Residential Telephone

[dvdlock]

Hi, Could anyone tell me if UK telephones work in Thailand or is the system used different. Thanks.

[Crossy]

UK phones use a 3-wire system, the 3rd wire is what's known as 'anti-tinkle' it is a hangover from the days of pulse dialling and stopped the extension phone 'tinkling' when someone dialled out on the main phone.

It is possible to use a UK phone in Thailand, you'll need to buy a UK Master Socket which creates the AT line (it's just a 470k resistor and 1.8uF capacitor so you could actually make one yourself). I'm not sure about availability of master sockets because only BT is actually allowed to install them.

You can also just connect the A & B lines, the phone will work just fine, but it won't ring on incoming calls.

If your phone is an import it may be two-wire in which case a simple change of plug or use of an adaptor will work fine. If your phone has a detachable line cord have a look in the clear plastic plug, if you see only two wires you're in business.

[dvdlock]

UK phones use a 3-wire system, the 3rd wire is what's known as 'anti-tinkle' it is a hangover from the days of pulse dialling and stopped the extension phone 'tinkling' when someone dialled out on the main phone.

It is possible to use a UK phone in Thailand, you'll need to buy a UK Master Socket which creates the AT line (it's just a 470k resistor and 1.8uF capacitor so you could actually make one yourself). I'm not sure about availability of master sockets because only BT is actually allowed to install them.

You can also just connect the A & B lines, the phone will work just fine, but it won't ring on incoming calls.

If your phone is an import it may be two-wire in which case a simple change of plug or use of an adaptor will work fine. If your phone has a detachable line cord have a look in the clear plastic plug, if you see only two wires you're in business.

Thanks Crossy,

Good info there. I should have a 2-wire extension kicking around somewhere, I'll try attaching that and see if the phone still works. Its a Panasonic DECT phone on a base station that I was hoping I could still use.

Failing than I bring a Master socket to Thailand with me and give it a try.

Many thanks.

[Crossy]

If you can't buy a master socket because of restrictions on their sale (remember only BT should install them) have a look at the slave sockets on sale in B&Q etc, many of them have the positions for the components to be installed, it's a simple job to convert them.

EDIT or you can get one from RS thailand http://thailand.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=2622848# not cheap but available.

[dvdlock]

If you can't buy a master socket because of restrictions on their sale (remember only BT should install them) have a look at the slave sockets on sale in B&Q etc, many of them have the positions for the components to be installed, it's a simple job to convert them.

EDIT or you can get one from RS thailand http://thailand.rs-o...duct&R=2622848# not cheap but available.

Seems master sockets are easily available on ebay over here. Best grab a couple before we relocate to Thailand next month.

Thanks again for the advice.