external usb modem?

Hello,
I have searched everywhere for a modem to buy for my AA1 running Linpus Lite. I know nothing about Linux, but I'm willing to learn. I've found two modems that may work. US Robotics as seen here: http://www.usr.com/products/modem/modem ... ku=USR5637
and this Zoom: http://www.zoom.com/techsupport/dial_up/3095F.shtml
I need a dial-up modem when visiting relatives. I have dsl at home. I've been emailing Zoom support and this is what they said:
From what we have tested our 3095 only works on Linux if you have the latest Kernel. As for installation, the steps should come with the device.
Do I have the latest kernel? From Tech support: It says 2.6.19 or above.
Does the AA1 meet this requirement?
I've also emailed US Robotics about their modem, but haven't heard from them yet.
Has anyone used any external usb modems for dial-up? Is there a simple solution to this problem?
I would appreciate any help as I've been searching for three days and can't find an answer.
Thanks,
Judy

 

According to this link
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=728384
you need a module called cdc-acm.ko which is not installed by default on the Linpus-Acer-One.
This thread on another subject involves the same module: http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=4465
Hopefully not too complicated, it involves downloading a file, putting it in the correct place ( 'as root' ), running 1 command and a reboot.

 

Thanks Jasper! I'll read the threads and try to figure it out. I really appreciate your help. Noone seems to know very much about the AA1.
Judy

 

I have the Zoom 3095 and will install it on my AA1/1G/160G/XP when it arrives in a few weeks. The installation book says the CD contains drivers for numerous OSs including Linux. The CD has drivers in RPM, DEB, and TAR format. One of those should work in your case, likely the RPM. I already have two modems in my dual boot laptop so don't plan on adding the Zoom. I'm using PCLinuxOS 2007 and it finds hardware modems. Mine is a Zonet in the PCMCIA slot. Sorry I can't give you more info.

 

Hi Eddie,
Hope your zoom usb works on your AA1. It should on xp. Linpus is so different, I'm not sure what will work. Don't want to buy any modems unless they will definitely connect. Good to know that I should use the RPM drivers off the CD (my AA1 doesn't have a CD) so guess I'll have to put it on a usb memory and load it that way. Maybe I should have waited and got a 1G xp like you're getting. Thanks for your help.

 

I got a reply from US Robotics about using their usb external modem on my AA1:

"After reading your email I understand that you would need to know if the USR5637 would work under your operating system, we will be more than happy to help you with this matter.

You need a USB modem driver (CDC ACM) compiled into a Linux kernel 2.4.20 or higher or as a loadable module for your kernel. Installation of the modem under these kernels is fully automatic provided your kernel has the Plug and Play module enabled (default). You do not need to install any drivers off the USRobotics installation CD-ROM.



"Hopefully not too complicated, it involves downloading a file, putting it in the correct place ( 'as root' ), running 1 command and a reboot."

Thanks Jasper, but I can't figure out how to put the file CDC-ACM in the correct place.

This blog seems to help me to find the kernel: http://wosten.blogspot.com/2008/08/usb- ... e-one.html

I'll have to research how to be root and run a command. Told you I'm a complete beginner. :shock: I'll check on this forum first.

 

Just to confirm that I have used the procedure recommended by Japser on 8th October and it does indeed allow the US Robotics 5637 to work with the AA1.

 

Hi Dave,
Glad to hear it's working for you. Are you using dial-up internet with the modem? I have Netzero for my mom's house, but I'm not sure I can use it with this modem. I downloaded the file CDC-ACM, but it was zipped and I couldn't figure out how to unzip it. Haven't had much time to work on it lately. Glad you can use the modem. Do you have any tips to help?

 

Thanks for the helpful information about using the USR modem with an AA1.

So far, I've:
- Downloaded the CDC ACM module from the blog shown above
- Enabled right-click menus on my AA1 (see info referred above)
- Set up a root password
- Opened a terminal and logged in as a superuser (enter "su -" and enter yor password)

So close and yet so far! Where (and how) do I copy the CDC ACM file, and do I run it somehow?

Any help would be appreciated.

Best regards, Greg.

 

Hi,

is the folder where this module should be.
Run the command

after that.

Then the system is prepared to recognise devices when you insert them.
--Japser.

 

Hi Jasper;

Thanks, but it did't seem to work. The LED on the modem still doesn't go on when it is plugged in.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks again, Greg.

 

Hi Greg,

You might want to read thru this thread...
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=6686&p=46993#p46993
where I succeeded in getting a USR 5637 modem working on my AAO running linux.

BTW, the light doesn't come on when I connect my modem, so that may not indicate a problem for you. Have you tried opening GnomePPP, going into Setup, & clicking on Detect, to see if it detects the modem?

Chris

 

It worked!

I bought the USR External Modem from Amazon.com model 5637 and got it working... took about 3 hours cause I'm a total newb with using the terminal to install anything. But I just tested it out. I was able to dial out to my cell phone and hear the annoying analog beep from the aa1. Here's some tips.... you'll need your aa1 password for when u first signed on to the computer. the steps of creating a directory after downloading the cdc-acm.ko file can be a bit weird. copy it to the word processor inside of open office and it will all come out on one line and less confusing. on my machine it turned the code below from user to root at localhost. whatever...it worked. other tips: don't give up...keep trying. who wants to write code? not me...if i had to do it over again i would have bought a windows machine and been done with it by just plugging the modem into the usb and loading the drivers. so simple. but hey...saved 50 bucks by buying a linux machine. what else...this is a great little machine over all...really light...and start up is lightining quick. of course it's small memory...but i just bought a usb powered portable hard drive with 160 gb for 80 bucks off amazon too. i got the aa1 from newegg no returns for 280.00 i think the modem was around 50.

linpus is a weird name... reminds of when we where kids and would call each other a puss. don't be a puss! with the ooo sound for u. LOL or is it puss like the us sound for when you squeeze a zit! LOL gross! anyway...just follow the directions if you need to get the usb external modem to run on your acer aspire one. good luck...and 't drop me a line...i'll be a way for a while so won't be able to respond right away.


Anyway follow these directions to get the usr external usb modem to run on the linpus:


I recently received my new Acer Aspire One 110l and must say i am increasingly falling in love with this machine. It's easy and usable out of the box, but I missed the ability to use it with my Nokia N95 as a HSDPA/3G/Edge/GPRS modem.

The main reason for the One's problem is that is missing the kernel module (cdc-acm) and an easy program to dial up. I will try to explain the steps necessary to make the N95 (and probably other devices) usable with the One. I hope the procedure and kernel module below is helpful. It certainly works flawless for me, and i hope it can help you as well. If you get it to work with other devices, please post a comment below.

Procedure

1. Compile, or download the module cdc-acm.
I will not go through the procedure for compiling the module, but supply the module I have allready compiled. This one shold work as long as an update does not change the kernel version for the One. This is rater unlikely, and should it happen i will try du release an updated version shortly. Download cdc-acm
here (box.net)
or
here (Adrive.com)

2. Move the module to the right directory (/lib/modules/2.6.23.9lw/usb/class/):

Open a terminal:
Alt+F2 -> terminal ->enter

[user@localhost ~]$ su -
[user@localhost ~]# mkdir -p /lib/modules/2.6.23.9lw/usb/class
[user@localhost ~]# cp /path/to/downloaded/module /lib/modules/2.6.23.9lw/usb/class/
[user@localhost ~]# mknod /dev/ttyACM0 c 166 0
[user@localhost ~]# depmod -a
[user@localhost ~]# modprobe cdc-acm

3. The next step is to install an easy-to-use dialup application. I have chosen gnome-ppp for this job.

[user@localhost ~]$ su -
[user@localhost ~]# yum install gnome-ppp
Answer Y to any questions
4. Configure gnome-ppp:
* Start gnome-ppp Alt+F2 -> write "gnome-ppp" hit "Run" and enter your password.
* Username: (providers username)
* Password: (providers password)
* Phone number: *99#
* Push -> "Setup"
* Under the Tab: "Modem"
* Device: /dev/ttyACM0
* Type: USB Modem
* Speed: 460800
* Under the Tab "Networking"
* Check: Manual DNS (Automatic does not seem to work)
* DNS 1: 208.67.222.222 (OpenDNS)
* DNS2: 208.67.220.220 (Open DNS)
* Under the Tab: "Options"
* Check "Dock in notification area"
* Push Close

So that's in a nutshell... the credit all goes to this guy at this link: http://wosten.blogspot.com/2008/08/usb- ... e-one.html

He is some kind of linux genius... they're a lot out there.... Thank God for linux geniuses and computer geniuses in general...that way all of us code illiterates can still use computers...

Well anyway...have a Merry Christmas!!!

 

Thank you! Worked a treat!