AUTOMODEM [Model 1650]
The Commodore 1650, also known as the “AUTOMODEM”, is Commodore’s first full modem directly connected to the phone line. It supports pulse dialing in software and 300 baud duplex connections.
Historical Context:
| Year | Name | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | VICMODEM | 1600 | connected to phone’s handset connector; manual dialing through phone; Motorola MC14412 |
| 1982 | AUTOMODEM | 1650 | connected to phone line, pulse dialing in software; Motorola MC14412 |
| 1985 | MODEM/300 | 1660 | added tone dialing support by feeding SID output into modem; Texas Instruments TMS99532A |
| 1987 | MODEM/1200 | 1670 | Hayes command set; pulse and tone dialing in hardware; 300/1200 baud support; U.S. Robotics chipset |
On the front, there is the VIC-20/C64 user port connector and an activity LED.
On the left, there is:
* the “LINE” jack that is supposed to be connected to the telephone network
* the “PHONE” jack for connecting an existing telephone
* a D/T switch. In D mode, the modem takes over the phone line, in T mode, “LINE” gets passed through to the telephone.
* an A/O switch. When making a modem call, it is to be put into the “O” (originate) position, and when answering a call, it is to be put into the “A” (answer) position.
On the right, there is an H/F switch to select Half Duplex (“H“) or Full Duplex (“F“).
The design of the AUTOMODEM is basically the same as its predecessor’s, with the extra circuitry added to allow it work with the phone line directly instead of acting as the handset of an existing telephone.
