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Can I use my computer (and modem) in strange lands?
The answer is yes if your equipment is compatible with the line voltage (110 volts or 220 volts), line frequency (50 Hertz or 60 Hertz), telephone line type (analog or digital), dial tone type, dialing method (tone or pulse), and connector type (of which there are many).
What about the cycle (Hz) difference?
Most laptop computers and portable peripheral devices use an external power supply that plugs into an AC electrical outlet and supplies DC power to the device. Desktop computers generally have built-in power supplies. It is rare nowadays to find a computer that cannot run on both 50 and 60 Hz. Check the computer's power specifications and confirm they say 50/60 Hz and your worries are over.
What about the voltage difference?
First, you need to determine if your computer or peripheral device is dual voltage (if it is manufactured to accept both 110V 60 Hz and 220V 50 Hz electricity). If you are unsure, check your manual, the back of the device, or the power supply transformer that plugs into the wall to see if it says something like 100-240V, 50 / 60 Hz. If it does, it is dual voltage.
If your device is dual voltage (many are nowadays) then you should be able to use it internationally with just an adapter plug to fit the wall outlet. Some dual-voltage devices can detect the local line voltage and automatically switch accordingly, but others may have a switch to change from 110V to 220V. If it has a switch, remember to have it on the correct setting for the local voltage.
If your device is not dual voltage, you will need a transformer to change the local line voltage to the correct voltage for the device. To determine which transformer you need, add up the wattage of all the devices you will have plugged in at one time, and buy the next bigger one.
Connecting Your Modem
If you plan to use your modem, you may also need a telephone adapter (or digital interface). There is no worldwide standard for telephone jacks, but the North American RJ-11 pattern is the most common, used in over 100 countries. In other places, plugging into a phone line is impossible without the proper telephone adapter.
Foreign Dial Tones and Manual Dialing
You can also run into problems with dial tones overseas. Your computer may not recognize the dial tone of the country you are in as a "dial tone." Depending on the modem software you are using, you might need to put a check in the Ignore Dialtone checkbox in your modem software setup window. .
I have an external modem. Can I use it in Timbuktu? Most external modems have their own separate power supply unit, first check to see if it is the correct voltage for the local AC power, or that it is a dual-voltage power supply and that it is set to the correct voltage. Some dual-voltage power supplies may automatically switch to the correct voltage; check to be sure. If it is not designed to run on the local voltage, you will need a transformer to change the line voltage to the correct voltage for the modem's power supply. Internal modems do not use a separate power supply or require a transformer adapter. In addition to voltage, there are a few other issues: The physical connection between the modem and the telephone line. This may require an adapter. A digital vs. analog telephone system. Line noise that could interfere with the modem's signals. 1. Modem to Phone Line Connection Most phones use modular jacks. If your computer/modem uses an RJ-11 jack (the one in North America) and the country you will be visiting also uses an RJ-11 jack then you do not need a telephone adapter. Don't forget to take a telephone cord like our Telespool though. However, there are 38 other kinds of phone jacks in use throughout the world, and if you are traveling somewhere that doesn't use the RJ-11 plug you will need a telephone line adapter. A complete list of countries and the required telephone line adapters can be found in our Worldwide Phone/ Modem Index. Our telephone line adapters are duplex (unless otherwise noted); these allow the telephone and the modem to be plugged in at the same time. This is important because it can sometimes be necessary to dial manually and then activate the modem once a connection has been made. Remember that some foreign-owned hotels will have the telephone systems of their home countries, not of their host countries. This may be an unwelcome surprise when traveling to Iceland and expecting an RJ-11 only to find that the British-owned hotel is fitted with British phone jacks. 2. What about digital telephone systems? Modems communicate using analog or sound signals while many new telephone systems use digital signal processing. Digital systems are unable to process analog signals, making it impossible for modems to communicate. Unfortunately, many large hotels, offices and universities have installed digital phone systems. How do you know if it is a digital line? The best way is with a digital line tester. Other clues: telephones with digital displays, extra buttons for laundry and video stations, and voice mail functions. There could be a special connector for a data port, but you must find out if this is digital or analog. Plugging into a digital system can potentially fry your modem, because the voltage level is higher than what many modems can handle. If you find that your hotel has a digital system an option is to use a digital interface that plugs into the telephone via the handset jack (but, of course, the handset has to be modular). 3. What about line noise? Line noise is another problem, especially in less industrialized countries. In most cases, you are at the mercy of the telephone exchange but there are a few tricks that might help reduce the interference. First, try connecting at lower modem speeds. Try reducing to lower speeds a step at a time until you get reliable results. Or, you can try working very late at night when there are fewer people using the network. There is also a type of deliberately created line noise called tax impulsing. This is a high-frequency/high pulse signal that is sometimes filtered out by the hotel PABX. If you are traveling to Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Spain, these noises may not be filtered out and you may need to take a line filter in order to use your modem. Some modems will get by without a line filter, some may not. If you find tax impulsing a problem, remember we can ship a line filer to Western Europe via Global Express Mail (takes just a few days) for its cost plus $7.00 shipping. We have been advised that in Germany the government will remove the line tax impulsing to a residence if requested. 4. How do I find Internet access numbers and providers worldwide? Visit an excellent source at TheList.Com Summary If devices are dual voltage - You need the appropriate grounded adapter plug, but you do not need a transformer. If devices are 110V only - You need both a transformer and a grounded adapter. Select the appropriate telephone adapter - for your fax/modem from our worldwide telephone index. If the country or hotel has a digital phone system or no means of plugging in? Digital Interface needed. Line Noise? Try connecting at a lower speed. Tax impulsing? A line filter may be necessary. Other products you may need: - Line tester - to ensure you have a good line for your modem. - Surge protector to protect equipment against voltage spikes. QUESTIONS? Send e-mail to: Dr. Electricity. All-In-One Surge Protector Travel Smart's 110/220 volt surge protector is inexpensive, small, and packed with features. Offers surge protection on both 110 (North America) and 220V (International) power, so you can use it anywhere. Has an EMI/RFI filter to protect sensitive electronic equipment. Has power indicator light. Built with a universal input -- accepts non-grounded or grounded North American plugs, as well as British, European, and many others. Perhaps the best part is that four different electrical adapters are built into the surge protector so you don't need separate adapters for most countries, including the UK, Australia, Europe, etc. Very small and lightweight: 3.6 ounces; 3 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches. #TS237AP Travel Smart Surge Protector $19.95 Check to Order: Quantity: Click here for more surge protectors. Line Filter Filters out tax impulse noise. Recommended in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, and Switzerland. Very light. 0.8 ounce. #22EF $25.00 Out of Stock Click here for more line filters. ModemMinder This foolproof protection device prevents damage to your modem when plugged into high current digital phone lines that can potentially destroy the modem. If the line conditions are not safe, the ModemMinder will not allow your modem to connect to the unsafe line. ModemMinder even protects your modem from power surges like those caused by electrical storms. Perfect for international travel where digital lines are a major concern. Size: 3 x 1 1/4 x 1 inches. 1.3 ounces. Fully automatic, no need to push any buttons or refer to charts. Automatically configures the line it is connected to for proper polarity. Small enough to remain connected to the modem at all times. When line conditions are safe, modem can connect as if ModemMinder were not attached, even at the V.90 speed connections. Surge protection, protects modem from harmful power surges on the phone line. #22MIND $39.25 Check to Order: Quantity: Don't forget. You still need a telephone line to hook up to the telephone line... Here's a nice, compact telephone line: the Telespool. Black, with the Walkabout Travel Gear logo. A compact and efficient fax/modem telephone cable interface, the internal USA RJ-11 cable easily extends and retracts for convenient storage and use. Lightweight (1.2 ounces) and compact. Cord extends up to 8 feet. Auto retractable with a lock function so cord does not pull on modem jack. #22SPOOL Telespool $12.50 Check to Order: Quantity: Analog to digital telephone conversation; no batteries or electric adapter needed. The USB powered Data Port Anywhere (DPA) provides an analog data port to connect your modem to virtually any office or hotel phone system. Ideal for anyone traveling to offices and hotels where the vast majority of phones operate on digital PBX lines. The DPA draws power from the USB port on your laptop and contains a 2-port USB Hub to operate other USB devices simultaneously. Saves time and increases productivity by eliminating the need to find dedicated analog lines. DPA draws power from the USB port on your laptop (small and lightweight no batteries or AC required) Requires Microsoft Windows 98 or newer to support USB and a computer with a USB port 2-Port USB Hub allows you to operate other USB devices Additional jack provided for normal voice telephone operation when modem is not in use Compatible with 56K V.90 Modems (speed depends on condition of phone line) Easy to install (interfaces with the handset cord) USB devices connected to DPA Hub must classified as low power devices Compact: 3.5 x 2.25 x 1.1 inches Weight: 3.3 ounces Works on analog as well as digital phones DPA has a four position telephone level switch to ensure connectivity to a variety of digital phone systems (switch setting #3 alone covers 70% of digital phones installed worldwide) #22DATA Data Port Anywhere $149.00 Check to Order: Quantity: Disclaimer We do our best to suggest the correct solution for your "current" needs, but Walkabout Travel Gear LLC cannot be held responsible for any damage or injury incurred from the use of telephone or electrical products. You are responsible for reading the manufacturer's instructions and using the equipment in a safe and proper manner. Back to top of page Worldwide Phone/Modem Index Worldwide Electricity Page (Adapters, transformers, etc.) Worldwide Electricity Index Walkabout's Home Page
I have an external modem. Can I use it in Timbuktu?
Most external modems have their own separate power supply unit, first check to see if it is the correct voltage for the local AC power, or that it is a dual-voltage power supply and that it is set to the correct voltage. Some dual-voltage power supplies may automatically switch to the correct voltage; check to be sure. If it is not designed to run on the local voltage, you will need a transformer to change the line voltage to the correct voltage for the modem's power supply. Internal modems do not use a separate power supply or require a transformer adapter. In addition to voltage, there are a few other issues:
Most phones use modular jacks. If your computer/modem uses an RJ-11 jack (the one in North America) and the country you will be visiting also uses an RJ-11 jack then you do not need a telephone adapter. Don't forget to take a telephone cord like our Telespool though.
However, there are 38 other kinds of phone jacks in use throughout the world, and if you are traveling somewhere that doesn't use the RJ-11 plug you will need a telephone line adapter. A complete list of countries and the required telephone line adapters can be found in our Worldwide Phone/ Modem Index. Our telephone line adapters are duplex (unless otherwise noted); these allow the telephone and the modem to be plugged in at the same time. This is important because it can sometimes be necessary to dial manually and then activate the modem once a connection has been made. Remember that some foreign-owned hotels will have the telephone systems of their home countries, not of their host countries. This may be an unwelcome surprise when traveling to Iceland and expecting an RJ-11 only to find that the British-owned hotel is fitted with British phone jacks.
2. What about digital telephone systems?
Modems communicate using analog or sound signals while many new telephone systems use digital signal processing. Digital systems are unable to process analog signals, making it impossible for modems to communicate. Unfortunately, many large hotels, offices and universities have installed digital phone systems. How do you know if it is a digital line? The best way is with a digital line tester. Other clues: telephones with digital displays, extra buttons for laundry and video stations, and voice mail functions. There could be a special connector for a data port, but you must find out if this is digital or analog. Plugging into a digital system can potentially fry your modem, because the voltage level is higher than what many modems can handle. If you find that your hotel has a digital system an option is to use a digital interface that plugs into the telephone via the handset jack (but, of course, the handset has to be modular).
3. What about line noise?
Line noise is another problem, especially in less industrialized countries. In most cases, you are at the mercy of the telephone exchange but there are a few tricks that might help reduce the interference. First, try connecting at lower modem speeds. Try reducing to lower speeds a step at a time until you get reliable results. Or, you can try working very late at night when there are fewer people using the network. There is also a type of deliberately created line noise called tax impulsing. This is a high-frequency/high pulse signal that is sometimes filtered out by the hotel PABX. If you are traveling to Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Spain, these noises may not be filtered out and you may need to take a line filter in order to use your modem. Some modems will get by without a line filter, some may not. If you find tax impulsing a problem, remember we can ship a line filer to Western Europe via Global Express Mail (takes just a few days) for its cost plus $7.00 shipping. We have been advised that in Germany the government will remove the line tax impulsing to a residence if requested.
4. How do I find Internet access numbers and providers worldwide?
Visit an excellent source at TheList.Com
Summary
Click here for more surge protectors.
Filters out tax impulse noise. Recommended in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, and Switzerland. Very light. 0.8 ounce.
Click here for more line filters.
This foolproof protection device prevents damage to your modem when plugged into high current digital phone lines that can potentially destroy the modem. If the line conditions are not safe, the ModemMinder will not allow your modem to connect to the unsafe line. ModemMinder even protects your modem from power surges like those caused by electrical storms. Perfect for international travel where digital lines are a major concern.
Here's a nice, compact telephone line: the Telespool. Black, with the Walkabout Travel Gear logo. A compact and efficient fax/modem telephone cable interface, the internal USA RJ-11 cable easily extends and retracts for convenient storage and use. Lightweight (1.2 ounces) and compact. Cord extends up to 8 feet. Auto retractable with a lock function so cord does not pull on modem jack.
Check to Order: Quantity:
