ION Explorer Outback

Introduction

Box Contents

• Explorer Outback
• Microphone and Cable with Storage Bag
• 1/8" (3.5 mm) Stereo Aux Cable
• Power Cable
• Quickstart Guide
• Safety & Warranty Manual

Support

For the latest information about this product (system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and product registration, visit ionaudio.com.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable lead-acid batteries are the same type used in automobiles. As with your car battery, how you use this battery has a significant impact on its lifespan. With proper use and treatment, a lead-acid battery can last for years. Here are some recommendations for getting the longest life from the internal battery.

General Usage

Fully charge the battery before using it. Charge the battery completely after each use.

Storage

For best product longevity, do not store at exceedingly hot (greater than 90°F/32°C) or exceedingly cold (less than 32°F/0°C) temperatures. It is acceptable to leave your sound system plugged in. This will not overcharge the battery. If you leave the battery level low and do not charge it for 6 months, it may permanently lose capacity.

Repair

If the battery fails to charge, check your fuse near the power cable input. If your fuse is intact and it still will not charge, contact ION Audio at ionaudio.com.

Disposal

Bring the unit to a recycling center or dispose of in accordance with local ordinances.

Outdoor Use and Care

Though Explorer Outback is water-resistant and able to tolerate splashing water, please review the tips below to get the best performance from Explorer Outback:

• Explorer Outback must only be used outdoors with power outlets or extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
• Bring Explorer Outback indoors during extreme weather.
• Please do not place Explorer Outback in standing water.
• Please do not connect the power cable to Explorer Outback in a wet environment. Make sure the power input, power cable, and power outlet are all completely dry before making any connections.
• WARNING: Keep any non-water-resistant devices (phones, music players, etc.) in a dry place where they will not be affected by water and cause a risk of electric shock. Do not place devices in the included storage bag, as it is not water-resistant.

Quick Setup

1. Make sure all items listed in the Box Contents are included in the box.
2. Read the Safety & Warranty Manual before using the product.
3. Make sure the battery is completely charged prior to first use for maximum battery life.
4. Study the Connection Diagram.
5. Ensure the Master Volume on Explorer Outback is at zero.
6. Connect your devices.
7. Raise the volume to a comfortable level.
8. Return the Master Volume to zero when you are finished using Explorer Outback.

Connection Diagram

Items not listed under Introduction > Box Contents are sold separately.

The diagram illustrates connections for the ION Explorer Outback. The Front Panel shows inputs for a Microphone, Auxiliary Input, and USB Charging Ports. It also features controls like Power Button, Bluetooth Button, Light Mode Button, Radio Selector, AM/FM Presets, Tune/Track Buttons, Play/Pause, Master Volume Control, and a Display. The Rear Panel shows a Power Cable Input. Connections can be made from a Tablet, etc., to the Front Panel, and a Microphone can be connected. A Bluetooth Device can also connect wirelessly.

Features

Front Panel

1. Power Button: Turns Explorer Outback on or off. When connected to a power source, it charges without being powered on. The display shows the power indicator when on.

2. Bluetooth Button: Press to disconnect a paired Bluetooth device.

3. Light Mode Button:

• White: Solid white lights.
• Color Cycle: Lights slowly glow and cycle through colors. Press and hold to freeze on one color.
• Beat Sync: Lights react to the beat of the music.
• Off: Lights turn off (default mode when first powered on).

4. Radio Selector: Sets the Radio to AM, FM, or turns it off.

5. AM/FM Presets:

Store favorite radio stations for quick tuning. Six numeric positions for AM and six for FM.

To add a preset:

1. Select AM or FM band and use Tune/Track Buttons to select a station.
2. Press and hold a numeric preset button to assign the station. The display shows "SAVE". Tap a preset number to go to the stored station.

6. Tune/Track Buttons: Tune radio stations or select previous/next track on Bluetooth devices. Hold to "seek" the next available station. The unit remembers the last station.

7. Play/Pause: Play or pause a track from a connected Bluetooth device.

8. Display:

Shows current radio station, battery status, and Bluetooth status.

• Charging Indicator: Top battery segment movement indicates charging. Fully charged when all segments are lit without blinking. Shows battery level when disconnected.
• Lightning Bolt Icon: Illuminates when the IEC power cable is connected to wall power. ⚡
• Bluetooth Icon: Not lit when first powered on (unless previously paired). Lit solid when a device is paired. ?
• Power Indicator: Lit when Explorer Outback is powered on; not lit when powered off.

9. Master Volume Control: Adjusts the main mix volume, including Microphone Input, Auxiliary Input, Radio, and Bluetooth audio.

10. Microphone Input with Volume Control (1/4"): Mono input for microphone, guitar, or other musical instruments.

11. Auxiliary Input: Stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) input for CD players, MP3 players, or other audio sources.

12. Speaker Link: Connects two or more Explorer Outbacks using a 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo aux cable. A 2' (61 cm) cable is included; longer ones can be purchased separately.

13. USB Charging Ports: Connect device charge cables here. USB charging only works when the unit is powered on. Note: Put device screen to sleep for faster charging.

14. Power Cable Input (Back Panel): Insert the included power cable here to charge the unit. The unit can be used while charging.

Pairing a Bluetooth Device

1. Turn on your Bluetooth device.
2. Power on Explorer Outback. It will reconnect to previously paired devices. To disconnect, press and release the Bluetooth button if the Bluetooth icon is lit solid.
3. On your Bluetooth device's setup screen, find "Explorer Outback" and connect. Note: If prompted for a pairing code, enter "0000".
4. To disconnect pairing, press and release the Bluetooth button while the Bluetooth icon is lit solid.
5. To connect another Bluetooth device, repeat step 3.

Note: Maximum range is achieved with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher devices.

Pairing a Bluetooth Device Using NFC

NFC (near-field communication) allows data exchange, such as pairing, by gently bumping devices together. Check your device's manual for NFC support.

To use NFC to pair with Explorer Outback:

1. Ensure your device is turned on and unlocked.
2. Go to your device's Settings menu and turn NFC On (one-time step).
3. Power on Explorer Outback.
4. Touch and briefly hold your device to the NFC logo.
5. Follow the on-screen pairing instructions. If a passcode is required, enter "0000".
6. To unpair, gently bump your device against the NFC logo on the top panel.

Troubleshooting

If the sound is distorted: Lower the volume control of your sound source, musical instrument, or microphone. Also, reduce the overall volume of Explorer Outback using the Master Volume knob.

If there is too much bass: Adjust the tone or EQ control on your sound source to lower the bass level. This allows playing music louder before clipping (distortion) occurs.

If there is a high-pitched whistling noise when using microphones: This is likely feedback. Point the microphone away from the speaker.

If there is poor AM reception: Move the entire unit to improve AM reception.

If you can't hear the microphone over the music volume: Turn down the music volume from your source.

If you can't play music from a flash drive: The USB port is only for charging USB devices.

Technical Specifications

* Bluetooth range is affected by walls, obstructions, and movement. For optimal performance, place the product in the center of the room so it is unobstructed by walls, furniture, etc.

** Battery life may vary based on temperature, age, and volume usage of product.

Trademarks & Licenses

ION Audio is a trademark of ION Audio, LLC, registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by ION Audio is under license. The N Mark is a trademark or registered trademark of NFC Forum, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other product names, company names, trademarks, or trade names are those of their respective owners.