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From: sher@bbn.com (Lawrence D. Sher)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Toshiba 1000SE/Megahertz modem power
Keywords: Megahertz Toshiba 1000SE
Message-ID: <61850@bbn.BBN.COM>
Date: 3 Jan 91 17:27:13 GMT
Sender: news@bbn.com
Reply-To: sher@BBN.COM (Lawrence D. Sher)
Distribution: na
Organization: Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc., Cambridge MA
Lines: 28

I have a Megahertz modem in a Toshiba 1000SE.  The modem draws its full
power regardless of the "MODEM POWER: ON OFF" settings in the Toshiba's
little pop-up menu or the configuration settings accessed via the
SETUP10 utility.  From the rate of battery discharge when the computer
is off, it seems to me that it may also be drawing power then!  (I
realize that holding "hardram" draws power.)

I called Megahertz and asked whether there is any degree of support for
Toshiba's software control of the modem's power; They said "No." I asked
if there is any power consumption by the modem when the computer is off.
They mumbled something about "how long have you had the modem?" implying
that some of their modems draw power even when the computer is off.  I
got no definitive answer to this latter question.

They said that the power draw would reduce the running time on a fully
charged battery from 120 minutes to 110 minutes.  That would suggest
that if the modem drew power at that rate when the computer was off,
then the battery should run down completely in about one day, which does
not happen.

Does anyone know whether the modem draws *any* power when the 1000SE is
off?  Has anyone installed a hardware switch to turn off the modem?  If
so, I'd appreciate details.  Many thanks.
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Larry Sher <        US Mail: BBN, MS 6/5A, 10 Moulton St., Cambridge, MA 02138
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