!