Isobel ZF-172

Isobel USB Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver User Manual

Model: ZF-172

Product Overview

The Isobel USB Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver (Model: ZF-172) is a versatile 4-in-1 mini wireless audio adapter designed to add Bluetooth capabilities to a wide range of audio devices. It functions as both a transmitter and a receiver, supporting 3.5mm audio connections and direct USB audio transmission. This device allows you to wirelessly stream audio from non-Bluetooth sources to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, or enable non-Bluetooth speakers to receive audio from Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Isobel USB Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver with 3.5mm AUX cable

Figure 1: Isobel USB Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver (Model: ZF-172)

Package Contents

  • 1 x Isobel USB Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver (Model: ZF-172)
  • 1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable
  • 1 x User Manual

Key Features

  • Bluetooth 5.0 Technology: Ensures stable and efficient wireless audio transmission.
  • 4-in-1 Functionality: Supports Transmitter (TX) mode, Receiver (RX) mode, USB Audio Transmission (TX), and USB Audio Reception (RX).
  • One-Button Mode Switch: Easily toggle between Transmitter and Receiver modes.
  • USB Power Supply: Powered directly via USB, eliminating the need for internal batteries.
  • Wide Compatibility: Connects to TVs, PCs, CD/DVD players, MP3/MP4 players, PS4 game consoles, headphones, speakers, car/home stereo systems, smartphones, and tablets.

Setup and Operation

Powering the Device

The Isobel USB Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver is powered via its USB connection. Plug the device into any standard USB port (5V power supply) such as a USB wall adapter, car charger, laptop, or TV USB port. The device does not contain an internal battery and requires continuous power to operate.

Isobel Bluetooth adapter connected to various USB power sources like power adapter, car charger, PC, and USB port

Figure 2: Continuous Power Supply Reliability via USB

Switching Modes (TX/RX)

The device features a single button for switching between Transmitter (TX) and Receiver (RX) modes. After the Bluetooth adapter is powered on, press this button to toggle between modes:

  • Transmitter (TX) Mode: The indicator light will be red.
  • Receiver (RX) Mode: The indicator light will be blue.

Note: After switching from TX to RX mode, there may be a 3-second delay before it can switch back to TX mode. This is normal operation.

Close-up of the Isobel Bluetooth adapter showing the TX/RX button and red indicator light

Figure 3: Easily Switch Modes with a Single Button

Transmitter (TX) Mode Operation

In TX mode, the device transmits audio from non-Bluetooth sources to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. The indicator light will be red.

  1. Connect Audio Source: Plug one end of the 3.5mm audio cable into the audio output port of your non-Bluetooth device (e.g., TV, PC, CD/DVD player, MP3/MP4 player) and the other end into the 3.5mm AUX port of the Isobel adapter.
  2. Power On: Ensure the Isobel adapter is plugged into a USB power source. The indicator light will flash red quickly.
  3. Pairing: Turn on your Bluetooth headphones or speaker and put them into pairing mode. The adapter will automatically search for and connect to nearby Bluetooth audio devices. Once connected, the red indicator light will remain solid.
  4. USB Audio Transmission (TX): For devices like PC or PS4 game consoles that support USB audio output, you can plug the Isobel adapter directly into the USB port. No 3.5mm audio cable is needed in this scenario. The adapter will wirelessly transmit audio to your Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Diagram showing TX mode connection from TV, PC, MP3 player to Bluetooth headphones or speakers via the adapter

Figure 4: Bluetooth Audio Transmitter Mode (TX)

Isobel Bluetooth adapter plugged into a laptop's USB port, wirelessly transmitting audio to white over-ear headphones

Figure 5: USB Direct Audio Transmission (Output)

Receiver (RX) Mode Operation

In RX mode, the device receives audio from Bluetooth-enabled sources (e.g., smartphone, tablet, Bluetooth TV/PC) and transmits it to non-Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or car/home stereo systems. The indicator light will be blue.

  1. Connect Audio Output Device: Plug one end of the 3.5mm audio cable into the 3.5mm AUX port of the Isobel adapter and the other end into the audio input port of your non-Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or stereo system.
  2. Power On: Ensure the Isobel adapter is plugged into a USB power source. The indicator light will flash blue quickly.
  3. Pairing: On your Bluetooth-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, etc.), search for Bluetooth devices and select "ZF-1695" (or similar) to pair. Once connected, the blue indicator light will remain solid.
  4. USB Audio Reception (RX): For non-Bluetooth speakers with a USB port that supports audio input, you can plug the Isobel adapter directly into the speaker's USB port. No 3.5mm audio cable is needed. The speaker will then be able to receive audio wirelessly from your Bluetooth-enabled device.
Diagram showing RX mode connection from smartphone, tablet, laptop, TV to wired speakers or headphones via the adapter

Figure 6: Bluetooth Audio Receiver Mode (RX)

Isobel Bluetooth adapter plugged into a speaker's USB port, enabling it to receive audio wirelessly

Figure 7: USB Direct Audio Transmission (Input)

Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible Cause / Solution
Device does not power on.Ensure the USB power source is active and providing 5V power. Try a different USB port or power adapter.
Cannot pair with Bluetooth device.
  • 1. Ensure the adapter is in the correct mode (TX for transmitting, RX for receiving) indicated by the LED color.
  • 2. Make sure the adapter is in pairing mode (LED flashing quickly). If not, long press the function button to clear current pairing and re-enter pairing mode.
  • 3. Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices to avoid interference.
  • 4. Ensure your target Bluetooth device (headphones/speaker/smartphone) is also in pairing mode.
  • 5. The adapter only connects to one device at a time.
No audio or poor audio quality.
  • 1. Check all 3.5mm audio cable connections. Ensure they are fully inserted.
  • 2. If using USB audio transmission, ensure the device (PC/PS4) supports USB audio output/input.
  • 3. Avoid connecting the audio cable and USB port to the same device, as this may cause noise. Try powering the product in other ways if noise occurs.
  • 4. Ensure the volume on both the source and receiving devices is turned up.
  • 5. The product does not support phone calls or stereo audio.
Mode switch button is unresponsive.After switching from TX to RX mode, there is a 3-second delay before it can switch back to TX mode. Wait a few seconds and try again.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
BrandIsobel
Model NumberZF-172
Bluetooth Version5.0
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, 3.5mm AUX, USB
Operating ModesTransmitter (TX), Receiver (RX)
Power SourceUSB (5V)
Transmission DistanceUp to 33ft / 10m (barrier-free)
Item Dimensions (L x W x H)1.3 x 0.7 x 0.3 inches
Item Weight0.124 ounces
ColorBlack

Important Notes

  • A single adapter cannot transmit and receive audio simultaneously; it functions only as a separate receiver or transmitter.
  • Only one device can be connected at a time.
  • Phone calling is not supported.
  • Cannot achieve true stereo sound.
  • The 3.5mm audio cable is used for audio transfer, except for PCs, PS4s, and speakers that support USB flash drives for direct USB audio.
  • Connecting the audio cable and USB port to the same device may cause noise. Consider alternative power methods if this occurs.
  • When pairing with Bluetooth headphones/speakers, turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices to prevent interference with the pairing process.
  • In any mode, a long press of the function button can clear the current pairing connection and initiate a new search for pairing.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the product packaging or contact Isobel customer service through the retailer where the product was purchased. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.

Legal Disclaimer: Must be at least 18 & over to purchase.

© 2024 Isobel. All rights reserved.

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