background image

Handset

Belt

clip

Handset 

battery pack

Battery 

compartment 

cover

Charge 

Cradle

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.

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 Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery model 5-2721, 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.

Naming the Handset

1.  Make sure your phone is 

OFF

 (not in TALK mode).

2.  Press the 

MENU

 (SKL) to go to the main menu.

3.  Use the 

5

 or 

6

 buttons to scroll to 

HANDSET NAME

.

4.  Press the 

SELECT

 (SKL) to enter the menu.

5.  Use the touch-tone pad to enter a name (up to 12 characters).

NOTE: If you make a mistake, press the DELETE (SKL) to backspace and delete one 

character at a time.

6.  Press the 

DONE

 (SKL) to save.

Global De-registration

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 

INTERCOM/PAGE

 button on the base until the charge/in use indicator on the base 

flashes.

2.  Press and hold the 

INTERCOM/PAGE

 button on the base again until the charge/in use indicator on the 

base flashes rapidly.

3.  Press and release the 

INTERCOM/PAGE

 button on the base once. All handsets are de-registered and 

PLEASE REGISTER

 shows in the display.

Intercom Operation 

(applicable only with additional handsets)

The intercom feature allows you to have a conversation with another registered handset without tying 

up the telephone line, allowing you to still receive incoming calls.

Making an Intercom Call

1.  Make sure the handset is 

OFF 

(not in TALK mode).

2.  Press the 

int

 button on the handset.

3.  The screen displays a list of registered handsets. Use the 

5

 or 

6

 button to scroll to the desired handset 

or base you wish to page.

4.  Press the 

SELECT

 (SKL). 

NOTE: To cancel page, press the int button again or the END/CANCEL button on the 

sending handset.

5.  Wait for the person at the receiving unit to press the 

OK

 (SKL) or the 

int

 button.

NOTE: If the receiving unit does not answer within two minutes, the intercom call is 

automatically canceled. The originating handset displays 

NO ANSWER

.

6. When finished, press the 

END/CANCEL

 button or 

int

 button on either handset or unit to deactivate the 

intercom.

NOTE: The system is expandable up to 6 handsets (by purchase of optional Model 

28166 handset with recharge cradle). When 4 handsets are registered, the system 

can handle 2 separate intercom operations at once, for example, 1st handset 

intercoms with 2nd handset while 3rd handset intercoms with 4th handset.

Receiving an Intercom Call

When you receive an intercom call, your handset beeps. To answer the call press the 

int

 button or the 

OK

 

(SKL).

Advanced Intercom Features

Receiving an Incoming Call During an Intercom Call

If you receive a telephone call during an intercom call, both handsets or base will emit an alert tone and 

remain in intercom mode. Either handset or base user may press the 

LINE 1

LINE 2

 or the 

handsfree

 

button to answer the call.

Using Intercom with External Telephone Calls

During a telephone call, you may use the intercom/paging function to;
• page another handset or base and have an off line, private (two-way) intercom conversation,
• have a three-way conversation between the external caller and the handsets or base,
• transfer the external telephone call to another handset or base.

1.  During an external call, press the 

int

 button to put the external line on hold.

2.  A list of registered handsets and base shows on the display. Use the 

5

 or 

6

 button to scroll to the 

desired handset or base you want to page.

3.  Press 

SELECT

 (SKL) to page.

4.  The receiving handset or base is paged.
5.  Press the 

int

 button on the receiving handset or base to answer the intercom call.

6.  When the receiving handset connects;

a) You may have an off line, private (two-way) intercom conversation, the external caller will not hear 

the conversation.

b) Press the 

UNHOLD

 (SKL) on the originating handset to have a three-way conversation with the 

receiving handset and the external caller. The screen on the originating and receiving unit displays 

CONFERENCE

.

NOTE: A handset can enter conference mode directly by pressing LINE 1

LINE 2

 

button on the second handset during a call.

7.  When finished, press the 

END/CANCEL

 button or 

int

 button to end the intercom call, return to the talk 

mode, and resume your original telephone conversation, or press the 

END/ CANCEL

 button on the 

originating handset or base to transfer the call to the second handset and then end the call on the 
originating handset.

NOTE: If the receiving handset does not answer within 30 seconds, the originating 

handset rings back and displays 

CALLBACK

. If the originating handset does not 

answer within 20 seconds, the call is automatically dropped.

Three-way Conference between a Handset or Base and 

External Calls on the Line 1 and Line 2

1. During an external call on either Line 1 or Line 2, press the 

HOLD

 (SKL) to put the call on hold.

2. If the originating line is Line 1, press the 

LINE 2

 button. Line 1 icon flashes and Line 2 icon repeatedly 

flashes in the display. 

3. Press the 

CONF

 (SKL) to conference with the external call.

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 

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)

 battery listed 

in the User’s Guide.

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

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.
If you have purchased an extra handset apart from your original purchased unit you 

may find a detailed description of its functions in the User’s Guide provided with 

your original purchased unit. 
If you have purchased an extra handset that is not of the same type as your 

original handset you may still use the original User’s Guide to help explain the new 

handsets basic functions and options.  

Parts Checklist 

Make sure your package includes the items shown here.

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 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

• Insure your shipment for loss or damage. Thomson Inc. accepts no liability in case of damage or loss.
• A new 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 register your product on-line at www.ge.com/phones. You may also complete and mail the 

Product Registration Card if one was received with your unit. Product Registration will make it easier 

to contact you should it ever be necessary.  Registration 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.

NOTE: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your Thomson Inc. product 
indicates that we are participating in a program to collect and recycle the 
rechargeable battery (or batteries). 
For more information go to the RBRC web site at www.rbrc.org 
or call 1-800-8-BATTERY or contact a local recycling center.

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 your 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.

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.

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

This telephone system meets FCC standards for Hearing Aid Compatibility.

Licensing

Licensed under US Patent 6,427,009.

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.
For body worn operation, this phone has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with 

the belt clip supplied with this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure 

guidelines.

Information for DECT Product

This telephone is compliant with the DECT 6.0 standard which operates in the 1.92GHz to 1.93GHz 

frequency range.  

4.  Insert the battery pack.
5.  Close the battery compartment by pushing the door up until it snaps into place.
6.  Place the handset in the base  to charge.

Extra Charging Cradle

1.  Plug the AC power converter of the extra charging cradle into the electrical outlet.

NOTE: This power adaptor is intended to be correctly orientated in a vertical or 

floor mount position.

2.  Place the handset in the extra charging cradle. The charge indicator turns on, verifying the battery is 

charging. 

3.  Allow the phone to charge for 16 hours prior to first use.

Registration

YOU MUST REGISTER THE HANDSET TO THE MAIN BASE BEFORE USE!

After the optional handset has charged for 16 hours on the extra charger, the screen displays 

PLEASE 

REGISTER

.

1.  Make sure your phone is 

OFF

 (not in TALK mode).

2.  Press the 

MENU

 (SKR) to go to the main menu.

3.  Use the 

5

 or 

6

 buttons to scroll to 

REGISTRATION

.

4.  Press the 

SELECT

 (SKL) to confirm. The screen displays, 

PRESS INTERCOM ON BASE FOR 5S THEN 

PRESS OK

.

5.  Press and hold the 

INTERCOM/PAGE

 button on base unit until the charge/in use indicator flashes, then 

press handset 

OK 

(SKL). The screen displays, 

PLEASE WAIT, REGISTING

. The handset screen displays, 

HANDSET X REGISTERED

, where 

X

 is the handset number. You will hear a confirmation tone.

If handset displays 

PLEASE REGISTER

, press the 

OK

 (SKL) on the handset and repeat step 5 above

Model 28166 

DECT 6.0 Two-Line 

Cordless Handset 

quick Set-Up Guide

for use with Model 28165

Model 28166

00028056 (DOM E)

08-30

Printed in China

visit the GE website at:  www.GE.com/phones

Thomson Inc.

101 West 103rd Street

Indianapolis, IN 46290-1102

© 2008 Thomson Inc. 

Trademark(s) ® Registered

Marca(s) Registrada(s)

Warranty Assistance

If trouble is experienced with this equipment, for 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 require that you disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved.
Any unauthorized repairs, 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 a replacement unit, 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 this 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

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