background image

Base Layout

Toll Saver

Toll Saver saves you the cost of making a call when you access your messages from 

another location:

•  If you have new messages, the unit answers after the 2nd ring.
•  If you have no new messages, the unit answers after the 5th ring.

You can hang up after the 3rd ring and save the pay telephone or long 

distance charge.

Setting The Incoming Message Time

This setting allows you to select the length of recording time of the 

incoming message.
1.  The unit announces “

Message TiMe” (current message length). To set message 

time, press NEXT. Press SET to continue.”

2.  To change the message length, press and release the NEXT or GREETING/

PREVIOUS button and the unit announces a number, such as 

“1, 2, 3, 4”.

3.  After choosing a number, press and release the STOP/SET button to store the 

message time. The unit enters the Security Code Menu.

Setting the Security Code

This setting allows to change the factory-set security code, which you use to access 

your digital answering system remotely.  The default code is 123.
1.  The unit announces, 

“securiTy code” (the current 3 number Security Code 

setting). To set security code, press NEXT. Press SET to stop.”

NOTE: If you press and release the STOP/SET button, the unit 

announces all the new settings and exits the set up menu.

If you press and release NEXT or GREETING/PREVIOUS button, the unit announces 

“securiTy code” (current 3 numbers). To set security code, press NEXT. Press SET to 

continue.”
2.  To change the first security code number, press and release the NEXT or 

GREETING/PREVIOUS button again. The unit announces all three numbers, but 

only the first number changes, such as “

123, 223” or “123, 023”.

3.  After choosing the first number, press and release the STOP/SET button to store 

the first number.

4.  The unit automatically advances to the second number and announces 

“securiTy code” (current 3 numbers). To set security code, press NEXT. Press SET 

to continue.” To change the second and third numbers, repeat steps 4 and 5. After 

the  third number is stored, the unit announces all the stored settings and exits the 

setup menu.

Reviewing the Settings

At any time, press and release the STOP/SET button to review the current time/day, 

rings to answer, message time, and security code.

Volume

Press the VOLUME button to adjust the listening level. There are eight different 

volume levels. The default is level 5. The unit emits a tone, indicating loudness. With 

each press of the volume button, the volume level increases. When you reach the 

maximum volume level, the volume level returns to the minimum level.

Messages Indicator

The MESSAGES indicator lets you know the status of your unit.
sTaTus 

eXPLaNaTioN/soLuTioN

Message Indicator flashes slowly  

There are new messages. Press 

the PLAY/MEMO button to hear 

your messages.

Message Indicator flashes rapidly. 

Memory is full. Erase some mes-

sages

Message Indicator is lit and not flashing. 

Answering system is on. No 

action required, unit is ready to 

receive calls.

Message Indicator is off. 

Answering system is off. Press 

ON/OFF/ERASE button to turn on. 

System Operation

Playing Messages

When the message indicator flashes slowly it means you have received new 

messages. Messages play in first received order. If there are new messages, the unit 

plays new messages first, followed by old messages. During remote access, the unit 

plays all messages, new and old, in first-received order.

NOTE: When the messaging system is off, it answers after 10 

rings but doesn’t play the greeting. The messaging system 

doesn’t take messages when it is turned off.

•  To play messages, press and release the PLAY/MEMO button.
•  To stop playback, press and release the STOP/SET button.
•  To restart a current message, press and hold the GREETING/PREVIOUS button 

until the message restarts from the beginning. 

•  To return to the beginning of a previous message, press and release the 

GREETING/PREVIOUS button within one second.

•  To fast forward through a message, press and hold the NEXT button.
•  To skip to the beginning of the next message, press and release the NEXT 

button.

•  To erase a message while it is playing, press and release the ON/OFF ERASE 

button. The answering system announces 

“Message erased” to confirm the 

message has been erased.

NOTE:
• An ‘old’ message is a message that has been listened to in its 

entirety (including the time and day) and not erased.

• A ‘new’ message is a message that has not been heard in its  

entirety.

• At the end of each message the unit announces the time  

and day the message was received.

At the end of messages playback the unit announces “

eNd  

of Messages

”.

Erasing All Messages

This feature allows you to erase all old messages at one time but not new messages. 

If you do not have any messages, the unit announces 

“Zero Messages”. When the 

messaging system isn’t playing or recording messages, press and hold the ON/OFF 

ERASE button until you hear the 

“Messages erased” announcement. Release the 

button after the announcement. 

NOTE: To erase new messages, play them, then press ERASE 

during playback.

Leaving a Memo

Press and hold the PLAY/MEMO button. After you hear the announcement and beeps, 

record your message. Release the PLAY/MEMO button when you’re finished. The unit 

treats the memo as a new message, and the MESSAGES indicator flashes.

Screening Calls (Auto Disconnect)

When a call comes in the unit rings the pre-set number of times, plays the greeting, 

and records the caller’s message.
You may screen incoming calls by listening as the caller leaves a message. If you 

want to speak to that caller, pick up any extension phone. Auto Disconnect tells the 

unit to stop playing the greeting or recording a message when an extension phone 

is picked up. Sometimes you may pick up the phone and the machine keeps playing 

the greeting. This is normal. If you want to pick up the phone while the greeting 

is playing, wait about two seconds after the system answers before picking up 

the phone.
If the greeting continues to play after picking up an extension phone, press and 

release the STOP/SET button. 

Remote Access

You can access your messaging system from any touch-tone phone by entering 

your 3-digit security code (the default security code is 123, but you can change it.) 

Be aware that remote functions do not work with rotary or push-button, pulse-

dialing phones. You can cut out the wallet-size remote card located at the end of 

this instruction book so you will have the touch-tone commands when picking up 

messages from a remote location.
1.  Call your telephone number. 
2.  After you hear the beep that follows the greeting, enter your 3-digit security 

code. To bypass the greeting, enter your 3-digit security code any time while the 

greeting is playing.

NOTE: The unit beeps to confirm you have accessed the remote 

functions and begins playing the remote functions menu.

3.  Select the function you want to use, and press the corresponding number on the 

phone’s touch-tone pad.

4.  To end the call, hang up or press the “6” number button while the menu is playing.

NOTE: The unit answers on the 10th ring if the unit is turned off 

or the memory is full. To access the messaging system, enter the 

3-digit security code after the beeps. If memory is full, playback 

your messages and erase some of them to restore memory. If the 

messaging system is off, press the 2 key on your phone to turn 

it on. If you want to end the call press and release the “6” button 

twice on the phone you are using while a message is playing.
NOTE: After the unit plays the remote menu, it waits 10 seconds 

to receive a command. If a command is not entered, the unit 

disconnects. The unit only allows two attempts at accessing the 

security code. If the first and second attempt is incorrect, the 

unit ends the call.

General Product Care

To keep your unit working and looking good, follow these guidelines:
•  Avoid putting it near heating appliances and devices that generate electrical noise 

(for example, motors or fluorescent lamps).

•  DO NOT expose to direct sunlight or moisture.
•  Avoid dropping digital answering system and/or other rough treatment.
•  Clean with a soft cloth.
•  Never use a strong cleaning agent or abrasive powder because this will damage 

the finish.

•  Retain the original packaging in case you need to ship it at a later date.

Troubleshooting Tips

Doesn’t answer, or answers on 10th ring 

•  Make sure messaging system is turned on.
•  Memory is full, erase some messages.
•  Check power supply and phone line connections.

Incoming messages are incomplete

•  An extension phone may have been picked up during recording.
•  The caller may have tried to leave a message that is longer than the allowable 

message length.

•  Memory is full, erase some messages.
•  You may have accidentally pressed the STOP/SET button during message 

playback.

Won’t respond to remote commands

•  You must use touch-tone phone with remote access.
•  You must enter the correct security code.
•  Did the unit hang up? If you take no action for a period of time, it automatically 

hangs up.

Messaging system doesn’t work

•  Reset the system. Unplug the power supply from the electrical outlet and plug 

it back in.

Can’t hear messages

•  Adjust the volume control.

Can’t restart the message

•  You must play messages for at least five seconds before pressing and holding 

the GREETING/PREVIOUS button.

Messages indicator flashes rapidly

•  Memory is full, erase some messages.

Greeting continues to play even after an extension phone is picked up

•  This is normal operation.  Auto disconnect is delayed for two seconds after the 

unit answers a call.  If you are near the unit, press the STOP/SET button to stop 

the greeting.

Service

If trouble is experienced with this equipment, for repair or warranty information, 

please contact customer service at 

1-800-448-0329

. If the equipment is causing 

harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request that you 

disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved.
This product may be serviced only by the manufacturer or its authorized service 

agents. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Thomson Inc. could 

void the user’s authority to operate this product. For instructions on how to obtain 

service, refer to the warranty included in this guide or call customer service at

 1-800-

448-0329

.

Or refer inquiries to:

Thomson Inc.

Manager, Consumer Relations

P O Box 1976

Indianapolis, IN 46206

Attach your sales receipt to the booklet for future reference or jot down the date 

this product was purchased or received as a gift. This information will be valuable if 

service should be required during the warranty period.
Purchase date ______________________________________________________
Name of store ______________________________________________________

Limited Warranty

What your warranty covers:

• Defects in materials or workmanship.

For how long after your purchase:

• One year, from date of purchase. 

(The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from 

date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.)

What we will do:

• Provide you with a new or, at our option, a refurbished unit. The exchange unit is 

under warranty for the remainder of the original product’s warranty period.

How you get service:

• Properly pack your unit. Include any cables, etc., which were originally provided 

with the product. We recommend using the original carton and packing 

materials.

• ”Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is 

evidence that the product is within the warranty period, must be presented to 

obtain warranty service.” For rental firms, proof of first rental is also required.  

Also print your name and address and a description of the defect. Send via 

standard UPS or its equivalent to:

   

Thomson Inc.

 

11721 B Alameda Ave.

   

Socorro, Texas 79927

• Pay any charges billed to you by the Exchange Center for service not covered 

by the warranty.

• Insure your shipment for loss or damage. Thomson Inc. accepts no liability in 

case of damage or loss.

• A new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you freight prepaid.

What your warranty 

does not

 cover:

• Customer instruction. (Your Owner’s Manual provides information regarding 

operating instructions and user controls. Any additional information, should be 

obtained from your dealer.)

• Installation and setup service adjustments.
• Batteries.
• Damage from misuse or neglect.
• Products which have been modified or incorporated into other products.
• Products purchased or serviced outside the USA.
• Acts of nature, such as but not limited to lightning damage.

Product Registration:

• Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your unit. 

It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the 

card is not required for warranty coverage.

Limitation of Warranty:

• The warranty stated above is the only warranty applicable to this product. 

All other warranties, express or implied (including all implied warranties of 

merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose) are hereby disclaimed. No 

verbal or written information given by Thomson Inc., its agents, or employees 

shall create a guaranty or in any way increase the scope of this warranty.

• Repair or replacement as provided under this warranty is the exclusive remedy 

of the consumer. Thomson Inc. shall not be liable for incidental or consequential 

damages resulting from the use of this product or arising out of any breach of 

any express or implied warranty on this product. This disclaimer of warranties 

and limited warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Indiana. 

Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of 

merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose on this product is limited to 

the applicable warranty period set forth above.

How state law relates to this warranty:

• Some states do not allow the exclusion nor limitation of incidental or 

consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts so 

the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights 

that vary from state to state.

If you purchased your product outside the USA:

• This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information.

Model 29888  

Digital Messaging 

System User’s Guide

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:

Cut out this remote access 

card  so that you can take 

it with you to help you use 

the remote features.

To:

Press:

Play messages .................................. 1

Play previous 

    (during message playback)

   Skip to next message ................. 9 

    (during message playback)

   Erase message .............................. 0 

    (during message playback)

Turn on answering system .......... 2

Turn off answering system ......... 3

Record message .............................. 4 
     (press 6 again when finished)

Record greeting ................................ 5 
     (press 6 again when finished)

Stop playback .................................... 6 
     (during message playback)

To set security code ....................... 7

Play greeting ...................................... 8

Erase message ................................. 0

Write your 3-digit security 

code here.

Digital Answering S

ystem

29888

1. 

Dial phone number of 

the answering system.

2. 

Enter 3-digit security 

code during  greeting 

or after the beep.

3. 

Enter touch-tone com-

mand.

4. 

Hang up.

FOLD

Equipment Approval Information

Your telephone equipment is approved for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network 

and is in compliance with parts 15 and 68, FCC Rules and Regulations and the Technical 

Requirements for Telephone Terminal Equipment published by ACTA.

1  Notification to the Local Telephone Company

On the bottom of this equipment is a label indicating, among other information, the US 

number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for the equipment. You must, upon request, 

provide this information to your telephone company.
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.
A plug and jack used to connect this equipment to the premises wiring and telephone network 

must comply with the applicable FCC Part 68 rules and requirements adopted by the ACTA. A 

compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this product. It is designed to be 

connected to a compatible modular jack that is also compliant. See installation instructions 

for details.

Notes  

• This equipment may not be used on coin service provided by the telephone company.
• Party lines are subject to state tariffs, and therefore, you may not be able to use your own 

telephone equipment if you are on a party line. Check with your local telephone company.

• Notice must be given to the telephone company upon permanent disconnection of your 

telephone from your line.

• If your home has specially wired alarm equipment connected to the telephone line, 

ensure the installation of this product does not disable your alarm equipment. If you have 

questions about what will disable alarm equipment, consult your telephone company or a 

qualified installer.

US Number is located on the cabinet bottom.

REN Number is located on the cabinet bottom.

2  Rights of the Telephone Company 

Should your equipment cause trouble on y our line which may harm the telephone network, 

the telephone company shall, where practicable, 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. In 

case of such temporary discontinuance, the telephone company must: (1) promptly notify you 

of such temporary discontinuance; (2) afford you the opportunity to correct the situation; and 

(3) inform you of your right to bring a complaint to the Commission pursuant to procedures 

set forth in Subpart E of Part 68, FCC Rules and Regulations.
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 and 

not inconsistent with FCC Rules and Regulations. If these changes are expected to affect the 

use or performance of your telephone equipment, the telephone company must give you 

adequate notice, in writing, to allow you to maintain uninterrupted service.

Interference Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 

conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference; and (2) This device must accept 

any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, 

pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection 

against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed 

and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio 

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular 

installation.
Privacy of Communications may not be ensured when using this product.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be 

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the 

interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna (that is, the antenna for radio or television that is 

“receiving” the interference).

• Reorient or relocate and increase the separation between the telecommunications 

equipment and receiving antenna.

• Connect the telecommunications equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to 

which the receiving antenna is connected.

STO

P/SET

VOL

UME

ON

/OFF ERASE

MIC

GREE

TING/PREVIO

US

NEXT

PLAY/MEMO

Digital messaging system

   

Default Settings

Time 

12 a.m. Sunday

Rings to Answer  4
Message time 

2

Security Code 

123

Thomson Inc.

10330 North Meridian St.

Indianapolis, IN 46290-1024

© 2006 Thomson Inc. 

Trademark(s) ® Registered

Marca(s) Registrada(s)

Model 29888 

16018110 (Rev. 2 Dom E/S) 

06-36 

Printed in China

If these measures do not eliminate the interference, please consult your dealer or an experienced 

radio/television technician for additional suggestions. Also, the Federal Communications 

Commission has prepared a helpful booklet, “How To Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference 

Problems.” This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 

20402. Please specify stock number 004-000-00345-4 when ordering copies.
Notice: The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for 

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Modular 

telephone 

line jack

Wall plate

Range of Settings

Time
  Hour 

12 a.m. - 11 p.m.

  Minute 

0 - 59

   Day 

Sunday -  Monday

Rings to Answer 

2,3,4,5 toll saver

Message time 

1,2,3,4, minutes

Security Code 

0 - 9, 0 - 9, 0 - 9

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.

Before You Begin

Parts Checklist

Make sure your package includes the items shown here.

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.

Important Installation 

Information

•  Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
•  Never touch non-insulated telephone wires or terminals, unless the telephone 

line is disconnected at the network interface.

•  Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines (attached to the back 

of the digital messaging system).

Important Installation Guidelines

•  Install messaging system near both a telephone (modular) jack and an 

electrical power outlet.

•  Avoid sources of noise, such as a window by a busy street, and electrical noise, 

such as motors, microwave ovens, and fluorescent lighting.

•  Avoid heat sources, such as heating air ducts, heating appliances, radiators, 

and direct sunlight.

•  Avoid areas of excessive moisture or extremely low temperatures.
•  Avoid dusty locations.

Installing the Messaging System

Choose the best location to install your messaging system. Your messaging system 

should be placed on a level surface such as a desk or table top.

1.  Plug the telephone line cord (attached to the back of the messaging system) into a 

modular wall jack.

NOTE: It is not necessary that a telephone be connected to the 

messaging system in order for it to record messages. 

2.  Connect a telephone to the jack on the back of the messaging system.
3.  Plug the power supply into and electrical outlet.
Wait for the beep. The unit is ready for setup or to answer calls with the default 

greeting and settings.

Moving the Messaging System

To move the messaging system to a different location in the house, follow these 

instructions:
1.  Disconnect the telephone line or any phones you may have connected to the unit.
2.  Unplug the power supply from the electrical outlet.
3.  Move the messaging system and phone line to the desired location.
4.  Plug the power supply into the new electrical outlet.
5.  Connect the telephone line.

STO

P/SET

VOL

UME

ON

/OFF ERASE

MIC

GREE

TING/PREVIO

US

NEXT

PLAY/MEMO

PLAY/MEMO button or MESSAGES 

indicator

STOP/SET 

(button)

ON/OFF ERASE 

(button)

MIC

VOLUME 

(button)

NEXT 

(button)

GREETING/

PREVIOUS 

(button)

Messaging System Set Up

Recording the Greeting

Before using your new messaging system, you should record a greeting (the 

announcement callers hear when your messaging system answers a call). If 

you don’t record a greeting, callers hear a default greeting which says 

“We are 

uNavaiLabLe To Take your caLL. PLease Leave a Message. ThaNk you 

for caLLiNg

.

When recording the greeting you should be about six to eight inches from the unit. 

Eliminate as much background noise as possible.
1.  Prepare your greeting.
  Sample Greeting: 

hi, This is (use your NaMe here). i caN’T aNsWer The 

PhoNe righT NoW, so PLease Leave your NaMe, NuMber, aNd a brief 

Message afTer The ToNe, aNd i’LL geT back To you. ThaNks.”

2.  Press and hold the GREETING/PREVIOUS button. The unit announces 

record 

greeTiNg afTer ToNe

.

 After the tone you have 30 seconds to record 

your greeting. 

3.  Release the GREETING/PREVIOUS button when finished.  The unit beeps, and the 

greeting plays back automatically. 

Reviewing or Erasing the Greeting

1.  To review the default or recorded greeting, press and quickly release the 

GREETING/PREVIOUS button. The unit plays the current greeting.

2. To erase your greeting, press and hold the ON/OFF ERASE button while your 

recorded greeting is playing. Hold it until the voice prompt states

 “

greeTiNg 

erased.

 The default greeting is restored.

NOTE: Your recording time should not be less than two seconds. 

Otherwise the unit will return to the default greeting.

Changing the Settings

This function allows you to change the Time/Day, Rings to Answer, message time 

and Security Code settings. To change the settings, follow the message system’s 

voice instructions.

Time/Day

This setting allows you to set the current time and day for the Time/Day stamp 

attached to each message.

Hour

1.  Press and hold the STOP/SET button for two seconds, then release. The unit 

announces 

“TiMe” (the current time and day setting) . To set hour, press NEXT. 

Press SET to continue.”

2.  To set the hour, press and release the NEXT or GREETING/PREVIOUS button, and 

the unit announces an hour, such as 

“12aM, 1aM, 2aM” or “12aM, 11PM, 10PM”.

3.  After choosing the hour, press and release the STOP/SET button to store the hour. 

The unit enters the Minute menu.

Minutes

1.  The unit announces (the current minutes setting). To set minutes, press NEXT. 

Press SET to continue.”

2.  To change the minutes, press and release the NEXT or GREETING/PREVIOUS 

button and the unit announces a minute such as 

“1, 2, 3”.

3.  After choosing the minute, press and release the STOP/SET button to store the 

minute. The unit enters the Day menu.

Day

1.  The unit announces (the current day setting). To set day, press NEXT. Press SET to 

continue.”

2.  To change the day, press and release the NEXT or GREETING/PREVIOUS button 

and the unit announces a day, such as 

“suNday, MoNday” or “suNday, 

saTurday”.

3.  After choosing a day, press and release the STOP/SET button to store the day. The 

unit enters the Rings to Answer menu.

Rings to Answer

This setting allows you to select the number of rings before the unit answers a call.
1.  The unit announces 

“riNgs To aNsWer” ( the current rings to answer setting ). To 

set rings to answer, press NEXT. Press SET to continue.”

2.  To change the rings to answer, press and release  the NEXT or GREETING/

PREVIOUS button and the unit announces a number, such as 

“2,3,4” or “2, ToLL 

saver, 5”.

3.  After choosing a number, press and release the STOP/SET button to store the rings 

to answer. The unit confirms the setting and enters Message Length menu.

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