AboutSpencer Holcombe Expertise I have been in the telecommunications arena for several years. I've worked in traffic,installation,repair,customer service,fraud,national and major accounts. I Started with Pacific Telephone,went to American Bell, AT&T Information Systems, AT&T Communications, Pacific Bell-SBC - AT&T. I can answer most questions of a service or equipment nature-excluding cellular. From jacks, wiring, phones, to custom calling services, local to long distance.
Experience Bell System and post divesture work for AT&T and Local operating companies. Service rep-to Fraud desk.
Organizations Telephone Pioneers of America
Publications PTM mag. Connections, Update, and other company publications. Also have expert status at AskME.com
Question We recently purchased a VTech 5.8GHz cordless phone. As we would talk and move around the house, the audio (both inbound and outbound) would cut in and out. Assuming we just got a bad unit, we returned it and purchased a Uniden 5.8GHz cordless phone. Unfortunately, it is doing the same thing. I have tried switching channels, but that doesn't help, and I don't see any pattern of cutouts occurring around the house (i.e. it's happened upstairs, downstairs, near other electronics and far away from other electronics). Is this a chronic problem with all 5.8GHz phones? Is there a simple explanation, or a list of known items around a house that cause interference? We do have another cordless phone in the house (I believe it's a 900MHz), but we rarely use it.
Thanks for your help!
Answer Brandon,
The list of items that can cause interference are as long as you can make it.
Any item plugged in to an electric outlet, or phone line can do it.
Check the common items 1st. ie your computer, fans, any items with a motor, LIGHTS, etc. by UNpluging each item, one at a time, when your phone cuts out. After you've unplugged the item, does the fade stop? if not plug that item back in and move on to the next suspect. Don't forget large items like frezers, refridgerators, window air conditioners, etc. Once you've found the item causing your problem you can add a filter, or move the base unit to another location farther away from it, or on another circut in your home. May I ask why you have more than one cordless phone? They CAN affect each other, and most units today are available with 2 or more handsets. Good luck on your hunt, it's going to take a little time, but don't give up. Spencer
