EnGenius — Questions, Answers and Tips
Spares Availability
Expandability
Durafon Features
Programming
Range
Safety
Ordering
Support
Trouble Shooting
Warranty
Q. What does Industrial Cordless mean?
top of pageA. Industrial Cordless Phone Systems are designed for demanding business environments. Industrial Cordless Phone Systems offer:
- Long-range cordless and two-way capabilities
- Secure, private communication utilizing digital spread spectrum with frequency hopping technology of over 200 channels per second
- Digital, full duplex Two-Way Radio communications independent of the base unit
- Expandability
- External antenna capability
- Multiple line capacity
- Multi-user capability
- Call hold and call transfer capabilities
Spares Availability:
Q. Are SN-902 and EP-490 phone systems still available?
A. No. The SN-920 single line system has been phased out, replaced by the DuraFon 1X. The EP-490 has been replaced by the DuraFon 4X four-line system.
Q. How can I get accessories for our existing EnGenius systems?
A. Miscellaneous accessories such as batteries and antennas are still available for the SN-920 and EP-490. However, bases systems and handsets are no longer available. The new DuraFon 4X handset is backwards compatible with the EP-490 systems.
Expandability:
Q. How many handsets will the DuraFon systems support?
A. The EnGenius DuraFon 1X system will support 9 handsets per base. Each handset can be registered to up to 4 base units for a total integrated system of 36 handsets and 4 base units.
The EnGenius DuraFon 4X system will support 36 handsets on a single base unit.
Q. How many bases (lines) can one DuraFon handset be assigned?
A. Each EnGenius DuraFon 1X handset can be registered to up to 4 base units for a total integrated system of 36 handsets with 4 base units.
Each EnGenius DuraFon 4X handset can access up to 4 lines.
Q. How many lines per DuraFon base?
top of pageA. Each EnGenius DuraFon 1 X base will support one analog line or extension. Additional base units can be added to expand the system to up to 4 base units.
The EnGenius DuraFon 4X base will support 4 analog lines or extensions.
DuraFon Features:
Q. What new features do the DuraFon products provide?
A. New features with the DuraFon system include:
- Broadcast function – In addition to the “handset-to-handset” 2-Way radio functionality, you can now send a loud intercom or page to another user, a group of users, or all users by pressing the “broadcast” button.
- Programmable PBX Soft Key - Enter in your PBX function codes and label them so users can easily scroll through and select the function they want when they are on a call.
- Lithium Ion Battery - The new battery will provide 6 hours talk time and 50 hours standby time – double the previous models.
- Voice quality is louder and clearer than ever
- Built in headset adapter
- Extra loud ringer
- Battery is securely enclosed in compartment
- Extremely durable antenna
- More durable than our previous models without requiring extra Rugged Case
- Waterproof - Rated for 10 minutes in running water
Q. Is special wiring required for the EnGenius Industrial Cordless Phone System?
A. No, the EnGenius System will work with any standard electrical 120-volt AC wall outlets and any standard analog telephone line port.
Q. Will I have to program my handsets in order to use them ?
A. No, the EnGenius Phone System's handsets come pre-programmed at the factory to operate immediately with the included base unit.
Q. What accessories come with the EnGenius Cordless Phone System
top of pageA. Accessories included with the EnGenius Cordless Phone Systems are:
- One battery pack per handset (DuraFon 4X PIA/PIB 4-handset systems have 2 battery packs per handset.)
- Long Antenna
- Short Antenna
- Rapid / trickle desktop charger separated handset
Q. Are the EnGenius phones full duplex?
A. Full duplex capability lets you talk and listen at the same time. The EnGenius long range cordless phones make use of this technology.
Q. What type of battery is used?
A. The DuraFon systems use a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery.
Q. Can I charge a spare battery while the handset is in the charger?
A. Yes, the DuraFon rapid charger has a spare battery charging slot located behind the handset charging slot.
Q. How long does it take to charge a battery?
A. The handset's battery and/or the spare battery will charge in 4 hours (from empty).
Q. When would the handset battery need to be replaced?
A. A lithium-ion battery provides 300-500 discharge/charge cycles . The battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Instead, charge the battery more often. There is no concern of memory when applying unscheduled charges.
Q. What is the standby time of the phone's battery?
A. The rated performance is 50 hours standby time. Battery talk time and standby time vary depending on the talk/standby pattern and the operating distance. Returning the handset back to the charging cradle as often as possible is recommended for best performance.
Q. What is the talk time of the phone's battery?
A. The battery pack's talk time is up to 6 hours.
Q. If you transmit at 800 milliwatts, how do you get your battery to last up to the rated hours?
A. Each handset has a receive signal strength indicator. The signal strength is constantly measured and the phones only transmit as much power as is required to maintain a good signal. The phones transmit anywhere from 80 milliwatts to 800 milliwatts on one-fifteenth increments.
Q. Can I broadcast a message to all handsets?
top of pageA. The DuraFon 1x and 4X supports message broadcasting to individual, group and all handsets functions.
Q. Is the system digital?
A. Yes, the EnGenius systems uses digital spread spectrum (DSS) technology.
Q. What is DSS?
A. DSS stands for Digital Spread Spectrum and mean that the signal changes frequency to ensure privacy and clarity.
Q. With each EnGenius handset, you have included a long and a short antenna. Why do you include both?
A. Some people prefer the convenience of the shorter antenna. In their application, they may not need the full range of the EnGenius System. The longer range antenna is designed to maximize range and will give you the approximately 20% more range in an open area.
Q. What is the size of the external antenna?
A. From the tip of the antenna to its ground plane it measures 13 1/2 inches.
Q. What frequency does the DuraFon system operate on?
A. 902 - 928 MHz
Q. Can a caller select a certain handset?
A. Yes, with the auto - attendant feature on.
Q. What is the size of the handset?
A. Both the DuraFon 1X and 4X dimensions without antenna is 161 x 58 x 31 mm.
Q. Is the system expandable?
A. For the DuraFon 1X, each base can register up to 9 handsets and each handset can be registered to up to 4 base units for a total of 4 bases and 36 handsets.
For the DuraFon 4X, each base can register up to 80 handsets.
Q. Can I page all the handsets?
A. Handsets can “subscribe” from the handset menu to group(s) and be paged when a landline caller or an intercom caller enters a Group ID.
Q. How do I insert a pause in a directory number?
A. Use the * key to enter a pause in the directory mode.
Q. Will the system work with a PBX / key system?
A. Both the DuraFon 1X and 4X systems work behind an analog port of the PBX or Key system.
Q. Is the system secure?
A. Yes. There are three levels of security. First, when you register a handset to a base unit, it assigns one of 65000 unique security codes to the handset. Second, the phone conversation is digital and cannot be picked up by other analog phones or baby monitors. Third, EnGenius systems use a military level frequency hopping scheme in which the phone automatically changes channels over 200 times per second.
Q. What does "Silent" mean on the LCD screen?
A. When a handset is ringing Silent can be selected to end the ringing notification for that call only.
Q. Is there a call timer on the handset?
top of pageA. Yes, when a call is answered or talk is pressed the time begins until the call is ended.
Q. Are the handsets also 2-way radios?
A. Yes, Unique handset IDs make it possible to 2 - way other handsets within the system even while away from the base unit.
Q. If my base has multiple handsets, can I make two-way radio transmissions while someone is making a cordless phone call?
A. Yes, the two-way radio transmissions are completely independent of the base. So, in fact you could take several handsets to a remote area away from the base and have two-way radio conversations between the handsets.
Q. Does the EnGenius Industrial Cordless Phone System use the base unit to connect two handsets in a two-way radio conversation?
A. No. The handsets work completely independent of the base unit.
Q. Does the handset vibrate?
top of pageA. Yes, the handsets support a Vibrate mode.
Programming:
Q. How do I add an additional line (base)?
A. For the DuraFon 1X, add a base unit. The base ID must be different from the other base IDs within the same system. Base ID can be changed by pressing Menu - 6 - 3 then entering an ID number 1, 2, 3,or 4.
For the DuraFon 4X, just plug in the next line into the base unit beginning at L1, then L2, then L3, then L4.
Q. How do I program a new handset?
top of pageA. Refer to the DuraFon 1X or 4X user manuals.
DuraFon 1X:
http://www.engeniustech.com/telecom/NewFiles/DuraFon1XUsersManualEnglish.pdfDuraFon 4X:
http://www.engeniustech.com/telecom/NewFiles/EnGenius_DuraFon_4X_User_manual%201.1.pdf
Range:
Q. What is the range of the DuraFon systems?
A. Range depends upon individual environment. Typically, 12 floors in building, 250,000 sq. ft. in a warehouse and 3,000 acres on a farm.
Q. Does it really get 5 miles range?
A. In an urban office with lots of concrete and steel and not many open spaces, or in an electronically noisy office with a lot of computers and other electronic equipment which might cause trouble, range from base to handset may be around half a mile, or about 2500 feet. In an open environment with an external antenna and few obstacles, a 5 mile range can be achieved, but this depends on various factors including line of sight, height of an external antenna, etc.
Q. Why do EnGenius long range cordless telephones transmit further than other cordless phones?
A. EnGenius cordless phones transmit more power. Cellular phones transmit at 600 milliwatts. Most cordless phones transmit between 80 milliwatts and 100 milliwatts. The EnGenius Industrial Cordless Phone System transmits at 800 milliwatts.
Q. How much more range will I get with the external antenna?
A. Instead of the signal traveling through several walls and obstructions to get outside, which reduces the signal strength, the antenna is already outside. Also, by having the antenna up higher, the signal will provide a better area of coverage. The EnGenius optional external antenna is a 6db gain antenna. The 60 feet (20M) cable has a 7db loss. Therefore, the antenna and cable have been matched to provide the optimum cable length without sacrificing range.
Q. How many handsets can you have in one area without incurring interference?
top of pageA. Up to 26 phones or 13 simultaneous radio frequency links using the two-way radio mode in a 30’ x 30’ room .
Safety:
Q. Are the systems safe?
A. The system has met or exceeded all FCC testing, including rigorous SAR testing. The DuraFon 1X and 4X telephone systems comply with rules of the FCC Part 68 and Canadian IC/DOC CS-03.
Q. How close can a base antenna be to another antenna?
A. Keep 20 feet between antennas.
Q. How do I get antenna installation instructions?
A. Contact Comfort Canada or EnGenius Canada at their Support line.
Q. How do I protect my system from static electrical charges?
A. Use the SN-ULTRA-LPK lightning protection kit.
Q. Where should I place the base unit?
top of pageA. Locate the base away from obstacles and as high and centrally as possible.
Ordering:
Q. What accessories are available for the DuraFon systems?
A. Rugged cases, Replacement handset antennas, external antennas, leather cases, belt clips, replacement batteries, lightning protection kits, headsets.
Q. Can I still get replacement parts and accessories for the SN-920 and EP-490 systems?
A. SN-920 and EP-490 base units and handsets are no longer available, although the DuraFon 4X handset is backwards compatible with the EP-490. Replacement handset antennas, batteries are still available while supplies last.
Q. Where can I buy accessories?
A. Call Comfort Telecom Canada at our Calgary , Alberta or Brampton , Ontario offices.
Q. What number can I call for ordering information?
A. Call 1-877-244-8414 for Western Canada . Call 1-800-822-8613 for Eastern Canada .
Q. How much is a system?
top of pageA. Pricing is dependent on whether you order a 1 line or 4-line system, and the number of handsets and accessories you order. Call Comfort Canada for a quote.
Support:
Q. Is there a number I can call for technical support?
A. Call 1-888-397-2788 or 905-940-8181 for Canada .
Q. How can I get a User Manual?
A. Visit the Comfort Canada\EnGenius web page linked below and right-click to download the DuraFon 1X/4X User Manuals.
www.comfortcanada.com/Engenius/engenius.htm
Q. How can I get my EnGenius system repaired?
top of pageA. Contact the EnGenius Canada service centre at 1-888-397-2788 or 905-940-8181. Or visit the EnGenius Canada support web page for Warranty conditions and instructions on how to initiate a service request.
www.engeniuscanada.com/rma.htm
Troubleshooting:
Q. What is the ringer equivalency number (REN)?
A. The REN for DuraFon models is 0.3.
Q. The handset battery does not last as long as expected.
A. Battery time is based on distance between the two transmission / reception devices and will vary greatly. Use of the tall fixed antenna may reduce the amount of power required to make or receive a transmission.
Q. The handset gets warm during charging, is this normal?
A. Yes.
Q. Why won't my new additional handset work with my system?
A. Check that the handset has an ID number other than 00. Check battery power.
Q. My handset does not turn off?
A. Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. If this does not resolve the problem, call Customer Service.
Q. My handset does not turn on?
A. Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. Charge battery. Call Customer service.
Q. I am experiencing interference, what should I do?
A. Do not install the base station or the handset charger near microwave ovens, radios, TV sets, speakers, or other electrical equipment. These appliances may cause interference to the product or experience interference from the product. Or contact customer service.
Q. Will the phone work if the electricity is off?
A. No.
Q. How do I maximize the range of the system?
top of pageA. Mount the base unit antenna as high as possible and use the tall fixed handset antennas. Install an external antenna for the base unit.
Warranty:
Q. What is covered by the warranty?
A. Manufacture defects in material or workmanship.
Q. What is not covered by the warranty?
A. Damage due to misuse, abuse and accident.
Q. What is the warranty period?
A. 1 year manufacturer’s for the base and handset.
Q. Where do I send a unit for repair?
A. See the EnGenius Canada Support web page for instructions:
www.engeniuscanada.com/rma.htm
Q. How can I get a RMA number?
A. See the EnGenius Canada Support web page for instructions:
www.engeniuscanada.com/rma.htm
••• For further product and pricing information please email us.