The VTech CS5122 is a 5.8 GHz cordless telephone system with 2 handsets and digital answering system, featuring caller ID (subscription required), phonebook storage (up to 20 entries), redial, adjustable ringer and volume, voicemail indicator, backlit display, and wall mount capability. It supports English, Spanish, and French and is designed for simple residential use. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.
Unpack the phone and ensure all components are present: 2 handsets, telephone base with mounting bracket, telephone base power adapter, 2 batteries, 2 battery compartment covers, charger adapter, telephone line cord. Save sales receipt and packaging for warranty. For battery installation: Insert the battery pack into each handset compartment (match color-coded labels, "THIS SIDE UP"), then slide the cover into place. Charge new batteries by placing one handset in base cradle and the other in charger for at least 16 hours before first use. Maximum battery life: Up to 5 hours talk time, 6 days standby. Place base and charger away from water, heat sources, and interference. If not used for long, remove batteries to prevent leakage.
WARNING! Failure to read and follow all instructions carefully before installing or operating this control could cause personal injury and/or property damage. Save these instructions.
The VTech CS5122 is a 5.8 GHz cordless phone system with 2 handsets and built-in digital answering machine (up to 95 messages, 12 minutes recording time), including caller ID (subscription required), directory (20 locations), speed dial (9 locations), redial (last 5 numbers), adjustable volume (5 levels), ringer (OFF/LOW/HI), any key answer, and intercom. Supports basic calling, paging, message playback, and remote access. Handset and base layouts include dedicated buttons for /FLASH, OFF, SELECT/X-FER, PROG, /VOL-/CID, /VOL+/, CHAN/REMOVE, REDIAL/PAUSE, TONE *, #; base: ANS ON/OFF, /PLAY/STOP, VOL+/VOL-, /SKIP, /REPEAT, X/DELETE, RECORD, CLOCK, ANNC, SET UP, FIND HANDSET.
Applications: Residential cordless telephony with answering system; 2 handsets.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock/equipment damage, unplug before installation. Use only supplied adapters. If in doubt about wiring, consult qualified electrician.
WARNING! Do not use on circuits exceeding 120V AC; improper use can cause shock/fire. All wiring must conform to local/national electrical codes. Avoid use during storms, near gas leaks, or with medical devices (maintain 6-inch distance). Dispose of batteries per local regulations. Install DSL filter if using DSL/high-speed internet. Use only provided Ni-Cd batteries; do not burn/open/mutilate (electrolyte corrosive/toxic); avoid short circuits.
Plug telephone line cord into base and wall jack (use DSL filter if needed). Plug power adapter into base and unswitched outlet. Plug charger adapter into unswitched outlet. Install batteries in handsets (align plugs, snap covers). Place one handset in base and the other in charger to charge for 16 hours. For wall mount, remove desktop bracket, attach mounting bracket to base, position on wall plate studs and slide down to lock.
Terminal Designations: Telephone line jack for line cord on base; Power jack for adapter on base and charger.
Standard Setup: Wall jack to DSL filter (if needed) to base line jack; Power outlet to adapter to base/charger power jack.
Wall Mount: Insert bracket tabs into base grooves, mount on wall studs.
CAUTION! All wiring must conform to local/national electrical codes. Do not use switched outlets.
After charging, lift handset and listen for dial tone (wait 1-2 seconds). Test by dialing a number and adjusting volume. Verify CHARGE light on base and charger. If "CONNECTING...", move closer to base. Unplug power for 15 seconds to reset if needed.
Redial: Press REDIAL/PAUSE, press /FLASH to dial. Flash/Call Waiting: Press /FLASH.
Access directory with PROG.
Speed Dial: Hold 1-9 > Enter number/name > SELECT. Caller ID: Press /VOL-/CID > Scroll > /FLASH to dial > SELECT > PROGRAM to save.
Changes activate immediately.
Adjust via PROG: Date/Time, Ringer, Dial Mode, Home Area Code, Language, Answering System settings.
| Setting | Default | Options | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ringer Type | Tone 1 | 1-4 tones | PROG > RINGER |
| Ringer Volume | Medium | OFF/LOW/HI | Hold VOL during idle |
| Handset Volume | Level 3 | 5 levels | Adjust during call |
| Language | English | English/Español/Français | PROG > LANGUAGE |
| Dial Mode | Tone | Tone/Pulse | PROG > DIAL MODE |
| Any Key Answer | On | On/Off | Not specified |
| Rings to Answer | 2 | 2/4/6/Toll Saver | Base SET UP |
| Remote Code | 19 | 10-99 | Base SET UP |
Set Time/Date: PROG > DATE/TIME > Enter MM/DD/YY, HH:MM > SELECT (auto with CID).
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone does not work at all | No power, low battery. | Check adapters, charge 16 hours; unplug/replug power (15 sec); test with another phone. |
| No dial tone | Wiring issue. | Check line cord; test jack; contact provider. |
| Poor audio quality | Out of range, interference. | Move closer; press CHAN; avoid electronics; use DSL filter. |
| Cannot store numbers | Memory full (20 max). | Delete entries. |
| Handset does not ring | Ringer off. | Set ringer ON; check plugs; reinsert battery. |
| Answering system not recording | Off or full. | Turn on; delete messages; check remote code. |
Message Playback: Base: Press /PLAY/STOP. Handset: Menu > Play Messages.
Handset Registration: Base: Press MENU > Register HS > Place in cradle.