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Check the index below for the relevant topic.
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Acoustic Couplers
An old and slow device that allow you to connect a modem to virtually any
telephone and let you send and receive faxes, transmit data, check email or
access on-line services with your portable or notebook computer wherever
your travels may take you. Utilizing advanced signal processing technology,
acoustic couplers can interface with telephone systems when no direct
connection is available. Typical examples of these are payphones and
hard-wired phones.
Acoustic couplers usually attach to the handset of a phone using suction
cups and Velcro straps and are plugged into the LINE jack of the modem. A
good acoustic coupler will have a signal level switch that allows you adjust
signal levels to suit the telephone line condition and type of telephone you
are using.
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Converters and
transformers
Are electric conversion products that enable safe operation of electric
devices in foreign countries. Electric devices that are designed for use
with 110V systems require foreign 220V current to be "stepped-down." Devices
that are designed for use with 220V systems require foreign 110V current to
be "stepped-up. The choice between a converter or a transformer depends on
several things.
First, is your device an electric appliance with a high power heating
element or mechanical motor such as a hair dryer or iron? If you are using
an electric appliance, you need a converter. Or is your device electronic,
using electronic chips or circuits, such as a computer, printer or VCR? If
you are using an electronic device, you need a transformer. When in doubt
about the type of device, use a transformer. Both Electric appliances and
electronic devices work with a transformer, but only electric appliances
work with a converter.
Second, is your use continuous and long-term or is it sporadic and short
term? Transformers are designed for long term, continuous use. Converters
are designed to operate for only an hour or two at a time.
What's the difference between a converter and a transformer?
It lies in how the device "converts" voltage current. AC power is supplied
in alternating bursts that are in a shape called a "sine wave." To reduce
220V to 110V, for example, a converter chops off the sine waves in half
whereas a transformer alters the length of the sine waves. This is a
critical difference because electronic devices require a full sine wave for
operation thus can operate only with a transformer. Electric appliances
function with either a full or a half sine wave so can be operated with
either a converter or a transformer.
The converter's short-term use and "chopping" off of sine waves are
relatively simple and compact functions. The transformer's continuous use
and alteration of sine waves are relatively sophisticated functions and
require more space. As a result, transformers are generally larger, heavier
and much more expensive than converters. Thus if you are going to travel
with an electronic device you should purchase one that is dual voltage if it
is available.
Most converters and transformers that are available to the consumer do
not alter or convert the "cycles," shown as "Hz" on most devices. Although
cycle differences do not cause a problem with many devices, they do with
some. See our Cycle / Hz Tech Note for further explanation.
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Converters and
transformers
Are electric conversion products that enable safe operation of electric
devices in foreign countries. Electric devices that are designed for use
with 110V systems require foreign 220V current to be "stepped-down." Devices
that are designed for use with 220V systems require foreign 110V current to
be "stepped-up. The choice between a converter or a transformer depends on
several things.
First, is your device an electric appliance with a high power heating
element or mechanical motor such as a hair dryer or iron? If you are using
an electric appliance, you need a converter. Or is your device electronic,
using electronic chips or circuits, such as a computer, printer or VCR? If
you are using an electronic device, you need a transformer. When in doubt
about the type of device, use a transformer. Both Electric appliances and
electronic devices work with a transformer, but only electric appliances
work with a converter.
Second, is your use continuous and long-term or is it sporadic and short
term? Transformers are designed for long term, continuous use. Converters
are designed to operate for only an hour or two at a time.
What's the difference between a converter and a transformer?
It lies in how the device "converts" voltage current. AC power is supplied
in alternating bursts that are in a shape called a "sine wave." To reduce
220V to 110V, for example, a converter chops off the sine waves in half
whereas a transformer alters the length of the sine waves. This is a
critical difference because electronic devices require a full sine wave for
operation thus can operate only with a transformer. Electric appliances
function with either a full or a half sine wave so can be operated with
either a converter or a transformer.
The converter's short-term use and "chopping" off of sine waves are
relatively simple and compact functions. The transformer's continuous use
and alteration of sine waves are relatively sophisticated functions and
require more space. As a result, transformers are generally larger, heavier
and much more expensive than converters. Thus if you are going to travel
with an electronic device you should purchase one that is dual voltage if it
is available.
Most converters and transformers that are available to the consumer do
not alter or convert the "cycles," shown as "Hz" on most devices. Although
cycle differences do not cause a problem with many devices, they do with
some. See our Cycle / Hz Tech Note for further explanation.
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Digital Lines
Modems are designed to operate on standard, analog telephone lines like
those found in most homes . However, many telephones found in offices and
hotels are PBX (Private Branch Exchange) phones. PBX systems installed in
business' or hotels provide a 'mini telephone exchange' within the building,
which allows special features such as voice mail and intercom. PBX phone
lines terminate in a standard RJ-11 jack, making it impossible to tell the
difference between a standard line and a PBX line.
Why is this a problem? PBX manufacturers are not required to adhere to
the same restrictions on their inside PBX lines as the phone companies
mandate for standard analog lines. Several PBX manufacturers have designed
phone systems that deliver much more current to the phone than does the
phone company on a POTS line. In fact, some PBX systems can deliver up to an
amp of current to the inside telephones (which are designed by the PBX
manufacturer, of course, and are made to handle such current).
Your modem was designed to see no more than about 120 mA, or about 1/8 of
the amount of power put out by some PBX systems. As a result, if you plug
your modem into a PBX line, thinking that it's a POTS line, you could damage
your modem with too much current and not even know it. Suddenly, your modem
just doesn't work. If you're lucky, it will smoke a little bit, giving you a
sign that something got burnt up. But most often it just dies a quiet death,
leaving you without a working modem and no idea what happened.
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Dual Voltage
Laptop computers and a growing array of other travel oriented devices are
now "dual voltage," meaning they are designed to operate safely with either
110/120V or 220/240V systems. If a device is dual voltage, all that will be
needed to operate it in a foreign country is an electric adapter plug, to
convert the device's electric plug to the style of foreign electric socket.
If a device is not dual voltage, it may need a converter or transformer to
actually change the voltage it uses in the foreign country. To determine
whether a device is dual voltage, look for a legend on its power adapter
"box" or on the device itself. The device is dual voltage if it says
something like:
INPUT: AC 100V - 240V, 50/60Hz
The device is not dual voltage if it says something like:
INPUT: AC 120V, 60Hz - or - INPUT: AC 240V, 50Hz
The easiest way to travel internationally is to carry dual voltage devices.
However, if they are not available or your time or budget don't permit the
purchase of new dual voltage devices, you can use a converter or transformer
to operate your single voltage devices safely in foreign countries.
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Line Polarity
If the telephone jack you're trying to plug into is wired incorrectly, even
the most sophisticated connectivity equipment in the world can be foiled.
Wiring position - or polarity - is a common challenge for the laptop
traveler. A standard modem (and a standard telephone for that matter) use
only two of the four conductors that are housed in a standard RJ-11 modem
line and plug. In the United States and most other countries, the inner pair
of wires is used as "Line 1, " and the outer pair of connectors is used if
there is a second "Line 2." Thus a telephone line uses only two wires, which
are referred to in the industry as "Tip" and "Ring."
The condition of "reversed polarity" occurs when Tip and Ring get
reversed because of incorrect wiring in the RJ-11 jack or use of a
non-standard RJ-11 extension cord that reverses the lines. Reversed polarity
doesn't impact telephone voice communication. However, it can impact modem
communication by interfering with or slowing down modem speed.
Reversed polarity can be detected by the yellow light on a modem saver
product. The "Polarity Reversing" adapter provided with the Modem Saver Plus
or the Modem Saver International changes the polarity of the Tip and Ring
conductors, correcting the reversed polarity condition and enabling normal
modem communication.
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Pulse Noises/Tax
Impulses
A "pulse noise" or "tax impulse" is a pulse - inaudible by the human ear -
that is generated by phone companies to meter the length of telephone
connections, usually for taxing purposes. Common only in Austria, Belgium,
the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Spain and Switzerland, pulse noises can
interfere with or interrupt modem communications. The accepted solution for
this modem connectivity problem is a tax-impulse or pulse-noise filter,
which filters out the offending pulses and preserves the integrity of the
modem connection.
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Pulse Noises/Tax
Impulses
A "pulse noise" or "tax impulse" is a pulse - inaudible by the human ear -
that is generated by phone companies to meter the length of telephone
connections, usually for taxing purposes. Common only in Austria, Belgium,
the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Spain and Switzerland, pulse noises can
interfere with or interrupt modem communications. The accepted solution for
this modem connectivity problem is a tax-impulse or pulse-noise filter,
which filters out the offending pulses and preserves the integrity of the
modem connection.
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Preprogram Your Modem
Preprogram all your access numbers, credit-card numbers and other
remote-access information before you leave in order to save time while on
the road. Make sure you have lots of alternatives in case the main access
numbers are busy or down.
Make sure your modem is prepared. Dial tones differ from country to country,
and access numbers will change as well. Configure your modem in advance so
it doesn’t look in vain for U.S. dial tone or persistently ring the wrong
number.
Ignore Dial Tone Setting
Learn how to turn your modem’s "ignore dial tone" command on and off so it
will bypass a nontraditional foreign dial tone. You can configure your
software to ignore dial tones via the Windows Modem Control Panel Properties
or by adding the X1 command to your software’s initialization string.
Pulse/Touch Tone Dialing
Before using your modem, check whether the phone system uses rotary (pulse)
or tone dialing. To do this, simply pick up the handset and dial a few
digits. If you hear clicks, the system uses pulse tones. If you hear
touch-tones, the system uses tone dialing. Set your software dialing setup
option box to Pulse or Tone accordingly.
Comma Pauses
Your software may require you to program in pauses during your modem's
dialing string. Before connecting with your modem, place a test call and
listen to the entire dialing sequence. Keep track of the length of each
pause (in seconds) between each portion of your entire dialing string - for
example the time it takes to accesses an outside line, the time after keying
in a phone card or access number, etc. You may need to add commas to various
areas of your dial string (each comma is a two second pause) to complete the
modem connection successfully.
Spare Modems
Carry a spare, basic PC Card modem. They’re cheap, light and don’t take up
much space. And you’ll be happy you took one along when your other modem
suddenly quits in the middle of the night.
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International ISP's
The major internet service providers (ISP’s) maintain local access numbers
around the world so you can go on-line by placing a local call. Get these
numbers and check out the cost of the service before you leave home - they
are generally available on-line or by calling the ISP's. If you need to
access the Internet while abroad, plan ahead. ISPs’ offerings vary
extensively in convenience and price, so finding the right solution at a
reasonable price can entail substantial research. For one option, check out
iPass at www.ipass.com
Cyber cafés / Internet Access Kiosks
There are thousands of public internet access points, cyber cafés and kiosks
around the world. Research their locations before you leave home, using
services like The Cyber café Search Engine at
www.cybercaptive.com.
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Airport Security
Checks
In preparation for airport security checks, use the 'suspend' mode (Windows)
as an alternative to making sure your battery has enough power to boot up.
Activate the suspend mode the last time you use your laptop before going to
the airport. It will restart quickly and consume almost no battery power,
leaving the maximum battery charge if you want to work during the flight."
(for Mac users, it is the "sleep" mode)
When you go through airport security, you may be asked to turn your laptop
on. Make sure your battery has enough power left to avoid delays. The
process may also be sped up by booting from a floppy diskette.
X-ray machines
x-ray machines at airports are not a threat to your laptop’s hard-drive or
floppy disks. However, the security checkpoint conveyer belt is a target for
thieves who watch for unattended equipment passing through the x-ray
machines. As a result you may want to have a security guard hand check your
machine rather than putting it through the conveyer.
Hotel Room Security
If you’re feeling insecure about leaving your notebook computer in the hotel
room. leave it stowed in your room but take the removable disk drive with
your when you leave.
Disguise Your Laptop
To help safeguard against theft, disguise your computer while traveling.
Trade in the traditional computer case for a less conspicuous bag such as
the Saddlebag.
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Batteries
New batteries are generally not charged before they are delivered because
the charge is not stable during the shipping process. You should fully
charge and discharge a new battery as soon as you receive it. As a rule, a
new battery must be fully charged and discharged at least five times in
order to realize the maximum run time.
A new battery may cause the battery status indicator on your computer to
indicate a dead or low battery condition. If this should occur, remove the
battery and then re-insert it. If you still don’t get a full indicator, let
the battery charge in your computer overnight.
Storage
Do not store batteries in extreme temperatures or wet areas. For example, do
not leave your cellular phone or laptop in your car during the heat of the
summer or the cold of the winter.
Optimize Performance
A rapid charger/conditioner can help optimize the performance and extend the
life of your NiCD and NiMH rechargeable batteries. A conditioner fully
drains the battery’s power prior to recharging which is vital to avoid
memory effect
In-Flight Power
Many airplanes are now equipped with power for passengers to use in-flight.
Even more planes will have this feature soon, so if you are in the market
for extra batteries for in-flight use, consider instead an air adapter
designed for use with the in-flight power systems.
New Planes are now equipped with 110V 60Hz Power outlet. Which saves the
cost of the In Flight Adapters.
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Auto Air Adapters
There have been a few instances of airline power adapters not working with
in seat power sources. This can happen when an adapter is required to
produce the fully rated 70 watts to fast charge the internal laptop battery
but the in seat power system is not designed to produce that much power.
With an adapter efficiency of 90%, the 70 watt load tries to pull 78 watts
from the in seat power unit and it safely shuts down. The safety circuits in
the adapter also sense the overload and also safely shut down.
This can happen with any of the in seat power systems that have current
limited outputs of around 5 amps (Note that 5 amps at 15 volts = 75 watts).
This can also happen with any brand of power adapter and with any laptop
that draws up to 70 watts.
Many of the in seat power systems were designed when laptops used between 54
and 60 watts. The need for higher power was not foreseen by the airlines.
Solutions:
1) Turn off the laptop before plugging the adapter into the in seat power
system. Most laptops will draw less than 70 watts when only charging the
battery. Allow the battery to charge for 15 to 20 minutes then try to
operate while the continues to charge at a somewhat lower level.
2) Remove the laptop battery before plugging the adapter into the in seat
power. The operating power of a laptop is far less than the combined
operating and charging power. Note that without the internal battery any
interruption in in-seat power will cause a loss of unsaved data.
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