ION Block Rocker Series Use and care manual

ION Audio Block Rocker, Job Rocker, and Tailgater -
Battery Replacement
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The ION Audio Tailgater, Block Rocker, and Job Rocker
series products come with a user-replaceable rechargeable battery. The battery panel is either
located on the side or bottom of the unit. If for any reason the battery needs to be replaced, this
panel allows customers to replace the battery without the need to bring it to a professional. This
guide walks through what type of battery these products use, how to obtain one if necessary, and
how to physically replace it.
Contents
How to replace the battery in your ION Audio speaker
1. Determine which ION Audio speaker you have, and what replacement battery you
need
2. Make sure you purchase a battery with the correct terminal connectors
3. Where to buy a replacement battery
4. Step-by-Step walk through on replacing the battery yourself
How to get the longest life out of a Lead-Acid battery
Tips for using your battery
Tips for storing your battery

How to dispose of a Lead-Acid battery
Notes about older ION Audio speaker models (pre 2010)
Further Technical Support
How to replace the battery in your ION Audio speaker
1. Determine which ION Audio speaker you have, and what replacement battery
you need
Different ION Audio speaker models use different batteries. The batteries are not proprietary,
and are readily available from any number of retailers or websites. Once you know which battery
you need, they can be easily found locally or online.
There are three important specs you'll need to know when looking for a replacement battery.
1. The Voltage (V) - 12V or 6V for example
2. The Amp Hours (AH) - 4AH, 5AH, 7AH for example
3. The size/dimensions - you'll want to make sure the battery you get will fit inside your
ION Audio speaker's battery compartment
Use the list below to find your speaker model and associated battery or use the serial lookup
tool below to find the right replacement battery for your ION rechargeable speaker.
Click here to find the right battery for your ION speaker
12V, 5AH, Lead Acid Battery - 3.54" x 2.76" x 3.98 (L x W x H)
Block Rocker
Block Rocker AM/FM
Block Rocker Bluetooth
Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56)
Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56D)
Explorer Bluetooth
Explorer Bluetooth M2
Job Rocker
Tailgater Active
Tailgater AM/FM

Tailgater Bluetooth
Buy: Amazon | Mouser
12V, 7AH, Lead Acid - 5.94" x 2.57" x 3.78" (L x W x H)
Block Party Live
Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56B)
Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56C)
Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56C2)
Buy: Amazon | Mouser
Other
Road Rocker - 6V, 4AH, Lead Acid - 3.1" x 1.6" X 4.3" (L x W x H)
Mobile DJ - contact ION
Explorer Outback
The process for replacing the battery in an Explorer Outback is a little different than the
description in this guide. Instead, check out the guide below for a specific walkthrough for your
Explorer Outback:
ION Audio Explorer Outback - Replacing the Battery and Improving Battery Life
2. Make sure you purchase a battery with the correct terminal connectors
There are two terminal connection possibilities that can come with a 12V, 5AH, or 12V, 7AH
rechargeable sealed lead-acid battery when purchased from a third-party retailer: F1 and F2.
The ION Audio Portable Audio products require the F2-type battery terminals, which are
slightly larger than the F1-type terminals.
If you purchase a battery with the slimmer F1-type battery connection terminals, it may
still be able to be used. As long as all the other specs of the battery are correct, you may
be able to locate "F1 to F2 Step Up Adapters" at a third party retailer. These adapters slip
over the slimmer F1 terminals and make them slightly wider, allowing for F2-type
terminal connection cables to attach correctly.See the pictures below for a visual
representation of the above information:

3. Where to buy a replacement battery
The replacement batteries are not proprietary, and are readily available from any number of
retailers or websites. Once you know which battery you need, they can be easily found locally or
online. To help save you time, we've included links to just a couple of online sellers below:
12V, 5AH, Lead Acid Battery - 3.54" x 2.76" x 3.98 (L x W x H)
Amazon
Mouser
12V, 7AH, Lead Acid - 5.94" x 2.57" x 3.78" (L x W x H)
Amazon
Mouser

4. Step-by-Step walk through on installing a replacement battery yourself
1. IMPORTANT: First, disconnect all power cables, audio cables, and accessories. Make
sure that the product is completely disconnected from any electrical power outlets.
2. Next, locate the battery access panel on the side or bottom of the product. It is secured by
four Phillips-head screws.
Block Rocker Series
(side)
Tailgater Series
(bottom)
Job Rocker (bottom)
In some cases, such as the Block Party Live, the battery access is on the rear of the unit
and the handle must be removed first, as shown in the images below. To remove the
handle, simply remove the four screws that fasten it to the unit.

3. Remove the four to six screws which secure the panel and remove the panel cover. This
will allow access to the battery compartment.

4. Next, slide the battery out to reveal the connection wires.

IMPORTANT: Note how the terminals on the battery are connected. The red connector
is connected to the red positive terminal. The other connector (blue or black) is
connected to the black negative terminal. The replacement battery must be connected the
same way. Failure to connect to the correct terminals could result in damage to your
product.
* Only use and approved replacement battery which meets the specifications provided by
ION Audio. For more specifics or further information, contact ION Audio Technical
Support.
5. Slide the metal connectors off each of the terminals to disconnect the battery. Remove
the battery from the product.
6. Connect and insert the new battery, close the side panel, and replace the screws. You
have now completed the process. Enjoy!

IMPORTANT: The red connector must be connected to the red positive terminal on the
battery. The other connector (blue or black) is connected to the black negative terminal. Failure
to connect to the correct terminals could result in damage to your product.
Notes about older ION Audio speaker models (pre 2010)
If your Block Rocker or Tailgater was produced prior to 2010, it will not feature an external
battery access door. Because of this, your battery will need to be replaced by a certified
technician. For a list of recommended authorized service centers, contact ION Audio Technical
Support.
To determine when your unit was produced, refer to the images below. Units produced in 2010
or later feature and easy-access battery compartment, which allows for the battery to be replaced
by the customer. These 2010 and newer units can be identified by the recessed plastic carry
handles on the side of the enclosure. Earlier units featured metal hinged handles.
Block Rocker 2010 & Later
Block Rocker Pre-2010
How to get the longest life out of a Lead-Acid battery
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. For example, if you
forget to turn off your car's lights and drain the battery, a jump start may work a few times. But
after a few full discharges, even a jump won't help, and the battery will need to be

replaced. 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:
Tips for using your battery


Fully charge the battery before using it.
For maximum life, drain the battery 80% once a month.
Charge the battery completely after each use.
Avoid completely draining the battery.
Tips for storing your battery


Avoid storing in high temperatures and moist places.
For long-term storage, periodically recharge the battery.
If you do not charge the battery for six months, it may not charge.
How to dispose of a Lead-Acid battery

o
Bring the unit to a recycling center or dispose of in accordance with local
ordinances.