ION Audio Explorer Outback Wireless Speaker User Manual

ION Audio Explorer Outback Wireless Speaker

Introduction

Box Contents

• Explorer Outback
• Microphone and Cable with Storage Bag
• 1/8” (3.5 mm) Stereo Aux Cable
• Power Cable
• Quickstart Guide
• Safety & Warranty Manual

Support

• For the latest information about this product (system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and product registration, visit ionaudio.com

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable lead-acid batteries are the same type used in automobiles. As with your car battery, how you use this battery has a significant impact on its lifespan. With proper use and treatment, a lead-acid battery can last for years. Here are some recommendations for getting the longest life from the internal battery.

• General Usage
• Fully charge the battery before using it. Charge the battery completely after each use.
• Storage
• For best product longevity, do not store at exceedingly hot (greater than 90°F/32°C) or exceedingly cold (less than 32°F/0°C) temperatures. It is acceptable to leave your sound system plugged in. This will not overcharge the battery. If you leave the battery level low and do not charge it for 6 months, it may permanently lose capacity.
• Repair If the battery fails to charge, check your fuse near the power cable input. If your fuse is intact and it still will not charge, contact ION Audio at ionaudio.com
• Disposal
• Bring the unit to a recycling center or dispose of in accordance with local ordinances.

Outdoor Use and Care

Though Explorer Outback is water-resistant and able to tolerate splashing water, please review the tips below to get the best performance from Explorer Outback:

• Explorer Outback must only be used outdoors with power outlets or extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
• Bring Explorer Outback indoors during extreme weather.
• Please do not place Explorer Outback in standing water.
• Please do not connect the power cable to Explorer Outback in a wet environment. Make sure the power input, power cable, and power outlet are all completely dry before making any connections.
• WARNING: Keep any non-water-resistant devices (phones, music players, etc.) in a dry place where they will not be affected by water and cause a risk of electric shock. Do not place devices in the included storage bag, as it is not water-resistant.

Quick Setup

1. Make sure all items listed in the Box Contents are included in the box.
2. Read the Safety & Warranty Manual before using the product.
3. Make sure the battery is completely charged prior to first use for maximum battery life.
4. Study the Connection Diagram.
5. Ensure the Master Volume on Explorer Outback is at zero.
6. Connect your devices.
7. Raise the volume to a comfortable level.
8. Return the Master Volume to zero when you are finished using Explorer Outback

Connection Diagram

• Items not listed under Introduction > Box Contents are sold separately

Features

Front Panel

1. Power Button: Turns Explorer Outback on or off. Please note that while Explorer Outback is connected to a power source, it does not need to be powered on
   to charge the battery. When the power is on, the display will show the power indicator.
2. Bluetooth Button: Press the Bluetooth button to disconnect a paired Bluetooth device.
3. Light Mode Button: Press this button to select how the lights on the front panel function:
   • White: The lights are lit solidly white.
   • Color Cycle: The lights slowly glow and cycle through colors. Press and hold the light mode button to freeze the lights on one color.
   • Beat Sync: The lights react to the beat of the music.
   • Off: The lights turn off. This is the default mode when Explorer Outback is first powered on.
4. Radio Selector: This button sets the Radio to AM, FM, or turns the radio off.
5. AM/FM Presets: Store a favorite radio station and quickly tune to a preset radio station. There are 6 numeric positions to store AM band presets and 6 numeric positions to store FM band presets. To add a preset:
   • i. Select either the AM or FM band and then use the Tune/Track Buttons buttons to select the desired radio station.
   • ii. Press and hold a numeric preset button to assign the current station to that preset number. The display will show “SAVE” to show the station has been saved. To use an added preset, tap a preset number once lightly to go to the stored radio station.
6. Tune/Track Buttons: Tap these buttons to tune in a radio station or go to the previous/next track on a Bluetooth-connected device. To “seek” (jump to the next available station), hold either button down for a few seconds until it starts to seek a station. The unit will remember the last station it was on and start at that station when powered off and on again.
7. Play/Pause: Press to play or pause a track from a connected Bluetooth device.
8. Display: Displays the current radio station, battery status, and Bluetooth status.
   • Charging Indicator: When the power cable is connected, movement of the top battery segment shows the battery is charging. When fully charged, all battery segments will be lit without blinking. When the power cable is disconnected, the battery segment shows the level of the battery.
   • Lightning Bolt Icon: The lightning bolt icon will illuminate when the IEC power cable is connected to wall power.
   • Bluetooth Icon: The Bluetooth icon will not be lit when Explorer Outback is first powered on (unless it was previously paired with a device). The Bluetooth icon will be lit solid when a device is paired to Explorer Outback.
   • Power Indicator: The power indicator will be lit when Explorer Outback is powered on. The power indicator will not be lit when Explorer Outback is powered off.
9. Master Volume Control: This adjusts the speaker’s main mix volume, which includes the Microphone Input, Auxiliary Input, Radio, and the audio of a paired Bluetooth device.
10. Microphone Input with Volume Control (1/4”): This mono input accepts a 1/4” (6.35 mm) input such as a microphone, guitar, or other musical instrument.
11. Auxiliary Input: This stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) input can be used to connect a CD player, MP3 player, or other audio source.
12. Speaker Link: Connect two or more Explorer Outbacks together using a 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo aux cable from the Speaker Link of one Explorer Outback to the Aux Input of the second Explorer Outback. A 2’ (61 cm) cable is included but a longer one can be purchased from a local electronics retailer.
13. USB Charging Ports: Connect your device’s charge cable here to charge it. USB charging only functions when the unit’s power is turned on.
    • Note: To charge smartphones and tablets faster, put the device’s screen to sleep.
14. Power Cable Input (Back Panel): Insert the included power cable here to charge the unit. Note that the Explorer Outback can be used with the power cable while it simultaneously charges the battery.

Pairing a Bluetooth Device

1. Turn on your Bluetooth device.
2. Power on Explorer Outback. If you have previously connected to another Bluetooth device, Explorer Outback will reconnect. To disconnect pairing if the Bluetooth icon is lit solid, press and release the Bluetooth button.
3.  Navigate to your Bluetooth device’s setup screen, find “Explorer Outback” and connect.
   • Note: If your Bluetooth device prompts for a pairing code, enter “0000”.
4. To disconnect pairing while the Bluetooth icon is lit solid, press and release the Bluetooth button.
5. To connect to another Bluetooth device, repeat step 3.
   • Note: Maximum range will be achieved when using devices with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.

Pairing a Bluetooth Device Using NFC

NFC (near-field communication) allows data exchange from devices, such as pairing, by gently bumping them together. Check-in your device’s manual to see if this feature is supported. To use NFC to pair with Explorer Outback:

1. In order to use NFC, your device must be turned on and unlocked.
2. Enter your device’s Settings menu and check that NFC is turned On (one-time step).
3. Power on Explorer Outback.
4. Touch and briefly hold your device to the NFC logo.
5. Follow the pairing instructions that appear on your phone. If a passcode is required, enter “0000”.
6. To unpair, gently bump your device against the NFC logo located on Explorer Outback’s top panel.

Troubleshooting

• If the sound is distorted: Try lowering the volume control of your sound source, musical instrument, or microphone. Also, try to reduce the overall volume of Explorer Outback using the Master Volume knob.
• If there is too much bass: Try adjusting the tone or EQ control on your sound source to lower the bass level. This will allow you to play the music louder before clipping (distortion) occurs.
• If there is a high-pitched whistling noise when using microphones: This is probably feedback. Point the microphone away from the speaker.
• If there is poor AM reception: To adjust AM reception, move entire unit.
• If you can’t hear the microphone over the music volume: Turn down the music volume from your source.
• If you can’t play music from a flash drive: The USB port is only for charging USB devices.

Appendix

Technical Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice

• Bluetooth range is affected by walls, obstructions, and movement. For optimal performance, place the product in the center of the room so it is unobstructed by walls, furniture, etc.
• Battery life may vary based on temperature, age, and volume usage of the product.

For more manuals by ION Audio, visit ManualsLibraryy

ION Audio Explorer Outback Wireless Speaker-FAQs