The author investigates strange, rhythmic noises emanating from a US Robotics Courier V.Everything 1670 external modem. Initially suspecting a failing capacitor, they systematically eliminated various hardware components as the source, including the power supply, cable, and phone line. Ultimately, the culprit turned out to be a loose metal plate inside the modem vibrating against the plastic casing at specific frequencies, likely due to the interplay of electrical signals and component vibrations within the device. Tightening the screws securing the plate resolved the issue. The author reflects on the challenge of diagnosing such elusive hardware problems and the satisfaction of finally pinning down the root cause.
In a blog post titled "More thoughts on the 1670 modem's weird noises," author Rachel Kroll elaborates further on her previous explorations of the unusual auditory characteristics of her U.S. Robotics Sportster 1670 modem. Having previously hypothesized that the curious, almost musical sounds emanating from the device were potentially related to the negotiation process between her modem and a remote server, she delves deeper into this theory by conducting a series of controlled experiments. Utilizing a specific Bulletin Board System (BBS) known for its consistent behavior, she systematically documented the audible variations during the connection handshake. Kroll meticulously describes the distinct phases of the connection procedure, highlighting how the sounds shift and change as the two modems exchange information and settle on optimal communication parameters. She notes that the initial cacophony of seemingly random tones gradually evolves into a more structured sequence, suggesting a progression through different stages of the handshake protocol.
Furthermore, Kroll draws a compelling comparison between the auditory feedback of the modem and the rich information relayed by the verbose logging feature of her terminal emulator, minicom. She meticulously outlines the parallels between the discrete sounds emitted by the modem and the corresponding log entries displayed by minicom, arguing that the aural output is, in effect, a sonic representation of the complex digital dialogue unfolding between the two modems. This analogy underscores her central thesis: the seemingly strange noises are not random artifacts but rather a direct auditory manifestation of the underlying communication process. She elaborates on the different stages of this process – the initial training sequence, the establishment of error correction protocols, and the final synchronization – and posits that each stage has its own distinct sonic signature.
Finally, Kroll reflects on the broader implications of her observations, expressing a sense of wonder at the intricate complexity hidden within these seemingly mundane sounds. She emphasizes the value of attentive listening, highlighting how careful observation of even the most commonplace technological phenomena can yield surprising insights into their underlying workings. She concludes with a renewed appreciation for the intricate beauty of this vintage technology, urging readers to embrace the opportunity to explore the hidden depths of the digital world through a closer examination of its sonic landscape.
Summary of Comments ( 23 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43281893
HN commenters discuss the nostalgic appeal of the 1670 modem's sounds, with some sharing memories of troubleshooting connection problems based on the audio cues. Several delve into the technical aspects, explaining the meaning of the different handshake sounds, the negotiation process between modems, and the reasons behind the specific frequencies used. The infamous "Concord jet taking off" sound is mentioned, along with explanations for its occurrence. A few lament the loss of this auditory experience in the age of silent, high-speed internet, while others express relief at its demise. There's also discussion of specific modem brands and their characteristic sound profiles, alongside some speculation about the article author's connection issues.
The Hacker News post "More thoughts on the 1670 modem's weird noises" (linking to an article about the unusual sounds of a U.S. Robotics 1670 modem) sparked a modest discussion thread with a few interesting points.
One commenter, going by the username
dredmorbius, offered a detailed explanation of the sounds the modem makes during its connection sequence. They break down the different phases, from initial handshaking and training, through to the establishment of a stable connection. They highlight how the changing pitches and rhythms reflect the modem's negotiations with the remote system, adjusting its parameters to optimize the connection quality given the line conditions. This comment provides valuable technical insight into the inner workings of the modem's connection process and helps demystify the seemingly random noises.Another commenter,
glenbot, notes the nostalgia associated with these modem sounds, recalling them as a familiar soundtrack of the early internet era. This resonates with the original article's sentiment and adds a personal touch to the technical discussion.A user named
pjmlpquestions whether the specific model mentioned (Courier) was actually a 1670. They seem to remember it being a different chipset (Rockwell) and using V.32bis instead of V.34, leading to a speed difference. This introduces a potential factual correction to the original article and sparks a small side discussion about different modem models and their capabilities.Another comment, from
random_guy, briefly mentions how the article brought back memories and also adds some additional context by noting that the Courier modem used different protocols. This adds to the nostalgic element of the thread while also reinforcing the point made bypjmlpabout potential inaccuracies in the original article regarding the modem's specifications.While the discussion is not extensive, it offers valuable technical insights, nostalgic reflections, and even a potential factual correction to the original article, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in the history and technology of dial-up modems.