The modem programs we have tried that are supposed to operate under Windows never turned out right (Bugs, timing issues with Windows itself, etc.) and so they are not mentioned here at all. We stick with what is known to work from experience. I do not believe there is any support at all for these programs as they are quite old, and I have not seen any updates for many years. Also I cannot support these programs in any way due to being short on time these days. All of these programs are for the PC and will run on an 80286 or possibly even an 8088!
WINTNC - Okay, okay, I will mention one program that works under Windows 9x. WINTNC, is an unsupported, buggy galore, left-handed program does seem to work with Windows 9x. It does not work well on 300 baud HF packet, compared to Baycom. Years ago, locals were interested in the program, so I checked it out. I'm so disappointed I will let you download and read the 18k text file of observations and work-a-rounds (still annoying) I made on that program. Definitely read it to see if it is worth pursuing WINTNC. If you are looking for the program, hit a search engine. Some people like it but I those who do, have never tried SP or Baycom for packet. And now, onto what really works!
BayCom v1.60
URL: www.baycom.org (Look under Terminal Software and definitely look under frequently asked questions)
Very nice DOS, packet only, program. It does 1200 and 300 baud. Transmit, received, and monitored packets are kept in separate areas of the screen so no need to 'hunt' for who sent what. Up to ten connects are possible at once. Fully customizable parameters using a configuration file.
On June 2002, Baycom put up a link for BayCom V1.6! Also they have included the Documentation in a separate .PDF file in German and English! THANK YOU BAYCOM TEAM!
BayCom v1.6 can now be downloaded at: www.baycom.org Look under the "Terminal Software" link when you go there. Grab v1.6 with the documentation file while you can. I have seen this link disappear before!
SP ( Eskay Packet ) v9.75
Author:Sigi Kluger DL1MEN
URL: No home page - Author Deceased
URL: (About the Author) http://www.bungi.com/sigi/
Another Excellent DOS, packet only, program. Probably the best program ever made for packet apart from Digicom which was made for the Commodore 64. It does 1200 and 300 baud. Split screens for transmit, receive and monitored packets. Up to 30 connects are possible and can have two modems in service at once. This program is also fully customizable via a configuration file. Has a PBBS and Node. You or your users (if you permit users using remote commands) can cross-link connects (chat mode). It has many other fancy features. Recommended if you are heavily into packet. This is a powerful program and so the learning curve for this program is somewhat steep (lots of commands). If you are just an average packeteer, I'd suggest Baycom. Baycom is very similar to SP but does does not have all the "bells and whistles". SP comes with instructions and is free. Er, well, it was free up to version 6.10 then it went pay, and then the author died...so I guess it's free. There are English and German versions of the documentation out there. The last known version is 9.75. The last freeware version I believe was v6.2.
AN-93 ( Terman )
Author: Tom Sailer HB9JNX
URL: http://www.baycom.org/~tom/ham/ham.html (Look under HF digital modes terminal software for DOS)
A very small DOS program that handles the RTTY, AMTOR, and PACTOR Modes. Simple to use. Split screen for incoming and outgoing text. Configuration is customizable via a configuration file. The only tricky thing is setting a timing value for Amtor / Pactor. The setting varies per computer. Once set, your good to go. though. Comes with instructions. This is the only DOS program that I know of that will receive and transmit in the Pactor mode. This program is free.
HamComm 3.1
Author: W.F. Schroeder DL5YEC
URL: http://www.pervisell.com/ham/hc1.htm (Unofficial HamComm Page)
A nice DOS program that does CW, RTTY, Amtor, and Pactor. The PACTOR mode is receive only however. Split screen for transmit and received text. Parameters are customizable with a configuration file. Like AN-93, you need to set a timing value, for AMTOR to stay in sync properly. This program is now free.
Here's what looks to be a useful link for some programs mentioned here:
http://www.geocities.com/modemdude01/index.html