Operation: At and T Cordless Telephone Caller ID CRL81112 User Manual

AT&T Cordless Telephone Caller ID CRL81112

Introduction

The AT&T Cordless Telephone Caller ID CRL81112 is a modern and feature-rich cordless phone designed to enhance your communication experience. Launched in recent years, this device is part of AT&T's lineup of innovative telecommunication products. The estimated price for this model is around $50-$70, making it an affordable option for those seeking advanced features without breaking the bank.

This cordless phone is intended for both residential and small office use, offering a range of functionalities that cater to different needs. With its Caller ID feature, users can identify incoming calls and manage their calls more efficiently. The phone also includes a digital answering system, allowing you to record and play back messages conveniently.

The AT&T CRL81112 is known for its clear sound quality, long battery life, and easy-to-use interface. It is compatible with multiple handsets, making it a versatile choice for homes or offices with multiple users.

Parts checklist

Your telephone package contains the following items. Save your sales receipt and original packaging in the event that warranty service is necessary.

Overview

Handset side view 

Main menu

Telephone base

Specifications

• RF frequency band: 1921.536MHz - 1928.448MHz
• Channels: 5
• Telephone base voltage (AC voltage, 60Hz): 96Vrms - 130Vrms
• Telephone base voltage (AC adapter output): 6VAC @ 300mA
• Handset voltage: 2.4VDC - 3.2VDC
• Charger voltage (AC adapter output): 6VAC @ 300mA

Operation

• Talk time (cordless handset)
• Talk time (cordless handset speakerphone)
• Standby

Operating time*

• Up to seven hours
• Up to five hours
• Up to six days

Installation

Install the telephone base close to a telephone jack and a power outlet not controlled by a wall switch. The telephone base can be placed on a flat surface or vertically mounted on the wall (see page 8). For optimum range and better reception, place the telephone base in a central and open location.

Avoid placing the telephone base too close to:

• Communication devices such as television sets, VCRs, or other cordless telephones.
• Excessive heat sources.
• Noise sources such as a window with traffic outside, motors, microwave ovens, refrigerators, or fluorescent lighting.
• Excessive dust sources, such as a workshop or garage.
• Excessive moisture.
• Extremely low temperature.
• Mechanical vibration or shock,, such as on top of a washing machine or workbench.

Telephone base and charger installation
Install the telephone base and charger, as shown below.
The telephone base is ready for tabletop use. If you want to change to wall-mounting, see Installation options on page 8 for details.

Telephone base installation

Charger installation

Battery installation and charging
Install the battery, as shown below. Once you have installed the battery, the screen indicates the battery status (see the following table). If necessary, place the handset in the telephone base or charger to charge the battery. For best performance, keep the handset in the telephone base or charger when not in use. The battery is fully charged after 10 hours of continuous charging. See the table on page 66 for battery operating times.

If the screen shows Place in charger and flashes, you need to charge the handset without interruption for at least 30 minutes to give the handset enough charge to use the telephone for a short time. The following table summarizes the battery charge indicators and actions to take.

NOTE: If you are on a phone call in low battery mode, you hear four short beeps every minute. 

Important safety information

Safety information

• Read and understand all instructions in the user’s manual. Observe all markings on the product.
• Avoid using a telephone during a thunderstorm. There may be a slight chance of electric shock from lightning.
• Do not use a telephone in the vicinity of a gas leak. Under certain circumstances, a spark may be created when the adapter is plugged into the power outlet, or when the handset is replaced in its cradle. 
• This is a common event associated with the closing of any electrical circuit. The user should not plug the phone into a power outlet, and should not put a charged handset into the cradle, if the phone is located in an environment containing concentrations of flammable or flame-supporting gases, unless there is adequate ventilation. A spark in such an environment could create a fire or explosion. Such environments might include: medical use of oxygen without adequate ventilation; industrial gases (cleaning solvents, gasoline vapors, etc.); a leak of natural gas, etc.
• Do not use this product near water, or when you are wet. For example, do not use it in a wet basement or shower, or next to a swimming pool, bathtub, kitchen sink, or laundry tub. Do not use liquids or aerosol sprays for cleaning. If the product comes in contact with any liquid, unplug any line or power cord immediately. Do not plug the product back in until it has dried thoroughly. 
• Install this product in a protected location where no one can trip over any line or power cords. Protect cords from damage or abrasion.
• If this product does not operate normally, see the Troubleshooting section on pages 48-54 of this user’s manual. If you cannot solve the problem, or if the product is damaged, refer to the Limited Warranty section on pages 63-65. Do not open this product except as directed in your user’s manual. Opening the product or reassembling it incorrectly may expose you to hazardous voltages or other risks.
• Replace batteries only as described in your user’s manual (pages 6-7). Do not burn or puncture batteries — they contain caustic chemicals.
• The power adapters are intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor mount position. The prongs are not designed to hold the plug in place if it is plugged into a ceiling or an under-the-table/cabinet outlet.

Precautions for users of implanted cardiac pacemakers

Cardiac pacemakers (applies only to digital cordless telephones): 

• Wireless Technology Research, LLC (WTR), an independent research entity, led a multidisciplinary evaluation of the interference between portable wireless telephones and implanted cardiac pacemakers. Supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, WTR recommends to  physicians that:

Pacemaker patients

• Should keep wireless telephones at least six inches from the pacemaker.
• Should NOT place wireless telephones directly over the pacemaker, such as in a breast pocket, when it is turned ON.
• Should use the wireless telephone at the ear opposite the pacemaker.
• WTR’s evaluation did not identify any risk to bystanders with pacemakers from other persons using wireless telephones.

Maintenance

Taking care of your telephone

• Your cordless telephone contains sophisticated electronic parts, so you must treat it with care.
• Avoid rough treatment. 
• Place the handset down gently. 
• Save the original packing materials to protect your telephone if you ever need to ship it.

Avoid water

• You can damage your telephone if it gets wet. Do not use the handset in the rain, or handle it with wet hands. Do not install the telephone base near a sink, bathtub, or shower.

Electrical storms

• Electrical storms can sometimes cause power surges harmful to electronic equipment. For your own safety, take caution when using electric appliances during storms.

Cleaning your telephone

• Your telephone has a durable plastic casing that should retain its luster for many years. Clean it only with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water or mild soap.
• Do not use excess water or cleaning solvents of any kind.

Remember that electrical appliances can cause serious injury if used when you are wet or standing in water. If the telephone base should fall into water, DO NOT RETRIEVE IT UNTIL YOU UNPLUG THE POWER CORD AND TELEPHONE LINE CORDS FROM THE WALL. Pull the unit out by the unplugged cords.

Troubleshooting

I cannot dial out.

• Try all the suggestions, as mentioned above.
• Make sure you have a dial tone before dialing. The cordless handset might take a second or two to find the telephone base and produce a dial tone. This is normal. Wait an extra second before dialing.
• Eliminate any background noise. Noise from a television, radio,, or other appliances might cause the phone to not dial out properly. If you cannot eliminate the background noise, first try muting the cordless handset before dialing, or dialing from another room with less background noise.
• If other phones in your home are having the same problem, contact your telephone service provider (charges might apply).

My cordless handset isn’t performing normally.

• Make sure you plug the power cord securely into the telephone base. Plug the power adapter into a different, working electrical outlet without a wall switch.
• Move the cordless handset closer to the telephone base. You might have moved out of range.
• Reset the telephone base. Unplug the electrical power. Wait for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow up to one minute for the cordless handset and telephone base to reset.
• Other electronic products, such as HAM radios and other DECT phones, can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from these types of electronic devices.

Out of range OR No power at base appears on my cordless handset.

• Ensure you plug the telephone base in properly and that the power is on.
• Place the cordless handset in the telephone base for one minute to allow the cordless handset and base to synchronize.
• Move the cordless handset closer to the telephone base. You might have moved out of range.
• Reset the telephone base. Unplug the electrical power. Wait for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow up to one minute for the cordless handset and telephone base to reset.
• Other electronic products,, such as HAM radios and other DECT phones, can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from these types of electronic devices.

My cordless handset does not ring when I receive a call.

• Make sure that the ringer is not off. Refer to the Ringer volume on page 10 in this user’s manual. 
• Make sure you plug in the telephone line cord securely into the telephone base and the telephone jack. Make sure you plug in the power cord securely. The cordless handset may be too far from the telephone base.
• Charge the battery in the cordless handset for at least 10 hours. For optimum daily performance, return the cordless handset to the telephone base or charger when not in use.
• You may have too many extension phones on your telephone line to allow all of them to ring simultaneously. Try unplugging some of the other phones.
• The layout of your home or office might be limiting the operating range. Try moving the telephone base to another location, preferably to a higher location.
• If other phones in your home are having the same problem, contact your telephone service provider (charges might apply).
• Test a working phone at the phone jack. If another phone has the same problem, contact your telephone service provider (charges might apply).
• Other electronic products can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from electronic devices such as television sets, VCRs, or other cordless telephones.
• Completely remove the battery. Install the battery again and place the cordless handset into the telephone base. Wait for the cordless handset to reestablish its connection with the telephone base. Allow up to one minute for this to take place. 
• Your line cord might be defective. Try installing a new line cord.

I subscribe to a nontraditional telephone service that uses my computer to establish connections, and my telephone doesn’t work.

• Make sure your computer is powered on.
• Make sure your Internet connection is working properly.
• Make sure that the software is installed and running for your non-traditional telephone service. 
• Make sure to plug your USB telephone adapter into a dedicated USB port on your computer. Do not plug it into a multiple-port USB hub (USB splitter) that is not powered.
• In a few rare instances, the USB port on your computer may not have enough power. Try using a USB hub with its own external power supply.
• If you are using a firewall, it may prevent access to your nontraditional telephone service provider. Contact your service provider for more information.

A common cure for electronic equipment.
If the telephone does not seem to be responding normally, try putting the cordless handset in the telephone base or charger. If it does not fix the problem, do the following (in the order listed):

1. Disconnect the power to the telephone base.
2. Disconnect the cordless handset battery.
3. Wait a few minutes.
4. Connect the power to the telephone base.
5. Completely remove the battery. Replace the battery and place the cordless handset into the telephone base or charger.
6. Wait for the cordless handset to reestablish its connection with the telephone base. Allow up to one minute for this to take place.

Limited Warranty

1. What does this limited warranty cover?
   The manufacturer of this AT&T branded product warrants to the holder of a valid proof of purchase (“CONSUMER” or “you”) that the product and all accessories provided in the sales package (“PRODUCT”) are free from defects in material and workmanship, pursuant to the following terms and conditions, when installed and used normally and in accordance with the PRODUCT operating instructions. This limited warranty extends only to the CONSUMER for products purchased and used in the United States of America and Canada.
2. What will be done if the PRODUCT is not free from defects in materials and workmanship during the limited warranty period (“materially defective PRODUCT”)?
   During the limited warranty period, the manufacturer’s authorized service representative will repair or replace at the manufacturer’s option, without charge, a materially defective PRODUCT. If the manufacturer repairs the PRODUCT, they may use new or refurbished replacement parts. If the manufacturer chooses to replace the PRODUCT, they may replace it with a new or refurbished PRODUCT of the same or similar design. The manufacturer will retain defective parts, modules, or equipment. Repair or replacement of the PRODUCT, at the manufacturer’s option, is your exclusive remedy. The manufacturer will return repaired or replacement products to you in working condition. You should expect the repair or replacement to take approximately 30 days.
3. How long is the limited warranty period?
   The limited warranty period for the PRODUCT extends for ONE (1) YEAR from the date of purchase. If the manufacturer repairs or replaces a materially defective PRODUCT under the terms of this limited warranty, this limited warranty also applies to the repaired or replacement PRODUCT for a period of either (a) 90 days from the date the repaired or replacement PRODUCT is shipped to you or (b) the time remaining on the original one-year limited warranty; whichever is longer.
4. What is not covered by this limited warranty?
   This limited warranty does not cover:
   • PRODUCT that has been subjected to misuse, accident, shipping,, or other physical damage, improper installation, abnormal operation or handling, neglect, inundation, fire, water, or other liquid intrusion; or
   • PRODUCT that has been damaged due to repair, alteration, or modification by anyone other than an authorized service representative of the manufacturer; or 
   • PRODUCT to the extent that the problem experienced is caused by signal conditions, network reliability,, or cable or antenna systems; or
   • PRODUCT to the extent that the problem is caused by use with non-AT&T accessories; or
   • PRODUCT whose warranty/quality stickers, PRODUCT serial number plates,, or electronic serial numbers have been removed, altered, or rendered illegible; or
   • PRODUCT purchased, used, serviced, or shipped for repair from outside the United States of America or Canada, or used for commercial or institutional purposes (including but not limited to products used for rental purposes); or
   • PRODUCT returned without valid proof of purchase (see item 6); or
5. How do you get warranty service?
   To obtain warranty service, visit our website at www.telephones.att.com or call 1 (800) 222-3111. In Canada, dial 1 (866) 288-4268.
   NOTE: Before calling for service, please review the user’s manual; a check of the PRODUCT’s controls and features may save you a service call.
   Except as provided by applicable law, you assume the risk of loss or damage during transit and transportation and are responsible for delivery or handling charges incurred in the transport of the PRODUCT(s) to the service location. The manufacturer will return repaired or replaced PRODUCT under this limited warranty to you. Transportation, delivery,, or handling charges are prepaid. The manufacturer assumes no risk for damage or loss of the PRODUCT in transit. If the PRODUCT failure is not covered by this limited warranty, oiff your proof of purchase does not meet the terms of this limited warranty, the manufacturer will notify you and will request that you authorize the cost of repair before any further repair activity. You must pay for the cost of repair and return shipping costs for the repair of products that are not covered by this limited warranty.
   • Charges for installation or setup, adjustment of customer controls, and installation or repair of systems outside the unit.
6. What must you return with the PRODUCT to get warranty service?
   You must:
   • Return the entire original package and contents, including the PRODUCT, to the service location along with a description of the malfunction or difficulty; and
   • Include a “valid proof of purchase” (sales receipt) identifying the PRODUCT purchased (PRODUCT model) and the date of purchase or receipt; and
   • Provide your name, complete and correct mailing address, and telephone number. 
7. Other limitations
   • This warranty is the complete and exclusive agreement between you and the manufacturer of this AT&T-branded PRODUCT. It supersedes all other written or oral communications related to this PRODUCT. The manufacturer provides no other warranties for this PRODUCT.
   • The warranty exclusively describes all of the manufacturer’s responsibilities regarding the PRODUCT. There are no other express warranties. No one is authorized to make modifications to this limited warranty,, and you should not rely on any such modification.
     State/Provincial Law rights: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province.
   • Limitations: Implied warranties, including those of fitness for a particular purpose and merchantability (an unwritten warranty that the PRODUCT is fit for ordinary us,,e) are limited to one year from the date of purchase. Some states/provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. In no event shall the manufacturer be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or similar damages (including, but not limited to, lost profits or revenue, inability to use the PRODUCT or other associated equipment, the cost of substitute equipment, and claims by third parties) resulting from the use of this PRODUCT. Some states/provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Clear sound quality with DECT 6.0 technology
• Easy-to-use interface with backlit keypad and display
• Expandable up to 5 handsets for multiple users
• Digital answering system with ample recording time
• Affordable price point compared to other similar models

Cons:

• Limited range compared to some other cordless phones
• No Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with other devices
• Some users report issues with battery life over time

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the AT&T CRL81112 for its clear sound quality, ease of use, and robust feature set. Many appreciate the expandability to multiple handsets and the reliable digital answering system. However, some users have noted that the battery life may degrade over time and that the range could be better.

Common complaints include occasional static or interference, though these issues are relatively rare.