the computer through otherwise unused pins in the RS-232C connector. The computer could pulse the hook line to simulate pulse dialing or hang up, and read the status pin to look for line signals like ringing or busy (any noise on the line was reported as "1"). Using these features required a computer able to signal on spare pins, often requiring a second connector and a custom cable to support it. Combined with proper software this made the J-CAT fairly "smart", although Novation was careful to state it was not a "smart modem". Operation was generally similar to the Apple-CAT in concept. The J-CAT was released after the Smartmodem 300, so it was never very popular even though it was fairly low-cost (for the era). The AutoCat and 212 AutoCat The AutoCat series consisted of the AutoCat and 212 AutoCat, which were direct-connect modems with auto-answer capabilities. The Smart-CAT 103 & Smart-CAT 103-212 Novation eventually introduced their own standard smart modems, the Smart-CAT 103 and Smart-CAT 103-212. As the names imply, the later included 1200 bit/s Bell 212 operation in addition to 300 bit/s Bell 103. The later was also offered as the 212 Apple-CAT II, as an internal modem. These models had little to distinguish themselves from other Smartmodem clones, and Novation appears to have disappeared in the early 1980s. Notes The original CAT was also sold in re-branded form by a number of companies. Apple Inc. as the Modem IIA and Modem IIB Atari as the Atari 830 Modem. Texas Instruments as the TI Phone Interface Radio Shack/Tandy as the TRS-80 Telephone Interface II Nixdorf Computer AG as the Modem LK-4040 References http://mirrors.apple2.org.za/Apple%20II%20Documentation%20Project/Interface%20Cards/Modem%20Cards/Novation%20Apple-Cat%20II%20Modem/ http://mirrors.apple2.org.za/Apple%20II%20Documentation%20Project/Interface%20Cards/Modem%20Cards/Novation%20Apple-Cat%20II%20212%20Expansion/ The Novation AppleCat II - detailed notes plus programming instructions, schematic diagram, history, brochure, and user manual documentation Novation J-CAT manual AppleCat II EPROM and SSI75T201 Tone Receiver Option Telecommunications equipment vendors Defunct computer companies of the United States Modems Apple II peripherals Defunct computer hardware companies