Radio Shack 43-142 User manual

Please read this User’s Guide before installing,
setting up and using your new phone.
www.radioshack.com
Handsets (2)
Base (1)
Charger (1)
Quick Start Guide (1)
User’s Guide (1)
Wall Mount Adapter (1)
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Ni-MH Battery Packs (2)
(inside handset)
Modular Cord (1)
AC Adapters (2)
Belt Clips (2)
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Handsets (2)
Ni-MH Battery Packs (2)
What’s Included
43-142
Expandable•Caller ID•Digital Answering System
5.8GHz Digital Cordless Phone

Contents
2
Features 6
Introduction 7
Important Information 8
FCC Statement 8
Surge Protection 10
Important Safety Instructions 10
Important Caller ID Information 11
Read This Before Installation 11
Controls & Functions 12
Installation 14
Selecting a Location 14
Connecting the Phone Base 15
Installing the Charger 16
On a Wall Plate or Wall 17
Connecting/Charging the Battery Pack 18
Notes on Recharging 19
Installing a Belt Clip 20
Using an optional Headset 20
Using the Interface 21
Reading the Handset Display 21
Reading the Base Display 22
The Standby Screen 23
Soft Key Function 24
Using the Four-Way Function Key 25
Using the Handset and Base Menus 25
Entering Text from Your Phone 27
Basic Setup 28
Changing the Dial Mode 28

3
Contents
Selecting a Language 28
Setting the Day & Time 29
Activating Caller ID on Call Waiting and Call Waiting Deluxe 29
Activating the Key Touch Tone (Handset only) 30
Adjusting the LCD Contrast 30
Setting the Animation Screen (Handset only) 30
Adding Optional Accessory Handsets 31
Ten Multi-Handset Expandability 31
Registering Accessory Handsets 31
Resetting Handsets 32
Setting up the Phonebook 33
Creating Phonebook Entries 33
Finding a Phonebook Entry 35
Editing Phonebook Entries 35
Storing Caller ID or Redial Numbers in the Phonebook
(Handset only) 36
Erasing Phonebook Entries 36
Copying Phonebook Entries to another Station 37
Customizing Your Phone 38
Changing the Handset Banner (Handset only) 38
Selecting a Ring Tone (Handset only) 39
Activating Distinctive Ring (Handset only) 40
Activating AutoTalk (Handset only) 40
Activating Any Key Answer (Handset only) 40
Using your Phone 41
Making a Call 41
Answering a Call 42
Hanging Up 42
Making a call from the Phonebook 43
Chain Dialing from the Phonebook 43
Making a call with Speed Dial 43

Contents
4
Switching to the Handset Speakerphone during a Call 44
Testing Stored Emergency Numbers 44
Using Caller ID, Call Waiting and Redial Lists 44
Using the Caller ID List 45
Making a call from a Caller ID Record 45
Deleting Caller ID Numbers 46
Using Call Waiting and Call Waiting Deluxe 46
Redialing a Number 48
Deleting a Redial Record (Handset only) 48
Adjusting the Ringer, Earpiece and Speaker
Volume 49
Adjusting the Ringer Volume 49
Adjusting the Speaker Volume 49
T-coil (Handset only) 49
Finding a Lost Handset 50
Using Hold, Conference and Transfer 51
Placing a Call on Hold 51
Conferencing 51
Transferring a Call 52
Answering a Transferred Call 52
Using Special Features 53
Do Not Disturb (All calls) 53
Muting the Ringer (One call only) 53
Muting the Microphone 53
Privacy Mode 54
DirectLink™ Communication Feature 54
Intercom 55
Room Monitor 56
Tone Dialing Switch Over 57
Seven-Digit Dialing 58
Traveling Out of Range 58

5
Contents
Setting Up the Answering Machine 59
Features 59
Using the Answering Machine Interface 60
Selecting the Language 61
Your Greeting 61
Setting the Number of Rings 64
Setting the Record Time (or Announce only) 64
Activating the Message Alert 65
Activating Call Screening 65
Setting a Security Code or Personal Identication Number
(PIN) 65
Using the Answering Machine 66
Turning your Answering Machine On and Off 66
Reviewing Messages 68
Screening Calls 70
Recording a Conversation 71
Message Alert 73
Remotely Operating Your
Answering Machine 74
Troubleshooting 76
Changing the Digital Security Code 76
Common Issues 77
Care 80
Service and Repair 80
Appendix: Handset-Base Registration 80
Glossary 82

The Basics
6
Features
Convenient Extension Placement — Lets you add up to eight
additional accessory handsets (RadioShack 43-144) anywhere
you have an AC outlet, regardless of phone jack location.
Call Waiting/Caller ID — Lets you answer a call even when you
are on the phone; see who’s calling before you answer.
Speakerphone — Lets you conduct a hands-free conversation
using the handset speaker.
Ample Talk and Standby Time — The supplied battery (when
fully charged) provides about ve hours of talk time or seven
days of standby time.
Distinctive Ring — Allows you to assign a distinctive ringer to
certain memory locations. When an incoming call is received and
the Caller ID information matches the information in one of the
memory locations, the distinctive ring that has been stored for
that particular caller sounds.
DirectLink Mode — Lets you use two handsets like walkie-talkies,
even if you are away from base unit.
Message Alert — Beeps when you have a new incoming
message.
Call Screening — Lets you listen as a caller leaves a message.
Memo Recording — Lets you leave messages for yourself
or others in your home or ofce, or record your phone
conversation.
Handset Remote Operation — Lets you use the handset to listen
to your incoming messages.

7
The Basics
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your RadioShack 5.8 GHz Digital
Multi-Handset Expandable Cordless Telephone. Unlike other
conventional cordless telephones, your telephone supports up to
ten handsets on a single telephone line. You can add a handset to
any room in your home or ofce that has an AC outlet. You can
transfer outside calls to other handsets. If you subscribe to Call
Waiting with Caller ID, the phone shows you the incoming caller
information, even when you are already talking on the phone.
NOTE
Cordless phones require AC power to operate.
When the power is off, you cannot make or receive
calls by using your phone. We recommend you
also have a mobile phone so you can still make and
receive calls in the event of an AC power failure.
IMPORTANT
Your phone operates on standard radio
frequencies as allocated by the FCC.
It is possible for other radio units operating
nearby on similar frequencies to unintentionally
intercept your conversation or cause interference.
This possible lack of privacy can occur with any
cordless phone.
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The Basics
8
Important Information
This telephone has been tested and found to comply with all
applicable UL and FCC standards.
FCC Statement
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules and
the requirements adopted by the ACTA. On the base of this
equipment is a label that contains, among other information,
a product identier in the format US:AAAEQ##TXXXX. If
requested, this number must be provided to the telephone
company. Your phone is not intended to be used with party-
line systems. Connection to party line service is subject to state
tariffs. Contact the state public utility commission, public service
commission, or corporation commission for information.
NOTES
You must not connect your phone to…
coin-operated systems
most electronic key telephone systems
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The REN is used to determine the number of devices that may be
connected to a telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone
line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an
incoming call. In most but not all areas, the sum of RENs should
not exceed ve (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that
may be connected to a line, as determined by the total RENs,
contact the local telephone company. For products approved
after July 23, 2001, the REN for this product is part of the product
identier that has the format US:AAAEQ##TXXXX. The digits
represented by ## are the REN without a decimal point (e.g., 03
is a REN of 0.3). For earlier products, the REN is separately shown
on the label.
If you use more than one phone or other device on the line, add
up all of the RENs. If the total is more than ve (three in rural
areas), your telephones might not ring. If ringer operation is
impaired, remove a device from the line.

9
The Basics
In the unlikely event that your phone causes problems on the
phone line, the phone company can temporarily discontinue your
service. If this happens, the phone company attempts to notify
you in advance. If advance notice is not practical, the phone
company noties you as soon as possible and advises you of
your right to le a complaint with the FCC.
Also, the phone company can make changes to its lines,
equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the
operation of this phone. The telephone company noties you of
these changes in advance, so you can take the necessary steps to
prevent interruption of your telephone service.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Privacy of communications may not be
ensured when using this phone.
To ensure the safety of users, the FCC has established criteria
for the amount of radio frequency energy various products
may produce depending on their intended usage. This product
has been tested and found to comply with the FCC’s exposure
criteria. The FCC RF exposure guidelines were also met when
used with the RadioShack accessories supplied or designed
for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure
compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines and should be
avoided.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or
shock hazard, do not expose this product
to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
The lightning symbol is intended to alert you to the presence
of uninsulated dangerous voltage within this product’s
enclosure that might be of sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock. Do not open the product’s case.
The exclamation symbol is intended to inform you that
important operating and maintenance instructions are
included in the literature accompanying this product.

The Basics
10
Surge Protection
Your telephone has built-in protection circuits to reduce the risk
of damage from surges in telephone line and power line current.
These protection circuits meet or exceed the FCC requirements.
However, lightning striking the telephone or power lines can
damage your telephone.
Lightning damage is not common. Nevertheless, if you live
in an area that has severe electrical storms, we suggest that
you unplug your phone when storms approach to reduce the
possibility of damage.
Important Safety Instructions
When using your telephone equipment, basic safety precautions
should always be followed to reduce the risk of re, electric
shock and injury to persons, including the following:
Do not use this product near water, for example, near a
bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet
basement or near a swimming pool.
Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an
electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock
from lightning.
Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of
the leak.
Use only the power cord and batteries indicated in this manual.
Do not dispose of batteries in a re. They may explode. Check
with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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11
The Basics
Important Caller ID Information
To use Caller ID and Call Waiting, you must be in an area where
those services are available and you must subscribe to those
services through your local phone company.
Where Caller ID is offered, one or more options are generally
available:
caller’s number only
caller’s name only
caller’s name and number
If you subscribe to Call Waiting and Caller ID, the system can
show you the incoming caller information, even when you are
already talking on the phone.
Read This Before Installation
We have designed your phone to conform to federal regulations
when you can connect it to most phone lines. However, each
device that you connect to the telephone line draws power
from the line. We refer to this power draw as the phone’s ringer
equivalence number, or REN. The REN is on the bottom of your
phone.
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The Basics
12
Controls & Functions
Handset
Handset Antenna
Headset Jack Cover
Belt Clip Hole
Speakerphone Speaker
and Ringer
Handset Battery
Compartment
New Message indicator
Handset Earpiece
Handset Display
Soft keys
/FLASH (talk/ash) key
(phonebook) key
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/TONE key
/SPEAKER key
(up) key
(end call) key
(caller ID) key
(down) key
#(pound) key
MUTE key
INT’COM/HOLD
(intercom/hold) key
Handset Microphone
Handset Charging
Contacts
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2
1
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10

13
The Basics
Base Speaker
Base Charging Contacts
DND (do not disturb) key
and LED
Base LCD
Soft Keys
(phonebook) key
(up) key
(caller ID) key
(down) key
/EXIT (play/stop/exit)
key
/ (repeat/skip) key
(delete) key
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2.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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12.
(answering machine
on/off) key
Base Microphone
#/> key
/TONE/< key
(speaker) key and
speaker LED
FLASH/FIND HANDSET
key
CHARGE/IN USE LED
INT’COM/HOLD
(intercom/hold) key
TEL LINE Jack
DC IN 9V Jack
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4 5 6 7
16181920
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Base

The Basics
14
Installation
Before using your phone, carefully peel the protective lm off the
display. The lm protects the handset window during shipment
and is not necessary for use.
Selecting a Location
You can place the phone’s base on a desk or table. Select a
location that is:
near an accessible AC outlet
near a telephone line jack
away from electrical machinery, electrical appliances, metal
walls, ling cabinets, wireless intercoms, alarms, and room
monitors
away from other cordless phones
NOTES
If your home has specially wired alarm
equipment connected to the telephone line, be
sure that installing the system does not disable
your alarm equipment.
If you have questions about what will disable
alarm equipment, contact your telephone
company or a qualied installer.
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The location of the base affects the handset’s range. If you have
a choice of several locations, try each to see which provides the
best performance.
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15
The Basics
The handset antenna is located on the back,
above the ringer speaker. For maximum
communication range, do not hold the handset
in such a way as to cover the antenna by your
hand. Also, place the handset in the upright
position while not in use so the antenna can pick
up the signals from the base.
When there is an obstacle such as a metal or
concrete wall between the handset and the base,
the operation might be affected. Try to keep the
path free from obstructions.
Your telephone connects directly to a modular
telephone line jack. If your telephone wiring does not have a
modular jack, you can update the wiring yourself using jacks and
adapters (available at your local RadioShack store), or have the
telephone company update the wiring for you. You must use
compatible modular jacks that are compliant with Part 68 of FCC
Rules.
NOTE
The USOC number of the jack to be installed is
RJ11C (or RJ11W for a wall plate jack).
Connecting the Phone Base
Plug one end of the supplied long modular cord into the TEL
LINE jack on the back of the base.
Plug the other end of the modular cord into a modular phone
line jack.
1.
2.
To telephone outlet
To TEL LINE
TEL Cord
Telephone line cord (supplied)
To telephone outlet
To TEL LINE
TEL Cord
Telephone line cord (supplied)
Correct
Incorrect

The Basics
16
Insert the supplied
AC adapter’s barrel
plug into the DC IN
9V jack on the
back of the base.
Route the adapter’s
cord through the
strain relief slot
on the base of the
phone. Then plug
the adapter into a
standard AC outlet.
CAUTION: You must use a Class 2 power source
that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 350 mA
(for the base)/210 mA (for the charger). Its center
tip must be set to positive and its plug must t the
phone’s DC IN 9V jack. The supplied adapter meets
these specications. Using an adapter that does
not meet these specications could damage the
phone or the adapter.
Installing the Charger
You can power the charger using the supplied 9V, 210mA AC
adapter.
Insert the supplied AC
adapter’s barrel plug
into the DC IN 9V jack
on the bottom of the
charger.
Route the cord
through the strain
relief slot and plug the
adapter into a standard
AC outlet.
3.
4.
1.
2.
To AC outlet
Route the cord.
To DC IN 9V
AC adapter (supplied)
To AC outlet
Route the cord.
To DC IN 9V
AC adapter (supplied)

17
The Basics
On a Wall Plate or Wall
To mount the phone directly on a wall, you need two screws (not
supplied) with heads that t into the keyhole slots on the base.
Drill two holes 3 15/16 inches apart. Thread a screw into each
hole, letting the heads extend about 1/8 inch.
Plug the supplied AC adapter’s barrel plug into the DC IN 9V
jack on the back of the base.
Route the adapter cord through the base’s groove.
Plug one end of the supplied modular cord (short for a wall
plate, long for direct wall mounting) into the TEL LINE jack on
the back of the base.
Insert the two tabs at the bottom
of the narrow end of the supplied
bracket into the base’s lower tab
slots. Then press down on the
bracket’s latches and insert them
into the upper slots.
Plug the adapter
into a standard AC
outlet. Plug the
modular cord’s
other end into a
modular phone line
jack.
For a wall plate,
align the base’s
keyhole slots with
the wall plate studs
and slide the base
downward to secure it.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

The Basics
18
Connecting/Charging the Battery Pack
The phone comes with a rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-
MH) battery pack in the handset. Before using your phone, you
must connect the battery pack. Then charge it for about 15 - 20
hours.
Press down and slide off the
battery compartment cover.
Lift the battery pack out of the
compartment.
Plug the battery pack’s
connector into the socket
in the compartment (the
connector ts only one way).
Then place the battery pack in
the compartment.
Replace the cover.
To charge the battery pack, place the handset on the base
or charger. The CHARGE/IN USE indicator on the base or
charger lights.
Recharge the battery pack when LOW BATTERY ashes on the
display.
If you have any trouble replacing the battery pack, take the
phone to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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For direct wall mounting,
route the telephone cord
through the bracket’s
groove. Then align the
base’s keyhole slots with
the mounting screws
and slide the base
downward to secure it.

19
The Basics
Notes on Recharging
If the battery pack becomes weak during a call, LOW BATTERY
ashes. When this happens, you cannot make a call until you
recharge the battery pack.
IMPORTANT: Be sure the battery pack is properly
connected before charging. The CHARGE/IN USE
indicator lights when the handset is on the base or
charger.
If the display is blank and the phone does not work, recharge
the battery pack. (The battery power might be too low to light
the display.)
About once a month, fully discharge the battery by keeping the
handset off the base until LOW BATTERY ashes on the display.
Otherwise, the battery pack loses its ability to fully recharge.
Using a damp cloth, clean the charging contacts on the handset
about once a month.
If you are not going to use your phone for an extended period,
disconnect the battery pack. This increases the battery pack’s
usable life.
The supplied battery pack should last for about a year. If the
battery pack does not hold a charge for more than 2 hours after
an overnight charge, replace it with a new 3.6-volt, 750 mAh
battery pack with a connector that ts the socket in the battery
compartment.
You can order a replacement battery pack through your local
RadioShack store. Install the new battery pack and charge it for
about 15 - 20 hours.
WARNING:
Dispose of the old battery pack promptly and
properly.
Do not burn or bury it. Dispose of used batteries
according to the instructions.
Danger! Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by
an incorrect type.
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The Basics
20
Installing a Belt Clip
To Attach the Belt Clip, insert the belt clip into
the holes on each side of the handset. Press
down until it clicks.
To Remove the Belt Clip, pull either side of the
belt clip to release the tabs from the holes.
Using an optional Headset
You can make or answer calls handsfree using an optional
headset that has a 3/32-inch (2.5-mm) plug. Your local
RadioShack store has a variety of headsets available.
To connect the headset, gently ip open
the rubber headset jack cover on the side
of the handset. Then insert the headset’s
plug into the jack.
Use or on the handset to adjust the
headset’s volume.
With a headset connected, you can make
or answer calls as usual using the keys on
the handset.
When you nish using the headset, disconnect it from the
handset and close the rubber cover to protect the jack.
NOTES
Always place the handset properly on the base
or charger whenever you are recharging the
handset.
You can use a handset holder (available from
your local RadioShack store) to hang the handset
on your belt for added convenience.
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1.
2.
3.
4.