Answering system operation Set your answering system to answer calls at least two rings earlier than your voicemail is set to answer. For example, if your voicemail answers after six rings, set your answering system to answer after four rings. Some voicemail providers may program the delay before answering calls in seconds instead of rings. In this case, allow six seconds per ring when determining the appropriate setting. Message capacity The answering system can record and store up to 99 messages.
Answering system operation Call intercept When a caller is leaving a message on your answering system, you can stop recording and talk to the caller by pressing /HOME/FLASH or on the handset. See page 29 to set the handset ringer volume. Telephone base ringer volume Press /VOL or /VOL on the side of telephone base to adjust the ringer volume when the telephone is not in use. When you set the ringer volume to zero, the base ringer is off and the system announces, “Base ringer is off.
Answering system operation Message playback If you have new messages, the telephone plays only the new messages (oldest first). If there are no new messages, the telephone plays back all messages (oldest first). When playback begins, the handset screen displays the message status, caller ID or the caller number, time and date of the message recorded. You hear the total number of messages followed by the day and time of the message.
Answering system operation Message playback (continued) Options during playback: Press /VOL or /VOL to adjust the speaker volume. Press SKIP to skip the message summary or to the next message. Press REPEAT to repeat the message currently playing. Press DELETE to delete the current message. The system advances to the next message. • Press 2 to access the caller information. The message playback will be paused and the screen displays the full caller ID.
Answering system operation Delete all old messages Using the telephone base: Press X/DELETE when the phone is not in use. The telephone announces, “To delete all old messages, press DELETE again.” Press X/DELETE again. All previously heard messages are erased and the telephone announces, “All old messages deleted.” Using a handset: 1. Press MENU on the handset when it is not in use. 2. Press SELECT to choose Answering sys. 3. Press or to highlight Delete all old, then press SELECT. 4.
Answering system operation Message window displays Window display Description 0 No messages. 0 (flashing) The clock needs to be set. 1-99 Total number of old messages and memos recorded. During old message playing back, it shows the current message number 1-99 (flashing) Total number of new messages and memos recorded. During old message playing back, it shows the current message number The telephone base might have lost and regained power. The clock needs to be set.
Answering system operation Remote access A two-digit security code is required to access the answering system remotely from any touch-tone telephone. The preset code is 19. See Remote access code on page 75 to change it. 1. Dial your telephone number from any touch-tone telephone. 2. When the system plays your announcement, enter the two-digit security code. 3. You can also enter one of the following remote commands. Command Function 1 Play all messages. 2 Play only new messages.
Appendix Display screen messages Add device failed The Bluetooth device fails to add to the telephone base Already saved The telephone number entered is already stored in the directory. Area code will not show in Caller ID log The area code will not be shown in caller ID log after area code is set. Bluetooth system busy You are trying to make a cell call or access the Bluetooth menu when the Bluetooth link is already being used. Caller ID log empty There are no caller ID log entries.
Appendix Display screen messages (continued) Device renamed A Bluetooth device is renamed. Directory empty There are no directory entries. Directory full The directory is full. Download fail The telephone system fails to download directory from cell phone. Downloading dir The telephone system is downloading the directory from a cell phone. Ended You have just ended a call. End of messages You reach to the end of the message playbacks. Another system handset is calling.
Appendix Display screen messages (continued) Memory full The memory for recording voice messages and memos is full. Microphone on MUTE is turned off and the person on the other end can hear you. Microphone Off You have turned off the handset microphone. The other party cannot hear you but you can hear the other party. New voicemail There are new voicemail message(s) from your telephone service provider for the home line. No answer. Try again.
Appendix Display screen messages (continued) Only 1 headset in device list can be ready for connection. One headset is already connected to the Bluetooth. Only 2 devices can be ready for connection There are already two Bluetooth devices active or connected. Only for 7 digits dialing from Caller ID log The area code only applies on the 7 digit numbers dialing from the caller ID log. ** Paging ** The system handset is being paged. Place in charger The battery is very low.
Appendix Transferring call to Handset X An incoming call is transferring from your handset to a target handset. Transferring call to all (for models with more than two handsets) Transferring to other handset (for models with two handsets) Transferring from Handset X Your handset receives a transferred incoming call from another handset.
Appendix Handset and telephone base indicators Handset lights On when the handset speakerphone is in use. /CELL /HOME/FLASH CHARGE Flashes quickly when there is an incoming cell call. Flashes slowly when the cell line is on hold. Flashes quickly when there is an incoming home call. Flashes slowly when the home line is on hold. On when the handset is charging in the telephone base or charger. Telephone base lights /ANS ON/OFF On when the answering is turned on.
Appendix Handset icons Home line - on steadily when the home line is in use or there is an incoming home call. 1 CELL line - on steadily when the cell line is in use or there is an incoming cell call. 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Bluetooth connected device(s) - indicates that there are Bluetooth connected devices on the device list. Bluetooth disconnected device(s) - indicates that there are Bluetooth disconnected devices on the device list.
Appendix Battery It takes up to 16 hours for the battery to be fully charged. When it is fully charged, you can expect the following performance: Operation Operating time While in handset use (talking*) Up to seven hours While in speakerphone mode (talking*) Up to five hours While not in use (standby**) Up to seven days *Operating times vary depending on your actual use and the age of the battery. **Handset is not charging or in use.
Appendix Expand your telephone system The handsets provided with your telephone system are already registered. Additional handsets registered to the telephone system are assigned in sequential order. For instance, if you already have HANDSET 1 and HANDSET 2, the new registered handset is assigned HANDSET 3. This telephone system accommodates up to 12 handsets.
Appendix Replace a handset If you want to replace a handset or reassign the designated handset number of a registered handset, you must deregister all the handsets and then individually register each handset. To make deregistration easier, read all of the instructions on this page before you begin. To deregister all handsets: 1. Press and hold /FIND HANDSET on the telephone base for about 10 seconds until the IN USE light flashes, then release FIND HANDSET. 2. Press /FIND HANDSET again.
Appendix Troubleshooting If you have difficulty with your telephone, please try the suggestions below. For Customer Service, visit our website at www.vtechphones.com or call 1 (800) 595-9511. In Canada, go to www.vtechcanada.com or call 1 (800) 267-7377. I cannot add my cell phone to the telephone base. • • • • • • • Make sure you have cellular coverage. Make sure your cell phone is compatible with your DS6421. Check the Bluetooth compatibility list at www.vtechphones.com.
Appendix Troubleshooting I cannot put my headset in discoverable mode. • • • • Refer to the user’s manual of your headset for information on how to set your headset to discoverable mode. Make sure that the headset is not connected to any other Bluetooth device in order to successfully pair and connect to the telephone base. Carefully follow the pairing process on page 19. Reset the telephone base. Unplug the unit’s electrical power. Wait for approximately 15 seconds, then plug it back in.
Appendix Troubleshooting The PIN on the telephone base does not work. • • The default PIN is 0000. If you have changed the PIN, it will appear on the handset in the pairing process. I cannot hear any audio on my telephone system when on a cell call. • • Reset the telephone base. Unplug the unit’s electrical power. Wait for approximately 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Turn off your cell phone, then turn it on again. I cannot download contacts from my cell phone to DS6421.
Appendix Troubleshooting • • • • • • Make sure the telephone line cord is plugged firmly into the telephone base and the telephone wall jack. Unplug the electrical power to the telephone base. Wait for approximately 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow up to one minute for the cordless handset and telephone base to synchronize. Charge the battery in the handset for up to 16 hours.
Appendix Troubleshooting There is no dial tone. • • • • First, try all the above suggestions. Move the handset closer to the telephone base. It may be out of range. The telephone line cord might be malfunctioning. Install a new telephone line cord. Disconnect the telephone base from the telephone wall jack and connect a different telephone. If there is no dial tone on this telephone either, the problem is in your wiring or telephone service. Contact your telephone service provider.
Appendix Troubleshooting My handset beeps and is not performing normally. • • • • Make sure the power cord is securely plugged into the telephone base. Plug the telephone base into a different working electrical outlet not controlled by a wall switch. Move the handset closer to the telephone base. It may be out of range. Reset the telephone base by unplugging the electrical power to the base. Wait for 15 seconds and plug it back in again.
Appendix Troubleshooting I hear noise on the cordless handset and the keys do not work. • Make sure the telephone line cord is plugged in securely. Registration failed appears on the handset. • • • Only one handset can be registered at a time. If you have multiple handsets to register, please follow the instructions on page 93 for the first handset. Once a handset has been successfully registered, repeat the steps for each handset that needs to be registered.
Appendix Troubleshooting Caller ID entries do not match the numbers I need to dial. • • Caller ID service delivers 10 digits (the area code plus the seven-digits number). If you need to dial something other 10 digits, see page 68 for instructions on changing the number. If you dial seven digits for local calls, you may want to use the Home area code feature (page 37). Out of range OR No power at base shows in the handset screen. • • • • The handset may be out of range.
Appendix Troubleshooting • • • In some cases, the answering system is affected by the ringing system used by the telephone service provider. If you subscribe to voicemail service, change the number of rings so that your answering system answers before your voicemail answers (page 74). To determine how many rings activate your voicemail, contact your telephone service provider. If there is a fax machine connected to the same telephone line, try disconnecting the fax machine.
Appendix Troubleshooting The answering system does not respond to remote commands. • • • • Make sure your remote access code is correct (page 75). Make sure you are calling from a touch-tone telephone. When dialing a number, there should be tones. If there are clicks, then it is not a touch-tone telephone and cannot activate the answering system. The answering system may not detect the remote access code when your announcement is playing. Wait until the announcement is over before entering the code.
Appendix 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 or aerosol cleaners. Use a dry non-abrasive cloth for cleaning. 4. Do not use this product near water. 5.
Appendix Precautions for users of implanted cardiac pacemakers Cardiac pacemakers (applies only to digital cordless telephones): Wireless Technology Research, LLC (WTR), an independent research entity, led a multidisciplinary evaluation of the interference between portable wireless telephones and implanted cardiac pacemakers. Supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, WTR recommends to physicians that: Pacemaker patients: • Should keep wireless telephones at least six inches from the pacemaker.
Appendix About cordless telephones • Privacy: The same features that make a cordless telephone convenient create some limitations. Telephone calls are transmitted between the telephone base and the cordless handset by radio waves, so there is a possibility that the cordless telephone conversations could be intercepted by radio receiving equipment within range of the cordless handset. For this reason, you should not think of cordless telephone conversations as being as private as those on corded telephones.
Appendix Warranty What does this limited warranty cover? The manufacturer of this VTech Product warrants to the holder of a valid proof of purchase (“Consumer” or “you”) that the Product and all accessories provided in the sales package (“Product”) are free from defects in material and workmanship, pursuant to the following terms and conditions, when installed and used normally and in accordance with the Product operating instructions.
Appendix Limited warranty How do you get warranty service? To obtain warranty service in the United States of America, please 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. NOTE: Before calling for service, please review the user’s manual - a check of the Product’s controls and features may save you a service call.
Appendix FCC, ACTA and IC regulations FCC Part 15 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements for a Class B digital device under Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. These requirements are intended to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Appendix FCC, ACTA and IC regulations If this equipment is malfunctioning, it must be unplugged from the modular jack until the problem has been corrected. Repairs to this telephone equipment can only be made by the manufacturer or its authorized agents. For repair procedures, follow the instructions outlined under the Limited Warranty. If this equipment is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone service provider may temporarily discontinue your telephone service.
Appendix Technical specifications Frequency control Crystal controlled PLL synthesizer Transmit frequency Handset: 1921.536-1928.448 MHz Channels 5 Nominal effective range Maximum power allowed by FCC and IC. Actual operating range might vary according to environmental conditions at the time of use. Power requirements Handset: 2.
Index A Active devices 23 Add a cell phone 17 Add a handset 91 Add a headset 19, 92 Alphabetical search 61 Announcement 72 Answer a cell call 41 Answer a cell call while on a home call 42 Answer a home call 39 Answer a home call while on a cell call 42 Answer an incoming call during an intercom call 50 Answer an incoming call during PTT 57 Answering a PTT 56 Answering system and voicemail 77 Answering system operation 77 Answering system settings 71 Answering system setup 74 Answer ON/OFF 71 Appendix 83 Ar
Index Handset speakerphone 44 Hold 45 Hold a call and intercom 52 Home area code 37 I Icons 89 Indicators 88 Installation 2, 4 Intercom 49 Interruption to directory download 27 Phonebook (directory) 58 Play announcement 72 Play memos 80 Play messages 79 Predial a home call 39 PTT 53 PTT On/Off 53 PTT to all handsets 55 PTT to a single handset 54 Pulse dialing 36, 44 Push-to-talk 53 K R Reassign a speed dial slot 64 Record announcement 72 Recording time setting 76 Record memos 80 Redial list 47 Registe
Index Skip messages 79 Speakerphone 44 Speed dial 64 Stop messages 79 Switch a one-to-one PTT to intercom 56 T Technical specifications 110 Telephone base installation 3 Telephone base lights 88 Telephone base ringer volume 78 Telephone operation 39 Telephone settings 29 Temporary tone dialing 44 Time 31 Transfer a call from a handset to a headset 40 Transfer an incoming call 50, 51 Troubleshooting 93 Turn on or off the answering system 71 U Unassign a speed dial slot 64 Using a Bluetooth headset 40 V
The Bluetooth ® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by VTech Holdings Limited is under license. VTech Holdings Limited is a member of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. VTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD. A member of THE VTECH GROUP OF COMPANIES. Distributed in the U.S.A. by VTech Communications, Inc. Beaverton, Oregon 97008 Distributed in Canada by VTech Technologies Canada, Ltd., Richmond, B.C.
