i have the 202 model, and I have not had any trouble with any of my POT's cordless phones. I would check to make sure all cords were plugged in tight, and that your handset was charged, and sync'ed with its base good, because to me, it sounds like there is something wrong somewhere in the cordless setup... It might even be that the battery in your handset went bad and needs replaced too. Basically, any regular phone should work on the setup fine. Just as long as it is a touch tone phone and not an old rotary type.