>-If you don`t need an external adapter with the US-Duos then I wonder >what exactly does this device do except switching lines to connect to >different pins in the phone wall-socket? Consequently you would only have >to find out about the wiring layout on both ends to make up a connection >cable (and to ease the pain)? Regarding the DIN-8 modem port on European Duos (and docks): It's not a serial port; it's actually just the modem port in a different pin configuration. The sole purpose of this, as far as I know, was to require the consumer to purchase a telephone adaptor pod (really just a wire adaptor, as suggested above) that's certified for use with the phone system in the country in question. Keep in mind that telephone systems are (or were) much more regulated and the rules for attaching devices much stricter in most European countries than in North America (though they actually tend to be stricter even here than most people know, until recently at least). The goofy pod go-between is the only way Apple could sell a single model of modem card (or passthrough dock) that meets those regulations in every European locale. A North American Duo modem will actually work fine with the proper adaptor (the same one a phone would use, natch) but it's technically illegal in many parts of Europe. Then again, it's also illegal to use my Global Village PC card here, because it was originally manufactured for use in Japan and only certified to their telco standards (even if the hardware is identical to a CSA approved card). In other words, the PITA of those modem connectors is based purely in politics, not technology, and yes, you can construct your own wire adaptor if you know the pinouts. ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> Dr. Bott LLC | Get a LapBottom with new �GRIPPIER� gripper pads! | http://www.drbott.com/prod/lapbot.html $23.00 Midwest Mac Parts <http://www.midwestmac.com> | After-market parts for Macs. Fix your ticking dock for $59 w/ trade-in of PS. 888-356-1104 PowerBook Guy is | Click here! Everything PowerBook! | http://www.powerbookguy.com
