ISA adapter??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bob
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B

Bob

I have a ISA modem that I would like to use again if I up grade to a
new socket 478 motherboard. The only ISA boards that I can find are
around $200. Is there such a thing as an adapter that would alow a
ISA modem to plug into a PCI slot?

Thanks
 
I would be looking for a modem that is outboard serial, and install a serial
port. This would work out cheaper. Or, simply get an outboard USB modem.
Your machine should have a number of USB ports on it.

I have never seen such an adaptor!

--


Greetings,

Romeo E. Albert
============
 
ISA to PCI wouldn't be possible, i don't think.. given the serious
changes in bus widths, and speeds and stuff..
And the fact that there are almost double the number of pins on the
card.
 
Tom.Bioinf said:
ISA to PCI wouldn't be possible, i don't think.. given the serious
changes in bus widths, and speeds and stuff..
And the fact that there are almost double the number of pins on the
card.
Click to expand...
Very little is actualy impossible. A staff of experienced elecrical
engineers and designers with access to a custom chip fabrication
facility could probably whip up something that would do the job in a few
months. But how many millions does one spend to save paying $25 for a
new modem?
 
I have a ISA modem that I would like to use again if I up grade to a
new socket 478 motherboard. The only ISA boards that I can find are
around $200. Is there such a thing as an adapter that would alow a
ISA modem to plug into a PCI slot?

Thanks
Click to expand...


Modems are cheap. Buy another.
 
I have a ISA modem that I would like to use again if I up grade to a
new socket 478 motherboard. The only ISA boards that I can find are
around $200. Is there such a thing as an adapter that would alow a
ISA modem to plug into a PCI slot?

Thanks
Click to expand...


It might technically be possible but such an adapter
wouldn't merely be a mechanical adaptation, it would be
cost-prohibitive.

Typical ISA modem is worth $10 if that, just abandon it and
buy a PCI modem.
 
I agree that I just need to buy a new modem. I just hate the idea of
throwing away (putting in the closet) the obsolete computer parts that
still work perfectly well.

I see US Robotics pci modems at Newegg from $17.50 to about $42 and
more, The one I thought was best was the $42 one.

Is there any difference between modems these days?

Thanks for the advice about the trying to keep my isa modem.

Bob
 
I agree that I just need to buy a new modem. I just hate the idea of
throwing away (putting in the closet) the obsolete computer parts that
still work perfectly well.

I see US Robotics pci modems at Newegg from $17.50 to about $42 and
more, The one I thought was best was the $42 one.

Is there any difference between modems these days?

Thanks for the advice about the trying to keep my isa modem.

Bob
Click to expand...

Almost all PCI modems are "softmodems" or "contollerless". This means that
they are missing a "datapump" and "controller" or just the "controller"
(respectively). The job of these parts is done through software and using
your PCs CPU (as opposed to most ISA modems which were selfcontained with
their own processing power in this regard). There are a few full hardware
PCI modems available and they use the Lucent Venus chipset or a specific
Topic/IC Plus chipset US Robotics also make some for the US/Canadian
markets- In the UK where I live, ALL the US Robotics PCI modems for sale
here are either controllerless or softmodems. The most prominent brands
using full hardware chipsets internationally are Multitech and Actiontec.
There's a great deal of sales hype from many vendors claiming to have
"hardware" modems here in the UK (computer fairs are full of it).
Unfortunately this is usually misinformation from vendors trying to claim
that their Intel/Ambient PCI or Connexant HCF chipset modems (which are both
controllerless designs) are "hardware" modems to make them more saleable.
Yes all modems are items of hardware but some much more than others.

I cant say I blame you wanting to keep your old ISA modem (especially if its
a full hardware unit). I relegated my ISA modem into my old P3 machine and
now use an external serial port modem for backup as well as my broadband
internet feed from a combined ADSL modem/router/printserver. The good thing
about my "new" (actually bought second hand off eBay) external modem is that
it will run independently of the PC so I can leave my PC off during the day
and the modem on its own will take all voice messages and receive faxes.
Here's a review of what it does - you may decide to get an external modem
after all once you read what's possible with a well designed
unit. http://www.itreviews.co.uk/h7-pace-56-solo-review.htm

I believe US Robotics makes an external Message Modem with some of these
features but I don't think you can play back the voice messages without the
PC being on. The oldies were the goodies with modems!

Paul
 
I agree that I just need to buy a new modem. I just hate the idea of
throwing away (putting in the closet) the obsolete computer parts that
still work perfectly well.

I see US Robotics pci modems at Newegg from $17.50 to about $42 and
more, The one I thought was best was the $42 one.

Is there any difference between modems these days?

Thanks for the advice about the trying to keep my isa modem.

Bob
Click to expand...

Software modems have steadily improved over the years and the hit they give
on performance is nil. I like/use/recommend Encore 56K Internal PCI Fax
Modem, Model ENF656-EHW-INPR $7.99

<http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=25-180-001&depa=0>
or
http://tinyurl.com/2snyn

latest drivers
http://www.encore-usa.com/driver.php?id=32

regards

Dud
 
I agree that I just need to buy a new modem. I just hate the idea of
throwing away (putting in the closet) the obsolete computer parts that
still work perfectly well.

I see US Robotics pci modems at Newegg from $17.50 to about $42 and
more, The one I thought was best was the $42 one.

Is there any difference between modems these days?

Thanks for the advice about the trying to keep my isa modem.

Bob
Click to expand...

Will you be using a modem for dial-up internet access?
Will you need use it on an operating system other than
Windows 98 or newer? If so, what OS?

Generally speaking a modern PC is plenty fast enough to have
spare CPU cycles for handling a winmodem, any of them are
limited more by the POTS, telephone system, rather than the
modem itself. For Windows (98 or newer) you can buy just
about any $10 V.90 modem and get fair results. If you need
more than just Windows support though, buy a full hardware
modem, perhaps a serial external would be most flexible.
 
On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 19:19:42 -0800, Bob <> wrote:

You could buy this stuff from IPC /SBC vendors.

What you would need is something like this PCI to ISA Bus Extender kit
http://www.cyberresearch.com/store/product/3228.2.htm

plus a passive backplane & industrial chassis. There would be no way
to use any kind of pci to isa bus extender within a normal pc case.


Like everyone is saying you wouldn't save/gain anything over upgrading
your obsolete modem. Don't even bother with a mobo that supports ISA.
 
I want ot thank all of people who responded to my message. I learned
several valuable facts. I didn't realize that modems had changed that
much. It seems that the modem that one person recomended would
suffice (Encore #ENF656-EHW-INPR--$7.50). The Pace ext. modem was
very interesting also.


To answer some questions that were asked: I am planning on installing
a new motherboard with an intell P4 3.0 chip with 512 or 1 gig of ddr
ram using xp.

Now, I am using a Dell--400mghz--384 ram--Win XP--US Robotics isa
modem. I live 5 miles from a "town" with a PO, gas station, groc.
store, and tavern all in one building--in other words in the middle of
nowhere. So I am at the mercy of dial up.

One reason that I was hesitant to change modems is even though I am at
the mercy of 1900 tecnology with everything having to come through 2
copper phone wires--I connect consistently at 49.2
 
I want ot thank all of people who responded to my message. I learned
several valuable facts. I didn't realize that modems had changed that
much. It seems that the modem that one person recomended would
suffice (Encore #ENF656-EHW-INPR--$7.50). The Pace ext. modem was
very interesting also.
Click to expand...

Whatever you buy, stay away from Conexant chipset modems. More folks have
problems with Conexant than other chipsets. The Encore #ENF656-EHW-INPR is
an Intel chip so if that is the one you pick, no problems.

regards

Dud
 
ISA modem = V90
The new v92 standard should help you improve your connection.
http://www.edgereview.com/resources.cfm?Category=Computing&ID=25
Be sure to install the latest drivers.
Click to expand...


Being a USR modem, it probably didn't support V.90, they
used X2 during that era. USR did later offer a firmware
upgrade for V.90 support though, and "maybe" on their last
generation of ISA did they incorporate that firmware onto
shipping modems. V.92 might be marginally helpful but his
provider (telco) may not support it... I dont' know yet how
good the support is for V.92, especially in less populated
areas.
 
Curious said:
On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 19:19:42 -0800, Bob <> wrote:

You could buy this stuff from IPC /SBC vendors.

What you would need is something like this PCI to ISA Bus Extender kit
http://www.cyberresearch.com/store/product/3228.2.htm

plus a passive backplane & industrial chassis. There would be no way
to use any kind of pci to isa bus extender within a normal pc case.


Like everyone is saying you wouldn't save/gain anything over upgrading
your obsolete modem. Don't even bother with a mobo that supports ISA.
Click to expand...
Amazing! Somebody actually did it. I'd guess that the purpose was to
allow use of expensive laboratory or process control devices on newer
systems. But $600 is a good price if it would allow use of an
irreplaceable card or save spending many thousands on a new one and
having to redesign the controlled system and software.
 
Amazing! Somebody actually did it. I'd guess that the purpose was to
allow use of expensive laboratory or process control devices on newer
systems. But $600 is a good price if it would allow use of an
irreplaceable card or save spending many thousands on a new one and
having to redesign the controlled system and software.
Click to expand...

Right but, & I may be wrong, the engineering of these type of devices
is not so 'out there.' Bus extenders & PCI to ISA bridges are neither
uncommon nor new. The trick, of course, is getting a profit out of a
relatively small number of potential customers once you have combined
these things in to a single package. The price tag is not significant
to some applications but is significantly higher than it would be if
they were able to make & sell a lot more of them (IMHO).
 
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