K56 flex incompatibilities The actual result will look something like "V0.519DHY-K56_DLS". The "V0.519" is the version number in this case, indicating that this is K56flex 1.0 (old) firmware.
Connecting at 33.6 or less when dialing a Livingstone Portmaster K56flex modem rack. These are used by many ISPs including ClaraNet.
Livingston Portmasters use Lucent chips which implement K56flex 1.1. Some Rockwell-based K56flex modems still use K56flex 1.0.
Understanding the version numbers
The 1.0 and 1.1 terminology is a little confusing, because it does not match the firmware version numbers. To determine your modem's K56flex version, type "ATI3" in Hyperterminal (see below and press the enter key. Here's how to match the ATI3 response to the K56flex version:
ati3 result=less than 1.0 -- K56flex version = 1.0
ati3 result=1.0 or greater -- K56flex version = 1.1
The modem manufacturer will need to issue a firmware (flash) update to upgrade your modem to K56flex 1.1. Until then, you'll be limited to V.34 speeds (up to 33.6K). Check the firmware updates page at www.56k.com to see if there is a new version for your modem.
You can easily tell if you're dialing a K56flex 1.1 modem because of the extra tone at the beginning of the connection sequence. You will need to turn on your modem speaker to hear the sound, or you can simply call your ISP with a telephone and listen for the sound.
Some owners of "cheap" unbranded K56s may have difficulty in finding a flash to work with their modem - I have looked for ways around this, but the conclusion is that you must find out who the manufacturer is, and hope they can supply you with it!
(Experience shows that most unbranded modems are made by Askey, Well, or Modular Technology - check the manufacturer's list for the websites.)