GE 21900fe1 User Guide

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4.  Place the handset in the base cradle. The charge/in use indicator turns on, verifying the 
battery is charging.
5.  Allow the phone to charge for 16 hours prior to first use. If you don’t properly charge 
the phone, battery performance is compromised.
CAUTION: To reduce risk of personal injury, fire, or damage use only the 
5-2759 power adaptor listed in the user’s guide. This power adaptor is 
intended to be correctly orientated in a vertical or floor mount position.
Programming the Telephone
Standby Screen
The handset displays the handset number and user name.
Installation 
Digital Security System
Your cordless phone uses a digital security system to protect against false ringing, unauthorized 
access, and charges to your phone line.
INSTALLATION NOTE:  Some cordless telephones operate at frequencies that may cause 
or receive interference with nearby TVs, microwave ovens, and VCRs. To minimize or 
prevent such interference, the base of the cordless telephone should not be placed near 
or on top of a TV, microwave ovens, or VCR. If such interference continues, move the 
cordless telephone farther away from these appliances.
Certain other communications devices may also use the 2.4 GHz frequency for 
communication, and, if not properly set, these devices may interfere with each other 
and/or your new telephone. If you are concerned with interference, please refer 
to the owner’s manual for these devices on how to properly set channels to avoid 
interference. Typical devices that may use the 2.4 GHz frequency for communication 
include wireless audio/video senders, wireless computer networks, multi-handset 
cordless telephone systems, and some long-range cordless telephone systems.
Important Installation Guidelines
•  Avoid sources of noise and heat, such as motors, fluorescent lighting, microwave ovens, 
heating appliances and direct sunlight.
•   Avoid areas of excessive dust, moisture and low temperature.
•   Avoid other cordless telephones or personal computers.
•  Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
•  Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet 
locations.
•  Never touch non-insulated telephone wires or terminals, unless the telephone line has been 
disconnected at the network interface.
•  Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
Handset Layout
Model 21900 Series
True Digital  
User’s Guide
25840
Important Information
NOTICE: This product meets the applicable Industry Canada technical specifications.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, 
and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired 
operation of the device.
The equipment must be installed using an acceptable method of connection. The customer should 
be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in 
some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility 
designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or 
equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to 
disconnect the equipment.
Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power 
utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water pipe systems, if present, are connected together. 
This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.
CAUTION: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the 
appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.
NOTES: This equipment may not be used on coin service provided by the telephone company.
Interference Information
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy which may interfere with residential 
radio and television reception if not properly installed and used in accordance with instructions 
contained in this manual. Reasonable protection against such interference is ensured, although 
there is no guarantee this will not occur in a given installation. If interference is suspected and 
verified by switching this equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the 
interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient the radio/television receiver’s 
antenna, relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver, plug the equipment and receiver into 
separate circuit outlets. The user may also wish to consult a qualified radio/television technician for 
additional suggestions. This equipment has been fully tested and complies with all limits for Class B 
computing devices pursuant to part 15 FCC Rules and Regulations.
 
Model 21900 
00019277 (Rev. 1 Can E) 
07-19
Printed in China
SEE MARKING ON BOTTOM / BACK OF PRODUCT
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
            DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO
PREVENT FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT  TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
THE LIGHTNING
FLASH AND ARROW
HEAD WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU OF
“DANGEROUS
VOLTAGE” INSIDE
THE PRODUCT.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
THE EXCLAMATION
POINT WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU  OF
IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS
ACCOMPANYING
THE PRODUCT.
CAUTION:
Telephone Network Information
Should your equipment cause trouble on your line which may harm the telephone network, the 
telephone company, where practicable, may notify you that temporary discontinuance of service 
may be required. Where prior notice is not practicable and the circumstances warrant such action, 
the telephone company may temporarily discontinue service immediately.
The telephone company may make changes in its communications facilities, equipment, operations 
or procedures where such action is required in the operation of its business. If these changes are 
expected to affect the use or performance of your telephone equipment, the telephone company will 
likely give you adequate notice to allow you to maintain uninterrupted service.
Notice must be given to the telephone company upon termination of your telephone from your line.
REN Number
On the bottom of this equipment is a label indicating, among other information, the Ringer 
Equivalence Number (REN) for the equipment. 
The REN is useful in determining the number of devices you may connect to your telephone line and 
still have all of these devices ring when your telephone number is called. In most (but not all) areas, 
the sum of the RENs of all devices connected to one line should not exceed 5. To be certain of the 
number of devices you may connect to your line as determined by the REN, you should contact your 
local telephone company.
REN Number is located on the cabinet bottom.
Licensing
Licensed under US Patent 6,427,009.
Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
This telephone system meets FCC/Industry Canada standards for Hearing Aid Compatibility.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled 
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 
centimeters between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or 
operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”
Introduction
CAUTION: When using telephone equipment, there are basic safety instructions 
that should always be followed. Refer to the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
provided with this product and save them for future reference.
IMPORTANT: Because cordless phones operate on electricity, you should have at least 
one phone in your home that isn’t cordless, in case the power  in your home goes out.
Before You Begin
Parts Checklist 
(for model 21900xx-1)
Make sure your package includes the items shown here.
For 
Model 21900xx2 there will be ONE additional handset, charge cradle,  battery pack 
and cover than shown above.
For 
Model 21900xx3 there will be TWO additional handsets, charge cradles, battery packs 
and covers than shown above.
For 
Model 21900xx4 there will be THREE additional handsets, charge cradles,  battery packs and 
covers than shown above.
Telephone Jack Requirements
To use this phone, you need an RJ11C type modular telephone jack, which 
might look like the one pictured here, installed in your home. If you don’t have 
a modular jack, call your local phone company to find out how to get one 
installed.
Your new GE telephone system is EXPANDABLE  
up to a total of 4 handsets (by purchase of optional  
Model 21920 handset with charge cradle)
Base Layout
Installing the Phone
Installing the Handset Battery
NOTE: You must connect the handset battery before use.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire or personal injury, use only the 
Thomson Inc. approved model 5-2721 Nickel-metal Hydride battery  
(Ni-MH), which is compatible with this unit.
1. Locate battery and battery door which are packaged together inside a plastic bag and 
are separate from the handset.
2.  Locate the battery compartment on the back of the handset.
3.  Plug the battery pack cord into the jack inside the compartment.
NOTE: To ensure proper battery installation, the connector is keyed and can 
be inserted only one way.
4.  Close the battery compartment by pushing the door up until it snaps into place.
Base Station
1.  Choose an area near an electrical outlet and a telephone wall jack (RJ11C), and place  
your cordless telephone on a level surface, such as a desktop or tabletop.
2.  Plug one end of the telephone line cord into the TEL LINE jack on the back of the base 
and the other end into a modular jack.
3.  Plug the AC power converter into the electrical outlet and the DC connector into the 
jack on the back of the base.
NOTE: During programming, you may press the flash/exit button at any time 
to exit the sub-menu and return to the menu. 
Language
From the Handset Setup Menu: 
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
SET LANGUAGE sub-menu.
2.  Press menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
SET LANGUAGE 1ENG 2FRA 3ESP shows 
in the display.
3.  Use the touch tone pad on the handset to select 
1ENG, 2FRA, 3ESP, or use the  
cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the desired language. English is the default setting.
4.  Press the menu/mute button to save your selection. You will hear a confirmation tone 
and the selected language shows in the display.
Handset Name
From the Handset Setup Menu: 
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
HANDSET NAME sub-menu.
2.  Press menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
HANDSET NAME shows in the display.
3.  Use the touch-tone pad to enter a name (up to 15 characters). More than one letter is stored in 
each of the number keys. For example, to enter Bill Smith, press the 2 key twice for the letter B. 
Press the 4 key 3 times for the letter I. Press the 5 key 3 times for the letter L. Press the 5 key 3 times 
for the second letter L, and press the 1 key to insert a space between the first and last name. Press 
the 7 key 4 times for the letter S; press the 6 key once for the letter M; press the 4 key 3 times for 
the letter I; press the 8 key for the letter T; press the 4 key twice for the letter H.
NOTE: If you make a mistake, use the delete/int button to backspace and 
delete one character at a time.
4. Press the menu/mute button to save your name. You will hear a confirmation tone and 
the handset name shows in the display.
Ringer Tone
You may choose from ten different ringer tones.
From the Handset Setup Menu:
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
RINGER TONE sub-menu.
2.  Press menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
SET RINGER TONE 01 shows in the 
display. 01 is default setting.
3.  Use the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the desired setting (1 through 10). You will 
hear a sample of the ringer tone you select.
4.  Press the menu/mute button to save your selection. You will hear a confirmation tone 
and the selected ringer tone shows in the display.
NOTE: You must have the Ringer Volume set to ON for ring tone to signal an 
incoming call. 
Ringer Volume
From the Handset Setup Menu: 
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
RINGER VOLUME sub-menu.
2.  Press menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
SET RINGER 1HI 2LOW 3OFF shows in the 
display.
3.  Use the touch tone pad on the handset to select 1, 2 or 3, or use the cid/vol  
( 6 or 5) button to scroll to your selection. HI is the default setting.
4.  Press the menu/mute button to save your selection. You will hear a confirmation tone 
and the new volume setting shows in the display.
NOTE: If you turn the ringer OFF, the ringer off icon shows in the display.
Key Tone
From the Handset Setup Menu: 
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
KEY TONE sub-menu.
2.  Press menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
SET KEY TONE 1ON 2 OFF shows in the 
display.
3.  Use the touch tone pad on the handset to select 1 or 2, or use the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) 
button to scroll to your selection. 1ON is the default setting.
4.  Press the menu/mute button to confirm.
Area Code
From the Handset Setup Menu: 
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
AREA CODE sub-menu.
2.  Press menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
SET AREA CODE - - - shows in the display.
3.  Use the touch-tone pad to enter your 3-digit area code.
4.  Press the menu/mute button to confirm. You will hear a confirmation tone and the new 
area code shows in the display.
NOTE: To restore the default setting to - - -, press and release delete/int when 
SET AREA CODE shows in the display.
USER NAME
HANDSET  X
Tone/Pulse
From the Handset Setup Menu: 
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 5 or 6) button to scroll to the 
TONE PULSE sub-menu.
2.  Press menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
TONE/PULSE 41TONE  2PULSE shows in 
the display. The default setting is “1 TONE”.
3.  Use the touch-tone pad or cid/vol ( 5 or 6) to enter 
1 TONE or 2 PULSE.
4.  Press the menu/mute button to confirm. You will hear a confirmation tone and your 
selection shows in the display.
Registration
Your packaged handset(s) are pre-registered and ready to use. It is not recommended 
that a handset be registered again unless absolutely necessary.
From the Handset Setup Menu:
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
REGISTRATION sub-menu.
2.  Press the menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
REGISTRATION  1YES  42NO  shows in 
the display The default setting is "2NO".
3.  Use the touch-tone pad to select 
1 for YES or 2 for NO. Or use the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) 
button to scroll to 
1YES or 2NO.
4.  If you select 
1YES, press the menu/mute button. HOLD BASE PAGE WAIT FOR BEEP 
shows in the display. (Your handset should be held near the base during registration 
process.)
5.  Press and hold the page button on the base unit until the charge/in use indicator 
flashes. You will hear a confirmation tone and 
HANDSET X REGISTERED shows in the 
handset display, where X is the handset number. You may now rename your handset. 
(Refer to Step 3 & 4 of Handset Name Section)
NOTE: IF you are re-registering the handset through the handset menu; to 
rename your handset you must go to the Handset Name Section and start 
from the beginning step.
De-Registration
This feature allows you to remove a registered handset from base. During the  
de-registration process, keep the handset near the base.
From the Handset Setup Menu:
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
DEREGISTRATION sub-menu.
2.  Press the menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
DEREGISTRATION  1YES  42NO shows 
in the display The default setting is "2NO".
3.  Use the touch-tone pad to select 
1 for YES or 2 for NO. Or use the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) 
button to scroll to 
1YES or 2NO.
WARNING: It is not recommended that a handset be de-registered unless 
absolutely necessary because once a handset is de-registered, that 
handset’s telephone features cannot be used until the handset is  
re-registered.
4.  Select 
NO, if you do not want to de-register.
5.  If you select 
1YES, press the menu/mute button and MOVE NEAR TO BASE displays for 
2 seconds, then 
CONFIRM? 1YES 2NO appears in the display.
6. Press the touch-tone pad to select 
1YES or 2NO, or use the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to 
scroll to 
1YES or 2NO.
7.  If you select YES, press the menu/mute button to confirm. 
DE-REGISTER... shows in the 
display. You will hear a confirmation tone. Then 
HANDSET X DEREGISTERED shows in 
the display to confirm the handset is deregistered.
NOTE: When you complete the de-registration process, HANDSET  
NEEDS REGISTRATION shows in the display. To use the handset,  
you MUST re-register the handset using the Registration process.
Global De-registration
If one or more handsets becomes lost, you should de-register all handsets to ensure 
proper system operation. Follow the steps below to de-register all handsets at the same 
time.
WARNING: It is not recommended that a handset be de-registered unless 
absolutely necessary because once a handset is de-registered, that 
handset’s telephone features cannot be used until the handset is  
re-registered.
1.  Press and hold the page button on the base until the 
CHARGE/IN USE indicator on the 
base flashes.
2.  Press and hold the page button on the base again until the 
CHARGE/IN USE indicator 
on the base flashes rapidly.
3.  Press and release the page button on the base once.
4.  All handsets are de-registered and 
HANDSET NEEDS REGISTRATION shows in the 
display.
charge/in use 
(indicator)
page
(button)
Default Setting
As you become familiar with this system, you may prefer to use the system’s original 
settings. Follow the steps below to return to the factory default settings.
From the Handset Setup Menu:
1.  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to scroll to the 
DEFAULT SETTING sub-menu. 
2.  Press the menu/mute button to enter the menu. 
DEFAULT SETTING 1YES 2NO shows in 
the display. The default setting is "2NO".
3.  Use the touch-tone pad to select 
1YES or 2NO, or use the cid/vol ( 6 or 5)  button to 
move the cursor to 
1YES  or 2NO
NOTE: If you choose YES all the settings in the programmable menu are 
returned to factory default setting.
4.  Press the menu/mute button to save your selection. You will hear a confirmation tone.
Telephone Operation
Visual Indicators
Charge/In use Indicator on Base
The charge/in use indicator on the base will flash to alert you to an incoming call, during 
paging, or if you have a message waiting from your service provider. The indicator will 
remain lit when a handset is in the base charging or when the line is in use.
Making a Call
1.  Press the talk/end. Dial the desired number.
   
- OR - 
  Dial the number first, then press the talk/end button.
   
- OR -
  Press the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to select the desired record, then press the  
talk/end button.
2.  When finished, press the talk/end button to hang up.
NOTE: You may enter up to 32 pre-dial digits.
NOTE: If you want to delete the pre-dial number you entered, press the 
delete/int button until all of the digits are erased. 
Answering Calls
1.  When the phone rings, press the talk/end button on the handset.
   
- OR  -
  Pick up the handset and press the talk/end button. 
2.  When finished, press talk/end to hang up.
NOTE: Adjust the handset volume by pressing the cid/vol ( or 5)  button 
during a call.
Call Timer
After you press the talk/end button on the handset, the built-in call timer shows on the display 
and counts the length of time of the call in minutes and seconds.
Auto Standby
If you place the handset in the cradle while the handset is off the hook (during a call), the 
call is automatically disconnected.
Ringer HI/LOW/OFF (Shortcut)
There are two ways to set the ringer to HI/LOW/OFF. One is the traditional way as 
described in Handset Setup; Ringer Volume menus. The other one is this short cut to 
ringer menu.
1.  Make sure the phone is 
OFF (not in talk mode).
2.  Press the #pause/ringer button to display 
SET RINGER 1HI 2LOW 3OFF
3.  Use the touch tone pad on the handset to select 1, 2 or 3, or use the cid/vol  
( 6 or 5) button to scroll to your selection. HI is the default setting.
4.  Press #pause/ringer button again to save and display the new selection for a few 
seconds.
Flash/Call Waiting
If you subscribe to the combined Call Waiting Caller ID service from your local telephone 
company, you will receive Caller ID information (if available) on Call Waiting calls. During a 
phone call, you will hear a beep to indicate another call is waiting on the line and Caller ID 
information for the waiting call shows on the handset display.
•  To connect to the waiting call, press the flash/exit button on the handset, and your 
original call is put on hold.
•  To switch between the two calls, press the flash/exit button.
Modular 
telephone 
line jack
Wall plate
TIP: Do not press the talk/end button on the handset to activate a custom 
calling service, such as call waiting, or call will disconnect.
Last Number Redial
You may redial a number up to 32 digits long. To quickly redial the last number you dialed:
1. Press the talk/end button.
2. Press the redial/format/conf button.
   
-OR-
3. Press the redial/format/conf button first, then use the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button to select 
the desired redial number.
  - Press the cid/vol (  5) to review the oldest call and scroll toward the most recent calls 
(higher numbers).
  - Press the cid/vol ( 6 ) to review the newest call and scroll to older calls  
(lower numbers).
NOTE: You may choose from three last dialed numbers.
4. Press the talk/end button. The number dials automatically.
If you get a busy signal and want to keep dialing the number, press the redial button to 
quickly redial the number.
Exit
Press the flash/exit button to exit a menu function and return to the standby screen.
Page
The page feature helps you locate a misplaced handset. To send and receive pages, all 
handsets must be registered. If your handset is not registered, follow the instructions in 
the Registration section of this manual.
Handset to Handset Paging 
(applicable only with additional handsets)
1.  Make sure the phone is 
OFF (not in talk mode).
2.  Press and release the delete/int button on a handset. 
PAGING EXTENSION? shows in 
the display.
3.  Use the touch-tone pad to enter the handset number you want to page.
4.  To cancel the page, press the flash/exit, delete/int, or talk/end button on the 
originating handset, or press the flash/exit button on the receiving handset.
Paging All Handsets from a Handset 
(applicable only with additional handsets)
1.  Make sure the originating phone is 
OFF (not in talk mode).
2.  Press and release the delete/int button on a handset. 
PAGING EXTENSION? shows in 
the display.
3. Use the touch-tone pad to enter the handset number you want to page. (1= to page 
Handset 1, 2=to page handset 2, etc., and 5=to page all handsets)
4.  To cancel the page, press the flash/exit, delete/int, or talk/end button on the 
originating handset, or press the flash/exit button on the receiving handset.
Paging from the Base/Group Page
Use the base-only to page all registered handsets at the same time.
1.  Press the page button on the base. All handsets beep for two minutes, and  
PAGING FROM BASE shows on each handset’s display.
2.  To cancel the page, press the page button on the base, or press the talk/end button or 
the flash/exit button on each handset.
Mute
To have a private, off-line conversation, use the MUTE feature. The party on the 
telephone line cannot hear you, but you can hear them.
1.  Press the menu/mute button. The handset display shows 
MUTE ON
2.  Press the menu/mute button to cancel and return to your phone conversation.
Receiver Volume Control
When the handset is 
ON (in talk mode) you may adjust the receiver volume by pressing 
the cid/vol ( 6 or 5) button. There are four volume levels to choose from. When the 
maximum or minimum volume level is reached, the phone beeps twice. VOL 1 is minimum 
and VOL 4 is maximum.
Thomson Digital Technologies Ltd.
© 2007 Thomson Digital Technologies Ltd. 
Trademark(s) ® Registered
Marque(s) déposée(s)
Base
Handset
Telephone 
line cord
AC power 
adaptor
Handset 
battery pack
Battery 
compartment cover
#pause/ringer  
(button)
flash/exit 
 (button)
* tone 
(button)
menu/mute 
(button)
delete/int  
(delete/intercom 
button)
redial/format/conf 
(button)
talk/end 
(button)
cid/vol +
(button)
display
cid/vol -
(button)
phonebook 
(button)
Handset Setup
1.  Make sure your phone is 
OFF (not in talk mode).
2.  Press the menu/mute button to go to the main menu. 
HANDSET SETUP shows in the 
display
.
3.  Press menu/mute button to confirm and you may program the following items: Set 
Language, Handset Name, Ringer Tone, Ringer Volume, Key Tone, Area Code, Tone/
Pulse, Registration, Deregistration and Default Setting.