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Thank you for selecting the UA-50 Universal Handset/Headset 
Telephone Amplifier. This unique amplifier is compatible with 
virtually any modular connected phone system.   UA-50 is the 
only product of its kind that amplifies sounds for both handset and 
headset.  It enhances the clarity and increases incoming volume 
(up to 170 times) for louder and clearer conversations.  UA-50 
comes with these items:

1.  Install a 9-volt battery (Not Included).  Connect telephone handset and 

headset (optional) to UA-50 as shown.  Use only the provided “short cord” 
to connect UA-50 to the phone base.  (Note:  Ignore the ON / OFF indicator 
while doing any switch setting.  It is irrelevant at this time.) For your safety, 
always disconnect UA-50 from the phone base before replacing its battery.  
Use a coin to ply open the battery door.

1.  Press the Headset button on UA-50, the Headset indicator should now 

be ON.  You should now be able to hear the other party on the headset.  
Place the handset on the table or desk so it remains off-hook while the 
headset is being used.  

2.  Make sure the other party can also hear you.  If not, turn over the UA-50 

and move the Headset Mic (microphone) switch from Position 1 to 2 or 
vice-versa. 

 Record this position for future reference.

3.  To go back to the handset mode, simply press the Headset button again, 

the Headset indicator should now be Off.

4.  The ON / OFF indicator light should be on while you are talking.  It will go 

off in 8-15 seconds after going on-hook (or if there is no sound / voice for 
15 seconds).

5.  Return the handset back to its cradle to end the call

6.  Please install the 9-volt DC power adapter now.  Plug the adapter to the 

wall outlet.  Connect its output plug to the DC jack on the rear of the unit.

7.  DC adapter now provides normal operating power while the installed bat-

tery provides backup power.  The battery should be changed once every 
two years or sooner if you notice the ON / OFF indicator failed to come 
on during a power outage.

4.  While talking on the phone, verify you can vary the handset volume by 

rotating the volume control on the amplifier.  (Caution:  Lower the volume 
control if you notice there is squeal sound in the handset).

5.  While on the phone, try different Tone control settings to find the one with 

the best incoming sound clarity.  Lower the volume if you notice a squeal-
ing sound in the handset.  Keep this setting for all future calls. You do not 
need to change this tone setting again.  

Record this tone setting for future 

reference.

6.  Press and hold the BOOST button down.  Verify the incoming voice 

becomes louder and the BOOST LED is on.  You must release this button 
when talking because your voice is muted if this button is held down.

7.  The ON / OFF indicator light should be on while you are talking.  It will go off 

in 8-15 seconds after going on-hook (or no sound / voice for 15 seconds).

2.  Set Volume control to its mid-point.  Set Tone Control Switch to Position 2.  Set 

Headset Mic switch (on the bottom) to Position 1.  Make sure Headset button 
is up and Headset LED indicator is OFF.

3.  Setting the Compatibility Switch:  There are 7 positions on this switch.  Posi-

tions 1 to 6 are for compatibility setting use.  Position 7 is a “by-pass” position 
and is not for normal setting use.  Position 7 offers no amplification and should 
only be used in case of emergency when there is a total power outage. 

Specifications:

Installation & Operation:

Headset Function

Feature Identification:

1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Volume Control

Headset LED
Headset Button (up position)

Headset Mic switch

Volume Control

Headset LED
Headset Button (up position)

Headset Mic switch

Headset LED

Press to release Headset 

button to go back to the 

Handset mode

On-Off Indicator

Tone Control

Jack for optional DC adapter

To Phone base

On-Off Indicator

Boost LED

Boost button

A.  Set Compatibility switch to Position 1 (Note:  This is the most popular setting and is used 

by most phones.  Ignore ON / OFF indicator status while setting this switch.  It is not 

relevant at this time.)

B.  Lift up the handset and verify you can hear a clear dial tone. 

C.  If there is no clear dial tone, hang up the handset and move the Compatibility switch to 

the next position and repeat Step B.

D.  If you do get a clear dial tone, verify the dial tone loudness can be changed by rotating 

the volume control.  If there is change in dial tone loudness, go to Step F.

E.  If the dial tone loudness can not be changed by rotating the volume control, hang-up the 

handset and move the Compatibility switch over to the next position.  Repeat Step B.

F.  Use the telephone keypad to make a call and verify you can hear each other.

G.  If you can hear each other, then the present Compatibility switch setting is the correct 

one and you are done.  

Record this switch setting for future reference.

  Go to Step 4.

H.  If not, try the next Compatibility switch position until you can hear each other clearly.  

(Note:  Feel free to experiment with any switching setting.)

Questions?

1.  ON / OFF indicator never comes ON:  Replace the battery and check the 

DC power adapter connection.

2.  Can not hear dial tone or can not hear each other on handset:  Make 

sure the Headset indicator is not ON.  Make sure the compatibility switch 

did not get changed by accident.  If necessary, repeat A to D of Step 3 

above.

3.  Can not hear each other on headset:  Make sure the Headset indicator 

is ON.  Make sure the Headset Mic switch is set correctly.  (See Step 2 

under Headset Function).

4.  There is a loud squeal in my handset / Headset:  The volume or tone is 

set too high, lower volume or tone setting to stop squeal.

Warranty Service Information:

UA-50 comes with one-year limited warranty. We warrant during this warranty period, 
from the date of purchase, to the original consumer, UA-50 to be free from defects in 
materials and workmanship under intended home use. In the event that UA-50 fails to 
function properly within one year of original purchase due to defects in materials or 
workmanship, return the unit (freight prepaid) with proof of purchase (sales receipt or 
packing slip, no exceptions) to Serene Innovations. Serene Innovations will either repair 
or replace the unit (with a refurbished unit or unit of equal condition) and return it to you 
(using UPS/USPS ground shipping) at no cost to you if the unit is returned within 30 
days of purchase. If the unit is returned after 30days of purchase but within the warranty 
period, there will be a warranty handling charge of $9.95 for each return.

This warranty does not apply to any product that has been accidentally damaged, 
abused, misused or negligent, used on electrical frequency or voltage other than marked 
on product and/or described in manual. Defects or errors caused by unauthorized altera-
tions, repairs, and/or tampering are also not covered by this warranty.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other legal rights 
that vary from states to states.

If a defect covered by this warranty should occur, promptly contact a Customer Care 
Representative by phone or log onto www.sereneinnovations.com to obtain a Return 
Authorization Number (RAN) and shipping instructions before shipping the product to 
us. Any shipment without a RAN will not be accepted and will be returned to you at your 
expense. Any authorized returned product must be accompanied with proof of purchase 
and a brief explanation of the problem.
For out of warranty repaired and service, please contact our Customer Care Department 
for directions.

Power source

 9 volt alkaline battery (Not 

Included)

Battery consumption

10 ma typical; automatic shut-off if 

there is no voice for more than 15 

seconds

Battery life

 6-12 months depending on usage

Amplification without Boost

30 dB

Amplification with Boost

45 dB

Auto shut off time (to save 

battery)

8-15 seconds if no sound or voice

Compatibility switch

(6 positions) +  a “by-pass” position

Indicators

ON / OFF, and BOOST

Controls

Volume, BOOST, Headset, Headset 

Mic, Tone Control, and Compatibility

DC adapter

9 vdc. 200 ma

Operating temperature

0 to 45 degree C

Storage temperature

 -20 to 50 degree C

UA-50

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING – When using telephone equipment or electric appliances, basic 

precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electrical 

shock and injury to persons, including the following:

1.  Read all the instructions before using the appliance.

2.  To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when an appli-

ance is used near children.

3.  Do not contact moving parts or any exposed metal surface.

4.  Only use attachments recommended or sold by the manufacturer.

5.  Do not use outdoors.  Do not use near water, for example, near a bath 

tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a 

swimming pool.

6.  To disconnect, turn all controls to the off position, then remove plug from 

outlet.

7.  Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

8.  Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing or cleaning.

9.  Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the 

appliance malfunctions or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Return 

appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, 

or electrical or mechanical adjustment.

10. Use only the power cord and batteries indicated in the manual.  Do not 

dispose of batteries in fire.  They may explode.  Check local codes for 

possible special disposal instructions.

11. Plug any power adapter to the socket-outlet that near the equipment and 

should be easily accessible.

12. Avoid using any telephone product during an electrical storm.  There may 

be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

13. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

“SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS”

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC Rules.

  On the equipment is a label that contains, among other 

information, the FCC registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN) for this equipment.  If requested; this information 

must be provided to your telephone company.

This equipment uses the following Universal Service Order Codes (“USOC”) jacks:  RJ-11.  Connection to the telephone network 

should be made by using standard modular telephone jack type RJ11.  

The REN is useful to determine the quantity of devices you may connect to your telephone line and still have all of those 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 five (5.0).  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 to determine the maximum REN for your calling area.  

If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may discontinue your service tempo-

rarily.  If possible, they will notify you in advance.  But if advance notice is not practical, you will be notified as soon as possible.   

You will be informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC.  

Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures that could affect the proper 

functioning of your equipment.  If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted 

telephone service.  

In the event this equipment should fail to operate properly, disconnect the unit from the telephone line.  Try using another FCC ap-

proved telephone in the same telephone jack.  If the trouble persists, call the telephone company repair service bureau.  

If the trouble does not persist and appears to be with this unit, disconnect the unit from the telephone line and discontinue use of 

the unit until it is repaired.  For repair or warranty information, please contact Serene Innovations, Inc.  at  562- 407 5400.   Please 

note that the telephone company may ask that you disconnect this equipment from the telephone network until the problem has 

been corrected or until you’re sure that the equipment is not malfunctioning.  

There are no user serviceable parts in this equipment.

This equipment may not be used on coin service provided by the telephone company.  Connection to party lines is subject to state 

tariffs.  Contact the state public utility commission, public service commission for information.

If your home has specialty wired alarm equipment connected to the telephone line, ensure the installation of this equipment 

does not disable your alarm equipment.   If you have questions about what will disable alarm equipment, consult your telephone 

company or a qualified installer.

Modification: 

Any modification not expressly approved by the manufacturer of this device could void the user’s authority to 

operate the device.

NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment.  This certification means that the equipment meets telecommu-

nications network protective, operational and safety requirements as prescribed in the appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical 

Requirements document(s).  The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecom-

munications company.  The equipment must also 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 coordinated by a representative 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 system, 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 inspections 

authority, or electrician, as appropriate.  The REN for this amplified telephone as stated on the IC regulatory label located on the 

bottom of the product is REN # 0.9B 

NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number 

of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface.  The termination on an interface may consist of any combination of 

devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5.

 

Serene Innovations, Inc.         13421 Pumice Street           

Norwalk, CA 90650           Tel:  562 407-541

Headset Compatibility:

UA-50 is compatible with the following brands of headset:

1.  Plantronics:  H31N, H41N, H61N, H171N, H81N, H91N, H101N, H141N, H251N, 

H261N,

2.  Hello Direct or GN Netcom:  GN2110-ST, GN 2220 (All direct connect headset with 

smart cord)

3.  ACS:  OM (Orator) and ST (Stratus Ultra)

4.  UNEX:  F-100 and OPT-2N

Rotary Volume Control

1. 

ON / OFF Indicator

2. 

Compatibility Switch

3. 

Tone Control Switch

4. 

Headset Mic Switch

5. 

Handset Jack

6. 

Headset Jack

7. 

Boost Button with Indicator

8. 

Headset Button with Indicator

9. 

Jack to phone

10. 

Jack for DC adapter

11. 

Battery cover

12. 

T E L E P H O N E

H a n d s e t / H e a d s e t

A m p l i f i e r

9-vdc adapter

Short Cord

Tone Control

Folding line

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