The VTech CareLine SN1196 is a DECT 6.0 cordless telephone system with models including SN1196/SN1197 (base with corded handset and pendant) and SN6196/SN6196-2/SN6197/SN6197-2 (adding cordless handsets). It features large tilt display, visual ringer indicator, amplified volume via AUDIO ASSIST, big buttons on handset/pendant, voice guide for commands, photo speed dial, and expandable up to 12 devices. Ideal for seniors with integrated answering system and reminder alerts. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.
Verify all parts are included: Telephone base, corded handset, pendant with lanyard and belt clip, cordless handset(s), chargers, power adapters, battery, quick start guide, abridged manual. Install handset/pendant battery before use. Keep handset/pendant in charger when not in use for optimal performance. Avoid placing near heat sources, moisture, or vibrations.
CAUTIONS: Use only supplied adapters. This product should be installed by a qualified technician if needed. Save these instructions.
Handset Battery Installation: Plug the battery connector securely into the socket inside the handset battery compartment. Place the battery with the label THIS SIDE UP facing up and the wires inside the battery compartment. Slide the battery compartment cover towards the center until it clicks.
Pendant Attachment: For lanyard: Pinch the end of the loop string into the slot on the top of the pendant. Insert the long end into the loop string and fasten. For belt clip: Put the pendant into the belt clip until it clicks.
Telephone Base Backup Battery Installation: Press the large tab on the backup battery compartment cover and pull to open. Place three AAA batteries (not provided) matching polarity markings. Replace the cover.
The SN1196 is a DECT 6.0 cordless phone with corded handset, optional pendant and expandable handsets. Telephone base features: large tilt display (adjustable for visibility), visual ringer indicator, IN USE light, dialing keys (0-9, *, #), AUDIO ASSIST button for enhanced clarity/loudness, CANCEL button, navigation keys (NEXT, PREVIOUS, REPEAT, DELETE), volume controls (qVOL/pVOL for calls, messages, ringers), FIND HS button for locating devices, SPEAKER button, FLASH button, END button, PHONEBOOK button, PLAY/STOP button for messages, and photo speed dial keys (1-4) with compartments for photos/names.
Pendant layout: TALK/END button for calls, VOICE button for voice commands (e.g., date/time, speed dial, logs), status light (red charging/low battery, green full, flashing for paging), and SOS button for emergency calls.
Handset layout: CHARGE light, visual ringer indicator, dialing keys (0-9, *, # with big buttons for ease), REDIAL/PAUSE, CID/DIR for caller ID, VOL +/- for volume, MUTE/DELETE, INT for intercom, SPEAKER, FLASH, END/OFF/CANCEL, and navigation keys. Senior-friendly aspects include amplified volume via AUDIO ASSIST, big buttons on handset/pendant, voice guide for commands (e.g., "Review reminders"), and large tilt display.
Shared features: phonebook (up to 50 entries), caller ID log, answering system, reminder alerts, and up to 5-way conferencing.
Applications: Home care telephony; cordless system with pendant for mobility.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock or equipment damage, unplug before installation. Use only supplied power adapter and line cord.
WARNING! Follow safety precautions to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, or injury. Do not use near water; avoid rough handling. Do not open casing. Maintain 6-inch distance from medical devices like pacemakers. Wiring conforms to local codes. Avoid storms or gas leaks. Install by qualified technician if needed; connect only to host equipment. Use only specified batteries (Ni-MH for handset/pendant); incorrect types risk explosion. Dispose batteries per local codes, not in fire. Keep metallic objects away from charging contacts. Operate in 0°C - 50°C, 5%-95% humidity non-condensing. For users of implanted cardiac pacemakers: Maintain 6-inch distance during use.
Telephone Base Installation: Plug the power adapter into the base and an electrical outlet not controlled by a wall switch. Plug one end of the telephone line cord into the jack at the bottom of the base. Plug the other end into a telephone wall jack. For DSL: Install DSL filter into wall jack. Route cords through channels on base. Connect curly handset cord to base and handset.
Handset Charger Installation: Plug the power adapter into the charger and an electrical outlet not controlled by a wall switch. Place handset in charger.
Pendant Charger Installation: Plug the power adapter into the charger and an electrical outlet. Place pendant in charger. Switch ON the pendant.
Expand System: Base supports up to 12 handsets/pendants. Add new devices and register: Place unregistered device in base cradle; press MENU > Add handset/pendant > OK. Automatic registration with beeps.
Deregister All Devices: Press MENU > Deregister all handsets > OK > Yes on base. Then re-register each individually.
Add/Register Pendant: Charge new pendant for 30 min, then place in base cradle for automatic registration (3 beeps).
Ensure installation height under 2 meters.
CAUTIONS: Use only supplied cords; call VTech support for replacements.
Place handset/pendant on charger/base; CHARGE LED should turn on (full charge in 11 hours). For system check: Ensure power and line cords secure. Press TALK on handset for dial tone, then OFF to hang up. Verify registration by placement (3 beeps). Test incoming call: Handset/pendant rings, incoming call light flashes. For range, test within 50-300 ft; adjust if needed. Check voicemail indicator. If no dial tone, unplug/replug power 15 seconds. Test voice command: Press VOICE and say "Call [name]" or "Messages".
Care Features: Photo speed dial for quick access; large tilt display; amplified audio.
Using the Menu: Press MENU on base/handset/pendant. Navigate with VOL +/-, select with MENU/SELECT, cancel with CANCEL.
Phonebook: Add entry: MENU > Phonebook > Add contact > Enter name/number > SAVE. Edit: Review > MENU > Edit > Modify > SAVE. Dial: Review > Press TALK.
Photo Speed Dial: Store: Press and hold photo key > Enter name/number > SAVE (assign photo if available). Edit/Delete: Press and hold key > Edit/Delete. Dial: Press photo key.
Voice Command: Press VOICE > Say command (e.g., "Call [name]"). Turn on/off: Press and hold ON/OFF on pendant.
Deregistration: MENU > Deregister all handsets > OK > Yes.
Battery Replacement: For handset: Slide cover, unplug old, insert new 2.4V Ni-MH, secure. For pendant: Open cover, replace. Changes effective upon SAVE or confirmation.
Care Features: Set reminders: MENU > Reminders > Add > Set time/message > SAVE.
Default settings indicated by asterisks (*). Adjustments via MENU on base/handset.
| Setting | Default | Options | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ringer Tone | Tone 1* | Tone 1-10 | MENU > Ringer tone > Select > SAVE |
| Ringer Volume | Medium (4*) | Off, 1-5 | MENU > Ringer > Volume > Adjust |
| Date and Time | Auto-set via CID* | Manual: MM/DD/YY, HH:MM | MENU > Set date/time > Enter > SAVE |
| LCD Language | English* | English, Français, Español | MENU > Set language > Select |
| Clear Voicemail Indicators | On* | On/Off | MENU > Clear voicemail msg waiting indicator > Select |
| Key Tone | On* | On/Off | MENU > Key tone > Select |
| Home Area Code | --- | 3 digits | MENU > Home area code > Enter |
| Quiet Mode | Off* | On (00:00-23:59) | MENU > Quiet mode > Set time > SAVE |
| Answering System Rings | 4* | 2-6, Toll saver | MENU > Answering sys > # rings > Select |
| Message Alert Tone | On* | On/Off | MENU > Answering sys > Msg alert tone > Select |
Admin Access: MENU-driven for adjustments; remote access code for answering system.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone does not work at all | Power adapter unplugged; line cord loose; battery low; sync issue | Check power/line cords; charge battery 11 hrs; unplug power 15s, replug, wait 1 min; test wall jack |
| No dial tone | Line cord issue; DSL without filter; provider problem | Check line cord; install DSL filter; contact provider |
| Handset/pendant does not ring | Ringer off; out of range; interference | Adjust ringer volume; move closer to base; avoid interference sources |
| Poor audio quality/interference | Distance; electrical interference; low battery | Reduce distance; relocate from appliances; charge battery; adjust RF if available |
| Battery does not charge | Dirty contacts; wrong placement; faulty adapter | Clean contacts; reposition; check adapter; charge 30 min |
| Cannot register device | Already registered; out of range; power issue | Deregister all; move closer; check power; try again |
| Messages not recording | Answering system off; full memory; power failure | Turn on ANS ON/OFF; delete old messages; check backup battery |
| Voice command not working | Feature off; low battery; unclear speech | Turn on via ON/OFF; charge; speak clearly |
Care: Wipe with soft damp cloth; avoid liquids. Dispose batteries properly via RBRC®. For service: www.vtechphones.com or 1-800-595-9511.