Abstract: A remote charging cradle is configured for charging a cordless telephone handset unit and also permits the handset unit to receive and respond to a radio frequency ringing signal while located in this cradle. While being charged, the handset unit looks for a ringing signal over a direct-current charging path provided through its battery charge contacts. The operation which permits charging of the handset unit while also permitting the handset unit to receive a radio frequency ringing signal is achieved through a power cycling arrangement which controls the period over which the charging current from the cradle is applied to the handset unit. By applying this charging current periodically and then only for relatively short periods of time, the handset unit is able to sense the radio frequency ringing signal generated by an associated base unit during those periods when the charging current is not being applied and thereby respond to the ringing signal.