Vtech 20-2438 User Manual

Important Safety Instructions

When using your telephone equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock and injury, including the following:

1. Read and understand all instructions.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water (for example, near a bath tub, kitchen sink, or swimming pool).

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious
damage to the product.

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation. To protect it
from overheating, these openings must not be blocked by placing the product on the bed, sofa, rug,
or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register.
This product should not be placed in a built-in-installation where proper ventilation is not provided.

7. This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.
If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your dealer or local power
company.

8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where the cord will be
abused by persons walking on i t.

9. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.

10. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this product. If service or repair work is
required, contact VTech Customer Service at 1-800-595-9511. Opening or removing cabinet parts
other than specified access doors may expose you to dangerous voltages or other risks. Incorrect
reassembling can cause electric shock when the appliance is subsequently used.

11. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in the risk of fire or electric
shock.

12. Unplug this product from the wall outlet:
a)When the power supply cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
b)If liquid has been spilled into the product.
c)If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d)If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions because improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work to restore the product to normal
operation.
e)If the product has been dropped and the cabinet has been damaged.
f)If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

13. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be a
remote risk of electric shock from lighting.

14. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

If you have questions about this product, or if you're having
difficulty with setup or operation, do not return your phone
to the store.Call our Customer Support Center at:

1-800-595-9511

In Canada, call

1-800-267-7377

1

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Enhanced 2.4GHz Technology - Dual Band transmission combines the best of

2.4GHz and 900MHz technologies, providing enhanced performance over standard
cordless telephones.

About Caller Identification (Caller ID)

This product has a Caller ID with Call Waiting feature that works with
service from your local phone service provider.

Getting Started

Caller ID with Call Waiting lets you see whos calling before you answer the phone,
even when youre on another call.
You may need to change your phone service to use this feature. Contact your phone
service provider if:

 You have both Caller ID and Call Waiting, but as separate services
(you may need combined service)
 You have only Caller ID service, or only Call Waiting service.
 You dont subscribe to any Caller ID or Call Waiting services.

You can use this product with regular Caller ID service, and you can use this products
other features without subscribing to either Caller ID or combined Caller ID with Call
Waiting service.

There are fees for Caller ID services, and they may not be available in all areas.
This product can provide information only if both you and the caller are in areas offering
Caller ID service, and if both telephone companies use compatible equipment.

2

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Parts Check List:

1. Base Unit

2. Handset

3. AC Power Adaptor

4. Telephone Line Cord

To purchase replacement battery packs, call VTech Communications Inc
at 1-800-595-9511. In Canada, call VTech Telecommunications Ltd at
1-800-267-7377.

5. Battery Pack

6. Belt Clip

7. Owners Manual

Getting Started

3

Handset Layout

1

Getting Started

2

3

4

5

6

LINELINE

7

8

9

10

11

1. Antenna

2. LCD

3. Headset Jack

4. Menu

5. Scroll Up/Down

6. LINE 1

7. Hold

8. Dialing Keys (0-9, *, #)

LINELINE

12

13

14

15

16

9. DIR

10. INT.COM

11. MIC

12. Volume

13. Select

14. LINE 2

15. Redial

16. Flash

4

Base Unit Layout

2

1

26

25

10
11

3

4

Getting Started

12

13
14

5
6
7
8
9

LINELINE

21

22

LINELINE

24

15
16

17
18

19
20
23

1. DC IN

2. LINE 1/L1+L2 Jack

3. LINE 2 Jack

4. DATA Jack

5. Flash

6. PROG/MEM

7. Redial

8. Charge Cradle

9. Handset Charging LED

10. LINE 1

11. L1 Message LED

12. LCD

13. Contrast

14. Antenna

15. Dialing Keys ( 0-9; *; # )

16. INT.COM

17. +VOL

18. VOL

19. Mute LED

20. Mute
2 1. CONF
22 . HOLD

23. LINE 2

24. L2 Message LED

25. L1 Ringer (OFF/LO/HI)

26. L2 Ringer (OFF/LO/HI)

5

Setup

Getting Started

Connecting Power to Base Unit

Plug the AC power adapter into an electrical outlet, and the DC connector into
the back of the Base Unit

Connect to Telephone Lines

Your VT 20-2438 will work fine even if you only have one telephone line. We
recommend connecting the modular telephone cord to the jack labeled LINE 1
/ L1 + L2, located on the back of the Base Unit. Here are steps for connecting
2 lines:

If you have 2 Lines coming out of a Single Wall Jack:
Connect a modular phone cord from the wall jack you want to designate as your
LINE 1, to the LINE 1 / L1 + L2 jack on the back of the Base Unit. Next, connect
a phone cord from the remaining wall jack to the LINE 2 jack on the Base Unit.

Data Port

Your VT 20-2438 has a Data Port on the back of the Base Unit.This port provides
an easy way to connect your fax machine, laptop computer, modem or other
telephone device for direct access to LINE 2.

The Data Port only provides access to Line 2, so you must have an active line
connected to the LINE 2 jack on the bottom of the Base Unit. Connect a modular
phone cord from the Data Port (look for the small door marked DATA on the
back of the Base Unit to your fax, laptop, etc.

NOTE: While the Data Port is in use, accidental use of Line 2 by a parallel
phone, your VT 20-2438, or a Call Waiting ID alert may interrupt the data
transmission.

6

1

2

Setup

Installation of Battery Pack in Handset

Follow the steps below:

1. Remove the battery cover by pressing on the
indent and sliding downward.

2. With the red and black wires at the bottom right
corner of the pack, angle the top of the battery
into the compartment, under the two claws.
Next, press the lower end of the battery pack
down, so it snaps in place, under the lower claw.
Now, plug the connector into the socket, located
below the battery. Slip the wires under the wire
guide, located below and to the left of the socket.

3. Replace the battery cover by sliding it upwards.

4. If the new battery pack is not already charged,
place the Handset in the Base Unit, and allow it
to charge for 12 hours. After the initial charge,
a maintenance charge of 8 hours should be
sufficient. Maximum talk time is 5 hours on a full
charge. Maximum standby time is 5 days.

Checking for Dial Tone

After the battery pack is charged, pick up the Handset and press the PHONE key.
The IN USE indicator should light up, and you should hear a dial tone; if not,
CASE OF DIFFICULTY.

see IN

Tone/Pulse Selection

Your VT 20-2438 is preset for TONE dialing. To change the dialing mode:

1. At the idle (on hook) Handset, press MENU.

2. Press the SCROLL key until DIAL MODE appears, then press SELECT.

3. Press the SCROLL key to change dial mode between TONE and PULSE.

4. Press SELECT to confirm your choice. Press MENU to return to the idle
screen.

Getting Started

CAUTION: Use only the VTech power supply provided with your tele­phone

IMPORTANT:

For best performance the VT20-2438 should
be installed as follows:

In an elevated location, in the center of the
room, with no obstructions nearby.

In a location that is away from other electrical
appliances such as microwave ovens,
personal computers, or televisions.

7

Handset programming

LINELINE

LINELINE

LINELINE

LINELINE

LINE1 RINGER

8/28 2:19

PM

RINGER ON:4

8/28 2:19

PM

Headset programming

In the idle (on hook) mode, press MENU, then
press the SCROLL key to access the following
programming options:

LINE 1 RINGER
LINE 2 RINGER
VOICE MESSAGES
SET TIME

Getting Started

SET DATE
DIAL MODE

Programming the Handset Ringer

There are 4 different ring styles for each line. In
addition, you can turn the Handset ringer off for
one or both lines.

 In the idle (on hook) mode, press MENU.

LINE 1 RINGER is displayed. SCROLL down
if you want to program the LINE 2 RINGER.

 Press SELECT. The current ringer setting will

be displayed, along with an audible sample
of the current setting (unless the current set­ting is RINGER OFF):

 To choose other ring styles, press 1, 2, 3, or

4 on the dial pad. Or, to switch between a
ring style and RINGER OFF, press the
SCROLL key.

 With the desired choice displayed, press

SELECT to confirm. Press MENU to return
to the idle mode, or press the SCROLL key to
select another programming option.

8

Handset programming

Voice Messages

Your VT 20-2438 is designed to work with most local and regional telephone
service providers Voice Messaging systems, providing alerts on both the Handset
and Base Unit when new messages come in.

Voice Messaging is subscription service, available through most local and
regional service providers, for a monthly fee. Contact your local telephone
company for more information.

When a caller leaves a message in your voice mailbox, the MESSAGE light on
the Base Unit (there is a light for each line) will illuminate. In addition, the
Handset will display, for example:

L1(&L2)MESSAGES

12/28 2:34

AM

After calling your voicemail service and listening to all new messages, the
indicators will be turned off within a few seconds after you complete your call.
You can retrieve your voicemail messages from any telephone.

If the indicators remain on after all new messages have been reviewed, you
can turn them off manually (each line is programmed separately):

 At the Handset, in the idle (on hook)

mode, press MENU.

VOICE MESSAGES

 SCROLL down to VOICE MES SAGES,

then press SELECT.

8/28 2:19PM

Getting Started

 SCROLL to L1 (or L2) INDICATE OFF,

then press SELECT to confirm.

 Press MENU to return to the idle

screen, or SCROLL to another
programming option.

L1 INDICATE OFF

8/28 2:19

PM

9

Handset programming

To turn this feature off for all calls (each line
is programmed separately):

 At the Handset, in the idle (on hook)

mode, press MENU.

 SCROLL down to VOICE MESSAGES,

Getting Started

then press SELECT.

VOICE MESSAGES

8/28 2:19PM

 SCROLL to L1 (or L2) VOICEMSG OFF,

then press SELECT to confirm.

 Press MENU to return to the idle screen,

or SCROLL to another programming
option.

You can reactivate this feature for each line:

 At the Handset, in the idle (on hook)

mode, press MENU.

 SCROLL down to VOICE MESSAGES,

then press SELECT.

 SCROLL to L1 ( or L2) VOICEMSG ON,

then press SELECT to confirm.

 Press MENU to return to the idle screen,

or SCROLL to another programming
option.

L1 VOICEMSG OFF

8/28 2:19

PM

VOICE MESSAGES

8/28 2:19PM

L1 VOICEMSG ON

8/28 2:19PM

Set Time/Set Date

The idle Handset displays current date and
time, on the bottom row of the screen.
Incoming Caller ID will set the time and date
automatically. You can also set it manually:

10

SET DATE

8/28 2:19

PM

Handset programming

 At the Handset, in the idle (on hook) mode,

press MENU.

SET TIME

 SCROLL to SET TIME, then press SELECT.

 Using the dial pad, enter the correct hour

and minute. The hour must be entered as
two digits (03, for example). Use the
SCROLL key to select AM or PM. Then
press SELECT.

 Now, SCROLL to SET DATE, then press

SELECT.

 Using the dial pad, enter the correct

month and day. Both the month and year
must be entered as two digits (08/04, for
example). Then press SELECT.

 Press MENU to return to the idle screen, or

SCROLL to another programming option.

Dial Mode

Your VT 20-2438 is preset for Tone dialing. To
change dial mode, see SET UP for instructions.

Base Ringer

Your VT 20-2438 has an independent ringer
for each line, controlled by switches located
on the right edge (antenna side) of the Base
Unit. You can select OFF, LO or HI for each line.

8/28 2:19

LINELINE LINE

LINELINE LINE

LINE

PM

LINE

Getting Started

Contrast

Press the CONTRAST key, located at the lower
right corner of the Base display, to adjust the
screen contrast. Repeated pressings will
cycle from lightest to darkest contrast.

11

Handset and Base Unit Indicators

Handset LEDs

Icons Description

 Glows red when Handset or Base is on an

LINE 1 and LINE 2 keys

active call.
 Blinks slowly while call is on hold.
 Flashes in cadence with the incoming ring.

Getting Started

Base Unit LEDs

Icons Description

 Glows red when Handset or Base is on

LINE 1 and LINE 2 keys

an active call.

 Blinks slowly while call is on hold.
 Flashes in cadence with the incoming

ring.

CHARGING

 Illuminates when the Handset is charging

in the cradle.

MUTE

LINE 1 MESSAGES/NEW
CALLS
LINE 2 MESSAGES/NEW
CALLS

 Illuminates when the Base microphone is

muted.
 Flashes slowly to indicate new,

unplayed voicemail.
 Glows steadily to indicate new, Caller

ID records.

Handset and Base Unit Idle Screen

8/28 2:19PM

12

NO MESSAGES
0 CALLS
8/28 2:19PM

Making Calls from the Handset

LINELINE

LINELINE

LINELINE LINE

LINE

Basic Operation

 Enter the telephone number, up to 32

digits. If you make a mistake, press the

SCROLL key to backspace.

 Press the desired LINE key. The number

will be dialed.

 To end your call, press the appropriate

LINE key, or place the Handset in the
charging cradle.

Making Calls from the Base Unit

 Enter the telephone number, up to 32

digits.

 Press the desired LINE key. The

number will be dialed.

 To end your call, press the appropriate

LINE key.

Receiving Calls from Handset and the Base
Unit

LINELINE LINE

LINE

Getting Started

LINELINE

LINELINE

 When a call comes in, press the appropriate

LINE key to answer.

 To end your call, press the appropriate

LINE key, or, if using the Handset, place it

in the charging cradle.

13