Amplicomms PowerTel 196 Extra-Loud Corded Amplified Telephone

The elderly or hearing impaired will often need an extra-loud phone to hear conversations clearly, but a lot of these phones focus solely on amplification at the expense of sound quality. The Amplicomms PowerTel 196 Extra-Loud Corded Amplified Telephone not only provides an amplified handset adjustable to a booming 60dB, but also incorporates the latest technology to ensure the loud sound is clear, without any distortion.

What's Included?

• 1 x Corded phone
• 1 x Receiver
• 1 x Coiled receiver cord (45cm long coiled - stretches to 160cm)
• 1 x AC power adaptor for corded phone (155cm cord length)
• 1 x Telephone line cord

Please note that the Amplicomms PowerTel 196 Amplified Telephone is not supplied with a BT splitter cable.

Key Information

• Handset volume: Up to 60dB (32x a standard phone)
• Ringer volume: Up to 90dB
• Visual ring indicator: Extra-bright LED
• Hearing aid compatible: Yes
• Speed-dial: Two direct memory keys
• Phone book: 200 number storage
• Caller ID: Yes
• Answering machine: No

Sizing Information for the Amplicomms PowerTel 196

When you're purchasing an amplified telephone, it's important to know exactly how large the handset, buttons and screen are. Please view the information below to find out:

• Button Size (Width x Length): 2.7cm x 1.9cm
• Screen Size (Width x Length): 9.3cm x 3.8cm 
• Base Unit Size (Width x Length): 21.6cm x 19.3cm
• Base Unit Height at Maximum Point: 5.2cm

How Loud Is This Amplified Telephone?

In terms of volume, the PowerTel 196 matches our loudest amplified telephones with an extra-loud 60dB of receiver volume, which is roughly 32 times louder than a standard handset. The ringer is also extraordinarily loud, as it is adjustable up to 90db to ensure that even those with severe hearing impairment should be able to detect a call when it comes in.

How Clear is the Sound?

The PowerTel 196 separates itself from similar phones with its use of the latest technology to provide the clearest sound possible – even at high levels of amplification. Built with a high-quality acoustic chamber, sound quality is maintained at all volume levels, and echo cancellation helps to eliminate acoustic feedback to ensure every word is heard as clearly as possible.

Does Handsfree Mode Provide the Same Sound Quality?

As many of us will use handsfree mode as often as picking up the receiver, it is designed to be loud and clear with Duplex simultaneous two-way audio technology. This will provide a loud and clear sound during handsfree calls, and will limit any echo or distortion on higher volumes.

Is the Display Easy to Read?

The PowerTel includes a large backlit display that will show the caller's name and number while on a call, and the date and time when in standby mode. This bright screen can be adjusted between five contrast modes, providing an easy viewing experience for those with deteriorating eyesight.

Does the PowerTel Amplified Telephone Include an Answering Machine?

No, unfortunately this amplified phone does not include an answering machine. If you're looking for a similarly loud phone that includes a built-in answering machine, we recommend the Geemarc CL595 Big Button Amplified Telephone with Answering Machine.

Does This Phone Need to Be Plugged Into the Mains Power?

Yes, the base of this amplified telephone needs to be plugged into the mains power. To connect the base unit:

1. Plug the included coiled receiver cord into the handset, and plug the other end into the socket on the left side of the phone
2. Plug the small end of the power cord into the into the power jack on the PowerTel base unit, and plug the large three-prong UK plug into your desired wall outlet
3. Plug the telephone cord into the socket at the rear of the base unit, and plug the other end into your desired outlet or telephone port of your internet box

Is the Phone Easy to Use?

As well as providing excellent audio volume and clarity, the PowerTel 196 provides improved usability. Two speed-dial buttons are included under the large high-contrast display, and the handsfree, audio boost and volume control options can all be selected with the touch of a large button on the right-hand side of the unit.

Does the Phone Light Up When Ringing?

Particularly useful for the hard of hearing, this phone features an extra-bright red LED call indicator light on the top right of the unit which will flash brightly when a call is incoming. This means that users, particularly individuals with reduced hearing, will be less likely to miss a call as the bright light will catch their attention when in eyeshot.

Does the PowerTel Include a Digital Phonebook?

Yes, the PowerTel Amplified Telephone features a phonebook that is able to store up to 200 numbers at a time, allowing all important numbers to be kept at the ready. The phone also stores a log of the previous 30 missed, incoming or answered calls with the date and time, providing a useful reference for keeping track of callers.

Can I Wall Mount This Phone?

Yes, this phone can be wall-mounted. In order to mount the base unit to a wall, you will need two dowels and two wood screws (preferably 3mm in diameter with a length of 30mm). Please use caution and be aware of all electrical wires and water pipes before drilling.

Is the Phone Compatible with Hearing Aids?

Yes, this phone will work seamlessly with the vast majority of available hearing aids.

Is This Phone Compatible With Digital Routers?

BT have announced that by 2025, all analogue phone lines will be switched off, meaning landline phones will need to be compatible with digital routers and hubs. In preparation for the changeover, all Amplicomms Telephones are now fully compatible with digital networks. Amplicomms have confirmed that all phones are suitable for a digital network after testing at BT and Talk Talk labs.

User Instruction Manual

To learn more about how to set up and use the features of this telephone, view the user manual linked below:

User Manual

Key Features

• Extra-loud corded amplified telephone for loud and clear calls
• Ideal for the elderly and hearing impairment up to severe
• One of the loudest phones on the market with a 60dB handset (32x a regular phone)
• Extra-loud ringer of 90dB and extra-bright ring indicator ensure calls are heard
• Suitable for both domestic and business use
• Corded handset ideal for fixing to one place for familiarity in the home
• Compatible with hearing aids to ensure reliable and flexible use
• Two dedicated speed-dial keys (M1 and M2) to keep important numbers on hand
• Eight handset volume levels can be easily adjusted with + and - keys
• Audio boost key provides extra volume for users with severe hearing loss
• Four-line extra-large point matrix display screen with blue backlight for easier viewing
• Large keys with large easy-to-see numbers for easy dialling
• Built-in equaliser with three settings for greater audio control
• Visual alert for incoming calls helps reduce risks of calls being missed
• Caller ID presentation (CLIP) with a capacity to store the last 30 callers
• Telephone book for storing up to 200 numbers for quicker and easier calling
• Redial function for the ten most recent numbers

Technical Specifications

• Maximum Earpiece Volume: 60dB
• Menu Languages: GB, DE, FR, NL, ES, IT, TR
• FSK protocol
• Hearing aid compatible (ETS 300381)
• Power supply: 6V
• Base dimensions (LxWxH): 195 x 220 x 108mm
• Battery not required