BT STRATUS 1500 User manual

User Guide
BT Stratus 1500

• Answering machine with up to 12 minutes digital recording time and
helpful voice prompts.
• Call screening lets you hear callers leaving a message and pick up the call
if you want.
• 100 Name and number phonebook to store all your contact numbers
for easy dialling.
• Send and receive text messages.1
• Speed dial – assign a number stored in the Phonebook to a 2-9 keypad button
for dialling with one touch.
• Quick access to a range of BT Services including directory enquiries
and call divert.
• Caller Display lets you see who’s calling and your phone stores details of the
last 30 callers in a Calls list.2
• Register up to 5 handsets to the base without the need for additional
telephone wiring.
• Digital call quality with a range of up to 300 metres outdoors
and up to 50 metres indoors (in ideal conditions).
1 You must subscribe to your network provider’s Caller Display Service for text messaging to work
and you must not withhold your telephone number. A quarterly fee may be payable. Some other
network provider lines may not be compatible with this text messaging service.
2 You must subscribe to your network provider’s Caller Display or Call Waiting service for these
features to work. A quarterly fee may be payable.
Welcome
to your BT Stratus 1500 Digital Cordless
Telephone Answering Machine


• BT Stratus 1500 handset
• BT Stratus 1500 base
• 2 x NiMH rechargeable batteries
• Battery compartment cover
• Mains power adaptor
(item code 039956)
• Telephone line cord
If you have purchased a BT
Stratus 1500 multiple pack you
will also have the following
items for each handset:
• BT Stratus 1500 additional handset
• BT Stratus 1500 charger
(item code 039955)
• 2 x NiMH rechargeable batteries
• Battery compartment cover
• Small mains power adaptor
This User Guide provides you with all the information
you need to get the most from your phone.
Before you make your rst call you will need to
set up your phone. Follow the simple instructions in
‘Getting Started’, on the next few pages.

If you have any problems setting up or using your BT Stratus 1500 please call our
free Helpline on 0808 100 6556*. Our dedicated avdisors are more likely to be
able to help you than the retailer where you made your purchase.
Alternatively, you may nd the answer in the ‘Help’ section at the back of
this guide.

Only use the telephone line cord supplied.
 that this equipment is not designed for making emergency telephone
calls when the power fails. Alternative arrangements should be made for access to
emergency services.
* Calls made from within the UK mainland network are free. Mobile and International call costs may vary.

If you experience any problems, please call the Helpline on 
4

Location ..........................................................................7
Setting up .......................................................................7
Setting up for multiple packs ...........................................8
Set date and time manually ..............................................9

Handset buttons ............................................................10
Handset display / display icons .......................................11
Base ..............................................................................12
Navigating the menus ....................................................13
Menu map .....................................................................14

Switch handset on or off ................................................15
Make an external call .....................................................15
Preparatory dialling .......................................................15
End a call.......................................................................15
Options during a call ......................................................15
Open the phonebook during a call ..................................15
Receiving a call .............................................................16
Earpiece / handsfree volume ..........................................16
Mute (Secrecy) ..............................................................16
Handsfree .....................................................................16
Make a handsfree call .....................................................16
Answer a call handsfree ..................................................17
Switch to handsfree during a call ....................................17
Redial the last number called ..........................................17
Redial a number from the redial list .................................17
Save a number from the redial list to the phonebook ........17
Delete a redial number ...................................................18
Delete all redial numbers ................................................18
Keypad lock ...................................................................18
Find handset (paging) ....................................................18

Store a name and number ..............................................19
View an entry ................................................................19
Dial an entry ..................................................................19
Edit a name and number ................................................20
Edit the assigned ringer melody ......................................20
Delete an entry ..............................................................21
Delete phonebook .........................................................21
Direct access memory ....................................................21
Store or change a direct access memory number ..............21
Dial a direct access number.............................................22
Delete a direct access number .........................................22

Handset settings ............................................................23
Ring volume ..................................................................23
Ring melody ..................................................................23
Keypad beep .................................................................24
Conrmation tone ..........................................................24
Backlight time ...............................................................24
Auto hang up ................................................................25
Auto answer ..................................................................25
Base settings .................................................................26
Ring volume ..................................................................26
Ring melody ..................................................................26

Set date / time ...............................................................27
Set time format .............................................................27
Date format ...................................................................27
Set alarm .......................................................................28
Alarm tone ....................................................................28
Alarm volume ................................................................28
In this guide

5
If you experience any problems, please call the Helpline on 

Calls list .........................................................................29
New Message and & Caller Display ..................................29
View and dial from the Calls list .......................................30
Save a number to the phonebook ...................................30
Delete an entry ..............................................................30
Delete entire Calls list .....................................................31

Change PIN ...................................................................32
Call baring on/off ...........................................................32
Set call barring number ..................................................33
Reset ............................................................................33
Handset / Answering machine default settings ................34

Pre-stored BT Services numbers .....................................35
Open BT Services menu ..................................................35
Call Waiting ...................................................................36
Voicemail ......................................................................36

Using the answering machine from the handset ...............37
Set answer mode and switch on / off ..............................37
Outgoing messages........................................................38
Record your own outgoing message................................38
Play outgoing message ..................................................38
Delete your outgoing message .......................................38
Message playback ..........................................................39
Delete all messages ........................................................39
Record a memo .............................................................39
Answer settings .............................................................40
Ring delay .....................................................................40
Switch call screening at the handset on / off ....................40
Using the answer machine at the base .............................41
Message counter ...........................................................41
Recording memory full ...................................................41
Message playback ..........................................................42
Adjust volume ...............................................................42
Delete all old messages ..................................................42
Call screening ................................................................42
Remote access ...............................................................43
Remote access on / off ...................................................43
If you forget to switch on your answering machine
Operating your answering machine remotely ...................44

Subscribe to the text messaging service ..........................45
Cost of the xed line service ...........................................45
Open the text message menu .........................................45
Send a text message ......................................................45
New text message alert ..................................................46
Read a text message ......................................................46
Text message options .....................................................46
View, edit and send a template message..........................47
View, edit and send a Draft message ...............................47
Text settings ..................................................................48
Switch message reception off / on ..................................48
Service Centre numbers ..................................................49
Add or change Service Centre numbers ...........................49
Set a Send Service Centre ...............................................50
Text message audible alert on / off ..................................50

Handset registration ......................................................51
De-register a handset ....................................................52
Internal calls .................................................................53
Call another handset ......................................................53
Conference call ..............................................................53
Conference on / off ........................................................53
Join a conference call .....................................................53
Start a conference call ....................................................54
Put a caller on hold and make an internal call...................54
Transfer a call .................................................................54
In this guide

6
If you experience any problems, please call the Helpline on 
In this guide
 

Safety information ........................................................59
Cleaning ........................................................................59
Environmental ...............................................................60
Product disposal instructions ..........................................60
Guarantee .....................................................................60
Technical information .....................................................61
R&TTE ...........................................................................61
Declaration of Conformance ...........................................61
Connecting to a switchboard ..........................................62
Inserting a pause ...........................................................62
Recall ............................................................................62

If you experience any problems, please call the Helpline on 
7

Do not place your BT Stratus 1500 in the
bathroom or other humid areas.

The BT Stratus 1500 has a range of 300 metres
outdoors when there is a clear line of sight
between the base and handset. Any obstruction
between the base and handset will reduce the
range signicantly. With the base indoors and
handset either indoors or outdoors, the range will
normally be up to 50 metres. Thick stone walls
can severely affect the range.

The icon on your handset indicates when you
are in range. If moving out of range of the base,
the range indicator will ash. If you go out of
range, any call you are on will be lost.

The base station must be plugged into the mains
power socket at all times.
Do not connect the telephone line until the
handset is fully charged.
Only use the power and telephone cables
supplied with the product.
Location
Place your BT Stratus 1500 within 2 metres of the mains power socket and
telephone socket so that the cables will reach. Make sure it is at least 1 metre away
from other electrical appliances to avoid interference.
Your BT Stratus 1500 works by sending radio signals between the handset and
base. The strength of the signal depends on where you site the base. Putting it as
high as possible ensures the best signal.
Setting up
1. Plug the mains power adaptor (item code 039956) into the socket marked
on the underside of the base and plug the other end into the mains power wall
socket and switch the power on. You can place the cable behind the retaining
clip to prevent the plug being accidentally pulled from the socket.
The base indicator lights up. The answering machine is switched on.
Getting started

8
If you experience any problems, please call the Helpline on 

The icon ashes in the handset display when
you have only a few minutes talk time remaining.
Recharge the handset before you can use it
again. You also hear a low battery warning beep
if the battery is low and needs recharging. During
charging, the icon will scroll in the display.

In ideal conditions, a fully charged battery should
give up to 10 hours talk time or 100 hours
standby time on a single charge.
Note that new batteries do not reach full capacity
until they have been in normal use for several days.
To keep the battery in the best condition, leave
the handset off the base for a few hours at a time.
Running the battery right down at least once a
week will help it last as long as possible.
The charge capacity of rechargeable batteries
will reduce with time as they wear out, giving
the handset less talk/standby time. Eventually
they will need to be replaced. New batteries are
available from the BT Stratus 1500 Helpline on
0808 100 6556*. After charging your handset
for the rst time, subsequent charging time is
about 6–8 hours a day. Batteries and handset
may become warm during charging. This is
normal.

If this product is to be used on a broadband
line then you must ensure that it is connected
via an ADSL microlter. Using this product on
a Broadband line without an ADSL microlter
may cause problems with this product and your
Broadband service.
Additional BT ADSL microlters can be purchased
from www.shop.bt.com
Getting started
2. Activate the batteries by pulling the plastic tab away from the back of the handset.
PULL
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
ALREADY FITTED
Remove this tab and
charge batteries for
6 hours before use.
3. Place the handset on the base to charge for at least 24 hours. When the
handset is fully charged the icon will be displayed.
4. When the battery is fully charged, plug one end of the telephone line cord
into the socket marked on the rear of the base and the other end into the
telephone wall socket.
Setting up for multiple packs
If you have purchased a BT Stratus 1500 multiple pack, you will need to prepare
any additional handsets and chargers for use.
For each additional handset and charger:
1. Insert the power adaptor with the  connector (item code 039955) into the
underside of the charger. Plug the other end into the mains wall power socket
and switch on.
2. Insert the two NiMH batteries in the handset and put the battery compartment
cover into place.
3. Charge the handset for at least 24 hours. When the handset is fully charged
the icon will be displayed.
Any additional handsets supplied as part of a multipack are pre-registered to
the base so, once charged, are ready for use. The handset number is shown in
the display.

9
If you experience any problems, please call the Helpline on 
Getting started

Providing you have subscribed to your network’s
Caller Display service, the date and time is set
automatically for all handsets when you receive
your rst call.
The date and time is recorded with each
answering machine message you receive.
If you do not have a Caller Display service you can
set the date and time manually.

You can set the time format to the 12 or 24 hour
clock. You can also change the date format to
present the day or the month rst, see page 27.

1. Press Menu, scroll to CloCk & AlArM and press SeleCt.
2. Set DAte/tiMe is highlighted. Press SeleCt. The current date and time
setting is displayed.
3. Use the keypad to enter the correct time and date. Press ok to conrm.
4. Press BACk until you return to standby.


If you experience any problems, please call the Helpline on 
10


In standby, press to open the Redial list, page 17.
In a menu, press to scroll up through the options.
During a call, press to increase the volume.

In standby, press to call another handset.
During a call, press to put caller on hold, page 54.

In standby, press to open the main menu.
Select options displayed on screen.
During a call, press to open the phonebook, page 15.

In standby mode, press to make and
receive calls, page 15
Press again to switch between handset and
handsfree mode, page 16 – 17.

In standby, press to open and scroll
through the Calls list, page 29.
In a menu, press to scroll through the options.
During a call, press to decrease the volume.

Press and hold to switch the handset
ringer on or off.

For use with switchboard/PBX and
BT Calling Features.
Getting to know your phone

In standby, press to access text messaging menu,
page XX.

In standby, press to open the Phonebook,
page 19.
Press to select options displayed on screen.
During a call, press to switch Mute on or off,
page 16.

Press to end a call, page 15.
In standby, press and hold to switch the
handset off/on, page 15.
In menu mode, press to return to standby.

Press and hold to lock/unlock the keypad,
page 18.
When storing a number, press and hold to
enter a Pause, page 19.
When entering text, press and hold to switch
between upper and lower case letters.

Press to open the BT Services menu, page 35.