Community Forums

Ottawa · 10-17-2007, 11:10 AM

When we travel we come across campgrounds with no Wifi so for some time now I have been looking for a low cost option for email and internet service when I can not use my Wifi card. I have searched the various phone carriers, but have found their data solutions to expensive for me, as I only need it for a few days a year, when we are moving from one spot to another. The cheapest solution would be to use a dial up service, but when you are on the road you would need to use a cell phone. I looked at the new cell phones that are on the market now, but they will not let you use them as a dialup modem. I realized that I had an old Qualcomm QCP 2670 cell phone that I bought around the year 2000. Research showed that this phone is digital, but can also be used as a modem for your computer. I need the Data Connectivity Kit for the phone, which I found on the web and purchased for $10. I was going to use it on an old laptop which had a serial port and was running Windows 98. I installed the software and it worked perfectly. I could dialup my internet service Bell Sympatico and log on to get email and search the web. It is very slow, but in an pinch works. I would recommend that any one using dialup look at using a great piece of software called Mailwasher Mailwasher http://www.firetrust.com/ This piece of software lets you look at your email on the server, without downloading it. You can then delete all of the junk and unwanted mail before downloading them to your computer.

Unfortunately, I then fried my old laptop, which forced me to look for a solution for my new laptop, which does not have a serial port. I found a Serial to USB adaptor at The Source "Radio Shack". I then just installed the driver for the modem. The phone software can not run on Windows XP. Installed very easily. Works like a charm. I now know it works in Canada on the Bell Mobility system. The next big test is when I travel to Hilton Head Island SC to see if it works there.

Ottawa · 10-17-2007, 11:10 AM

When we travel we come across campgrounds with no Wifi so for some time now I have been looking for a low cost option for email and internet service when I can not use my Wifi card. I have searched the various phone carriers, but have found their data solutions to expensive for me, as I only need it for a few days a year, when we are moving from one spot to another. The cheapest solution would be to use a dial up service, but when you are on the road you would need to use a cell phone. I looked at the new cell phones that are on the market now, but they will not let you use them as a dialup modem. I realized that I had an old Qualcomm QCP 2670 cell phone that I bought around the year 2000. Research showed that this phone is digital, but can also be used as a modem for your computer. I need the Data Connectivity Kit for the phone, which I found on the web and purchased for $10. I was going to use it on an old laptop which had a serial port and was running Windows 98. I installed the software and it worked perfectly. I could dialup my internet service Bell Sympatico and log on to get email and search the web. It is very slow, but in an pinch works. I would recommend that any one using dialup look at using a great piece of software called Mailwasher Mailwasher http://www.firetrust.com/ This piece of software lets you look at your email on the server, without downloading it. You can then delete all of the junk and unwanted mail before downloading them to your computer.

Unfortunately, I then fried my old laptop, which forced me to look for a solution for my new laptop, which does not have a serial port. I found a Serial to USB adaptor at The Source "Radio Shack". I then just installed the driver for the modem. The phone software can not run on Windows XP. Installed very easily. Works like a charm. I now know it works in Canada on the Bell Mobility system. The next big test is when I travel to Hilton Head Island SC to see if it works there.

sal avitabile · 10-17-2007, 11:27 AM

i have a motorola phone that can be used as a modem ,with a USB windows 2000 how did you connect to this software and the site has 2 Washers which one did you use
Thanks Sal

Ottawa · 10-17-2007, 11:34 AM

I have the disk which came with the Data Connectivity Kit. I installed the modem as you would any piece of hardware. When it cam to search or have disk, I clicked have disk and then located the cd drive and the folder on the CD with the modem driver. Highlighted it and then click OK and a way it went. I use the Pro version, but the basic version it fine. I have used it for over 5 years. If you need any further help would be glad to assist.

Paul Heuvelhorst · 10-17-2007, 12:56 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ottawa:
When we travel we come across campgrounds with no Wifi so for some time now I have been looking for a low cost option for email and internet service when I can not use my Wifi card... I only need it for a few days a year, when we are moving from one spot to another. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Have you tried the local library in the community you are visiting? Most now offer (1) WiFi service that you can connect to, or (2) allow you to use their public computers to access your e-mail service.

I have taken my laptop in to public libraries, and after asking their permission, set up and used their WiFi, at no cost.

Another option for you to consider without incurring additional costs.

AL · 10-17-2007, 01:39 PM

Hi All,

Besides public libraries you can also try places like Mc Donalds, KFC and other fast food places a lot of them offer free Wi-Fi. Also try this site to find free Wi-Fi spots. http://www.jiwire.com

Ottawa · 10-17-2007, 01:56 PM

Unfortunately or unfortunately I am an A to B person when traveling. I do 400 to 500 miles a day, so need access late in the afternoon or evening, and do not want to go looking for a connection. So am looking for a solution that I can access from my MH at the campground or at a rest area.