Radio Shack ET-546 User manual

Cat. No. 43-1046
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
ET-546
25-Channel Cordless Telephone
with 10-Number Memory
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2
FEATURES
© 1996 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
COM-LOK and Radio Shack are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.
Your Radio Shack ET-546 25-Channel
Cordless Telephone with 10-Number
Memory includes the latest advances
in cordless phone technology. It in-
cludes the following features:
25-Channel Auto-Scan— automati-
callly selects the channel with the best
performance and least interference.
You can also change the channel man-
ually.
Advanced Super CCT Circuitr
y
—
provides clarity comparable to a cord-
ed phone, reduces background noise,
and increases effective operating dis-
tance.
10-Number Memor
y
— lets you store
10 phone numbers in memory for easy
dialing.
COM-LOK‚— ensures that other cord-
less phone users cannot use your
phone line while the handset is on the
base.
Automatic Securit
y
Access Code —
changes each time you return the
handset to the base to help prevent
other cordless phone users from using
your phone line while the handset is off
the base.
Flash — sends an electronic switch-
hook signal for use with special phone
services such as call waiting.
Redial — quickly redials the last num-
ber dialed, with the touch of a button.
Touch Tone or Pulse (Rotar
y
) Dial-
in
g
— lets you connect your phone to
either type of service.
Hearin
g
-Aid Compatibilit
y
— lets
you use your phone with hearing aids
that have a T (telephone) switch.
We recommend you record your
phone’s serial number in the space be-
low. The serial is on the bottom panel
of the base.
Serial Number:__________________
Please read this owner’s manual care-
fully so you can enjoy all of your tele-
phone’s features.
Important: Cordless phones such as
this one require AC power to operate.
When the AC power is off, you cannot
dial out or receive incoming calls using
your cordless phone. For this reason,
the cordless phone should not be your
only telephone. To be safe, you should
also have a phone that does not re-
quire AC power to operate (not a cord-
less phone) so you can still make and
receive calls if there is an AC power
failure.
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This telephone has been tested and
found to comply with all applicable
FCC and UL standards.
Note: Your 25-Channel Cordless Tele-
phone with 10-Number Memory oper-
ates on standard radio frequencies, as
allocated by the FCC. Therefore, it is
possible for other radio units operating
on similar frequencies, within a certain
area, to inadvertently intercept your
conversations and/or cause interfer-
ence on your cordless telephone. This
lack of privacy can occur with any
cordless telephone.
Warning: To prevent fire or shock haz-
ard, do not expose this product to rain
or moisture.
This symbol is intended to alert you
to the presence of uninsulated dan-
gerous voltage within the product’s
enclosure that might be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock. Do not open the
product’s case.
This symbol is intended to inform
you that important operating and
maintenance instructions are in-
cluded in the literature accompany-
ing this product.
READ THIS BEFORE
INSTALLATION
We have designed your telephone to
conform to federal regulations, and
you can connect it to most telephone
lines. However, each device that you
connect to the phone line draws power
from the phone line. We refer to this
power draw as the device’s ringer
equivalence number, or REN. The
REN is shown on the bottom of your
phone.
If you are using more than one phone
or other device on the line, add up all
the RENs. If the total is more than five,
your phone might not ring. In rural ar-
eas, a total REN of three might impair
ringer operation. If ringer operation is
impaired, remove a device from the
line.
FCC STATEMENT
This telephone complies with Part 68
of
FCC Rules
. You must, upon re-
quest, provide the registration number
and the REN to your phone company.
These numbers are located on the bot-
tom of your phone.
Note: You must not connect your
phone to any of the following:
• Coin-operated systems
• Party-line systems
• Most electronic key phone sys-
tems
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE-
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC-
ING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTION !
!
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CONTENTS
Preparation ........................................................................................................... 5
Connecting the Battery .................................................................................... 5
Installing the Handset’s Antenna.......................................................................5
Selecting a Location ........................................................................................ 5
Placing the Base on a Desk Top ............................................................... 6
Mounting the Base on a Wall Plate ........................................................... 6
Mounting the Base Directly on the Wall .................................................... 7
Charging the Battery ........................................................................................ 9
Setting the Dialing Mode ................................................................................. 9
Setting the Ringer On/Off .............................................................................. 10
Operation ............................................................................................................ 11
Making/Answering a Call ............................................................................... 11
Using the Handset at the Base ............................................................... 11
Using the Handset Away from the Base ................................................. 11
Reducing Interference ................................................................................... 12
Redial ............................................................................................................ 12
Using Flash .................................................................................................... 12
Using Tone Services on a Pulse Line............................................................. 13
Using Page .................................................................................................... 13
Memory Dialing .............................................................................................. 14
Storing a Number in Memory .................................................................. 14
Entering a Pause in a Memory Number .................................................. 15
Dialing a Stored Number ......................................................................... 15
Chain Dialing Service Numbers .............................................................. 15
Testing Stored Emergency Numbers ...................................................... 15
Troubleshootin
g
................................................................................................. 16
Care and Maintenance ....................................................................................... 18
Replacing the Battery .................................................................................... 19
The FCC Wants You to Know ........................................................................ 19
Lightning ........................................................................................................ 20
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PREPARATION
CONNECTING THE
BATTERY
Before you use your phone for the first
time, you must connect the battery,
then charge it for about 12-15 hours.
Slide off the battery compartment cov-
er on the back of the handset. Connect
the battery to the pins inside the bat-
tery compartment.
Then replace the cover, install the
handset’s antenna, mount the phone
(see “Selecting a Location”), and follow
the instructions under “Charging the
Battery.”
INSTALLING THE
HANDSET’S ANTENNA
Insert the antenna into the hole at the
top of the handset, then rotate the an-
tenna clockwise until it is secure.
SELECTING A LOCATION
You can place your phone on a desk,
shelf, or table, or mount it on a wall.
Select a location that is:
• Near an AC outlet
• Near a telephone line jack
• Out of the way of normal activities
• Away from fluorescent lights, elec-
trical machinery, electrical appli-
ances, and metal walls or filing
cabinets
• Away from computers, remote
control toys, wireless intercoms,
alarms, and room monitors
The base’s location affects the phone’s
range. If you have a choice of several
locations, try each to see which pro-
vides the best performance.
Notes:
• If the phone line jack is not a mod-
ular jack, you must update the wir-
ing. You can do this yourself,
using jacks and adapters avail-
able at your local Radio Shack
store, or you can let the phone
company update the wiring for
you.
• The phone company will charge
you for the installation of the nec-
essary jacks.
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• The USOC number of the jack to
be installed is RJ11W for a wall
jack or RJ11C for a baseboard
jack.
Caution: You must use a 120 VAC/12
VDC adapter that delivers at least 200
milliamps. Its plug must correctly fit the
phone’s 12VDC jack. The supplied
adapter meets these requirements.
Using an adapter that does not meet
these requirements could damage the
phone or the adapter.
Placing the Base on a
Desk Top
Follow these steps when you place the
base on a desk, shelf, or table.
1. Plug one end of the supplied mod-
ular cord into the TEL. LINE jack
on the back of the base.
2. Plug the modular cord’s other end
into a modular phone line jack.
3. Insert the supplied AC adapter’s
barrel plug into the 12VDC jack on
the back of the base.
4. Plug the adapter into a standard
AC outlet.
5. Place the handset upright over the
charging contacts on the top of
the base (see “Charging the Bat-
tery”).
Note: The phone will not charge if
you try to use the charging con-
tacts on the side of the base while
it is flat on a desk top.
6. Move the base’s antenna to a ver-
tical position.
Mounting the Base on a
Wall Plate
You need a short modular cord (such
as Radio Shack Cat. No. 279-390, not
supplied) and a standard wall plate for
this mounting method.
1. Plug one end of the short modular
cord into the TEL. LINE jack on the
back of the base.
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2. Route the short cord downward
through the slot on the base’s bot-
tom and under the clips as shown.
3. Route the other end of the short
cord through the hole in the
bracket’s center.
4. Attach the supplied bracket to the
bottom of the base by inserting
the tabs on the bracket into the
slots on the base, then sliding the
bracket up.
5. Insert the supplied AC adapter’s
barrel plug into the 12VDC jack on
the back of the base. Then plug
the adapter into a standard AC
outlet.
6. Plug the modular cord into the
wall plate’s jack.
7. Align the bracket’s keyhole slots
with the wall plate studs and slide
the base downward to secure it.
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8. Carefully place the handset in the
cradle at the top of the base and
make sure it is secure.
9. Move the base’s antenna to a ver-
tical position.
Note: If you later want to mount the
base on a desktop, press PUSH on the
bottom of the base and slide the brack-
et down to remove it.
Mounting the Base Directly
on the Wall
You need two wood screws (not sup-
plied) for this mounting method.
1. Drill two holes 315/16 inches apart.
Then thread a screw into each
hole, letting the heads extend 1/4
inch from the wall.
2. Plug one end of the supplied mod-
ular cord into the TEL. LINE jack
on the back of the base.
3. On the bottom of the base, route
the modular cord downward and
under the slot’s clips as shown.
4. Attach the bracket to the bottom of
the base by inserting the tabs on
the bracket into the slots on the
base, then sliding the bracket up.
5. Insert the supplied AC adapter’s
barrel plug into the 12VDC jack on
the back of the base. Then plug
the adapter into a standard AC
outlet.
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6. Plug the modular cord into a mod-
ular phone line jack.
7. Align the keyhole slots with the
mounting screws and slide the
base downward to secure it.
8. Carefully place the handset in the
cradle at the top of the base and
make sure it is secure.
9. Fully extend the base’s antenna
and place it in a vertical position.
Note: If you later want to mount the
base on a desktop, press PUSH on the
bracket and pull it off to remove it from
the base’s bottom.
CHARGING THE
BATTERY
Before you use your phone for the first
time or when you install a new battery,
make sure RINGER ON/OFF on the
handset is set to OFF, then charge the
battery for about 12-15 hours by plac-
ing the handset on the cradle so the
POWER and CHARGE indicators on
the base light.
The phone charges whenever the
handset is on the base. You can re-
charge the battery at any time, but be
sure to recharge it when BATT LOW
lights on the handset.
Notes:
• Continuing to use the battery after
BATT LOW lights could shorten
overall battery life.
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• The first time you use your phone
after installing a new battery, the
handset might not work or might
sound an error tone when you
press
TALK. This might also occur
when you recharge a battery that
has been completely discharged.
If this happens, be sure RINGER
ON/OFF is set to ON. Then return
the handset to the cradle for 5
seconds. This resets the security
access code.
• If the CHARGE indicator does not
light when you place the handset
on the cradle, be sure the battery
is connected to the pins inside the
battery compartment, and the AC
adapter is securely connected to
the base.
Also, check the charging contacts
on the handset and base. If the
contacts are dirty or tarnished,
gently clean them with a pencil
eraser.
• About once a month, fully dis-
charge the battery. Keep the
handset off the cradle until BATT
LOW lights. Then return the hand-
set to the cradle and recharge the
battery for about 10 hours.
SETTING THE DIALING
MODE
Set TONE/PULSE on the base for the
type of service you have. If you are not
sure which type you have, do this test.
1. Set TONE/PULSE to TONE.
2. Lift the handset, press TALK, and
listen for a dial tone.
3. Press any number other than 0.
If the dial tone stops, you have touch-
tone service. Leave TONE/PULSE set
to TONE.
If the dial tone continues, you have
pulse (rotary) service. Set TONE/
PULSE to PULSE.
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SETTING THE RINGER
ON/OFF
To turn off the ringer, set RINGER ON/
OFF on the handset to OFF. To turn on
the ringer, set it to ON.
Note: With the handset’s ringer off,
you can still make and receive calls us-
ing the cordless phone. Telephones on
the same line still ring when there is an
incoming call, the handset’s IN USE in-
dicator flashes, and the POWER and
CHARGE indicators on the base flash
until you answer the call.
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OPERATION
Before using your cordless telephone,
you must connect and charge its bat-
tery (see “Connecting the Battery” and
“Charging the Battery”). For the best
operation, make sure the base’s an-
tenna is in a vertical position.
MAKING/ANSWERING A
CALL
You can use your cordless telephone
in two ways: at the base or away from
the base.
Using the Handset at the
Base
Place the handset in the cradle. The
base rings whether RINGER ON/OFF on
the handset is set to ON or OFF.
To answer a call, just lift the handset
from the base. The phone searches for
a channel with minimal interference
(you might notice a pause).
To make a call, lift the handset from
the base and press TALK so the IN
USE indicator lights.
To disconnect a call, replace the hand-
set on the base.
Note: To conserve battery power and
leave the phone line available, press
TALK so the IN USE indicator turns off
when you are not making or answering
a call.
Using the Handset Away from
the Base
To use the handset away from the
base, press TALK to make or answer a
call. The IN USE indicator on the hand-
set lights.
To disconnect a call, press TALK so
the IN USE indicator on the handset
turns off.
Note: You can make or answer a call
on another phone on the same phone
line, even if the handset is away from
the base.
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REDUCING
INTERFERENCE
The ET-546 automatically selects the
channel with the best performance and
least interference. If you hear interfer-
ence between the handset and the
base during a call, press CHANNEL to
switch to the next channel (25 in all)
until you receive the best reception.
REDIAL
To quickly redial the last number di-
aled, simply lift the handset from the
cradle and press TALK (or, if away
from the base, simply press TALK) so
the IN USE indicator lights. Then press
REDIAL.
Notes:
• We recommend you not use
REDIAL to dial numbers that
include a TONE entry (see “Using
Tone Services on a Pulse Line”).
• The redial memory does not store
a FLASH entry or any digits
entered after you press FLASH.
USING FLASH
Use FLASH on the handset to perform
the switchhook operation for special
services, such as call waiting.
For example, if you have call waiting,
press FLASH to take an incoming call
without disconnecting the current call.
Press FLASH again to return to the first
call.
Notes:
• If you do not have a special phone
service, pressing FLASH might
disconnect the current call.
• The redial memory does not store
a FLASH entry or any digits
entered after you press FLASH.
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USING TONE SERVICES
ON A PULSE LINE
Some special services, such as bank
by phone, require tone signals. If you
have pulse service, you can still use
these special tone services by follow-
ing these steps.
1. Set TONE/PULSE on the base to
PULSE.
2. Dial the service’s main number.
3. When the service answers, press
TONE. Then dial the additional
numbers. The phone sends these
numbers as tone signals.
4. When you complete the call, place
the handset on the cradle or press
TALK to disconnect the call. The
phone automatically resets to the
pulse mode.
Note: We recommend you not use RE-
DIAL to dial numbers that include a
TONE entry.
USING PAGE
PAGE lets you locate the handset if you
misplaced it, or alert the person hold-
ing the handset. The handset sounds
four beeps when someone presses
PAGE
on the base. The IN USE indica-
tor and the selected channel appear on
the base’s display.
Note: The handset will not beep during
a call, or if the ringer is off.
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MEMORY DIALING
You can store up to 10 phone numbers
for single-button dialing. Each stored
number can be up to 16 digits long.
Notes:
•If
TONE/PULSE is set to PULSE
and you want to use tone dialing
for a memory number, you must
store the tone entry along with the
number.
• To keep your accounts secure, we
recommend you
not
store your
personal access code for services
such as bank-by-phone in a mem-
ory location.
Storing a Number in Memory
1. If necessary, press TALK on the
handset so the IN USE indicator
turns off.
2. Press MEMORY.
Note: While you are storing a
number in memory, if you do not
press any button within 10 sec-
onds, you must repeat Step 2 and
try again.
3. Dial the number you want to store.
4. Press MEMORY again.
5. Press the memory location num-
ber (0 to 9) where you want to
store the number. A long beep
sounds. The phone number is
now stored in memory.
6. Remove the plastic covering from
the handset’s index card with a
small pointed object, such as the
end of a straightened paper clip.
Write the person’s or company’s
name and memory location num-
ber on the card in pencil (in case
you want to change it later).
7. Repeat Steps 2-6 to store and
record other telephone numbers.
Notes:
• If you receive a call while you are
storing a number in memory,
press
TALK to answer the call.
After the call, begin again at Step
1 to store the number.
• To change a number stored in
memory, simply store a new num-
ber in that memory location.
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Enteringa Pause in aMemory
Number
In some telephone systems, you must
dial an access code (9, for example)
and wait for a second dial tone before
you can dial an outside number. If your
phone is connected to one of these
systems, you might want to enter a
pause at the appropriate point when
you store a phone number in memory.
When storing a number, press PAUSE
to enter a 3-second pause. For a long-
er pause, press PAUSE again (each
press enters a 3-second pause).
Dialing a Stored Number
Follow these steps to dial a number
stored in memory.
• Lift the handset from the cradle
and press TALK so the IN USE
indicator lights.
• When you hear a dial tone, press
MEMORY and then press the
memory location number where
the phone number is stored. The
phone dials the stored number.
Chain Dialing Service
Numbers
When calling special services (such as
alternate long distance or bank by
phone), dialthe service’s main number
first. Then, at the appropriate place in
the call, press MEMORY and the num-
ber for the location where the addition-
al information is stored.
Testing Stored Emergency
Numbers
If you store an emergency service’s
number (police department, fire de-
partment, ambulance) and you choose
to test the stored number, make the
test call during the late evening or early
morning hours to avoid peak demand
periods. Also, remain on the line to ex-
plain the reason for your call.
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17
TROUBLESHOOTING
We do not expect you to have any problems with your telephone, but if you do, these
suggestions might help. If you still have problems, check other phones on the same
line to see if they work properly. If they do and the problem does not seem to be with
your phone service, take your phone to your local Radio Shack store for assistance.
Problem Solution
The handset does not
work. •Press
TALK on the handset.
• Move the handset closer to the base.
• Be sure the phone line cord and AC adapter
are correctly and securely connected.
• Be sure the battery is connected and charged.
• Place the base’s antenna in a vertical position.
• Return the handset to the cradle for 5 sec-
onds, and then try again.
• Check the handset and base’s charging con-
tacts. If they are dirty, clean them with a pencil
eraser.
Volume drops or you hear
unusual sounds on the
line.
Someone has picked up another phone on the
same line. Hang up the other phone.
Call is noisy. • Press CHANNEL to switch to another channel.
• Do not mount the base near appliances or
large metal objects.
• Hang up and redial the number.
• Keep the handset away from interference
sources such as computers; remote control
toys; wireless microphones, alarm systems,
intercoms and room monitors; fluorescent
lights; and electrical appliances. If the interfer-
ence is severe, turn off the interfering device.
• Place the base’s antenna in a vertical position.
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18
Problem Solution
The handset’s range
decreases. • Place the base’s antenna in a vertical position.
• Be sure the antenna is not touching a metal
surface.
• Return the handset to the cradle, and recharge
the battery.
Receiver sound flutters or
fades. • Be sure the battery is connected and charged.
• Place the base’s antenna in a vertical position.
• Move the handset closer to the base.
Can make calls, but tele-
phone does not ring. • Handset’s RINGER must be set to ON to ring.
• Telephone company might be using unusual
ringing methods. Your telephone is designed
for standard straight line bridged ringing.
Can receive calls, but can-
not make calls. Set TONE/PULSE correctly for the type of service
you have.
You cannot answer/make a
call and the handset
sounds an error tone when
you lift it from the base or
press TALK.
The phone might be receiving interference from an-
other RF signal; or, if the handset is away from the
base during a long period of AC power failure, the
phone might lose its access protection code. Re-
turn the handset to the base for a few seconds.
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19
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Radio Shack ET-546 25-Channel Cordless Telephone with 10-Number Mem-
ory is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions
will help you care for your phones so you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the phone dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can
contain minerals that corrode the electronic circuits.
Handle the phone gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage cir-
cuit boards and cases and cause the phone to work improperly.
Use and store the phone only in normal temperature environments.
Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices and
distort or melt plastic parts.
Keep the phone away from dust and dirt which can cause premature
wear of parts.
Wipe the phone with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong deter-
gents to clean your phone.
Modifying or tampering with the phone’s internal components can cause a malfunc-
tion and might invalidate its warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it.
If your phone is not performing as it should, take it to your local Radio Shack store
for assistance. If the trouble is affecting the phone lines, the phone company might
ask you to disconnect your phone until you have resolved the problem.
CLEANER
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20
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
If you follow the instructions in “Charg-
ing the Battery,” the supplied battery
should last about one year. When the
battery loses its ability to fully charge,
order a 3.6 volt, 300 milliamp battery
with a connector that fits the connector
in the battery compartment. You can
order a replacement battery through
your local Radio Shack store.
Install the new battery as described
below, then charge the battery (see
“Charging the Battery”).
1. Slide off the battery compartment
cover on the back of the handset
as shown.
2. Gently pull on the battery wires to
disconnect the plug, then remove
the battery.
3. Insert a fresh battery and connect
its plug to the pins inside the bat-
tery compartment.
4. Replace the cover.
Caution: Your telephone contains a
rechargeable nickel cadmium battery.
At the end of the battery’s useful life, it
must be recycled or disposed of prop-
erly. Contact your local, county, or
state hazardous waste management
authorities for information on recycling
or disposal programs in your area.
Some options that might be available
are: municipal curb-side collection,
drop off boxes at retailers, recycling
collection centers, and mail back pro-
grams.
THE FCC WANTS YOU
TO KNOW
In the unlikely event that your phone
causes problems on the phone line,
the phone company can temporarily
discontinue your service. If this hap-
pens, the phone company attempts to
notify you in advance. If advance no-
tice is not practical, the phone compa-
ny notifies you as soon as possible and
advises you of your right to file a com-
plaint with the FCC.
Also, the phone company can make
changes to its lines, equipment, opera-
tions, or procedures that could affect
the operation of the phone. The phone
company notifies you of these changes
in advance, so youcan take the neces-
sary steps to prevent interruption of
your phone service.
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