can you tip to it? ie put something in /etc/remote to point to your modem, i 
cant remember exactly but somethin like:

modem:\
:dv=/dev/ttyb:br#9600:pa=none:

not sure if this is exactly right for you, most modems prefer no parity. then 
try:

tip modem

if this works then typing 
AT
should result in OK

can you get this far? if this doesnt work then double check the /etc/remote 
(man remote) entry - i'm not in front of my bsd box at the moment. also check 
your modems required settings. if you can get this far then it shouldnt be a 
such a great step to get ppp working. let me know how you get on.

GREG
> 
> I was wondering if anyone can give me a hand with my modem problems.
> 
> I have set the modem up on serial port B of a Sparc 1+ running a generic
> 1.4.1 kernel, and so far have no been able to get it to play ball at all.
> (Modem is a US Robotics Sportster Flash flashed to v.90) I saw the earlier 
> postings to this list and followed the advice, and whilst I am further on, 
> have still a bit to go. 
> 
> The latest state of things is that trying to use cu -p modem to test 
> the line reports that the line is busy if you try to use /dev/ttyb and
> will connect, but will accept no commands bar ~. and return no output
> whatsoever if /dev/dtyb is set.
> 
> Needless to say the getty entry for /dev/ttyb in /etc/ttys has been
> removed and set to off, and the speed is set to 38400 (though even trying
> at 9600 has no effect).
> 
> I cant see what else immediately springs to mind, I have had the cable 
> and modem on a pc to test them and they appear to be fine.
> 
> Is it possible that the serial ports themselves are dead ?
> 
> Any help greatly appreciated.
> 
> Steve.
> 
> --
> :  Steve Doyle                                 paiste@zen.spodnet.uk.com :
> :                                                                        :
> : /dev/hdb5 - 0.5Gb of spinning metal, all alone in the night...         :
> :                                                                        :
>