Compatible DECT handsets

[chrispymo]

My mother is hard of hearing and has been moved to Digital Voice.

She was not supplied with any handsets - which seems odd as it appears she should have either received a single advanced handset or 2 basic ones (or a free adapter if asked for). None of this happened. However - as she is hard of hearing, and needs a simple handset I'm keen to explore other alternatives. EG the Gigaset E560 looks well suited to her needs. 

As I understand it the SH2 is a DECT base station. the pairing button will pair with a DECT handset or a wifi device (the DECT pairing is the important one here). and the SH2 supports CAT-iq 2.1 (or something!).

Question is - how do I get a list of handsets that will work, pairing with DECT to the SH2. ideally including what features work - if some won't. And, is DECT the only option (besides the compatible analogue port on the back of the SH2) or is it possible to use alternate VOIP (ie WiFi) handsets with BT Digital Voice (ie not another SIP provider)

[imjolly]

you can only use compatible dect handsets with the SH2 - not wifi   any dect should pair but you may not get all the facilities to work

what phones does your mother use just now?

you can phone 150 or 0800800150 from mobile and request a DV phone or adapter

[chrispymo]

she has a geemarc amplidect - it's connected to the SH2 (analogue port) and does work. but as the SH2 is in the kitchen she can't hear it when it rings unless she's in that room. moving that to a different room would certainly help. (digital voice adapter or DECT pairing), but having additional handsets that meet her needs in other rooms is the better solution.

I will certainly try 150 - but Im assuming that will only be able to provide BT phones - not other compatible ones. I'd still like to know what non BT options exist. ie what DECT phones will pair with the SH2.

[chrispymo]

by 'will' pair - I mean has been tried rather than 'should' - and some ice of feature limitations.

I chatted to someone from ligo.co.uk who said not all will work as BT has applied some restrictions. I don't want to get into the ins-and-outs of that, I just would like to know what has been tried and proven. Or, if there is a certification of compatibility so particular standards (CAT-iq 2.0 or similar) that is a reliable indicator of compatibility.

[imjolly]

does your mother have FTTP or FTTC broadband

there are numerous posts on the forum about digital voice and methods to connect existing phone to the hub

dect is supposed to be universally compatible

[chrispymo]

FTTP

I did look - and I do see 'methods' - basically pair with DECT using the WPS/DECT pairing button and 0000 PIN etc. I get that DECT is 'supposed' to be compatible. But based on my chat with the tech from ligo I am sceptical about DECT compatibility - and would hope for more reassurance before ordering something.

[imjolly]

if FTTP then a few minor adjustments to the existing wiring in master socket and connect phone cable from hub to master socket and then existing phone outlets should work and enable use of current phone setup

this has been covered in many posts on forum recently

[chrispymo]

Thanks - valuable input.

I wonder why that wasn't done originally. Anyway, after talking to 150 - and a nice chap called Brian from Newcastle they are sending 2x Digital voice basic handsets FoC. So we shall see how she gets on with those.

I still think it would be incredibly valuable if there was a list of known - as in tried and tested and seen working - compatible DECT handsets somewhere.

Brian says 'care providers' would know this. LiGo says BT would - but I (and everyone else) should be able to get this from a simple google search or a FAQ on bt.com

Oh well

[imjolly]

It is highly unlikely any provider would try various 3rd party phone to see which are compatible and provide a list

the DV essential phones should work well and the HD reception is very clear

any problems please post back