VTech VM5251, VM5251-2 - Full Color Video Monitor Manual

Introduction

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Before using this product, please read Important safety instructions. This manual has all the feature operations and troubleshooting necessary to install and operate your new VTech product. Please review this manual thoroughly to ensure proper installation and operation of this innovative and feature-rich VTech product. For support, shopping, and everything new at VTech, visit our website at www.vtechphones.com.

What's in the box

Connect and charge the battery

Install the parent unit battery
The parent unit runs on rechargeable battery or AC power. To continuously monitor your baby, keep the parent unit connected to AC power. With the battery alone, the parent unit can cordlessly run for a short time only.

NOTES

• Use only the battery supplied with this product.
• If the parent unit will not be used for a long time, disconnect and remove the battery to prevent possible leakage.

Replace the battery
To replace the battery, press down on the battery compartment cover and pull it out, then follow the steps above to install the battery.

Connect the baby monitor

NOTES

Charge the parent unit battery
When you have connected the parent unit and installed its battery for the first time or after power outage, the parent unit powers on automatically. The battery icon indicates the battery status (see the following table).

Notes

Before use

Test your baby monitor
You may test the baby monitor before initial use, and at regular times thereafter.

• For hearing protection, make sure the parent unit is more than 3 feet (1 meter) away from both baby units. If you hear any high-pitched noise, move the parent unit further until the noise stops. You can also press on the parent unit to reduce the noise.
  

1. Make sure your baby unit and parent unit are on.
2. The parent unit displays images from the baby unit.
   • Speak towards the microphone of the baby unit. You will hear the sound at the parent unit.
3. If you have two baby units, press VIEW on your parent unit. The screen switches to the other baby unit. Then, repeat step 2.

Note

• When the parent unit displays and then No Link to CAM # (# represents the baby unit number), and the LINK LED light flashes, move the parent unit closer to the baby unit (observe the minimum distance of 3 feet / 1 meter). You can also check if the baby unit is connected to a live power socket and switched on.

Tip

• Increase the speaker volume of the parent unit if you cannot hear the sounds transmitted from the baby units.

Positioning the baby monitor

Note

• To avoid interference from other electronic devices, place your baby monitor at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from devices such as wireless routers, microwaves, cell phones and computers.
  

Operating range
The operating range of the baby monitor is up to 1000 feet (300 meters) outdoors. The actual operating range may vary depending on the environmental conditions and other interferences such as walls, doors and other obstructions.

Using the baby monitor

Lullaby
The baby monitor has five lullabies and four soothing sounds for you to comfort your baby. You can play lullabies or soothing sounds on the baby unit by controlling remotely with the parent unit.

Adjust LCD brightness
You can change the brightness of the parent unit screen from Level 1 to Level 5. The LCD brightness is preset to Level 3.

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose LCD, then press SELECT.
3. Press SELECT again to choose Brightness.
4. Press or to choose the desired level of brightness, then press SELECT to confirm your selection.

Turn on and off the dim mode
The dim mode is preset to on to help you save the parent unit power. Your parent unit display will dim automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity, in which there is neither key pressed nor alert received from the baby unit.

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose LCD, then press SELECT.
3. Press or to choose Dim mode, then press SELECT.
4. Press or to choose On or Off, then press SELECT to confirm your selection.

Note

Monitoring mode
* for VM5251-2 only
Every time the parent unit is turned on, it displays a baby unit in Single CAM mode. If there are two baby units in your system, you can also monitor your baby in Patrol or Split mode.

You can choose the desired monitoring mode.

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose Monitoring Mode, then press SELECT.
3. Press or to choose Single CAM, Patrol or Split, then press SELECT.

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose VOX Sensitivity, then press SELECT.

• If you have two baby units, the system prompts you to choose the desired baby unit or both baby units, press or to choose ALL CAM or CAM #, then press SELECT.

3. Press or to choose the desired sensitivity level, then press SELECT to confirm your selection.

Note

• As long as the Sound-activated Screen setting is On, the screen will turn on automatically when VOX sensitivity is triggered, despite it was off earlier.

Tips

• You can adjust the baby unit placement to improve the sound detection.
• If you want to use a sound machine or white noise machine for natural white noise while using this babymonitor to check on your baby, you can:
  • Lower the volume of your sound machine or white noise machine; or
  • Lower the sensitivity level of your baby monitor to medium (level 3) or below. Default level is the highest level.

Turn on or off the sound activation
When sound activation is on, as long as no sound is detected within 50 seconds, the parent unit screen will turn off automatically to save power.
When your baby unit detects a sound, which exceeds the selected sensitivity level, the sound activation triggers the parent unit screen to turn on automatically. When no sound is detected within 50 seconds, the screen will be off again.

Notes

Zoom
You can zoom in while viewing images from the baby unit in Single CAM and Patrol mode.

Talk
You can use the TALK function of the parent unit to comfort your baby in Single CAM and Patrol mode.

Set alert tone Low battery tone
You can set the parent unit to beep when the parent unit operates in low battery condition.

Note
The sound alert feature is only available in Split mode.

Monitor the temperature
Your baby unit monitors the temperature of your baby's room with its built-in temperature sensor. If the detected temperature is out of the preset temperature range, the parent unit will display an alert message.

Set temperature range
You can set the desired room temperature alert range. The minimum temperature can be set between 52 ^oF (11 ^oC) and 69 ^oF (20 ^oC). The maximum temperature can be set between 70 ^oF (21 ^oC) and 86 ^oF (30 ^oC).

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose Temperature, then press SELECT.
3. Press or to choose Minimum or Maximum, then press SELECT.

• If you have two baby units, the system prompts you to choose the desired baby unit or both baby units, press or to choose ALL CAM or CAM #, then press SELECT.

4. Press or to choose the desired minimum or maximum temperature, then press SELECT to confirm your selection.

Temperature alert tone
You can turn on the temperature alert tone so that the parent unit will emit an alert tone if the detected temperature is out of range.

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose Temperature, then press SELECT.
3. Press or to choose Alert tone, then press SELECT.

• If you have two baby units, the system prompts you to choose the desired baby unit or both baby units, press or to choose ALL CAM or CAM #, then press SELECT.

4. Press or to choose On or Off, then press SELECT to confirm your selection.

Temperature format
You can choose to display the temperature in Fahrenheit (ºF) or Celsius (ºC).

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose Temperature, then press SELECT.
3. Press or to choose Format, then press SELECT.
4. Press or to choose o F or o C, then press SELECT to confirm your selection.

Rename the baby unit
You can rename the baby unit. Once the baby unit is renamed, its new name together with the baby unit number will appear in the sub-menu of below options:

• VOX Sensitivity
• Rename
• Temperature

1. Press MENU when the parent unit is idle.
2. Press or to choose Rename, then press SELECT.
3. Press or to choose the desired baby unit, then press SELECT.
4. Press or to choose the desired name for the baby unit, then press SELECT to confirm your selection.

Baby unit overview

• Your baby units and parent unit provided are already paired.

7. Speaker
8. Temperature sensor
9. ON/OFF switch

• Slide to turn on or off the baby unit.

10. Power jack
11. Wall mount holes for upright mounting
12. Wall mount holes for lateral mounting

Parent unit overview

1. LED lights
   Indicate the different statuses of the parent unit. For details, refer to Parent unit lights.

2. LCD display
3. VOL
4. VOL

• While in a menu, press to return to the main menu or idle screen.
• While viewing zoomed image, press and hold to move the zoomed image leftward.
• While in Split mode, press to move the selection box leftward.

Parent unit lights

LINK	On when the parent unit is linked to the baby unit. Flashes when the link to the baby unit being viewed in Single CAM or Patrol mode is lost; or when the link to at least one baby unit being viewed in Split mode is lost.
	On when the parent unit is connected to AC power, or the battery is charging. Flashes when the parent unit battery is low and needs charging. Off when the parent unit is disconnected from AC power.
	It turns on: When the parent unit speaker volume is set to off; or When the parent unit is talking to the baby unit; or When the parent unit is in Split mode.
TALK	On when the parent unit is talking to the baby unit.

Parent unit icons

Status icons

	Connection status displays when strong signal strength is detected between the baby unit and the parent unit. or displays when moderate or low signal strength is detected between the baby unit and the parent unit. displays when the link between the baby unit and the parent unit is lost.
	Lullaby Displays when the baby unit being viewed is playing lullaby.
	Current view status Displays the number of the baby unit that is being viewed when in Single CAM and Patrol mode. Displays the baby unit number of the selected baby unit when in Split mode.
	Patrol mode Displays when the parent unit is in Patrol mode. For VM5251-2 only.
	Split mode Displays when the parent unit is in Split mode. For VM5251-2 only
	Night vision Displays when the baby unit being viewed has activated the night vision feature.
	Zoom Displays when the current image on the parent unit has zoomed in.
	Temperature alert tone Displays when the temperature alert tone is set on.
ºF or ºC	Real-time temperature Displays the real-time temperature detected by the baby unit in Fahrenheit (ºF) or Celsius (ºC) (e.g. 57 ºF or 14 ºC).
	Mute alert Displays when the parent unit speaker volume is set to off. Displays when the parent unit is talking to the baby unit. Displays when Split mode is turned on.
	9-level sound indicator (1 to 3 bars) indicates low sound level detected by the baby unit. (4 to 6 bars) indicates moderate sound level detected by the baby unit. (7 to 9 bars) indicates high sound level detected by the baby unit.
	Speaker volume Displays the parent unit speaker volume level while adjusting.
	Battery status animates when the battery is charging. displays solid when the battery is fully charged. displays when the battery is low and needs charging.
	AC power without battery Displays when the parent unit is connected to AC power without the battery.

Main menu icons

	Monitoring Mode If you have two baby units, you can select a monitoring mode (Single CAM, Patrol or Split). For VM5251-2 only.
	Alert Tone You can set the parent unit to beep when the parent unit operates in low battery condition; the link between the parent unit and the baby unit is lost; or the baby unit detects sounds while in Split mode.
	Language You can select a language (English, French or Spanish) to be used in all screen displays.
	LCD You can change the brightness of the parent unit screen, or turn on the Dim Mode to save power.
	Rename You can choose a specific name for the baby unit from a pre-defined name list.
	VOX Sensitivity With this feature, you can choose to hear sounds from the baby unit all the time, or to hear sounds that exceed a certain level. You can use the parent unit to adjust the microphone sensitivity of your baby unit. The higher the sensitivity level, the more sensitive the baby unit is in detecting sounds for transmitting to the parent unit.
	Sound-activated Screen When the baby unit detects no sound, the parent unit screen stays off to save power. Once a sound is detected, the parent unit screen turns on automatically. It will then turn off again after 50 seconds of no sound detection.
	Temperature You can choose to set the maximum/ minimum temperature and turn on the Temperature alert tone, so that the parent unit beeps whenever the room temperature detected by the baby unit falls outside of the desired temperature range. You can choose to display the temperature in Fahrenheit (ºF) or Celsius (ºC) on your parent unit.
	Lullaby on CAM You can choose a lullaby or soothing sound to comfort your baby.
	Volume on CAM You can adjust the volume of baby units which determines the lullaby volume and talkback volume transmitted from parent unit.

Warning icons and messages

No link to CAM #	The selected baby unit is out of range or is turned off.
Battery low at Parent Unit	The battery level of the parent unit is very low and needs to be recharged.
Battery empty. Powering off...	The battery is empty and needs to be recharged.
Sound detected at CAM #	The sound level exceeds the threshold at CAM # in Split mode.

* # represents the baby unit number.

Night vision

The baby unit has infrared LEDs that allow you to see your baby clearly at night or in a dark room. When the baby unit being viewed detects low light levels, the infrared LEDs are switched on automatically. The images from the baby unit are in black and white, and appears on the screen.

Notes

Mount the baby unit (optional)

Your baby monitor comes ready for tabletop use. You can also choose to mount your baby monitor on the wall. See Mount the baby unit on dry wall (optional) in the Quick Start Guide for the wall mounting instructions.

General product care

To keep this product working well and looking good, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid putting it near heating appliances and devices that generate electrical noise (for example, motors or fluorescent lamps).
• DO NOT expose it to direct sunlight or moisture.
• Avoid dropping the product or treating it roughly.
• Clean with a soft cloth.
• DO NOT immerse the parent unit and the baby unit in water and do not clean them under the tap.
• DO NOT use cleaning spray or liquid cleaners.
• Make sure the baby unit and parent unit are dry before you connect them to the mains again.

Storage

When you are not going to use the baby monitor for some time, remove the rechargeable battery from the parent unit. Store the parent unit, the baby unit and the adapters in a cool and dry place.

Frequently asked questions

Below are the questions most frequently asked about the baby monitor. If you cannot find the answer to your question, visit our website at www.vtechphones.com, or contact 1 (800) 595-9511 for customer service.

Why does the baby monitor not respond normally?	Try the following (in the order listed) for common cure: Disconnect the power to the baby units and the parent unit. Remove the batteries in the parent unit. Then, install the batteries again. Wait a few seconds before connecting power back to the baby units and the parent unit. Turn on the baby units and the parent unit. Wait for the parent unit to synchronize with the baby units. Allow up to one minute for this to take place.
Why don't the power-on light of the baby unit and parent unit go on when I switch on the units?	Perhaps the parent unit is not connected to the power. Insert the appliance plug into the parent unit and put the adapter in a wall socket. Then, press and hold POWER to switch on the parent unit and to establish connection with the baby unit.
	Perhaps the baby unit is not connected to the power. Insert the appliance plug into the baby unit and put the adapter in a wall socket. Then, slide the ON/OFF switch to ON to switch on the baby unit and to establish connection with the parent unit.
Why doesn't my parent unit charge while connected to AC power?	Make sure the power is not controlled by a wall switch.
	Make sure the battery is correctly installed in your parent unit.
	You may have used the battery for a long time. Replace a new battery.
Why is my screen in black and white?	The screen is in black and white during night-time or in a dark room when the night vision feature is activated. This is normal.
Why do I get glare or blurry display on my screen when viewing my baby at night?	During night-time or in a dark room, the surroundings and other interfering factors, like lightings, objects, colors and backgrounds may affect the image quality on your parent unit screen. Adjust the baby unit's angle or place the baby unit at a higher level to prevent glare and blurry display.
Why does the baby monitor produce a high-pitched noise?	The parent unit and baby units may be too close to each other. Move the parent unit away from the baby units until the noise stops; OR Turn down the volume of your parent unit.
Why does the parent unit beep?	The baby units may be out of range. Move the parent unit closer to the baby units (but not less than 3 feet).
	The parent unit may not have enough charge for the parent unit to perform normally. Charge the battery in the parent unit for up to 3 hours.
	If your parent unit is in Split mode, some of your baby units may detect sounds.
	The temperature of your baby's room may be too high or too low.
Why does the parent unit beep frequently in Split mode?	You may have set the VOX sensitivity level to Highest when the sound alert feature is turned on. The parent unit notifies you of all sounds including background noise with beeps. Adjust the VOX sensitivity to a lower level.
Why does the parent unit react too quickly to other sounds?	The baby unit also picks up other sounds than those of your baby. Adjust the VOX sensitivity level to a lower level or lower the parent unit speaker volume.
Why don't I hear a sound/ Why can't I hear my baby cry?	The parent unit speaker volume may be too low. Press VOL to increase the volume.
	You may have set a low VOX sensitivity level. See Adjust the sound sensitivity of the baby unit to set to a higher level.
Why can't I establish a connection? Why is the connection lost every now and then? Why are there sound interruptions?	The baby units may be out of range. Move the parent unit closer to the baby units (but not less than 3 feet).
	Other electronic and wireless products may cause interference with your baby monitor. Try installing your baby monitor as far away from these devices as possible.
	If you power on only one baby unit, your parent unit may display and No link to CAM #, and the LINK LED light flashes. Press VIEW to switch to the baby unit you have powered on.

Technical specifications

Credits:
The Background Noise sound file was created by Caroline Ford, and is used under the Creative Commons license.
The Stream Noise sound file was created by Caroline Ford, and is used under the Creative Commons license.
The Crickets At Night sound file was created by Mike Koenig, and is used under the Creative Commons license.
The Heart Beat sound file was created by Zarabadeu, and is used under the Creative Commons license.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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All rights reserved.