Digital Answering System
TAD 3809
We have designed your Telephone Answering Device (TAD) to
conform to federal regulations, and you can connect it to most
telephone lines. However, each device, such as a telephone or
answering machine, that you connect to the telephone line
draws power from the telephone line. We refer to this power
draw as the device's ringer equivalence number, or REN. The
REN is on the bottom of your TAD.
If you use more than one phone or other device on the line, add
up all of the RENs. If the total is more than five (three in rural ar-
eas), your telephones might not ring. If ringer operation is im-
paired, remove a device from the line.
FCC STATEMENT
Your TAD complies with Part 68 of FCC Rules. You must, upon
request, provide the FCC registration number and the REN to
your telephone company. Both numbers are on the bottom of
the TAD.
Note:
You must not connect your TAD to:
• coin-operated systems
• party-line systems
• most electronic key telephone systems
3
Read This Before Installation
THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW
In the unlikely event that your phone causes problems on the
phone line, the phone company can temporarily discontinue
your service. If this happens, the phone company attempts to
notify you in advance. If advance notice is not practical, the
phone company notifies you as soon as possible and advises
you of your right to file a complaint with the FCC.
Also, the phone company can make changes to its lines, equip-
ment, operations, or procedures that could affect the operation
of this telephone. The telephone company notifies you of these
changes in advance, so you can take the necessary steps to
prevent interruption of your telephone service.
LIGHTNING
Your telephone has built-in protection circuits to reduce the risk
of damage from surges in telephone line and power line current.
These protection circuits meet or exceed the FCC require-
ments. However, lightning striking the telephone or power lines
can damage your telephone.
Lightning damage is not common. Nevertheless, if you live in an
area that has severe electrical storms, we suggest that you un-
plug your phone when storms approach to reduce the possibility
of damage.
4
Read This Before Installation
ˆ Contents
Features ................................................................................. 6
Installation ............................................................................. 7
Choosing a Location ........................................................... 7
Installing the Backup Battery .............................................. 8
Connecting the TAD ........................................................... 9
Preparation .......................................................................... 10
Setting the Day and Time ................................................. 10
Recording an Outgoing Message ..................................... 11
Setting the Number of Rings ............................................ 13
Setting the TAD to Answer Calls ...................................... 13
Operation ............................................................................. 14
Recording Incoming Messages ........................................ 14
Screening Calls ................................................................ 14
Playing Messages ............................................................ 14
Repeating Messages ................................................... 15
Skipping Messages ...................................................... 15
Pausing Message Playback ......................................... 16
Stopping Message Playback ........................................ 16
Erasing Messages ............................................................ 16
Recording a Memo ........................................................... 17
Remote Operation ............................................................ 17
Changing the Remote Operation Security Code .......... 18
Remote Answer-On ...................................................... 19
Using Remote Commands ........................................... 20
Remote Commands ..................................................... 21
Troubleshooting .................................................................. 22
Care .................................................................................. 23
5
Contents
ˆ Features
Your RadioShack Digital Answering System TAD 3809 stores
all your messages on a computer chip — there are no tape
mechanisms to wear out and no tapes to bother with. This gives
you capabilities not available in tape-based answering ma-
chines. For example, you can delete individual messages with-
out listening to every one.
The TAD’s 16-minute memory capacity lets you store more
messages than many other TADs (telephone answering devic-
es). Its unique, space-saving design makes it ideal for home or
office use. Your TAD’s remote control features let you retrieve
messages using almost any touch-tone phone. With an optional
pocket tone-dialer, you can even use it from a rotary phone.
Your TAD’s features include:
Day/Time Voice Stamp
— announces the day and time when
each message was recorded.
Selectable 3-Digit Remote Operation Security Code
— helps
prevent unauthorized remote operation.
Phone Pick-Up Detection
— the TAD automatically stops if
you answer a call after the TAD answers.
Memo Recording
— lets you leave memos for your family,
roommate, or co-workers as messages on the TAD.
Memory Backup
— protects messages stored in memory in
case of a power failure.
6
Features
Toll Saver
— gives you time to hang up before the TAD an-
swers to avoid charges when you call by long-distance to check
your messages.
Room Monitor
— lets you listen from a remote phone to the
room where your TAD is located.
Digital Outgoing Message
— gives you a clear outgoing mes-
sage up to 60 seconds long.
To take advantage of all the TAD’s features, we recommend
that you read this manual completely before you use the TAD.
ˆ Installation
CHOOSING A LOCATION
Select a location that is near a modular telephone jack and an
easily accessible AC outlet.
Notes:
• Your TAD connects directly to a modular telephone line
jack. If your telephone wiring does not have a modular jack,
you can update the wiring yourself using jacks and adapt-
ers (available at your local RadioShack store), or have the
telephone company update the wiring for you. You must
use compatible modular jacks that are compliant with Part
68 of FCC Rules.
• The USOC number of the jack to be installed is RJ11C.
7
Installation
INSTALLING THE BACKUP BATTERY
The TAD requires AC power to operate. If AC power fails, or
you unplug the TAD, a 9-volt battery (not supplied) provides
backup power so the TAD can maintain the correct time and
memory information. For the best performance and longest life,
we recommend a RadioShack alkaline battery.
Caution:
Use only a fresh battery of the required size and rec-
ommended type.
Follow these steps to install the battery.
1. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to unlatch the battery compart-
ment cover, then lift off the cover.
2. Insert the battery pack into the battery compartment as
indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside.
3. Replace the cover and press down on the latch to secure it.
When /R and the two-digit number of calls in memory alternate-
ly flash on the display, replace the battery. When you replace
the battery, be sure the TAD is connected to AC power so you
do not lose any stored information.
Warning:
Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do
not burn or bury them.
Caution:
Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can
leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
8
Installation
CONNECTING THE TAD
Follow these steps to connect your TAD to the telephone line
and phone.
TO LINE Jack
TO PHONE Jack
Supplied
Modular
Cord
Telephone Wall Jack
AC 9V 440 mA Jack
Telephone’s Modular Cord
1. Unplug the telephone’s modular cord from its line jack and
TO LINE
plug it into the
jack on the bottom of the TAD.
TO
2. Plug one end of the supplied modular cord into the
PHONE
jack on the bottom of the TAD.
3. Plug the cord’s other end into the phone’s modular line
jack.
AC 9V
4. Insert the supplied AC adapter’s barrel plug into the
440 mA
jack on the bottom of the TAD.
9
Installation
Cautions:
You must use a Class 2 power source that sup-
plies 9V AC and delivers at least 440 mA. Its plug
!
AC 9V 440 mA
must fit the TAD's
jack. The sup-
plied adapter meets these specifications. Using an adapter
that does not meet these specifications could damage the
TAD or the adapter.
• Always connect the AC adapter to the TAD before you con-
nect it to AC power. When you finish, disconnect the
adapter from AC power before you disconnect it from the
TAD.
Note:
When you first connect power, 0#0 flashes on the display,
then the TAD runs a self-test. You cannot operate the TAD dur-
ing this test. When the test is complete, the TAD beeps once,
then displays 33.
ˆ Preparation
SETTING THE DAY AND TIME
To avoid having to reset the time if AC power is lost, we recom-
mend you install a battery before you set the day and time (see
“Installing the Backup Battery” on Page 8).
Note:
If you pause for more than 8 seconds during setup, the
TAD sounds a three-tone beep and stops setting the day and
time. If this happens, start over at Step 1.
10
Preparation
SET
1. Hold down
until the TAD beeps. The TAD announces,
“Sunday,” and 34 appears.
Note:
VOLUME
on the right side of the
If necessary, slide
TAD to the desired listening level.
CODE/
2. To change the day of the week, repeatedly press
REPEAT
MEMO/SKIP
to move forward
to move backward or
until the TAD announces the desired day of the week.
PLAY/STOP
3. Press
. The TAD beeps once, then displays the
current set hour and announces either “AM” or “PM.”
SKIP/MEMO
CODE/REPEAT
until the
4. Repeatedly press
or
TAD displays the desired hour.
Note:
The TAD changes the AM/PM setting each time it
reaches 45.
PLAY/STOP
5. Press
. The TAD beeps once to confirm the hour
setting.
CODE/REPEAT
6. To change the minutes, repeatedly press
or
SKIP/MEMO
until the desired minute appears.
PLAY/STOP
7. Press
to confirm the settings. The TAD beeps
and announces the day and time.
Note:
SET
.
To check the current day and time at any time, press
RECORDING AN OUTGOING MESSAGE
Before you can set the TAD to answer calls, you must record
the outgoing message (OGM) the caller hears when the TAD
11
Preparation
answers a call. The maximum outgoing message length is 60
seconds.
Follow these steps to record the OGM.
ANNOUNCE
1. Hold down
. The TAD beeps, and 93 appears.
Note:
When the memory is full, )/ appears and the TAD
announces, “Memory is full.” You cannot record the outgo-
ing message. Delete old messages to make room in mem-
ory (see “Erasing Messages” on Page 16).
2. Speak your message in a normal voice about 8 inches (20
cm) from the front of the TAD. The display counts down the
seconds as you record.
Hint:
Do not tell callers that you are not home. Instead, say
that you cannot come to the phone right now.
ANNOUNCE
3. When you finish recording, release
. The TAD
beeps and repeats the outgoing message so you can verify
it.
Notes:
• To play the outgoing message at any time, press
ANNOUNCE
. If no outgoing message is recorded, the TAD
says “No announcement.”
• To record a new message, begin again from Step 1.
12
Preparation
SETTING THE NUMBER OF RINGS
4/7/TS
The ring select switch (
) controls how long the TAD waits
before it answers a call. Slide the switch to the appropriate posi-
tion.
4
7
— The TAD answers after four rings.
— The TAD answers after seven rings.
TS (Toll Saver)
— If there are new messages, the TAD an-
swers after two rings. If there are no new messages, the TAD
waits for four rings before answering. This gives you time to
hang up before the TAD answers so you can avoid unneces-
sary long-distance charges when you call in to check your mes-
sages from a remote location.
SETTING THE TAD TO ANSWER CALLS
ANSWER
To set the TAD to answer calls, press
.
If an outgoing message is recorded, the TAD announces, “An-
swer on,” and the display’s indicator lights.
If no outgoing message is recorded, the TAD says, “Answer off,
no announcement.” You must record a message (see “Record-
ing an Outgoing Message” on Page 11).
ANSWER
To have the TAD not answer calls, press
again. The
TAD says “Answer off,” and the display’s indicator turns off.
13
Preparation
ˆ Operation
RECORDING INCOMING MESSAGES
The TAD can record an incoming message of up to 180 sec-
onds. If a recording reaches 175 seconds, the TAD beeps once
to notify the caller that time will be up soon. If the incoming mes-
sage reaches 180 seconds, the TAD beeps three times, then
disconnects.
The TAD automatically stops and hangs up if the caller is silent
more than 8 seconds.
SCREENING CALLS
CALL SCREEN ON/OFF
ON
to screen calls and listen as
Set
to
callers leave messages. If you want to speak to a caller, pick up
any phone on the same line and begin speaking. The TAD de-
tects when you pick up the phone and automatically resets to
answer the next call.
CALL
If you do not want to listen as callers leave messages, set
SCREEN ON/OFF
OFF
.
to
Note:
If you pick up the phone exactly when the TAD answers,
PLAY/STOP
you might need to press
to stop the TAD.
PLAYING MESSAGES
The message counter shows the total number of messages,
both old (ones you have listened to and saved) and new. If
14
Operation
there are new messages, the display’s indicator flashes until all
the new messages have played.
To play all the messages, press PLAY/STOP.
To play only the new messages, hold down PLAY/STOP. The
TAD announces the number of messages.
Note:
PLAY/STOP
when there are no new mes-
If you hold down
sages stored, the TAD says, “No new message.”
Before playing each message, the TAD announces the mes-
sage number and the day and time it was recorded. After all
messages play, the TAD says, “End of message(s)” and saves
all the messages.
Repeating Messages
RE-
To review a message while you are listening to it, press
PEAT
. The current message plays from the beginning.
CODE/REPEAT
To hear the previous message again, hold down
until that message’s number appears. The TAD plays the mes-
sage.
Skipping Messages
To skip to the next message while you are listening to a mes-
SKIP/MEMO
sage, press
plays.
once. The next recorded message
15
Operation
Pausing Message Playback
PLAY/STOP
To pause while listening to messages, press
pears. Wait at least 2 seconds, then press
resume playing messages.
. 3$ ap-
PLAY/STOP
again to
Note:
If you do not resume playing messages within 60 sec-
onds, the TAD sounds three beeps, the total number of mes-
sages appears, and the TAD stops playback.
Stopping Message Playback
PLAY/STOP
To stop playing messages, press
twice within 2 sec-
onds. The TAD beeps once and stops playback.
ERASING MESSAGES
To delete a specific message, press DELETE once while the
message is playing. The TAD beeps once and immediately
erases the current message, then plays the next message.
To erase all messages, while playback is stopped, hold down
DELETE
. The TAD sounds a long beep and 33 appears.
Note:
If you have only new messages, the TAD announces
DELETE
“New messages” when you hold down
. The TAD does
not erase messages that have not been played, but it does
erase any messages you have played.
16
Operation
RECORDING A MEMO
A memo is a message you can record on the TAD without hav-
ing to call in on the phone. The maximum memo length is 60
seconds.
Note:
If the TAD’s memory is full ()/ appears), you must erase
some messages before you can record a memo (see “Erasing
Messages” on Page 16).
Follow these steps to record a memo.
SKIP/MEMO
1. Hold down
. The TAD beeps.
SKIP/MEMO
2. While still holding down
, speak into the micro-
phone in a normal voice. The display shows how much
time is left for recording.
SKIP/MEMO
3. Release
when you finish the message. The
TAD beeps once, and the message display number
increases by one.
The memo is recorded along with the incoming messages. To
hear the memo, simply play back your messages.
REMOTE OPERATION
While you are away from your home or office, you can use a
touch-tone phone or a pulse (rotary) phone with a pocket tone-
dialer (available at your local RadioShack store) to enter your
remote operation security code and:
• set the TAD to answer or not answer calls
17
Operation
• listen to your messages
• record a new announcement
• delete messages
• monitor the room where the TAD is located
Note:
You cannot remotely operate the TAD from another
phone on the same line as your TAD.
Changing the Remote Operation Security Code
The TAD’s remote operation security code is preset to 799. Fol-
low these steps to change the code.
CODE/REPEAT
1. Hold down
for about 2 seconds. The TAD
beeps and the first digit of the preset code flashes.
SKIP/MEMO
CODE/REPEAT
2. Press
or
to set the first digit,
PLAY/STOP
then press
. The second digit flashes.
SKIP/MEMO
CODE/REPEAT
3. Press
or
to set the second digit,
PLAY/STOP
then press
. The third digit flashes.
SKIP/MEMO
CODE/REPEAT
4. Press
or
to set the third digit,
PLAY/STOP
then press
. The TAD beeps once and displays
the new security code one number at a time.
CODE/REPEAT
To check the security code, press
. The security
code appears one number at a time.
18
Operation
Notes:
• Be sure to set each digit within 8 seconds of the last. Other-
wise, the TAD exits setup and you must start again from
Step 1.
• We recommend you not use three identical digits (such as
999) for the security code. Such numbers are too easy for
others to guess.
• If AC power fails or if the backup battery becomes weak,
the remote operation security code automatically resets to
799.
Remote Answer-On
1. Dial your phone number.
If the TAD is set to Answer-Off, it answers the call after 10
rings and announces, “Answer off.”
If the TAD is set to Answer-On, it answers according to the
number of rings you set.
2. Within 8 seconds, enter the remote operation security
code. The TAD beeps. (If you do not enter the code within 8
seconds, the TAD disconnects.)
#
3. Press .
If you have not recorded an OGM, the TAD answers the
call after 10 rings and announces, “Answer off, no
announcement.” Record an OGM (see “Using Remote
Commands”).
19
Operation
If you have recorded an OGM, the TAD beeps and
announces, “Answer on.”
Note:
#
Pushing
again (once a message has been
recorded) sets the TAD to Answer-Off.
4. Hang up or enter other remote commands.
Using Remote Commands
Follow these steps to operate the TAD from a touch-tone phone
or a pulse (rotary) phone with a pocket tone dialer.
1. Dial your phone number.
2. When the TAD answers, enter your remote operation secu-
rity code. The TAD beeps once to confirm that you entered
the correct code.
Notes:
• If you do not enter each digit of the security code within
8 seconds, the TAD hangs up.
• Even if the TAD is not set to answer calls, it will answer
after about 10 rings.
3. Enter a remote command (see “Remote Commands” on
Page 21).
4. When you finish, simply hang up.
20
Operation
Remote Commands
Press
To
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
#
Stop playback, recording, and room monitoring.
Play a new outgoing message.
Record a new outgoing message (OGM).
Monitor the room where the TAD is located for 30 seconds.
Play all messages.
Play only new messages.
Delete all played messages.
Set the TAD to answer or not answer calls.
After you press 4 or 5 to play messages, you can:
Press
To
6
7
8
9
0
Delete the current message.
Replay the previous message.
Replay the current message.
Skip forward to the next message.
Stop message play.
21
Operation
ˆ Troubleshooting
We do not expect you to have any problems with your TAD Dig-
ital Answering System, but if you do, the following suggestions
might help.
Problem
Suggestion
The incoming mes-
sage is incomplete.
Be sure the TAD’s memory is not full.
/R flashes on the
message counter.
The backup battery is weak. Replace the bat-
tery (see “Installing the Backup Battery” on
Page 8).
The TAD does not
answer calls.
Make sure the TAD is set to answer calls.
Check all phone line connections.
Make sure the AC adapter is properly con-
nected.
The TAD does not
record callers’ mes- some of your messages.
sages.
Memory may be full ()/ appears). Delete
The TAD does not
respond to the
remote operation
security code.
Make sure the phone you used to dial the TAD
is a touch-tone phone. (If it is not, you can use
a pocket tone dialer to enter the code and
commands.)
Make sure the remote operation security code
you entered is correct. Try entering the default
code of 799. The TAD may have reset to the
default code because of a power failure.
Re-enter your security code, pressing each
button for two seconds.
22
Troubleshooting
CARE
Keep the TAD dry; if it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Use
and store the TAD only in normal temperature environments.
Handle the TAD carefully; do not drop it. Keep the TAD away
from dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally to
keep it looking new.
Modifying or tampering with the
’s internal components can
TAD
cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and void
your FCC authorization to operate it. If your is not perform-
TAD
ing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assis-
tance. If the trouble is affecting the telephone lines, the phone
company can ask you to disconnect your
solved the problem.
until you have re-
TAD
23
Troubleshooting
Limited One-Year Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and
workmanship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from Ra-
dioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES
AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURA-
TION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS
PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO
CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABIL-
ITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFOR-
MANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVE-
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDI-
RECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions
may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the Ra-
dioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack
will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair
without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar
design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on
which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts
and products may be used in the performance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced
parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will
be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the war-
ranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of
God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions,
improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess volt-
age or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Ser-
vice Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e)
transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-
up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
12/99
43-3809
06A01
Printed in China
RadioShack Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
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