
REMOTE
CHARGE
SPARE
CHARGE
BASE
POWER
TALK
TALK
VOLUME
BASE UNITREMOTE UNIT
Quick Disconnect™
for headset
Listen (receiving)
fine-adjust
volume control
Remote
on-off button
and
indicator
Push-totalk
button
Selector for
momentary-orlocking PTT
function
Battery
pack
Battery-charging
contacts
Talk (sending)
fine-adjust
volume
controls
PTT indicator
(green)
Remote unit
battery charging
indicator (orange)
Spare
battery pack
charging
indicator
(orange)
Base unit
power indicator
(green)
Charging well for
remote unit
Charging well for
spare battery pack
Console
interface cable
AC adapter
BOTTOM VIEW
OF BASE UNIT
Talk (sending)
coarse-adjust
volume control
Note: The factory
settings provide a
carbon-microphone
output level.
Listen (receiving)
coarse-adjust
volume control
Note: When the battery pack is
installed or changed, the on-off
indicator will begin to flash as soon
as the unit is ready for use. This may
require about 45 seconds while the
remote unit determines and selects
the most reliable radio channel.
USER GUIDE
COMPONENTS OF MODEL CA12CD/A
Push-to-talk headset amplifier
REMOTE
CHARGE
SPARE
CHARGE
BASE
POWER
TALK
TALK
VOLUME
Model CA12CD/A
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.5, 2.1,
2.3, 2.4
1
Setup
2
Battery charging
& management
Charging well for
remote unit
Charging well for
spare battery pack
REMOTE
CHARGE
SPARE
CHARGE
BASE
POWER
TALK
TALK
VOLUME
Plug in console
interface cable
here
Plug in
AC adapter
here
BACK VIEW OF UNIT
1.3, 1.4
1.1 Operating other devices in the same frequency band as the
CA12CD/A will reduce user density and range. In North
America, the CA12CD operates in the UPCS frequency
band (1.92 to 1.93 GHz). In other regions, the CA12CD/A
operates in the DECT™ frequency band (1.88 to 1.90 GHz).
Various versions of the CA12CD/A are available for use in
specific countries.
1.2
User density and range can vary widely due to such
variables as building layout and whether other devices are
operating in the same frequency band as the CA12CD/A.
In low-density installations (e.g. 5 units placed 3 metres
apart), the range can be greater than 3 metres. In highdensity installations (e.g. 30 units placed 45.7 centimetres
apart), the range could decrease to 3 metres.
1.3
Plug the modular connector on the console interface cable
into the modular jack on the back of the base unit. Plug the
other end into your console.
1.4
Plug the AC adapter into the wall outlet, and plug the
round power connector into the back of the base unit. The
base power indicator will illuminate.
1.5
Slide the battery pack onto the remote unit. When the
battery pack is installed or changed, the on-off Indicator
will begin to flash slowly as soon as the unit is ready for
use. This may require about 45 seconds while the remote
unit determines and selects the most reliable radio
channel.
1.6
Attach a headset to the remote unit.
1.7
Place CA12CD/As at least 30.5 centimetres away from
CRT-type computer monitors.
2.1
To attach the battery pack to the remote unit, simply slide
the battery pack onto the remote unit and snap it into place.
Do not force them together.
2.2
The base unit is equipped with two battery-charging wells.
The larger well allows charging of the battery while it is
attached to the remote unit. The smaller well allows
charging of a spare battery pack all by itself.
2.3
Insert the remote unit and the spare battery pack into their
respective charging wells. The charging indicators will
flash while the battery packs are charging.
2.4
When a battery pack is charged, its charging indicator will
stop blinking and glow steadily.
2.5
The on-off indicator on the remote unit will begin to flash
as soon as the unit is ready for use. This may require about
45 seconds while the remote unit determines and selects
the most reliable radio channel.
2.6
A fully charged battery pack will last for up to eight hours.
2.7
To maximise the life of the battery pack, turn the remote
unit off and place it into the charging well when not in use.
Prior to being used, battery packs must be charged for at
least one hour or until the charging indicator changes from
blinking to continuously on.
2.8
A completely depleted battery requires three hours to fully
charge.
Note: Always release (disengage) the PTT button before
swapping battery packs.
Warning: Touching the battery-charging contacts or placing
objects other than the battery packs and remote unit in the
charging wells may adversely affect the operation of the
CA12CD/A.

Talk (sending)
fine-adjust
volume controls
Listen (receiving)
fine-adjust
volume control
Non-lockable position
Lockable position
3.4
How to select the
lockable or nonlockable switch
position
3
Operation
3.1 To maximise user density, always turn the remote unit off
when not in use.
3.2 Press the on-off button located on top of the remote unit.
The green on-off indicator will begin to flash. If the
battery has just been installed, the remote unit will
automatically turn on and the on-off indicator will begin
to flash. This may require about 45 seconds. (Reference
section 1.5)
3.3 Pressing the push-to-talk (PTT) button on the remote unit
will generate the "key" signal to your console or radio.
While the PTT button is depressed, the green talk
indicator on the base unit will illuminate.
3.4 The operation of the PTT button can be adjusted with a
screwdriver to be either lockable or non-lockable as
shown.
3.5 To get the best audio performance from your CA12CD/A,
please use the guidelines on the separate card, setting
model CA12CD/A audio levels. Properly adjusted audio
levels are especially important for avoiding side-tone echo,
as well as for being able to hear your callers and be heard
clearly by them.
3.6 The base unit and the remote unit are paired with each
other at the factory in a process called subscription. If you
replace your remote unit or if your remote unit loses its
subscription (shown by a rapidly flashing on-off indicator),
you can perform the subscription process as follows:
• Hold both of the talk (sending) fine-adjust volume
controls on the top of the base unit down.
• The base power indicator will begin blinking.
• Hold the remote unit’s listen (receiving) fine-adjust
volume control in either the up or down position.
• The remote unit’s on-off indicator will turn on steadily
(no flashing).
• The remote unit will subscribe to the base unit, after
which the base power indicator will return to the steadily
on state. The remote unit’s on-off indicator will go out
for a few seconds and then begin to flash slowly. Your
CA12CD/A is now ready to use.
Note that the selector
slot is aligned vertically.
The push-to-talk button
can be pressed
momentarily or locked in
the ON position by first
depressing then sliding
the button until it locks.
Turn the selector
horizontally. The
push-to-talk button can
be pressed momentarily
when you wish to speak.

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
Model CA12CD/A provides numerous audible and visible indications.
Detailed descriptions are provided below.
CONTROLS
Name and Location Function
Push-to-talk button on remote
unit
Locking-momentary selector on
remote unit
On-off button and indicator on
remote unit
Listen (receiving) fine-adjust
volume control rocker switch on
Causes relay closure in base unit
that “keys up” user’s radio
Enables or disables locking
operation of the PTT Switch
Toggles the RF link between the
idle-locked and enabled states
Adjusts the listen (receiving)
sensitivity in 2-dB steps
remote unit
Listen (receiving) coarse-adjust
volume control slide switch on
Adjusts the listen (receiving)
sensitivity in 6-dB steps
base unit bottom
Talk (sending) fine-adjust volume
control momentary push buttons
Adjusts the talk (sending)
sensitivity in 2-dB steps
on base unit top
Talk (sending) coarse-adjust
volume control slide switch on
base unit bottom
Adjusts the talk (sending) output
for carbon, electret or dynamic
mic applications
VISIBLE INDICATORS
Name Aspect Function
Remote
unit: green
on-off
indicator
1) Flashing slowly to
conserve battery charge.
2) Flashing rapidly
to indicate loss of
subscription.
1) Indicates that the RF
link between the remote
and the base is enabled.
2) Warns of lost
subscription when
flashing rapidly.
Base unit:
green base
power
indicator
Base unit:
green talk
1) On continuously when the
base unit is connected to
power via the AC adapter.
2) Flashing when base unit
is in subscription mode.
On steadily when PTT button
is depressed.
1) Shows that the base
unit is powered up.
2) Indicates that
subscription is
occurring.
Shows PTT status.
indicator
Base unit:
orange
charging
indicators
1) Flashing while battery is
charging.
2) On steadily when battery
is fully charged or during
Shows battery and
charger status.
top-off charging.
3) Rapidly flashing to
indicate a fault condition
(remote charge indicator
only).
ERROR CONDITIONS
Exposure to radio frequency radiation
This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operated in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. To comply with RF
exposure requirements, use only the supplied antenna.
The radiated output power of this internal wireless radio is far below
radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the wireless radio
shall be used as described in the manual.
The internal wireless radio operates within guidelines found in radio
frequency safety standards and recommendations, which reflect the
consensus of the scientific community.
Plantronics therefore believes the internal wireless radio is safe for
use by consumers. The level of energy emitted is far less than the
electromagnetic energy emitted by wireless devices such as mobile
phones. However, the use of wireless radios may be restricted in
some situations or environments, such as on board aeroplanes. If
you are unsure of restrictions, you are encouraged to ask for authorisation before turning on the wireless radio.
NOTE: Modifications not expressly approved by Plantronics, Inc.
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Visit our web site at www.plantronics.com/support for technical support including frequently asked questions, compatibility and accessibility information. The Plantronics Technical Assistance Center (TAC)
is also ready to assist you on 800-544-4660.
SuppLIES AND ACCESSORIES
AC Adapters
North America
(shown): 64401-01
European Union:
47249-02
United Kingdom:
64784-01
Australia: 66804-01
Console
interface
cable
68331-01
6 wire, modular-to-PJ7
cable assembly
Connectors other than
the PJ7 are available upon
request
Remote
North America
90224-01
(UPCS)
90224-02
(DECT)
Battery Pack
90225-01
WEEE DISPOSAL INFORMATION
Products labelled with the symbol of a crossedout wheelie bin as shown below are electrical
and electronic equipment. The crossed-out
wheelie bin denotes that waste electrical and
electronic equipment must not be disposed
with the remainder of non-separated household
waste, but should instead be collected
separately as prescribed by the local laws and
regulations. For more detailed information,
please refer to our website www.plantronics.com
If you hear a… It means…
Triple beep Your remote unit is too far from the base unit
and you should move closer.
Single beep every
10 seconds
Low-level double
beep every 10
seconds
Your battery is low and should be changed or
charged.
The quality of the link between your remote
unit and your base unit is low. (You may be
going out of range).
If you see a… It means…
Rapidly blinking
remote on-off
Indicator
Rapidly blinking
remote unit battery
Your remote unit is not subscribed to the
base unit. (Slow blinking indicates normal
operation).
Your battery should be replaced, or there
could be a foreign object in the charging well.
charging indicator
www.plantronics.com
©2008 Plantronics, Inc. All rights
reserved. Plantronics, the logo design,
CA12CD/A, Quick Disconnect and Sound
Innovation are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Plantronics, Inc.
Printed in U.S.A. 79110-01 (12.07)