Acoustic Research AW851 User Manual

Model AW851

Installation and
Operation Manual

Important Information

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user

serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualifi ed service personnel.

Product Information

Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and
service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and
record the serial and model numbers in case you need
them. These num bers are located on the product.

Model No.: ______________________________________

Purchase Date: __________________________________

Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Clean only with dry cloth.

6. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifi ers) that produce heat.

8. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, con ve nience re cep ta cles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.

9. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

10. Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been dam aged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the ap pa ra tus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not op er ate normally, or has been dropped.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specifi ed by the
manufacturer.

Care and Maintenance

• Always use a soft cloth to clean the speaker and

transmitter. Never use any product containing alcohol or
other solvents as they may damage the surface.

• Use caution when plugging the power transformer in an

AC outlet to avoid the risk of electric shock.

• To clean the lantern/speaker: Shut off main power supply.

Wipe with damp cloth or use window cleaner. Do not use
abrasive cleaners.

• Bulb replacement: Replace with MAX 40W type B or

Listed 13W Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamp

(candelabra-based bulb).
Warning: Do not use bulb-base adapters with this product.
This product must be used with candelabra-based bulbs only.

Tour of the Speaker System

Lantern/Speaker

Right Panel Speaker Controls

Speaker On/Off button turns the speaker on and off
Auto Scan button rescans for the transmitter’s signal
Volume Up and Down buttons adjust the volume level

L/Mono/R switch determines if the speaker plays sound in mono

as a stand-alone speaker, or plays the left or right track in a
stereo pair with an additional AW851

Light On/Off switch turns the lantern on and off

Front Panel

Power/Linked indicator (not shown) blinks when the speaker is

fi rst powered on; it turns solid blue when the speaker is tuned to
the transmitter

A

Audio

source

DC IN

CHANNEL

1 2 3

R AUDIO L

IN

Transmitter
(back panel)

Y-adapter

audio cable

WARNING: RISK OF INJURY

• Some metal parts in the fi xture may have sharp edges. To prevent cuts and scrapes, wear gloves when handling the parts.

• Account for small parts and destroy packing material, as these may be hazardous to children.

• Use fl ashlight or alternate light source to light work area during installation.

• Assistance may be required to support fi xture during installation.

• This apparatus must be installed in accordance with all applicable installation rules.

• This device must be connected to a mains socket outlet or outlet box with a grounded and protected connection.

• To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the wall in accordance with the installation instructions.

CAUTION: WIRING AND FIXTURE OPERATION

• Connect fi xture to supply wires rated for at least 90°C (194°F).

• Do not use fi xture on dimming circuits.

• Unit must be mounted higher than 60”.

WARNING

To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the wall in accordance with the installation instructions.

Introduction

AR’s Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker System puts a new twist on your outdoor
lighting: sound! The AW851 eliminates the hardest part of adding speakers to your
home—running and hiding hundreds of feet of speaker wire. The AR Wireless Speaker
System’s RF signal travels with ease through walls, fl oors, ceilings and other obstacles,
delivering high-quality sound and stylish décor. With drift- and static-free reception
along with outstanding range—up to 150 feet*—the possibilities for enjoying your AR
Wireless Speaker System are nearly unlimited. The AR Wireless Speaker System is
compatible with most audio sources, such as TVs, DVD players, VCRs, A/V receivers/
amps, stereos, computers, and portable devices (CD players, cassette players, MP3s
etc.).

This manual covers various connection options and detailed operating instructions for
making the AR Wireless Speaker System a valued part of your lifestyle. If, after having
reviewed the instructions, you have any questions, please call toll-free
1-800-732-6866 or visit www.araccessories.com.

*Range may vary according to environment.

Setting Up

Unpacking

Before you start installing the Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker, make sure you
have the following parts in your package:

(1) Lantern/Wireless Speaker

(2) Wire
Connectors

(2) Mounting
Screws

(1) Mounting Crossbar

Mounting the Lantern/Wireless Speaker

Before you can use the Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker, you must mount it to
an outlet box.

WARNING: Consult a qualifi ed electrician in case the main supply wiring needs to be
checked or if you’re not certain how to install wiring. Always install wiring connections

in accordance with local code, ordinances, and the National Electrical Code.

Outdoor Lantern and
Wireless Speaker

(2) Caps

1. Make sure power is off for the outlet box at the main
circuit breaker.

2. Remove the old fi xture from the outlet box. Carefully
disconnect its wiring.

3. Mount the crossbar to the outlet box using the mounting
screws included in this package.

4. Unscrew the center screw on the crossbar and align the
two side screws so that they are level with each other. Then
tighten the center screw.

5. Find the copper ground wire coming from the wireless
speaker. Twist it together with the ground wire coming from
the outlet box.

If the outlet box doesn’t have a ground wire, attach the

ground wire to the mounting crossbar as shown here.

6. Strip 3/4” of insulation from the wire ends coming from
the speaker. Use pliers to twist the speaker’s stripped ends
together with the wires coming from the outlet box—make
sure you match black wire to black and white wire to white.
Then snip the ends.

7. Attach the wire connectors to the joined ends. If you’d like,
you can tie the connectors and ends together with electrical
tape.

Level

8. Place the wireless speaker onto the two side screws on the
crossbar. Secure the speaker onto the wall with the two caps
included in this package.

9. Use silicon caulking to seal the top and sides between
the speaker and the wall. Leave the bottom open so that
moisture can drain.

Connecting the Transmitter to an Audio Source

1. Plug the stereo plugs on the provided Y-adapter
audio cable into the AUDIO IN jacks on the back of
the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on
the plugs and jacks).

2. Plug the mini-plug end of the provided Y-adapter
into the headphone output of your MP3 player or CD
player (or audio output jack on your computer).

3. Connect the small, round plug from the transmitter
AC power adapter to the transmitter’s DC IN jack.
Plug the other end of the transmitter AC power
adapter into any standard 120V AC wall outlet.

Connecting to an A/V Receiver

You can also connect the transmitter to an A/V Receiver using the mini-jack to
RCA adapter included.

1. Plug the stereo plugs on the provided Y-adapter audio cable into the AUDIO
IN jacks on the back of the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on the
plugs and jacks).

2. Plug the mini-plug end of the provided
Y-adapter into the mini-jack to RCA adapter.

3. Connect the stereo plugs on the mini-jack to
RCA adapter to the corresponding left and
right audio outputs of your A/V receiver,
amp, or other audio source.

(1) Transmitter
Power Adapter

(1) 3.5mm to
RCA Cable

(1) Transmitter

Note: This power unit is intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or fl oor
mount position.

Note: There is no transmitter ON/OFF switch. The transmitter is designed to be
left plugged in and powered at all times. If you will not be using the AW851 for an
extended period of time, unplug the transmitter AC power adapter.

Installing/Changing the Lantern Light Bulb

The Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker takes a candelabra-base bulb (40W max;
bulb not included). The bottom of this Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker is open
for easy access to the socket. For best results, use a clear (non-frosted) 40W bulb. To
install or change the lantern’s bulb:

1. Find the light socket located on the bottom of
the lantern.

2. Insert the bulb and screw it into the socket.

Important: Handle and dispose of fl uorescent
bulbs per manufacturer’s directions.

Warning: This product is designed to work with line level outputs or headphone
outputs only. DO NOT connect it directly to speaker outputs as it will permanently
damage the transmitter.

Ground

wire

(1) mini-jack to
RCA adapter

For power rating and all applicable warning labels, see the bottom and the side of the transmitter and receiver/speaker.

The Lightning fl ash with arrowhead symbol, with
an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user

of the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage
within the product’s enclosure that may be of suffi cient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user of the

presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.

3ft 11in

(1 meter)

9ft 10in

(3 meters)

5ft 6in

(1.8 meter)

2ft 6in

(.75 meter)

Recommended
Installation Location

Install your outdoor lantern and
wireless speaker under eaves that
extend at least 1 meter (3ft 11in)
from your house and are at least
3 meters (9ft 10in) off the ground.
Then make sure the bottom of the
outdoor lantern and wireless speaker
is at least 1.8 meters (5ft 6in) off the
ground.

The outdoor lantern and wireless
speaker must be mounted to a wall
made of wood or concrete.

Bottom of the Lantern

Light socket

Right Side, Back

Transmitter (back panel)

120V AC

CHANNEL

AC Power

DC IN

1 2 3

R AUDIO L

IN

wall outlet

Adapter

CHANNEL

1 2 3

Y-adapter

audio cable

Transmitter
(back panel)

DC IN

R AUDIO L

IN

A/V Receiver

A

Audio Output

Mini-jack to

RCA adapter

Speaker

On/O

Auto Scan

Volume

Volume

L Mono R

Light

On/O

About Variable-Level Audio Outputs:

A variable-level output, such as a headphone jack or certain RCA-type outputs,
provides an audio signal that changes with the volume level set on the audio source.
As the volume of the audio source is adjusted up and down, so is the audio signal
strength sent to the transmitter. This can affect the quality of sound generated by the
speaker, and may require an adjustment of the volume level of the audio source to
produce a signal strong enough for the transmitter.

Hint: On most bookshelf-type or compact stereo systems, inserting a headphone
plug into the headphone jack results in automatic cutoff of the regular, or hard-wired
speakers.

Hint: Most TVs, regardless of age or price, have variable outputs. If you are unsure
which of your TV audio outputs is fi xed, refer to the TV instruction manual. Some
TVs have outputs that can switch between variable and fi xed. When given a choice,
fi xed is always recommended.

Troubleshooting

The following troubleshooting guide takes you through some of the more common
problems associated with the installation and/or operation of a wireless system. If the
problem persists, please call toll-free at 1-800-732-6866 or visit www.araccessories.com.

Issue: Cause and solution:

No sound • Check that the transmitter AC power adapter is fully inserted into the wall outlet and

the power cord from the AC adapter is fi rmly connected to the transmitter power
input jack.

• Confi rm that the speaker is turned on and tuned to the transmitter—
the indicator light on the front of the speaker should be solid blue (not blinking).

• If the speaker is on a switched outlet, make sure the outlet is on.

• Check that the audio source component (stereo, MP3 player, etc.) is turned on and
transmitting sound as it normally should.

• Make sure the volume on your audio source is turned up.

• Check that the speaker volume is turned up.

• If you are using a Tape 2 Monitor output from your receiver/amp as the audio
output, check that you have pressed the Tape Monitor/Tape 2 button on the front of
the receiver. This will turn on the Tape 2 outputs, which may not have been active.

No sound/
distortion/
static

• Check that the speaker’s indicator light is solid blue (not blinking).

• Change the position of the channel select switch (1, 2 or 3) to change the operating
frequency. Then press the Auto Scan button on the bottom of the speaker to make
the speaker retune.

• Change the location of the transmitter. Place it as high and away from obstructions
as possible. Avoid placing the transmitter directly on top of or behind a TV.

• Move the transmitter closer to the speaker. Sending the signal through certain
materials, such as glass, tile, and metal, can decrease the effective transmitting
distance of the system.

Bulb doesn’t
light

• If the lantern/speaker is on a switched outlet, make sure the outlet is on.

• Make sure the light on/off switch on the bottom of the lantern/speaker is switched
on.

• Make sure the bulb hasn’t burned out. Try a new bulb in the lantern/speaker.

• If the above solutions don’t work, turn off power to the outlet at the circuit box and
make sure the lantern/speaker is wired correctly.

Circuit breaker
trips when you
turn on the
lantern

• The lantern/speaker is probably wired incorrectly. Turn off power to the outlet at the
circuit box and rewire the lantern/speaker, making sure to match the black to black
wire, white to white, and ground to ground.

More Helpful Information

About Fixed-Level Audio Outputs

A fi xed-level, or line-level, audio output is considered ideal since it provides an audio
signal unchanged by adjustments to the audio source volume control.

Hint: Fixed-level audio outputs from stereo receivers/amps will typically be
designated as Tape (or Record) outputs or DVR/DVD-R audio output connections.

Fixed-level outputs from TVs are usually marked as ‘Constant,’ ‘Fixed,’ or ‘Select.’ If they
are not marked as such, they are probably variable outputs (see “About Variable-Level
Audio Outputs” below). Outputs from DVD players are almost always fi xed.

Hint: When connecting to the audio outputs of a DVD player, remember that the DVD
player must be showing a TV channel for sound to be produced.

Trademark(s) ® Registered www.araccessories.com MADE IN CHINA AW851 US IB 00

12 Month Limited Warranty

Specifi cations

Transmitter

• Omni-directional 900MHz broadcast

• Effective transmitting range:
up to 150 ft. (45m)*

• Phase-locked loop circuitry (PLL)

• Automatic level control (ALC)

• 3 selectable broadcast frequencies

• Stereo audio input

Speaker

• Push-button, auto-lock tuning

• 2-way acoustic design:
2” tweeter, 3” woofer

• 5 Watt RMS internal amplifi er

• Omni-directional sound

• Frequency response: 40Hz - 15kHz

• Left/Mono/Right switch

• Operates using AC outlet box (requires
installation)

*Maximum range; results may vary according to
environment.

Audiovox Electronics Corporation (the “Company”) warrants to the original retail
purchaser of this product that should this product or any part thereof, under normal
use and conditions, be proven defective in material or workmanship within 12 months
from the date of original purchase, such defect(s) will be repaired or replaced (at
the Company’s option) without charge for parts and repair labor. To obtain repair or
replacement within the terms of this Warranty, the product along with any accessories
included in the original packaging is to be delivered with proof of warranty coverage
(e.g. dated bill of sale), specifi cation of defect(s), transportation prepaid, to the
Company at the address shown below. Do not return this product to the Retailer.

This Warranty is not transferable and does not cover product purchased, serviced
or used outside the United States or Canada. The warranty does not extend to
the elimination of externally generated static or noise, to costs incurred for the
installation, removal or reinstallation of the product.

The warranty does not apply to any product or part thereof which, in the opinion of
the company, has suffered or been damaged through alteration, improper installation,
mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident or exposure to moisture. This warranty does
not apply to damage caused by an AC adapter not provided with the product, or by
leaving non-rechargeable batteries in the product while plugged into an AC outlet.

THE EXTENT OF THE COMPANY’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO
THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROVIDED ABOVE AND, IN NO EVENT, SHALL THE
COMPANY’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY PURCHASER FOR
THE PRODUCT.

This Warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED TO DURATION OF THIS
WARRANTY. ANY ACTION FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY HEREUNDER, INCLUDING
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN A PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS
FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE COMPANY BE
LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER. No
person or representative is authorized to assume for the Company any liability other
than expressed herein in connection with the sale of this product.

Some states/provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts
or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damage so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specifi c legal
rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state/province to state/
province.

U.S.A.:Audiovox Electronics Corp., 150 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge, New York 11788
CANADA: Audiovox Return Center, c/o Genco, 6685 Kennedy Road, Unit #3 Door 16,

Mississauga Ontario L5T 3A5

1. Press the Speaker On/Off button on the right side of the speaker
to turn it on. The indicator light on the front of the speaker blinks
while the speaker is tuning to the transmitter. The indicator light
turns solid blue when the speaker is tuned to the transmitter—you
should hear sound coming from the speaker now.

Note: If the speaker is on a switched outlet, make sure the outlet is

on.

Note: If the speaker is not tuned or if the transmitter is not
connected properly, the indicator light will continue blinking. If this
occurs, please see the troubleshooting section of this manual.

2. Adjust the volume on the speaker as desired.

3. Set up the speaker for mono or stereo operation using the switch on the right side
of the AW851 speaker.

a) Monaural operation: The monaural mode (mono) is recommended when using a

single AW851 by itself. For monaural operation, set the L/M/R switch to “M” on
the speaker.

b) Stereo operation: You need an additional AW851 speaker for the stereo option.

Set the L/Mono/R switch to “L” on the speaker located to the left from the
listener, and set the other speaker to the “R” position.

Notes:
A single AW851 transmitter can send its signal to more than two speakers. All you need
to do is tune the speakers to the single transmitter.

The speaker automatically retunes if it loses the transmitter’s signal. You can also press
the Auto Scan button on the bottom of the speaker to retune the speaker at any time.

The transmitter turns off automatically if there is no audio signal present for a prolonged
period.

Interference in the form of static and/or distortion can sometimes be heard. If this
occurs, confi rm the transmitter/speaker adjustments and indicators. If the problem
persists, refer to the Troubleshooting section of this manual.

Pairing the Speaker System

2. Set the channel select switch on the back of the
transmitter to one of the transmitter’s three broadcast
frequencies: 1, 2 or 3. If you experience poor reception
or interference, try choosing a different frequency by
moving the channel select switch to another position.

When the transmitter is receiving an audio signal and is

ready, the SIGNAL indicator turns solid green.

Turning the Speaker Off

1. Press Speaker On/Off button on the bottom of the speaker to turn the speaker off.

2. Confi rm that the speaker is off by verifying that the indicator light on the speaker’s
front panel is no longer illuminated.

Channel
select
switch

Adjusting the Transmitter

1. Turn on your audio source (for example, A/V receiver, MP3 player, stereo, etc.) and
play music at a normal listening volume.

Note

If the SIGNAL indicator on the transmitter does not turn on, please check the
following:

- Confi rm the transmitter AC power adapter is securely connected.

- Confi rm the cable from the transmitter is securely connected to the audio source
output (MP3 player, A/V receiver, etc.).

- Confi rm the audio source is playing audio and is turned up.

Tuning the Speaker

Turning the Lamp On and Off

To turn the lamp on: Put the Light On/Off switch on the bottom of the speaker in the
on position. If the lamp is on a switched outlet, make sure the outlet is on.

To turn the lamp off: Put the Light On/Off switch on the bottom of the speaker in the
off position.

Transmitter

SIGNAL indicator lights green when the audio is

present and the transmitter is broadcasting

POWER indicator lights when the transmitter is on

CHANNEL 1 2 3 lets you fi nd the best

transmission frequency for your environment
DC IN jack receives the small round end of the

included 12V 200mA AC power adapter
AUDIO IN (R / L) connects to your sound source

using one of the connection options shown on
the next pages

Back panel

Top panel

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifi cations to this equipment may void the user’s authority

to operate it.

Industry Canada Regulatory Information

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The user is cautioned that this device should be used only as specifi ed within this manual to meet RF exposure
requirements. Use of this device in a manner inconsistent with this manual could lead to excessive RF exposure
conditions.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

FCC / IC Information

Auto Scan

Volume

Volume

L Mono R

Light

On/O

On/O

Speaker

SIGNAL POWER

CHANNEL

1 2 3

DC IN

R AUDIO L

IN

CHANNEL

1 2 3

DC IN

R AUDIO L

IN