GE 21838 User manual

– 1 –
Precautions of Use
The quality of communication depends on the location and
environment of the base and the handset. The 21838 must be kept
away from sources of excessive heat (radiators, direct sunlight, etc.)
and protected against vibrations and dust. Never allow your telephone
to come into contact with water or other liquids or with aerosols. To
reduce the risk of interference and optimize reception, take particular
care to keep it away from the immediate vicinity of windows, large
metal objects, reinforced concrete, televisions, music centres, halogen
lamps or heating devices, fluorescent lighting, burglar alarms,
microwave ovens, computers, etc.
To clean the 21838, use a lightly moistened antistatic cloth
Information for DECT product:
The 21838 telephone is compliant with the DECT
TM
* standard. It is
designed to transmit and receive telephone calls and be connected to
the public telephone “Country”network.
*DECT is a trademark registered by ETSI.
Safety
In the event of danger, the mains adapter acts as 230V power
isolating device. It should therefore, as a precaution, be installed
close to the appliance and be easily accessible.
If the mains adapter fails, it must be replaced by an identical model.
If not connected to the mains power or if there is a mains power
failure, installations with cordless handsets will no longer work. You
will then be unable to make or receive calls in the event of an
emergency. This is why we recommend that you also have a

– 2 –
conventional telephone as a backup. The appliance is designed for
connection to an analogue telephone line class TRT3
(telecommunications network voltage).
! Do not use your telephone to notify a gas leak when you are in
the vicinity of the leak.
It is recommended that you avoid using this device during electrical
storms.
Thomson Telecom hereby declares that the 21838 conforms to the
essential requirements and other applicable provisions of European
directive 1999/5/CE.
IMPORTANT: Because cordless phones operate on electricity, you
should have one phone in your home that isn’t cordless, in case the
power in your home goes out.
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS PROCUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
THE LIGHTING
FLASH AND
ARROW HEAD
WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU
OF
“DANGEROUS
VOLTAGE”
INSINDE THE
PRODUCT.
CAUTION: TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
THE
EXCLAMATION
WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU
OF IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS
ACCOMPANYIN
G THE
PRODUCT.
SEE MARKING ON BOTTOM / BACK OF PRODUCT
Battery Safety Precautions
zDo not burn, disassemble, mutilate, or puncture. Like other
batteries of this type, toxic materials could be released which
can cause injury.
zTo reduce the risk of fire or personal injury, use only the battery
listed in User’s Guide.
zKeep batteries out of children.
zRemove batteries if storing over 30 days.
CAUTION:
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with GP60AAAHC – Ni-MH 1.2V 600mAh
rechargeable battery or equivalent.
Only use rechargeable batteries with exactly the same specifications
as those supplied with the product. Using non-rechargeable or
non-conforming batteries can damage the product. The batteries
could split or leak if incorrectly inserted, opened or exposed to heat.
Never dispose of batteries in a fire: the cell could explode.
Check with local code for possible special disposal instruction.
Note: To ensure the battery charging properly, clean the charging
contacts on the handset and charger with a soft, dry cloth once a
month. Clean more often if the unit is subject to grease, dust or high
humidity.

– 3 –
Installation
Packaging Contents
Model name: 21838
Packaging contents Solo pack Due pack*
Base stations 1 1
Handsets 1 2
Power plugs 1 2
Telephone line 1 1
Batteries, type AAA, “1.2V
600mAh” 2 4
Charging station 0 1
Operating instructions 1 + optional 1 + optional
Please check the contents of the package carefully. If anything is
missing or shows signs of transport damage, do NOT put the
telephone into service! In such a case, contact either your sales outlet
with the purchase receipt.
Note: Keep the equipment package so that it will not be damaged in
the event of transport.
Connecting the Base Station and Power Plug
Connecting the plugs to the corresponding sockets in the base station
(they can not be connected incorrectly because the sockets and plugs
are designed prevent reverse poling). Lay the cable under the
telephone to the rear. Plug the telephone line in the telephone
connection socket. Insert the power plug at the other end in the power
outlet. The base station in now ready to operate.
Only use the connection cable supplied.
CAUTION:
Plug the adapter to the socket outlet that near the equipment
and shall be easily accessible. Use only the Thomson Telecom power
supply that came with this unit. Using other power supplies may
damage the unit.
Connecting the charging Station (Duo pack only)
Insert the power in the socket on the rear side of the charging station.
Insert the power plug at the other end in the power outlet. The
charging station in now ready to operate.
AC power outlet
AC power outletPhone jack

– 4 –
Getting Started
zInstall and Charge the Batteries
Insert two pieces AAA batteries in the compartment, ensuring correct
polarity and close the compartment.
zPlace the handset in the base station to charge for 16 hours prior
for first use. If you don’t properly charge the phone, battery
performance will be compromised.
Warning: The handset does not work and damaged if the wrong
batteries are inserted.
If batteries are empty, handset LCD will not has any display and
the handset will not response to any key. Handset is then required
to put back on Base Station/Charger cradle to charge. Handset
can not be used until handset name and aerial icon appear. If
handset does not charged full before use, handset may emit
battery low alert tone and battery level indicator shows empty.
Features
We are very pleased that you have purchased this highly sophisticated,
cordless telephone which is equipped with the following features:
zDigital cordless telephone complying to DECT* standards
zOperation instruction in 10 languages
zTeleconference
zCall forwarding
zInternal, free communication between handsets
zPrefix dialing
zAutomatic call answering on/off
zCall log function with caller list for 20 numbers or names from
phone book (network dependent)
zAlphanumeric LCD display (1-line icons+1-line 14 7 segment
digits+1-line 14 5x7 dot matrix characters display)
zPhone book for 40 entries with name and call number
zExtended redialing for 5 call numbers
zMicrophone muting function
zAcoustic battery and range warning signals
zKey lock
zKey input tone on/off
z25 incoming call ringing melodies
zRinging volume control (5 levels and silent)
zDTMF/Pulse dialing
zOperation of up to 4 handsets
zPaging function from base station to handset
zProgrammable number barring
zUp to 100 hours standby
zUp to 10 hours continuous call time
zOperation with 2 standard AAA batteries (Ni-MH)
zAdjustable flash time
* DECT = Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication = Standard
for Cordless Telephones.

– 5 –
Menu Structure (Handset)

– 6 –
Handset and Base Layouts
/▼
Menu / Down key
/*
CID key / Asterisk key
INT / OK
INT / OK key
C /
Cancel / Mute key
Speaker phone key
/ /▲
Redial / Pause key /Up key
External call key.
Phone book key
R
Flash key
#/
Hash key / Lock key
Paging
/ VMWI / In-use LED: Voice
message call/ off-hook

– 7 –
LCD Display
Battery icon
Phone icon
External call icon
Internal call icon
CLI icon
No ring icon
Mute icon
Key lock icon
Aerial icon
▲/ ▼
Up / Down arrow
Voice mail waiting indicator (VMWI icon)
Using the Handset Telephone
Using the telephone
zWhen the handset is inserted in the station charging unit, it
starts to charge automatically. To optimize the battery
performance, charge the handset battery for 16 hours prefer to
first use.
Note: This phone defaults to Tone Dialing. To change Pulse Dialing,
see chapter “Base Station Settings – Changing the Dialing Mode”. If
you don’t know which type of service you have, please check with
the local telephone company.
Selecting the Language
Ten different languages are available for selection for each handset.
zIn standby mode, press button and “6” key. Current
language is displayed.
zPress or to select the desired language.
zPress “INT/OK” key to confirm the selection or press “C/ ” to
abort.
Note: The following languages are available:
English; German; French; Polish; Czech; Turkish; Greek; Bulgarian;
Russian; Hungarian
Making Internal Calls
IMPORTANT: Internal calls can be made only if more than one
handset is registered on the base station.
zPress “INT/OK” key during standby mode.
zPress a digit to specify which handset (1~4) to call to.
zThe other handset will ring with the ‘INT’ icon flashing.
zWhen other handset answered, the internal call is established.
zPress key to end the call.
Note: If an external call is received during an internal call, short
acoustic signals are issued (call waiting).
Making External Calls
Normal dialling
zPress key and wait for a dialling tone.
zDial the telephone number and complete the call.

– 8 –
zPress key to end the call.
On hook dialling
zDial the telephone number (delete any incorrect entries by
pressing “C/ ” key).
zPress key to carry out the conversation.
zPress key to end the call.
VMWI/ LED
The VMWI LED in the handset will flash when there are new voice
message calls received. Icon turns on and the LCD display
‘MESSAGE’ in the call log memory.
This service need subscription to local operator and it supports the
FSK CLI system only.
Taking Cal ls
When an external call is received, all registered handsets and the base
station ring. ‘EXT’ flashes in the handset display and, if subscribed,
the telephone number of the caller appears (network depended). If the
caller has been stored in your phone book, the name appears. The
incoming call VMWI LED on the base station flashes. In the case of
an internal call or pressing the paging key on the base station, ‘INT’
flashes in the handset display.
Handset is in the base station
zTake the handset from the base station; a connection is
automatically established (when the AUTO ANS function is
active). Otherwise, press key to carry out the conversation.
zPress key to end the call.
Handset is not in the base station
zPress key to make a call.
zPress key to end the call.
Redialling
The phone stores the last five numbers dialled in the redial memory
zPress key; the last call number dialled is displayed. Press
or key to search the required number in the redial
memory list.
zPress key to carry out the conversation.
zPress key to end the call.
Dialling from the Phone Book
zPress key, the first entry in the phone book appears. (Or
‘EMPTY’ if no entry)
zPress or key to select the required subscriber from the
phone book. Alternatively, enter the first letter of the name
required.
zPress key. The number is dialled. Carry out the
conversation.
Note: How to store entries in the phone book is explained in the
Chapter “Phone Book”.
Call Log Operations
IMPORTANT: To use the CALL LOG function, you must subscribe
to your network operator’s Caller Line Identification (CLI) service.
Browse, Call Back, Delete, Save
If calls have been received in your absence, these are stored in the
CALL LOG memory when your telephone service has enabled this
function. The number of calls appears in the display. Incoming calls
are also indicated in the display for 9 seconds during a call
(synchronize with ring tone).
zPress key as often as necessary until CALL LOG menu
appears and then press “INT/OK” key. Alternatively, press and
hold “
* ” key 2 seconds.
zBrowse: Press or key to browse through the CALL
LOG memory.
Or
zCall Back: Press key to call back.
Or

– 9 –
zDelete: Press “INT/OK” key to select DELETE by using
or key.
zPress “INT/OK” key to delete the entry.
Or
zSave: Press “INT/OK” key to select SAVE by using or
key.
zPress “INT/OK” key.
zEdit the number (max. 25 digits) and press “INT/OK” key when
finished.
zEnter the name (max. 10 characters) and press “INT/OK” key
when finished.
z‘MEM FULL’ appears stand for memory full.
Or
zDelete All: Press “INT/OK” key to select DELETE ALL by
using or key.
zPress “INT/OK” key to delete all entries.
Note: 1. The CLI icon and display indicator only disappear after
browsing through all the new entries.
2. It is only possible to enter subscribers in the phone book who has
not stored before.
zDial back
When browsing Call Log memory, Caller Line Identification (CLI)
number can be edited before dial back. Amended CLI number will
not overwrite the stored Call Log memory.
zPress [0 – 9] to add digits in front of CLI number.
zPress [#] to remove entry or leftmost digit.
zPress or key can recover the original CLI number.
Example:
zCID number is 12345678
zPress digit 1, display is 1 12345678
zPress digit 2, display is 12 12345678
zPress #, display is 12345678
zPress digit 3, display is 3 12345678
zPress #, display is 12345678
zPress #, display is 2345678
zPress #, display is 345678 (# key is no function if number is 6
or less digits), then press or key, display is 12345678.
Note: If original CLI number exceeds 16 digits, new digits can not be
inserted.
Muting the Microphone
zPress “C/ ” key to switch the microphone on or off during a
call.
Holding Calls / Forwarding Calls
If the telephone is connected to a PABX system, it is possible to put
calls on hold and call other extension lines or to forward calls.
zPress “R” key to put the call on hold and dial the extension
number (e.g. 23).
zPress “R” key once more to take the call back again or press
key to forward the call.
Note: The above information can vary according to the PABX
system used. Therefore, refer to the relevant information of the
PABX network.
Intercom Call Transfer
It is possible to put an external call on hold and call another handset
registered to the base or to forward calls.
zPress “INT/OK” key to hold the external call and initiate an
internal call.
zInput the desired handset number (e.g. 2).
zThe target handset will ring. After the internal connection is
made, press key to transfer the external call.
zIf “INT/OK” key is pressed before another handset is answered,
the call transfer procedure will be cancelled and the external
call connection is regained.
zIf key is pressed before another handset is answered, both
the external and internal call will be disconnected.

– 10 –
Teleconference
After have received an external call, it is possible to include a second
handset in the conversation (three way conference).
zPress “INT/OK” key and enter the number of the corresponding
handset (e.g. 2) which will join the teleconference.
zThe external caller is kept on hold. As soon as the other handset
takes the call, example handset 1 can intercom with handset 2.
zOnly the initiating handset can start a 3 way conference, press
and hold “#” key 2 seconds.
zBy pressing key, any of the handsets quit from the
teleconference and the other handset continues with the external
call.
Handset Speaker Phone
zPress key to activate or deactivate the handset speaker.
Changing the Receiver Volume
zPress or key to change the receiver volume during a
call.
Paging the Handset
If a handset has been misplaced, it is possible to call all the handsets.
zShort press key on the base station. To stop the page call,
press any key on the handset and key on the base station.
Entering a Dialling Pause (P)
If the telephone is connected to a PABX system, it may be necessary
to insert a dialing pause. To do this, press key after entering the
relevant digit in the pre-dial buffer, e.g. 0, for an external line (0P….).
A “P” appears in the display indicating a pause. The pause can also be
entered when programming numbers in the phone book.
Switching the Key Lock On/Off
Incoming calls can still be received when key locked.
zPress and hold “#” key for 2 seconds to activate or deactivate
the key lock. The icon turns on or off.
Phone Book
The telephone can store up to 40 entries in the phone book with name
and call number. When the function is supported by the telephone
provider service and the caller, the handset displays the name of the
caller (when stored in the phone book).
Store Entries
zPress key until the PHONE BOOK menu appears and
press “INT/OK” key.
zPress or key to select NEW ENTRY and press
“INT/OK” key.
zEnter the number (max. 25 digits) and press “INT/OK” key
when finished.
zEnter the name (max. 10 characters) and press “INT/OK” key
when finished.
z‘MEM FULL’ appears stand for memory full.
You can also store the number from pre-dialling mode
zDuring standby mode, dial the telephone number (delete any
incorrect entries by pressing “C/ ” key) and press “INT/OK”
key.
zEnter the name (max. 10 characters) and press “INT/OK” key
when finished.
z‘MEM FULL’ appears stand for memory full.
Key assignment Overview
1 SPACE 1 7 P Q R S 7
2 A B C 2 8 T U V 8
3 D E F 3 9 W X Y Z 9
4 G H I 4 0 0
5 J K L 5 * *
6 M N O 6 # #
Note: When enter a name to store an entry, the “*” key and “#” key
are not available.
List Entries / Edit Entries / Delete Entries
zPress key until the PHONE BOOK menu appears and
press “INT/OK” key.