* * *

Commodore 1600 "VICMODEM"


cbm/modems/1600.gif
The Commodore 1600 was an extremely prolific and inexpensive modem, introducing millions of computer users to the online world. Marketed to the VIC-20 user, the "VICMODEM" as it was nicnamed, operated in an extremely strange manner. Instead of connecting to the phone line directly, the VICMODEM relied on a connection THROUGH the phone to the handset (see right picture). One would dial the number they wished to connect to, then remove the extension from their handset, plugging it into the modem after a carrier signal is heard.


cbm/miscCPUs/phone.gif Some customers in Canada were lucky enough to get their VICMODEM packaged with this telephone manufactured in Canada by Northern Telecom. Ironically, the phone did not have a detachable handset, making it useless by itself for use with the modem. Therefore, the set also included a small adaptor which allowed one to plug the VICMODEM directly into the wall line cable, daisy chained to the phone. After dialing with the phone, a switch on the adaptor would redirect the carrier signal to the modem.



Model      : 1600
Connection : Phone handset
Interface  : CBM User port
Speed      : 300 baud
Notes      : No dialing abilities


Click here to return to the main pictures page




If you find anything in here you have questions or comments about, feel free to leave me email right here.

To return to my home page, click here.