Gemini 'Back-up' Makes Cordless Phones Blackout-Proof

By Staff On Oct 13 2003 - 6:00am

To keep cordless phones working during power failures — since phone base stations are directly dependent on power being available in the home — Gemini Industries is introducing the Southwestern Bell Cordless Phone Emergency Back-up.

The product, described as sleek and attractive, with a small footprint that can be situated next to the cordless base unit, conveniently plugs into the cordless phone's base unit and its power supply. The Cordless Phone Emergency Back-up will then automatically charge from the wall.

In the event of a power failure, the unit can supply standby power for up to 24 hours or more than four hours of talk time. The unit also will re-charge the handset battery from the base cradle if the battery charge is low. When not in use, the Gemini Emergency Back-up protects the cordless phone with built-in phone line surge and spike protection.

The clear, acrylic panel frame of the Emergency Back-up can operate as a nightlight, casting a soft blue glow that frames the front panel. Alternately, the panel light can be switched off easily by pressing the front panel.

In the event of a power failure, the light will automatically re-illuminate, making it easier to see the phone in the dark. A front panel LED lamp will glow red to signify the back-up mode. The three-color front panel LED shows the unit's status — red for back-up mode, flashing red for battery low, steady green for fully charged, flashing green for charging, steady amber for standby/reset and flashing amber for fault detected.

Suggested retail is $29.99, and connecting cords and adapter plugs are provided for the most popular brands of cordless phones. The product measures 2.75 inches wide by 4.75 inches high by 5 inches deep.