>Can it still be used for tone applications? What is this relay you
 >reference? I've always wondered if it would be at all possible to wear
 >out a modem, as in theory they should last forever...
The relay in just about any modem is used to pick up and put down the phone. 
Pulse dialing is just picking up and slamming down the receiver (switchhook) 
at rapid intervals. If this relay goes, the modem  can no longer pick up (or 
hang up) the phone line.  Some of the newer modems are using electroopitcal 
relays - you can tell if yours has this when you can't hear it pick up or 
hang up; the "click" sound is not present.  I think the Supras from the 14.4K 
models to present have these types of relays, which cannot be "worn out" in 
the obvious sense of the word.  But I've never opened mine up, so I have to 
GUESS on this point.
A modem with a bad relay can be ressurected by scavenging the hook relay out 
of a dead modem if it's the same model, or sometimes even a different model 
from the same manufacturer. A few minutes with a soldering iron should do the 
trick.
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