Connecting to VTN Using an Apple II computer.

If you're in a hurry...

If you already know how to use your modem and communications software, here are the communications settings for connecting to the VTN.

What you need:

An Apple II, II+, IIe, IIc, IIc+ or IIGS running ProDOS, DOS 3.3.
An Apple IIGS running GS/OS on ProDOS 16
A communications program
A modem
An available telephone line

There are several commercial software packages available and many shareware programs available.. Modems are available from any computer retailer. Good-quality 1200 modems can be bought for less than $25, 14,400 for less than $200.

You can use your current telephone line to connect to the Victoria Telecommunity Network.

Step-by-step connection guide

If you have not already done so, install your modem, following the instructions that came with it.
Connect the telephone cord that came with your modem to a telephone wall jack. Plug the other end into the modem.
Connect the serial cable to the modem port (a connector on your computer). IIc's use a 5 pin din, IIc+'s and GS's use a Mac-style 8 pin mini din. Your modem's instructions show how.
Now plug the other end of the cable into your modem.
Plug the modem's power cord into a power outlet, and turn the modem on.
Now, start your computer.

Installing your software

You can use any Apple II compatible communications software. Follow the program's instructions to install the software on your computer's hard disk drive, if you have one. If you are using a system with only floppy drives, make a backup copy of the communications software disk. Put the original in a safe place, and use the copy.

If you have difficulty copying files or installing the software, consult the manuals that came with your software.

How to connect

You will need to enter some information in your communications program so that you can connect to VTN. Your communications software may refer to this information as Communications Settings, Terminal Settings Communications Parameters or Terminal Emulation.

Here are the recommended settings for Victoria Telecommunity Network.

Set the Speed to 19,200 bps and the corresponding 14,400 bps speed will connect.
Set the Port to whichever Port your modem is connected to (usually #2).
For Terminal Emulation, choose the largest (and most recent) numbered VT-xxx terminal emulation.
Almost all communications programs allow you to save this information so you do not have to enter it again.
Now give your software the command to dial, using the settings you saved in the previous step.
If you get a busy signal, try again later.

When you have connected to VTN you will be asked for some important information before you can begin your session.

If you do not get a "Connect" message or a busy signal, there is a problem with your modem or with the communications settings in your software. Check your connections, make sure that the settings match those recommended.