Using DirecTivo over Vonage (VoIP) - a solution

[StephanWolf]

I just now got Vonage, and have spent the last couple of days trying to get my Directivo to make a successful call. Thanks Strange_69 for your info, it has been a life saver. I got my Vonage ATA (Motorola) from Best Buy, and thought why not get a DSL Filter while I'm here to save some time. They had the Linksys BA2LF Ver. 2 DSL Filter. I got it to successfully do the Test Call once, and never got it to successfully do the Daily Update or Retrieve Local Numbers. I finall gave up and went to Radio Shack. I got the one line DSL Filter (Strange_69 has the 2 line Filter). It successfully made the first Test Call, but failed the first Daily Call. I tried the Test Call again, which succeded, and the tried the Daily Call again. This time is also succeded. I have not tried the Retrieve Local Numbers.
Here is my configuration

Directivo model: HDVR2
Software Version: 3.1.1c-01-2-151
Dialing Prefix: *70,*99,1918 (918 is my area code)

ADSL Filter: Radio Shack single line.

Vonage ATA: Motorola
Vonage Call Quality/Bandwidth is at highest setting.
ATA is behind a router. I had the ports forwarded, but this was interfering with my VPN connection, so I turned them off. Vonage is still working without any port forwarding.

Netgear 814 router.
Cox @Home Broadband Cable service.

Hope this helps. It is looking very promising.

[terminaldawn]

Originally posted by StephanWolf

Dialing Prefix: *70,*99,1918 (918 is my area code)



*70 is to disable call waiting i know, what is *99 for??? Just wondering becuase i am curious if this has something to do with why it is working for you?

[StephanWolf]

Sets the ATA in fax mode.

[skaeight]

Originally posted by StephanWolf
Sets the ATA in fax mode.

Do you have to pay vonage for a fax line to use this?

[CegaRazoR]

Does anybody know what code or prefix should I set in my Dtivo RCA DVR 40, in able to work with vonage ip.

Thank you very much.......

CegaRazoR

[CegaRazoR]

how does it work DTivo DSR 6000 with ( VoIp ) on Internet Satellital Conection... it is posible..?? thanks


CegaRazoR

[tivocat99]

Originally posted by strange_69
I heard that getting a DSL Phone Filter would help but figured that I didn't need one since I was using a cable modem. Well, I was wrong. I figured "what the heck" one day while I was at Walmart and picked up a six dollar RCA DSL Phone Filter. I tried it out and things started to get better. So then I went to Radio Shack and bought a 2-line DSL Filter for $18s and tried it out. Better still. Just for S&Gs I took off the ,#319 dialing prefix and tried a test call. Jaw drop. It made it past the Dialing Phase!!! Next I plugged the filter into my DirecTiVo and made a successful test call!!! And then a successful daily call!!!!!!!!!!! I hope that this helps everyone.


So just to confirm... you are running phone cord from DirecTiVO to DSL filter, then from DSL filter to phone jack/Vonage?

[strange_69]

At first I plugged the filter into my DirecTV Tivo, which worked. Then I tried plugging the filter directly into my MTA (Moto Box) which also worked.

[astribli]

Wow, I'm gonna have to try this. What an easy solution!

[tivocat99]

Originally posted by strange_69
At first I plugged the filter into my DirecTV Tivo, which worked. Then I tried plugging the filter directly into my MTA (Moto Box) which also worked.

Thanks strange_69.... I saw your reply also under another thread where they were talking about plugging the DSL filter in backwards. Is that what you've done? Or does it work both ways for you?

[Billy66]

I plug it into the Dtivo backwards because I only have one to worry about. If you have multiple units, one filter can handle the entire house on the back of the MTA.

[tivocat99]

Originally posted by Billy66
I plug it into the Dtivo backwards because I only have one to worry about. If you have multiple units, one filter can handle the entire house on the back of the MTA.

Backwards or forwards when hooked to the MTA? Or does it seem to matter? Thanks.

[vipergts450]

I don't think you can plug it into the ATA backwards.

If we're talking about standard DSL filters (the ones that have an RJ11 plug on one end, a wire from the jack to a small box with an RJ11 jack in it) then I think you would put the plug end into the ATA and then all your phones into the filter.

[tivocat99]

Originally posted by qposner
I have all the phone jacks in my house wired for Vonage. I assume the wireless modem adapter is not necessary if I run a phone cord to a nearby jack (either from the DSR6000 or external 28.8 modem)? Let me know if I am missing something!

Thanks,
Quinn


Would appreciate any advice/input from those of you who have successfully connected Vonage to your existing telephone wiring. How complicated is this? What is the process? Seems like it would be the easiest way to accomplish DirecTiVO hookup AND get my Vonage to work with my alarm system. OK to email me direct at ccox29@myway.com . THANKS!

[strange_69]

Basically all you need to do is find where your POTS wires connect with your home phone wires and disconnect them. You could unplug outside in your junction box but just be aware that someone (telephone man) could plug the wire back in and cause damage to your MTA. Once you have disconnected from POTS then check the voltage on you home phone lines. If there is no voltage then you are good to go. All you have to do then is plug your MTA into you home phone lines. Hope that helps.

[astribli]

Well, what a disappointment. Tried both the single and dual DSL filters from Radio Shack to no avail.

Actually seems like it connects worse using the dual line filter.

Can pass the test call, but making the daily call either hanges up on Getting Account Status, or downloading messages.

Even tried using the filter with the external modem and it doesn't help reliability at all.

So, don't know what the DSL filter is doing for some of you but it isn't helping me at all.

What phone numbers are you dialing?

Was thinking that since Vonage has to first go over the Internet to their local site, then out to the various phone switches around the country, I wonder if it makes a difference in what phone number Tivo is calling. Maybe it is possible that some of you are dialing a phone number that is pretty close (distance and number of hops) to Vonage's main site. This would reduce the latency of the signal and therefore increase effective modem bandwidth.

Thoughts ?

[astribli]

Wow, no responses. That's sad.....

[k2ue]

Originally posted by astribli
Wow, no responses. That's sad.....

There is nor reason the DSL filter SHOULD do anything, unless you have DSL (which a Vonage customer wouldn't have by definition -- if he did he would have a POTS line available). I can only speculate that some few portals have far better characteristics that other -- I'm using PPP at some effort and expense because I could find NO magic bullet at my location, including the use of external modems.

[astribli]

But others say it has helped them. Maybe due to quantization noise errors in Vonage's digitizer circuitry? Using a filter helps reduce the amount of noise on the line and therefore the better quality of digitizing an analog signal?

[k2ue]

Originally posted by astribli
But others say it has helped them. Maybe due to quantization noise errors in Vonage's digitizer circuitry? Using a filter helps reduce the amount of noise on the line and therefore the better quality of digitizing an analog signal?

But when it helps in a non-reproducible way it illustrates that what was being helped is unusual and possibly unique to that case. An example would be induced spikes from being too close to a fluorescent balast -- a filter might help, but it is rare to have such spikes at a problematic level, and removing them doesn't affect the fundamental BW problems of modem-over-VOIP, but it might improve success at that one site.

[astribli]

Good point, probably just filtering out some noise. Still don't understand why the internal modem has problems in the first place.

Since modems were invented, or thereabouts, they have always had the ability to ratchet down to slower speeds if there is too much noise or too many errors. What kind of modem is Tivo using that doesn't know how to do this well? I can't imagine it doesn't have that ability since they have to work in all parts of the country with possibly all sorts of outdated phone lines and equipment.

Why should using Vonage matter anyway. I send and receive faxes all the time via Vonage without any problems. So what if it is limited to 14.4 or 9.6 kbps. Since I am a Realtor, I sometimes fax 20-30 pages of stuff, that takes 45 minutes, using Vonage with no problems. Extremely rare that I lose the connection.

Just doesn't add up to me. There must be something funky with the tivo modem.

[Wisegoat]

1) Is anyone using Packet8?

They are the #2 company after Vonage. I have had both and other than a different ATA, both are the same. I was wondering if anyone has tried this over Packet 8's service.

2) Aren't the DSR6000's and the SD-DVR40's the same box, just different names? That is what Weaknees website says.

I would like to know, as I am sick of the nag screen. Plus I want the HD TiVo and this probably applies to it as well. I would also like to 3.1c update as well. Thanks to all for the help.

[voodoovid]

pornogoat,

Packet8 does Not work with modems or faxes. As soon as it hears a modem connect signal, it disconnects.

I've talked to tech support, and they say the hope to have this service available "soon"......

BTW, I've found Vonage voice service to be far superior to Packet8 (which has way too many lost voice mails, and unexplained failure of phone to ring when called).

voodoovid

[astribli]

Voice quality of Vonage is the same or better than the local. People I talk to don't know the difference or in some cases said we sounded better than before. This thing with the modem and Tivo just doesn't add up though. Works with faxes just fine, but Tivo has a problem. Why ?

[aristoBrat]

A fax transmitting at 14.4kbps and a DTiVo modem trying to connect at 56kbps are entirely two different beasts.

They've had "We do not currently support DirecTV and TiVo connection through the Phone Adaptor. We anticipate a solution shortly." on their website forever.

[Wisegoat]

Packet 8 does have the occaisonal phone drop. They have upgraded their servers recently, so the Voice Quaility issues have pretty much gone away. Vonage doesn't have a number near me, so all of my calls were long distance and people had to call long distance to get me. So I cannot even try the modem idea? Oh well, maybe I will have to try Serial PPP.

[valand_krisban]

Originally posted by pornogoat
Oh well, maybe I will have to try Serial PPP.

Once you go to PPP, you'll never go back to the dialup or external modem.

I have DirecTivo #1 hooked to my PC via serial, but my DirecTivo #2 doesn't have a PC near it, so I'm moving both to serial over ethernet to PPP. The adapters I'm buying are http://www.neteon.net/prod.asp?p=18. There may be other brands and dealers, and I'm not endorsing this one in any way as I have no history with them or the actual product yet.

I've used similar adapters to hook HP-UX servers to Fanuc controllers on the shop floor over long fibre runs. They worked execellent. I hope these will work as good for the DirecTivos. Granted, this setup may seem like overkill, but they are cheaper than buying PC's, quieter than PCs, less bulky than PCs, and you will only need 1 PC stashed out of site/ear shot that can see all of the serial adapters and do the PPP. The adapters even have a Linux tty device driver in case you live outside the Gates world (I often do).

[k2ue]

Originally posted by valand_krisban
Once you go to PPP, you'll never go back to the dialup or external modem.

I have DirecTivo #1 hooked to my PC via serial, but my DirecTivo #2 doesn't have a PC near it, so I'm moving both to serial over ethernet to PPP. The adapters I'm buying are http://www.neteon.net/prod.asp?p=18. There may be other brands and dealers, and I'm not endorsing this one in any way as I have no history with them or the actual product yet.

I've used similar adapters to hook HP-UX servers to Fanuc controllers on the shop floor over long fibre runs. They worked execellent. I hope these will work as good for the DirecTivos. Granted, this setup may seem like overkill, but they are cheaper than buying PC's, quieter than PCs, less bulky than PCs, and you will only need 1 PC stashed out of site/ear shot that can see all of the serial adapters and do the PPP. The adapters even have a Linux tty device driver in case you live outside the Gates world (I often do).

I'm using that Serial-over-ethernet adapter (with an additional segment over HomePlug ethernet-on-powerline) with complete success. Just stick with all fixed IP's to keep it painless.

[valand_krisban]

Originally posted by k2ue
I'm using that Serial-over-ethernet adapter (with an additional segment over HomePlug ethernet-on-powerline) with complete success. Just stick with all fixed IP's to keep it painless.

Thanks for the feedback!

[ckelly5]

quick update. I responded to another post regarding no phone line setups, and thought I should update here too.

...

I tried everything to get a consistent connection, including external modem, DSL filters (people say they have worked!) on the vonage connection. I would occasionally get a solid connection and the "C" software would start downloading. It took about 6 weeks of these connections and about 800 minutes of Vonage time, but I was able to get the full download. Kinda funny because that finished downloading the day after I decided to get a landline. I was fed up with it not consistently connecting. Verizon let me get a basic line with no frills and no long distance (just locals and 800 #'s - exactly what I needed) for $19/ mo which was only a few bucks extra than the base Vonage package. For me it was a matter of simplicity when it was all said and done. I feel that the benefits of having a landline for DTivo outweigh the cost, especially after everything I went through in an attempt to get it working.

at least until the dtivo software is updated again to allow broadband connections via USB ;)

[dmk1974]

I have a question related to the Vonage service and maybe getting around trying a wireless phone adapter.

I currently have a Panasonic phone system which has 3 cordless phones connecting via a single base. Are there any such phone systems that might have a standard phone jack on the handset? Why would this make sense? It would seem like an easy way to have a wireless connection that could connect when needed to Tivo boxes (or any device with a modem) that are not wired to the system base (definitely would work without Vonage, maybe would work with vonage).

[astribli]

And like I mentioned in previous posts, why isn't the Tivo modem able to just ratchet the speed down to 14.4 or slower? Pretty simple stuff here.

Originally posted by aristoBrat
A fax transmitting at 14.4kbps and a DTiVo modem trying to connect at 56kbps are entirely two different beasts.

They've had "We do not currently support DirecTV and TiVo connection through the Phone Adaptor. We anticipate a solution shortly." on their website forever.

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by astribli
And like I mentioned in previous posts, why isn't the Tivo modem able to just ratchet the speed down to 14.4 or slower? Pretty simple stuff here.
You'd think, right? All I know is that nobody's been able to figure it out.

[astribli]

Well, patience is a virtue I guess. It finished downloading version 3.1.1c last night.

Is interesting to note that all those times it didn't complete the downloading, it did keep the pieces of the download and assembled them all together again last night to make the 3.1.1c update.

So, I am happy once again.

My Vonage service is fantastic and my Tivo is happy.

[dmk1974]

Do those wireless phone jacks or wireless modem jacks work at all with Vonage and Tivo/DirecTivo? I have seen these Phonex and RCA products, but don't know if they will work with Vonage.

[dodgeboy]

This is a fantastic thread... I've been waiting for someone to figure out how to get an HDVR2 working with Vonage. After reading this thread, I ran out and picked up a Vonage starter kit. I made my cable and tested the HDVR2 with a USR 14.4k over Vonage. It passed with flying colors.

Thanks again,
Dave

[tivocat99]

I have a question about the Phonex and/or RCA Wireless Modem Jacks. On the base that has two jacks, am I running from the Vonage ATA to the Wireless Modem Jack and then from the Modem Jack to the telephone? Is that correct? Then, of course, the TiVO plugs into the Modem Jack extension. (Bought my modem jack set off eBay and the manual wasn't included).

[dem0n2001]

i went the PPP route and am not looking back.....i have a wireless laptop and i just go and update like every couple of days... before that i hadnt done an update in over 2 months... first time i set it up i got all the updates in about 2 minutes....lol

[F18fxr]

Arrrggghhhh!

I tried the dsl filter and that didn't work, so I tried the external modem route and still not having any luck.

I have a USR Sportster Vi 14.4 faxmodem. I built the serial cable as described, being careful with the jumpers and doubled checked everything.

I'm getting "modem not responding ". (I used the ",#319" code).

BTW, I bought the modem off ebay, so I'm not sure if it works correctly, even though I do get a light on the display.

Can anyone help?!?!?

[cactus46]

Try a ',#396' dial prefix. I'm not sure that the 14.4 modem is capable of 19,200 baud? ',#396' slows the modem down to 9600 baud.

Other than that I would guess your home made cable may have a problem if you were able to set up the modem with your PC? Another approach if you have confidence in the modem is to order or use the TiVo-provided serial cable with a DB9-DB25 adapter. What are your dip switch settings?

John

[pigvig]

Do you have a cable to connect the modem to a PC? You can use the Windows program Hyperterminal (Programs...Accessories...Communcations on Windows XP) and use the command ATDT to get a dial tone. Make sure you set the COM port in Hyperterminal accordingly. If that command works, most likely the modem is fine.

It sounds like you are taking the dip-switch approach to programming the modem. I suggest setting the back to default and program the modem using the soft codes. Here are the codes that I used:

AT&R1
AT&S0
AT&N10
AT&U6
AT&W0

NOTE: AT&N10 sets the modem at 19,200 - you'll want to use AT&N6 for 9600 baud. Also, make sure that the #1 DIP switch is set low (down).

Keep the ",#319" code on the Tivo - this tells it to use an external modem.

Also, keep in mind that the slowdown code ",#396" only works on a series 1 DirecTivo. If you are using a series 2, then you'll have to use an external modem.

[tbeckner]

Originally posted by F18fxr
Arrrggghhhh!

I tried the dsl filter and that didn't work, so I tried the external modem route and still not having any luck.

I have a USR Sportster Vi 14.4 faxmodem. I built the serial cable as described, being careful with the jumpers and doubled checked everything.

I'm getting "modem not responding ". (I used the ",#319" code).

BTW, I bought the modem off ebay, so I'm not sure if it works correctly, even though I do get a light on the display.

Can anyone help?!?!? This last week, many people are starting to report success with DirecTivo and Vonage with a Vonage parameter change and Motorola TA firmware upgrade. Before trying all of these other options, you might want to checkout this new information. Search for "Vonage" articles in this forum.

I just got my Series2 DirecTivo working last night. Here's what I had to do in order to get it working.

1) Have Vonage change my packetization rate to 10ms
2) Have Vonage upgrade the firmware in my MTA to the latest version.

After that everything worked perfectly, no codes, external modem, or ADSL adapter.

[pigvig]

Originally posted by tbeckner
This last week, many people are starting to report success with DirecTivo and Vonage with a Vonage parameter change and Motorola TA firmware upgrade. Before trying all of these other options, you might want to checkout this new information. Search for "Vonage" articles in this forum.

The issue has always been Vongage's inability to handle a fast modem speed and the series II inability to accept slow-down codes. If there was a way around this on the Vonage end, that would be great!

[tbeckner]

Originally posted by pigvig
The issue has always been Vongage's inability to handle a fast modem speed and the series II inability to accept slow-down codes. If there was a way around this on the Vonage end, that would be great! Agreed, but at the end of last week a few people started reporting that with the installation of the new firmware, version 17, and a change in the packetization rate to 10ms, from the standard 20ms, that they had no problems getting their Series 2 DriecTivo's, including the Hughes HDVR2 from making trouble free calls. This has been reported on numerous sites. I am not saying that it is true, I haven't tried it myself.

[F18fxr]

I haven't changed the settings in the external modem yet, I will give that a try tonight. I'll also try to hook directly up to Vonage as one of the posters suggested, I haven't tried that method in several months....maybe it will work now.

[aristoBrat]

From reading some of the Vonage posts in other forums here, it looks like v17 of the firmware for the Motorola box is required. You might have to call Vonage to have them update your box.

[Bardman]

I would have to guess that something good came out of the V17 firmware for the Vonage Motorola box.

I have both my HDVR2s connected thru my house wiring into the vonage modem (Just pulled the main phone line out and connected my vonage modem into the phone hub) and they are both getting their routine calls done.

in fact, my hacked (120Gb add on drive) unit in the family room is using 7-digit dialing and had a successful call just yesterday.

Vonage modem info:
Software Version: VT20_01.1.17
Bootrom Version: VT20_01.1.17

[F18fxr]

How do you find the software version?

[pigvig]

You probably have to have the Vonage modem wired such that it is your primary router so you can access the configuration through a browser. If you just have the modem plugged into your network, there is no way to see that page.

[ibleedblue]

Originally posted by F18fxr
How do you find the software version? Plug your ethernet cable from the NIC to the PC port on the moto box. You need to bypass the router (leave the moto box hooked to router) 192.168.102.1 is the IP addy for the moto box. This will get you into the ATA setup. You should be able to find the software version from there. Can't be more specific because I'm at work and the ATA is at home.

[Bardman]

I guess I forgot to mention that part. I have my moto box wired between my Cable Modem and my Router

Cable modem - vonage box - Linksys router - computer & Xbox

Maybe the moto box NOT going thru the router makes a difference for my HDVR2s???

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by Bardman
Maybe the moto box NOT going thru the router makes a difference for my HDVR2s???
Probably. Your config is more likely to give Vonage pretty much all of the bandwidth that it needs. Putting the Moto after the router doesn't, unless the router does QOS, which I don't think most home ones do. :confused:

[scottt]

Had my Vonage box upgraded to ver 17 and set to 10ms. No luck with my HDVR2. T-60 is still dialing fine.

[F18fxr]

Originally posted by ibleedblue
Plug your ethernet cable from the NIC to the PC port on the moto box. You need to bypass the router (leave the moto box hooked to router) 192.168.102.1 is the IP addy for the moto box. This will get you into the ATA setup. You should be able to find the software version from there. Can't be more specific because I'm at work and the ATA is at home.

I still have software v 16e. I had emailed support at vonage for an upgrade like another poster had done, but they haven't upgraded me yet. I'll play with my external modem today and see if I can get that to work.

[pigvig]

Well, I had my Motorola MTA "upgraded" to firmware version .17 yesterday. When I get back from vacation next week I'm going see if my Phillips unit will dial sans external modem. We shall see!

[F18fxr]

Originally posted by pigvig
Do you have a cable to connect the modem to a PC? You can use the Windows program Hyperterminal (Programs...Accessories...Communcations on Windows XP) and use the command ATDT to get a dial tone. Make sure you set the COM port in Hyperterminal accordingly. If that command works, most likely the modem is fine.

It sounds like you are taking the dip-switch approach to programming the modem. I suggest setting the back to default and program the modem using the soft codes. Here are the codes that I used:

AT&R1
AT&S0
AT&N10
AT&U6
AT&W0

NOTE: AT&N10 sets the modem at 19,200 - you'll want to use AT&N6 for 9600 baud. Also, make sure that the #1 DIP switch is set low (down).

Keep the ",#319" code on the Tivo - this tells it to use an external modem.

Also, keep in mind that the slowdown code ",#396" only works on a series 1 DirecTivo. If you are using a series 2, then you'll have to use an external modem.

I get an error when i plug in the code AT&U6.

I'm also not able to change any switches unless I open the modem case. I'm using the cable with the jumpers as described in the OP.

I did test the modem using different codes from another post and got it to connect via my computer, but when I hooked it back up to the TiVo it said "no dial tone". I'm using a Sportster 14.4 faxmodem.

[pigvig]

The code AT&U6 sets the minmimum link rate. You might want to try U3 instead (2400 baud). Maybe it is a problem to set N & U the same. I don't know.

Here is a good modem command reference:

http://www.usr.com/support/756/756-ug/six.html

[F18fxr]

Originally posted by pigvig
The code AT&U6 sets the minmimum link rate. You might want to try U3 instead (2400 baud). Maybe it is a problem to set N & U the same. I don't know.

Here is a good modem command reference:

http://www.usr.com/support/756/756-ug/six.html


Just to make sure we are on the same page, I have a HDVR2, using the cable described in the first post with the jumpers. I've been reading that I may not need some of these codes if I have the jumpers.

I tried using N5 code which takes me down to 7200 baud. But I still get MODEM NOT RESPONDING.

[pigvig]

Yes, you are correct.

You might have to open the case up and check the DIP switch settings (if you have them). I was having the same problem as you and I had to change the #1 switch to low (down) which fixed it.

[F18fxr]

I don't know why I can't get this to work....I didn't find any switches inside the modem.

Guess I'll have to buy one of the ebay specials.

[pigvig]

When the Tivo is trying to dial do the modem lights blink at all? When I was having problems, mine kind of "twitched".

[F18fxr]

No nothing, I observed the lights while it was hooked to my PC and it worked fine.

Maybe it's the codes?

(BTW, thanks for the continued help)

[pigvig]

I would try to borrow a modem from someone and see if that works. Preferably, a US robotics 56k (with DIP switches).

[SecureTalk]

Originally posted by scottt
Had my Vonage box upgraded to ver 17 and set to 10ms. No luck with my HDVR2. T-60 is still dialing fine.

How do you fdetermine the SW version running on the ATA?

BTW my ATA from Vonage is a Cisco 186

Thanks

[pigvig]

Depending on how you have it configured in your network, you can access a configuration web page.

I just emailed Vonage support and they told me mine was not up-to-date.

[aristoBrat]

Is your Vonage box in-front or behind your router?

I'm wondering if they can push an ATA update to a box behind a router... Hmmmmm

[SecureTalk]

My Cisco ATA 186 is behind a Cisco 1710 security router. Vonage wanted to sell me a router, but I opted to use my existing router. Vonage was promoting a Netgear router.

I'll contact Vonage to see if there is a way to access the ATA.

[F18fxr]

Originally posted by tbeckner
Agreed, but at the end of last week a few people started reporting that with the installation of the new firmware, version 17, and a change in the packetization rate to 10ms, from the standard 20ms, that they had no problems getting their Series 2 DriecTivo's, including the Hughes HDVR2 from making trouble free calls. This has been reported on numerous sites. I am not saying that it is true, I haven't tried it myself.

I got the upgrade today and lowered my pack rate to 10ms. I'm able to fully dial now, but it still fails to negotiate. Any more suggestions?

Thanks.

[slideways]

This may be off topic to the thread at hand. But can you run the Vonage line back through the main phone lines in the house?
here's why I ask: my computer is in one room and my DTIVO (Philips) is on the other side of the house. So I'm wondering if I run the vonage back through the house phone lines if that would work?

[lairc]

Yes you can.

michigantelephone.mi.org/distribute.html

[ibleedblue]

Just make 110% sure that the lines are NOT connected to the phone company's lines still. If they are still connected and the line rings, it will fry the ATA. The best way is to disconnect the little RJ11 jack in the phone box where it mounts outside the house. That's what I've done and I backfed every line in my house to the Vonage ATA.

[lairc]

I even went so far as to remove said RJ11 jack from the network interface box.

[F18fxr]

Anyone else having luck with dialing straight through with the v17 upgrade??

[GDN]

Sorry to hear of the problems different folks are having. Don't want to rub this in (in fact - knock on wood) but I've never seen anything much easier than getting Vonage installed and working.

I'm a new Vonage customer - about a month now - the service is great and my Directivos dial and work great through the system.

I don't know for sure - but equipment/hardware may have something to do with this. I know Vonage no longer ships the Cisco ATA (at least that is what I've read - maybe it just didn't have the quality for modem calls) - I've got a Motorola VT1005 running v17 of the firmware. You can connect to the "PC" side of the VT1005 with a PC running DHCP and then http:\\192.168.102.1 and see the status page - click on help - you'll see the version number. You can do this from the "WAN" side.

To further clarify - my Moto is behind a Linksys WRT54G running the latest version of their firmware (actually the modified HyperWRT). I'm using QOS in the router to dedicate some bandwidth to the Moto box and I use 90kb on the "Bandwidth Saver" option in Vonage.

I'll attach a drawing that I did for a friend of my wiring. It's basic - but lays it all out - I looked forever for something that showed all the connections when I first started this and couldn't find it. When you are learning or just starting out - it can be confusing - once you follow it through and see it all together - it's rather simple.

As others mention - I've disconnected SBC from the premise box outside - and the connection you see from Vonage (after it passes through my Brinks alarm) is plugged into one of my normal existing house outlets. I then have my new Vonage phone available and working at all of my existing outlets.

The alarm - was the biggest issue I had - it used to connect out at the premise box - I couldn't get that to seize the line - so I did rewire that portion in the RJ31X box after some research and much trial and error and testing.

[GDN]

The attachment didn't show up with that last post - here it is.

[The Bird]

Alarm systems generally have low speed modems so vonage should work fine with them. The problem here is series 2 DIRECTV TiVo's have higher speed modems that cannot be slowed down.

Your diagram does not show a DVR nor do you say what type of DVR you have.

RJ31x wiring, incoming line to pins 4&5 and house wiring to pins 1&8 then the alarm system plugs into the modular jack. House phones should work with both the alarm system plugged into the jack and not plugged into the jack.

[GDN]

You are right on the RJ31X wiring - I've got a picture of it with the cover off - can post it later if anyone is interested - don't have it at work with me. I mentioned Directivos - specifically - both of mine are Samsung 40hr. I didn't put the DirecTivo's on the diagram because they are simply other devices that plug into the house wiring once I get the Vonage signal to it. Maybe it would make sense if they were on there - but didn't think much of it - since the real problems seem to be with the way people get the Vonage signal to the house wiring. Will work on an update this weekend and post the picture which you described for us - that is what is going on inside of the RJ31X.

[F18fxr]

SUCESS....

After much work I was able to get my oldest TiVo to make a test and daily call, it is now updated.

My newest TiVo is still struggling to download the latest software. It has never made a phone call until now. The longest it was connected was about 30 minutes, I have to keep forcing a call.

I got Vonage to upgrade to v17, packetization of 10ms. For a while it worked with no prefix, but then I hit a wall and it would not work. So I added the ,#401 prefix and it now works. I have to use an adsl filter though, otherwise it wouldn't connect.

[SecureTalk]

Originally posted by F18fxr
SUCESS....

I got Vonage to upgrade to v17, packetization of 10ms.

What brand ATA did Vonage give you? My Vonage service came with a Cisco ATA 186.

How can you determine the version of the software?

Thanks

[F18fxr]

Originally posted by SecureTalk
What brand ATA did Vonage give you? My Vonage service came with a Cisco ATA 186.

How can you determine the version of the software?

Thanks

Originally posted by ibleedblue
Plug your ethernet cable from the NIC to the PC port on the moto box. You need to bypass the router (leave the moto box hooked to router) 192.168.102.1 is the IP addy for the moto box. This will get you into the ATA setup. You should be able to find the software version from there. Can't be more specific because I'm at work and the ATA is at home.

[ibleedblue]

The above was for the Moto ATA. I don't know if it will work on the Cisco ATA as well.

[dtv_guru]

for anybody that would like a yes/no if your dvr is calling dtv using vonage, send me an e-mail w/ your handle and acct# or ph # and i will check at work. depending on reply volume, it may take a few days and i may not get to everybody, but i hope to confirm as many as i can. e-mail is jwinland@mchsi.com

[pigvig]

Originally posted by F18fxr
So I added the ,#401 prefix and it now works. I have to use an adsl filter though, otherwise it wouldn't connect.

I'm a little confused - are you using the code on your older unit or the series 2 DTivo?

FWIW, code #401 is used to activate a turbonet card and I can't see how this would affect your dialing at all.

[scottt]

Is Vonage smoking something? They also show the ,#401 code.

http://vonage.com/help_knowledgeBase_article.php?article=389

[maxview]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
We're super light landline users, so we just signed up for this plan. It beats the pants off of Cox's $45/month bundle.

I'll deal with the DTiVo "not phoning home" daily nag message until DTV releases 4.0, which can "home home" over broadband -- although I'll have to take my DTiVos somewhere with a real phone line for them to get the update. :D

Is this 4.0 that can phone home over ethernet really ever coming for the existing HDVR2s or will it be in a the next generation DirecTivo models?
It will be much faster and reliable over ethernet broadband than a 14.4 modem speed psuedo analog connection through Vonage.

Or will Vonage clean up their connection in the next year so the HDVR2 will dial through Vonage without modification?

[TXTivoUser]

FWIW - my 2 d* hdvr2's work fine over vonage with no speical codes. I'm starting to think it's not so much Vonage (well, to a degree it is) as it is the quality of the phone line from Vonage's systems to what ever modem bank you're calling.

[Sentinal]

So this is really getting old. I've tried the external modem thingy with the special custom-made cable to no avail.
I've tried to get into my cisco ata as described above but I'm assuming it needs to be attached to a machine issuing DHCP addresses and since I don't have a DHCP server other than my Linksys router I can't do that.
I tried the ,#401 ,#019 and ,#096 dialing prefixes and that won't work either.
I have an ADSL filter on the line. Nothing - and I've been trying for almost a year now.
I can't even make a test call.
I read the thing on the vonage website about using the HMO but I don't think that will work for me.
I'm running a Linksys BEFW11S4 v4 router, a Hughes HDVR2 behind a 3COM 3CR29220 cable modem. Ports are forwarded on the router based on this article https://www.vonage.com/help_knowledgeBase_article.php?article=188 and selecting the BEFXS41 model (since they don't have mine listed).
I'm just outside of Seattle, WA.
Can anyone lend any definitive insight as to how I can get this setup to work?
Thanks (sorry for ranting)

[Xipper]

I have been using Vonage successfully now for about 2 weeks. I ran into a few glitches, but it has pretty much worked from the very begining.

Hardware:

DTivo: DSR6000R ver 3.1.0c2-01-1-001
Vonage ATA: Motorola V1000 ver VT20_01.1.17
router: Linksys WRT54GS ver v2.02.7
cable modem: Scientific Atlanta WebSTAR DPX2100
(also tested with RCA wireless jacks model RC926)

I have tested the system with the ATA "in front" of the router and "behind it" with both configurations working. I currently have it "behind" the router with no port forwarding enabled.

Dial codes using: Calll Waiting prefix: ,*99,*70,1
(would not connect with *99 without dialing as a long distance number, thus the 1)

Vonage Bandwidth saver: 30Kbps, 50Kbps, 90Kbps
I was able to get Tivo to connect at all bandwidth settings using the prefixes listed above. I ran into a problem with not getting DMTF tones to work consistently (access bank or 'foriegn' voicemail) at 90Kbps, but so far work fine at 50Kbps. I tested 30Kbps just to see if it would work, please keep in mind if you can't get normal phone calls to work consistenly at 90Kbps you will likely not get Tivo to work.

My success rates for daily calls and test calls connections with the at the different bandwidth saver settings:
90Kbps with no dial codes was 100%; with dial codes 100%
50Kbps with no dial codes was 0%; with dial codes 100%
30Kbps with no dial codes was 0%; with dial codes 100%

I hope this helps someone else, as I was able to find this solution with the help of this forum and a few VoIP related forums.

[namydnas]

I received my Vonage (Mot) box on Monday and was very happy with it. I soon found that my RCADVR40 couldn't dial-up, and then I found this thread. The bottom line is, Vonage has difficulty with high-speed modem connections. There's an easy workaround on Series 1 Directivos, just lower the speed on your modem. Unfortunately this does not work on Series 2. This thread goes into great detail about connecting external modems, serial connections to your PC, and a few other "interesting" ways of solving the problem. One thing nobody seems to realize is that you don't need to use a jackhammer to drill a hole.

All that is required to make a successful call is to connect with a lower modem speed. If you have a series 2 tivo, you cannot (easily) change the speed on your side, but you can let Tivo do the work for you. They have access numbers in cities around the country. Guess what? Not every number is going to connect at 56k. In more rural areas, some will connect at 9600. You have Vonage and are paying the same to the entire country, so pick a different area code, and pick a city there with only one number. I did this last night and can now successfully connect to the service every time, when I couldn't even complete a test call before.

Since so many people here like doing extra work, I'll leave you with this. Connect a modem to a PC, and using HyperTerminal, dial-up to each of the access numbers listed for a given area and document the connection speed you experience. You will then know which number works best for you.

[skaeight]

Originally posted by namydnas
I received my Vonage (Mot) box on Monday and was very happy with it. I soon found that my RCADVR40 couldn't dial-up, and then I found this thread. The bottom line is, Vonage has difficulty with high-speed modem connections. There's an easy workaround on Series 1 Directivos, just lower the speed on your modem. Unfortunately this does not work on Series 2. This thread goes into great detail about connecting external modems, serial connections to your PC, and a few other "interesting" ways of solving the problem. One thing nobody seems to realize is that you don't need to use a jackhammer to drill a hole.

All that is required to make a successful call is to connect with a lower modem speed. If you have a series 2 tivo, you cannot (easily) change the speed on your side, but you can let Tivo do the work for you. They have access numbers in cities around the country. Guess what? Not every number is going to connect at 56k. In more rural areas, some will connect at 9600. You have Vonage and are paying the same to the entire country, so pick a different area code, and pick a city there with only one number. I did this last night and can now successfully connect to the service every time, when I couldn't even complete a test call before.

Since so many people here like doing extra work, I'll leave you with this. Connect a modem to a PC, and using HyperTerminal, dial-up to each of the access numbers listed for a given area and document the connection speed you experience. You will then know which number works best for you.

Why not be a good guy and just tell people which number connects at 9600? Great idea though, I hadn't thought of that.

[Sentinal]

Not a bad idea but how does this address the issue of making a test call? It's a single 800 number isn't it?

[jmhays]

I would also like to know an access number that only connects at 9600. I have already tried all the dialing prefixes. I have 3 DirecTivo's, one works, the other two do not. I have also bought and installed the ADSL filter and that does not seem to make any difference.

[rfischman]

Just signed up with Vonage last week. I have a Samsung SIR-S4040R Series 2 DirecTivo. When I first set up, everything worked great using the ,#034 prefix code.

Last night I decided to have it make its daily call just to check and see if it still worked, the receiver got as far as "Negotiating" and then stopped negotiating and just disconnected. After that, ALL calls (test or actual) fail 100% of the time.

Spent an hour or so on the phone with Vonage trying different things (DSL filter, *99 to put the MTA into data mode, other prefix codes, etc..) None of it worked.

A couple questions:
Has anyone seen this problem crop up before, and if so what did you do to fix it?
ANy suggestions on how to correct the problem?
Is there a list of prefix codes someplace for setting the internal modem to different speeds?

That of course begs the question given some of the posts I read - is the modem in the S4040R even capable of being stepped down??

Bandwidth on Vonage is set to 90Kps. They claim I'm at the latest firmware, and my packetization is set to 30ms (they also say the higher the packetization the better)

Any suggestions/help is greatly appreciated!

[scottt]

Samsung SIR-S4040R is a Series 2 TiVo. Slowdown prefix codes do NOT work on them.

[rfischman]

So the question then becomes... Anyone have any success using this particular DVR with the external modem? If not I'll post my success rate after I try it. Figure the $50 for a modem is worth it not to open up the case and install a TurboNet card plus the updates needed to the software thus violating my warranty (and probably my protection plan)

Also.. Has anyone had any success with packetization at 10ms? I've seen some people say that worked, but Vonage insists it won't?

TIA

[aristoBrat]

Does the TurboNet work with the Series II DTiVo's?

[jmhays]

rfischman,
Read the earlier pages of this post, many are reporting success using an external modem. Also, check on eBay for a cheaper modem, one person said he paid $2 for a modem.

[rfischman]

After reading several posts and suggestions I decided to try one of the approaches - using a dialin number in the NYC area since thats closer to Vonage's entry point into the PSTN (assumption on my part).

Also went on the assumption and statements several folks have made that numbers in large cities may be more reliable then in more rural communities. So.. for my series 2 DirecTiVo here's what appears to be working (9 times out of 10) without an external modem:

DirecTivo dialing settings:
Dialin number: 1-212-920-3005
Dialin prefix: ,#034
Call waiting prefix: *99
Tone/Pulse: Tone
"Phone avail" detector: OFF
Dial Tone Detection: OFF

[jmhays]

rfischman,
Thanks for the info, I will try to connect to that number tonight.

[jj0822]

I've had Vonage with the Motorola box for about 2 months now... tried just about all the suggestions in this thread. Finally gave in and bought the external modem kit off ebay and it works like a charm for both my Samsung series 2 boxes.

Doesn's seem to like the RCA wireless jacks though, so running long phone cords to the modem.

FYI

[jmhays]

Update
I can connect to test the connection when I enter the NY access number given above, but I still cannot connect long enough to get an update. Still testing.

[jmhays]

I just had my packetization rate changed to 10 ms. Still can't download the DirecTivo updates.

[Brando7778]

I am not a wire geek at all, and honestly didn't understand a word RedGrey wrote. *sighs* I don't have either model that's mentioned. I have the Samsung SIR-S4040R Tivo that I bought through DirecTV.

Is there anyway I can set this up? Is there any dialing code I can like ",#019" ?

I tried to use the ",#019" but that didn't work. I connected the phone jack from the Tivo box into the my phone wall jack.

I like Vonnage service, I like the price. I think it sucks that we're penalized for being smarter than the rest of the sheep with landline crappy service *sighs*

Sorry, just me spouting off. If I can't get this to work I don't get to use Tivo. *frown* Any help anyone can give me here would be greatly appreciated.

[Brando7778]

I have been trying to figure out how to change the dial-in number. Problem is, I don't see any place to put in a dial-in number on my box. I want to try Namydnas solution-- it sounds like it'll work for me, but have no clue where to dial-in? Can someone help me with this please?

[OLdDog]

Originally posted by Brando7778
I am not a wire geek at all, and honestly didn't understand a word RedGrey wrote. *sighs* I don't have either model that's mentioned. I have the Samsung SIR-S4040R Tivo that I bought through DirecTV.

Is there anyway I can set this up? Is there any dialing code I can like ",#019" ?

... The codes to slow down the modem ",#019", ",#034", and the others intended to slow down the modem DO NOT WORK on any series 2 DTiVos.

The *99 code in the call waiting prefix places the ATA in the fax mode but that mode is not the same as having an actual fax line from Vonage.

I have two series 1 DTiVos and they both work fine with the dialing codes. However I recently bought a Samsung SIR-S4040R and I could not get it to work at all.

I tried in all combinations:
30 or so different numbers.
a DSL filter connected backwards.
having Vonage use some special setting that others have reported working.

None of these made any difference.

Then I got an external modem from weaknees and went through all of the above and never got past the "Negotiating" stage on any call. (This was better than the internal mode but still no success.)

As a last resort, before giving up and waiting for a problematic software release to enable the USB ports, I set up the Vonage FAX second line. This allowed me to make test calls but it still failed on daily calls.

I reinstalled the external modem and that now works at almost 100%.

I know that some folks are lucky enough to not have to resort to the FAX line or the external modem but my setup required both.

[Brando7778]

HI OldDog,

What do I do with the external modem? I'm willing to try the external modem. What speed does it have to be? How do I hook it up?

I'm sorry, I'm totally clueless.

[willyg]

FWIW-- Vonage just dropped rates. $24.95 for unlimited nationwide calls :)

[jj0822]

I bought the external modem from someone on ebay. It included the cable that connects to the headphone type serial port on the Samsung Directivo boxes I have. The seller included an instruction sheet on which prefix codes to use etc... It worked fine for me without activating a fax line on Vonage.

[Brando7778]

I don't see anything resembling a headphone jack in the back of my Tivo box to put the external modem connection too? Does someone have a diagram they could post or something? Maybe a picture of the type of external modem needed to make it work?

[tivohaydon]

I just hooked up Vonage to my house wiring and things work great...

I have a Series 1 and a Series 2 box connected and they both make successful calls. I have OOL for my ISP, otherwise, no magic was performed.

[jmhays]

Brando7778,
Look here for a picture of the cable you will need:

http://www.weaknees.com/modem_fix.php

[lenard]

I wonder if there is some correlation between using a cable modem and DSL that may present problems. I use a cable modem with vonage, I just hooked it up and it works 100% of the time.

[jmhays]

Originally posted by lenard
I wonder if there is some correlation between using a cable modem and DSL that may present problems. I use a cable modem with vonage, I just hooked it up and it works 100% of the time.

lenard,
Are you refering to Vonage working 100% of the time or dialing out to DirecTV over a Vonage phone line?

I have a cable modem, Vonage, a Series 2 Hughes DirecTivo and a Hughes HDTivo. Neither of my Tivos can connect over the Vonage phone line. They both dial, but they never connect.

[jmhays]

New Update, I bought two external modems to use with my DirecTivo's. Both dial, both connect and both fail on the "Getting Account Access" step.

Anything else I should try?

[Enkidu]

Well, I read through a lot of this forum, and tried a bunch of stuff to make my directivo and vonage work together. I have the RCA80 directivo (2 of them) and couldn't get a daily call to go through for the life of me. Well, I had read a post earlier about metro city dial in numbers versus rural dial in numbers. Well I live outside of metro atlanta and my area code (678) only had two numbers to rural areas. I couldn't get a good daily call with either of them. So I put in a (404) metro atlanta area code, and got the list. I then put in the first number that came up and now my daily call has been connected for 35 minutes so far and counting. ... before I was lucky if I got 2 minutes max.

I did have the ,#034 setting also on the dialprefix. But it didn't work for the rural number. But now that I am using a metro number, and the ,#034 it is working a lot better. So, because there is no long distance on the higher tier vonage, maybe you can try putting in an area code of an area that is a metro area, and see if that works better for you.

Hope this helps someone.

[Xipper]

Originally posted by Enkidu
Well, I read through a lot of this forum, and tried a bunch of stuff to make my directivo and vonage work together. I have the RCA80 directivo (2 of them) and couldn't get a daily call to go through for the life of me. Well, I had read a post earlier about metro city dial in numbers versus rural dial in numbers. Well I live outside of metro atlanta and my area code (678) only had two numbers to rural areas. I couldn't get a good daily call with either of them. So I put in a (404) metro atlanta area code, and got the list. I then put in the first number that came up and now my daily call has been connected for 35 minutes so far and counting. ... before I was lucky if I got 2 minutes max.

I did have the ,#034 setting also on the dialprefix. But it didn't work for the rural number. But now that I am using a metro number, and the ,#034 it is working a lot better. So, because there is no long distance on the higher tier vonage, maybe you can try putting in an area code of an area that is a metro area, and see if that works better for you.

Hope this helps someone.

You seem to be having better luck with your RCA80 over Vonage than I am. I have a DSR6000, which works perfectly over Vonage, and I just picked up a RCA80. Luckily my old landline hadn't gone away yet due to pending # transfer so I was able to at least get it setup and the software update. Since though I have not been able to get it to dial over Vonage succesfully at all. I have tried al the settings I can think of, the RCA80 fails to connect to the # to get the phone list, otherwise I'd try to use the same # you are.

Enjoy your luck, for now I will keep my eyes open for an old external modem at pawn shops and yard sales...I just can't justify the $100 people want for them.

[jmhays]

Xipper,
No, no, no!! $100 is WAY too much! I just bought two on eBay for an average of $28 each. Both of these included the serial connection cable for my series 2 DirecTivos.

[holee]

Feh. Spent the past 3 days getting the DSR6000 to work over Vonage on Comcast. Tried ,#019, #99 and ,#034 on a Linksys ATA.

I give up. SBC has me again. Vonage is really neat. It's really cool. And it kills me that I'm switching back to SBC just for the TiVo, but this is too much of a hassle.

It takes me an average of 30-40 minutes to get through to Vonage CSR. And because I only have one line, I can only test their fixes if I hang up and let the TiVo dial in. The other option is to use up the airtime on my cell phone.

I'm not interested in doing nay more tweaks or hacks to the TiVo to get it to work with Vonage. Maybe when they fix their network I'll switch back to them.

[Xipper]

I think the problem isn't really with Vonage, VoIP was never designed to work with anaglog data transmissions. It would be nice if DTV would fix the problem and enable use of the USB ports for network access. DTV is in the best position to fix this problem but they don't seem to have any interest in giving us the featuers that every other Tivo has. (of course this won't help you DSR6000)

[holee]

Originally posted by Xipper
I think the problem isn't really with Vonage, VoIP was never designed to work with anaglog data transmissions. It would be nice if DTV would fix the problem and enable use of the USB ports for network access. DTV is in the best position to fix this problem but they don't seem to have any interest in giving us the featuers that every other Tivo has. (of course this won't help you DSR6000)

As much as I'd love to blame DTV for this, I'm going with Vonage. I can't expect DTV to have planned for a VoIP service years before Vonage even came into business.

Yeah there's things they can do to fix it, but the fact is it's Vonage's onus to adjust to DTV and an analogue world, no tth eother way around.

I may look into getting a Turbonet adapter though. But not right away. I just cancelled my Vonage service.

[Xipper]

Its not that DTV should have planned for VoIP, they should have planned for broadband. Tivo obviously planned for this, which is where the HMO and network access on a stand alone Tivo comes in. It wasn't that Tivo added those features to make it work with VoIP, and I don't expect or even want a solution to work with VoIP. I want a solution that works without telephone, analog data transmission is lame. DTV is a digital company, I'd expect them to realize that digital is better...or why don't we all rip these antennas off of the top of our houses and go back to a set of rabbit ears?

Seriously though, VoIP is a digital service designed to work for what telephony was originally designed for...voice communication. I've worked with developing VoIP services, I know what a nightmare analog data transmissions are to account for.

Its not as if I am expecting something new and unusual to a DVR.

[holee]

I agree with you that DTV needs to get on the broadband wagon. I misunderstood what you first posted. I can dig that the S1 DTV's don't have broadband support out of the box.

[Cornholio]

This has been a great thread so far.....

Just got into Vonage and it's pretty cool and much cheaper than my other phone service.. I didn't really consider the hassle with the Tivo's. Never gave it much thought or problems with DTV...

I have a Phillips DSR7000R/17 and a Linksys PAP2 ATA.

So far have tried many things, (not the external modem yet) but with this setting the test call works... Which it never did before...

Dial in prefix ,#034
Call Waiting Prefix *99
Tone/Pulse TONE
Phone/Avail Det. Off
Dial Tone Det. Off

The daily call in, I have tried once and failed while negotiating... Just looked at the screen and it couldn't connect the 2nd time either couldn't connect.. Well it's something, more than a complete failure which was what I had before.. I'll add one of the DSL filters and see what happens, before I get into the external modem route...

Just tried the DSL filter, no good... :(

In the next firmware update on the Tivo could they please write a modem speed selection into it... :)

[steveken]

I have the Hughes DirecTiVo box and the built in modem on it. I got vonage a month ago and have been trying to get the DirecTiVo to dial up off and on since then. Last night, I spent about 3 hours trying to get the damn thing to work. I tried all the codes and variations of the codes that are posted up on here, but haven't gotten one to complete yet. And let me say that, yes, I HAVE read through all the posts I can find on this forums, thats why I am asking now. :)

I was getting very encouraged by the fact that it would do up until the "Negotiating" phase of the 3rd step. The only problem is that everytime it reaches "Negotiating", it dies after that. I mean, it will sit there and try it for as much as 10 minutes grand total before it stops and says "Failure in negotiating" or something to that effect.

I have read a few posts on here where people have stated that even if they hooked the DirecTiVo unit back up to a land-line phone, it still sticks at "Negotiating". Is that right?

Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to get around this problem? I know it isn't that big a deal, but I just want to get rid of the stupid reminder message telling me that it hasn't made a complete call in a while.

So, I guess if anyone has anything at all that they can offer me as a hint on what I should do, please PM me or email me or something as I really want to know. This is bugging the crap out of me. THANKS!!

[jmhays]

I finally broke down and bought an external modem since that looked to be the only way people were getting connected. It worked for me with my DirecTivo.

Remember, NONE of the dialing prefix codes work on the series two DirecTivo to slow down the modem speed. I have an external modem on my series two DirecTivo and on my HD DirectTivo (HR10-250) and both dial connect and download the updates just like they were connected to a land line.

I bought both my modems from people on eBay, it looks like there are plenty of these modems available, so don't pay more than $20-30 for the modem and connection kit.

[Xipper]

Are any of these success stories on the Linksys ATA adapters? Or is it all on Motorolla?

If you don't mind, any of you that have had success with interal or external modems please state what brand of ATA you are using.

My series 1 DSR6000R was working perfectly until Vonage swapped out my Motorolla for a Linksys router/phone adapter. It did fix the problem with DMTF tones not working, but it broke the Tivo.

I plan on getting an external modem or 2 to test this out, but I just wanted to see if anyone has had success with Linksys ATAs or not.

thanks!

[strange_69]

steveken,
If you have a serices 2 DirecTivo then the only prefix that will truely work is: *99,*70 No slow-down codes work with serices 2. Period. I noticed that you did not mention using a DSL Filter. The DSL Filter did the trick for me (Note: I don't even have DSL, I have Cable). Buy a good one from Radio Shack. Since you are getting to the "Negotiating" phase, you are very close to being able to complete a call. Hang in there. Don't be surprised if it take several tries before it finaly completes a call. Just keep thinking about how much money you are saving :D Hope that helps.

[steveken]

I tried the *99,*70...thats what got me to negotiating I think. Yes, I am using a DSL filter on the back of the tivo. Its one that I got with my dsl equipment when I had a dsl connection...I am on cable now. I am thinking I might need to take the filter off maybe...dunno.

And just for the record, I tried approximately 100 times last night. I worked on it for literally 3 hours...I was at like 84 minutes used on my vonage account, I am not at a little over 200. I think I have given it ample chances to work.

[strange_69]

Well, that sux. The next step would have to be an external modem or PPP then. Sorry.

[steveken]

I have an old 28.8 modem sitting in the closet, would that along with the $11.00 cable off weaknees do the job?

[dougw]

I also switched to Vonage with the Linksys Adapter. I tried the following to get it to work with my Directivo2.
(1) Tried all the codes *70 etc... with the internal modem.
(2) Installed an external modem using hypter terminal to program it.
(3) Had Vonage try every setting possible, spent an hour on the phone with them.
(4) Had Vonage add a fax line and put the tivo units on them.
Was able to get a little further but nothing really worked.

Then I tried PPP on my two units and after playing around with the setup everything works great. Of course I have to have my computer on but it works everytime.

Seem crazy that I had to buy the serial adapter from Weaknees and also the serial to ethernet adapter (guess its the same as buying an external modem) when my house it fully wired for ethernet and I have 2 USB adapters from my old Series 2 SA Tivo units. Why the network can't be made available is beyond me. So all I am saying is PPP seems to be the most stable approach (for the time being) for people with VOIP.

[steveken]

Well, after thinking about all this, and TRYING to look around on here for information about it, I think I might want to look at the ppp stuff you guys have been talking about.

Can someone please explain this to me, how to hook it up (briefly for the start), and how much it would cost? The cost part is definitely the big thing. The only thing I have found so far required a $130-someodd part....thats just a bit steep.

I guess I just need to know the basics on this whole ppp bit if anyone has the patience to try to explain it. Oh yeah, and if you could, let me know about my previous posts question? Here it is in case you can't find it:

I have an old 28.8 modem sitting in the closet, would that along with the $11.00 cable off weaknees do the job?

Thanks again!!

[libenitz1]

I REALLY didn't want to have to use an ext. modem for tivo to call home over Vonage.

Fortunately when I orginally hooked up the box I still had the conventional pots line. I since switched to Vonage to stick it to Verizon once and for all.

I tried the special dialing instructions after it had problems connecting and they didn't work.

When I pick up my telephone headset it beeps a few times and then turns to the familiar smooth dial tone.

Anyway, I inserted a comma in the call prefix section to give the internal modem the chance to hear the dial tone before dialing.

It worked.

Hope this might help some people avoid the cumbersome work arounds I've been reading about and dredding.

I didn't need any other dialing instructions other than the comma (pause).

[SecureTalk]

"QUOTE" --- "When I pick up my telephone headset it beeps a few times and then turns to the familiar smooth dial tone."

I think the beeps you may be referring to is the stutter dial tone that lets you know you have a voice mail. I'm not sure if it can be turned off or not. With my phone the stutter dial tone is not necessary because my phone has a message waiting indicator light to let me know I have voice mail. Vonage sends some type of signal that tells the phone to light the special light to show there is voice mail. So there is no need to pick up the receiver to check if there is voice mail or not. Once you listen to the voice mail the light goes out. IF it can be turned off somehow it would not interfere with the modem dialing out and yet you could still tell you had messages, assuming you have a phone with a message waiting indicator that is.

EDIT:

Oh I wanted to ad that long ago in the early Vonage days, -- ok not that long, but ever since Vonage was available -- Vonage would leave messages for the customers with notices that they wanted to send people. never received a call that just went to voice mail, they just deposited messaged in my voice mail box. It has not happened in two years or so. But if you don't use voice mail because you have an answering machine, call or log in on the net and clear your inbox, the stutter dial tone will clear and you will get a standard dial tone immediately.

[steveken]

Repost since I got no response from the first:
Well, after thinking about all this, and TRYING to look around on here for information about it, I think I might want to look at the ppp stuff you guys have been talking about.

Can someone please explain this to me, how to hook it up (briefly for the start), and how much it would cost? The cost part is definitely the big thing. The only thing I have found so far required a $130-someodd part....thats just a bit steep.

I guess I just need to know the basics on this whole ppp bit if anyone has the patience to try to explain it. Oh yeah, and if you could, let me know about my previous posts question? Here it is in case you can't find it:

I have an old 28.8 modem sitting in the closet, would that along with the $11.00 cable off weaknees do the job?

Thanks again!!

[Reed]

Wow if I find out you work for Directv with that attitude, I'm going to use a service that doesn't require me figuring out how to get my DTivo to work with my Vonage.

"Hello TimeWarner, yes, I am a Satellite customer, what special offers do you have going?"


Originally posted by aristoBrat
The fact that their modem doesn't work on a Voice-over-IP telephone connection isn't any more of a "connection limitation" than the fact that their modem doesn't work over a Cellular telephone connection.

The product was designed to work over a standard telephone line. It does. To honestly think that DTV is responsible to make it work over every telephone technology is what aggravates me. THE ISSUE ISN'T THAT THE DIRECTIVO DOESN'T WORK, IT'S THAT VONAGE DOESN'T WORK LIKE A STANDARD PHONE LINE. Make Vonage responsible for having VOIP act like a standard phone line and the problem is fixed.

If you want to rant about USB ports not being active so you can make broadband phone calls, post in a "I WANT MY HMO NOW" thread. God knows there are plenty of them here. :rolleyes:

[aristoBrat]

OK, I work for DirecTV.

Buh-bye.

Actually, I don't. But I still think it's stupid for people to shake their finger at DTV and say "your product doesn't work over VOIP" when DTV's said all along that it requires a LAND-BASED phone connection.

Isn't it funny that it's the VOIP providers like VONAGE who are the ones having to make changes (new firmware on boxes, packet timing) and all of a sudden people's DTiVo's are able to dial out?

Yeah, definately sounds like a DTV issue w/ their product. :rolleyes:

[steveken]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
OK, I work for DirecTV.

Buh-bye.

Actually, I don't. But I still think it's stupid for people to shake their finger at DTV and say "your product doesn't work over VOIP" when DTV's said all along that it requires a LAND-BASED phone connection.

Isn't it funny that it's the VOIP providers like VONAGE who are the ones having to make changes (new firmware on boxes, packet timing) and all of a sudden people's DTiVo's are able to dial out?

Yeah, definately sounds like a DTV issue w/ their product. :rolleyes:

Ok, we REALLY needed that. It was completely useful. Next time you want to put up a post such as this, please do us all a favor and after you type it, just hit cancel. We don't really need a flame war or a smart ass point of view.

Thanks.

[Berry Dow]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
OK, I work for DirecTV.

Buh-bye.

Actually, I don't. But I still think it's stupid for people to shake their finger at DTV and say "your product doesn't work over VOIP" when DTV's said all along that it requires a LAND-BASED phone connection.

Isn't it funny that it's the VOIP providers like VONAGE who are the ones having to make changes (new firmware on boxes, packet timing) and all of a sudden people's DTiVo's are able to dial out?

Yeah, definately sounds like a DTV issue w/ their product. :rolleyes:

I know callvantage has made some firmware changes to get DTiVos to dial out.

Has vonage done anything yet?

[tbeckner]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
OK, I work for DirecTV...

Yeah, definitely sounds like a DTV issue w/ their product. :rolleyes: But I bet you don't understand, just like DirecTV management doesn't understand that people are getting rid of the old technology like landlines and what DirecTV should do is allow the use of the broadband instead of the obsolete technology of a modem. Many young people today, don't even bother purchasing telephone service, they buy cell phones. I am over 55 and I would eliminate my POTS service, if it wasn't for my three DirecTivos. Wake up DirecTV, get with the show and get your you know what out of your you know what. It's 2004, not 1998. I have had cable based broadband since 1998 and VOIP since 2003. It is archaic not to allow the option to use broadband and I don't mean VOIP, I mean straight broadband. Who cares if it never works over VOIP, just give us the option that we already paid for, USB and networking. And yes, we paid for it, the same way that DirecTV paid for it, because it is in the DirecTivo box.

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by steveken
Ok, we REALLY needed that. It was completely useful. Next time you want to put up a post such as this, please do us all a favor and after you type it, just hit cancel. We don't really need a flame war or a smart ass point of view.

Thanks.
The point of the post was completely useful: the solution to this problem lies with VOIP providers.

To answer tbeckner's question, yes. Vonage has a firmware update for the Moto boxes and had adjusted some users packet timing which has allowed some users DTiVo's to dial in over VOIP.

Scroll back 10 months in this thread (when the post of mine that Reed just commented on, adding his own smart ass view) and you'd see that this thread was working NOWHERE towards a solution because quite a few people had made up their minds that this whole issue is DTV's fault because the modem slow-down codes don't work on DTiVo's. That's not the problem. The problem is that VOIP can't handle a high-speed modem connection. Again, I stand by my point that the real solution lies with VOIP providers.

If weeding thru the sarcasm to find the point of my messages is too much bother for you, feel free to click on the User CP link at the top of your screen at add my name to your Ignore list.

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by tbeckner
But I bet you don't understand, just like DirecTV management doesn't understand that people are getting rid of the old technology like landlines and what DirecTV should do is allow the use of the broadband instead of the obsolete technology of a modem.
FWIW, I agree. I ditched my landland over a year ago and have had to spend hours hacking my DTiVo's to enable broadband. I shouldn't have to do that.

So do what you need to do to convince DTV management to change their antiquated philosophy -- I'm NOT defending their position -- but don't buy a product that they sell as "REQUIRES A LAND-BASED PHONE CONNECTION" and start giving them hell because it doesn't work over VOIP. They told you that up front. That's all I'm saying. (And when I say "YOU", I don't specifically mean you, tebeckner. I mean "in general"). :)

[steveken]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
FWIW, I agree. I ditched my landland over a year ago and have had to spend hours hacking my DTiVo's to enable broadband. I shouldn't have to do that.


Just out of curiosity, how did you go about "hacking" the DTiVo to work over broadband? From everything I have read, its not really worth the effort just to take the chance of messing up the box.

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
... "REQUIRES A LAND-BASED PHONE CONNECTION" and start giving them hell because it doesn't work over VOIP. They told you that up front. That's all I'm saying. (And when I say "YOU", I don't specifically mean you, tebeckner. I mean "in general"). :)

Actually... Unless they change the wording to specificaly state: POTS, or explicity state VoIP is not allowed....

Most broadband solutions are Land Based... Thus technically, a VoIP connections is Land-Based

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by steveken
Just out of curiosity, how did you go about "hacking" the DTiVo to work over broadband? From everything I have read, its not really worth the effort just to take the chance of messing up the box.

I wouldn't say that.... Sure it is not "easy" but is not all that difficult either.

Provided that you work on a backup copy of your hard drive, the risk is minimal, provided you know how to open a computer case.

The phone piece is just one of the advantages of putting 4.0 on your DTivo, as all the guide data comes down the sat. When you do this, you actualy have to block outbound "calls" of the network card, so it doesn't get terminiated by Tivo.

[whalerfan]

I have been using Vonage for the past 2 months and love it. The only issue that I've had is that I cannot get my DirecTiVo to work at all. I have a RCA DVR40 and am connected to the phone via RCA wireless jack. I've tried to hard wire to the DTiVo but to no avail. Only once have I been able to make a call to the mother ship. Would love to use the USB ports on the back to make calls but I understand that it's way off in the future or another machine for me. I will tell you this, having a phone bill of $27.15 every month and using all the features that Vonage offers is one heck of a deal. My bandwidth on Comcast has not suffered at all. I run 3.2MB normal and 2.9MB when I'm on the phone. If there's any advice other than what I've read, I'd love to have it. One of the finest things that I've done is to tell SBC goodbye.

[aristotlewilde]

I purchased a modem and Tivo serial cable on Ebay. They arrived, and I had to pick up a gender changer in order to connect modem cable to Tivo cable.

I set everything up, and Tivo says it cannot initialize modem. I see that no communication lights come on the modem when I do this.

Anyone have any thoughts?? I am going to try and reprogram the modem myself today (it was supposed to come pre-programmed).

What software would I use to reprogram the modem??

[Shape]

Originally posted by aristotlewilde
What software would I use to reprogram the modem??

Use hyperterminal on a PC. Just make sure that you use COM1 or whatever com port instead of an internal modem. :) You need to program the modem before it will work.

I have POTS, but my modem is fried in the Tivo, so I'm trying to force a daily call over the external modem. So far it is getting stuck at "Negotiating." :(

[Okie]

I recently switched to VoIP through USADatanet and got my tivos to dial out. I have a Telco 211 device from datanet and a DSR6000 and a HDVR2 tivo units. I had to use the external modem for each device to dial out. I will post my configureation below which worked for both models.

The number dialed 1-212-920-3005 (Manhattan North)
Set Dialing Prefix ,#396
Phone Availability On
Dial Tone Detection On

I couldn't get this to work with a local number so I tried several locations and the Manhattan North works every time.

[aristotlewilde]

With an HDVR2 how are you able to get it to dial 1+area code?

[cplater]

I've got a Hughes SD-DVR40 and I just signed up for Vonage. I have the Linksys WRT54GP2 for my Vonage connection. After reading these forums, I've landed at the following settings:

Dial Prefix: ,#019
Call Waiting Prefix: *99
Tone/Pulse: Tone
Phone Avail. Detect: On
Dial Tone Detect: On

I tried setting the Dial Prefix to ,#028 and ,#034 with no luck. It seems that I'm stuck at 19,200kbps, but then again, that's better (slightly) than 14,400kbps.

[Faceman23]

After tons of research on trying to get my Directv Tivo to dial out on a Vonage line I tried this and it worked! Maybe you guys can try it and have the same success as I did. Takes a couple of tries but it does update.

In the area code, section on the phone setup change area code to 877 and dialing prefix to ,#034. Make a test call (mine took two tries) and then try the manual update (mine took two tries as well). Make sure in the Vonage setup you have your call quality set to 90k, otherwise I don't think it would work.

Good luck and hope it works for you too!

[DrGori]

Searching for over a week for a solution, and saw the advice above about setting the area code to 877, then choosing to dial the 1-877 number it provides, and it made a succesful test call, and made a successful daily call.

Wanted to point this out so people would give it a try. Im happy to have Vonage and the HDTivo working without any hardware modifications or external modems.

Excellent!

[Faceman23]

I'm glad to hear that it worked for you too!

[steveken]

Ok, I have a NEW problem. I can get it to dial up and do the connecting phase. When it gets to "Negotiating", it fails. What does it mean when it fails while negotiating???

If it weren't for that, I would have it working. Please, if anyone has any experience with this, let me know.

Thanks.

[cplater]

Originally posted by steveken
Ok, I have a NEW problem. I can get it to dial up and do the connecting phase. When it gets to "Negotiating", it fails. What does it mean when it fails while negotiating???

If it weren't for that, I would have it working. Please, if anyone has any experience with this, let me know.

Thanks.
Try forcing the modem to use a slower speed -- use ,#034 in the dialing prefix. If that fails, try ,#028 then ,#019, and finally ,#014.

[steveken]

So, you are saying that its losing data when trying to negotiate, so its not able to complete that step for that fact?

I have tried the codes you listed....don't seem to work. I am really beginning to come of the opinion that you just really cannot change the data speed like others have said.

Do you have any other possible solutions?

[smassey321]

My Philips stopped working over the Moto ATA in Nov. I finally called Vonage and they said to try a NY area code. 718 worked on the 2nd test and the 1st forced call in. In the past I was 50% at best until Nov when it stopped working all together. Nothing in the prefix. Just a 1 before the 718 number.

[Bart314]

I spent three hours on the phone today with Vonage and DIRECTV. I have two DIRECTVs with TiVo. One connects over the phone but the other one will not. I have tried every code in the book to no avail. Also, Vonage is virtually impossible to use for faxing. I am canceling my Vonage and going back to Verizon.

[cplater]

Originally posted by voodoovid
pornogoat,

Packet8 does Not work with modems or faxes. As soon as it hears a modem connect signal, it disconnects.

I've talked to tech support, and they say the hope to have this service available "soon"......

BTW, I've found Vonage voice service to be far superior to Packet8 (which has way too many lost voice mails, and unexplained failure of phone to ring when called).

voodoovid

According to the changelog (http://web.packet8.net/download/1239_changelog.html) from the latest packet8 firmware, packet8 has added "unrealiable" support for faxes and modems. My packet8 box is on the way, so I'll give it a test w/ my DirecTivo when it arrives.

[cplater]

My packet8 adapter arrived yesterday. I tried setting my DTivo up the same way I had it set up for the Vonage box, and no such luck. I called into their tech support and asked about the "unreliable" support. The rep that I talked to said that he suggests that people use 9600 baud for fax transmissions, when I mentioned that I was trying to get a Tivo to work, he flat out said "that won't work." I might try to give them a call today and see if I can pick their brains to see how long it will be until it is supported. If it is not soon, then I'll be returning the packet8 box, and waiting until Vonage has a POP in my rate center so that I can port my number over.

[cplater]

Originally posted by steveken
So, you are saying that its losing data when trying to negotiate, so its not able to complete that step for that fact?

I have tried the codes you listed....don't seem to work. I am really beginning to come of the opinion that you just really cannot change the data speed like others have said.

Do you have any other possible solutions?

I'm relatively sure that mine would not connect reliably using anything faster than ,#019.

[steveken]

cplater,

you are not using vonage for any of this anymore are you? if not, it doesn't look like you are helping anything much anymore. I am not trying to be rude or anything, but this is completely the wrong topic for you to be posting in now that you have switched to packet8. we really need to start differentiating topics between the different types of service. everyone here is well aware that all services are not the same. hell, even vonage isn't the same for everyone.

but anyway, like I said, maybe you should start up a packet8 topic and let the people on this one talk about vonage and their dealings with it. it might help alleviate any confusion newer people have when looking here.

oh, and just so you know, yes I do realize that there have been other non-vonage people posting on this particular topic. this one just happens to be ">>> Using DirecTivo over Vonage (VoIP) - a solution <<<" in particular. I am just thinking that right now would be a good time for at&t callvantage, packet8, lingo, and all the other services to start their own dedicated topics so we can start focusing on each service individually to help people better.

[captenblack]

I posted this in a Vonage forum, I thought I'd copy it here.

This is my recent experience with DirecTV with Tivo (series 2) connected with Vonage:


I decided to give Vonage a call early one morning a couple days ago to "pick the brain" of a tech support guy.

I asked him all sorts of questions about what he recommends for getting a Directivo to connect using Vonage. I acted like I barley knew anything so he would tell me anything he knows, then I slowly started mentioning things I've heard on these forums and other forums.

His first bit of advice was to use the code: ,#034

He then said I could try: ,#104

I understand that the first code supposedly slows down the Tivo modem a little, but I have no clue what that second code is supposed to do. If anybody knows I'd love to hear.

After giving me those codes he said I could also try using a DSL filter. He explained that it might help clean up the line and allow Tivo to connect better. He did stress that I "keep my receipt" because there is no guarantee it would work.

His advice stopped there and he wanted to end the call, but I brought up something else. I told him I read about "packet size" and how it could contribute to Tivo success. He said I could lower the packet size and informed me that it might help. The default is ".2" he said. He said you can have it at .1, .2., or .3 -- he recommended .1. So I told him to change it.

I also asked his to verify my firmware, he said it was up to date.

The next item I brought up is the fax line. I asked, could having a fax line help in this situation? He informed me that it really wouldn't, and you could use the prefix *99 which is the same thing as having a fax line. I was a little surprised and confirmed that a fax line is basically a permanent line with the prefix *99 "built in". He then said that all *99 does is disable call waiting, and make some other very minor tweaks on the line to make it work better with fax. He said even with that, most of the time users need to slow down their fax machines because the newer, faster fax machines will not work reliably with Vonage. He said its just one of the faults of the technology right now.

This was pretty much all I wanted to know for now, so I thanked him and hung up.

I should mention that I have Vonage running through the internal wiring of my house, something he did not recommend when updating/connecting the Tivo (he said it could cause a lot of interference with the connection). I should also mention I currently have Vonage connected directly to my cable modem, with a router connected to the output of Vonage. I've only had it this way for a week to test this stuff out. I plan to change it back so that Vonage is connected to an output of the router soon (and will run more tests at that point).

I started my DirecTV/Tivo testing. I plugged the Tivo into a phone jack nearby. Started by trying to update the phone number. No success. Tried a few more times, nothing (negotiating failure). I opted to just do a test call with the current number already saved in there. Did not work. I started using prefixes. Started with *99 only. Didn't work. Moved to ,#034 - nothing. Tried them both together, nothing. Then I tried ,#104 with *99 -- SUCCESS. The test call went through. I changed the phone number since it had updated the numbers. New number worked as well. I grabbed the latest download. I then removed the prefix and tried the new number - worked again. Tried an experiment to go back to the old number. It had to dial in again to get a new list, and it didnt work. I noticed I was also having trouble with my internet connection at this time, so I did a full reboot of Vonage and the cable modem. After that, I have had success every time with downloading new numbers, test calls, and daily calls, even with no prefixes.

Final Opinion: I have no idea and I don't expect this success to continue. For some reason the ,#104 code did something early on, but it turned out I really didn't need it after a fresh reboot. Now, keep in mind these calls that have succeeded have been VERY brief calls with no major downloads. I am not sure how it will behave with a major download. It couldbe that changing the packet size helped in my case.

Now if I can only get Vonage to work properly with Brinks security I'll be in good shape!

UPDATE: I moved Vonage to an output of my d-link router and have completed a daily call and test call. When a bigger download is available it will be the true test.

UPDATE/EDIT: I got the home security system working when I plugged Vonage into the last port of my router. I rebooted, and Brink dialed out and made an update.

[RedGrey]

Thanks for all the great responses to this post!

This setup has been working flawlessly for me since I posted it.... until mid December when suddenly BOTH of my DTiVos started failing their daily calls. I checked everything, and finally gave in and called Vonage (fully expecting the support rep to say "We don't support DirecTV receivers over Vonage) but the guy was actually really helpful.

Not only did he adjust my packet size slightly, he also discovered that somehow my Bandwidth saver setting had been changed to MEDIUM (which I would never do). He admitted that it looked like the system had changed it on its own (mentioned something about a maintenance script that could have done it). He set it back to High and now my receivers are back in business.

So.... if yours start failing be sure to check the bandwidth saver setting.

;-)

[Provb3110]

I have a DSR6000R Series 1 unit and recently switched to Vonage. I am using the internal modem in the unit. My router is the Linksys Broadband Router w/2 phone ports.

I have tried all of the dialing prefix suggestions and when testing the new settings, it always fails. (Failed. Couldn't connect) I wonder how so many people with the DSR6000's are able to configure theirs to work.

Has anyone seen any other suggestions other than using anexternal modem?

Another possibility...I have a problem w/the router that Vonage knows about. There is noise on the line even at the highest bandwidth. They have ordered new routers to replace these and they should be in in a few weeks :-( Could this be the problem???

[tivobernd]

Noise could be the problem.
Also - switch the dialin number to a number in the 718 areacode (NYC outside Manhattan) number... Those have had an almost 100% success rate for me.
Some numbers - on the other hand - have an almost 0% success rate...

[super dave]

Originally posted by Provb3110
I have a DSR6000R Series 1 unit and recently switched to Vonage. I am using the internal modem in the unit. My router is the Linksys Broadband Router w/2 phone ports.

I have tried all of the dialing prefix suggestions and when testing the new settings, it always fails. (Failed. Couldn't connect) I wonder how so many people with the DSR6000's are able to configure theirs to work.

Has anyone seen any other suggestions other than using an external modem?

Another possibility...I have a problem w/the router that Vonage knows about. There is noise on the line even at the highest bandwidth. They have ordered new routers to replace these and they should be in in a few weeks :-( Could this be the problem??? I don't know anything about that model, I have a SAT-T60. Do you have the serial connection on the unit's rear? If so you might be able to use the serial connection over PPP as described in this thread:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=2487738#post2487738

[Kevin L]

Originally posted by tivobernd
Noise could be the problem.
Also - switch the dialin number to a number in the 718 areacode (NYC outside Manhattan) number... Those have had an almost 100% success rate for me.
Some numbers - on the other hand - have an almost 0% success rate... Is there a list of numbers in the 718 area code that work?

Thanks.

[Provb3110]

Originally posted by tivobernd
Noise could be the problem.
Also - switch the dialin number to a number in the 718 areacode (NYC outside Manhattan) number... Those have had an almost 100% success rate for me.
Some numbers - on the other hand - have an almost 0% success rate...

But when I try to get the dialin number, it fails. I put in the new area code and and it can't connect to get the number.

Fortunatley, my land line has not been completely cut off yet. I can make outgoing calls, so I got the NY codes. Still not sure how to get the modem to work with Vonage.

I also have to check on the serial cable thing.

Thanks! I'll get back to you.

[tivobernd]

Try to get the list of dialin numbers a couple of times... that calls goes out to a 800 number and sometimes doesn't work for me either... So set the areacode to 718, let it try a couple of times and then pick any number of the list and give it a shot...

[Kash76]

I can't get past "dialing" with any combo of codes on either my RCA 40GB or my Sat-T60 :(

Does this mean that my line is really bad?

I find it interesting that people with Moto adapters have better luck than those of us with Linksys.

[steveken]

Don't think that people with motorola's are better off. I have one and I could NOT get the damn thing to work. I just went out to Radio Shack and made myself a cable like OLdDog and super dave put up on the boards and it worked!!!!!!!! I am soooooo happy!!!!! It had been forever since I had a good dial and it WORKED!!!! Stop screwin around with the damn dialing over the VoIP connection and go get yourself this Serial to PPP thing working!! Its soooooo easy to do!

[Provb3110]

Originally posted by tivobernd
Try to get the list of dialin numbers a couple of times... that calls goes out to a 800 number and sometimes doesn't work for me either... So set the areacode to 718, let it try a couple of times and then pick any number of the list and give it a shot...

At first I was getting the other error message. Then, when I tried using the 718 area code, I would get Line Busy. No one was on the phone. The only extension is in my room for the time being. Then, I plugged up the telephone and the line, was indeed occupied. I am not sure why that happened. I got it to hang up and tried again 4 more times and the same thing happened.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

[Kash76]

I was getting the same results. Still not working for me even after they set my packet stuff to .1. The first time after that I got to negotiating and it quit. Haven't gotten back to that point :(

[tivobernd]

All your results make me wonder if the Cisco ATA-186 is somehow 'better' in dealing with the TiVo modems... I guess I should start taking really good care of that thing so it doesn't die and get replaced by Vonage with more 'modern' technology...
The only other advise I have is going the serial/external modem route... If you have an old external modem (I would recomment 9600 baud or slower) laying around and are able to solder a cable it should only cost a few bucks....
I did that as well - but haven't needed it in over a year - back then I had trouble dialing out on vonage...

[Kash76]

I have ordered one of the kits off of eBay. We'll see. I get some benefit from Vonage but I don't like all of this messing around to make it work.

[rgfcpq]

Originally posted by Faceman23
After tons of research on trying to get my Directv Tivo to dial out on a Vonage line I tried this and it worked! Maybe you guys can try it and have the same success as I did. Takes a couple of tries but it does update.

In the area code, section on the phone setup change area code to 877 and dialing prefix to ,#034. Make a test call (mine took two tries) and then try the manual update (mine took two tries as well). Make sure in the Vonage setup you have your call quality set to 90k, otherwise I don't think it would work.

Good luck and hope it works for you too!

I just tried this approach but changed it to ,#019 and got it to work flawlessly over vonage as wired throughout my home (I also did the *99 thing on the call waiting disable number and have a dsl filter connected to my dtivo). The only odd thing is that on the test call it came back and added a message to messages list saying that there are new phone numbers and that I should reset it shortly as the number I have is about to be changed/disconnected. It didn't say which number -- the old one I had or the new 877 number. I wonder if they are disconnecting it -- which would frankly be a DISASTER -- as this is the only way I have gotten to work.

Thanks for the advice -- let's hope it stays active!

[steveken]

Ok, maybe someone can explain this to me. Why do you folks keep trying to get the DirecTiVo to dial out over vonage or packet8 or whatever when you can do it via the serial port on the back of your computer and the serial port on the TiVo itself? With all of the aggrivations you people are going through, it does not make a lick of sense to keep doing it through dialing. The cable you can make or buy will work flawlessly with the instructions that are available on this very forum as well as take the time to do any connections or downloading down to mere seconds.

Please explain to me why you are making this far harder than it has to be???!!!! It just does NOT make sense.

[clydesam28]

great, i have a philips tivo series 1 and has looked on different forums trying to get my tivo to connect using voip service lingo.Nothing worked until I tried the,#019. I even called the tivo customer support and they told me no way too work with tivo 1 series. I also have a replaytv and got it too work with lingo by slowing down the modem. Replaytv has an easier way too slow it down. Thanks again.

[jabroni]

Originally posted by steveken
Ok, maybe someone can explain this to me. Why do you folks keep trying to get the DirecTiVo to dial out over vonage or packet8 or whatever when you can do it via the serial port on the back of your computer and the serial port on the TiVo itself? With all of the aggrivations you people are going through, it does not make a lick of sense to keep doing it through dialing. The cable you can make or buy will work flawlessly with the instructions that are available on this very forum as well as take the time to do any connections or downloading down to mere seconds.

Please explain to me why you are making this far harder than it has to be???!!!! It just does NOT make sense.

Sure. I will make three serial cables, buy three computers, buy three more wireless adapters and then I am all set.

Your so called "easy solution" will never make it past the aesthetics committe.

Not everyone wants to have computers and cables laying all around their TV's, Tivo's and cables....

[scottt]

Success! I had been trying for a while to get my HDVR2 to dial in (T60 works fine with the slowdown code) but no luck.

Finally gave up and took the unit to my parents to use their land line. I heard people had luck with 212 numbers (since Vonage is out of NJ I think). So I grabbed a Manhattan #. Took it back home, and with the reverse DSL filter (left over from a failed dial in attempt) it is working!!!!!

Yeah! finally no more @$@#$!@#$ nag screen and the wife can order PPV (yep, it's making the DTV call in as well).

[unixadm]

Originally posted by jabroni
Sure. I will make three serial cables, buy three computers, buy three more wireless adapters and then I am all set.

Your so called "easy solution" will never make it past the aesthetics committe.

Not everyone wants to have computers and cables laying all around their TV's, Tivo's and cables....

I agree that it might not work for everyone, but you don't need 3 computers. You need 1 computer with 3 serial connections. Most PC's have 2 built in Serial connections and you can use a USB-Serial adapter for the 3rd (or an add on serial port card).

I have all my equipment in a basement closet and use video distribution to give all TV's access to all TiVos sp adding a PC down there worked perfeclty for m.

I took an old 550Mhz computer, threw an old 20GB drive into it and added a $15 wireless card (on sale from Fry's....I could have also just ran an ethernet cable down to it, but for the cheap price, it was worth it). I put on Windows XP on it and set it to accept PPP over Serial. I put the PC in the basement closet with No monitor and it works perfectly. I had two cables I was able to put together and purchased the 3rd from 9th Tee.

I have wireless keyboard and mouse connected and will be throwing in an old video card that has S-Video output. At that point, I will be able to connect to my TV and access the Internet, my MP3's etc via wireless keyboard.

Total cost for me was about $35 and no more nag screens, fast access to software downloads, etc....and hopefully a Home Theater PC in the future.

[Bombavern]

I empathize with those of you still struggling, I spent 3 hours tonight and 2 other nights over the last month trying to get a test call out. In reading all 23 pages of this thread and trying at least 25 different configurations, I believe I found one that works for me. If I have learned anything from these threads, its that there is no 'one size fits all' solution. Each box has its own issues.

I live in Indy, so I figured the 317 area codes would work. It wasnt until I went toll free (877) after reading a post about rural numbers that I was able to successfully get outbound. Dont ask me why, but I could make calls to the number directory but never the test line or the daily call. After I set the number to the 877 number, I changed to the fax line preset of *99 and was able to make a successful test call and update!

From reading these posts, it seems that many people have gotten a live connection only to have their hopes dashed months later. I hope that does not happen but will not be surprised. If you are still having issues trying the 877 number with *99 as a test, even if you live in a city.

Thanks for all the posts, it gave me takes I would have never speculated on my own.

[yamato72]

I've got 2 HDVR2s, one hacked & still running 3.1.1c, the other unhacked and running 3.1.1e. The latter will connect about 30% of the time over Vonage using:

877 area code
,#034
*99

The hacked box absolutely will not make a successful test call with those same settings BUT claimed to have made a succesful daily call on its own this afternoon with no intervention from me, all default settings (local number and no prefixes). My tests were with Vonage at 50k instead of 90 and I have never bothered calling them to adjust my packet size.

My beloved Tivo's need for a landline was the only reason I put off going to Vonage. I'm so happy with Vonage, though, that I can live with a nag screen. Based on my lengthy (not) testing, the daily call will work but there are so many variables that have to be juuuuust right to make that happen....

[strange_69]

Originally posted by unixadm
I agree that it might not work for everyone, but you don't need 3 computers. You need 1 computer with 3 serial connections. Most PC's have 2 built in Serial connections and you can use a USB-Serial adapter for the 3rd (or an add on serial port card).

I have all my equipment in a basement closet and use video distribution to give all TV's access to all TiVos sp adding a PC down there worked perfeclty for m.

I took an old 550Mhz computer, threw an old 20GB drive into it and added a $15 wireless card (on sale from Fry's....I could have also just ran an ethernet cable down to it, but for the cheap price, it was worth it). I put on Windows XP on it and set it to accept PPP over Serial. I put the PC in the basement closet with No monitor and it works perfectly. I had two cables I was able to put together and purchased the 3rd from 9th Tee.

I have wireless keyboard and mouse connected and will be throwing in an old video card that has S-Video output. At that point, I will be able to connect to my TV and access the Internet, my MP3's etc via wireless keyboard.

Total cost for me was about $35 and no more nag screens, fast access to software downloads, etc....and hopefully a Home Theater PC in the future.

unixadm,
I tried to do the Serial PPP hook-up with my computer but I ran into problems when I click "Accept Incoming Connections" while setting up a new connection. It has to deal with "Routing and Remote Access" not running and I cannot turn it on. My question is, how can I go from my DirecTivo Serial connection to a USB connection on my computer? I know that I can set up the hardware but how would I configure the system to work? Thank you, Steve

[newbee_kp]

First of all -- I already try this #019 as prefix from this great post (since I am new will not allow to post URL) but you will know what I am talking about.

didn't try the modem option yet, Just want to mkae sure someone out there used VoIP over wireless high speed connection to make daily call.

My Tivo is Philips model DSR704...

Thanks
KP

[HC1Gunner]

Originally posted by steveken
Ok, maybe someone can explain this to me. Why do you folks keep trying to get the DirecTiVo to dial out over vonage or packet8 or whatever when you can do it via the serial port on the back of your computer and the serial port on the TiVo itself? With all of the aggrivations you people are going through, it does not make a lick of sense to keep doing it through dialing. The cable you can make or buy will work flawlessly with the instructions that are available on this very forum as well as take the time to do any connections or downloading down to mere seconds.

Please explain to me why you are making this far harder than it has to be???!!!! It just does NOT make sense.

Well I'm not sure I follow you on using the serial cable, but my PC is located 60' away from where my living room is, and vonage is hooked to al the phone jacks in my house. Just so happens there is a phone jack right behind my entertainment center. Where could I get a 60' serial cable, or could I jsut Cat5 and splice in to the serial connector at both ends. How does it make a call out via the serial cable, I haven't used a serial cable in years, but I'm sure I have one laying around some where. Does it the serial signal go through your mobo and the your NIC and to the router or vonage phone adapter?
I can solve this whole stinking problem, piggy back TiVo signals for updating by using DTV's uplink to their satellite, and there be no stinking reason to have TiVo make a call in. It wpuld all be downloaded via DTV satellite. In the beginning DTV used land line for the same reason, now according to DTV they no longer use a land line, it all comes from their satellite.

[danguilm]

This past month I noticed TONS of calls from all three receivers to the DirecTV 800 and 888 numbers. Obviously none of them were connecting and kept trying. Then I remember I lowered by Vonage bandwidth to 30K. I upped it back to 90K and all three made a successful call to DirecTV overnight.

So the moral is to at least check your Vonage bandwidth setting and set it to 90k for a couple days and see if that helps. With your broadband Tivo I don't think you need the slowdown code at all since it only effects the Tivo call anyway.



Could one of you kindly spell out exactly what I need to do to get this darn DTivo to work wiith Vonage? I have no idea how to change the vonage bandwidth - what menu is that in? Also - it seems like some of you have had success with a few other solutions like PPP as well as changing the dialing options (someone said add a "1" to the number - is that ilike ,#1401 or ,#1019, or is it like 1,#019) but I just want the easiest solution to get the darn thing to work. I talked to Level 2 Directv tech support last night and they said that within 60 days that the RGB ports on the back of the tivo will be activated and can be used to call in instead of using a standard phone line. Is this similar to what you guys have done with the adapters and USB port solutions? Lastly, one of you said that all you need is a 28.8 modem - how about the 56k one that is in mt machine - how do I, step by step, make that work to allow the tivo's in other rooms to make calls? You can tell I am confused by all of the proposed soluitions here - please help!!!

[scottt]

I talked to Level 2 Directv tech support last night and they said that within 60 days that the RGB ports on the back of the tivo will be activated and can be used to call in instead of using a standard phone line.

Wow, can't wait for MY RGB ports to be activated. Now, a few things:

Where the heck is the RGB port on my TiVo?

How does a monitor connector (if I can find it on my TiVo) send data to the internet?

[mediaman100]

I've tried reading every thread, but my head is spinning now. Here is my situation:
New Vonage customer, using Linksys router with phone jacks. Router is connected to the cable modem. I did some reverse wiring to get dial tone through out my house. My first Tivo unit that I recieved in Oct 2004 started acting up. I called it in and Directv sent out a Hughes to replace the Samsung. Both units are not HD. The samsung had worked on the vonage line but now the Hughes doesn't. What can I do to make this work. I tried the varous codes in these pages but with no luck. Thanks in advance.

Newbie in trouble ;)

[weflyrc]

I am sure that the readers of these post get tired of seeing some of the same questions asked, but for us newbies, they are new questions, and we think that we are different in that our situations must be unique, because our "stuff" don't work!! My "stuff" consist of a cable modem provided by our local Road Runner service through Time Warner. The Linksys adapter/router PT31P2 provided by Vonage, and I have a pair of older DSR6000 Tivo boxes that worked flawlessly via my old land line. I have tried using different prefixes to change the modem speeds, different area codes, and various other fixes that I've seen on these forums. I have yet to get a successful test call through Vonage. Is the Tivo to Serial via PPP the way that I should go, or what else should I do? Don't plan on getting rid of Tivo or Vonage, but hate the idea of loading up 2 Tivo boxes and taking them to someones house each month to get updates. Help this idiot if you can. Thanks.

[Kevin L]

I struggled getting all my TiVos to work with Vonage. It was very hit and miss (more miss than hit :)). I finally set up one with PPP over Serial last week and it works flawlessly. I just have to make or buy cables for the others.

Until they turn on the USB ports and let us connect that way, I'd say the PPP route is the best way to go.

[bahopkins]

I have tried using different prefixes to change the modem speeds, different area codes, and various other fixes that I've seen on these forums. I have yet to get a successful test call through Vonage. Is the Tivo to Serial via PPP the way that I should go, or what else should I do? Don't plan on getting rid of Tivo or Vonage, but hate the idea of loading up 2 Tivo boxes and taking them to someones house each month to get updates. Help this idiot if you can. Thanks.

I was having problems with my new HR10-250 being able to successfully complete the call. Test calls would sometimes work, sometimes not. I finally switched to the 212 area code and now my calls are going through. I read somewhere recently that DirecTv had some problems with dial-ins from the Houston area (where I'm located). I haven't gone back and tried resetting to a local dial-in number.

I will say, it took numerous calls to receive the software upgrade to version "e", but since then, I've had no problems.

Bryan

[weflyrc]

I've tried the 212, the 877, my local 919 and several other area codes as well. Mine comes up "connection failed" when I put in the area codes and try to get it to pull up available numbers to connect with. The best that I have had yet is a busy indication. I did get it once with a local connect number to show that the dialing part completed, but it failed soon after that. I do still have my land line for the time being, so I can access the numbers for each area code if I connect it to find them, but if I try to do it strictly via my vonage line, it never works.

[weflyrc]

Ok, here is something new. I tried prefixes like ,#219 and ,#214 along with my local dial in number without 1 and the area code and it dialed very quickly, then got to the connecting portion and I got the message "failed. Service not answering". Is this due to the fact that I don't have 1 and the area code added, or is it something else? Thanks.

[nsayer]

I have a HDVR2 that I am about to try the external modem hack with, but I'd like to explore an easier way....

I've found out about ,#211. My hope is that by wiring up the DTiVo to a USB-to-serial adapter on my mac, I should be able to run


pppd /dev/cu.usbserial0 115200 maxfail 0 persist proxyarp myipaddress:addressfortivo


which should result in my mac more or less being a ppp server available at any time for the tivo.

I'll report back with results.

[cactus46]

Hi weflyrc,

If you are trying Dial Prefixes of ,#219 etc, then you are obviously trying to get serial to PPP working? There are lots of threads on getting it working.

If you send me your modem log via PM, perhaps I can give you a few suggestions.

Good luck and keep us posted.

John

Ok, here is something new. I tried prefixes like ,#219 and ,#214 along with my local dial in number without 1 and the area code and it dialed very quickly, then got to the connecting portion and I got the message "failed. Service not answering". Is this due to the fact that I don't have 1 and the area code added, or is it something else? Thanks.

[easyshot]

Well I am new to the forum but have diligently been following the thread. I have an HR10 which I and many other spent a grand on for a series tivo??? Which makes complete sense???

Anyways since getting vonage and dumping my land line I had my first successful test call in a month of futzing with the blinkin' thing. Using a 212 area code, an external modem kit from weaknees, a 20 feet phone cord strung from my RT31P2 to the external modem (for fear the radoshack phone jack extender was killing me), using the ,#319 prefix, and. . . I even got a a daily call to work.

Now just taking the experiment further, I hooked my radio shack gizmos back up and now it doesn't work.

It boggles my mind that Directv offers a thousand dollar receiver using old technology. Not to mention they don't even foresee that tivo type people would probably lend themselves to a service like vonage and not make there service compatible.

Well hopefully someone got something out of this post and at least I got to vent.

EZ.

[GDN]

FWIW - I've posted in this thread about the ease I've had with Vonage. Something happened on Jan 6 and both of my Tivo's quit dialing out. After reading - I've updated them both to have the 718 area code (I'm in Dallas - area code 972). I'm using NO dialing codes and I did not put the "1" in for long distance. I selected the Manhattan number from the list from the 718 numbers. Everything is perfect again - calls to download numbers were good and I've made 5 calls between the 2 machines in the last 2 days.

I've got a Comcast Cable modem Moto 5100, Linksys WRT54G router and a Moto Vonage box behind the router. Setup is pretty simple - I guess I've just been lucky compared to all of the problems I see posted here. I will say that I put the latest Linksys firmware on and had Vonage flash the firmware on their Moto box when all of this started. All of that info and a drawing are posted up near the top of this thread. Good luck to all of you.

[nsayer]

I've found out about ,#211. My hope is that by wiring up the DTiVo to a USB-to-serial adapter on my mac, I should be able to run


pppd /dev/cu.usbserial0 115200 maxfail 0 persist proxyarp myipaddress:addressfortivo



This was pretty close to the final answer.

The command I've used is

pppd /dev/tty.usbserial0 115200 myip:tivoip proxyarp persist maxfail 0 local passive

The 'local' option is required because the cable is a simple 3 wire one, so all of the modem control signals must be ignored.

The 'passive' option tells pppd to just sit there and wait for the TiVo to initiate the connection rather than repeatedly send LCP startup packets.

But in order for the mac to route the packets, you must also enable IP forwarding. Type

sysctl -w net.inet.ip.forwarding=1

I still may actually go with an external modem as the final solution. If I take my laptop anywhere, I have to unhook the TiVo. I suppose that isn't a huge deal - I can always just plug the TiVo's USB adapter in, set up pppd and force the daily call once in a while.

[weflyrc]

Ok. Cable came in today via 9thtee to work with Serial port and connect to my pc. Cost a whopping $7.95 plus shipping and got it the next day via UPS (thanks Kevin for the info). Connected it up like one of the old archive link from this site said, and it will now make test calls like nobody's business. PERFECT. However it will still not complete a daily call. It will get right up to the negotiating part and then give me a failed to negotiate message. What do I need to look at at this point? I have tried various speeds, but still no dice. I know I am close. Thanks to all that have helped so far. This cable is the way to go.


Jim

[super dave]

Did you set an IP range and turn off your firewall?

[radarmile]

This was pretty close to the final answer.

The command I've used is

pppd /dev/tty.usbserial0 115200 myip:tivoip proxyarp persist maxfail 0 local passive

The 'local' option is required because the cable is a simple 3 wire one, so all of the modem control signals must be ignored.

The 'passive' option tells pppd to just sit there and wait for the TiVo to initiate the connection rather than repeatedly send LCP startup packets.

But in order for the mac to route the packets, you must also enable IP forwarding. Type

sysctl -w net.inet.ip.forwarding=1

I still may actually go with an external modem as the final solution. If I take my laptop anywhere, I have to unhook the TiVo. I suppose that isn't a huge deal - I can always just plug the TiVo's USB adapter in, set up pppd and force the daily call once in a while.

I have an iMac always on in my network. I also have 2 dtivo's (HDVR2). Is there a way to connect both to the router or a hub so they could call whenever they need to? I have read through most of the threads on this topic and no one seems to have addressed multiple tivos and ppp.

[nsayer]

If the two DTiVos are near the imac, then use two USB-serial adapters and run pppd twice.

[Tusk]

This was pretty close to the final answer.

The command I've used is

pppd /dev/tty.usbserial0 115200 myip:tivoip proxyarp persist maxfail 0 local passive

sysctl -w net.inet.ip.forwarding=1

nsayer,

Is this funtionality built in standard? Should I be able to use my serial to usb adaptor, plug it into the mac, open a terminal and type the two commands above without adding any 3rd-party software?

Also, how do I determine myip and tivoip

Thanks

[Psychoderelict]

nsayer,

Is this funtionality built in standard? Should I be able to use my serial to usb adaptor, plug it into the mac, open a terminal and type the two commands above without adding any 3rd-party software?

Also, how do I determine myip and tivoip

Thanks

This post (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=2622169&&#post2622169) should explain how to do it on OS X 10.3.x. pppd is built in to OS X on a Mac. No software to install.

[Tusk]

This post (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=2622169&&#post2622169) should explain how to do it on OS X 10.3.x. pppd is built in to OS X on a Mac. No software to install.
Thanks, that's just what I needed. I am switching to Vonage, and I had only seen info relating to Windoze machines.

Will try it this weekend.

[shesth1]

[QUOTE=GDN]FWIW - I've posted in this thread about the ease I've had with Vonage. Something happened on Jan 6 and both of my Tivo's quit dialing out. After reading - I've updated them both to have the 718 area code (I'm in Dallas - area code 972). I'm using NO dialing codes and I did not put the "1" in for long distance. I selected the Manhattan number from the list from the 718 numbers. Everything is perfect again - calls to download numbers were good and I've made 5 calls between the 2 machines in the last 2 days.

Hi,
I was attempting to try this and I ran into a problem, I have not been able to get the vonage service to work to dial the tivo service, so when I try to change the dialing options, the tivo tries to make the call to down load the 718 phone numbers, (which I actually got and wrote down from a second tivo connected to a land line) But I don't know how to bypass the initial call and just change the phone number under "change dialing options"
Thanks in advance for helping a really dim - newbie

[yellogt]

The Vonage support had a clever idea... Since you can't dial out to get a list of numbers, put the new number you want to dial in the dial prefix. It'll only accept the first 10 numbers you dial.

So that'll mean that people should post the whole # that they have success, as opposed to the "First 718 number."

I've had success in the past with 718-987-5137. Vonage told me to put in the dial prefix 1-212-920-3005. Another New York number that they have a higher rate of success with.

You could also put in *99,1-212-920-3005 The *99 will put it in the fax mode, which is the highest quality, despite your settings.

BTW - I've been 0 for 1,000 since mid-January.

I spent 75 minutes on the phone with Vonage. He set packetization from 10, to 20, to 30. It seems like 30 is the best for me. He also set a fax codes switch on the line properties. Whatever that means.

He also said every customer is unique. Packetization of 10 might work for someone, while 30 might work for another.

DSL filters: I disconnected mine (In the back of the TiVo, and my connection rate sucks now. Put it back in, and I connect, but still fail in Negotiation.

I'm going to keep trying different numbers of what people post until I get something to go through.

Other numbers I know of are: 1-732-817-9100, 1-732-798-0012 (This one worked in the past)

Good luck to all.

[cditty]

I am happy to report that I was able to complete a call using the method above. I failed with the 212 number, but it completed after 3 tries on the 718 number. YIPPPEE

Thanks yellogt

[HC1Gunner]

Well after buying an external serial fax modem, and buying a serial cable 1/8" round to 9DB, I still can't make a sucessful call. Using an external modem just says the same thing "Can't Connect". This was suppose to be the solve all solution by using external serial modem, I gald I got this stuff off ebay (NIB) and did pay much. I think I read some where that once you plug in the serial cable, the internal modem is automatically disabled?

I've tried using all different kinds of area codes, none of them have worked, and I used a ton of different prefixes, and turned "detect dial tone" off, none of this stuff works. Its been 40 days since my tive unit has made a sucessful call in. On top of it everyone that I talk to says they say they hear them sleves echoing. I waiting for over an hour on hold twice this week with voange and never got helped. I have sent them 15 emails in the last two weeks, and none of them have been replied to, very...very poor customer service. I think they bitten off more customers than they can chew, BTW iahve had my vocie quality set to all 3 settings, and the echo is there on each setting, presently using the highest setting.

[cditty]

Did you try the method in the post directly above mine? Worked like a charm for me. http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=2634692&&#post2634692

[HC1Gunner]

[QUOTE=

Until they turn on the USB ports and let us connect that way, I'd say the PPP route is the best way to go.[/QUOTE]

Best thing you can do is call and complain to DTV, because DTV told me until enough people call in, they won't activate or enable the USB ports. USB ports would solve all our problems.

I have a Hughes SD-DVR80 and it doesnt matter what area code, or prefix or phone ssttings I use, it wont dial in. I bought a NIB creative serial modem with a tivo serial cable 1/8" jack out, and 9DB serial in on back of modem, and its still trying touse my units internal modem. I thought I read some where on forums that one you plug into the serial jack on the back of a unit, its suppose to disable the internal modem? For all I know hughes has elected to not evern hook up the serial port, and its as useless as the USB ports. Morons at DTV just get busy, I'm sure it take some engineer/porgrammer 30 minutes to write code to activate the USB ports.

The real reason I think they have not activated the USB ports is...they dont want you downloading TiVo files (movies & TV shows) to your hard drive, allowing you to burn them to DVD. yes you can hack your unit and probably do this, but then your warranty is void.

[jmhays]

Heck, I'll void my warranty!! How do I do use the USB port to burn some shows to DVD?

[salikiji]

I spent 4 hours yesterday messing with my series 1 DTivo (DSR6000), no joy dialing in. Spent 90 minutes with a Vonage tech today, he changed my packet length from 20 to 10 to 30 ms, also changed the waveform from sinusoidal to trapezoidal (says that this is standard for data/fax setups). The only thing that allowed me to dial out was when he turned off echo suppression, which is OK for data but bad for voice.

He did say that every situation is different in regards to packet length. He said *99 tells the modem to override any quality setting and set it to maximum (which was redundant in my case as I already had mine set to maximum). Also the wiring in the house can have an impact and wanted me to run a cable directly to the router (unfortunately this would be about a 100 foot run and I don't have a cable that long at the moment).


He also said that Vonage has a team of people working on this issue. I suppose AT&T advertising that they have fax/data/Tivo capabilities on their VoIP service would be a factor there.

Me, I'm off to examine my wiring to the Tivo jack (most of my wiring is new CAT 3) and will play with the idea of using a phone number in the Dialing Prefix field, but most of my experience was that the unit could not even make a connection which kind of points to signal quality.

[Don_Corneo]

For the people using the serial cable, I believe no matter how new your unit is or the brand, you must use ,#319 for the unit to dial an external modem via the serial cable. The serial jack on the unit is not like a headphone jack: When you plug the serial cable into the jack it does not disable the internal modem simply by "breaking the connection" to the internal modem.

[Todd]

I just got Vonage and am trying to get my HDTiVo to work with it. I've tried all kinds of combinations so far but to no avail. If I listen in while it tries, how come most of the time I get a fast busy right after TiVo picks up the phone?

[Todd]

Well, I got it to work, intermittently at least! I just put 17189875137 as the dial prefix. *99 seemed to mess it up. Bizarre...

[super dave]

For the people using the serial cable, I believe no matter how new your unit is or the brand, you must use ,#319 for the unit to dial an external modem via the serial cable. The serial jack on the unit is not like a headphone jack: When you plug the serial cable into the jack it does not disable the internal modem simple by "breaking the connection" to the internal modem.
If you are using the serial connection then the prefix starts with a "2". I would guess that "3" is for an external modem, 2 different beasts.

A word on port speeds: If you didn't use 115,200 as the maximum port speed, you need to change the Tivo's prefix. ",#211" assumes 115,200. The "11" part of that is the port speed. So if you used 19,200, say, that should become ",#219". Or if you used 9600, that should be ",#296". The last two digits of the prefix string are the same as the first two digits of the port speed you use. It doesn't support anything higher than 115,200, however.

The internal modem doesn't matter, since you don't have a phone jack plugged in any way.

[super dave]

Well, I got it to work, intermittently at least! I just put 17189875137 as the dial prefix. *99 seemed to mess it up. Bizarre...
If you have your QOS set to the highest on your dashboard, then *99 won't really do anything. You got the fast busy because you didn't use ,*99. The comma is the difference.

[spepi]

I bought the Null Modem Cable from 9th Tee
Using a USB to serial converter cable.

I have tried everything possible. I followed
a link I for How to setup Tivo 3.0 to talk to Windows XP via Serial PPP

It dials fine, but never connects....I am at a total loss..can anyone give me some tips.
Things I have done.
Verified all settings
Changed mdmhayes.inf
tried all different speeds, along with the ,#2xx to go along with the different speeds.
Enabled guest account
used my account
disabled local fiewall
disabled linksys firewall
tried static IPs in connection out of my DHCP range, in my DHCP range
Used DHCP
tried changing COM ports
added static IP to my DMZ

I see garbage in the Hyperterminal, but not what the link tells me I should see.


I have WInXP Home
connecting Via Wireless to linksys


Thanks to anyone that can help me

[Don_Corneo]

The ,#319 is not for connection speed, it is simply the command to tell the unit to bypass the internal modem and use an external one via the serial jack.

[salikiji]

woo hoo, I'm able to dial out! I did two things:

examined all of my wiring to the Tivo, found a run of non-CAT wiring in the basement, replaced the entire run from the 66 block with CAT 3 wire (I have two large boxes of it).


I noticed that the dial tone doesn't appear right away (I think I'm hearing a set of Voice Mail tones before the dial tone), so I set the Call Waiting code to ",,," , which should insert a 6 second pause before dialing. I was able to dial out twice in a row and did my daily download/upload.

Final settings for my Series 1 DSR6000:

local phone number

Dial out prefix: #034,

Call Waiting prefix: ,,,

Phone Available: off

Wait for Dial Tone: off

[abfleck]

Well, I got it to work, intermittently at least! I just put 17189875137 as the dial prefix. *99 seemed to mess it up. Bizarre...

I use the above number for the dial prefix and worked great. Thanks from IL

AJ

[spepi]

Do you think if I conected a seperat eline from my PAP2 line 2 directly to the DirecTivo..it will dial?
I would think this port 2 is enabled.....

[cactus46]

Hi spepi,

Send a copy of your modem log to me via PM. Be patient and we can probably work through this.

For a test, I would disable all of the com ports and modems that do not relate to the serial to PPP for a test.

Also, reviewing this thread may be helpful: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=191812

You may want to move over to that thread.

Keep us posted and good luck.

John

[spepi]

Cactus,
I just moved back to MA from PHX. I lived in Surprise off of Litchfield Rd. Well, Im at work, my wife thinks I am a geek, but before I void the warranty....I KNOW I can get this thing working.
Quick Breakdown.
laptop, USB to Serial cable, Null modem cable from 9th Tee, internal modem(not disabled)changed my mdmhayes.inf, deleted .pnf, rebooted. I cant even get connected.
Once I get home tonight, I will try a few things if my wife lets me. Once I get a fresh MDMHAYES.INF and edited..I will try again.

Also, great posts in that link you sent me.
I will be back in touch. back to work I go.


spepi

[PRMan]

The ,#319 is not for connection speed, it is simply the command to tell the unit to bypass the internal modem and use an external one via the serial jack.

At 19,200... ,#328 would try at 28.8.

[tivoROCKSme]

I am really sincere here in being ignorant of the workings of VoIP, but I would hate to see folks get rid of their land line, only to find that DTV suddenly "cares" about the agreement they signed.

epsilondelta

I think they better change their language, because my Vonage service comes into the house via cable modem which uses a copper wire, it's just a different copper wire than the phone company would use. It's still a land based line, I think they better have their attorney's change their verbiage if they want to start "caring"

[cactus46]

Hi to a former Phoenician, spepi, :)

I looked at your log. It still looks like you have a firewall in there. Are you using Win XP SP2? It has the firewall enabled by default.

It looks like your mdmhayes.inf may be ok but worth checking.

03-22-2005 18:19:58.666 - Recv: ~
03-22-2005 18:19:58.666 - Interpreted response: Ring

It recognized the ~ for a ring.

You can temporarily disable the existing built in modem in the Device Manager and then re-enable it after a test as well as any other ports not in use for the test. Also, if you have ICS, Internet Connection Sharing, try disabling it for a test.

Keep us posted.

John



Cactus,
I just moved back to MA from PHX. I lived in Surprise off of Litchfield Rd. Well, Im at work, my wife thinks I am a geek, but before I void the warranty....I KNOW I can get this thing working.
Quick Breakdown.
laptop, USB to Serial cable, Null modem cable from 9th Tee, internal modem(not disabled)changed my mdmhayes.inf, deleted .pnf, rebooted. I cant even get connected.
Once I get home tonight, I will try a few things if my wife lets me. Once I get a fresh MDMHAYES.INF and edited..I will try again.

Also, great posts in that link you sent me.
I will be back in touch. back to work I go.


spepi

[spepi]

Firewall is disabled, I have a LinkSys Router with Sveasofts latest and greatest.
I have added ports 2190 and 8080-8089.
I can try turning off my linksys firewall for a test, but I have done that already.
ICS is not enabled.

[spepi]

So, I tried that...no luck. When I do the Hyperterminal, dont see garble like the rest of the users out there.
It dials, tries to connect with a finish of "Failed. Service not answering"

Well, Im gonna go through my mdmhayes.inf. If someone has one thats working, could you post your mdmhayes.inf here so I can copy it?
My wife now owns the Tube..so all I can do is sit back and keep looking at other posts and see if sometihng clicks.

[cactus46]

Hi spepi,

Have you tried using the two static IP addresses instead of assigning them by DHCP as suggested in the 'how-to'? Most of us have found that DHCP-assigned IP addresses don't work very well!

I meant to mention that your usb-serial cable is ok, otherwise we would not see the characters in the modem log.

John

So, I tried that...no luck. When I do the Hyperterminal, dont see garble like the rest of the users out there.
It dials, tries to connect with a finish of "Failed. Service not answering"

Well, Im gonna go through my mdmhayes.inf. If someone has one thats working, could you post your mdmhayes.inf here so I can copy it?
My wife now owns the Tube..so all I can do is sit back and keep looking at other posts and see if sometihng clicks.

[spepi]

Yes, my router dishes out 192.168.1.xxx.
I have 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 set as static for my Server, PAP2, and PS2.
I am using static IPs of 1.5 and 1.6 for the network connection.
Guest account is actually enabled. I am using my account as well.
SP2, but this has been at SP2 for some time now.
Just verified my .inf file line for line, space for space and comma for comma.
I know my cable is communicating with the Tico..its just not breaking through to the other side.

Any other info I can provide, let me know.

[spepi]

After giving the tube to my wife, I let the Tivo dial up in the middle of the night on its auto schedule.

This is the modem log from that.
03-22-2005 22:17:31.736 - File: C:\WINDOWS\system32\tapisrv.dll, Version 5.1.2600
03-22-2005 22:17:31.736 - File: C:\WINDOWS\system32\unimdm.tsp, Version 5.1.2600
03-22-2005 22:17:31.736 - File: C:\WINDOWS\system32\unimdmat.dll, Version 5.1.2600
03-22-2005 22:17:31.736 - File: C:\WINDOWS\system32\uniplat.dll, Version 5.1.2600
03-22-2005 22:17:31.766 - File: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\modem.sys, Version 5.1.2600
03-22-2005 22:17:31.766 - File: C:\WINDOWS\system32\modemui.dll, Version 5.1.2600
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - File: C:\WINDOWS\system32\mdminst.dll, Version 5.1.2600
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Modem type: Communications cable between two computers
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Modem inf path: mdmhayes.inf
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Modem inf section: M2700
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Matching hardware ID: pnpc031
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Initializing modem.
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Waiting for a call.
03-22-2005 22:18:12.525 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
03-22-2005 22:18:12.525 - Initializing modem.
03-22-2005 22:18:12.535 - Waiting for a call.
03-22-2005 22:18:37.671 - Recv: <e1>
03-22-2005 22:18:37.671 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:37.871 - Recv: <c6>}'}"}(}"}/<de>~
03-22-2005 22:18:37.871 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:40.675 - Recv: ~
03-22-2005 22:18:40.675 - Interpreted response: Ring
03-22-2005 22:18:40.685 - Recv: }
03-22-2005 22:18:40.685 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:40.886 - Recv: '}"}(}"}/<de>~
03-22-2005 22:18:40.886 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:43.690 - Recv: <e1>
03-22-2005 22:18:43.690 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:43.890 - Recv: <c6>}'}"}(}"}/<de>~
03-22-2005 22:18:43.890 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:46.694 - Recv: <e1>
03-22-2005 22:18:46.694 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:46.894 - Recv: <c6>}'}"}(}"}/<de>~
03-22-2005 22:18:46.894 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:49.698 - Recv: ~
03-22-2005 22:18:49.698 - Interpreted response: Ring
03-22-2005 22:18:49.698 - Recv: <ff>}#<c0>!}
03-22-2005 22:18:49.698 - Unknown Response
03-22-2005 22:18:49.698 - Answering the call.
03-22-2005 22:18:49.708 - Send: CLIENTSERVER
03-22-2005 22:18:49.708 - Connection established at 115200bps.
03-22-2005 22:18:49.708 - Error-control off or unknown.
03-22-2005 22:18:49.708 - Data compression off or unknown.
03-22-2005 22:19:19.712 - Read: Total: 0, Per/Sec: 0, Written: Total: 0, Per/Sec: 0
03-22-2005 22:20:50.182 - Hanging up the modem.
03-22-2005 22:20:50.182 - Hardware hangup by lowering DTR.
03-22-2005 22:20:52.185 - A timeout has expired waiting to comm event to occour.
03-22-2005 22:20:52.185 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
03-22-2005 22:20:52.185 - Initializing modem.
03-22-2005 22:20:52.185 - Waiting for a call.
03-23-2005 06:37:46.892 - The Modem has been powered up after a system suspend.
03-23-2005 06:37:46.892 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
03-23-2005 06:37:46.892 - Initializing modem.
03-23-2005 06:37:46.892 - Waiting for a call.

[cactus46]

Hi spepi,

Your Flow control needs to be set to 'None'. Currently, it appears to be set to 'Hardware'.

John

[QUOTE=spepi]After giving the tube to my wife, I let the Tivo dial up in the middle of the night on its auto schedule.

This is the modem log from that.

...
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Initializing modem.
03-22-2005 22:17:31.776 - Waiting for a call.
03-22-2005 22:18:12.525 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
......

[spepi]

I have double checked everything..deleted, started over..here is the log now.
03-23-2005 18:51:12.657 - Initializing modem.
03-23-2005 18:51:12.657 - Waiting for a call.
03-23-2005 18:51:44.023 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=0, rtsctl=1
03-23-2005 18:51:44.023 - Initializing modem.
03-23-2005 18:51:44.023 - Waiting for a call.
03-23-2005 18:52:27.345 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=0, rtsctl=1
03-23-2005 18:52:27.345 - Initializing modem.
03-23-2005 18:52:27.345 - Waiting for a call.
03-23-2005 18:54:34.668 - Recv: <f4>
03-23-2005 18:54:34.668 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:34.868 - Recv: h}'}"}(}"<df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:34.868 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:37.672 - Recv: <f4>
03-23-2005 18:54:37.672 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:37.872 - Recv: h}'}"}(}"<df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:37.872 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:40.677 - Recv: <f4>
03-23-2005 18:54:40.677 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:40.877 - Recv: h}'}"}(}"<df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:40.877 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:43.691 - Recv: <f4>
03-23-2005 18:54:43.691 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:43.891 - Recv: h}'}<91>_<a9><89><df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:43.891 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:46.705 - Recv: <f4>
03-23-2005 18:54:46.705 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:46.905 - Recv: h}'}"}(}"<df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:46.905 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:49.710 - Recv: ~
03-23-2005 18:54:49.710 - Interpreted response: Ring
03-23-2005 18:54:49.710 - Recv: <ff>}#"}(
03-23-2005 18:54:49.710 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:49.910 - Recv: }"<df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:49.910 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:52.734 - Recv: <f4>
03-23-2005 18:54:52.734 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:52.934 - Recv: h}'}"}(}"<df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:52.934 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:55.748 - Recv: <f4>
03-23-2005 18:54:55.748 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:55.948 - Recv: h}'}"}(}"<df>!~
03-23-2005 18:54:55.948 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:58.742 - Recv: ~
03-23-2005 18:54:58.742 - Interpreted response: Ring
03-23-2005 18:54:58.742 - Recv: <ff>}#<c0>!}
03-23-2005 18:54:58.742 - Unknown Response
03-23-2005 18:54:58.742 - Answering the call.
03-23-2005 18:54:58.753 - Send: CLIENTSERVER
03-23-2005 18:54:58.753 - Connection established at 115200bps.
03-23-2005 18:54:58.753 - Error-control off or unknown.
03-23-2005 18:54:58.753 - Data compression off or unknown.
03-23-2005 18:55:28.756 - Read: Total: 0, Per/Sec: 0, Written: Total: 0, Per/Sec:

[spepi]

Here is my update

After Cactus was kind enough to chat with me, he suggested another PC with an actual serial port instead of using the USB to Serial. Well, my other PC is upstairs, but I was into this so deep, I dragged it down, made the mods to the MDMHayes.inf and deleted the associated .PNF and rebooted.
Setup the new modem for incoming connections, setup the new incoming connections and "BAM"...Im connecting. Anyone working with the USB to Serial.....give up....it doesnt like it and will fail till your are about to go nuts.

Cactus, thanks again.
Now to find a long term solution so I dont have to drag the pc down stairs all the time.

[redrocksraceway]

Read the post (#414) by captainblack that mentioned the ",#104" prefix and decided to try that, since nothing else had worked for me yet. IT WORKED!!! I can finally use my Tivo. So, my question is has anyone figured out what this ",#104" code does? I didn't find any other posts mentioning it.

[tivoROCKSme]

I have an HDVR2 and followed these steps exactly. I tripled checked all my pin outs with a continuity tester, and I'm using an external US Robotics 33.6 modem. The HDVR2 says "failed, modem not responding" That makes me think it's at least trying the external modem, but still, it's failing. Any ideas?

[yellogt]

I have an HDVR2 and followed these steps exactly. I tripled checked all my pin outs with a continuity tester, and I'm using an external US Robotics 33.6 modem. The HDVR2 says "failed, modem not responding" That makes me think it's at least trying the external modem, but still, it's failing. Any ideas?

I went out and bought the 33.6 external, and it's worse.

I've given up...

[cactus46]

Hi spepi,

Thanks for your kind words. :) I'm glad the backup computer worked for you! Now you have a benchmark.

My experience with serial to PPP includes a USB to serial adapter. I find that it has to be plugged into the USB port when the computer is re-booted. Otherwise, it doesn't work. There are so many variables that it would be difficult to say what works for everyone.

Good luck.

John

Here is my update

After Cactus was kind enough to chat with me, he suggested another PC with an actual serial port instead of using the USB to Serial. Well, my other PC is upstairs, but I was into this so deep, I dragged it down, made the mods to the MDMHayes.inf and deleted the associated .PNF and rebooted.
Setup the new modem for incoming connections, setup the new incoming connections and "BAM"...Im connecting. Anyone working with the USB to Serial.....give up....it doesnt like it and will fail till your are about to go nuts.

Cactus, thanks again.
Now to find a long term solution so I dont have to drag the pc down stairs all the time.

[tivoROCKSme]

The instructions on the first post in this thread don't work for HDVR2. Don't waste your money or your time trying to get it to dial out.

[cactus46]

I use a 33.6 USR Sportster Faxmodem on my HDVR2 with Vonage. It works great!

John

The instructions on the first post in this thread don't work for HDVR2. Don't waste your money or your time trying to get it to dial out.

[yellogt]

I use a 33.6 USR Sportster Faxmodem on my HDVR2 with Vonage. It works great!

John

Can you please post your settings (dial prefix, call in number, ...)

Thanks!

[cactus46]

My call in number is in the NYC/NJ area. My Dial Prefix is ,#319 and my switch setting are as follows:

1) Down
2) Up
3) Down
4) Up
5) Down
6) Up
7) Down
8) Down

I have been using switch 7 in the Down position since day 1 about a year and one-half ago. My cable was the series 1 serial cable and I added a 9-pin to 25-pin 'D' serial adapter.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=2682060&&#post2682060

This posting is in the External Modem Success thread. If there isn't too much latency with your ISP then this should work especially during light Internet traffic hours or after midnight or before early afternoon hours. Also, one can slow the connection down which may work better for some members with a ,#396 Dial Prefix.

Good luck.

John

Can you please post your settings (dial prefix, call in number, ...)

Thanks!

[doomando]

HDVR2 Directivo

I tried and tried..... to call in, and one simple fix did it.

I used *99 as a dialing prefix, and I used a dsl filter on the line. I plugged the tivo into Data portion of the filter and VOILA!

[sleepwalker]

I checked, and checked, and then checked again, for about a week, before I decided to post about dialing up over VoIP. I was finally able to get this to work.

I have a Samsung SIR-S4080R.
I used this dialing prefix set in the Tivo box, ,#034, 17328179100 (I live in TX, 817)

I just got off the phone with Directv and was informed all Tivo boxes, nationwide, were going to be upgraded to 6.1 on April 7th....just an f.y.i I've already read the post about the upgrade being pushed in LA now, just thought I'd mention it again.

Thanks for all the posts and I hope this post can help someone else.

sleepwalker

:D

[eli12]

First off thanks for everyone else that has posted information regarding this because it took forever to figure this out. Here is what worked for me.

Hardware / Configuration
DirecTV Receiver - HD10-250
ISP - Time Warner Cable
Vonage Hardware - Linksys PAP2
Toshiba PCX Cable Modem
2 DSL Filters - One out of the Receiver and One in the PAP2 (Don't ask, it just works)

Settings for obtaining local numbers
Prefix minus the quotes - ",70,#019,"
Phone avaliable - OFF
Set Dial Tone - OFF

Settings
Number I call for updates - 704-864-7655
Prefix - ,#019
Phone avaliable - OFF
Set Dial Tone - OFF