RCA 2-9866 User Manual

Digital Answerer
User‘s Guide

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

PARTS CHECKLIST

Make sure your package
includes the following items:

Power adapter

MODULAR JACK REQUIREMENTS

You need an RJ11 type modular jack, which
is the most common type of phone jack and
might look like the one pictured here. If you
don’t have a modular jack, call your local
phone company to find out how to get one
installed.

Note: Illustrations contained within this
User's Guide are for representation only.
Your unit may differ slightly.

Models 2-9866
20801800 (Rev. 1, E/S)
97-20
Printed in China

WARNING:

OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

TO PREVENT FIRE

2-9866

We bring good things to life.

ERASE

BATTERY LOW

PLAY / STOP

REVIEW

DAY

MEMO ON/OFF

ANNOUNCE

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

THE LIGHTNING
FLASH AND ARROW­HEAD WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU OF
"DANGEROUS
VOLTAGE" INSIDE
THE PRODUCT.

© 1997 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER­SERVICEABLE PARTS IN­SIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.

SEE MARKING ON BOTTOM / BACK OF PRODUCT

P.O. Box 1976, Indianapolis, IN 46206

Trademark(s) ® Registered

SKIP

HOUR

Answerer

Marca(s) Registrada(s)

CODE

SHIFT

MINUTE

TIME/SET

THE EXCLAMATION
POINT WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU OF
IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS
ACCOMPANYING
THE PRODUCT.

BATTERY BACKUP

In the event of a power loss, the 9-volt battery
(not included) enables the answerer to retain
messages stored in memory. To install the
battery:

1. Remove the battery compartment cover on
the bottom of the unit by removing the
screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Connect a fresh 9-volt alkaline battery and
place it inside the battery compartment.

3. Replace the battery compartment cover and
replace phillips-head screw.

Note: The BATTERY LOW indicator flashes
when you need to change the battery or if you
haven’t installed the battery. When you are
replacing the 9-volt battery, disconnect the
telephone cord before you install the battery.

INSTALLATION

1. Plug the telephone line cord into a modular
wall jack.

2. Connect the telephone line cord from your
telephone into the jack on the back of the
answerer marked FROM TELEPHONE. (You
don’t have to connect your telephone in
order for the answerer to record incoming
messages.)

3. Connect the small end of the power adapter
into the POWER 9V AC jack on the back of
the answerer. Plug the other end into an AC
power outlet.

4. Wait for answerer tone that tells you the
unit has warmed up (approximately 40
seconds) before you proceed with setup.

Note: Only use the Thomson 5-2418
adapter that was packed with this unit.
Using other adapters may damage the unit.

Battery compartment door

1

2

3

SETUP

RECORDING THE OUTGOING ANNOUNCEMENT

Before using your new answerer, you should record an outgoing announcement
(the announcement callers hear when your answering system answers a call). If
you don't record an outgoing announcement, callers hear a default announcement
that says, "Please leave message after tone."

When recording the announcement you should be about 6 inches from the unit.
Eliminate as much background noise as possible.

1. Prepare your announcement.

Sample Announcement: Hi, this is (use your name here), I can’t answer the phone right
now, so please leave your name, number and a brief message after the tone, and I’ll get back to
you. Thanks.

2. Hold down the ANNOUNCE button. Record after the tone.

3. Release ANNOUNCE button when you finish the announcement.
To review the outgoing announcement, press and quickly release ANNOUNCE

button.
To return to the answerer's default announcement after you've recorded an

outgoing announcement, press the ANNOUNCE button and release it when you
hear the tone.

ADJUSTING THE VOLUME

Use the volume control on the side of the answerer to adjust the volume up or
down.

SETTING THE TIME

Press and hold the TIME/SET button and then:

• To set the day: press and hold DAY until the answerer announces the correct
day.

• To set the hour: press and hold HOUR until the answerer announces the
correct hour.

• To set the minute: press MINUTE until the answerer announces the correct
minute. (When you press and hold MINUTE, time advances in 5-minute
increments; when you press and release MINUTE, time advances in 1-minute
increments.

To check the time/day setting, press and release the TIME/SET button (the answerer
announces the day, hour, and minute).

Note: The default time remains "1:00 AM Monday" until the time is set.

SETTING THE SECURITY CODE

To pick up your messages from another location (called remote access), you must
enter a 3-digit security code. The default code is 123, but you can change it.

• To change the code: Press and hold the TIME/SET button while you press and
hold the CODE button. Release TIME/SET and CODE buttons after you hear the
code you want to use.

• To check the code: Press and hold the TIME/SET button while you press and
release the CODE button.

SETTING THE RING SELECT SWITCH

The RING SELECT switch is on the back of the unit. Set your digital answerer to
answer calls after 2 rings, 4 rings, or choose TS (toll saver). Toll saver means you
can call your machine from another phone to check messages. If your machine
doesn’t pick up after the second ring, you can hang up and avoid the toll charge.

SETTING THE INCOMING MESSAGE LENGTH

Use the selector on the back of the unit to limit the time a caller has to leave a
message by choosing 1 MIN or 2 MIN. Set the selector to MAX if you want to give
callers the maximum amount of time to leave a message. The time allowed for
MAX varies depending on how much digital memory time has been used for your
announcement and other messages stored in the answerer's memory.

ANSWERER OPERATION

ERASE

BATTERY LOW

ANNOUNCE button

DAY button in set mode

REVIEW–MEMO button

HOUR button in set mode

REVIEW

HOUR

DAY

ANNOUNCE

Messages light

MEMO ON/OFF

PLAY / STOP

SKIP

SHIFT

MINUTE

CODE

PLAY/STOP button

CODE button in set mode

TIME/SET

SKIP–ON/OFF button

MINUTE button in set mode

TIME/SET button

SHIFT button for DAY, HOUR,
MIN, CODE settings

MESSAGES LIGHT

The light on the PLAY/STOP button is the messages light. It lets you know when
you have new messages and whether your answerer is on or off.

Messages light is on — Answerer is on and there are no messages.
Messages light is flashing — Number of flashes indicates number of messages.
Messages light is off — Answerer is off, but you might still have messages.
Messages light is flashing rapidly — Outgoing announcement is invalid, memory is

full, time hasn't been set, or power was interrupted and a working 9-volt battery
wasn't installed for power backup.

ERASE button

BATTERY LOW
indicator light

VOLUME
control

PLAYING MESSAGES

The messages light (on the PLAY/STOP button) flashes when a message has been
left on the answerer. When the answerer has recorded multiple messages, the
messages light flashes once for each message, pauses, and then repeats.

• To play messages: press and release PLAY/STOP.

• To stop playback: press and release PLAY/STOP again.

• To restart the message that is playing: press and release REVIEW.

• To go back to the beginning of a previous message: repeatedly press and

release REVIEW until you reach the message you want to hear.

• To skip to the beginning of the next message: press and release SKIP.

• To erase a message while it is playing: press and release the ERASE button.

The answerer beeps to confirm the message has been erased.

ERASING ALL MESSAGES

When the answerer isn’t playing or recording messages, press and hold ERASE
until you hear a beep. You can retrieve messages erased this way by pressing
PLAY/STOP— but only if the answerer hasn't recorded new messages after you
erased the messages.

MEMORY FULL

When the memory is full, the messages light flashes rapidly and the unit answers
after 10 rings. When calling your machine from another phone (called Remote
Access) enter the 3-digit security code after you hear the beep and play your
messages. In order for your machine to record new messages, you must erase
some of the messages. You can erase messages remotely by pressing 0 while a
message is playing.

TURNING THE ANSWERER ON AND OFF

When you set up your answerer, the unit turns on automatically and the messages
light on the PLAY/STOP button lights. To turn the answerer off, press the ON/OFF
button. When the answerer is off, it answers calls after 10 rings but doesn't play the
outgoing announcement. The answerer doesn't take messages when it is off.

LEAVING A MEMO

Press and hold the MEMO button. Leave your message after the beep. Release the
MEMO button when you're finished talking.

SCREENING CALLS (AUTO DISCONNECT FEATURE)

Since your answerer automatically stops recording when an extension phone is
picked up, you can screen incoming calls by listening as the caller leaves a mes­sage and then picking up the phone when you know who it is.

REMOTE ACCESS

You can access your answerer from any touch-tone phone by entering the 3-digit
security code after you hear the outgoing announcement. (The default security
code is 123, but you can change it.) Be aware that remote functions do not work
with rotary or push-button pulse-dialing phones. You can cut out the wallet-size
remote cards at right so you know the touch-tone commands when you're picking
up messages from another location.

To access your answerer:

1. Call your telephone number.

2. After you hear the beep that follows the outgoing announcement, enter your 3­digit security code. You can bypass the outgoing announcement by pressing
any number key while the announcement is playing.

Note: To disable remote access, set the security code to 000.

Note: The unit answers on the 10th ring when it is turned off or the memory is

full. To access the answerer, enter the 3-digit security code after the beep. If
memory is full, play messages and erase some of them to restore memory. If the
answerer is off, press 6 to turn it on.

GENERAL PRODUCT CARE

To keep your answerer working and looking good, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid putting it near heating appliances and devices that generate electrical
noise (for example, motors or fluorescent lamps).

• DO NOT expose to direct sunlight or moisture.

• Avoid dropping answerer and/or other rough treatment.

• Clean with a soft cloth.

• Never use a strong cleaning agent or abrasive powder because this will
damage the finish.

• Retain the original packaging in case you need to ship it at a later date.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Problem Explanation/Solution

Doesn’t answer, or • Make sure answerer is turned on.
answers on 10th ring

• Memory is full, erase some messages.

• Check AC power and phone line connections.

Incoming messages • Was an extension phone picked up?
are incomplete

• The caller left a message that is longer than the
message length you set on the back of the
answerer. Try setting message length to MAX.

• Memory is full.

• You accidentally pressed PLAY/STOP when
you were playing the messages.

Won’t respond to • Must use touch-tone phone.
remote commands

• Must enter correct security code.

• Did unit hang up? If you take no action for a
period of time, it automatically hangs up.

Answerer doesn't work • Unplug power cord from the back of the unit

and plug it back in to reset the answerer.

Can't hear messages • Adjust volume control on side of unit.
BATTERY LOW indicator • Install a new 9-volt alkaline battery.

is flashing

Can't restart message • You must play message for at least 5 seconds

before pressing REVIEW button.

Messages light • Memory is full. Erase messages.
flashes rapidly • Time is not set. Set time and day information.

• Power has been interrupted without 9-volt
battery backup. Set time and day information.

SERVICE

FCC requires this product to be serviced only by the manufacturer or its authorized service
agents. In accordance with FCC requirements, changes or modifications not expressly approved
by Thomson Consumer Electronics could void the user’s authority to operate this product. For
instructions on how to obtain service, call Consumer Information, 1-800-448-0329.

Attach your sales receipt to the booklet for future reference or jot down the date this product
was purchased or received as a gift. This information will be valuable if service should be
required during the warranty period.

Purchase date ______________________ Name of store _________________________

FCC REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Your GE telephone equipment is registered with the Federal Communications Commission and is in
compliance with parts 15 and 68, FCC Rules and Regulations.
1 Notification to the Local Telephone Company

On the bottom of this equipment is a label indicating, among other information, the FCC Registration
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 of 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 as 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.

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.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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 NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE CABINET BOTTOM
REN NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE CABINET BOTTOM

LIMITED WARRANTY

What your warranty covers:

• Any defect in materials or workmanship.

For how long after your purchase:

• One year.
(The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of

shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.)

What we will do:

• Provide you with a new or, at our option, a refurbished unit.

• The exchange unit is under warranty for the remainder of the original product’s warranty

period.

How to make a warranty claim:

• Properly pack your unit. Include any cables, etc., which were originally provided with the
product. We recommend using the original carton and packing materials.

• Include in the package evidence of purchase date such as the bill of sale. Also print your
name and address and a description of the defect. Send standard UPS or its equivalent to:

Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
Product Exchange Center
32 Spur Drive
El Paso, Texas 79906

• Pay any charges billed to you by the Exchange Center for service not covered by the
warranty.

• Insure your shipment in case of loss or damage. Thomson accepts no liability in case of
damage or loss.

• A new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you prepaid freight.

What your warranty

• Customer instruction. (Your Owner’s Manual provides information regarding operating
instructions and user controls. For additional information, ask your dealer.)

• Installation and set-up service adjustments.

• Batteries.

• Damage from misuse or neglect.

• Products which have been modified or incorporated into other products.

• Products purchased or serviced outside the USA.

• Acts of God, such as but not limited to lightning damage.

Product Registration:

• Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your unit. It will make
it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required
for warranty coverage.

How state law relates to this warranty:

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary
from state to state.

If you purchased your product outside the USA:

• This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information.

To:

Play messages
Stop playback

(during message playback)

Repeat current message

(during message playback)

Play previous message

(during message playback)

Skip to next message

(during message playback)

Erase message

(during message playback)

Record announcement

(press 8 again when finished)

Leave a memo

(press 7 again when finished)

Play announcement
Turn off answerer

Turn on answerer
Move through voice

menu faster

Para:

Reproducir el mensaje
Detener la reproducción

(durante la reproducción)

Repetir el mensaje en curso

(durante la reproducción)

Reproducir el mensaje anterior

(durante la reproducción)

Saltar al mensaje siguiente

(durante la reproducción)

Borrar mensajes

(durante la reproducción)

Grabar su mensaje

Reproducir su mensaje

Dejar un aviso

Apagar el contestador
Encender el contestador

Desplazarse por el menú
rápidamente

Cut out these remote access cards so that you can take them with you to help you use the remote features.

does not

Oprima:

cover:

Press:

1
3
8

7
9

0
8

7

2

5
6
4

1
3
8

7

9
0
8

2
7
5
6

4

Digital

2-9866

Answerer

1. Dial phone number of the
answerer.

2. Press any key to bypass
your outgoing announce­ment.

3. Enter 3-digit security code
after the beep.

4. Enter touch-tone command.

5. Hang up.

Write 3-digit security code in boxes.

Contestador

2-9866

digital

1. Disque el número de teléfono
del contestador.

2. Oprima cualquier tecla para
evitar de escuchar el mensaje
grabado.

3. Teclee los 3 dígitos de su código
de seguridad después de
escuchar el sonido agudo.

4. Oprima una tecla para elegir la
instrucción.

5. Cuelgue.

Escriba los 3 dígitos de su código de
seguridad en los recuadros.