VTech DS221-3, DS6221-4, DS221-2, DS6222-4, DS6222-5 User Manual

Models:
DS6221/DS6221-2/

DS6221-3/DS6221-4/
DS6221-5/DS6222-4/
DS6222-5

User’s manual

w w w.v t e c h p h o n e s . c o m

Congratulations

T

Compatible with

Hearing Aid T-Coil

TIA-1083

on purchasing your new VTech product. Before using this telephone, please
read the Important safety instructions on page 46 of this manual.

This manual has all the feature operations and troubleshooting necessary
to install and operate your new VTech telephone. Please review this manual
thoroughly to ensure proper installation and operation of this innovative and
feature rich VTech product. For support, shopping, and everything new at
VTech, visit our website at www.vtechphones.com.

www.vtechcanada.com.

The ENERGY STAR® program (www.energystar.gov) recognizes
and encourages the use of products that save energy and help
protect our environment. We are proud to mark this product with
the ENERGY STAR® label indicating it meets the latest energy

efciency guidelines.

Telephones identied with this logo have reduced noise and

interference when used with most T-coil equipped hearing aids and
cochlear implants. The TIA-1083 Compliant Logo is a trademark of
the Telecommunications Industry Association. Used under license.

In Canada, please visit

Table of contents

Getting started .........................1

Parts checklist ............................1

Telephone base and charger

installation ...............................2

Battery installation and

charging ..................................3

Installation options .....................4

Tabletop to wall mount

installation ..............................4

Wall mount to tabletop

installation ...............................5

Handset layout ...........................6

Telephone base layout ...............7

Telephone settings ..................8

Ringer volume (handset) ............8

Ringer tone .................................8

Key tone .....................................8

LCD language ............................9

Set date/time ..............................9

Clear voicemail ...........................10

Home area code .........................10

Answering system settings ....11

Answering system set up ...........11

Number of rings ..........................11

Remote code .............................11

Message alert tone.....................11

Announcement ...........................12

Play your announcement ..........12

Record your own

announcement .......................12

Delete your announcement ........12

Telephone operation ................13

Make a call ................................13

Predial a call ...............................13

Answer a call ..............................13

End a call ....................................13

Speakerphone ............................13

Volume .......................................13

Mute ...........................................14

Ringer mute ................................14

Call waiting .................................14

Find handset...............................14

Chain dialing...............................15

Multiple handset use ..................16

Intercom .....................................16

Answer an incoming call

during an intercom call ............16

Share an outside call ..................17

Directory .....................................18

Store a directory entry ................19

Character chart ..........................20

Search the directory ...................21

Alphabetical search ....................21

Dial a directory entry ..................21

Edit a directory entry ..................22

Delete from the directory ............22

About caller ID ............................23

Call log .......................................24

Missed calls indicator ................24

Review the call log ....................25

Make a call log entry ready

to dial ......................................25

Dial a call log entry ....................26

Save a call log entry to the

directory ..................................26

Delete from the call log ..............26

Call log display screen

messages ................................27

Redial list ....................................27

Dial a redial entry .......................27

Delete from redial .......................27

Answering system operation ...28

Answering system and

voicemail .................................28

Message capacity ......................28

Turn the answering system

on or off ...................................29

Call screening ............................29

Call intercept ..............................29

Telephone base ringer volume ...29

New message indication ............30

Message playback .....................30

Delete all messages ...................31

ii

Table of contents

Record and play memos ............31

Record a memo ..........................31

Message window displays..........32

Remote access ..........................33

Appendix ...................................34

Handset display screen

messages ................................34

Handset and telephone base

indicators ................................36

Battery ........................................37

Expand your telephone system ...38
Add and register a handset

(optional) .................................38

Replace a handset .....................39

Troubleshooting ..........................40

Important safety instructions ......46

Operating range .........................47

Maintenance ...............................47

About cordless telephones.........48

The RBRC® seal .........................48

Warranty .....................................49

FCC, ACTA and IC regulations ...51

Technical specications .............53

Index ..........................................54

iii

Getting started

Parts checklist

Your telephone contains the following items. Save your sales receipt and
original packaging in the event warranty service is necessary.

Charg er and c harge r adapte r

(1 f or DS6 221- 2, 2 fo r DS62 21-3 ,
3 f or D S6 221- 4 a nd DS6 222 -4 ,
and 4 for DS6 221-5 a nd DS 622 2-5)

Tele phone line cord

Handset

(1 f or DS6 221,
2 f or D S6 221- 2,
3 f or D S6 221- 3,
4 f or D S6 221- 4 a nd DS6 222 -4 ,
and 5 for DS6 221-5 a nd DS 622 2-5)

Tele phone base
power adapter

Wall b racket

Batte ry

(1 f or DS6 221,
2 f or D S6 221- 2,
3 f or D S6 221- 3,
4 f or D S6 221- 4 a nd
DS622 2-4,
and 5 for DS6 221-5
and DS 6222- 5)

Batte ry compar tm ent
cover

(1 f or DS6 221,
2 f or D S6 221- 2,
3 f or D S6 221- 3,
4 f or D S6 221- 4 a nd DS6 222 -4 ,
and 5 for DS6 221-5 a nd DS 622 2-5)

Tele phone base

User’s manu al

To purchase replacement batteries or power adapters, visit our website at
www.vtechphones.com or call 1 [phone]. In Canada, go to
www.vtechcanada.com or call 1 [phone].

1

Quick star t guide

Getting started

Telephone base and charger installation

Install the telephone base and charger(s) as shown below.
Make sure that the electrical outlet is not controlled by a wall switch.
If you subscribe to digital subscriber line (DSL) high-speed Internet service

through your telephone line, you must install a DSL lter between the

telephone line cord and the telephone wall jack. The lter prevents noise and

caller ID problems caused by DSL interference. Contact your DSL service

provider for more information about DSL lters.

Tele phone
wall jac k

If you have DSL
high speed
Internet service,
a D SL filte r (not
include d) is
requi red.

Tele phone
base power
adapter

Tele phone
line cord

Charg er adapt er

Electrical outlet
not controlled by
a wall switch

Tele phone base

Use only the power adapters supplied with this product. To order a

•
replacement, visit our website at www.vtechphones.com or call
1 [phone]. In Canada, go to www.vtechcanada.com or call
1 [phone].

The power adapters are intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or

•

oor mount position. The prongs are not designed to hold the plug in place if

it is plugged into a ceiling or an under-the-table/cabinet outlet.

Charg er

2

Getting started

Battery installation and charging

Install the battery as shown below. After installing the battery, you might
be able to make and receive short calls. For best performance, charge the
handset for at least 16 hours before use. When not in use, place the handset
in the telephone base or charger. See page 37 for battery operating times.

Battery indicators Battery status Action

The screen is blank. Battery has no charge

The screen shows

PLACE IN CHARGER

and ashes.

The screen shows
LOW BATTERY,

ashes, and the

handset beeps.

The screen shows
HANDSET X.

If the battery compartment cover is on the handset, press the indentation

1.

and the handset cannot
be used.

Battery has very little
charge and the handset
cannot be used.

Battery has enough
charge to be used for a
short time.

Battery is charged. To keep the battery charged,

and slide the cover to remove.
Plug the battery connector securely into the socket inside the handset

2.

battery compartment, matching the color-coded label.
Place the battery with the label THIS SIDE UP facing up and the wires

3.

inside the battery compartment.

Align the cover at against the battery compartment, then slide it towards

4.

the center of the handset until it clicks into place.
Charge the handset by placing it in the telephone base or charger. The

5.

CHARGE light is on when the handset charges.

1

2

3

Charge until the screen shows
LOW BATTERY (at least 10
minutes).

Charge until the screen shows
LOW BATTERY (about four
minutes).

Charge until the screen shows
HANDSET X (about one hour).

place it in the telephone base
or charger when not in use.

4

5

CHARGE

light

If the handset will not be used for a long time, disconnect and remove the

•
battery to prevent possible leakage.

To purchase replacement batteries, visit our website at www.vtechphones.com or

•
call 1 [phone]. In Canada, go to www.vtechcanada.com or call
1 [phone].

3

Getting started

Installation options

Your telephone base is ready for tabletop use. If you want to mount yourIf you want to mount your
telephone on a wall, use the provided wall bracket to connect with a standard
dual-stud telephone wall mounting plate. If you do not have this mounting
plate, you can purchase one from many hardware or consumer electronics
retailers. You might need a professional to install the mounting plate.

Tabletop to wall mount installation

Position the telephone base as shown below. Insert the extended tabs

1.

(marked B) of the wall bracket into the slots on the back of the telephone
base (marked B). Push the telephone base down until it is securely in place.

If you are using a DSL lter, plug the line cord into the lter now. Route the

2.

telephone line cord (or DSL lter) through the wall bracket hole. Route the

power cord out of the bottom of the telephone.

Plug the telephone line cord (or DSL lter) into the wall jack. Plug the

3.

power adapter into a power outlet not controlled by a wall switch.
Align the holes on the bracket with the standard wall plate and slide the

4.

bracket down until it locks securely. Bundle the telephone line cord and
power adapter cord neatly with a twist tie.

1 2

3

4

4

Getting started

Wall mount to tabletop installation

If the telephone line cord and power adapter cord are bundled, untie

1.

them rst.

Lift the telephone base up to detach it from the black plastic wall bracket.

2.

Unplug the telephone line cord (or DSL lter) from the wall. Unplug the

power adapter from the power outlet.
See Telephone base and charger installation on page 2.

3.

5

Getting started

Handset layout

CHARGE light

On when the handset is charging
in the telephone base or charger
(page 3).

/VOL (Director y/volume)
Press to enter the directory

when the telephone is not
in use (page 21).

While in a menu, press to
scroll up.

During a call, press to raise
the listening volume (page 13).

(Speakerphone)

Press to switch between
speakerphone and handset
(page 13).

Press to make or answer a
call (page 13).

During a call, press to
receive an incoming call
when you receive a call
waiting alert (page 14).

1

While reviewing a call log
entry, press repeatedly to
add or remove 1 in front of
the telephone number before
dialing or saving it in the
director y (page 25).

REDIAL/PAUSE

Press to review the redial list
(page 27).

While dialing or entering
numbers into the director y,
press and hold to insert a
dialing pause (page 19).

CID / VOL (caller ID/volume)
Press to review the call log

when the telephone is not
in use (page 25).

While in a menu, press to
scroll down.

During a call, press to lower
the listening volume (page 13).

MENU/SELECT

Press to show the menu.
While in a menu, press to

select an item, or save an
entry or setting.

OFF/CLEAR

During a call, press to hang up
(page 13).

While the handset is ringing,
press to silence the ringer
temporarily (page 14).

Press and hold while the
telephone is not in use
to erase the missed calls
indicator (page 24).

During programming, press to
exit without making changes.

#

Press repeatedly to show
other dialing options when
reviewing a call log entry
(page 25).

INT (intercom)
Press to initiate an intercom

conversation or transfer a call
(page 16).

MUTE/REMOVE

While on a call, press to mute the microphone
(page 14).

While reviewing the call log, director y or redial
list, press to delete an individual entry (page 26,
page 22 and page 27, respectively).

Press to delete digits when predialing (page 13).

6

Getting started

Telephone base layout

Message window

Shows the number of
messages and other
answering system information
(page 32).

IN USE light
Flashes when there

is an incoming call,
or another telephone
sharing the same line is
in use.

On when the
handset is in use.

FIND HANDSET

Press to page all
system handsets.

ANS ON/OFF

Press to turn the
answering system on or
off (page 29).

/REPEAT

Press to repeat a message or
press twice to play previous
message (page 30).

X/DELETE

Press to delete the message currently
playing (page 30).

When the phone is not in use, press
twice to delete all previously reviewed
messages (page 31).

VOICEMAIL light
Flashes when you have

new voicemail. Voicemail
service is offered by
your local telephone
company, and is different
from answering system
messages (page 10).

VOL

Press to adjust the
volume during playback
(page 30).

When the phone is not in
use, press to adjust the
telephone base ringer
volume (page 29).

/SKIP

Press to skip to the next message
(page 30).

/PLAY/STOP

Press to play messages (page 30).
Press to stop message playback

(page 30).

7

Telephone settings

Ringer volume (handset)

You can set the ringer volume or turn the ringer off.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the

1.
handset is not in use.

Press or to select >RINGER VOLUME, then press

2.

MENU/SELECT.

Press or to adjust the volume. A sample of each

3.
ringer volume plays as you scroll through the choices.

Press MENU/SELECT to conrm your selection.

4.

Setting the volume to the lowest level turns off the

•
ringer. A ringer off icon appears.

See page 29 to set the telephone base ringer volume.

•

Ringer tone

You can choose from different ringer tones.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the

1.
handset is not in use.

Press or to select >RINGER TONE, then press

2.

MENU/SELECT.

Press or to select the desired ringer tone. A sample

3.
of each ringer tone plays as you scroll through the
choices.

Press MENU/SELECT to conrm your selection.

4.

If you turn off the ringer volume, you will not hear ringer tone
samples.

ANS. SYSTEM
DIRECTORY
CALL LOG
>RINGER VOLUME
RINGER TONE

RINGER VOLUME

ANS. SYSTEM
DIRECTORY
CALL LOG
RINGER VOLUME
>RINGER TONE

RINGER TONE
1

Key tone

You can turn the key tone on or off.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the

1.
handset is not in use.

Press or to select >KEY TONE, then press

2.

MENU/SELECT.

Press or to choose ON or OFF.

3.
Press MENU/SELECT to conrm your selection.

4.

8

DIRECTORY
CALL LOG
RINGER VOLUME
RINGER TONE
>KEY TONE

KEY TONE
>ON
OFF

Telephone settings

LCD language

You can select ENGLISH, FRANÇAIS or ESPAÑOL to be
used in all screen displays.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the

1.
handset is not in use.

Press or to select >LCD LANGUAGE, then press

2.

MENU/SELECT.

Press or to scroll through the choices.

3.
Press MENU/SELECT to conrm your selection.

4.

Set date/time

The answering system announces the day and time of the
message prior to playing it. Before using the answering
system, set the date and time as follows. If you subscribe
to caller ID service, the day, month and time are set
automatically with each incoming call. However, the
year must be correct so that the day of the week can be
calculated from the caller ID information.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the

1.
handset is not in use.

Press or to select >SET DATE/TIME, then press

2.

MENU/SELECT.

Press the dialing keys (0-9) to enter a two-digit number

3.
or press or until the screen displays the correct
value. Press MENU/SELECT to advance.

Repeat step 3 until the date and time are set.

4.

CALL LOG
RINGER VOLUME
RINGER TONE
KEY TONE
>LCD LANGUAGE

LCD LANGUAGE
>ENGLISH

,

FRANCAIS

~

ESPAN OL

RINGER VOLUME
RINGER TONE
KEY TONE
LCD LANGUAGE
>SET DATE/TIME

SET DATE

12/25/08
MM/DD/YY

SET TIME

11:10 AM

If the date and time are not set, the system announces,
“Time and day not set,” before each message plays.

9

Telephone settings

Clear voicemail

If you subscribe to voicemail service offered by your telephone company,
NEW VOICEMAIL and appear on the handset, and the VOICEMAIL light

on the telephone base ashes when you have new voicemail messages.

Contact your local telephone company for more information and assistance
about using your voicemail service.

After you have listened to all new voicemail messages, the indicators on both
the handset and telephone base turn off automatically.

Use the clear voicemail feature when the telephone indicates that there is
new voicemail but there is none (for example, when you have accessed
your voicemail while away from home). Clearing the voicemail waiting
indicator only turns off the indicators; it does not delete your
voicemail messages. As long as you have new voicemail
messages, your local telephone company continues to send
the signal to turn on the indicators.

To manually turn off these indicators:

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the

1.
handset is not in use.

Press or to select >CLR VOICEMAIL, then

2.
press MENU/SELECT. The screen shows TURN OFF

INDICATOR? PRESS SELECT TO CONFIRM.

Press MENU/SELECT to conrm your selection.

3.

Your telephone service provider might alert you to new messages with a

•
stutter (broken) dial tone. Contact your service provider for details.

Voicemail is different from answering system messages recorded in your

•
answering system. For more information about the difference, see page 28.

Home area code

If you dial your local calls using only seven digits (area code not required),
you can program your home area code so that when you
receive a call within your local area, the telephone number
is automatically stored without the area code in the call log.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the

1.
handset is not in use.

Press or to select >HOME AREA CODE, then press

2.

MENU/SELECT. The stored home area code appears with

the last digit ashing.

Use the dialing keys to enter the desired home area code.

3.

Press MUTE /REMOVE to delete a digit.

•

Press and hold MUTE/REMOVE to delete the entire entry.

•
Press MENU/SELECT to conrm.

4.

If, in the future, your telephone company requires you to dial the area code
when making a local call, or, if you move to a location that requires it, delete
the home area code you have already programmed, following the steps above.
After you have deleted the home area code, _ _ _ will appear in the display.

RINGER TONE
KEY TONE
LCD LANGUAGE
SET DATE/TIME
>CLR VOICEMAIL

TURN OFF

INDICATOR?

PRESS SELECT

TO CONFIRM

KEY TONE
LCD LANGUAGE
SET DATE/TIME
CLR VOICEMAIL
>HOME AREA CODE

HOME AREA CODE

800

10

Answering system settings

Answering system set up

Use a system handset to change your answering system settings.

Number of rings

You can choose from two, four, or six rings; or toll saver. With toll saver
selected, the answering system answers after two rings when you have
new messages, and after four rings when you have no new messages. This
enables you to check for new messages and avoid paying unnecessary long
distance charges if you are calling from out of your local area.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the handset is not in use.

1.
Press MENU/SELECT to select >ANS. SYSTEM.

2.
Press or to select >ANS SYS SETUP, then press MENU/SELECT.

3.
Press or to select

4.
Press or to choose from 2, 4, 6 or TOLL SAVER, then press

5.

MENU/SELECT to conrm your selection.

Remote code

A two-digit security code is required to access the answering system
remotely from any touch tone telephone. The preset code is 19. You can set
the code from 10 to 99.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the handset is not in use.

1.
Press MENU/SELECT to select >ANS. SYSTEM.

2.
Press or to select >ANS SYS SETUP, then press MENU/SELECT.

3.
Press or to select >REMOTE CODE, then press MENU/SELECT.

4.
Press or to select from 10 to 99, then press MENU/SELECT to conrm.

5.

>

# OF RINGS, then press MENU/SELECT.

Message alert tone

This telephone can beep every 10 seconds to alert you of new messages.
The tone stops when all new messages have been reviewed.

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the handset is not in use.

1.
Press MENU/SELECT to select >ANS. SYSTEM.

2.
Press or to select >ANS SYS SETUP, then press MENU/SELECT.

3.
Press or to select >MSG ALERT TONE, then press MENU/SELECT.

4.
Press or to select from ON or OFF, then press MENU/SELECT to

5.

conrm your selection.

The answering system must be turned on for the message alert tone to
function.

11

Answering system settings

Announcement

The telephone is preset with a greeting that answers calls with

leave a message after the tone.”

replace it with your own.

You can use this preset announcement, or

Play your announcement

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the handset is not in use.

1.
Press MENU/SELECT to select >ANS. SYSTEM.

2.
Press or to select >ANS SYS SETUP, then press MENU/SELECT.

3.
Press or to select >ANNOUNCEMENT, then press MENU/SELECT.

4.
The handset announces,

5.
to play.

“To play, press 2. To record, press 7.”

Record your own announcement

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the handset is not in use.

1.
Press MENU/SELECT to select >ANS. SYSTEM.

2.
Press or to select >ANS SYS SETUP, then press MENU/SELECT.

3.
Press or to select >ANNOUNCEMENT, then press MENU/SELECT.

4.
The handset announces,

5.
to record.

The handset announces,

6.
After the tone, speak towards the microphone of the handset.

7.
Press 5 when nished.

8.
The answering system automatically plays back the newly recorded

9.
announcement. Press 5 to stop the playback at anytime; 2 to replay the
recorded announcement; or 7 to record again if desired.

“To play, press 2. To record, press 7.”

“Record after the tone. Press 5 when you are done.”

“Hello, please

Press 2

Press 7

Your announcement can be up to 90 seconds in length.

•
Announcements shorter than two seconds will not be recorded.

•

Delete your announcement

Press MENU/SELECT to show the menu when the handset is not in use.

1.

Press MENU/SELECT to select >ANS. SYSTEM.

2.
Press or to select >ANS SYS SETUP, then press MENU/SELECT.

3.
Press or to select >ANNOUNCEMENT, then press MENU/SELECT.

4.
The handset announces,

5.
delete your own recorded announcement.

When your announcement is deleted, calls are answered with the preset
announcement.

“To play, press 2. To record, press 7.”

12

Press 3 to

Telephone operation

Make a call

Press or . You hear a dial tone.

1.
Dial the number.

2.

Predial a call

Dial the number.

1.
Press or .

2.

Answer a call

Press , or any of the dialing keys (0-9, #, *).

The screen shows the elapsed time as you talk (in hours,

•
minutes and seconds).

When predialing (preview numbers before dialing), press MUTE /REMOVE

•
or OFF/CLEAR to backspace and delete; press and hold REDIAL /PAUSE to
insert a dialing pause (a p appears).

End a call

Press OFF/CLEAR or put the handset in the telephone base or charger.

Speakerphone

During a call, press to switch between speakerphone and normal
handset use.

Volume

During a call, press VOL or VOL to adjust the listening volume.

13

Telephone operation

Mute

The mute function allows you to hear the other party but the
other party cannot hear you.

During a call, press MUTE/REMOVE on the handset. The

1.
handset screen shows MUTED for a few seconds and

MUTE

appears until the mute function is

turned off.
Press MUTE/REMOVE again to resume the conversation.

2.
The handset screen temporarily shows

MICROPHONE ON.

Ringer mute

When the telephone is ringing, press OFF/CLEAR or
MUTE/REMOVE to temporarily silence the ringer without

disconnecting the call. The next call rings normally.

Call waiting

When you subscribe to call waiting service from your
telephone company, you hear an alert tone if there is an
incoming call while you are on another call.

Press to put your current call on hold and take the new
call. Press at any time to switch back and forth between calls.

Find handset

Use this feature to page all system handsets.

Press FIND HANDSET on the telephone base. All idle

1.
handsets ring and the screens show ** PAGING **.

To end paging, press , , any dialing keys (0-9, #, *),

2.
or press FIND HANDSET on the telephone base.

PHONE 0:00:00

MUTED

MUTE

RINGER MUTE

14