Description
US Robotics Sportster 0266 14.4K Fax Modem ISA Card 1.012.0266-B 8-Bit 1994
The US Robotics Sportster Model 0266 is an internal 8-bit ISA fax modem card manufactured in 1994. It provides dial-up data communication at up to 14,400 bps and fax capability over standard telephone lines, connecting to a phone line via the rear-bracket RJ-11 TELCO jack with a second RJ-11 PHONE passthrough port for a desk phone. The board carries part number 1.012.0266-B and is identified by the "USR Sportster" branding on the bracket.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: US Robotics
- Product line: Sportster
- Model: 0266
- Part number: 1.012.0266-B
- Secondary reference number: 00027602
- Copyright year: 1994
- Bus interface: 8-bit ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Form factor: Half-length ISA expansion card
- Maximum data rate: 14,400 bps (14.4 Kbps)
- Fax capability: 14.4 Kbps send/receive fax
- Rear bracket connectors: 2× RJ-11 — labeled TELCO (line in) and PHONE (passthrough)
- DIP switch bank: 8-position switch visible on bracket edge (labeled ON positions 1–8)
- Onboard speaker: circular speaker present on PCB for modem audio/call-progress tones
- Main controller chip: MDA 42 (visible on PCB)
- Secondary chip marking: NEC Japan 9404EKA22 / 1-016-905 (visible on PCB label)
- Included: card only — no software, drivers, or documentation
Applications
The US Robotics Sportster line was one of the most popular dial-up modem families of the early-to-mid 1990s, widely used in DOS and early Windows PCs for bulletin board system (BBS) access, online service connections (CompuServe, AOL, Prodigy), file transfers, and fax sending/receiving. The 14.4 Kbps V.32bis standard these cards supported represented mainstream consumer modem speeds from roughly 1992–1995, before the 28.8 and 33.6 Kbps V.34 generation took over. The 8-bit ISA form factor made these cards compatible with the vast installed base of AT-bus and ISA-equipped 286, 386, and 486-class PCs of that era. Today this card is primarily of interest to collectors and enthusiasts restoring period-correct DOS/Windows 3.x or Windows 95 machines, vintage BBS operators, and legacy computing preservationists. The US Robotics brand was highly regarded for modem reliability in this era and commands collector interest relative to generic OEM alternatives.
This US Robotics Sportster Model 0266 14.4K ISA fax modem card has been inspected and is in good condition. The PCB is clean with no visible damage, cracked traces, or missing components. The bracket and RJ-11 port area show light handling wear consistent with prior installation and removal. The card was pulled from a working environment. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions. Please note: We have multiple units in stock — yours may not be the one shown in the photos, however, it will be similar in condition and function.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
US Robotics |
Model: |
0266 |
MPN: |
1.012.0266-B |
Secondary Model: |
00027602 |
SKU: |
21724 |
Type: |
Internal Fax Modem Card |
Product Line: |
Sportster |
Bus Interface: |
ISA (8-Bit) |
Data Rate: |
14.4 Kbps (14400 bps) |
Max Fax Speed: |
14.4 Kbps |
Form Factor: |
Half-Length ISA Card |
Connector Type: |
RJ-11 (TELCO and PHONE ports) |
Number of Ports: |
2 (TELCO line in, PHONE passthrough) |
Copyright Year: |
1994 |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected and in Good Condition |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Japan |
Compatible With: |
PCs with 8-bit or 16-bit ISA slots |
Seller Notes: |
Card only; no software or documentation included. |
Condition Notes: |
US Robotics Sportster 0266 14.4K ISA fax modem card. Inspected and in good condition. Clean PCB, no visible damage. Light handling wear on bracket. Pulled from a working environment. |