[CLUE-Tech] Libranet 2.8 and an HSF Winmodem

[Chuck Downing]

Hey Gang,

I recently purchased an HP ze5270 laptop based on price and availability 
when I needed to get some work done quickly after a hard disk crash on my 
previous box.  I didn't realize until it was delivered that it had no 
serial port.  Such is life.

Now that the high priority job is done, I am trying to install and use 
Libranet 2.8 instead of Winblows XP.  The hang up is trying to get the 
winmodem to work.  I have used the Winblows Sysinfo to determine that it is 
a Conexant 56k ACLink Modem.  I have used the scanModem script to learn 
that it is probably a Smartlink modem.  This led me to try the recommended 
slmdm-2.7.10, but its make step fails with some missing files.  I then went 
to the Linuxant web site and learned that they recognize it as an HSF modem 
and recommend hsfmodem-6.03.00lnxt03091800free before buying their $20 driver.

I have tried every possible combination of hsfmodem-6.03.00lnxt03091800free 
in rpm, deb and tar.gz.  They all fail because, apparently, Libranet 
doesn't set up the kernel libraries and headers in a standard way.  At the 
suggestion of Linuxant's make files, I have even tried recompiling the 
Libranet 2.4.20 kernel.  This fails with a kernel panic on start-up.  As a 
long-time computer jock, but Linux newbie, I have run out of ideas.

What kind of information can I supply to get someone started advising me my 
next step?  You will note that I live 100 miles from nowhere, so your 
coming over for an evening is likely out of the question.  We do 
occasionally come to Highlands Ranch for the week-end, so a session there 
is possible, but I always find that something I desperately need is in 
Leadville when we're in Highlands Ranch and vice-versa.

Thanks for any advice.

Chuck Downing
Leadville, Colorado