Samsung SPH-a500 Series User manual

SPH-a500 Series
PORTABLE
Tri-Mode
TELEPHONE
User Guide
Please read this manual before operating your
phone, and keep it for future reference.

Intellectual Property
All Intellectual Property, as defined below, owned by or which is otherwise the property
of Samsung or its respective suppliers relating to the SAMSUNG Phone, including but not
limited to, accessories, parts, or software relating thereto (the “Phone System”), is
proprietary to Samsung and protected under federal laws, state laws, and international
treaty provisions. Intellectual Property includes, but is not limited to, inventions
(patentable or unpatentable), patents, trade secrets, copyrights, software, computer
programs, and related documentation and other works of authorship. You may not
infringe or otherwise violate the rights secured by the Intellectual Property. Moreover,
you agree that you will not (and will not attempt to) modify, prepare derivative works of,
reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to create source code
from the software. No title to or ownership in the Intellectual Property is transferred to
you. All applicable rights of the Intellectual Property shall remain with SAMSUNG and its
suppliers.
Samsung Telecommunications America (STA), Inc.
Headquarters: Customer Care Center:
1130 E. Arapaho Road 1601 E. Plano Parkway, Suite 150
Richardson, TX 75081 Plano, TX 75074
Tel: [phone] Toll Free Tel: [phone].HELP (4357)
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.samsungusa.com
©2002 Samsung Telecommunications America, Inc. is a registered trademark of
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its related entities.
Licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated under one or more of the following patents: U.S.
Patent No. 4, 901, 307; 5, 056, 109; 5, 099, 204; 5, 101, 501; 5, 103, 459; 5, 107, 225;
5, 109, 390.
Printed in South Korea
GH68-03248A
Openwave
®
is a registered Trademark of Openwave, Inc.
RSA
®
is a registered Trademark RSA Security, Inc.

Disclaimer of Warranties;
Exclusion of Liability
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE EXPRESS WARRANTY CONTAINED ON THE WARRANTY PAGE
ENCLOSED WITH THE PRODUCT, THE PURCHASER TAKES THE PRODUCT "AS IS", AND
SAMSUNG MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER WITH
RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE MERCHANTABILITY OF
THE PRODUCT OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE; THE DESIGN,
CONDITION OR QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT; THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT; THE
WORKMANSHIP OF THE PRODUCT OR THE COMPONENTS CONTAINED THEREIN; OR
COMPLIANCE OF THE PRODUCT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ANY LAW, RULE,
SPECIFICATION OR CONTRACT PERTAINING THERETO. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO CREATE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT. IN ADDITION,
SAMSUNG SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM THE
PURCHASE OR USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING FROM THE BREACH OF THE EXPRESS
WARRANTY, INCLUDING INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOSS OF
ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR BENEFITS.

5
Table of Contents
Disclaimer of Warranties;
Exclusion of Liability .............................................................. 3
SPH-a500 closed view............................................. 13
SPH-a500 open view ............................................... 14
Getting to know your phone.................................... 15
Antenna................................................................................ 15
Backlight features................................................................. 15
Back key .............................................................................. 15
End key ................................................................................ 15
Talk key ............................................................................... 16
Navigation ............................................................................ 16
Menu key ............................................................................. 16
OK/Message key ................................................................... 16
Keypad ................................................................................. 16
Headset connector ............................................................... 16
LED indicator ....................................................................... 17
Microphone ......................................................................... 17
Speaker................................................................................ 17
Display screen...................................................................... 17
Display screen icons............................................................. 18
Installing the battery............................................................. 19
Removing the battery............................................................ 20
Charging the battery ............................................................. 20
Using the travel adaptor........................................................ 20
Low battery indicator............................................................ 21
The empty battery icon ......................................................... 21

6
Your phone’s modes................................................21
Answer mode ........................................................................21
Input mode ...........................................................................21
Lock mode............................................................................22
Power save mode ..................................................................22
Standby mode........................................................................22
Talk mode.............................................................................23
Vibrate mode.........................................................................23
Getting Started.........................................................23
Getting service.......................................................................23
Turning your phone on .........................................................23
Turning your phone off .........................................................24
Several ways to answer a call.................................................24
Auto LCD Off..........................................................................25
Step Ringer............................................................................25
List of main and sub menus.....................................25
Accessing menus using the navigation key.............................28
Returning to the previous menu ............................................28
Accessing menus using shortcut numbers .............................29
Call History..............................................................29
Outgoing ...............................................................................29
Incoming...............................................................................29
Missed...................................................................................30
Erase History.........................................................................30
Air Time................................................................................31
Reviewing calls......................................................................32
Keeping track of call activity..................................................33
Call waiting............................................................................33

7
Caller I.D.............................................................................. 34
Phone Book ............................................................ 34
Find...................................................................................... 35
Add New Entry...................................................................... 35
Group Setting ....................................................................... 35
My Phone # .......................................................................... 36
Memory................................................................................ 36
Editing phone book numbers ............................................... 36
Adding pauses ...................................................................... 37
Storing pauses in a phone book entry................................... 38
Pause dialing from a stored entry ......................................... 38
Manual pause calling............................................................ 38
Erasing individual phone book entries ................................. 39
Erasing your phone book ..................................................... 39
Editing an existing e-mail address ........................................ 40
Setting speed dial ................................................................. 40
Storing incoming phone numbers at the end of a call........... 41
Storing phone numbers from call logs.................................. 41
Shortcuts to storing phone numbers..................................... 41
One-touch dialing................................................................. 42
Two-touch dialing ................................................................ 42
Three-touch dialing.............................................................. 42
Shortcuts to memory dialing................................................. 42
Mobile originating SMS text messaging................................. 42
Mail kit - Creating SMS text messages..................... 43
Entering text, numbers, and/or symbols ............................... 44
Alphabetical text entry .......................................................... 46
Entering numbers................................................................. 46

8
Symbol entry .........................................................................46
T9
®
English text entry............................................................46
New Message.........................................................................47
Inbox ....................................................................................48
Outbox..................................................................................48
Web Alert ..............................................................................49
Erase Message.......................................................................49
Message Setup.......................................................................49
Receiving a message in standby mode ...................................52
Receiving a message while on a call ......................................52
Reviewing voice mails and text messages...............................52
Reviewing stored voicemail and text messages
in standby mode....................................................................52
Message options....................................................................53
Three way calling ..................................................................54
Wireless Web...........................................................55
Launching the minibrowser...................................................56
Exiting the web/minibrowser.................................................57
The minibrowser start and end prompts................................57
The minibrowser soft keys.....................................................57
Navigating the web.................................................................58
How the minibrowser keys work...........................................58
Using links ............................................................................59
Making a phone call while using the minibrowser.................59
Calendar..................................................................60
Today....................................................................................60
How to schedule an event......................................................60
How to add or erase an event................................................61

9
Month View .......................................................................... 61
How to view an event............................................................ 61
Task List............................................................................... 62
How to add or erase a task list item...................................... 62
Count Down ......................................................................... 63
How to add or erase a count down timer.............................. 63
Alarm Clock ......................................................................... 64
Calculator............................................................................. 64
Voice Tool............................................................... 65
Voice Dial............................................................................. 65
Tips on recording names...................................................... 65
Set Active.............................................................................. 67
Voice Memo ......................................................................... 68
Voice Answer........................................................................ 68
Sounds.................................................................... 69
Ringer options...................................................................... 69
Adjusting ringer volume (rapidly) ........................................ 69
Adjusting voice volume during a call .................................... 69
Ringer Volume ..................................................................... 69
Ringer Type.......................................................................... 70
Roam Ringer ........................................................................ 72
Key Beep .............................................................................. 72
Power On/Off ....................................................................... 72
Tone Length ......................................................................... 73
Alerts.................................................................................... 73
Roam ................................................................................... 74
Roaming ................................................................. 75
Roaming on other digital networks....................................... 75

10
Roaming on analog networks................................................75
Display ....................................................................76
Menu Style.............................................................................76
Backlight...............................................................................76
Greeting ................................................................................77
LCD Contrast .........................................................................77
Setup .......................................................................78
Auto Answer..........................................................................78
Call Answer ...........................................................................78
Auto Retry .............................................................................79
Language...............................................................................79
Set NAM.................................................................................80
Set System .............................................................................80
Data/Fax................................................................................80
Security.................................................................................83
Erase PBook..........................................................................86
Location................................................................................87
Version..................................................................................87
Games......................................................................88
In-use menu ............................................................89
Usage guidelines:
all about performance and safety ............................90
Understanding Signal Strength...............................................90
Understanding the Power Save Mode.....................................90
Understanding how Your Phone Operates .............................90
Specifications are Subject to Change......................................90
Exposure To Radio Frequency Signals...................................91

11
Body-worn Operation........................................................... 91
Antenna Care........................................................................ 92
Phone Operation .................................................................. 92
Tips on Efficient Operation................................................... 92
Operating a Motor Vehicle.................................................... 92
Electronic Devices................................................................ 92
Aircraft................................................................................. 94
Blasting Areas....................................................................... 94
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres........................................ 94
For Vehicles Equipped with an Air bag ................................. 94
Storing your phone............................................................... 95
Cautions ............................................................................... 95
Your Phone as a Network Device ............................ 95
Acknowledging Special Precautions
and Industry Canada Notice .................................... 97
Information to User.............................................................. 97
Samsung Phone and Battery Specifications ........................... 98
Owner's Record ................................................................... 98
User Guide Proprietary Notice .............................................. 99
Limited Warranty .................................................. 100

12

13
SPH-a500 closed view
Antenna
Display
screen
LED
indicator

14
SPH-a500 open view
Speaker
Icons
Display screen
Graphic Area
Navigation key
Internet access
Volume key
Menu key
End/power key
Ok key
Talk key
Back key
Keypad
Microphone
Adapter outlet

15
Getting to know your phone
Antenna
The antenna is a device for transmitting and receiving signals. The shape and
size of the antenna is determined, in part, by the frequency of the signals that
they receive. An antenna makes the call sound clearer when it is fully extended.
Use only in the normal position and do not touch the antenna unnecessarily
when the phone is active.
Backlight features
Your keypad has user settable backlighting for easy visibility.
Back key
The key is used to erase/clear numbers or characters that may have been
incorrectly entered. Or, you can use it to return to a previous screen.
•If you enter an incorrect number or character on the display
screen, press once briefly.
•To erase all digits or characters from the display screen, press
for two seconds.
•To back up one menu level, press once briefly.
•To return to standby mode from any menu, press for two
seconds.
End key
This key is utilized in several ways:
•Press and hold to turn on your phone.
•Press and hold to turn off your phone.
•Press once to disconnect a call, return to standby mode, or
cancel any input.

16
Talk key
The key performs several useful functions:
•Press once to answer calls.
•Enter a number and press once to connect a call.
•Press twice in standby mode to redial the last outgoing
number.
Navigation
The Navigation key allows you to locate different menu options by
pressing in the appropriate direction.
When in standby mode the navigation key also acts as a hot key.
Menu key
Press to access the Main menu.
OK/Message key
The key stores information that you enter. When in standby mode,
functions as a Message menu access key to send messages and review
received messages.
Keypad
Use these keys to enter text, numbers, and special characters.
Headset connector
This is where the optional hands-free headset is connected. The headset
includes an earbud and microphone in a convenient, lightweight unit so you
can talk without using your hands.
•Before inserting the hands-free headset connector to your phone,
gently pry open the top of the cover to expose the headset
connector.

17
LED indicator
The LED indicator flashes to indicate an incoming call or message. When you
have the phone ringer set to off, the LED indicator notifies you of an incoming
call or message.
•The LED indicator lights momentarily when you power up the
phone.
Microphone
The microphone is used for conversation and recording.
Speaker
The speaker is for listening to voice conversations.
Display screen
Your phone has two display screens:
The display screen on the front of your phone is comprised of three areas:
• An upper line of stationary icons
• The middle area showing the time of day
• The lower line showing the date
The display screen on the inside of your phone is comprised of three areas:
•An upper line of stationary icons
•The graphic area in the middle
•A lower line of text information
The top line of icons on the liquid crystal display (LCD), appear according to
the phone’s operating mode.

18
Display screen icons
Signal strength: This icon always appears when your phone is on. It
shows your current signal strength. More lines indicate more signal
strength.
Service indicator:This icon indicates a call is in progress. When
the phone is calling a number, this icon will flash until the call is
connected.
No service indicator: This icon indicates your phone cannot find a
signal because you’re outside a service area. You cannot make or
receive calls. Wait a little while for a signal or move into an open
area.
Note: The no service indicator icon will always appear when you turn on your
phone. As soon as service is located, the indicator will disappear.
Roaming: This icon is your extended roaming indicator.
Vibrate mode: This icon indicates that an incoming call will make
the phone vibrate rather than ring.
High speed data: This icon indicates that your phone is sending or
receiving data at a high speed.
Battery strength: This icon always displays when your phone is
active, it displays your battery charge level. The more black bars you
see, the greater the charge. When the battery becomes very low, a
flashing empty battery icon displays and the phone sounds an audible
alert; this indicates that your phone is about to turn itself off.
New message: This icon displays when you have a message waiting.
Alarm clock: This icon displays when you have your alarm clock set.
Ringer silent: This icon displays while in standby mode when your
phones ringer is set to silent.

19
Digital: This icon indicates that your phone is operating in a digital
service area.
Analog: This icon indicates that your phone is operating in an alalog
service area.
GPS: This icon indicates that the GPS function in your phone is
turned on.
Installing the battery
Note: Your phone comes packaged with a partially charged rechargeable
standard Li-Ion battery and travel adapter. The phone can be used while the
battery is charging, but must be fully charged the first time you use your
phone otherwise the battery could be damaged.
To attach the battery to your phone:
1. Gently place the battery into the provided slots on the underside of the
phone.
2. Gently push the top end of the battery down (The top end of the battery
displays the word Samsung in raised letters.) until you hear it click into
place.

20
Removing the battery
To remove the battery from your phone:
1. Turn the phone off by pressing and holding .
2. Push the battery release latch up and pull the battery away from the latch.
3. Lift the battery away from the phone.
Charging the battery
Your phone is powered by a rechargeable standard Li-Ion battery. Only use
Samsung-approved travel adaptors and batteries. These adaptors are designed
to maximize battery life. Using other adaptors may invalidate your
warranty and may cause damage.
When the phone has finished charging it can be disconnected.
Using the travel adaptor
The travel adaptor allows you to charge your phone’s battery from any standard
120 VAC wall outlet. Also, using the travel adaptor allows you to make a phone
call while the battery is charging.
Follow these steps to use you travel adapter:
1. With the battery in position in the phone, attach the cord from the travel
adaptor by plugging it into the adaptor outlet at the bottom of the phone.
2. Connect the adaptor to a standard 120 VAC wall outlet. The battery will
begin charging immediately, and the LED (located at the top of your
phone) will light and remain red.
3. The LED indicates the status of the battery being charged.
•Red indicates that the battery is charging.