This is the basket Message

This is the basket Message

< Back

How the Minifone works

Minifone is the world’s smallest cordless (DECT) phone. It can be worn on the wrist or as a pendant. It is designed to offer security and re-assurance to the vulnerable at home by providing an easy and convenient way for friends and relatives to keep in touch. At the same time the Minifone provides rapid access to assistance should the need arise.

The Minifone connects to the user’s normal analogue home telephone line.

How does it work?

  • The user, family member or carer will nominate up to three telephone numbers to be called in the event of an emergency.
  • These numbers may be pre-programmed into the Minifone by the Response Centre, Housing Manager or PivoTell.
  • The Response Centre or Warden’s number can be programmed in as the Emergency Number

If the user needs assistance-at the press of the two buttons the Minifone will either:

  • Call the first of three pre-programmed numbers of relatives or friends. If these numbers are not answered the Minifone will call a Response Centre or:
  • Immediately call a Response Centre or perhaps a Housing Manager or Warden

Receiving incoming calls:

  • All incoming calls can be answered by the Minifone at the press of either button within the range of the base station ( up to 50m indoors / up to 300m outside). The user can have a normal two way conversation hands free.

Minifone in use showing buttons

Making an emergency call:

  • If the user needs assistance help can be immediately called by pressing both buttons. This initiates a call to the first number. If this is not answered within 30 seconds or an answer phone activates, the Minifone will move to the second number, and similarly to the third number.
  • When answering a call from the Minifone, the receiving party will hear a voice saying ‘ Hello, this is Minifone, please press button 5 to answer the call’. Pressing button 5 on the receiver’s handset generates a tone which the Minifone recognises. The Minifone will then hold the call at that number and the conversation can begin.
  • If the (up to) three numbers are not answered, the Minifone will call the Response Centre. Details of the caller will have been pre-registered by the Response Centre. The Minifone operates with CLI and therefore the user’s details will appear on the operator’s screen on those Monitoring Centre’s platforms accepting CLI.
  • The operator can have a full two way conversation with the user wherever the user is in the home or garden within the range of the base station and take appropriate action.

Making an Emergency Call with Miniphone 1Making an Emergency Call with Miniphone 2

Who is the Minifone for?

  • Older or vulnerable people who are living in their own home or sheltered housing.
  • Those who are not comfortable with an Response Centre being the first call but need the re-assurance that in an emergency there will be a response.
  • People with mobility problems who have difficulty getting to a phone on time.
  • Those who are susceptible to having a fall.
  • Those who might not remember what number to call in an emergency.
  • Anyone who needs checking, for example:-
    • Welfare check
    • Medication reminder
    • Appointment reminder
    • Meal reminder
    • Night safety reminder
  • Those would like to keep in touch more easily with family or friends.
  • People who feel vulnerable, who have been considering some form of personal alarm but dislike the pendant.
  • For the Response Centre or Home Manager the Minifone offers a number of advantages:
  • If the user has family members or neighbours programmed in as the first three numbers, calls will be filtered which are trivial or accidental.
  • If the Response Centre receives a call the operator can speak directly to the caller wherever they are in the home or garden (within the range of the base station) and the operator may then quickly identify the problem directly and field the call appropriately.
  • The Minifone is a economical solution when compared to other phone systems requiring additional subscriptions. (e.g. mobile phone / GPS).
  • It can be programmed to call the Call Centre as the first call.
  • It operates with Caller Line Identification (CLI) and can be linked with monitoring centre platforms supporting CLI including:
    • TunstallPNC5
    • TunstallPNC6
    • Chubb Saturn
    • Jontek Answerlink 3G
  • If numbers need to be changed the Minifone can be re-programmed remotely without the need for a home visit.
  • It enables a check to be made on the user without the user having to get to a phone in order to respond.
  • When used in a Sheltered Housing Scheme it enables a manager to check on residents without it being labour intensive or intrusive.
Minifone Connection Diagram

Main Features

  • 5 hours talking time
  • 4 days standby time
  • Indoor range >50m
  • Outdoor range >300m
  • LCD type: 14 digits x3 lines +8 icons
  • LCD backlight
  • Time and date displayed
  • Call duration counter
  • Ringer tone
  • Li-polymer battery

 

 

< Back    Λ Top