Altec Lansing IMW478s

Altec Lansing IMW478s Mini LifeJacket-3 Bluetooth Speaker User Manual

Model: IMW478s | Brand: Altec Lansing

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation of your Altec Lansing IMW478s Mini LifeJacket-3 Bluetooth Speaker. The Mini LifeJacket-3 is a rugged, compact, and waterproof portable speaker designed for various environments. It features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, True Wireless Stereo Plus pairing, an onboard microphone for hands-free communication, and a built-in power bank.

Please read this manual thoroughly before using the speaker and retain it for future reference.

Package Contents

Product Overview

Speaker Layout

Altec Lansing IMW478s Mini LifeJacket-3 Bluetooth Speaker

Figure 1: Front view of the Altec Lansing IMW478s Mini LifeJacket-3 Bluetooth Speaker, showcasing its rugged design and speaker grilles.

Controls and Indicators

Top view of Altec Lansing IMW478s speaker showing control buttons

Figure 2: Top view of the speaker, illustrating the control buttons. These typically include Power, Bluetooth Pairing, Volume Up/Next Track, Volume Down/Previous Track, and Play/Pause/Call Answer buttons.

Ports

Side view of Altec Lansing IMW478s speaker showing USB, AUX, and DC IN ports

Figure 3: Side view of the speaker revealing the protective flap covering the USB OUT (5V), AUX IN, and DC IN (5V) ports.

Setup

Initial Charging

  1. Before first use, fully charge the speaker.
  2. Open the protective flap on the side of the speaker.
  3. Connect the small end of the USB charging cable to the DC IN (5V) port on the speaker.
  4. Connect the large end of the USB cable to a USB power adapter (not included) or a computer's USB port.
  5. The LED indicator will show charging status (e.g., solid red while charging, off when fully charged). Charging typically takes a few hours.
  6. Once fully charged, disconnect the cable and securely close the protective flap to maintain waterproofing.

Powering On/Off

Operating Instructions

Bluetooth Pairing

  1. Ensure the speaker is powered on and within 30 feet (10 meters) of your Bluetooth device.
  2. The speaker will automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode when powered on for the first time, or if no device is connected. The LED indicator will flash blue. If already connected, press the Bluetooth button to enter pairing mode.
  3. Enable Bluetooth on your device (smartphone, tablet, computer).
  4. Search for "Mini LifeJacket 3" in your device's Bluetooth settings.
  5. Select "Mini LifeJacket 3" to connect. Once paired, the LED indicator will turn solid blue, and you will hear a confirmation tone.
  6. If pairing fails, turn off the speaker and your device's Bluetooth, then repeat the steps.

Audio Playback

Call Management

True Wireless Stereo Plus Pairing (TWS)

The Mini LifeJacket-3 supports TWS pairing, allowing you to connect two Mini LifeJacket-3 speakers for a stereo audio experience.

  1. Ensure both Mini LifeJacket-3 speakers are powered on and not connected to any Bluetooth device.
  2. On one speaker (this will be the primary speaker), press and hold the Bluetooth button for 3 seconds until you hear a tone indicating TWS pairing mode.
  3. The primary speaker will automatically search for the second speaker.
  4. Once connected, you will hear a confirmation tone, and the LED indicators on both speakers will show a solid blue light.
  5. Now, connect your Bluetooth device to the primary speaker as described in the "Bluetooth Pairing" section. Audio will play through both speakers in stereo.

Auxiliary Input (AUX)

To play audio from a device without Bluetooth capability:

  1. Open the protective flap on the side of the speaker.
  2. Connect one end of the 3.5mm auxiliary cable to the AUX IN port on the speaker.
  3. Connect the other end of the cable to the headphone jack or audio output of your device.
  4. The speaker will automatically switch to AUX mode.
  5. Control playback and volume from your connected device.
  6. Remember to close the protective flap when not in use.

Power Bank Function

The Mini LifeJacket-3 can be used to charge other USB-powered devices.

  1. Open the protective flap on the side of the speaker.
  2. Connect your device's USB charging cable to the USB OUT (5V) port on the speaker.
  3. The speaker's internal battery will begin charging your device.
  4. Note that using the power bank function will deplete the speaker's battery.
  5. Remember to close the protective flap when not in use.

Charging the Speaker

The Mini LifeJacket-3 provides up to 16 hours of battery life on a full charge. When the battery is low, the LED indicator may flash, or you may hear an audible low battery warning.

To charge the speaker, follow the steps outlined in the "Initial Charging" section under Setup. Ensure the protective flap is securely closed after charging to maintain the speaker's waterproof integrity.

Waterproofing and Care

The Altec Lansing IMW478s Mini LifeJacket-3 is rated IP67 Waterproof, Dustproof, and Shockproof, and it floats. This means it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes.

Altec Lansing IMW478s speaker floating in water

Figure 4: The Mini LifeJacket-3 speaker floating on the surface of water, demonstrating its waterproof and buoyant design.

Important Waterproofing Notes:

Maintenance

Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Speaker does not turn on.Battery is depleted.Charge the speaker fully.
Cannot pair with Bluetooth device.Speaker is not in pairing mode; device Bluetooth is off; speaker is too far from device.Ensure speaker is in pairing mode (flashing blue LED). Turn Bluetooth on your device. Move speaker closer to device (within 30 ft/10m). Forget "Mini LifeJacket 3" on your device and try pairing again.
No sound from speaker.Volume is too low; speaker is not connected; incorrect input mode.Increase volume on both speaker and connected device. Ensure speaker is successfully paired or AUX cable is properly connected. Check if speaker is in the correct mode (Bluetooth or AUX).
Sound is distorted.Volume is too high; low battery; interference.Decrease volume. Charge the speaker. Move speaker away from other electronic devices.
Cannot charge external device using power bank.Speaker battery is too low; cable issue.Ensure speaker has sufficient charge. Try a different USB cable.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
BrandAltec Lansing
ModelIMW478s (Mini LifeJacket-3)
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth
Wireless RangeUp to 30 feet (10 meters)
Battery LifeUp to 16 hours
Waterproof RatingIP67 (Waterproof, Dustproof, Shockproof, Floats)
Audio Output ModeStereo (with TWS pairing)
Power SourceBattery Powered
Product Dimensions (D x W x H)2.76" x 7.87" x 1.57" (7.01 cm x 19.99 cm x 3.99 cm)
Item Weight15.8 ounces (447.9 grams)
Special FeaturesBuilt-in Microphone, Power Bank (USB OUT 5V), True Wireless Stereo Plus Pairing
Altec Lansing IMW478s speaker mounted on an ATV handlebar

Figure 5: The Mini LifeJacket-3 speaker mounted on an ATV handlebar, demonstrating its versatility and the use of the included mounting bracket.

Warranty and Support

The Altec Lansing IMW478s Mini LifeJacket-3 Bluetooth Speaker comes with a Limited Warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Altec Lansing website.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Altec Lansing customer service or visit their official support page. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website.

Official Website: https://alteclansing.com/

Related Documents - IMW478s

Preview Altec Lansing LifeJacket 3 IMW578 Rugged Bluetooth Speaker Quick Start Guide and Warranty
User guide for the Altec Lansing LifeJacket 3 rugged Bluetooth speaker (model IMW578). Covers setup, pairing, features like waterproofing and stereo pairing, charging, technical support, and warranty information.
Preview Altec Lansing LifeJacket XL Jolt IMW790 Quick Start Guide
Concise guide to setting up and using the Altec Lansing LifeJacket XL Jolt IMW790 rugged Bluetooth speaker, covering pairing, charging, house party mode, and music controls.
Preview Altec Lansing IMW578L Lifejacket 3 Rugged Bluetooth Speaker Quick Start Guide
This guide provides instructions for setting up, pairing, and using the Altec Lansing IMW578L Lifejacket 3 rugged Bluetooth speaker, including features like True Wireless Stereo and voice assistant integration.
Preview Altec Lansing Mini LifeJacket 2 Rugged Bluetooth Speaker Quick Start Guide
A comprehensive quick start guide for the Altec Lansing Mini LifeJacket 2 rugged Bluetooth speaker (Model IMW477), covering setup, charging, Bluetooth pairing, music playback, wired audio input, and warranty information.
Preview Altec Lansing Mini Lifejacket 2 Rugged Bluetooth Speaker Quick Start Guide
A quick start guide for the Altec Lansing Mini Lifejacket 2 Rugged Bluetooth Speaker (Item # IMW477), covering package contents, speaker buttons, charging, Bluetooth pairing, music playback, and wired audio input.
Preview Altec Lansing IMW480 Mini Lifejacket Jolt Rugged Bluetooth Speaker Quick Start Guide
Quick start guide for the Altec Lansing IMW480 Mini Lifejacket Jolt Rugged Bluetooth Speaker, covering setup, charging, Bluetooth pairing, House Party Mode, music control, and call handling.