Hi, I solved this issue this morning. "Searching" means the handset cannot find the signal from its base, and if you check your base, it's more likely than not, dead. In my case, I checked this by pressing any button on the base, i.e. answer phone etc.,
there was no response (although the handset seems to recharge power fine for some reason).
Therefore, I went and bought a new cheap GAP
compatible (binatone 1800 Single at Comet - 14.99). I then set up the
base, put it in the registration mode as per the binatone instruction.
Then on the Phillips CD245
handset and gone through the above registration procedure... and Voila!
It worked.
Now I have a brand new base that came with 1 new handset of its
own, and 3 additional CD245 handsets which are all registered with this base. So far, the sound quality is
good (no different from the previous genuine set) and they retained all the telephone numbers
registered with the handset.
I don't have any high regards to binatone specifically as a brand because our last corded phone system was rubbish and died shortly after 12 months guarantee but to me it looks as if GAP compatible cordless phones have certain life-span however cheap or expensive they are (while handset seem to last much longer). Threrefore, there is more incentive to buy a cheap base new (of any make that are GAP Compatible) then connect your old handset to this base and live on 12 months
manufacturer's guarantee and hopefully more. On the web, I saw some comments that are saying GAP Compatible phones and base sometimes do not successfully register each other (despite even being of the same make or brand). Obviously the users make such attempt at her/his own risk but I can confirm that the above combination worked for me.
Just for info, to do the registration successfully, the both
base and handset must be in "Registering" mode. First, to get the base in the
registration
mode, you have to press <page> (a paging function for handset in
case you cannot find where they are - usually button that says
<page>or speaker with sound symbol on
the base) more than 5 seconds, then the base is in the "Register
Mode"(though you will hear no beep).
You can then go through the procedure you describe on the handset and
the handset should beep with assigned number no more than 10 seconds
after it flashed "Waiting".
I hope this is helpful.
Best,
Ken
The above, however, works only
if the Base is still functioning.
