VTech SN6197 User Manual

CareLine

Complete user’s manual

™

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

Models: SN1196/SN1197/SN6196/

SN6196-2/SN6197/SN6197-2

Congratulations

Compatible with

Hearing Aid T-Coil

TIA-1083

on purchasing your new VTech product. Before using this telephone, please read Important safety instructions on pages 141-142 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

In Canada, visit 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 efficiency guidelines.

Telephones identified 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.

label indicating it meets the latest energy

www.vtechphones.com.

Visit www.vtechphones.com.

Registration

Product news

Learn about the latest VTech products.

Parts checklist

SN1196/SN1197

Telephone base Corded handset

Pendant belt clipPendant charger with

charger adapter

Quick start guide

Telephone line cord Quick start guide Abridged user’s manual

Pendant with lanyard

Telephone base power adapter

Abridged user’s manual

Parts checklist

SN6196/SN6196-2/SN6197/SN6197-2

Telephone base Corded handset

Cordless handset

(1 for SN6196/SN6197) (2 for SN6196-2/SN6197-2)

Battery compartment cover Pendant belt clip

(1 for SN6196/SN6197) (2 for SN6196-2/SN6197-2)

Handset charger with charger adapter

(1 for SN6196/SN6197) (2 for SN6196-2/SN6197-2)

Battery

(1 for SN6196/SN6197) (2 for SN6196-2/SN6197-2)

Quick start guide

Pendant with lanyard

Pendant charger with charger adapter

Abridged user’s manual

Telephone base power adapter

Telephone line cord

Quick start guide

Abridged user’s manual

Table of contents

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

Telephone base installation ........ 1

Telephone base backup battery

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

Handset battery installation ........ 3

Handset charger installation ....... 4

Pendant charger installation ....... 5

Pendant attachment ................... 6

Handset battery charging ........... 7

Pendant battery charging ........... 8

Installation options ...................... 9

Tabletop to wall mount

installation ................................ 9

Wall mount to tabletop

installation .............................. 11

Are you a new cable or VoIP

subscriber? ............................ 13

Did you subscribe to voicemail

service from your telephone

service provider? .................... 14

Expand your telephone

system .................................... 15

Add and register a handset ...... 15

Add and register a pendant ...... 16

Deregister all devices ............... 18

Telephone base layout ............. 19

Pendant layout.......................... 23

Handset layout.......................... 24

Telephone settings ............. 27

Photo speed dial ....................... 27

Using the menu ........................ 32

Ringer volume .......................... 33

Ringer tone ............................... 34

Set date and time ..................... 35

Voice Announce caller ID ........ 36

LCD language........................... 38

Talking digit .............................. 39

Voicemail number ..................... 40

Clear voicemail indicators......... 42

Rename base/handset ............. 43

Key tone ................................... 43

Use caller ID to automatically

set date and time ................... 44

Home area code ....................... 45

Dial mode ................................. 46

Quiet mode ............................... 47

Voice command ........................ 48

Happy message........................ 49

Telephone operation .......... 50

Make a call ............................... 50

Predial a call ............................. 50

Answer a call ............................ 51

End a call .................................. 51

Speakerphone .......................... 51

Equalizer................................... 52

Audio Assist ............................. 53

Volume control.......................... 54

Mute.......................................... 54

Call waiting ............................... 55

Temporary ringer silencing ....... 55

Redial ....................................... 56

Temporary tone dialing ............. 57

Check voicemail ....................... 58

Web address ............................ 58

Chain dialing ............................. 59

Table of contents

Transfer a call ........................... 60

Find handset/pendant ............... 62

Multiple handset use .......... 63

Join a call in progress ............... 63

Intercom.................................... 64

Answer an incoming call during

an intercom call ...................... 68

Transfer a call during an

intercom call ........................... 69

Phonebook .......................... 73

About the phonebook ............... 73

Add a phonebook entry ............ 74

Review phonebook entries ....... 76

Alphabetical search .................. 77

Dial a phonebook entry............. 77

Edit a phonebook entry............. 78

Delete a phonebook entry ........ 79

Photo speed dial ................. 80

Store a photo speed dial entry ... 80

Edit a photo speed dial entry .... 82

Delete a photo speed dial

entry ....................................... 83

Dial a photo speed dial

number ................................... 83

Caller ID ............................... 84

About the caller ID log .............. 84

Information about caller ID with

call waiting ............................. 84

Caller ID log .............................. 85

Missed call indicator ................. 86

Memory match .......................... 86

Review the caller ID log ............ 87

View dialing options .................. 88

Dial a caller ID log entry ........... 89

Save a caller ID log entry to the

phonebook ............................. 90

Delete caller ID log entries ....... 91

Caller ID log screen

messages ............................... 91

Reminder ............................. 92

About the reminder ................... 92

Add a reminder ......................... 92

Review reminders ..................... 96

Add and review reminders

remotely ................................. 97

Reminder on/off ........................ 97

Answering system

settings ............................. 98

Answering system .................... 98

Announcement ......................... 99

Record your own

announcement ....................... 99

Play your announcement ........ 101

Answer on/off.......................... 102

Call screening ......................... 104

Number of rings ...................... 105

Remote access code .............. 106

Message alert tone ................. 107

Message recording time ......... 108

Answering system

operation ......................... 109

Answering system and

voicemail .............................. 109

Table of contents

Using the answering system

and voicemail together ......... 110

Message capacity ................... 110

New message indication......... 111

Call screening ......................... 111

Call intercept........................... 112

Temporarily turn off the

message alert tone .............. 112

Message playback .................. 113

Delete all old messages ......... 115

Record, play and delete

memos ................................. 116

Remote access ....................... 117

Voice command ................ 119

About voice command ............ 119

Use voice command ............... 119

Appendix ........................... 122

Display screen messages....... 122

Handset, telephone base and

pendant indicators ................ 126

Handset battery ...................... 129

Pendant battery ...................... 130

Troubleshooting ...................... 131

Important safety instructions... 141 Precautions for users of

implanted cardiac

pacemakers ......................... 143

Operating range...................... 143

ECO mode .............................. 143

Energy-saving charging

mode .................................... 144

Maintenance ........................... 144

About cordless telephones ..... 145

The RBRC® seal ..................... 146

Limited warranty ..................... 147

FCC, ACTA and IC

regulations ........................... 149

Technical specifications.......... 152

Index .................................. 153

iii

Getting started

Telephone base installation

Install the telephone base 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 filter between the telephone line cord and the telephone wall jack. The filter prevents noise and caller ID problems caused by DSL interference. Contact your DSL service provider for more information about DSL filters.

Electrical outlet

Telephone wall jack

Telephone line cord

not controlled by a wall switch

If you have DSL high-speed Internet service, a DSL filter (not included) is required.

Plug it into the telephone wall jack.

Telephone line jack

Curly handset cord jack

Telephone base power adapter

Power cord jack

IMPORTANT:

Check for a dial tone by pressing . If you hear a dial tone, the installation is successful.

If you do not hear a dial tone:

Make sure the installation is properly done.

• It may be a wiring problem. If you have changed your telephone service

• to digital service from a cable company or a VoIP service provider, the telephone line may need to be rewired to allow all existing telephone jacks to work. Contact your cable/VoIP service provider for more information.

Getting started

Telephone base backup battery installation

This telephone provides minimal functionality during a power outage when there is no battery installed. When there is no power supply to the telephone base, many telephone features are not functional. The telephone uses power from the telephone line to enable you to make and answer calls using only the corded handset and dialing keys. However, when another telephone on the same line is being used simultaneously, there might not be sufficient power to use your telephone in the event of a power failure.

Install three AAA batteries (not provided) so that your telephone can still operate in the event of a power failure.

Press the large tab on the backup battery compartment cover. Then

pull to open.

Place three AAA batteries into

2. Replace the backup battery

the compartment, matching the polarity engravings.

3. compartment cover. Push the large tab until it locks securely.

Getting started

Handset battery installation

Install the battery as shown below.

Plug the battery connector

1. securely into the socket inside the handset battery compartment, matching the orientation of the engraved label.

Place the battery with the label

THIS SIDE UP facing up and the wires inside the battery compartment.

Align the cover flat against the battery compartment, then slide it

3. towards the center of the handset until it clicks into place.

Getting started

CHARGE

Handset charger installation

Install the charger as below.1. Place the handset in the

2. handset charger to charge.

Electrical outlet not controlled by a wall switch

Stays red

Handset charger power adapter

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 (800) 595-9511. In Canada, go to www.vtechcanada.com or dial 1 (800) 267-7377.

when put in charger.

Getting started

Pendant charger installation

Install the pendant charger as

1. shown below.

Electrical outlet not controlled by a wall switch

Pendant charger power adapter

Place the pendant in the pendant charger to charge. 3.

Turns red when charging. Turns green when fully charged.

Switch ON the pendant.2.

Getting started

Pendant attachment

Pendant lanyard:

The pendant lanyard is already attached to the pendant. You can adjust the length of the lanyard for comfortable wearing, or remove the necklace when necessary.

Necklace

Press down the tabs

Press down on the push button slider to adjust the length of the lanyard for comfortable wearing.

Pendant belt clip:

Remove the necklace of the pendant lanyard or the whole pendant lanyard before you use the pendant belt clip.

on both sides of the lanyard clip to remove the necklace of the lanyard.

Push the pendant into the belt clip until it clicks into place.

Getting started

Handset battery charging

Once you have installed the battery, the handset indicates the battery status (see the table below). If necessary, place the handset in the handset charger to charge the battery. For best performance, keep the handset in the handset charger when not in use. The battery is fully charged after 11 hours of continuous charging.

If the screen is blank or displays Place in charger, you need to charge the handset battery without interruption for at least 30 minutes to give the handset enough charge to use for a short time. When the battery is low, the handset displays Low battery along with a flashing icon. If you are on a call in low battery mode, the handset plays short beeps to alert you.

The following table summarizes the battery charge indicators and actions to take.

Battery indicators Battery status Action

The screen is blank, or displays Place in charger and flashes.

The screen displays Low battery and flashes.

The screen displays HANDSET X.

If you place the handset in the handset charger without installing a battery, the handset displays No battery.

The battery has no or very little charge. The handset cannot be used.

The battery has enough charge to be used for a short time.

The battery is charged. To keep the battery

After you install your telephone or power returns following a power outage, the telephone base and handset will prompt you to set the date and time. For instructions, see Set date and time on page 35. To skip setting, press CANCEL.

Charge without interruption (about 30 minutes).

charged, place it in the handset charger when not in use.

--:-- --/--

SET DATE MM/DD/YY

BACK

Getting started

Pendant battery charging

The pendant status light indicates the battery status (see the table below). If necessary, place the pendant in the pendant charger to charge the battery. For best performance, keep the pendant in the pendant charger when not in use. The battery is fully charged after 3 hours of continuous charging.

If the pendant status light flashes red and you hear “Low battery”, you need to charge the pendant without interruption to give it enough charge to use for a short time. When the battery is low, the pendant status light flashes red. If you are on a call in low battery mode, the pendant plays short beeps to alert you.

The following table summarizes the battery charge indicators and actions to take.

Battery indicators Battery status Action

The pendant status light flashes red. You hear “Low battery” when there is only 30 minutes talk time left. You hear an alert tone every one minute.

The pendant status light is solid red.

The battery has very little charge.

The battery has enough charge to be used for a short time.

Charge without interruption.

Getting started

Installation options

Your telephone base is ready for tabletop use. If you want to mount your telephone on a wall, swivel the wall mount bracket down 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 may need a professional to install the mounting plate.

Tabletop to wall mount installation

Unplug the power adapter and telephone line from the wall outlets.

1. Squeeze the tabs on the wall mount bracket as the arrows

2. indicated below.

Swivel the wall mount bracket down. Press the wall mount bracket

3. onto the telephone base until it clicks into place.

Tabletop position

Wall mount position

Getting started

Tabletop to wall mount installation

4. Put the corded handset aside. Press down the switch hook and

remove the handset tab from the slot. Rotate the handset tab by a half turn. Press down the switch hook and then replace the handset tab to its slot.

Switch hook

Handset tab

5. Plug the power adapter and telephone line into the wall outlets. Align

the holes on the wall mount bracket with the standard wall mounting plate and slide the telephone down until it locks securely. Bundle the telephone line cord and power adapter cord neatly with twist ties. Put the corded handset back on the telephone base.

Getting started

Wall mount to tabletop installation

If necessary, untie the bundled telephone line cord and power

1. adapter cord. Unplug the power adapter and telephone line cord from the wall outlets.

Remove the telephone base from the wall.

Pull the wall mount bracket to release it from the telephone base.

3. Swivel it upwards and then press onto the telephone base until it clicks into place.

Tabletop positionWall mount position

Getting started

Wall mount to tabletop installation

Press down on the switch hook and slide the handset tab upwards to

4. remove it from the slot. Rotate the handset tab by a half turn. Press down the switch hook and then replace the handset tab to its slot.

Switch hook

Handset tab

Plug the power adapter and telephone line cord into the wall outlets.

5. Put the corded handset back on the telephone base.

Getting started

Are you a new cable or VoIP subscriber?

If your answer is yes, the existing telephone jacks in your home may

no longer work. Your cable/VoIP service provider uses a different connection, separate from your old traditional telephone service, to connect the modem/router/terminal adapter installed in your home.

To allow all existing telephone jacks to work, contact your telephone service provider for solutions, such as rewiring services (fees may apply).

If your answer is no, your existing telephone jacks will continue to work as normal.

Conventional

OLD

Main

landline

telephone line jack

NEW

Cable or

Internet

Modem/Router/ Terminal adapter

Getting started

Did you subscribe to voicemail service from your telephone service provider?

Your telephone has a built-in answering system and supports voicemail feature offered by your telephone service provider (subscription is required, and fees may apply). Refer to Answering system and

voicemail on page 109 for more details.

To use the built-in answering system:

You may see this online Complete user’s manual on how to record your outgoing announcement, retrieve messages and other related operations. You may also see the Abridged user’s manual provided in the product package for abbreviated instructions.

To use the voicemail:

To retrieve your voicemail messages, you typically dial an access number provided by your telephone service provider, and then enter a security code. Contact your telephone service provider for instructions on how to configure the voicemail settings and listen to messages.

Getting started

Expand your telephone system

You can expand your telephone system by adding new handsets (SN6107, purchased separately) and/or new portable pendants (SN6166/SN6167, purchased separately). The telephone base can support up to 12 devices. Each device must be registered to the telephone base before use.

The handsets and pendant provided within the product package are already registered. Additional handsets are assigned numbers in the sequential order.

Add and register a handset

When first purchased, each accessory handset shows To register HS, see manual. The new handset should be charged without interruption

for at least 30 minutes before registering it to the telephone base.

Make sure the handset is out of the handset charger and is put near the telephone base. Make sure the handset shows To register HS,

see manual before you begin registration.

To register a handset:

Press MENU on the telephone base when it

is not in use. Press or to scroll to Settings, then

press SELECT. Press or to scroll to Registration, then

press SELECT. The telephone base shows Registering... Please wait.

Press QUIET# on the cordless handset. The

handset shows Registering... Please wait. Then HANDSET X Registered appears on the cordless handset and the telephone base, and both devices beep. The handset is now registered with the telephone base. It takes up to 60 seconds to complete registration.

If registration fails, the telephone base displays Registration failed. Start again from Step 1 above.

--:-- --/--

SETTINGS

Dial mode

RegistrationR

BACK

--:-- --/--

Registering...

Please wait

BACK

SELECT

Getting started

Add and register a handset

You cannot register a handset if any other system device is in use.

•

The telephone base shows Registration slots are full when you try

• to register more than 12 devices to it.

If you have not set the date and time for the telephone system, the

• handset will prompt you to set the date and time after it is registered to the base. To skip setting, press CANCEL.

Add and register a pendant

When first purchased, charge the pendant in the pendant charger. You hear three beeps every 10 seconds when the pendant is not registered. The new pendant should be charged without interruption for at least 30 minutes before registering it to the telephone base.

Make sure the pendant is out of the pendant charger and turned on.

To register a pendant:

Press MENU on the telephone base

1. when it is not in use.

Press or to scroll to Settings, then

2. press SELECT.

Press or to scroll to Registration, then

3. press SELECT. The telephone base shows Registering... Please wait.

Put the pendant in the pendant charger.

4. The pendant status light flashes red and green to indicate the registration is in progress. Then PENDANT Registered appears on the telephone base, and both devices beep. The pendant is now registered with the telephone base. It takes up to 60 seconds to complete registration.

--:-- --/--

SETTINGS

Dial mode

RegistrationR

BACK

--:-- --/--

Registering...

Please wait

BACK

--:-- --/--

PENDANT Registered

SELECT

BACK

Getting started

Add and register a pendant

If you have already set the photo speed

dial keys 1 and 2, the telephone base displays Copied Photo Speed Dial 1 and Pendant Memory 1. Press NEXT, then the telephone base displays Copied Photo Speed Dial 2 and Pendant Memory 2. Then press OK.

-OR-

If you have not set the photo speed dial keys 1 and 2, see To set photo speed dial from page 27 to page 29 to set them.

If registration fails, the telephone base displays Registration failed. Start again from Step 1 above.

If the pendant is not registered and you press or VOICE key, you

• will hear “Not registered.”

You cannot register a pendant if any other system devices is in use.

• The telephone base shows Registration slots are full when you try

• to register more than 12 devices to it.

--:-- --/--

Copied Photo Speed Dial 1 and Pendant Memory 1

--:-- --/--

Copied Photo Speed Dial 2 and Pendant Memory 2

Getting started

Deregister all devices

If you want to replace a device, or reassign the designated handset number of a registered handset, you must deregister all devices that are registered to the telephone base. Then register each device individually.

To make deregistration easier, read all of the instructions on this page before you begin.

To deregister all devices:

Press and hold FIND HS at the side of the telephone base for about 10 seconds until the IN USE light starts to ash and the telephone base shows Registering... Please wait followed by Deregister all devices?, then release FIND HS.

Immediately press YES or FIND HS. All handsets show To register HS, see manual. The deregistration

3. process takes about 10 seconds to complete.

To register the handset(s) or pendant(s) to the telephone base again, follow the registration instructions from page 15 to page 17.

You cannot deregister all devices if any other system device is in use.

• If deregistration fails, you may need to reset the system and try again.

• To reset, unplug the power and the telephone line cord from the telephone base and remove the backup battery. Then plug the cords back in and install the backup battery again.

Even if the battery is depleted, you can still deregister all handsets

• by following the steps above. After the handset is charged for at least 10 minutes, its screen shows To register HS, see manual.

Getting started

Telephone base layout

Large tilt display

Move the top of the display forward or backward to

• adjust the angle of the screen for maximum visibility.

Visual ringer indicator

Flashes when the telephone base is ringing.

•

IN USE light

On when the phone is in use or the answering

• system is answering an incoming call.

On when a device is being registered

• (pages 15-17).

Flashes when devices are being deregistered

• (page 18).

Flashes when another telephone on the same

• line is in use.

Softkeys (2)

Press to select a menu item displayed above the

• key (page 32).

Press to show the menu (page(page 32)..

•

Photo speed dial keys (1-4)

Press to set or dial a speed dial number when

• idle (pages 27-29 or pages 80-81, or page 83).

Dialing keys

Press to enter numbers or characters.

• Press to answer an incoming call with the

• speakerphone (page 51).

SPEAKER

Press to make, answer or end a call (pages 50-51).

• Press to switch between the corded handset and

• the base speakerphone during a call (page 51).

While reviewing a caller ID log entry, press

• repeatedly to add or remove 1 in front of the telephone number before dialing or saving it in the phonebook (page 88).

Press and hold to set or dial your voicemail

• number (pages 40-41 or page 58).

Getting started

Telephone base layout

AUDIO ASSIST

Press to enhance the clarity and loudness of the

• caller’s voice during a call (page 53).

CANCEL

Press to cancel an operation, or back to the

• previous menu while in a menu (page 32).

Press and hold to return to idle mode while in a menu

• (page 32).

Press and hold to erase the missed call indicator

• when idle (page 86).

Press to silence the base ringer temporarily while

• the phone is ringing (page 55).

Press to scroll up while in menus or lists (page(page 32)..

• Press to move the cursor to the right while entering

• or modifying names or numbers.

Press to scroll down while in menus or lists

• (page 32)..

Press to move the cursor to the left while entering

• or modifying names or numbers.

REDIAL/PAUSE

Press repeatedly to view the last 10 numbers dialed

• (page 57).

Press and hold to insert a dialing pause while

• dialing or entering numbers.

MIC

Microphone.

•

Press and hold to set and turn on the quiet mode,

• or turn it off (page 47).

Press repeatedly to display other dialing options

• when reviewing a caller ID log entry (page 88).

Press to switch to tone dialing during a call if you

• have pulse service (page 57).

Press to switch between upper case and lower

• case while entering characters.

Getting started

Telephone base layout

•

X/DELETE

•

/REPEAT

Press once to repeat the playing message (page 114). Press twice to play the previous message (page 114). Press to move the cursor to the left while entering

or modifying names or numbers.

Press to delete the playing message (page 114), announcement (page 101) or reminder (page 96).

Press to delete an individual entry while reviewing the redial list (page 57), phonebook (page 79),

caller ID log (page 91) or reminder (page 96). Press to delete a character or digit while entering

names or numbers.

/SKIP

Press to skip to the next message during message playback (page 114).

Press to move the cursor to the right while entering or modifying names or numbers.

/PLAY/STOP

Press to start or stop message playback

• (page 114).

Flashes when there are new messages or memos

• in the answering system.

Getting started

Telephone base layout

qVOL and pVOL

Press to adjust the listening volume during a

• call (page 54), message playback (page 114) or reminder playback (page 96).

Press to adjust the base ringer volume while idle

• (page 33).

FIND HS

Press to page all handsets and pendants when idle

• (page 62).

ANS

Press to turn the built-in answering system on or off

• (page 102).

On when the answering system is turned on.

•

Press to slow down the message playback

• (page 114).

Getting started

Pendant layout

•

Pendant status light

•

Pendant light (ring around )

•

Press to answer or end a call (page 51).

Stays solid red when the pendant is charging. Flashes red when the pendant is in low battery. Stays solid green when the pendant is fully charged. Flashes red and green when the base is paging the pendant. Flashes quickly in red and green during pendant registration. Flashes orange three times when the pendant is not registered.

On steady when the pendant is in use. Flashes quickly when there is an incoming call. Flashes twice every three seconds when another

telephone system device is in use.

Press to call photo speed dial 1.

VOL- and VOL

Press to adjust the listening volume during a call or

• message playback (pages 54 and 114 respectively).

Press to adjust the pendant ringer volume while in idle mode

• (page 33).

Press to call photo speed dial 2.

•

ON and OFF switch

Switch to turn the pendant on or off.

•

VOICE

Press to use the voice command feature (page 119).

•

+ 132 hidden pages