Introduction
The VQ Laura Ashley Monty is a versatile DAB Plus/DAB and FM radio, featuring Bluetooth connectivity and an alarm clock function. Designed for both mains and battery operation, it offers portability and convenience. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Monty radio.

Image: The VQ Laura Ashley Monty DAB Plus/DAB Radio, showcasing its elegant Elveden Marine Blue design.
Setup
- Power Connection:
- For mains power, connect the supplied power adapter to the DC IN socket on the back of the radio and plug it into a wall outlet.
- For portable use, insert 4x AA batteries (not included) into the battery compartment on the back of the radio. Ensure correct polarity.
- Antenna Adjustment: Extend the telescopic antenna fully for optimal DAB/DAB+ and FM radio reception.
- Initial Scan (DAB/DAB+): Upon first power-on, the radio will automatically perform a scan for available DAB/DAB+ stations. This may take a few minutes.

Image: Rear view of the Monty radio, highlighting the power input, USB charging port, 3.5mm Aux-in, headphone jack, and telescopic antenna.
Operating Instructions
Controls Overview

Image: Front view of the Monty radio, showing the LCD display and control buttons for playback, mode, menu, and selection.
- Power Button: Press to turn the radio on or off.
- Volume +/-: Adjust the sound level.
- Mode Button: Cycle through DAB, FM, Bluetooth, and Aux-in modes.
- Menu Button: Access settings and options within each mode.
- OK Button: Confirm selections.
- Navigation Buttons: Use to scroll through menus or stations.
Radio Modes (DAB/DAB+ & FM)
- Selecting a Mode: Press the Mode button until "DAB" or "FM" is displayed.
- Scanning for Stations:
- In DAB mode, if no stations are found or you wish to rescan, press Menu, then navigate to "Full Scan" and press OK.
- In FM mode, press Menu, then navigate to "Auto Scan" and press OK to find available stations.
- Selecting Stations: Use the navigation buttons to browse through available stations and press OK to select.
- Saving Presets: To save a favorite station, press and hold the Preset button (if available, or follow menu instructions to save).
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Enter Bluetooth Mode: Press the Mode button until "Bluetooth" is displayed. The radio will enter pairing mode, indicated by a flashing Bluetooth icon.
- Pairing: On your mobile device, enable Bluetooth and search for "VQ Monty". Select it to pair. Once connected, the Bluetooth icon will stop flashing.
- Playback: You can now stream audio from your device to the Monty radio.

Image: The Monty radio screen showing a Bluetooth connection, ready for audio streaming.
Aux-in Connection
- Connect an external audio device (e.g., MP3 player) to the 3.5mm Aux-in port on the back of the radio using a 3.5mm audio cable (not supplied).
- Press the Mode button until "Aux In" is displayed.
- Control playback from your external device.
Alarm Clock Function
- To set an alarm, press the Menu button, navigate to "System Settings" then "Alarm".
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set alarm time, source (DAB/FM/Buzzer), volume, and frequency (daily, weekdays, weekends, once).
- When the alarm sounds, press the Snooze button (if available, or a specific button indicated in the display) to temporarily silence it. Press the Power button to turn off the alarm.
- The radio also features a sleep timer and countdown function, accessible via the Menu.

Image: The Monty radio displaying its digital alarm clock functionality, offering customizable settings.
USB Charging Port
- The USB port on the back of the radio can be used to charge compatible portable devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets).
- Connect your device's USB charging cable to the radio's USB port.
- Note: The radio must be powered on or in standby mode via mains power for the USB charging function to operate.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the radio with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Battery Replacement: If using AA batteries, replace all four batteries simultaneously when the low battery indicator appears or performance degrades. Ensure the radio is off and disconnected from mains power before opening the battery compartment.
- Storage: If storing the radio for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage. Store in a cool, dry place.
- Antenna Care: Handle the telescopic antenna gently to prevent damage.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power adapter not connected or faulty; batteries depleted or incorrectly inserted. | Check power adapter connection and wall outlet. Replace batteries or ensure correct polarity. |
| Poor radio reception (DAB/FM) | Antenna not extended; weak signal area; interference. | Fully extend the telescopic antenna. Reposition the radio. Perform a full scan for stations. |
| Bluetooth not connecting | Radio not in pairing mode; device not discoverable; previously paired device connected. | Ensure radio is in Bluetooth pairing mode. Make sure your device's Bluetooth is on and visible. Disconnect from other Bluetooth devices. |
| No sound | Volume too low; mute activated; incorrect source selected. | Increase volume. Check if headphones are connected. Ensure the correct mode (DAB, FM, Bluetooth, Aux-in) is selected. |
| Alarm not sounding | Alarm not set correctly; alarm volume too low; radio turned off. | Verify alarm settings (time, source, volume, frequency). Ensure the radio is powered on or in standby mode. |
Specifications
- Brand: VQ
- Model: VQMONTYLAEN
- Tuner Technology: DAB, DAB+, FM
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB (charging only), 3.5mm Aux-in, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Special Features: Alarm Clock (dual alarms, snooze, sleep timer), USB Charging Port
- Display: LCD
- Speaker Output: 10 Watt
- Power Source: Mains (230 Volt) or 4x AA Batteries (not included)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): Approximately 9.8 cm x 13.4 cm x 18.4 cm
- Weight: 1.4 kg
- Material: Wood (housing)

Image: Illustrative diagram showing the VQ Monty radio with approximate dimensions, including the handle for height.
Warranty
The VQ Laura Ashley Monty DAB Plus/DAB Radio comes with a three-year manufacturer's warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For full terms and conditions, refer to the official VQ website or contact customer support.
Support
Should you encounter any issues not covered in this manual or require further assistance, please visit the official VQ website for FAQs, additional support resources, or to contact their customer service team. You can also refer to the product page on Amazon for updated information or community forums.
- VQ Official Website: www.myvq.com
- Amazon Product Page: Product Link