BeoCom 5000

The BeoCom 5000 was the first cordless model in the B&O range. Although it was illustrated in the UK catalogues, for much of the time that it was in production it was not available there. The BeoCom 5000 system consisted of a base unit and a handset, sold in coded matched pairs. The base unit could be used the “page” the handset, and contained a notepad and brief instruction sheet that popped up from the top when a button on the side was pushed. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The handset offered all the usual features, though was unusual for the period in the respect that it did not have a projecting antenna. Ten telephone numbers could be stored and recalled, and a choice of tone ringer settings were available. There was also a tone ringer in the base unit, which could be set up separately. An unusual feature was the “scramble” function, which could be switched in or out, and provided greater call security at the cost of some sound quality. Despite the number memory and the various programming modes, the handset did not have a display. Instead, a “signal lamp” was fitted, which indicated the mode of operation by a combination of colour (red/orange/green) and fast/slow flashing or constant illumination. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The standardisation of the DECT digital cordless telephone standard quickly made the BeoCom 5000 obsolete, and after a short production run it was replaced by the BeoCom 6000 system. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.