Flash ROM Information for the SupraFAXModem 288 and 288i

The SupraFAXModem 288 and 288i modems contain flash ROMs (as opposed to EPROM
chips).  Flash ROMs are "cutting edge" technology because they allow the modem
to be updated with new features and improvements by simply running a software
utility program (usually called a "flasher").

Supra currently provides flasher utilities for DOS, Windows, and Macintosh.
The utilities are available on the Supra BBS (503/967-2444) and can also be
downloaded from the Supra Library on CompuServe (section 01, Modem Vendor
Forum or simply GO SUPRA).

Running the Flasher:

Only the SupraFAXModem 288 and 288i can be updated with the flasher utilities.

OS/2 users need to run the FLASHER.EXE utility and give the DOS window full
priority.  Lack of resources will cause the flasher to crash.

Windows users must run the FLASHER.PIF utility to upgrade the modem while
Windows is open (you can also Exit Windows and run the FLASHER.EXE directly
from DOS).  Under no circumstances should FLASHER.EXE be run from a DOS window
while Windows is open.

Macintosh users need the FLASHMODEM utility.  The modem must be connected to
the Modem Port since the FLASHMODEM utility does not provide options for
selecting other serial ports.

Trouble-shooting the Flasher utilities:

The FLASHER.EXE and FLASHER.PIF utilities are unforgiving if you select the
wrong serial port.  You may have to turn off the computer and turn it back on
to regain control if you "lock-up" the computer in this manner.  Be sure the
modem is turned on and connected to computer before you launch the flasher.

If the flash process is interrupted, the modem will be left in flash mode.  On
externals, this is characterized by a blank display, the TR light is lit, and
the SD and/or RD light will flicker incessantly.  When the modem is in flash
mode, the only way to "bring it back" is to re-run the flasher.

Once in a while, a modem may not respond to the flasher (i.e. the flash process
won't begin...the display may flicker at regular intervals, but never goes
blank and the flasher just sits there with no activity in the status bar).  In
the event this happens, contact Supra Tech Support in order to resolve this
problem.

If Your Modem Appears to be Dead, it's probably stuck in flash mode (blank
display and rapid flashing of the RD light).  You can generally return the
modem to normal operation by running the flasher utility again.

Technical Support is available directly from Supra Monday - Friday from 8:00 -
4:30 Pacific time.

BBS..........:  503/967-2444 (24hrs, 8 nodes)
Fax..........:  503/967-2401
CompuServe...:  76004,565 or GO SUPRA
Internet.....:  supratech@supra.com
Voice........:  503/967-2490 (DOS)
                503/967-2491 (Windows)
                503/967-2492 (Macintosh)