RCA 21230 User manual

2.4 GHz Two Line Multi-Handset
Cordless Caller ID Telephone
with Digital Answering System
User’s Guide
Please read this manual before operating
this product for the first time.
TOCOM 16207530
Model 21230

2
Important Information
Equipment Approval Information
Your telephone equipment is approved for connecting to the Public Switched Telephone Network and is in
compliance with parts 15 and 68, FCC Rules and Regulations, and the Technical Requirements for Telephone
Terminal Equipment published by ACTA.
1. Notification to the Local Telephone Company
On the bottom of this equipment is a label indicating, among other information, the US Number and Ringer
Equivalence Number (REN) for the equipment. You must, upon request, provide this information to your
telephone company.
The REN is useful in determining the number of devices you may connect to your telephone line and still have
all these devices ring when your telephone number is called. In most (but not all) areas, the sum of the RENs
of all devices connected to one line should not exceed 5. To be certain of the number of devices you may
connect to your line determined by the REN, you should contact your local telephone company.
Notes
This equipment may not be used on coin service provided by the telephone company.
•Party lines are subject to state tariffs, and therefore, you may not be able to use your own telephone
equipment if you are on a party line. Check with your local telephone company.
•Notice must be given to the telephone company upon permanent disconnection of your telephone from
your line.
2. Rights of the Telephone Company
Should your equipment cause trouble on your line, which may harm the telephone network, the telephone
company shall, where practicable, notify you that temporary discontinuance of service may be required.
Where prior notice is not practicable and the circumstances warrant such action, the telephone company may
temporarily discontinue service immediately. In case of such temporary discontinuance, the telephone
company must: (1) promptly notify you of such temporary discontinuance: (2) afford you the opportunity to
correct the situation; and (3) inform you of your right to bring a complaint to the Commission pursuant to
procedures set forth in Subpart E of part 68, FCC Rules and Regulations.
The telephone company may make changes in its communications facilities, equipment, operations of
procedures where such action is required in the operation of its business and not inconsistent with FCC rules
and Regulations. If these changes are expected to affect the use or performance of your telephone
equipment, the telephone company must give you adequate notice, in writing, to allow you to maintain
uninterrupted service.
Interference Information
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.

3
Important Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna (that is, the antenna for radio or television that is "receiving"
the interference).
• Reorient or relocate and increase the separation between the telecommunications equipment and
receiving antenna.
•Connect the telecommunications equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiving antenna is connected.
If these measures do not eliminate the interference, please consult your dealer or an experienced radio/
television technician for additional suggestions. Also, the Federal Communications Commission has prepared a
helpful booklet, "How To Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems." This booklet is available from
the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Please specify stock number 004-000-00345-4
when ordering copies.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator
and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.”
Notice:
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
This telephone system meets FCC standards for Hearing Aid Compatibility.
US NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE CABINET BOTTOM
REN NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE CABINET BOTTOM

4
SEE MARKING ON BOTTOM / BACK OF PRODUCT
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO
PREVENT FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSETHIS
PRODUCT TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
THE LIGHTNING
FLASH AND ARROW
HEAD WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU OF
“DANGEROUS
VOLTAGE” INSIDE
THE PRODUCT.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
THE EXCLAMATION
POINT WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU OF
IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS
ACCOMPANYING
THE PRODUCT.
CAUTION:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ................................... 2
EQUIPMENT APPROVAL INFORMATION .................................... 2
INTERFERENCE INFORMATION ............................................... 2
FCC RF RADIATION EXPOSURE STATEMENT ........................... 3
HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY .............................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................... 4
INTRODUCTION .................................................. 6
TELEPHONE FEATURES ................................................................ 6
YOUR CALLER ID CALL WAITING TELEPHONE ALLOWS YOU TO ... 7
CONNECTIONS AND SET UP................................ 8
BASE AND HANDSET LAYOUT .............................................. 8
PARTS CHECKLIST ............................................................. 9
MODULAR JACK REQUIREMENTS ................................................ 9
DIGITAL SECURITY SYSTEM ........................................................ 9
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION INFORMATION .............................. 10
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES ...................................... 10
INSTALLING AND REPLACING THE BASE BACKUP BATTERY .......... 11
BATTERY SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................... 11
INSTALLING THE PHONE ........................................................... 12
DATA PORT ............................................................................ 14
HANDSET REGISTRATION .......................................................... 14
BASE ..................................................................................... 14
DISPLAYS AND DISPLAY MESSAGES .................................... 15
SETTING UPTHE TELEPHONE ............................................. 16
DISPLAY LANGUAGE ................................................................ 16
RINGER VOLUME .................................................................... 16
INTERCOM RING ..................................................................... 17
RINGER TYPE .......................................................................... 17
RINGS TO ANSWER (BASE ONLY) .......................................... 18
MAILBOX PASSWORD .............................................................. 18
DAY AND TIME ....................................................................... 19
PRIME LINE ............................................................................ 20
AREA CODE ........................................................................... 20
HOLD REMINDER .................................................................... 21
REGISTERING AN ADDITIONAL HANDSET ................................... 21
RESET HANDSET AND BASE ..................................................... 23
HANDSET DE-REGISTRATION ................................................... 24
BASE DE-REGISTRATION ......................................................... 25
UNIT CAPABILITIES .......................................................... 26
HOW MANY EXTERNAL CALLS AND INTERCOM CALLS
CAN BECONDUCTED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND BYHOW
MANY USERS? ................................................................. 26
ANSWERING ACALL ....................................................... 27
BASE SPEAKERPHONE .............................................................. 27
HANDSET SPEAKERPHONE ........................................................ 27
HEADSET ................................................................................ 27
CORDLESS HANDSET ............................................................... 27
MAKING ACALL ............................................................ 27
HANDSET SPEAKERPHONE ........................................................ 27
BASE SPEAKERPHONE .............................................................. 28
HEADSET ................................................................................ 28
CORDLESS HANDSET ............................................................... 29
VOLUME ....................................................................... 29
HANDSET SPEAKERPHONE ........................................................ 29
HANDSET RECEIVER ................................................................ 29
PAGING ALL HANDSETS ................................................... 29
HOLD ........................................................................... 30
PLACING AN OUTSIDE CALL ON HOLD (SINGLE LINE) ................ 30
PLACING ACONFERENCE CALL ON HOLD (BOTH LINES) ............ 30
AUTO HOLD/INTERCOM ........................................................... 30
HOLD REMINDER .................................................................... 31
HOLD RECALL RING ................................................................ 31
Table of Contents

5
FLASH .......................................................................... 31
PAUSE .......................................................................... 32
OUT OF RANGE WARNING ............................................... 32
BATTERY LOW WARNING ........................................................ 32
EXIT ............................................................................ 32
MUTE .......................................................................... 32
USING ANOTHER LINE DURING ACONVERSATION .................. 32
BASE ..................................................................................... 32
CORDLESS HANDSET ............................................................... 33
REDIAL ......................................................................... 33
SPEAKERPHONE ....................................................................... 33
HEADSET ................................................................................ 33
CORDLESS HANDSET/SPEAKERPHONE ........................................ 33
BASE SPEAKERPHONE .............................................................. 33
HEADSET ................................................................................ 34
MEMORY ...................................................................... 34
REVIEWING RECORDS IN DIRECTORY MEMORY ......................... 34
STORING NAMES AND NUMBER IN DIRECTORY MEMORY .......... 34
EDITING RECORDS STORED IN DIRECTORY MEMORY .................. 35
DELETING RECORDS FROM DIRECTORY MEMORY ....................... 35
DIALING ANUMBER STORED IN DIRECTORY MEMORY .............. 36
CHAIN DIALING FROM MEMORY ............................................. 36
INTERCOM BASICS ........................................................... 37
MAKING INTERCOM CALLS WITH THE BASE .............................. 37
MAKING INTERCOM CALLS WITH AHANDSET ........................... 37
USING INTERCOM WITH EXTERNAL CALLS ................................. 38
ANSWERING INTERCOM CALLS ................................................. 39
TRANSFERRING ACALL .................................................... 40
TRANSFERRING ANOUTSIDE CALL THROUGH INTERCOM ............ 41
CONFERENCE CALL BASICS ............................................... 41
CONFERENCE CALL ................................................................. 41
CONFERENCING THROUGH INTERCOM ....................................... 42
THREE-WAY CONFERENCING WITH EXTERNAL CALLS .................. 43
CALLER ID (CID) .......................................................... 43
CALL WAITING CALLER ID ...................................................... 44
CALLER ID (CID) DATABASE .................................................. 44
REVIEWING CID RECORDS ...................................................... 44
CALLER ID DISPLAY ICONS ..................................................... 45
REVIEWING CID RECORDS ...................................................... 45
DELETING ACID RECORD ....................................................... 46
DELETING ALL CID RECORDS FROM THE CID DATABASE .......... 46
DIALING A CID RECORD ........................................................ 46
Table of Contents
TRANSFERRING A CID RECORD TODIRECTORY MEMORY ......... 47
CALL WAITING CALLER ID DELUXE ......................................... 48
ANSWERING MACHINE AND MAILBOX OPERATION ................ 48
TURNING THE ANSWERER ON – LINE 1 .................................. 48
TURNING THE ANSWERER OFF - LINE 1 ................................. 48
ANSWERER ON/OFF INDICATOR ............................................... 49
TURNING ON/OFF THE ANSWERER - LINE 2 ........................... 49
RECORDING APERSONAL MAILBOX GREETING .......................... 49
LINE 1.........................................................................................49
DELETING YOUR PERSONAL GREETING – LINE 1 ...................... 49
RINGS TOANSWER ................................................................ 50
SETTING THE MAILBOX PASSWORD .......................................... 51
DAY AND TIME SETUP ............................................................. 53
RECORDING AN INCOMING MESSAGE ....................................... 53
ANSWERING AND RECORDING INCOMING CALLS ....................... 54
SCREENING CALLS .................................................................. 54
MESSAGE INDICATORS ............................................................. 54
BASE ...........................................................................................54
HANDSET .....................................................................................54
PLAYING INCOMING MESSAGES ............................................... 55
MEMO MESSAGES (BASE ONLY) ............................................ 56
RECORDING AMEMO MESSAGE .............................................. 56
PLAYING MEMO MESSAGES .................................................... 56
ERASING MEMO MESSAGES ................................................... 56
REMOTE OPERATION ............................................................... 57
FROM ANY TOUCH-TONE PHONE ............................................. 57
MEMORY FULL ....................................................................... 58
CONNECTING AN OPTIONAL HEADSET TO THE
CORDLESS HANDSET ..................................................... 58
CONNECTING THE BELT CLIP TO THE HANDSET .......................... 58
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS .................................... 59
BASE UNIT ............................................................................. 59
CORDLESS HANDSET ............................................................... 60
VOICE MAIL SYSTEM/ANSWERING SYSTEM .............................. 62
CAUSES OF POOR RECEPTION ............................................ 62
OTHER INFORMATION ....................................... 63
GENERAL PRODUCT CARE ................................................. 63
SERVICE ........................................................................ 63
OTHER INFORMATION ....................................... 64
LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................................ 64
INDEX .......................................................... 66

6
Introduction
CAUTION: When using telephone equipment, there are basic safety instructions that should always be followed. Refer to
the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS provided with this product and save them for future reference.
This 2.4 GHz two-line multihandset speakerphone system is designed to be simple to use, however, you can
reach its full potential more quickly by taking a few minutes to read this User’s Guide. This telephone is a
multifunction product for use with the Call Waiting and Caller ID services available from your local telephone
company.
IMPORTANT: In order to use all of the features of this unit, you must subscribe to either the standard Name/Number Caller ID
Service or Call Waiting Caller ID Service. To know who is calling while you are on the phone, you must subscribe to Call Waiting
Caller ID Service.
Telephone Features
•2.4GHz digital spread spectrum technology
•Two CO line capability and prime line selection
•Eight handsets to one base
•Intercom calling
•Four handsets operate simultaneously
•Individual handset paging and page all
•Three-way conferencing
•Call transfer
•Store up to 20 memories in handset and base directories
•Speakerphone in both handset and the base
•Last number redial
•Line on hold feature with programmable hold reminder duration

7
•2individual voice mail boxes for each telephone line, total recording time up to 30 minutes, mailbox
system supports GREETING recording, ICM recording and MEMO recording, the system can be accessed
remotely via cordless handset or telephone line.
•Optional headset
• Manual dial out from memory and pre-dialing
•Trilingual Display (English, Spanish and French)
Your Caller ID Call Waiting Telephone Allows You to
•View the name and telephone number of a caller (Call Waiting Caller ID).
•Identify callers before you answer the phone.
•View the time and date of each incoming call.
•Record up to 50 Caller ID messages sequentially.
•Know who called while you were away.

8
Connections and Set Up
Base and Handset Layout
WXYZ
9
TUV
8
PQRS
7
MNO
6
JKL
5
GHI
4
DEF
3
ABC
2
1
PAUSE
#
OPER
0
*
FLASH
HOLD
ANS
EXIT
INT
CONF
FORMAT
REDIAL
DELETE
P
R
O
G
O
K
CID
DIR
LINE 1
LINE 2
VOL UM E
LINE 1
LINE 2
PAG E
INTERCOM
HOLD
MUTE
FLASH
EXIT
DIR
CHARGE
CID
D
E
LE
T
E
C
O
N
F
F
O
R
M
A
T
R
E
D
I
A
L
/
P
R
O
G
R
A
M
O
K
M
E
M
O
L
I
N
E
1
L
I
N
E
2
A
N
S
W
E
R
WXYZ
9
TUV
8
PQRS
7
MNO
6
JKL
5
GHI
4
DEF
3
ABC
2
1
PAUSE
#
OPER
0
*
CHARGE
display
play/stop button
MEMO button
fast forward button
CID button
CID button
OK/PROGRAM button
DELETE button
VOLUME buttons
LINE 1 button
LINE 1 indicator
LINE 2 indicator
LINE 2 button
PAUSE button
FLASH/EXIT button
MUTE button
MUTE indicator
HOLD button
PAGE/INTERCOM button
CONF button
REDIAL/FORMAT button
charge indicator
ANSWER LINE 1 button
ANSWER LINE 1 indicator
ANSWER LINE 2 button
ANSWER LINE 2 indicator
rewind button
SPEAKER button
CID button
CID button
display
LINE 1/LINE 2 button
FORMAT/REDIAL button
CONF button
rewind button
play/pause button
INT button
HOLD/ANS button FLASH/EXIT button
PAUSE button
fast forward button
DELETE button
OK/PRG button
CHARGE indicator

9
Line cords AC power converter
Modular telephone
line jack
Wall plate
Base Cordless
handset
Connections and Set Up
Modular Jack Requirements
To use this phone , you will need an RJ11C (for single line) or a
RJ14C (for two lines) type modular phone jack, which might look
like the one pictured here, installed in your home. If you don’t
have either modular jack, call your local phone to find out how
to get one installed.
Digital Security System
Your cordless phone uses a digital security system to provide
protection against false ringing, unauthorized access, and
charges to your phone. When you place the handset in the base,
the unit verifies its security code. After a power outage or
battery replacement, you should place the handset in the base
for about 20 seconds to reset the code. This phone ’s digital
security code was set at the factory.
INSTALLATION NOTE: Some cordless telephones operate at frequencies that
may cause interference to nearby TVs, microwave ovens, and VCRs. To
minimize or prevent such interference, the base of the cordless telephone
should not be placed near or on top of a TV, microwave oven, or VCR. If
interference continues, moving the cordless telephone farther away from
these appliances will often reduce or eliminate the interference.
Certain other communications devices may also use the 2.4 GHz frequency
for communication, and, if not properly set, these devices may interfere
with each other and/or your new telephone. If you are concerned with
interference, please refer to the owner’s manual for these devices on how
to properly set channels to avoid interference. Typical devices that may use
the 2.4 GHz frequency for communication include wireless audio/video
senders, wireless computer networks, multi-handset cordless telephone
systems, and some long-range cordless telephone systems.
Handset
battery
Parts Checklist
Make sure your package includes the items shown below.
VOLUM E
LINE 1
LINE 2
PAGE
INTERCOM
HOLD
MUTE
FLASH
EXIT
DIR
CHARGE
CID
D
E
LE
T
E
C
O
N
F
F
O
R
M
A
T
R
E
D
I
A
L
/
P
R
O
G
R
A
M
O
K
M
E
M
O
L
I
N
E
1
L
I
N
E
2
A
N
S
W
E
R
WXYZ
9
TUV
8
PQRS
7
MNO
6
JKL
5
GHI
4
DEF
3
ABC
2
1
PAUSE
#
OPER
0
*
WXYZ
9
TUV
8
PQRS
7
MNO
6
JKL
5
GHI
4
DEF
3
ABC
2
1
PAUSE
#
OPER
0
*
FLASH
HOLD
ANS
EXIT
INT
CONF
FORMA
T
REDIAL
DELETE
P
R
O
G
O
K
CIDDIR
LINE 1
LINE 2
CHARGE
Handset
charger
Need picture
of belt clip
Handset
belt clip

10
Connections and Set Up
Important Installation Information
•Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
•Never touch non-insulated telephone wires or terminals,
unless the telephone line has been disconnected.
•Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
•Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack
is specifically designed for wet locations.
•Temporarily disconnect any equipment connected to the
phone such as faxes, other phones, or modems.
Important Installation Guidelines
•Install telephone near both a telephone (modular) jack and
an electrical power outlet.
•Avoid sources of noise, such as a window by a busy street,
and electrical noise, such motors, microwave ovens, and
fluorescent lighting.
•Avoid heat sources, such as heating air ducts, heating
appliances, radiators, and direct sunlight.
•Avoid areas of excessive moisture or extremely low
temperature.
•Avoid dusty locations.
•Avoid other cordless telephones or personal computers.
CAUTION: Always disconnect all phone cords from the base unit
before battery installation or replacement.