How to Create Your Own Dial-Up ISP Over Ethernet (LAN) Server - The Computer Archive

[@randominternetbro6562]

Sir, you just earned yourself a subscriber. I am 14 and I am fascinated with this sort of technology. I love stuff from the 90s and early 2000s

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you for watching!! It's great that you enjoy this old technology. What kind of other content about old computers would you like to see?

[@christoffer4862]

@@TheComputerArchive Same. Maybe how to play games with remote friends without any internet setup. I don't think you can do that without a phone-line modem.

[@snadwichbcuzyes3359]

I also am in my teens and fascinated by older technology- Older computers just seem to have a charm that modern ones do not. I actually recently got my first genuinely vintage computer this year, it was an iMac G3. I got it at a thrift store for $35- I wouldn't think that that's too common anymore, but hey it happened to me. : )

[@therealprofessor976]

Same here

[@chrisvandergriff504]

I love to see younger people learning and keeping this sort of knowledge alive.

[@ExtendedJet8]

From the 2020s people love to look at our modern gear and think all this old stuff was so primitive, but honestly it was all quite clever and served it's purpose well. I miss those days, when tech was just less pervasive, I wish we could find a middle ground.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Same. It was nice when we had the internet but weren't connected all the time.

[@tetenauten]

I've been trying to replicate what you did in this video for a year and today I can say that I succeeded! I did it with a pc with Windows XP ("ISP" server) and another with Windows 98 (user), using a PBX. I thought that the modem of the pc (Server) was not able to accept incoming connections, but it did not work because I was trying from Windows 7. I spent days formatting-installing-formatting-installing, trying to make Windows XP and Windows 7 coexist on my pc , and when I did I had thousands of problems with the drivers! Now I can proudly say that I did it by replicating your video!

[@TheComputerArchive]

I'm glad it worked out for you! I changed my setup to use a PBX too. I've never tried using Windows 7 but I imagine it may be hard to find a modem card that comes with drivers for Win 7. I'm really happy my video could help you out!

[@rja5748]

How you did the would you tell me , do I need land line to my pc?

[@konnimusic]

its so cool that this compaq machine basically had a softphone software built in, long before SIP and modern day voice over ip were even invented

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes, the software was quite advanced. It can even handle caller ID.

[@prankerganster3985]

​@@TheComputerArchive I actually have a acient. compaq. Presario.

[@davidboss2160]

love how he is using the fax machine as an over complicated printer lol

[@usastudios]

I just stumbled across you channel, and so far I am LOVING the look back in time! You and Technology Connections should do a collaboration episode about how amazing Dial Up internet was.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thanks for your comment! That's actually not a bad idea! I love his channel!

[@LEADER0FY0U]

Love it! I'd love to set up something like this in my house. Like a vintage phone at the door that allows you to call into the house, instead of using the doorbell.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you! Yes you can create really cool networks with this. I have replaced the phone line simulator with a real business phone system that supports 24 lines, caller ID, etc.

[@thomassmith4999]

I still have the Stallion board that ran my entire local ISP. I'd love to have all 16 modems LIT on that one day :)

[@n1ko237]

@@TheComputerArchive What pbx do you use?

[@TheComputerArchive]

I use a Panasonic KX-TA824.

[@n1ko237]

@@TheComputerArchive Thanks! Also great video, really enjoyed watching it!

[@International_Criminal_Court]

37:01 "And it worked! It finally works!" - Dr. Emmett Brown (Back to the Future) [Very useful channel for keeping retro computer culture, thanks for this! Subscribed!]

[@TheComputerArchive]

Hahaha! Thank you for watching and subscribing! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@benjaminhuerta2536]

that's amazing I will do this one day with my old computers

[@TheComputerArchive]

It's great to be able to use the old modems again!

[@hismastersvoice2729]

im trying to convert my IBM ThinkPad R51 indo DialUp ISP and it works! (it convertss digital signal fro LAN cable to DialUp signal so thats quite nice) the OS im going with it Windows 98 for full nostalgia eXPerience so this is the best way to make cheap ISP for neighbours, friends and anyone else who dosent have internet and they have a old mashine with 56k modem btw you earned a 12 year old subscriber!

[@SnakeNokia3310]

Great Video! I may try this out in the future! I love this type of tech from 90s - 2000s.

[@peteasmr2952]

Now I want one of these. This would be fun to play with.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes, it's a lot of fun! You can use a business phone system too. It may be cheaper.

[@Se7enFanBoi]

Well done sir u have earned a new subscriber and I used to watch this video when I was 11 or 10 I didn't got a chance to subscribe but now I had the chance and now I know how to connect to dial up all thanks to you sir thank you for making this amazing video

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Se7enFanBoi]

@@TheComputerArchive Np

[@PedroGoncalves.DSGProAudio]

You simply made me cry sir 😢❤ this is simply AMAZING!

[@TheComputerArchive]

I hope they were tears of joy. Thank you!

[@michaelamatlochova8359]

I got so excited during this video, it mus have been so much fun! Good job!

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you! I decided to record it while I was learning how to do it so you can see my genuine excitement when I saw dial-up working for the first time in 18 years. Awesome that you also got excited as a viewer during the whole process!

[@loucouss9678]

I really enjoyed this video man, thank you !

[@TheComputerArchive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@loucouss9678]

@@TheComputerArchive I bought the TLS-5C to do the same at home too, it will follow with a French video, I really would like to show to my friends this vintage way to connect to the Internet :D

[@FuzzyTekShow]

I felt your excitement when the fax worked! Great video!

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you! Haha it was true excitement there! I didn't expect to get it to work so relatively easily.

[@e_fission]

Hey neat video! Brings back a lot of memories for sure.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@martinwashington3152]

You could wire two modems together directly with a 9v DC source and a 100ohm R across the pair to replace the carrier POTS, 48v and a couple of miliamps is I'm sure the usual and underload it might drop to 9vDC.. It could work I reckon :D Amazing video dude!

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you!! You know more about this than I do; I was already happy that I could get it working this way! I am now using an actual PBX between the computers.

[@martinwashington3152]

@@TheComputerArchive Yep that's the best way forward and no messing around with using a PBX, I have sought to purchase the model you have there too because it's a very good means of testing, doing as you did and they are becoming quite rare to find if not already recycled or thrown away :( Thanks kindly for the reply, I know you to be busy :D *Quality videos buddy :D

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you for your comments and support! Yeah these line simulators are still quite costly even on the used market, although I think that when new they cost around two thousand dollars. But they're super effective and easy to use. And the only way to be able to use software that has specific phone numbers hardcoded. A PBX is a good cheap alternative though. Modern ones are easy to set up. I use one from Panasonic and setting it up was as simple as the line simulator. Just dial the specific jack number and you're connected.

[@Evilslayer73]

the sound of the modem :)!! i remember so well!

[@FrenziedManbeast]

"The Phone Dialer is being an annoying little bitch..." Boy if that isn't the '90s computer experience I don't know what is. Great video.

[@leviticus_internet]

Awesome where can I find one of these machines?

[@TheOldNet]

That's a cool piece of hardware. I can't find any real hardware solutions for a reasonable price unfortunately. I ended up building a voip phone system with a linux server and some cheap analog telephone adapters. It's not great but it gets the job done.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you! In terms of hardware solutions, my suggestion would be to look for a cheap or even free PBX box in your local classifieds. I'm sure you already have a PC with a built-in modem that can you can use as the dial-up server. Really all you need is the machine that connects the server and client. A cheap business phone system (PBX) would be your best bet. Especially used analog systems should be cheap now that everything's switching to VoiP.

[@TheRealFobican]

Is it possible to make a tiny yet has all of these functions in one portable device that relies on the same principle as this technology is doing being alive even to this day?

[@TheComputerArchive]

I'm sure that's possible. I wouldn't know how though.

[@dheerajSM]

PURE NOSTALGIA

[@handlesrtwitterdontbelivethem]

is it a perfect speed and latancy and everything like in the 90s

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes, everything works exactly the same!

[@jethrotull6933]

So the practical use for this is getting an old system online. That would come in handy for finding missing drivers and such.

[@jzarfas]

Im just az excited sat watching you get all of this to work lol!! Im goimg to get one of those telephone simulators and create an internal telephone line system in our house, Im hoping the retro modems on atari amiga etc will be able to dial into this kind of system. I presume the sharing pc is converting the modern TCP/IP LAN to something the analogue modems can connect to.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes that's correct, it acts as a gateway to the Internet through its own (analog) modem. I'm glad my video inspired you! It's a lot of fun to set these things up.

[@blackwhitecringy]

Just got a deal on a tls so I’m going to try this for my old computers for fun ;)

[@TheComputerArchive]

Awesome! Let me know how it went!

[@blackwhitecringy]

The Computer Archive thanks for replying!! I currently have it working just need to do some touch ups on the setup but it works!! I want to try to extend the network with telephone switches, so I’ll see how that will go. But thanks for the video!!

[@TheComputerArchive]

Great that you got it working! Telephone switches should work. I am using a business telephony system now instead of the line simulator and it all works including caller ID.

[@blackwhitecringy]

The Computer Archive Alright thanks!!

[@TriggaP123]

@@TheComputerArchive what is the name and model of business telephone you are using?

[@discobearoffical]

my laptop (gateway m-series) has a agere modem

[@f_for_freedom2492]

it's fun to see that today with windows 10 (i think it even works with 7 and vista but not sure) you can just bridge a network connection to share it,and it works first time,i did it to share my internet to my brother's computer instead of having to run a second 15 meter network cable

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes! That's how I sometimes reinstall desktop computers that don't have wifi built-in. I channel the internet through a wifi-enabled laptop with an ethernet cable. You don't even need a cross cable anymore.

[@f_for_freedom2492]

@@TheComputerArchive yup,and that's great,even tho i'm too young to have experienced the possible pain in the butt to have to pick the right cable,i feel grateful for the evolution of software (i think it's mostly due to software,isn't it ?) anyway,thanks for your reply on a 1 yo video,not a lotta people do that,i appreciate man,thanks !

[@TheComputerArchive]

Absolutely! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. And yes, it was a pain. I am not sure if it's also the hardware that needs to be compatible but in any case, you're right: not needing separate cables anymore makes life much easier. I should still have a cross cable somewhere that me and friends used if we wanted to play a LAN game between two computers.

[@f_for_freedom2492]

@@TheComputerArchive lol,i used to do that too with gta iv,because well,i needed a patch,and that patch made it impossible to play on standard online (i don't even know if their servers are still up nor if anyone is still playing) so i had to run a local mp game on my network with my brother's computer,it worked perfectly,even tho my switch is working funny sometimes,have a nice day !

[@jessestrobel2]

Good work Ruben

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thanks!

[@DjornNorthfield]

Question, do you have to have a line simulator? Their $300+ on ebay right now. Would a PBX ($70 amazon) work too?

[@TheComputerArchive]

You don't have to; a PBX will work fine. I am using a PBX now and it works just the same! The only difference with a line simulator is that they can simulate particular real-life phone numbers.

[@DjornNorthfield]

@@TheComputerArchive Awesome. Thanks for the quick response!

[@naaaaa-t5x]

did you upload this video with dial up

[@TheComputerArchive]

Let's see... 32 GB over a 56K line will take... about two months lol.

[@Loucousscousslou]

I tried to do this but dialing from Windows 10 with a compatible PCI modem that makes the dial, the phone simulator port 4 blinks during the com but cannot dial number 101 (port 1 not blinking) and the connexion fails. Do you have any idea ? I think it is messed up from Windows 10 that you have to configure area code... Any idea ?

[@TheComputerArchive]

Sometimes the line simulator can be programmed differently. On mine, I can give each jack a different custom phone number. Have you tried a different line jack, or resetting the line simulator to factory settings?

[@Loucousscousslou]

@@TheComputerArchive Thanks for your return about this, I managed to make it work, I've got some drivers issues with my modems connected through serial, I think my motherboard has an issue with it. It worked with a PCI modem :) Such old memories, keep doing vintage videos like that I love it

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and got everything working. These things are not as plug and play as were used to with wifi and ethernet today.

[@bigloudnoise]

This is gonna be a strange post, but...I used to have a computer case exactly like the one on the right, white with purple highlights and octagonal buttons. I've been trying to find one for a recreation, but I've had absolutely zero luck finding one, mainly because I don't know the manufacturer name or case model. Does your case happen to have any labels or markings that tell the brand or model?

[@TheComputerArchive]

Not that I can remember. The computer is in storage right now and I don't currently have access to it since I'm out of the country. I don't mind selling it to you once I'm back if you're interested. It's newer than I normally collect; I only kept it for practical use like in this video, but later moved to using a small Vaio laptop.

[@TriggaP123]

I'm trying to do this with the Compaq you have as the host with win98 as the provider and a win95 presario as the guest.plus I have wifi internet on the provider computer where you had lan to router

[@TheComputerArchive]

I have never done it with Windows 98. I always use Windows 2000 or later because it's easy to set up. But I think 98 can do it as well.

[@TriggaP123]

@@TheComputerArchive yes you are an absolute genius.cuz after you made this video,these Teltone TLS's prices skyrocketed and started going between $100-$4,000. Luckily I got mine for a $100 but I think it needs a factory reset (I'm still new at that box).

[@cosmincrok71]

Hello and thank you for the amazing video!!! I have a problem to solve and I can't find any solution. I have at LOCATION 1, a landline (TSP), PC running Windows 7 and internet connection (ISP). At LOCATION 2, I have a PC running Windows 7, internet and a telephone with RJ11 connector. Please, tell me what do I need to do in order to make/receive calls to/from landline at LOCATION 1 over the internet at LOCATION 2. Thank you!

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you! Are these locations different buildings? If so, you'll need to sign up for a VOIP account. Those are pretty cheap (about $6 / month) and will act like a regular landline.

[@ERHospitalEmergencyRooms]

Now when you're on the internet with Dial-up no one can't call you because you're using the Dial-up connection version. The line would be busy.

[@shawn9643]

What is the model for the Compaq computer?

[@TheComputerArchive]

It's a Compaq Presario 4850.

[@aceswag3882]

Awesome video but two questions. Can you please make an updated video on how to setup a multi user dialup allowing you to connect in outside of your LAN? So other people can connect. And, Is it possible to use a mobile phone with one of those GSM to PSTN adapters to establish a dialup connection? Cheers dude.

[@ZXSpectrum128K]

got v34bis modem connects 115kbps everytime 56k modems same line provider 40-46kbps only why is this?

[@ShayBlez]

Not sure if someone told you, but the first phone app on your compaq desktop you tried, you selected pulse dialing. Mightve done it.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes, tone dialing would've been the right way to dial. But the main problem was the software being specifically written for that Compaq modem. Since applications couldn't find that modem, certain features would not work. I later started using an actual PBX instead of the line simulator and now the whole local phone network works even better.

[@noahshoesmith4106]

Really cool! Im trying this now, just wondering, could I plug in my Windows Server 2008 machine with the same configuration as your xp machine (the incoming connections) and plug it into my actual phone line? and have someone else connect remotely using my landline number?? Just curious

[@TheComputerArchive]

Hi, yes that should work. Make sure incoming calls on your landline either go directly to the server, or are forwarded by default to that server.

[@CuriosityDynamics]

@@TheComputerArchive Hey I have got a problem, I get the error "server ip address not found" when I connect. I direct-ip'd TheOldWeb and it worked... any suggestions? (for reference, I made a video of the modem, and near the end I talk about that problem)

[@noahshoesmith4106]

@@TheComputerArchive I did try calling just from my mobile and it didnt even send a call as a whole... maybe its cuz that was my mobile. Need to get some more equipment though to simulate this, I have two computers with built in modems, all I need is the telephone line.

[@phenom957]

Need one of these for 1994 IBM Aptiva running Windows 95!

[@HANIKOLA]

Thank you from Russia!

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@oppok5657]

can i transfer files from a pc to another pc with this?? Yes i know its slow. but i want to know

[@TheComputerArchive]

Technically you could, through FTP for example. I am not sure if you can do direct transfers out of the box, but it is very likely that a solution for that exists.

[@retroroom7]

Can I connect two computers directly to each other's modem port without a box in between?

[@TheComputerArchive]

That's not possible, unfortunately. The modems need a dial tone and voltage to be present in order to operate properly.

[@Caseytify]

One wonders if this works with an external modem for one of the computers. An old CP/M computer I have has a terminal program that works with Hayes compatible modems, and has a 25 pin serial port on the back. I'd like to use that to "dial in" to one of my MS-DOS or Windows vintage computers.

[@TheComputerArchive]

What you'll need is either that line simulator or a PBX. You won't need the Internet connection over TCP/IP. With a live phone line you can dial in to any other computer. Some of the old machines in my collection still have a BBS host installed that someone set up in the 80s. I can simply dial the number of that computer with the appropriate client software, and it'll work.

[@randominternetbro6562]

Would it be possible to use something like this to dial in to a BBS (like the retrobattlestations Level29 BBS or HeightsBBS or something)? I assume no, because it is different technology, but what if you use some sort of VoIP on the server machine? I'm not really sure...

[@TheComputerArchive]

If you want to connect to an outside BBS, you will need an outside phone line. VoiP is indeed your best and cheapest option for that. You can use your computer's modem to directly call to the outside line. The setup shown in the video can be used to call a BBS that you're hosting on a local computer. Simply calling the number of the host computer should get you connected. VoiP through your broadband line is possible too but getting a VoiP phone line will cost you about $7 per month and is a much easier option.

[@randominternetbro6562]

@@TheComputerArchive Thanks!

[@pcretropcworkshop8031]

modem sounds good

[@themattrixrevolution]

So the modem act like a network switch.

[@アレン-f2x]

where did you get the telephone line simulator?

[@TheComputerArchive]

I got it from eBay. Alternatively, you can use a PBX.

[@alexanderwhite8320]

Tips from tehnician: 1. When installing windows xp select not install automatic updates 2. To identify unknown devices use aida64

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you! I use Unknown Device Identifier these days. Indeed much easier than having to tear apart the hardware.

[@gianpy566]

I actually tried this with two old pc, but when i try to call the server (windows xp), the communication interrupt. The client is a windows 2000 laptop

[@TheComputerArchive]

Are you using a line simulator or PBX?

[@gianpy566]

@@TheComputerArchive no, I don't have a line simulator, so I tried using an old modem with two analog phones port. Before trying to establish a connection I actually verified that the two ports could call each other

[@TheComputerArchive]

If you can find a cheap PBX, then I'd recommend trying to connect through that.

[@salvatorepalomba6487]

Is it necessary to make the modem answer that server machine is connected to the Internet?

[@TheComputerArchive]

What do you mean?

[@salvatorepalomba6487]

@@TheComputerArchive I solved it sorry if I borthered you. I setted wrong my modem...

[@TheComputerArchive]

No worries! You're not bothering me at all, I gladly want to help anyone who wants to create the same setup as I did.

[@Caleb-fv5fp]

Can you please help me? I want to connect to the internet with dial up on my windows 98 pc but I don’t want to pay another bill for land line when I already have internet. I would like to use your method of lan to phone line adapter then to modem to pc, but I’m a little confused about the second pc. I just want one pc and to use the modem to play online games and browse old websites.

[@TheComputerArchive]

The second PC acts as the "adapter". It goes in the following order: Win 98 PC with modem ➡️ PBX or line simulator ➡️ PC with modem and Ethernet ➡️ ADSL/fiber/cable modem ➡️ Internet You need the second PC as a dialup server that the old PC can dial in to. The second PC will then forward internet traffic.

[@Caleb-fv5fp]

@@TheComputerArchive is there any way to do it without a whole other pc?

[@TheComputerArchive]

There may be a way but I don't know any. See if there is a specialized box for that purpose.

[@Caleb-fv5fp]

@@TheComputerArchive what about a voiceover ip I keep hearing about them, what do they do? Are they little computers? An example is the linksys pap2t.

[@TheComputerArchive]

I think those just translate the analog phone signal to a digital signal. But I am not familiar enough with those to answer your question. I think the Linksys that you mention requires an active VoiP subscription to work. Of course once you have that, you can call outside lines with it.

[@tsartomato]

how's that case form-factor called?

[@TheComputerArchive]

They're midsize tower cases.

[@1pouco]

Hi. Very good your video. Where did you buy that original part? I really need to buy some. If you can tell me that would really help.

[@mjb6991]

Can you make a video showing how to use a pbx

[@TheComputerArchive]

Sure! I'll do that.

[@mjb6991]

@@TheComputerArchive Is the PBX similar to the line simulator just with more lines?

[@TheComputerArchive]

You can't program specific phone numbers per line into a PBX, and the PBX I use has a lot of advanced features that the line simulator doesn't have, like call forwarding, caller ID and many more. But in basic functions it's the same. You call line 3 (103) and it'll ring that line.

[@anthonynorton666]

Tone dialing or pulse? More than likely tone. Pulse goes back to the old rotary phone days. When push button phones first came out, they had a switch for pulse or tone in case your carrier used the old rotary dial relay system.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes tone dialing would be preferred but I think both work.

[@paulmaydaynight9925]

@@TheComputerArchive i cant remember how you reliably did 'zero' space... but to try pulse dialling just press & release the the hang-up button Morse code style with a short time scale 1 time space 2 times space 3 times , you get a connection to the123 audio time clock here back in the day. completeness for those that didn't live 1983 'war games' bbs day's ,[serial] Tone dialling assigned different tones to each ascii code as you might expect ,hence the warbling modem sound's ,along with the original Hayes AT commands you now re-used in the 1g,2g,4g,5g wireless phone/modem

[@zacharyschwanke7160]

i want that compaq what is the modle number on it?

[@TheComputerArchive]

It's a Compaq Presario 4850.

[@fandenivoldsk]

Really cool!

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thank you!

[@JayKuzemba]

Unable to establish connection

[@uggima1]

Awesome video and internet connection sharing in xp? I did use that with ethernet/usb dsl modem... good luck getting it to run for more than 20mins. *has a flashback to the AT command set* Also love that both the modems were made by the same company (although with the agree name they did just make cheapass late game modems iirc)

[@TheComputerArchive]

I didn't know it was the same company who made them! I just looked it up and indeed it came from Lucent.

[@ImpiantoFacile]

Do you know if there's any way of setting up the modem so it answers instantly? My modem, like yours, answers after 2 rings on windows XP.

[@TheComputerArchive]

I don't know how to change that. I thought I saw a setting for that once but I can't find it now. Maybe I was dreaming.

[@hristosmourselas3939]

Is there any way to use the real telephone lines with some POTS adapters or something?

[@TheComputerArchive]

What do you mean by real telephone lines?

[@hristosmourselas3939]

@@TheComputerArchive I mean the actual phone lines that are being used nowadays

[@CuriosityDynamics]

@@hristosmourselas3939 yes, if you have various phone lines plug the host on one room, dial the local number (not more than 3 digits) and from another room use your guest to get online!

[@skibbidy-boo-bippity-bop]

8:20 "The Compaq software is being an annoying little bitch ..." LMFAO!

[@TriggaP123]

So I'm connected win 95 modem to server Win XP.with the PPP but none of the web pages are loading

[@TheComputerArchive]

Does your Win 95 computer have an IP address assigned to it? You can check by running winipcfg.

[@TriggaP123]

@@TheComputerArchive I will check after I get it back up,I tried doing a USB install and now it says it's missing a vmm32.vxd file to run.but I will check thank you.

[@TheComputerArchive]

One of the causes could be that your installation media (e.g. CD-ROM) is still present while booting.

[@kbhasi]

(19:27) The Windows 95 logon screen popping up despite already being logged in is now the weirdest thing I've ever seen in vintage computing.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yeah, that was a new glitch for me too.

[@Southeast-planes-trains]

I also have an Agere and USR 56K Modem.

[@richardbettridge475]

Once you get connected with dialup networking checkout a site called theoldnet. It's meant for exactly this use case.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Great comment! I came across that website by accident recently and it is really cool to use it on those old computers. I might create my own mirror sometime.

[@itzryland]

Can you do this with a homemade diy Intercom. The one with the 9v battery and 330 ohm resistor?

[@TheComputerArchive]

I think you'll need a dial tone but maybe you can change the settings so that the computer won't wait for a dial tone. I don't know enough about it to tell for sure.

[@rja5748]

How you did would you tell the instructions

[@TheComputerArchive]

You don't need a landline if you have your own PBX or phone line simulator. What would you like to know specifically?

[@sxsuri]

so you just need a telephone a modem and that's it?

[@TheComputerArchive]

And a line simulator or a PBX.

[@sxsuri]

@@TheComputerArchive oh my that’s really cool! Might give it a shot!

[@sxsuri]

@@TheComputerArchive is modem like pci express or?

[@TheComputerArchive]

You definitely should! It's easier to do than I expected. The modem in my Windows XP computer is PCI. It's from the early 2000s though. If you want to try it with a modern computer, PCI Express modems are available, like the US Robotics model USR5638. Alternatively, you can use a USB modem.

[@GarryGri]

​@@TheComputerArchive What about putting 3 or 4 old ISA US Robotics Win modems and a network card in an old XP PC? And adding a voltage to the RJ-11 line. Would it work without the line simulator then? I'm assuming this would need some sort of comms software on the PC to work.

[@stvpls]

but is more satisfying to connect it to a real phone line and connect via that, you could in the future do become a small dialup provider

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes a friend of mine wants me to do that so he can dial in. It's actually not a bad idea.

[@GarryGri]

It's a pity these line simulators are so expensive (from around £500 to over £2,000) I was looking for something like this a while ago to try to connect a combination of old Mac, Dreamcast, VIC-20 and other 'retro' hardware to my LAN. A DreamPi works, but I wanted something with multi ports to sit with my comms stuff, switch, hub, router etc... Any outher do-it-yourself route other than making 4 or 5 DreamPi's!?

[@TheComputerArchive]

You can use a PBX instead. Those can be had fairly cheap. This gives you multiple lines and a real analog telephone network.

[@Blueyzachary]

If you get a cell2jack or a SIP ATA, you can have that generate the ring signal, and then have the 2 modems attached to the same phone line.

[@ChingasoClown]

What are the option for a line simulator, that unit is expensive on ebay !! Even VIKING DLE-200B is about $150

[@TheComputerArchive]

You can use a PBX instead.

[@Ronnocbot]

This is awesome!

[@salvatorepalomba6487]

How to do it on Windows 8.1?

[@TheComputerArchive]

I am not familiar enough with Windows 8 to be able to tell you.

[@JPX64Channel]

@@TheComputerArchive it is almost the same as windows 7 in the UI.

[@richardmiranda6813]

Would this be possible with Macs?

[@TheComputerArchive]

The client part absolutely. The server part, maybe but I wouldn't know how to do it.

[@randominternetbro6562]

Anyone know of an alternative to the Teltone TLS-4 Line Simulator? They are like several hundred dollars and I really want to get a dialup system setup with my network....

[@TheComputerArchive]

You can use a PBX instead. Those can be found more cheaply.

[@randominternetbro6562]

@@TheComputerArchive Good to know. Thanks for the information.

[@SPCBatonRougeANDDenton]

Do a video on the Brother 885MC Fax Machine communicating with the US Robotics Modem

[@TheComputerArchive]

The first fax was sent over the US Robotics modem (around the 27:00 mark).

[@HPad2]

In case anyone wants that "lovely" hold music - tidal.com/browse/track/44812911 Its Trance 10

[@RockForeverKorea]

2 VoIP, 4 56k modems You can enable PPP multi-link. Two phone lines, two phone numbers Dial-up You can get up to 62-64kbps. instead of 56k modem ISDN modem available, you can get up to 128kbps for both channels.

[@TheComputerArchive]

That's great, I gotta try that! Thanks.

[@TriggaP123]

What?....... really

[@Blueyzachary]

I want that crt monitor

[@TheComputerArchive]

The Compaq or the NEC?

[@blutoo2155]

I would love a list of parts

[@TheComputerArchive]

All you really need is a line simulator or a PBX, and two computers with modems. And of course phone wires.

[@julianl7937]

Absolute genius, what version of windows is your dialed in server PC?

[@TheComputerArchive]

Thanks! The server runs XP en the client runs 95.

[@TriggaP123]

I also have the same Teltone tls4 simulator

[@handlesrtwitterdontbelivethem]

can u do it without another computer to do it

[@TheComputerArchive]

Not if you want to route it through broadband. At least, not as far as I know. There may be other devices that can do the routing.

[@handlesrtwitterdontbelivethem]

have u heard of softperfect wan emulator

[@handlesrtwitterdontbelivethem]

that can limit the speed and latancy

[@TheComputerArchive]

I hadn't heard of that! That's great for emulating a slower connection.

[@hypnoblindd]

Wehre Bay the phonesimulator?

[@TheComputerArchive]

Your best bet would be eBay.com

[@ILikeMetricMusic]

Fun fact: Tracfone uses that exact same hold music when you call them

[@TriggaP123]

Relaxed up wave....yeah

[@jjohnson71958]

I have a compaq persario sr1920nx desktop pc w the factory pic modem

[@TheComputerArchive]

Awesome! Will you be using it for this?

[@jjohnson71958]

maybe it's possible

[@Vulpovile]

I tried doing this but no matter what I get error 720

[@TheComputerArchive]

At what stage are you getting that error?

[@Vulpovile]

@@TheComputerArchive this happened after the computers connected but before verification, turns out I had to set up IPs to be within a range and not DHCP

[@nixcanpor810]

is it easy to setup pabx ?

[@TheComputerArchive]

For me it was. I just connected the power and phone cords and it worked just like that.

[@TheUltimateYouTuberyay]

Couldn't you also use a Raspberry Pi?

[@TheComputerArchive]

Maybe you could if you have a modem for it, but it'd be vastly more complicated.

[@OfficialMatt03]

anyone try this with the sega dreamcast?

[@Southeast-planes-trains]

RCA Jacks in the computer… interesting.

[@TheComputerArchive]

Yes, they connect directly to the motherboard. You can connect a camcorder to the computer and either transfer footage or record real-time.

[@larrysmith5991]

nice man..but that usa robotics was a better modem

[@TheComputerArchive]

It didn't work well with Compaq's proprietary software. Both modems are 56k though, so there shouldn't be a difference in speed.

[@RetroRepair]

Think I may try this with a raspberry pi :)