Adding characters to the dial string
From time to time you may need to include extra characters in the dial string -- for example, when calling from a hotel or when using a credit card. The following list summarizes additional characters that you can add to the dial string and typical modem responses. Response to these characters may depend on the modem you are using.
- Modems ignore hyphens (-) and spaces ( ); however, dial strings are easier to read if you include hyphens and spaces.
- Use a comma (,) to insert a pause. The exact length of the pause is modem-dependent, but typically the pause is two seconds per comma.
- Use a dollar sign ($) to wait for a credit card tone. The wait time is set on the Call Options tab.
- Use the "at" sign (@) to wait for a "quiet answer" (typically, a modem detects a "quiet answer" after 6.5 seconds of silence following a ringing tone -- this indicates that a call has gone through).
- Use an uppercase "w" (W) to wait for a second dial tone (for example, you can include a W after a $ to detect a dial tone after a credit card tone).