1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the QFX Bluetooth 1961 Retro Mini Bus Speaker. This device combines a vintage design with modern audio technology, offering multiple playback options and portable convenience. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your speaker.
Figure 1: Front view of the QFX Bluetooth 1961 Retro Mini Bus Speaker.
2. Product Features
- Vintage Design: Inspired by the classic 1960s mini bus.
- Powerful Audio: Equipped with a 2-inch speaker and bass radiator for enhanced sound.
- Multiple Playback Options: Supports Bluetooth, FM Radio, USB drives, TF cards, and AUX input.
- LED Party Lights: Built-in colorful LED headlights that flash during operation.
- Hands-Free Calling: Integrated microphone for seamless phone calls when connected via Bluetooth.
- Portable & Rechargeable: Features a built-in rechargeable battery for on-the-go use.
- True Wireless Stereo (TWS): Ability to pair two BT-1961 speakers for stereo sound.
3. Package Contents
- QFX Bluetooth 1961 Retro Mini Bus Speaker
- Power Cable (USB to Micro USB)
- User Manual
Note: A 5V DC charger is required for charging and is not included.
4. Product Overview and Controls
Familiarize yourself with the speaker's components and control panel.
Figure 2: Rear panel controls and ports.
- 1. POWER / M Button: Press and hold to power on/off. Short press to switch between modes (Bluetooth, FM, USB, TF, AUX).
- 2. Play/Pause Button: Play or pause audio. During a call, press to answer/end.
- 3. Previous Track / Volume Down Button: Short press for previous track. Press and hold to decrease volume.
- 4. Next Track / Volume Up Button: Short press for next track. Press and hold to increase volume.
- 5. DC 5V Port: Micro USB input for charging the speaker.
- 6. USB Port: Insert a USB drive for MP3 playback.
- 7. TF Card Slot: Insert a TF (MicroSD) card for MP3 playback.
- 8. AUX Input: Connect external audio devices using a 3.5mm audio cable.
- 9. Tail Lights: Indicate charging status (refer to Charging section).
- 10. Retractable Antenna: Extend for improved FM radio reception.
Figure 3: Side view with retractable antenna extended.
5. Setup
5.1 Initial Charging
- Before first use, fully charge the speaker.
- Connect the provided USB charging cable to the DC 5V port on the rear of the speaker.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to a 5V DC USB power adapter (not included).
- The front headlights will flash during charging. Once fully charged, the tail lights should illuminate (behavior may vary; refer to Troubleshooting if unsure).
5.2 Power On/Off
- To power on, press and hold the POWER / M button until you hear an engine start sound.
- To power off, press and hold the POWER / M button until you hear an engine off sound.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Bluetooth Pairing
- Power on the speaker. It will automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode, indicated by a voice prompt.
- Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.).
- Search for available Bluetooth devices and select "BT-1961" from the list.
- Once paired, you will hear a confirmation sound. You can now play audio from your device through the speaker.
Figure 4: Bluetooth connectivity for music and hands-free calling.
6.2 FM Radio Operation
- Power on the speaker. Press the POWER / M button repeatedly to switch to FM Radio mode.
- Extend the retractable antenna for optimal reception.
- To auto-scan and save available stations, press and hold the Play/Pause button. The speaker will scan and store stations.
- Use the Previous Track / Volume Down and Next Track / Volume Up buttons to navigate between saved stations.
6.3 USB / TF Card Playback
- Insert a USB drive or TF (MicroSD) card containing MP3 audio files into the respective port.
- The speaker will automatically detect the storage device and begin playing music. If not, press the POWER / M button to cycle through modes until USB/TF mode is active.
- Use the Previous Track / Volume Down and Next Track / Volume Up buttons for track control.
6.4 AUX Input
- Connect one end of a 3.5mm audio cable (not included) to the AUX input port on the speaker.
- Connect the other end to the headphone jack or audio output of your external device.
- Press the POWER / M button to switch to AUX mode.
- Control playback and volume directly from your external device.
6.5 Hands-Free Calling
- When the speaker is paired with your phone via Bluetooth, incoming calls will be routed to the speaker.
- Press the Play/Pause button to answer an incoming call.
- Press the Play/Pause button again to end a call.
6.6 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Pairing
To achieve stereo sound, you can pair two QFX BT-1961 speakers together.
- Ensure both BT-1961 speakers are powered on and in Bluetooth mode, but not yet paired to any device.
- On one of the speakers (this will be the primary speaker), press and hold the POWER / M button for a few seconds until you hear a pairing tone.
- The two speakers will automatically connect to each other. You will hear a confirmation sound once TWS pairing is successful.
- Now, connect your mobile device to the primary speaker via Bluetooth as described in section 6.1. Audio will play in stereo across both speakers.
Figure 5: TWS pairing for enhanced stereo audio.
6.7 LED Party Lights
The speaker features built-in LED headlights that flash during operation, adding a visual element to your music experience. There is no specific control to turn these lights off independently.
Figure 6: Flashing LED headlights.
7. Charging
To charge the QFX Bluetooth 1961 Retro Mini Bus Speaker:
- Connect the provided USB charging cable to the DC 5V port on the speaker.
- Plug the USB end into a compatible 5V DC USB power adapter (not included).
- The front headlights will flash to indicate that the unit is charging.
- Once charging is complete, the tail lights are expected to illuminate, and the headlights may stop flashing.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | BT-1961-BLK |
| Brand | QFX |
| Material | Plastic |
| Speaker Type | Single Speaker (with Bass Radiator) |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 3 Watts |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo (with TWS pairing) |
| Special Features | USB Port, TF Card Slot, AUX Input, FM Radio, Built-in Microphone, LED Party Lights |
| Control Method | Touch Buttons |
| Product Dimensions | 8"D x 3.3"W x 4"H |
| Item Weight | 1 Pound |
| Recommended Uses | Indoor |
Figure 7: Product dimensions.
9. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Speaker does not power on. | Ensure the battery is charged. Connect to a 5V DC power source and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power on again. |
| Cannot pair via Bluetooth. | Ensure the speaker is in Bluetooth mode. Turn off and on your device's Bluetooth. Move the speaker closer to your device. Disconnect from any other paired devices. |
| Poor FM radio reception. | Fully extend the retractable antenna. Try repositioning the speaker to find a stronger signal. Perform an auto-scan again. |
| No sound from USB/TF card. | Ensure the card/drive contains compatible MP3 files. Check if the speaker is in the correct mode (press POWER/M button). Ensure volume is not at minimum. |
| Loud engine sound on power on/off. | This is a design feature and cannot be disabled. Adjust the volume before powering off if this is a concern. |
| Charging indicator (headlights/tail lights) not working as expected. | Ensure the charging cable is securely connected and the 5V DC power source is functional. While headlights typically flash during charging and tail lights indicate full charge, slight variations in indicator behavior may occur. If the speaker functions normally after charging, it is likely charging correctly. |
10. Maintenance
- Clean the speaker with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Avoid exposing the speaker to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or moisture.
- Do not disassemble the unit, as this will void the warranty.
- Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
11. Official Product Video (Similar Model)
The following video provides an overview of a similar QFX Bluetooth speaker model (BT-1953 Hot Rod Replica) and demonstrates features that are also present in your BT-1961 Mini Bus Speaker, such as Bluetooth connectivity, LED lights, and multiple playback options.
Video: Overview of QFX BT-1953 Hot Rod Replica Bluetooth Speaker, demonstrating features like Bluetooth, LED lights, and various input options. Note: This video features a different model (BT-1953) but showcases similar functionalities to the BT-1961 Mini Bus Speaker.
12. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official QFX website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
