AirPort Extreme Base Station modem failure

It might be a better idea to look into buying a bridge-like device that has a modem in it and an ethernet jack on the back, and just hook the base station up to that. I had no luck finding any airport extreme modem cards (or any parts to speak of, actually) with a quick search, and I'm sure they're fairly expensive considering their rarity.

A hint to you: Tying at leat 3 knots in the phone cable (or any cable) will most likely prevent a power spike from blowing up a modem; it will only destroy the cable. This might not work all the time, but it's worked for me before.

I'll remember the knot suggestion if I ever get it up and running again.

Can you suggest a device like you mentioned? I've had terrible luck getting non-Apple devices to cooperate with our iBooks.

We got really spoiled from being able to connect from anywhere around the house and now having to be in reach of a working phone line is a royal pain.

David Pershing

I finally solved my problem and thought I'd post an update for anyone that might be looking for a replacement modem for their AirPort Extreme Base Station.

I found that Apple Modem p/n 661-2186 is a nearly perfect match for the original modem in the base station. The only difference is the replacement modem is lacking one mounting hole in the corner near the main connector. I installed mine the way it was and just skipped that screw. I suppose you could carefully drill the corner out, but I didn't feel that coordinated today.

Once installed, the modem operated exactly like the original without any conflicts.

I'd like to thank Tom and Chris Dimelow at BetaMacs for their help with this project.

David Pershing

I'm sorry, but... what?

I have honestly never heard this before. I guess I kinda understand the theory (cancellation of magnetic fields), but I don't think it applies to something like a phone cable. To be honest, I would think that if that actually worked, then phone cables would come with knots in them as the standard...

Can anyone point me to an actual scientific description of why this would work?

(I ain't tryin' to be a jerk, I'm honestly trying to learn... or debunk)

This would make a good Mythbusters episode.

I have never heard of that either. I'm skeptical.

Yeah, I'll need hard proof before I'll believe this. Wire is wire, it doesn't matter if it's straight or curly or knotted or whatever. It also doesn't take a ton of voltage to fry a phone/modem, certainly less than what the wiring is rated for.

I agree - I'd like to see the science on the knot thing as well, but I'm not sure if you'll ever find it.

David

someone should submit this.
Also I'd LOVE to see them test cornstarch and water stuff (like the mentos).
Imagine if they filled a lake with that?

See here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2XQ97XHjVw