GE 3771 User Manual Download Page 2

Answering System Setup

This section shows you how to set up your answering system to record incoming 

calls. Before you begin the setup, you must turn on the answering system.
•  Press the answer on/off button to turn the answering system on and off. The 

MESSAGES indicator lights when the answering system is on. The indicator 

alternately flashes between CL (clock) and 0, indicating day/time programming 

is needed and 0 messages are stored.

NOTE:

 The answering system displays “- -” when it is off.

Setting the Voice Prompt Language

The default voice prompt language is English.
To change the answering system’s voice prompt language, press and hold the skip 

button for two seconds. The unit announces 

“SELECCIONADO ESPANOL”

 (Spanish 

selected).

NOTE

: To change to “English,” press and hold the skip button again for 2 seconds.

NOTE

: In remote access mode, the system follows the selected language. The 

voice prompt language cannot be switched remotely.

Voice Time/Day Stamp

1.  Press and hold the day/check button to set the day of the week and then release.
2. Press the hour button to set the hour (a.m. or p.m.).
3. Press the min button to set the minutes. When you press and hold the min 

button, the time advances in 5-minute intervals.

4. Press and release the day/check button to review the day and time settings.

Speaker Volume

Use the volume left or right buttons to adjust speaker volume to a comfortable 

level. Press the right arrow to increase the volume and the left arrow to decrease 

the volume. L8 is the maximum and L1 is the minimum level.

Voice Instructions

If you need additional assistance, press the review (left arrow) button when you 

plug in the answering system and follow the voice instructions.

Recording the Outgoing Announcement

For best results when recording, you should be about nine inches from the mic 

(microphone) opening to eliminate as much background noise as possible.
1.  Press and hold the announce button. Hold the button down until you finish the 

announcement.

2. Begin speaking after you hear the beep. You have up to two minutes of 

recording time.

3. Release the button when you finish your announcement.
If you choose not to record an outgoing announcement, a default announcement 

is played instead. To return to the default announcement after you have recorded 

your own outgoing announcement, press the announce button and release it 

when you hear the beep, or press the erase button while the announcement is 

playing.

Sample Outgoing Announcement

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.

Reviewing the Announcement

•  Press and release the announce button to review your outgoing announcement.

Ring Select

Set the RING SELECT switch on the back of the unit to choose the number of times 

you want the phone to ring before the system answers the call. You may choose 3 

rings or 5 rings.

Answering System Operation

 This section explains the buttons and features of the answering system.

Messages Indicator

The MESSAGES indicator shows you how many messages you have. It blinks if 

there are new messages.  The answer on/off button must be ON in order for the 

MESSAGES indicator to work.

Screening Calls from the Base

You may screen incoming calls by waiting for the caller to begin leaving a 

message (to hear who it is), then pick up the handset, and press TALK/call back to 

speak to the caller. The answering system automatically stops recording when you 

activate the handset or pick up an extension phone.

TIP:

 Make sure the volume on the base is set loud enough for you to hear your 

incoming calls.

Message Playback

The messages indicator lets you know when you have messages. To play 

messages, press the PLAY/STOP button. 
While a message is playing, you can do the following:
•  Press the PLAY/STOP button to stop the message playback.
•  Press and release the REVIEW button to restart the current message; continue 

to press and release the REVIEW button to go to previous messages. 

•  Press and release the SKIP button to go to the next message.
•  Press the VOLUME ( + or -) button to adjust the playback volume.

Erasing Messages

You may erase messages three ways: 
•  To erase a single message, press the play/stop button  on the base, and press 

and release the erase button on the base to erase the message currently 

playing.

•  To erase all reviewed messages, press and hold the erase button on the base 

until the unit beeps. 

•  To erase a message using the handset:

1.  Press FORMAT/answerer button on the handset.
2.  Press the play/stop button (2 key). on the handset.
3.  Press the erase button on the handset to erase a message during playback.

NOTE:

 Erased messages cannot be restored. Be careful when pressing the erase 

button because if the next unheard message has started to play, it will also be 

erased. 

Leaving a Memo

Use the memo feature to leave a message.
1.  Press and hold the memo button. Hold the button down until you finish 

recording the message.

2. Begin speaking after you hear the beep.
3. Release the memo button when you are finished.   

Remote Access

This section explains two types of remote access: using the handset to access the 

answering system and accessing the answering system from another phone.
The handset contains integrated buttons that enable you access the answering 

machine with the handset.
You can also access your answering system from any phone that is tone-dial 

compatible by entering a 3-digit security code after you hear the outgoing 

announcement. The following voice menu system guides you through all of the 

procedures.

Voice Menu System

 

To 

Press this Button

 

Review message 

1

 

Play back message 

2

 

Stop message play back 

2

 

Erase message 

0 (during message playback)

 

Skip message 

3

 

Turn off/on answering system 

4

 

Review voice menu options 

7

Using the Handset

Press the FORMAT/answerer button to access the answering system from the 

cordless handset. 
After you access the answering system, use the marked handset keys just as 

if you were pressing the corresponding buttons on the base (see “Answering 

System Operation.”). The functions are listed on the handset above each number. 

For example, to play messages: 
1.  Press the FORMAT/answerer button. The display shows 

ANSWERER REMOTE

.

2. Press the play/stop button (2 key) or follow the Voice Menu System.
3. When you are finished listening to your messages, press FORMAT/answerer 

again.

Screening Calls from the Handset

Use the handset to screen calls even when you can’t hear the answering system. 
When the answering system picks up the line:
1.  Press the FORMAT/answerer button to access the answering system.
2. Listen as the caller leaves a message.
3. Press the TALK/call back button to speak to the person or press FORMAT/

answerer to stop screening the call. 

Memory Full

When the answering system’s memory is full, the system answers after 10 rings, 

beeps and waits for you to enter the 3-digit security code. If you don’t enter 

the security code within 10 seconds after the unit beeps, the phone hangs up.  

You should erase some messages so the answering system can record new 

messages..

NOTE:

 The unit also answers after the 10th ring if it is turned off. To access the 

answering system, enter your 3-digit security code after you hear the beep.

Accessing the Answering System from Another 
Location

You can access your answering system from a touch-tone phone by entering your 

3-digit security code after you hear the outgoing announcement.
1.  Dial the phone number for the answering system.
2. When the answering systems answers, allow the outgoing message to play to 

the end, listen for the tone, and then enter your security code.

3. Follow the voice menu to use the answering system remote functions.
The remote feature enables you to perform the the previously listed Voice Menu 

System functions:

TIP:

 You can bypass the outgoing announcement by pressing any numbered key 

on the keypad while the announcement is playing. Then, you can enter your 

security code to access the answering system.

Changing the Security Code

The default security code for accessing the answerer from another location  

is 1 2 3. You must use the handset to change the security code. With the phone off, 

follow these steps:
1.  Press FORMAT/answerer button.
2. Press  TONE*/exit.
3. Enter the three numbers to be used as the new security code.
4. Press  TONE*/exit again.
5. You will hear the new security code being repeated to confirm the change.

Headset and Belt Clip Operation
Connecting an Optional Headset to the Handset

For Hands Free Operation:

1.  Connect the headset to the HEADSET jack on the side of the handset. The 

handset receiver and microphone are disabled when the headset is connected.

2. Adjust the headset to rest comfortably on top of your head and over your ear. 

Move the microphone to approximately two to three inches from your mouth.

3. Press the TALK/call back button to answer a call or make calls using the headset.
4. To return to normal operation, unplug the headset from the jack.

Connecting the Belt Clip

To attach the belt clip, insert the sides of the belt clip into the slots on each side of 

the handset. Snap the ends of the belt clip into place.

Changing the Battery

Make sure the telephone is 

OFF

 before you replace battery.

1.  Remove the battery compartment door.
2. Disconnect the battery plug from the jack inside the battery compartment and 

remove the battery pack from the handset.

3. Insert the new battery pack and connect the batttery plug to the jack inside the 

handset battery compartment.

4. Put the battery compartment door back on.
5. Place handset in the base to charge.
6. Allow the handset battery to properly charge (for 16 hours) prior to first use or 

when you install a new battery pack. If you do not properly charge the phone, 

battery performance will be compromised.

CAUTION:

 To reduce the risk of fire or personal injury, use only the 

battery listed in the User’s Guide.

Battery Safety Precautions

•  Do not burn, disassemble, mutilate, or puncture. Like other batteries of this 

type, toxic materials could be released which can cause injury.

•  To reduce the risk of fire or personal injury, use only the battery listed in the 

User’s Guide.

•  Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
•   Remove batteries if storing over 30 days.

General Product Care

To keep your telephone working and looking good, follow these guidelines:
•  Avoid putting the phone 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 the unit and 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 the phone at a later date.
•  Periodically clean the charge contacts on the handset and base with a soft cloth.

Handset Sound Signals

 

Signal 

Meaning

  A long warbling tone (with ringer on) 

Signals an incoming call

  Three short beeps (several times) 

Page signal

  Single beep every 7 seconds 

Low battery warning

Display and Caller ID Messages

The following indicators show the status of a message or of the unit.

ANSWERER REMOTE

 

Indicates the answering machine is being accessed 

remotely.

BLOCKED CALL

 

The person is calling from a number that has been 

blocked from transmission.

BLOCKED NAME

 

The persons name is blocked from transmission.

BLOCKED NUMBER

 

The person is calling from a number that has been 

blocked from transmission.

CALL WAITING

 

Indicates a call is waiting on the line.

DELETE ALL?

 

Prompt asking if you want to erase all Caller ID 

records.

DELETE CALL ID?

 

Prompt asking if you want to erase a Caller ID record.

DELETED

 

Prompt confirming the Caller ID record is erased. 

EMPTY

 

Indicates a memory location is vacant. 

END OF LIST

 

Indicates that there is no additional information in 

Caller ID memory.

ENTER NAME

 

Prompt telling you to enter the name for one of the 10 

memory locations.

ENTER TEL NUMBR

 

Prompt telling you to enter the telephone  number for 

one of the 10 memory locations.

INCOMPLETE DATA

 

Caller information has been interrupted during 

transmission or the telephone line is excessively noisy.

LOW BATTERY

  

Indicates the battery needs to be charged. 

NEW

 

Indicates call or calls have not been reviewed.

NO CALLS

 

Indicates no calls have been received.

NO DATA

 

No Caller ID information was received.

PAGING

 

The PAGE button has been pressed on the base.

PRESS TALK KEY

 

Indicates the CID number is a Direct Dial Number 

(DDN) and cannot be formatted.

REPT

 

Repeat call message. Indicates that a new call from 

the same number was received more than once.

UNKNOWN NAME/

 

The incoming call is from an area not serviced by

CALLER/NUMBER

 

Caller ID or the information was not sent.

Answering System Display Messages

The following indicators show the status of the answering machine.

- -

 

Answerer off. 

 

0-59

 

Total number of messages.

An (blinking)

 

Currently answering a call.

CL (blinking)

 

The voice time/day stamp needs set.

F (blinking)

 

Memory is full.

LA (Line Access)

 

External line remote answerer.

Six bars (blinking)

 

Recording a memo or announcement.

Troubleshooting Guide
Cordless Phone Solutions

No dial tone
•  Check installation:
  Make sure the base power cord is connected to a working electrical outlet.
  Make sure the telephone line cord is connected to the base unit and the wall 

phone jack.

•  Connect another phone to the same modular jack; if the second phone doesn’t 

work, the problem might be with your wiring or local service.

•  The handset may be out of range of the base. Move closer to the base.
•  Make sure the battery is properly charged (for 16 hours).
•  Ensure the battery pack is installed correctly. 
•  Did the handset beep when you pressed the TALK/call back  button? Did the 

charge/in use indicator come on? The battery may need to be charged.

•  Place the handset in the base for at least 20 seconds.

Handset does not ring 
•  Make sure the RINGER switch on the handset is turned ON.
•  Move closer to the base. The handset may be out of range.
•  You may have too many extension phones on your line. Try unplugging some 

phones.

•  Check for a dial tone. 

You experience static, noise, or fading in and out  
•  Change channels.  
•  Move closer to base. The handset might be out of range.
•  Relocate the base. Make sure base is not plugged into an electrical outlet with 

another household appliance.

•  Charge the battery.

Unit beeps 
•  Place handset in base for 20 seconds; if it still beeps, charge battery for 16 

hours.

•  Clean the charging contacts on handset and base with a soft cloth.
•  See solutions for “No dial tone.”
•  Replace the battery.

Memory Dialing doesn’t work 
•  Make sure you programmed the memory location keys correctly.
•  Did you follow proper dialing sequence? 

Phone dials in pulse with tone service 
•  Make sure phone is in tone dialing mode.

Phone won’t dial out  with pulse service 
•  Make sure phone is in pulse dialing mode.

Caller ID Solutions

No Display
•  The battery must be fully charged. Try replacing the battery.
•  Make sure that the unit is connected to a non-switched electrical outlet. 

Disconnect the unit from the wall and plug it in again. 

•  You must be subscribed to Caller ID service from your local telephone company 

in order to receive Caller ID records.

Caller ID Error Message  
•  The unit displays this message if it detects anything other than valid Caller ID 

information during the silent period after the first ring. This message indicates 

either the presence of noise on the line, or that an invalid message has been 

sent from the telephone company. 

Answering System Solutions

Can’t hear messages, beep, etc. 
•  Adjust the speaker volume.

Time/Day setting stuck at 12 a.m Mon. 
•  Set the time clock.

Answers on 10th ring 
•  Make sure answering system is turned on.
•  The phone’s memory may be full.

Incoming messages are incomplete 
•  Was an extension phone picked up?
•  The phone’s memory is full.
•  You accidentally pressed the play/stop button during playback and stopped the 

message.

Won’t respond to remote commands 
•  You must use a tone-dial phone for remote access.
•  You must enter the correct security code.
•  Did the unit hang up? If you take no action for a period of time, the system 

automatically hangs up.

Causes of Poor Reception

•  Aluminum siding.
•  Foil backing on insulation.
•  Heating ducts and other metal construction that can shield radio signals.
•  You’re too close to appliances such as microwaves, stoves, computers, etc.
•  Atmospheric conditions, such as strong storms.
•  Base is installed in the basement or lower floor of the house.
•  Base is plugged into AC outlet with other electronic devices.
•  Baby monitor is using the same frequency.
•  Handset battery is low.
•  You’re out of range of the base.
•  Microwave oven is using the same frequency.

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 ATLINKS USA, 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: 

ATLINKS USA, Inc. 

Manager, Consumer Relations 

P O Box 1976 

Indianapolis, IN 46206

Attach your sales receipt to the guide 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  ______________________________________________________

NOTE: 

The RBRC seal on the battery used in your 

ATLINKS USA, Inc. product indicates that we are 
participating in a program to collect and recycle Nickel 
Cadmium batteries throughout the United States. 
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information or contact 
your local recycling center.

Accessory Information

To place order, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card ready
and call toll-free

 

1-800-338-0376

.

A shipping and handling fee will be charged upon ordering.

We are required by law to collect appropriate sales tax for each individual state, country,

and locality to which the merchandise is being sent. Items are subject to availability.

DESCRIPTION 

MODEL NO.

 

BLACK 

WHITE

AC Power converter 

5-2512 

5-2618 (gray)

Belt Clip 

5-2657 

5-2657

Headset 

5-2425 

5-2444

Handset Replacement Battery 

5-2459

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:

 

ATLINKS USA, Inc. 

 

c/o 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. ATLINKS 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 ATLINKS USA, 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.  ATLINKS USA, 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.

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