This early model came with no instructions and was simply placed inside a small plastic baggie. But upon removing it from its comfy wrappings one thing became very clear: this new WiFi modem for the Amiga (and other retro-computers) is a really solid build. And, having used Jim's WiModem for the C64 I knew it was going to be drop-dead easy to use.
There are two WiModem models to choose from - you can either get one with or without an OLED screen. The modem costs $44.95 or $54.95 if you want one with an OLED screen. After having used Jim’s WiModem for the C64 with an OLED screen for some time now, for me personally the decision was a no-brainer. I just love the screen’s look and helpful UI feedback to inform me of the modem’s status.
At first I did briefly wonder what to do. But knowing Jim’s attention to detail and user-focused approach (and the very similar name to his C64 product), I actually pulled up my manual for the C64 WiModem that Jim wrote and followed the exact same setup steps. First, obviously, you plug the modem into your serial port.
Next, you plug it into external power as the modem is powered via a built-in mini USB jack - exactly the same setup as the Paul Rickards modem.
Simply plug in a standard USB A to mini-B cable into any USB power jack that is capable of providing 100mA of power at 5v DC.
Immediately the modem will seek out your router but of course it won’t know where to look.
So you fire up an ASCII-capable terminal program. I used A-Talk III, which I describe here and you can download here. Here is the manual, in case you need that, too.
Once you launch your terminal program, you need to set its baud rate to 300, otherwise either your keyboard won’t work or it’ll spit out garbage characters.
After that, simply type
ATI
This will initialize the modem and after a few short moments you’ll see it tell you something similar to the following:
WiModem232 – (C)2017 By Jim Drew
Firmware:v1.1-08/06/16
Baud:300
SSID:No Router!
MAC:8C:F2:13:7F:CF:5D
IP:0.0.0.0
Next, you’ll need to seek out your wireless router.
Type:
AT*N
After a few seconds, a list of all of the available routers will be displayed. Assuming it sees yours, you’ll then attach to it (this is case sensitive!)
Type:
AT*SSID [name][,password]
Ex:
Code: Select all
AT*SSID MyNetworkName,Password0987
Once it is on your network, you can set your modem to faster speeds. It’s capable of very fast speeds, but I only use mine (currently) for BBS’ing, so I set my modem to 9600 which seems to be one of the most speedy and stable speeds I’ve run across.
To do this, type
AT*B [baud]
Ex:
Code: Select all
AT*B 9600 <RETURN>
You can get yours here.
Note: There is a 3D printable enclosure that is currently in the design phase and the file will be released to the public soon after QA tests prove it to be ready for release.
Here are the specs from the CBMStuff.com product page:
- WiModem232 is an internet modem for any computer with a RS-232 interface port that emulates a standard Hayes compatible modem. Just plug the WiModem232 into the "serial" port and connect to BBS's all over the world!
- The WiModem232 requires access to your local router and supports easy WiFi setup, including WPS one-button setup!
- Firmware updates are done using a simple command that fetches the latest firmware from the CBMSTUFF.COM server and updates the WiModem232 - all without ever having to remove the WiModem232 from your computer!
- The WiModem232 hardware supports 300 baud to 115200 baud. Note: the terminal software you are using determines the maximum baud rate.
- This version of the WiModem232 does not come with the OLED screen.
- The WiModem232 requires external 5v power. Connect any 5v source (PC, phone charger, etc.) using a cable having a Mini-B type USB connector.
- Unlike other WiFi solutions, the WiModem232 controls ALL of the standard RS-232 lines: Rx, Tx, RTS, CTS, DSR, DTR, DCD, and RI. This means that you can use the WiModem232 to run a BBS!
- A DB25 to DB9 or RS-232 gender changer may be required for your particular computer. These are available separately. The WiModem232 uses a DB25 female connector (plugging into a DB25 male port)