AT&T 1740BK

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AT&T Digital Answering Machine User Manual

Model: 1740BK

Introduction

This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for the AT&T Digital Answering Machine, Model 1740BK. Designed for ease of use, this device offers reliable message recording, storage, and retrieval capabilities for your landline telephone system. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure proper setup and operation of your answering machine.

Product Overview

Top-down view of the AT&T Digital Answering Machine showing the control panel and speaker.

Figure 1: Top view of the AT&T Digital Answering Machine, highlighting the speaker grille, digital display, and control buttons including Play/Stop, Delete, Memo/Repeat, Announce/Skip, Setup, On/Off, Clock, and Volume controls.

Front view of the AT&T Digital Answering Machine, showing its compact size and slightly angled design.

Figure 2: Front view of the AT&T Digital Answering Machine, illustrating its compact and angled form factor, designed for easy viewing of the display and access to controls.

The AT&T Digital Answering Machine (Model 1740BK) is a compact and efficient device designed to manage your incoming calls. It features a digital recording system with approximately 60 minutes of record time, a time and date stamp for messages, and bilingual voice prompts (English/French). Its Memory Guard feature protects messages from loss during power outages. Key functions include call screening and remote message retrieval.

Setup

Package Contents

  • AT&T Digital Answering Machine (Model 1740BK)
  • Power Adapter (Input: 117V AC, 60 Hz / Output: 6V DC, 400 mA)
  • Telephone Line Cord
  • User Manual (this document)

Initial Connection

  1. Connect Power: Insert the small end of the power adapter into the DC IN 6V jack on the back of the answering machine. Plug the other end of the power adapter into a standard electrical outlet.
  2. Connect to Telephone Line: Plug one end of the telephone line cord into the TEL LINE jack on the back of the answering machine. Plug the other end of the telephone line cord into your telephone wall jack.
  3. Connect Telephone (Optional): If you wish to connect a telephone directly to the answering machine, plug one end of another telephone line cord (not included) into the TEL SET jack on the back of the answering machine. Plug the other end into your telephone.
  4. Power On: Press the ON/OFF button to turn on the answering machine. The display will illuminate.

Setting Date and Time

Accurate date and time settings are crucial for the message stamp feature.

  1. Press the CLOCK button.
  2. Use the VOLUME UP/DOWN buttons to adjust the hour. Press CLOCK again to confirm.
  3. Repeat for minutes, month, day, and year.
  4. The machine will automatically save the settings.

Operating Instructions

Recording Your Outgoing Announcement (OGM)

Your answering machine comes with a pre-recorded outgoing announcement. You can record your own personalized message.

  1. Press the ANNOUNCE/SKIP button.
  2. The machine will play the current announcement.
  3. To record a new announcement, press and hold ANNOUNCE/SKIP until you hear a beep.
  4. Speak clearly into the microphone (located near the speaker grille).
  5. Press ANNOUNCE/SKIP again to stop recording. The new announcement will play back.

Playing Messages

When new messages are received, the message counter will flash.

  1. Press the PLAY/STOP button.
  2. Messages will play in the order they were received, with the newest message playing first.
  3. During playback:
    • Press PLAY/STOP to pause or resume.
    • Press MEMO/REPEAT to repeat the current message. Press twice to go to the previous message.
    • Press ANNOUNCE/SKIP to skip to the next message.
    • Press DELETE to delete the current message.

Deleting Messages

  • Delete Current Message: During message playback, press the DELETE button.
  • Delete All Old Messages: When the machine is idle (not playing messages), press and hold the DELETE button until you hear a confirmation tone. This will delete all listened-to messages. New messages will not be deleted.

Call Screening

You can listen to incoming messages as they are being recorded. To adjust the screening volume, use the VOLUME UP/DOWN buttons during an incoming message recording.

Remote Access

You can access your answering machine remotely from any touch-tone phone.

  1. Call your telephone number.
  2. When the answering machine answers, press * (star key) on your phone.
  3. Enter your 2-digit remote access code (default is usually 00, refer to full manual for setting this).
  4. Follow the voice prompts to play, skip, or delete messages.

Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Wipe the surface of the answering machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
  • Power Supply: Ensure the power adapter is securely connected and not damaged. Use only the provided AT&T power adapter.
  • Placement: Place the unit on a stable, flat surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your AT&T Digital Answering Machine, refer to the following common solutions:

ProblemPossible Solution
Machine freezes or gets stuck during message playback.
  • This can occur due to a corrupted or improperly saved message.
  • Check Caller ID Settings: Ensure that any settings requiring Caller ID are disabled if you do not subscribe to Caller ID service. These settings can be adjusted via the SETUP button. Consult the full manual for detailed setup options.
  • Clear Corrupted Message: Call your answering machine from another phone and leave a new message. Then, play back messages. You should be able to skip past the corrupted message to the new one. After reviewing all messages, the system may offer an option to erase all messages, which can clear the corrupted one.
  • Power Cycle: Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet for a few seconds, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the unit.
No dial tone or cannot make/receive calls.
  • Ensure all telephone line cords are securely connected to the wall jack, answering machine, and telephone (if applicable).
  • Verify the power adapter is plugged in and the machine is turned on.
  • Test the telephone line by connecting a known working phone directly to the wall jack.
Messages are unclear or have static.
  • Check for interference from other electronic devices.
  • Ensure the telephone line cord is not damaged and is securely connected.
  • If recording your OGM, speak clearly and at a normal volume.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
BrandAT&T
Model Number1740BK
Answering System TypeDigital
Recording CapacityApproximately 60 minutes
Power SourceCorded Electric (Input: 117V AC, 60 Hz / Output: 6V DC, 400 mA)
Dimensions (L x W x H)18.3 x 13.2 x 5.8 Centimetres (7.2 x 5.2 x 2.3 inches)
Weight370 g (0.82 lbs)
MaterialPlastic
Voice PromptsBilingual (English/French)
Memory GuardPrevents message loss due to power failure
FeaturesDate and Time Message Stamp, Call Screening, Remote Accessible Message Retrieval

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official AT&T website. The manufacturer of this product is VTech Canada.

Manufacturer: VTech Canada
Place of Business: Richmond, BC V6W 1L5 CA

It is recommended to register your product to receive updates and support.

© 2025 AT&T. All rights reserved. Model 1740BK.

This manual is for informational purposes only. AT&T is a registered trademark of AT&T Intellectual Property.

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