Acoustic Research AW-811 User manual

900MHz WIRELESS
INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPEAKER
Model AW811
Installation
and Operation Manual

1
Table of Contents
I. Location of functions………..…………………………………………….… 2
II. Connecting the speaker system............................................................ 3
III. Adjusting the transmitter...................................................................... 5
IV. Tuning the speaker…………………………………………………………… 6
V. Turning the speaker off……………………………………………………… 7
VI. Recharging the batteries……………………………………………………. 7
VII. More helpful information ..................................................................... 7
VIII. Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 9
IX. Specifications & Features ..................................................................... 10
X. Warranty ……………………………………………………………………... 11
Introduction
AR’s Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Speaker eliminates the hardest part of
adding speakers to almost any location in your home – running and
hiding hundreds of feet of speaker wire. As a water-resistant speaker,
the AW811 will withstand the effects of exposure to light moisture
(drizzle rain, dew from grass, etc.). Like FM radio, the AR Wireless
Speaker System’s 900MHz signal travels with ease through walls, floors,
ceilings and other obstacles, delivering high-quality sound virtually
anywhere inside the house or out. With drift- and static-free reception
along with outstanding range – up to 300 feet* – the possibilities for
enjoying your AR Wireless Speaker System are nearly unlimited.
The AR Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Speaker is compatible with most audio
sources, such as TVs, DVD players, VCRs, A/V receivers/amps, stereos,
computers, and portable devices (CD players, cassette players, MP3s,
etc.).
This manual covers various connection options and detailed operating
instructions for making the AR Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Speaker a
valued part of your lifestyle. If, after having reviewed the instructions,
you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service
Department at 1-800-732-6866.
*Range may vary according to environment.

2
I. Location of Functions
AW811
AW871
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Sortie audio
Sortie audio
L. Transmitter AC
power adapter -
12V DC
AW811
AW871
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Sortie audio
Sortie audio
N. “Y” adapter cable
M. Speaker AC power
adapter - 18V DC
O. 1 / 4” headphone
adapter
Speaker Front View:
A. Power/tuning indicator light
Speaker Side View:
B. Power/tuning/volume control
C. Speaker power input jack
D. Left/mono/right switch
Speaker Top View:
E. Carrying handle
F. Non-skid table surface
A
Speaker Bottom View:
G. Battery compartment cover
B
DC
E
G
F
Accessories:
Transmitter Front View:
H.Power indicator light
H
Transmitter Back View:
I. Transmitter power input jack
J. Audio input cable
K. Channel select switch
IK
J
IMPORTANT: These power units are
intended to be correctly inserted in a
vertical or floor mount position.

AW811
AW871
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Sortie audio
Sortie audio
AW811
AW871
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Sortie audio
Sortie audio
AW811
AW871
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Sortie audio
Sortie audio
AW811
AW871
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Sortie audio
Sortie audio
3
II. Connecting the Speaker System
I. Powering the Transmitter
Connect the small, round plug from the transmitter AC power adapter (L) to
the transmitter power input jack (I) and plug the other end of the transmitter
AC power adapter (L) into any standard 120V AC wall outlet.
Note: Be sure to use the AC power
adapter rated 12V DC 100 mA.
Note: There is no transmitter ON/OFF
switch. The transmitter is designed to be
left plugged in and powered at all times.
If you will not be using the AW811 for
an extended period of time, you may
wish to unplug the transmitter AC power
adapter.
1. Connect the included “Y” adapter
cable (N) to the 3.5mm mini plug
cable coming out of the
transmitter.
2. Connect the RCA-type left (white)
and right (red) audio plugs on the
”Y” adapter cable to the
corresponding left and right audio
outputs of your A/V receiver, amp
or other audio source.
1. Connect the included “Y” adapter
cable (N) to the 3.5mm mini plug
cable coming out of the
transmitter.
2. Connect the RCA-type left (white)
and right (red) audio plugs on the
“Y” adapter cable to the
corresponding left and right audio
outputs on the TV.
Plug the cable coming out of the
transmitter into the headphone
output of your stereo or the audio
output jack on your computer.
Use the included 1 / 4” headphone
adapter (O) to convert the 3.5mm
plug to a 1 / 4” plug as needed.
Transmitter
AC Power
Adapter (L)
120V AC
wall
outlet
i. Connecting to an A/V Receiver:
iii. Connecting to a Stereo or a Computer:
II. Connecting to an Audio Source:
I
Transmitter
Transmitter
Transmitter
A/V Receiver
Stereo
Audio Input Cable (J)
“Y” adapter cable (N)
1/4” headphone
adapter (O)
Audio Input Cable (J)
“Y” adapter cable (N)
Audio Input Cable (J)
ii. Connecting to a TV:
TV

AW811
AW871
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Battery
Battery Battery
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Audio Output
Sortie audio
Sortie audio
Important:
If you are using NiMH or NiCd batteries, the batteries will charge when the
headphones are powered with the AC power adapter. Do not power the head-
phones with the AC power adapter if you installed alkaline or other non-re-
chargeable batteries—this could cause the batteries to leak. Do not mix batter-
ies with different chemistry types (for example, a zinc battery with an alkaline
battery). Do not mix new and used batteries. Do not leave batteries installed in
the product when not in use for long periods.
4
III. Powering the Speaker
There are two options to power your wireless speaker:
i. AC Power Adapter:
Warning: This product is designed to work with line level outputs or
headphone outputs only. DO NOT connect it directly to speaker outputs as it
will permanently damage the transmitter.
1. Turn the speaker volume down by
rotating the power/volume/scan
control (B) on the side of the
speaker all the way to the left.
2. Insert the small, round plug from the
speaker AC power adapter (M) into
the speaker power input jack (C).
3. Plug the other end of the speaker
AC power adapter into any
standard 120V AC wall outlet.
Note: Be sure to use the speaker
AC power adapter rated 18V DC
700 mA.
1. Turn the speaker volume down by
rotating the power/volume/scan
control (B) on the side of the
speaker all the way to the left.
2. Remove the battery compartment
cover (G) on the bottom of the
speaker.
3. Insert eight (8) C-cell batteries (not
included) into the speaker
following the polarity (“+” and
“–”) as diagrammed inside the
battery compartment.
Note: Place the rubber cap in the
speaker power input jack (C) when
using batteries.
ii. C-cell Batteries:
Speaker
Speaker power
input jack (C)
Battery
compartment
cover (G)
Warning: This product is water resistant, not waterproof. To avoid electrical
shock, it should be used with caution near water sources if powered with the
AC adapter. Never submerge in water.
120 V AC
Wall
Outlet
AC Power
adapter (M)

III. Adjusting the Transmitter
1. Turn ON your audio source (i.e., A/V receiver, TV, stereo, etc.) and play
music at a normal listening volume.
2. Set the channel select switch (K) on the back of the transmitter to 1, 2 or 3.
The transmitter provides three different broadcasting frequencies. In the
event that you experience poor reception or interference, try choosing a
different frequency by moving the channel select switch to another position.
5
H
IK
J
H.Power indicator light I. Transmitter power input jack
J. Audio input cable
K. Channel select switch

6
IV. Tuning the Speaker
1. Press the Power/tuning/volume (B) up to turn the speaker ON. The
power/tuning indicator light (A) will illuminate red until the speaker is tuned
to the transmitter and then the light will illuminate green, indicating that
the speaker is tuned properly. You should hear sound coming from the
speaker now.
Note: If the speaker is not tuned or if the transmitter is not connected
properly, the power/tuning indicator light will continue to illuminate red. If
this occurs, please see the troubleshooting section of this manual.
2. Adjust the volume on the speaker as desired.
3. Mono/stereo operation set up:
a) Monaural operation: The monaural mode (MONO) is recommended
when using a single speaker or if using more than one speaker in different
locations.
For monaural operation, set the left/mono/right switch (D) to “MONO” on
each speaker.
b) Stereo operation: You will need an additional AW811 speaker in order to
utilize the stereo option.
For stereo operation, set the left/mono/right switch (D) to “L” on the
speaker located to the left from the listener, and set the other speaker to the
“R” position.
Note: Interference in the form of static and/or distortion can
sometimes be heard. If this occurs, confirm the transmitter/speaker
adjustments and indicators. If the problem persists, refer to the
Troubleshooting section of this manual.
Speaker Front View:
A. Power/tuning indicator light
A
Speaker Side View:
B. Power/tuning/volume control
C. Speaker power input jack
D. Left/mono/right switch
B
DC

7
V. Turning the Speaker Off
1. Press and hold the Power/tuning/volume (B) up to turn the speaker OFF.
You will need to hold the control for about 1.5 seconds for the speaker
to turn off.
2. Confirm that the speaker is off by verifying that the power/tuning indicator
light (A) is no longer illuminated.
VI. Recharging the Batteries
The speaker will automatically charge the rechargeable batteries (NiMH or NiCd)
only when the batteries are installed and the speaker is plugged in with the AC
power adapter.
Warning: DO NOT attempt to charge any other batteries except those
specified above.
VII. More Helpful Information
i. About Fixed-Level Audio Outputs:
A fixed-level, or line-level audio output is considered ideal since it provides an
audio signal unchanged by adjustments to the audio source volume control.
Hint: Fixed-level audio outputs from stereo receivers/amps will typically be
designated as Tape, Tape 1, and Tape 2 outputs, or VCR audio output
connections These outputs are frequently marked on A/V equipment as
‘TAPE OUTPUT,’ ‘TAPE OUT,’ ‘TAPE REC, or ‘TAPE RECORD or REC OUT.’
Please note: Jacks labeled PHONO, CD, LD, DVD or tape or VCR playback
(PB) are INPUTS and will not work with the transmitter.
Fixed-level outputs from TVs are usually marked as ‘Constant,’ ‘Fixed,’ or
‘Select.’ If they are not marked as such, they are probably variable outputs (see
“About Variable-Level Audio Outputs” on the next page). Outputs from VCRs
are almost always fixed.
Hint: When connecting to the audio outputs of a VCR, remember that the
VCR must be playing a tape or showing a TV channel for sound to be
produced.

8
Hint: If your VCR (or other audio source with RCA jacks) only has a single
audio output, you will need another RCA “Y” cable. It differs from the “Y”
Cable Adapter included with this speaker. It will have a single male RCA
plug and 2 female RCA jacks. Connect the dual RCA plugs from the
included “Y” cable adapter to the 2 female RCA jacks on the second “Y”
cable, and then connect the single male RCA plug of the second “Y” cable
to the single audio output of the VCR.
ii. About Variable-Level Audio Outputs:
A variable-level output, such as a headphone jack or certain RCA-type outputs,
provides an audio signal that changes with the volume level set on the audio
source. As the volume of the audio source is adjusted up and down, so is
the audio signal strength sent to the transmitter. This can affect the quality
of sound generated by the speaker, and may require an adjustment of the
volume level of the audio source to produce a signal strong enough for the
transmitter.
Hint: On most bookshelf-type or compact stereo systems, inserting a
headphone plug into the headphone jack results in automatic cutoff of the
regular, or hard-wired speakers.
Hint: Most TVs, regardless of age or price, have variable outputs. If you
are unsure which of your TV audio outputs is fixed, refer to the TV
instruction manual. Some TVs have outputs that can switch between
variable and fixed. When given a choice, fixed is always recommended.

9
Cause and solution:
• When using battery power, make sure the batteries are fresh and replace if
necessary.
• Check that the speaker power/tuning indicator light (A) is illuminated
green.
• Change the position of the channel select switch (1, 2 or 3) to change the
operating frequency. The speaker will detect the loss of signal and retune
automatically. However, you can also press the Power/tuning/volume
up once to make the speaker retune.
• Change the location of the transmitter. Place it as high and away from
obstructions as possible. Avoid placing the transmitter directly on top of or
behind a TV.
• Move the transmitter and speaker closer together. Sending the signal
through certain materials, such as glass, tile, and metal, can decrease the
effective transmitting distance of the system.
VIII. Troubleshooting
The following troubleshooting guide takes you through some of the more
common problems associated with the installation and/or operation of a wireless
system. If the problem persists, please call 1-800-732-6866 and a knowledgeable
customer service representative will assist you.
Issue:
No
sound
Issue:
No
sound/
distortion/
static
Cause and solution:
• Check that the transmitter AC power adapter is fully inserted into the wall
outlet and the power cord from the AC adapter is firmly connected to the
transmitter power input jack.
• Confirm that the speaker is turned ON and tuned to the transmitter – the
power/tuning indicator light (A) on the front of the speaker should
illuminate green.
• Confirm that the speaker AC power adapter is fully inserted into the wall
outlet and the power cord on the AC power adapter is firmly connected to
the speaker power input jack.
or
• Check that the C-cell batteries are fresh and inserted with correct polarity
(+, –).
• Check that the audio source component (stereo, TV, etc.) is turned on and
transmitting sound as it normally should.
• Check that the speaker volume is turned up.
• If you are using a Tape 2 Monitor output from your receiver/amp as the
audio output, check that you have pressed the Tape Monitor/Tape 2
button on the front of the receiver. This will turn on the Tape 2 outputs,
which may not have been active.