VTech DS6151 - Manual

2 Getting started Telephone base installation If you have a 2-line wall jack, install the telephone base as shown in Figure One: Installation with 2-line jack on below. If you have separate wall jacks for each line, install the telephone base as shown in Figure Two: Installation with separate line j...

3 Getting started Telephone base installation (continued) Use only the power adapter supplied with this product. To order a replacement, 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. The power adapter is intended to ...

4 Getting started If the handset will not be used for a long time, disconnect and remove the battery to prevent any possible leakage. To purchase a replacement battery, 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. •...

5 Getting started Battery charging Once you have installed the battery, the screen indicates the battery status (see the table below). If necessary, place the handset in the telephone base to charge the battery. For best performance, keep the handset in the telephone base when not in use. The batter...

6 Getting started Softkeys (2) Press to select a menu item displayed above the key. /VOL (directory/volume) Press to enter the directory when the telephone is not in use (page 47).While in a menu, press to scroll up.During a call, press to increase the listening volume (page 30). (speakerphone) Pres...

7 Getting started Handset layout CHARGE light On when the handset is charging in the telephone base (page 4). (line 2/flash) Press to make or answer a call on line 2. During a call, press to receive an incoming call on line 2 when you receive a call waiting alert (page 30). OFF During a call, press ...

8 Getting started Telephone base layout Softkeys (2) Press to select a menu item displayed above the key. CANCEL While in a menu, press to exit to the previous menu or press and hold to return to the idle mode. While the telephone base is ringing, press to silence the ringer temporarily (page 30). P...

9 Getting started Telephone base layout X /DELETE Press to delete the message currently playing (page 62).When the phone is not in use, press twice to delete all previously reviewed messages (page 63). /SKIP Press to skip to the next message (page 62). /REPEAT Press to repeat a message or press twic...

10 LCD language You can select English, Français or Español to be used in all screen displays. To select a language: Press the MENU softkey when the handset is not in use.Press or to select SETTINGS , then press the SELECT softkey. Press the SELECT softkey to select LCD language . Press or to choose...

11 Clear voicemail indicator If you subscribe to voicemail service offered by your telephone service provider, the 2 icon and a line number appear on both the handset and telephone base when you have new voicemail messages. Contact your telephone service provider for more information and assistance ...

12 Handset settings Key tone You can turn the key tone feature on or off. To change the settings: Press the MENU softkey when the handset is not in use.Press or to select SETTINGS , then press the SELECT softkey. Press or to select Key tone , then press the SELECT softkey. Press or to choose On or O...

13 Handset settings Home area code If you dial 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. To change the s...

14 Handset settings Ringer volume You can adjust the ringer volume or turn the ringer off. To adjust the handset ringer volume: Press the MENU softkey when the handset is not in use.Press or to select RINGERS , then press the SELECT softkey. Press the SELECT softkey to select Ringer volume . Press o...

15 Telephone base settings LCD language You can select English, Français or Español to be used in all screen displays. To select a language: Press the MENU softkey when the telephone base is not in use.Press / CID or / DIR to select Settings , then press the SELECT softkey. Press the SELECT softkey ...

16 Telephone base settings Clear voicemail indicator If you subscribe to voicemail service offered by your telephone service provider, the 1 icon and a line number appear on both the handset and telephone base when you have new voicemail messages. Contact your telephone service provider for more inf...

20 Answering system set up For each telephone line, you can change the settings of the answering system using your handset or telephone base. Answer ON/OFF You must turn on the answering system for answering and recording messages. To turn the answering system on or off : Using the telephone base: P...

21 Answering system settings Call screening The call screening feature lets you listen at the telephone base to a caller leaving a message. You can turn this feature on or off with either your handset or telephone base. Unless you change it, the call screening feature is preset to on. To change the ...

22 Answering system settings Announcement The telephone is preset with a greeting that answers calls with “Hello, please leave a message after the tone.” You may use this preset announcement, or replace it with your own. Play your announcement Using the telephone base: Press the MENU softkey when th...

23 Answering system settings Record your own announcement Using the telephone base: Press • / REC while the telephone base is not in use. Press / CID or / DIR to select Announcement , then press the SELECT softkey. Press / CID or / DIR to select Mailbox 1 or Mailbox 2 , then press the SELECT softkey...

25 Answering system settings Delete your announcement Using the telephone base: Press the MENU softkey when the telephone base is not in use. Press the SELECT softkey to select Answering sys . Press / CID or / DIR to select Mailbox 1 or Mailbox 2 , then press the SELECT softkey. The corresponding ic...

26 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 a...

27 Answering system settings Remote access 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 to any number from 10 to 99 . To change the setting: Using the telephone base: Press the MENU soft...

28 Answering system settings Message alert tone When the answering system is turned on, the telephone base beeps every 10 seconds to alert you of new messages. The tone stops when all new messages have been reviewed. To change the setting: Using the telephone base: Press the MENU softkey when the te...

29 Make, answer or end a call Using the handset:To make a call: Press , , or , then enter the telephone number. To predial a call: Enter the telephone number, then press , or . To answer a call: Press or to answer. To end a call: Press OFF or return the handset to the telephone base to hang up. Usin...

30 Telephone operation Call waiting When you subscribe to call waiting service from your telephone service provider, you hear an alert tone if there is an incoming call while you are on another call. Press the corresponding line button, or , on the handset or FLASH on the telephone base to put your ...

31 Telephone operation Mute During a call, the mute function enables you to turn off the microphone. You can hear the caller, but the caller cannot hear you. To mute a call on the handset or telephone base: Press the MUTE softkey to turn off the microphone. The screen temporarily shows Microphone of...

32 Telephone operation Temporary tone dialing The dial mode is preset to tone. If you do not have touch tone service, you need to change the setting to pulse (page 13 and 18).If you have pulse (rotary) service, you can change from pulse to tone dialing during a call by pressing TONE on the handset o...

33 Telephone operation Chain dialing Use this feature to initiate a dialing sequence from numbers stored in the directory, call log or redial while you are on a call.Chain dialing can be useful if you wish to access other numbers (such as bank account information or access codes) from the directory,...

34 Telephone operation Chain dialing (continued) To access the last number redial while on a call: Press REDIAL/ PAUSE on the handset to display the last number dialed. Press the DIAL softkey to dial the displayed number or press the BACK softkey to cancel the chain dialing. -OR- Press the OPTION so...

35 Telephone operation Dial a redial entry (continued) Using the telephone base: Press the REDIAL softkey when the telephone base is not in use. Press / CID or / DIR to browse to the desired number. Press LINE 1 or LINE 2 to dial. Save a redial entry to the directory Using the handset: Press REDIAL/...

36 Telephone operation Multiple handset use You can use up to 4 system handsets, or three system handsets and the telephone base at the same time on an outside call. If a handset or the telephone base is already on a call on line 1 or line 2 and you would like to join the call, press the correspondi...

37 Telephone operation Intercom (continued) To initiate an intercom call from the telephone base: Press the MENU softkey when the telephone base is not in use. Press / CID or / DIR to select Intercom . When you have only one system handset, your telephone base shows Calling handset and the handset r...

38 Telephone operation Answer an incoming call during an intercom call If you receive an incoming call during an intercom call, there will be an alert tone. To answer an incoming call with the handset during an intercom call: To answer the call, press for line 1 or for line 2. The intercom call ends...

39 Telephone operation Transfer a call From the handset: During a call, press INT . The outside call is put on hold automatically. When you have only one system handset, your handset shows Calling base and the telephone base rings and shows Handset is calling . -OR- When you have more than one syste...

40 Telephone operation Transfer a call (continued) At the telephone base: During a call, press HOLD and the outside call is put on hold. Press the MENU softkey and then press / CID or / DIR to select Intercom . -OR- During a call, press the OPTION softkey and the press / CID or / DIR to select Inter...

41 Telephone operation Share an outside call You can let another system handset or telephone base join you on an outside call. That call continues until all participants hang up. During a call on line 1, press on the handset or LINE 1 on the telephone base to join the call.During a call on line 2, p...

42 Telephone operation Conference line 1 and line 2 calls (continued) To initiate an intercom call while on a conference call: When you initiate an intercom call during a conference call, it places every participant in the conference call on hold. Press INT on the handset (see To initiate an interco...

43 Telephone operation Answer an incoming call during a conference call When you subscribe to call waiting service with your telephone service provider, you hear a beep if someone calls on line 1 or line 2 while you are already on a conference call. When you subscribe to caller ID service with your ...

44 Telephone operation Directory The directory can store up to 50 entries with up to 30 digits for each phone number and 15 characters for each name. Directory entries are stored at the telephone base and shared by all system handsets. Any changes made on the handset or the telephone base apply to a...

46 Telephone operation Character chart Use the dialing keys and the chart below to enter a name (up to 15 characters). Each press of a particular key causes the characters to be displayed in the following order: Number key Characters by number of key presses 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 # , , - . & 2 A...

47 Telephone operation Review the directory Entries are sorted alphabetically. To review the directory: Using the handset: Press when the handset is not in use. -OR- Press the MENU softkey when the handset is not in use. Press or to select DIRECTORY and then press the SELECT softkey. Press the SELEC...

48 Telephone operation Edit a directory entry Using the handset: Search for the desired entry in the directory (see Review the directory or Alphabetical search on page 47). When the desired entry appears, press the EDIT softkey. The screen shows EDIT NUMBER . Use the dialing keys ( 0 - 9 ) to edit t...

49 Telephone operation Delete a directory entry You can delete a directory entry using a handset or the telephone base. Once a directory entry is deleted, it cannot be retrieved. To delete an entry: Search for the desired entry in the directory (see Review the directory or Alphabetical search on pag...

50 Telephone operation Store a speed dial entry You can store up to 10 directory entries in the speed dial directory. The speed dial entries are shared by all system handsets and telephone base. Using the handset: Press the MENU softkey when the handset is not in use. Press or to select DIRECTORY , ...

51 Telephone operation Review the speed dial directory Using the handset: Press the MENU softkey when the handset is not in use.Press or to select DIRECTORY , then press the SELECT softkey. Press or to select Speed dial , then press the SELECT softkey. Press or to browse. Using the telephone base: P...

52 Telephone operation Edit a speed dial entry Using the handset: When the handset is not in use, press and hold the assigned number of the desired speed dial entry. When the desired entry appears, press the EDIT softkey. The screen shows EDIT NUMBER . Use the dialing keys ( 0 - 9 ) to edit the numb...

53 Telephone operation Reassign a speed dial entry You can reassign a speed dial entry using a handset or the telephone base. To edit an entry: Search for the desired entry in the speed dial directory (see Review the speed dial directory on page 51). When the desired entry appears, press the REPLACE...

54 Telephone operation About caller ID This product supports caller ID services provided by most telephone service providers. Depending on your service subscription, you may see the caller’s number, or the caller’s name and number that are sent by the telephone service provider after the first or se...

55 Telephone operation Caller ID history If you subscribe to caller ID service provided by your telephone service provider, information about each caller will appear after the first or second ring. If you answer a call before the caller information appears on the screen, it is not saved in the call ...

56 Telephone operation Memory match When the incoming telephone number matches exactly a telephone number in your directory, the name on the screen matches the corresponding name in your directory.For example, if Linda Jones calls, her name appears as Linda if this is how you entered it into your di...

57 Telephone operation Make a call log entry ready to dial Although the call log entries received have 10 digits (the area code plus the seven-digit number), in some areas, you may need to dial only the seven digits, 1 plus the seven digits, or 1 plus the area code plus the seven digits. You can cha...

58 Telephone operation Save a call log entry to the directory Using the handset: Select a desired entry in the call log (see Review the call log on page 56). When the desired entry appears, press the SAVE softkey. The screen shows EDIT NUMBER . Use the dialing keys ( 0 - 9 ) to edit the number. Pres...

59 Telephone operation Delete from the call log You can use a handset or the telephone base to delete from the call log. To delete a single entry: Select a desired entry in the call log (see Review the call log on page 56). When the desired entry appears, press the DELETE softkey. The screen shows t...

60 Answering system operation Answering system and voicemail Your telephone has separate indicators for two different types of voice messages: those left on its built-in answering system and those left on your telephone service provider’s voicemail (fees may apply). Your telephone’s built-in answeri...

61 Answering system operation New message indication When there are new messages on the answering system of line 1, L1)X New Msgs and 1 display on the handset and 1 on the telephone base. /MAILBOX LINE 1 flashes on the telephone base.When there are new messages on the answering system of line 2, L2)...

62 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, you hear the total number of messages followed by the day and ti...

63 Answering system operation Delete all messages To delete all old messages with the telephone base: Press X/DELETE when the telephone base is not in use. Press / CID or / DIR to select Mailbox 1 or Mailbox 2 , then press the SELECT softkey. The telephone base shows Delete all old messages? Press t...

64 Answering system operation “Memory is full” is announced if you record a memo when the memory is full. Each memo can be up to four minutes in length.Memos shorter than one second are not recorded. • •• Record and play memos Memos are your own recorded messages used as reminders for yourself or ot...

65 Answering system operation If you do not press any key after you enter the remote access code, all new messages play. If there are no new messages, all old messages play. Once the new messages have played, the telephone announces the help menu options. If you do not press any key within 20 second...

66 Appendix Screen display messages Already saved The telephone number entered is already stored in the directory. Base is calling Telephone base is calling. Call log empty There are no call log entries. Calling base A system handset is calling the telephone base. Calling handset (for models with on...

68 Appendix Handset and telephone base indicators Handset lights On when the handset speakerphone is in use. CHARGE On when the handset is charging in the telephone base. Telephone base lights LINE 1 On when line 1 is in use.Flashes quickly when there is an incoming call on line 1 or another telepho...

69 Appendix Handset battery is charging (animated displayed). Becomes solid when the battery is fully charged. Flashes when the battery is low and needs charging. 1 Line 1 is in use. 2 Line 2 is in use. 1 1 Handset ringer of line 1 is turned off. 1 2 Handset ringer of line 2 is turned off. 1 Handset...

70 Appendix 1 1 Line 1 is in use. 1 2 Line 2 is in use. 1 1 Handset ringer of line 1 is turned off. 1 2 Handset ringer of line 2 is turned off. 1 1 2 Handset ringers of lines 1 and 2 are turned off. 1 1 New voicemail received on line 1 from the telephone service provider. 1 2 New voicemail received ...

71 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 10 hours While in speakerphone mode (talking*) Up to seven hours While not in use (stand...

72 Appendix Expand your telephone system The handset provided with your telephone system is pre-registered as HANDSET . Additional handsets registered to the telephone system are assigned in sequential order. If you register another new handset to your telephone system, the new registered handset is...

73 Appendix Replace a handset If you want to replace a handset or re-assign 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 begi...

74 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 dial 1 (800) 267-7377. My telephone does not work at all. Make su...

75 Appendix Troubleshooting Low battery shows on handset screen. Place the handset in the telephone base for recharging.Remove and reinstall the battery and use it until fully depleted, then recharge the handset in the telephone base for up to 16 hours.If the above measures do not correct the proble...

76 Appendix Troubleshooting Test a working telephone at the telephone wall jack. If another telephone has the same problem, the problem is in the telephone wall jack. Contact your telephone service provider (charges may apply).The telephone line cord may be malfunctioning. Install a new telephone li...

77 Appendix Troubleshooting Disconnect the telephone base from the telephone wall jack and plug in a corded telephone. If calls are still not clear, the problem is probably in the wiring or local service. Contact your telephone service provider (charges may apply).If the other telephones in your hom...

78 Appendix Troubleshooting The telephone does not receive caller ID or the telephone does not show caller ID during call waiting. Make sure you subscribe to caller ID with call waiting features provided by your telephone service provider. The caller may not be calling from an area which supports ca...

79 Appendix I cannot retrieve voicemail messages. Your telephone has both a built-in answering system and voicemail indication. They are independent features and each alerts you to new messages differently (page 60). If you subscribe to voicemail service from your telephone service provider (charges...

80 Appendix Troubleshooting The messages on the answering system are very difficult to hear. Press /VOL on the handset or telephone base to increase the speaker volume. on the handset or telephone base to increase the speaker volume. The messages on the answering system are incomplete. If a caller l...

81 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: Read and understand all instructions. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the p...

82 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 ...

83 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 ...

84 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 workmanshi...

85 Appendix Warranty (continued) How do you get warranty service? To obtain warranty service in the USA, 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...

86 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 harm...

87 Appendix FCC, ACTA and IC regulations (continued) If this equipment is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone service provider may temporarily discontinue your telephone service. The telephone service provider is required to notify you before interrupting service. If advance notice ...

88 Appendix Frequency control Crystal controlled PLL synthesizer Transmit frequency Handset: 1921.536-1928.448 MHz Telephone base: 1921.536-1928.448 MHz Channels 5 Nominal effective range Maximum power allowed by FCC and IC. Actual operating range may vary according to environmental conditions at th...

89 Index A Add a handset 72 Alert tone 28 Alphabetical search 47 Announcement 22 Answer a call 29 Answer an incoming call during a conference call 43 Answer an incoming call during an intercom call 38 Answering system 60 Answering system and voicemail 60 Answering system settings 20 Answering system...