Escaping the Modem to Command State


To escape the modem, the controller delays the escape sequence guard time (specified by S12), then issues the escape sequence character three times (specified by S2 - Hayes Escape Character ); then waits for an OK result. Waiting for the result also enforces the required guard time after the escape sequence. Once the OK result is received, the modem enters command state. The controller then hangs up and restores the modem.

The controller software must wait the required guard time before sending the escape sequence characters. Your controller may have been called just after data was transmitted and, without the delay, your characters are sent without triggering the escape sequence recognition process. It is important that the serial transmitter be permitted to be idle for the escape sequence guard time, plus a few extra milliseconds to allow for error, before sending characters.

For example, if S12=10, a delay of at least 200 milliseconds is required before sending the escape sequence characters. After sending the escape sequence characters, the OK result is received after another 200 millisecond wait. This completes the escape sequence process in slightly over 400 milliseconds. If S12=50 (factory setting) is used, 1 s must pass before the characters can be sent, then another 1 s delay must pass prior to the OK result. This completes the process in slightly over 2 s. Hayes recommends that S12=10 be issued to speed up this process.

A delay slightly longer than that stored in S12 allows for errors in the system clock as well as in the modem clock. 100 ms is an adequate safety margin.

Click here to return to the Contents page.