The Ericsson 230 DECT handpieces I have do not have a hands free option.

Can I use a DECT handset from another model or manufacturer with the
system?

What other handsets are available in Australia that have either
complete hands free or the option to use an earpiece?

I downloaded the manual from Ericsson, and there's apparently no
support for a headset/earpiece.
http://www.ericsson.com/homeproducts/dectphones/dect_230.shtml

There is no mention in the manual about usinng other DECT handsets
with the system.

As for third-party handsfree accessories, I couldn't find any, but
this user apparently encountered a problem using a third-party
handsfree accessory with the Dect 230. His report on Usenet:
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=ericsson+dect+handsfree&hl=en&lr=&client=googlet&selm=987520459.268450%40athnrd02.forthnet.gr&rnum=4

There are a number of telephones that do support headsets. These are
available in Australia:

Panasonic KX-TG2570ALS digital answering system
http://www.command-a.com.au/products/main_frame.htm

Panasonic KX-PH15AL
http://www.panasonic.com.au/comms/p3_73.html

http://www.zdnet.com.au/shopping/product/0,2000030656,1000020342,00.htm
 DORO Dect160 Cordless Dect Phone

Search terms: australia cordless phone handsfree


I hope this helps. Good luck.

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Request for Answer Clarification by smccallum-ga on 23 May 2002 02:42 PDT

Thanks for that.  Is it part of the DECT standard that any handset
should be able to work with any base station?

---

Clarification of Answer by juggler-ga on 23 May 2002 03:06 PDT

In theory, any DECT handset should be compatible with any base
station. However, some users have found that various handset function
don't operate correctly or at all with "foreign" base stations. Also,
there could be a problem with charging. If the charger is incorporated
into the base station but the handset has a different charging system,
you'd need to have a separate charger for that particular handset.

Read this Usenet discussion:
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&client=googlet&threadm=8hgeou%242ub2p%241%40fu-berlin.de&rnum=11&prev=/groups%3Fq%3Ddect%2Bstandard%2Bhandset%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dgooglet%26start%3D10%26sa%3DN

Or this one:
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&client=googlet&threadm=20011127184352.27347.00001896%40mb-fq.aol.com&rnum=10&prev=/groups%3Fq%3Ddect%2Bstandard%2Bhandset%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dgooglet%26selm%3D20011127184352.27347.00001896%2540mb-fq.aol.com%26rnum%3D10

Let me know if this helps.

Hello

The DECT phones must be GAP standard (Generic Access Profile) to work
with another manufacturers phone.

If GAP is statisfied it will work with another manufacturers base
station, however, not all the functions will be available.

Most manufacturers build the handsfree into the handset itself, as
it's more logical to use the handfree remotely, as the whole purpose
of DECT is to enable you to roam about the house.

I have two DECT GAP systems, one of which has an additional speaker in
the basestation to monitor calls. However the other manufacturer's
handset cannot operate the function as it isn't built into it's menu
system for you to select.

So even if you purchased a DECT GAP compatible basestation with
speakphone, your Ericsson handset may not be able to activate it.

An option would be to purchase another basestation/handset combination
with handsfree operation (most likely to be built into the handset)
and continue to use your Ericsson with the new basestation as your
second phone rather than primary.

You need to consult your documentation to unregister your Ericsson
handset with it's existing basestation and register it with the new
basestation.

Hope that helps.