Thinkpads Forum

Hello,

I have to say that phone line technology is probably an area where my knowledge is next to zero. So, I'm not sure what to do about IBM's warnings concerning not using the Thinkpad modems with certain types of phone lines, such as found in some hotels.

If I don't know enough about the phone lines to have a real good idea of which one is which type, then I think it is even less likely that hotel personnel understand it and can give a reliable answer.

I have found that they often have problems with less complicated issues like making change, whether they have a plunger, or where you can park, let along what type of phone lines the hotel uses.

To use the normal modem port of a ThinkPad you need to have a standard analog phone line. The port will not work with a digital phone line. Some digital phone lines may damage an analog modem, however, in my expereince they usually won't damage the modem, but just not work.

In most cases the wall scoket for the phone will be the same for an analog or digital phone line.

Sometimes a digital phone system in a hotel room will provide an analog modem socket on the handset. Sometimes a hotel with a digital phone system will provide a separate analog line in the room for modems. Many new hotels just provide 802.11 wireless 'WiFi' coverage and expect you to use that for data communications.

You need to ask the hotel whether you have an analog phone line in your room. If they don't know, you'll have to decide whether you want to take a chance with connecting your ThinkPad modem port to see if it works.

Cheers,

Bill

Sometimes, the analog port will be on the side of the phone base. Sometimes the analog port is on the wall and clearly marked. Some hotels that I've stayed in had extra electrical plugs and an analog modem line built into the base of the desk lamp or into the desk itself.

YMMV, but NEVER trust the word of the desk clerk if you value your modem. DAMHIK!

I have a little gadget from IBM called a modem saver in my travel kit. It's about the size and shape of a digital thermometer that I can plug into a phone socket to tell if it's OK to use. I think I paid about $10 for it and have had it for years. I have no idea who makes them now.

Most newer modems actually check themselves if it's digital, and auto shutoff if it is (to prevent damage). Still it's not 100% so avoid it.

Digital lines are normally clearly marked. In my experience, most hotels have a book with their "services" that tells you what they offer. Most have an analog line in the room (may not be the phone itself) since that's what most modems handle.

WiFi is typically your best bet... faster, and much less hassle.

DIGITALgimpus wrote:Most newer modems actually check themselves if it's digital, and auto shutoff if it is (to prevent damage). Still it's not 100% so avoid it.

Yeah, some of the modem manufacturers have had that feature for years, but like you say, it's not foolproof.

The times I have been to hotels the phone line took so much of a hassle to connect and configure that WiFi was actually the better option.

christopher_wolf wrote:The times I have been to hotels the phone line took so much of a hassle to connect and configure that WiFi was actually the better option.

Undoubtedly WiFi would be better - I am only asking about the modem option in case there happens to be no WiFi at some place in the future...

A "modem doubler" can be used to connect if you are using a PBX (private branch exchange, i.e. digital) line with no analog jack available. It plugs into the handset jack on the phone. Configuration can be a little tricky, though, and it doesn't work on all phone models. Another option for dialup could be a Bluetooth-capable cell phone, which is relatively slow but OK for email. I haven't yet set up my Thinkpad to use my cell phone, and my memories of doing it on my last laptop are getting fuzzy. I do know that whether it works will depend on your phone and service provider. An excellent source of information is www.howardforums.com.

JoAnn

wayrad wrote:A "modem doubler" can be used to connect if you are using a PBX (private branch exchange, i.e. digital) line with no analog jack available. It plugs into the handset jack on the phone. Configuration can be a little tricky, though, and it doesn't work on all phone models. Another option for dialup could be a Bluetooth-capable cell phone, which is relatively slow but OK for email. I haven't yet set up my Thinkpad to use my cell phone, and my memories of doing it on my last laptop are getting fuzzy. I do know that whether it works will depend on your phone and service provider. An excellent source of information is www.howardforums.com.

JoAnn

I have used my RAZR to dial-up via bluetooth and it works pretty well. Also, most Thinkpad preloads contain an automatic digital line detector that is configured to start as a system service.

Well, I guess I don't have to worry too much about it. My T42 ThinkPad Integrated 56K Modem comes with Digital Line Detect. It loads on startup - see MSCONFIG. The program is located in C:\Program Files\Digital Line Detect.

EDIT: Sorry Chris. I didn't read all of your post. You already mentioned this.

Years ago I got a gadget which detects a digital phone line - LED lightning up red when digital and green when analog. Can leave it in the line, works asa asurge protector too and the cost was less than 10 $.

I always carry a PCMCIA modem card - they are pretty cheap these days since no-one wants them (they are more often than not build in) and I assume that you can pick one up cheaply enough. I normally use that when travelling, cheaper (and easier) to replace a PCMCIA modem than replacing a MB.

vital analitics

Ok, this thread is rather old but I thought I'd let you know that there is a line tester available:

http://www.magellans.com/store/Phone___ ... T114?Args=

They have a bunch of tools for travelers.

Actually, I was waiting for them to arrive (on 7/24) before saying anything, but since you posted a link, I'll say now that I already bought a lot of 5 brand new Modem Savers - IBM Brand - 73G5395 - which cost me a total of US$12.80, which works out to $2.56 a piece.

I'd like to keep one and one spare, so thinkpads.com members can PM me and I'll sell the other 3 at my cost - $2.56 plus the cost of shipping to you.

This is likely the same thing that nonny describes earlier in this thread, and is listed at IBM at:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... STE-3QPT9E

kstuart,

sorry for posting the info, I really didn't intend to force you to reveal your secret to the public. Maybe one of the moderators can quickly fix this faux pas

Naw, certainly no secret - I was just going to wait until I received the items and ascertain they were "as advertised" prior to posting - but I posted about it because I want to prevent members from spending significantly more money on aftermarket testers when they can get a genuine IBM one for only a few bucks.

And I do appreciate your help in finding something to do the job for us.

UPDATE: They just arrived and here is a picture (the other object is one of those adapters that connects two phone jacks together, so if the end you have is a plug, you can still use the tester... those adapters cost several dollars each at stores by themselves )



UPDATE: All now sold.