43-779.fm Page 1 Monday, August 16, 1999 7:34 AM
Cat. No. 43-779
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
TAD-779
Digital Telephone Answering System
with Day/Time Voice Stamp
43-779.fm Page 3 Monday, August 16, 1999 7:34 AM
This TAD has been tested and found to
comply with all applicable UL and FCC
standards.
READ THIS BEFORE
INSTALLATION
Your TAD-779 conforms to federal regu-
lations, and you can connect it to most
telephone lines. However, each device
you connect to the phone line draws
power from the phone line. We refer to
this power draw as the device’s ringer
equivalence number, or REN. The REN
is on the label on the bottom of the TAD.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard, do not ex-
pose this product to rain or mois-
ture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
!
DO NOT OPEN.
If you are using more than one device
on the line, add up all the RENs. If the
total is more than five, your phone might
not ring and your TAD might not answer.
In rural areas, a total REN of three might
impair ringer operation. If ringer opera-
tion is impaired, remove one of the de-
vices from the line.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE-
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC-
ING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
This symbol is intended to alert you to
the presence of uninsulated danger-
ous voltage within the product’s enclo-
sure that might be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of elec-
tric shock. Do not open the product’s
case.
This symbol is intended to inform you
that important operating and mainte-
nance instructions are included in the
literature accompanying this product.
!
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FCC STATEMENT
Your TAD-779 complies with Part 68 of
FCC Rules. You must, upon request,
provide the FCC registration number
and the REN to your phone company.
Both numbers are on the label on the
bottom of the TAD.
Note: You must not connect your TAD
to:
• coin-operated systems
• party-line systems
• most electronic key phone systems
Your TAD-779 complies with the limits
for a Class B digital device as specified
in Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits
provide reasonable protection against
radio and TV interference in a residential
area. However, your TAD might cause
TV or radio interference even when it is
operating properly.
To eliminate interference, you can try
one or more of the following corrective
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving
radio or TV antenna.
• Increase the distance between the
TAD and the radio or TV.
• Use outlets on different electrical cir-
cuits for the TAD and the radio or
TV.
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CONTENTS
Preparation .............................................................................................................. 6
Choosing a Location ........................................................................................... 6
Installing a Backup Battery ................................................................................. 6
Connecting the TAD ........................................................................................... 6
Setting the Day and Time ................................................................................... 7
Recording the Outgoing Message ...................................................................... 9
Setting the Number of Rings .............................................................................. 9
Operation ............................................................................................................... 10
Setting the TAD to Answer Calls ...................................................................... 10
Incoming Message Recording .......................................................................... 10
Screening Calls ................................................................................................ 10
Playing Messages ............................................................................................ 11
Deleting Messages ........................................................................................... 11
Recording a Memo ........................................................................................... 11
Changing the Remote Operation Security Code .............................................. 12
Remote Operation ................................................................................................. 13
Using the Toll-Saver ......................................................................................... 13
Using Remote Commands ............................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 15
Resetting the TAD-779 ..................................................................................... 15
Care and Maintenance .......................................................................................... 16
The FCC Wants You to Know ........................................................................... 17
Lightning ........................................................................................................... 17
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PREPARATION
CHOOSING A LOCATION
Select a location for the TAD that is near
a modular telephone line jack and an AC
outlet, and is not in the way of normal
activities.
INSTALLING A BACKUP
BATTERY
If the AC power fails or you unplug the
TAD, a 9V backup battery (not supplied)
saves the messages and the settings for
the day, time, and remote operation se-
curity code. We recommend you use an
alkaline battery, such as RadioShack
Cat. No. 23-553.
3. Replace the cover.
Replace the battery when the ANSWER
indicator flashes.
Cautions:
• Always remove an old or weak bat-
tery. Batteries can leak chemicals
that can destroy electronic parts.
Caution: Always use a fresh battery of
the required size and recommended
type.
• Dispose of the old battery promptly
and properly. Do not bury or burn it.
1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove
the battery compartment cover’s
screw, then slide the cover in the
direction of the arrow and lift it off.
• To avoid losing stored information,
be sure the AC adapter is plugged in
and connected to the TAD before
you replace the battery.
CONNECTING THE TAD
Notes:
• Your TAD connects directly to a
modular phone line jack. If your line
jack is not modular, you can update
it yourself, using jacks and adapters
available at your local RadioShack
store. Or, you can let the phone
company update it for you.
2. Snap the battery’s contacts firmly to
the battery connector and place the
battery in the compartment.
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• The USOC number of the jack to be
installed is RJ11C.
Illus. of AC 9V/440mA
jack. Show other
phone cords already
connected.
Follow these steps to connect your TAD
to the telephone line and phone.
Illus. of TO TEL jack
and connection to a
phone. Show other
phone cord already
connected.
When you first connect power, the TAD
runs a self-test. When the test is com-
plete (about 17 seconds), the TAD
beeps and announces, “Answer off.”
1. Unplug the telephone’s modular
cord from the modular phone line
jack and plug it into the TO TEL jack
on the back of the TAD.
2. Plug one end of the supplied modu-
lar telephone cord into the TO LINE
jack on the back of the TAD.
When you first connect power, the
Note:
PLAY/SKIP indicator flashes, indicating
that you have not recorded an outgoing
message. If you have not installed a
backup battery, the ANSWER indicator
also flashes.
3. Plug the cord’s other end into a
modular phone line jack.
Adjust VOLUME to the middle
Note:
position before connecting power.
Illus. of ANSWER and
PLAY/SKIP indicators.
Illus. of VOLUME
switch.
The supplied AC adapter
Caution:
was designed specifically for your
TAD-779. Use only the supplied
adapter.
SETTING THE DAY AND
TIME
4. Insert the supplied AC adapter’s
barrel plug into the AC 9V jack on
the back of the TAD-779. Plug the
adapter’s other end into a standard
AC outlet.
To avoid losing the day and time set-
tings if AC power fails, we recommend
you install a backup battery before you
set the day and time (see “Installing a
Backup Battery” on Page 6).
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STOP
. The TAD-779 beeps
and announces the hour.
3. Press
Follow these steps so the TAD can
record the correct day and time each
message and memo is recorded.
Note: If you do not complete each step
within 8 seconds, the TAD-779 sounds
three beeps and exits from setup. Start
again at Step 1.
Illus. showing ANSWER/
STOP/DELETE.
1. Use a pointed object such as a
straightened paper clip to hold down
CLOCK
until the TAD-779 beeps and
announces the currently set day.
4. To change the hour, repeatedly
REPEAT
SKIP
press
or
.
Illus. showing CLOCK
button.
STOP
5. Press
. The TAD-779 beeps
and announces the minutes.
6. To change the minutes, repeatedly
REPEAT
SKIP
press
or
.
2. To change the day of the week,
Note: To change the time in 10-
REPEAT
to move forward
repeatedly press
SKIP
to move
minute increments, hold down
backward or
REPEAT
SKIP
or
.
until the TAD announces the desired
day of the week.
STOP
7. Press
to confirm the settings.
The TAD beeps and announces the
day and time.
Illus. showing OGM/REPEAT
and PLAY/SKIP.
To check the current day and time at
any time, use a pointed object such as a
CLOCK
straightened paper clip to press
.
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STOP
. The
TAD beeps and plays back the out-
going message.
3. When you finish, press
RECORDING THE
OUTGOING MESSAGE
Before the TAD can answer calls and
record messages, you must record an
outgoing message. Your outgoing mes-
sage can be up to 60 seconds long.
To check your outgoing message at any
OGM
time, press
. If no outgoing mes-
sage is recorded, the TAD-779 says,
“No announcement.”
Hint: Do not tell callers you are not
home. Instead, say that you cannot
come to the phone right now.
SETTING THE NUMBER
OF RINGS
Follow these steps to record your outgo-
ing message or to change your current
message.
4 7
Set the ring select switch to , ,or
TS
to
set how long the TAD waits before it an-
swers a call (4 rings, 7 rings or toll-
saver).
OGM
1. Hold down
(outgoing mes-
sage) until the TAD beeps.
Note: If you try to record an outgo-
ing message when the TAD’s mem-
ory is full, the PLAY/SKIP indicator
flashes rapidly and the TAD
announces, “Memory is full.” You
must delete some messages to
make room in memory (see “Delet-
ing Messages” on Page 11).
Illus. showing
4/7/TS switch.
If you plan to check your messages by
long distance, set the ring select switch
TS
to
(see “Using the Toll-Saver” on
2. Speak your message from about 8
inches in front of the TAD.
Page 13).
Illus. showing
microphone.
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OPERATION
• the maximum message length is
reached
SETTING THE TAD TO
ANSWER CALLS
• there are more than 8 seconds of
silence
After you have recorded an outgoing
message, you can set the TAD to an-
swer calls.
• you pick up any phone on the same
phone line as the TAD
To set the TAD-779 to answer calls,
press ANSWER. The TAD announces,
“Answer on,” and the ANSWER indica-
tor lights.
If the TAD’s memory becomes full, it an-
swers a call after two rings and an-
nounces, “Memory is full.” Delete some
of the old messages to make room in
memory (see “Deleting Messages” on
Page 11).
Illus. flash
on Answer
light.
Note: The maximum recording capacity
is 16 minutes.
SCREENING CALLS
To set the TAD to not answer calls,
press ANSWER again. The TAD an-
nounces, “Answer off,” and the AN-
SWER indicator turns off.
To screen calls, let the TAD answer
them, then listen to the caller’s message
through the TAD’s speaker.
To adjust the volume, slide VOLUME on
the right side of the TAD.
INCOMING MESSAGE
RECORDING
If you decide to answer the call, pick up
any phone on the same phone line as
the TAD. The TAD stops recording and
resets to answer the next call.
When the TAD is set to answer calls, it
plays the outgoing message, then
beeps. The caller can then record a
message up to 60 seconds long.
If you do not want to take the call, simply
let the TAD finish recording the caller’s
message.
The TAD hangs up and resets to answer
the next call when:
• the caller hangs up
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Note: If you answer the phone just as
the TAD answers, the TAD might not
stop playing the outgoing message. If
To replay a previous message, press
REPEAT
rent message starts playing.
within 5 seconds after the cur-
STOP
this happens, press
on the TAD.
To skip to the next message during play-
SKIP
back, press
.
PLAYING MESSAGES
STOP
within
To pause during playback, press
PLAY
.
To resume playback, press
When you have new messages, the
PLAY/SKIP indicator flashes.
60 seconds. Otherwise, the TAD sounds
three beeps and stops playback.
PLAY
To play all the messages, press
.
To stop playback at any time, press
The TAD announces the number of
messages. If there are no messages
stored, it announces, “No message.”
STOP
twice. The TAD beeps and resets
to answer calls.
DELETING MESSAGES
Illus. showing PLAY/SKIP.
To delete the messages you have al-
ready heard, stop playback (if neces-
DELETE
sary) then hold down
until the
TAD sounds a long beep.
Notes:
Before playing each message, the TAD
announces the message number and
the day and time the message was re-
corded. After all messages play, the
PLAY/SKIP indicator lights steadily and
the TAD announces, “End of messag-
es,” then resets to answer calls.
• If you have played only a portion of
a message, the TAD-779 might not
delete it.
• Individual messages can only be
deleted during remote operation.
To replay the current message, if you
have listened to at least 5 seconds of it,
RECORDING A MEMO
REPEAT.
starts from the beginning.
press
The current message
A memo is a message you can record at
the TAD for yourself or others without
having to call in on the phone. Each
memo can be up to 60 seconds long.
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Memos are stored with incoming mes-
sages and are replayed the same way
(see “Playing Messages”).
1. Use a pointed object, such as a
straightened paper clip, to hold
down CODE until the TAD-779
beeps and announces the first digit
of the current security code.
Follow these steps to record a memo.
1. Hold down PLAY until the TAD
beeps.
Illus. showing
CODE switch.
2. Speak your memo from about 8
inches in front of the TAD.
3. When you finish, press STOP. The
TAD beeps and is ready to answer
messages.
2. Repeatedly press SKIP or REPEAT
to set the first digit, then press STOP.
The TAD beeps and announces the
second digit.
CHANGING THE REMOTE
OPERATION SECURITY
CODE
3. Repeatedly press SKIP or REPEAT
to set the second digit, then press
STOP. The TAD beeps and
announces the third digit.
The TAD’s remote operation security
code is preset to 779. Follow these
steps to change it to a number from 000
to 999.
4. Repeatedly press SKIP or REPEAT
to set the third digit, then press
STOP. The TAD beeps once and
announces the complete remote
operation security code.
:
Notes
To check the remote operation security
code at any time, press CODE. The TAD
announces the currently set security
code.
• Be sure to complete each step
within 8 seconds. Otherwise, the
TAD sounds three beeps and exits.
Start over at Step 1.
• If AC power fails or if the backup
battery becomes weak, the remote
operation security code automati-
cally resets to 779.
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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 to enter your remote opera-
tion security code and do any of the fol-
lowing:
USING REMOTE
COMMANDS
Follow these steps to operate the TAD
remotely.
1. Dial your phone number.
• set the TAD to or not answer calls
• listen to your messages
Note: Even if the TAD is not set to
answer calls, it will answer after
about 10 rings.
• record a new outgoing message
• delete messages
2. When the TAD answers, enter your
remote operation security code. The
TAD beeps to confirm that you
entered the correct code.
Note: You cannot remotely operate the
TAD from another phone on the same
line as your TAD-779.
Note: If you do not enter each digit
of the security code within 8 sec-
onds of the last, the TAD hangs up.
USING THE TOLL-SAVER
3. Enter the remote command. See
“Remote Commands” on Page14.
If the ring select switch is set to TS (toll-
saver) (see “Setting the Number of
Rings” on Page 9), the TAD answers af-
ter two rings if you have new messages.
If there are no new messages, the TAD
waits for four rings before it answers.
This gives you time to hang up before
the TAD answers so you can avoid un-
necessary long-distance charges.
4. You can hang up at this point or
enter other remote commands.
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While playing messages:
Remote Commands
Press:
To:
Press:
To:
6
Delete the current mes-
sage.
0
Stop message playback
and recording.
7
8
9
0
Replay the previous mes-
sage.
1
2
Play the outgoing mes-
sage.
Replay the current mes-
sage.
Record a new outgoing
message. When the TAD
announces “Record
announcement,” begin
speaking. When you finish,
press 0. The TAD repeats
the OGM.
Skip forward to the next
message.
Stop message playback.
4
6
#
Play all the recorded mes-
sages.
Delete all reviewed mes-
sages.
Set the TAD to answer or
not answer calls.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
We do not expect you to have any problems with your TAD-779, but if you do, try these
suggestions.
Problem
Suggestion
The incoming message is incom- Be sure the TAD’s memory is not full.
plete.
Use your outgoing message to tell callers that
they have 60 seconds to record their message.
The caller was silent for more than 8 seconds.
The incoming message is
unclear.
Adjust VOLUME.
Check all phone line connections.
Be sure the TAD is set to answer calls.
Check all phone line connections.
Be sure the AC adapter is properly connected.
The TAD does not answer after
four or seven rings.
ANSWER indicator flashes.
The backup battery is weak or missing.
Replace the battery (see “Installing the Backup
Battery” on Page 5).
The TAD-779 does not respond to Make sure the phone you used to dial the TAD
the remote operation security
code.
is a touch-tone phone. If it is not, you can use a
pocket tone dialer to remotely operate the TAD.
Re-enter your remote operation security code.
Enter the default remote operation security
code (779). The code might have been reset
due to a power failure.
If the TAD still does not operate properly, try resetting it (see “Resetting the TAD-
779”) or take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
RESETTING THE TAD-779
If your TAD-779 stops working properly, disconnect the AC adapter, remove the bat-
tery, then reinstall the battery and connect the AC adapter.
Note: All information stored in memory is erased when you reset the TAD.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack TAD-779 Digital Telephone Answering System is an example of
superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for
the TAD-779 so you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the TAD-779 dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids
might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.
Use and store the TAD-779 only in normal temperature environments.
Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices, dam-
age batteries, and distort or melt plastic parts.
Keep the TAD-779 away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature
wear of parts.
Handle the TAD-779 gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage cir-
cuit boards and cases and can cause the TAD to work improperly.
Use only a fresh battery of the required size and type. Batteries can leak
chemicals that damage your TAD-779’s electronic parts.
Wipe the TAD-779 with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong deter-
gents to clean the TAD.
Modifying or tampering with the TAD-779’s internal components can cause a mal-
function and might invalidate your TAD’s warranty and void your FCC authorization to
operate it. If your TAD-779 is not performing as it should, take it to your local Ra-
dioShack store for assistance. If the trouble is affecting the telephone lines, the phone
company can ask you to disconnect your TAD until you have resolved the problem.
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THE FCC WANTS YOU TO
KNOW
LIGHTNING
Your TAD-779 has built-in protection cir-
cuits to reduce the risk of damage from
surges in telephone line and power line
current. These protection circuits meet
or exceed the FCC requirements. How-
ever, lightning striking the telephone or
power lines can damage your TAD.
In the unlikely event that your TAD-779
causes problems on the telephone line,
the telephone company can temporarily
discontinue your service. If this hap-
pens, the telephone company attempts
to notify you in advance. If advance no-
tice is not practical, the telephone com-
pany notifies you as soon as possible
and advises you of your right to file a
complaint with the FCC.
Lightning damage is not common. Nev-
ertheless, if you live in an area that has
severe electrical storms, we suggest
that you unplug the TAD-779 during
storms to reduce the possibility of dam-
age.
Also, the telephone company can make
changes to its lines, equipment, opera-
tions, or procedures that could affect the
operation of this TAD. The telephone
company notifies you of these changes
in advance so you can take the neces-
sary steps to prevent interruption of your
telephone services.
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NOTES
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Limited One-Year Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-
ship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned
stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, Ra-
dioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED
IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED
HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RE-
SPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY
LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFOR-
MANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, IN-
CLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS
OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDEN-
TAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-
cidental 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 RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, un-
less 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 prop-
erty 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 warranty 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 voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service 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, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
3/97
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
11A98
Printed in China
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