Section 4A: Safety Guidelines 187Getting the Most Out of Your ReceptionKeeping Tabs on Signal StrengthThe quality of each call you make or receive depends on the signal strength in yourarea. Your phone informs you of the current signal strength by displaying a number ofbars next to the signal strength icon. The more bars displayed, the stronger the signal.If you’re inside a building, being near a window may give you better reception.Understanding the Power Save FeatureIf your phone is unable to find a signal after 15 minutes of searching, a Power Savefeature is automatically activated. If your phone is active, it periodically rechecksservice availability; you can also check it yourself by pressing any key. Anytime thePower Save feature is activated, a message is displayed on the screen. When a signalis found, your phone returns to standby mode.Understanding How Your Phone OperatesYour phone is basically a radio transmitter and receiver. When it’s turned on, itreceives and transmits radiofrequency (RF) signals. When you use your phone, thesystem handling your call controls the power level. This power can range from0.00001 watts to 0.39 watts in digital mode, depending upon in which band yourphone operates.Knowing Radiofrequency SafetyThe design of your Sprint PCS Vision Phone complies with updated NCRP standardsdescribed below.In 1991-92, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and theAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI) joined in updating ANSI’s 1982 standardfor safety levels with respect to human exposure to RF signals. More than 120scientists, engineers and physicians from universities, government health agenciesand industries developed this updated standard after reviewing the available body ofresearch. In 1993, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted thisupdated standard in a regulation. In August 1996, the FCC adopted hybrid standardconsisting of the existing ANSI/IEEE standard and the guidelines published by theNational Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP).Maintaining Your Phone’s Peak PerformanceThere are several simple guidelines to operating your phone properly andmaintaining safe, satisfactory service. Speak directly into the mouthpiece. Avoid exposing your phone and accessories to rain or liquid spills. If yourphone does get wet, immediately turn the power off and remove the battery,and dry thoroughly. For optimal performance, store and use your phone between a temperaturerange of 23ºF and 140ºF (-5ºC and 60ºC).Note: For the best care of your phone, only Sprint authorized personnel should serviceyour phone and accessories. Faulty service may void the warranty.
