Vanguard Dynamics VAIL CAST User manual

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SOFTWARE UPDATES
www.vanguarddynamics.com/vail-cast
Phone : (866) 834-6321
Riverside, CA
www.vanguarddynamics.com
OPTIONAL ITEMS
YOU MAY NEED
Cables: Audio Inputs and Outputs
(Audio Cables need a 3.5mm Stereo
plug to connect to the VAIL Cast)
Ethernet cable if not using Wi-Fi.
2 Gang Low Voltage
Mounting Bracket If you will be
using the wall mounting plate you
will need a to attach the VAIL Cast
Wall Mount Bracket to the Bracket.
Use a Ring/Bracket NOT a box.
#2 Philips Screwdriver
for attaching the VAIL Cast to the
Mounting Bracket
Pass-Through Wall Plate If you will
be mounting into the wall you may
want to purchase one to better
manage any wires that exit the wall.
SEE OUR INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS AT
www.vanguarddynamics.com/vail-cast
VAIL CAST
The VAIL Cast is a universal compact digital amplifier that
can seamlessly connect to all popular voice control plat-
forms, mobile devices, and computers. Once connected to
the speakers of your choice you can access the power and
flexibility of music and audio in one room or an entire home
through its ability to connect to Apple, Amazon, Google,
Spotify, and others. It can be placed on any flat surface or
be mounted into the wall in a standard double gang brack-
et with the included wall mount bracket.
*Note that some services may require separate subscriptions or fees
from the respective providers.
1 VAIL Cast
1 Wall Mount Bracket Kit (Necessary only for Wall Mounting)
1 Power Supply
1 IR Receiver (3 volt)
VAIL CAST SETUP
WHATʼS IN THE BOX
Speakers Vanguard Dynamics supplies an outstanding
assortment of architectural and outdoor speakers that will
work with the VAIL Cast. You may also decide to use cabi-
net speakers or your choice.
Speaker Wire Due to the countless configurations that may
be used we do not include speaker wire. The speaker con-
nectors on the VAIL Cast will fit up to most 14-gauge speak-
er wires with 16-gauge being ideal. For short runs of 20
foot or less 18-guage wire is acceptable.
Wire Strippers/Cutters
Small Flat Head Screwdriver for attaching the speaker wire
NEEDED BUT NOT SUPPLIED
USER MANUAL

Mute Volume DownVolume Up
Cast
(Streaming)
Source Light
Optical
Source Light
Removeable Knockout for
Optional Wire Pass Through
Bluetooth
Source Light
Aux (Line In)
Source Light
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PLACEMENT
VAIL Cast can be mounted
into the wall, simply placed
on any flat surface or placed
into a rack with the optional
rack mount plate that will
hold up to three. When plac-
ing the VAIL Cast please
consider that the streaming
features rely on a solid con-
nection to your home net-
work.
IMPORTANT:
If you are unable to assure a
good Wi-Fi connection, you
may use the ethernet connec-
tion instead. If it will be
placed remotely in a rack or
cabinet in a basement etc.,
we recommend using the
ethernet connection and
making sure that the standby
feature is turned off as
described below. This will
minimize the need to ever use
the controls on the front of
the unit. If you will be using
Wi-Fi You may wish to con-
nect to your network as
described below before
mounting the VAIL Cast into
the wall to assure that it will
work at the location you have
chosen.
FRONT CONTROLS & LIGHTS
REAR CONNECTIONS
Speaker Connections
Optical Input
Speaker
Impedance
Switch
Leave at 8ohms for 2 speakers
switch to 4ohms for 4 speakers
IR Receiver Input
Wire Pass
Through Channel
DC Input/AC Power Adaptor
Ethernet Jack
Audio Line Input
(3.5mm Stereo)
Audio Line Out
(3.5mm Stereo)

Connect the VAIL Cast to the network you will be using by using the ethernet jack on the back and plug-
ging it into your network. Your VAIL Cast will be immediately seen by your device as “VAIL Cast”
followed by unique code assigned to that device. If you will never be connecting the VAIL Cast to your
network via Wi-Fi there is no need to go to the next step.
CONNECT TO YOUR NETWORK
CONNECT VIA ETHERNET
To connect VAIL Cast via Wi-Fi to your home network you must use one of the two following methods.
CONNECT VIA WI-FI
To use all features of your VAIL Cast it must first be connected to the network that the devices (computers,
tablets, phones) you wish to operate it with reside. You only need to connect it using one of the following
methods. Once it is on your network you can enable features in other platforms through their respective
set ups.
IMPORTANT: If you have multiple devices, setup one VAIL Cast at a time and leave the others
powered off. This will make it easier to select and name the correct device. First connect the included
power supply to the DC IN location on the back of the VAIL Cast. Wait a few moments for it to power
up. You will first see all the lights on the front flashing. Once they have stopped you will be ready to
proceed with the steps below.
After connecting to your network the VAIL Cast will check for firmware updates. If updates are avail-
able you will notice the CAST light flash multiple colors. Please wait for the flashing to stop before
proceeding to additional steps. To make sure you have the best experience the VAIL Cast will periodi-
cally check for updates and install them.
On your mobile device, if you do not already have it installed, please install the Google Home App first.
Open the Google Home App on your Android device, select “Set up Chromecast built-in speaker”.
Follow the guided setup process.
CONNECT VIA ANDROID
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Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com

CONNECT VIA iOS
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Email: [email protected]
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These instructions assume that the VAIL Cast has not yet been connected to a network.
1. Power on the VAIL Cast and wait for the multicolored lights to stop flashing.
2. On your iPhone go the Wi-Fi Setting and scroll to the bottom of the page and you
should see “SET UP NEW AIRPLAY SPEAKER” It sometimes takes a moment for it to
appear. Find your VAIL Cast on the list. Select it and click NEXT.
3. You will then be asked which network you want to connect the VAIL Cast to.
Select the network you want VAIL Cast to connect to, a checkmark will appear next
to it. You can also name the speaker at this time. The password at the bottom can
be left blank. Click NEXT.
4. Wait and you will see a message “Setup Complete” and confirmation of the net-
work it has joined.
5. Your VAIL Cast is now connected to your network via Wi-Fi and is ready to use
via AirPlay2.

To connect to Alexa, you must first connect the VAIL Cast to your network as described above. To
connect to Alexa you must complete a one time process using the VAIL Cast App. It is available for
Android and iOS. Once setup you can use Alexa to operate the VAIL Cast. The VAIL Cast App will
only be needed if you need to reboot your VAIL Cast to factory settings. Download and install the
appropriate VAIL app on your Android or iOS device and log in to your Amazon account. Then go to
your Alexa app and designate your VAIL Cast to a room. Android Devices: Search the Google Play
Store for “VAIL Cast” IOS Devices: Search the Apple App Store for “VAIL Cast.”
OTHER WIRELESS CONNECTIONS
ALEXA CONNECTION
APPLE HOME CONNECTION (Optional)
You can also stream audio to VAIL Cast via Bluetooth.
Note you must repeat this process with every device. The VAIL Cast Bluetooth pairing remains hidden
until Step 1 is done.
Step 1. Press and hold the VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds
until BT LED is blinking Blue.
Step 2. Go to your mobile device to pair new device. Select VAIL Cast or the custom name you have
given VAIL Cast.
BLUETOOTH CONNECTION
Phone : (866) 834-6321
Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com
Once the VAIL Cast is connected to your network you can use it directly with Apple AirPlay2. If you
wish to add it to Apple Home so that you can include it in scenes and multi room usage, please follow
the instructions below.
1. Open the Apple Home App.
2. Click the + on the top right of the screen.
3. Click “Add Accessory” from the listing.
4. Click “More Options” in orange at the top of the page “Scan code or hold iPhone near the
accessory. More Options…
5. On the next page you will “Select an Accessory to Add to My Home”. You will see the VAIL
Cast and the name you gave it listed. Note it may take a moment for it to appear.
6. Select the VAIL Cast you want to Add to Apple Home. It will then ask the location of the VAIL
Cast and will give you an opportunity to change the name.
7. It is now added to Apple Home.

IMPORTANT: One advantage of the VAIL Cast is that it allows you to listen to audio from your
TV through the speakers connected to the VAIL Cast. Most new TVs have a “fixed” audio output.
That means that while the remote for the TV will control the volume on the TV it will not raise,
lower or mute the audio output (optical or digital) from your TV. To control the volume on your
TV you will need to learn the IR commands from your TV remote into the VAIL Cast as described.
Step 1. Connect your TV audio to the VAIL Cast. If it is an optical output on the TV, use an optical
audio cable and connect to the OPTIC input on the VAIL Cast. If it is an analog audio output connect
the audio output to the jack marked LINE on the VAIL Cast. The LINE jack is a 3.5mm stereo input.
Step 2. To control volume via an Infrared TV remote, connect the included IR receiver to the plug on
the back of VAIL Cast. If you plan to use an IR receiver not supplied, it MUST BE 3 volts. Once the
IR receiver is connected follow the steps below using the remote of the TV/source you have the VAIL
Cast connected to.
After Completing the above steps, please test to make sure the commands are working with the
source operating.
TV CONNECTION
1. Press and hold down VOLUME UP and MUTE buttons simultaneously on VAIL Cast for 5
seconds to enter IR learning mode until OPT led blinks purple.
2. Once CAST led blinks white, point the remote control to the VAIL IR receiver and press
VOLUME DOWN on your remote control 3 times, then press VOLUME DOWN on VAIL Cast 3
times. OPT led will blink purple as confirmation that VOLUME DOWN has been programmed.
3. Once OPT led blinks white, point remote to the VAIL IR receiver and press MUTE on your
remote control 3 times, then press MUTE on VAIL Cast 3 times. OPT led will blink purple as con-
firmation that MUTE has been programmed.
4. Once AUX led blinks white, point remote to the VAIL IR receiver and press VOLUME UP on
your remote control 3 times, then press VOLUME UP on VAIL Cast 3 times. OPT led will blink
purple as confirmation that VOLUME UP has been programmed.
Phone : (866) 834-6321
Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com
Once you have connected the VAIL Cast to your network it will be available to be seen by Spotify.
1. Turn Spotify app on your phone, laptop, or tablet.
2. Play a song and select Devices Available.
3. Select VAIL Cast and start listening.
SPOTIFY

Lower
Mounting
Tabs
IMPORTANT: If you are not familiar with cutting drywall and installing products, please contact us so that
we can pair you with an authorized dealer that can assist you. As mentioned above please assure that
you will have a good Wi-Fi connection at the chosen location or use an ethernet cable before cutting the
drywall. The VAIL Cast includes a bracket that allows it to be mounted into a 2 Gang Low Voltage
Mounting Bracket, hereafter called Mounting Ring. While we have tested the bracket with a wide vari-
ety Low Voltage Rings, please test yours to make sure the VAIL Cast Bracket will slide into and align with
the Mounting Ring you have selected before installing. The bracket will not fit into a 2 Gang Box.
OVERVIEW OF PARTS NEEDED
MOUNTING VAIL CAST INTO THE WALL
VAIL CAST Wall Bracket
Upper
Mounting
Tabs
4 Screw for Securing Bracket
to Low Voltage Ring
2 Screws for Securing Upper
Mounting Tabs to VAIL CAST
Example of 2-Gang Low
Voltage Ring Needed
The VAIL Cast can be connected to up to two pairs (4 total) of speakers. To connect the speaker wire
first unplug the 4-connector speaker plug from the VAIL Cast. Strip the speaker wire you will be using
just long enough to fit into the connector. This will assure that there are no shorts between the wires.
Make sure the screws are open then place the appropriate (R, L, + or -) stripped wire into the opening
and firmly screw it down in place. If you will be installing more than one pair of speakers, you will be
operating the speakers in “Parallel”. This means you will have two speakers connected to the right
input and two connected to the left input.
There is not enough space on the connector to directly accommodate two pairs of speaker wire so you
will have to split them after the connection if you will be placing both pair of speaker wires at the VAIL
Cast.
IMPORTANT: If you will be using 2 pairs of speakers place the switch in the 4ohm position. If you will
only be using one pair of speakers leave the 4ohms/8ohms switch in the factory setting of 8ohms.
CONNECTING SPEAKERS
Phone : (866) 834-6321
Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com

1) PLACE THE 2 GANG RING INTO THE CHOSEN LOCATION ON THE WALL BY CUTTING THE DRYWALL.
PLEASE BE SURE THE AREA IS FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS AND YOU CAN RUN WIRES FROM THE LOCATION
TO SPEAKERS, POWER SUPPLY AND OTHER CONNECTIONS.
2) LOCATE THE TWO SCREWS AT THE BACK OF THE VAIL CAST. YOU WILL BE REMOVING THESE SCREWS
AND THE RESECURING THEM WITH THE VAIL CAST BRACKET IN PLACE.
3) WITH THE BOTTOM TABS SECURED LOCATE THE OPENINGS AT THE TOP OF THE VAIL CAST THAT ALIGN
WITH THE UPPER TABS. YOU WILL SCREW THE TABS INTO PLACE WITH THE TWO PROVIDED SCREWS.
4) YOU CAN NOW SLIDE THE ASSEMBLY OF THE VAIL CAST AND BRACKET INTO THE 2 GANG MOUNTING
RING YOU HAVE INSTALLED. BE SURE TO MAKE ALL CONNECTIONS TO THE BACK OF THE VAIL CAST
FIRST. ONCE IT IS IN PLACE IT SHOULD ALIGN WITH THE SCREW HOLES ON THE LOW VOLTAGE RING.
USE THE REMAINING 4 SCREWS TO SECURE THE BRACKET TO THE RING. DO NOT OVERTIGHTENED AS
THIS MAY CAUSE ALIGNMENT ISSUES WITH THE SCREWLESS PLATE. ONCE THE SCREWS ARE IN PLACE
SNAP THE SCREW-LESS PLATE INTO PLACE. IF YOU WISH TO KEEP THE VAIL CAST CLEAN DURING ANY
REMAINING CONSTRUCTION WORK YOU CAN LEAVE THE PLASTIC FILM ATTACHED TO THE PLATE IN
PLACE. THIS WILL KEEP THE VAIL CAST AND PLATE CLEAN.
MOUNTING VAIL CAST INTO THE WALL
Remove & Save for Mounting of Bracket Place Bracket onto the VAIL CAST so that the bottom holes align
with the screw holes and resecure the screws in place
Use two Screws
to Secure
the Upper
Tabs in Place
Once Lower Tabs
are Secured Align
Upper Tabs with
Openings
Phone : (866) 834-6321
Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com

Secure Bracket to
Ring with 4 Screws
Snap Screwless
Plate onto Bracket
MOUNTING VAIL CAST INTO THE WALL
As the number and variety of wires exiting the wall may vary, we recommend a Pass-Through Wall Plate
at the location the wires exit the wall.
WIRE MANAGEMENT
You may have the VAIL Cast located behind a TV and wish to connect the Optical Cable and the IR
receiver directly from the mounting location. There is a “knock-out” located at the bottom in the middle
that can be removed with a small pair of pliers. Once removed cables, assuming they are narrow
enough to do so, can be pulled through the opening from the back of the unit to the front and out at
that location.
KNOCK-OUT
Wires from the VAIL Cast may be run to a remote location or simply dropped down the wall cavity in
the stud bay that the VAIL Cast is mounted into. Please place the power supply exterior to the wall
cavity and only run the low voltage wire through the wall cavity. Depending on location you may need
to lengthen the cable. While the power attached to the VAIL Cast is low voltage, local regulations and
codes vary. Please check locally if you have any concerns.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
While the VAIL Cast has an excellent built-in amplifier, you may wish to use it as a source that can be
connected to a larger amplifier or multi-zone amplifier. To do this connect the Out jack to an external
amplifier. Anything that is heard from the built-in amplifier will be delivered at line level to an external
amplifier. If you wish you can still operate the built-in amplifier and simply expand it to additional
areas using the Out jack.
USING THE VAIL CAST AS A SOURCE (AUDIO OUT)
Phone : (866) 834-6321
Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com

VAIL CAST OPERATION
Once set-up has been performed as outlined above the VAIL Cast becomes an amplified source or
accessory to the platform or service you have selected. It does not require a separate App or interface
but works directly as an amplified speaker for the service you choose to use (Apple, Google, Alexa,
etc.). It is through those native apps or voice commands that the volume can be changed or muted and
the source or content selected.
The following functions can be performed from the front of the VAIL Cast:
- Volume Up: Push UP Button
- Volume Down: Push Down Button
- Mute: Push Mute Button
- Standby: Push and Hold the Mute Button for 3 seconds
BUTTON OPERATIONS
Hold Volume Up and Mute for 3 Seconds to Enter IR Learning Mode
Hold Volume Down and Volume Up for 3 Seconds to Enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode
Hold Volume Down and Mute for 3 Seconds for Factory Reset. WARNING! Only do this if necessary as
you will have to return to Set-Up if you do this.
Selecting Optical or Aux as a Source VAIL Cast will auto sense once the Optical or Line-In Source is
operating and switch to that source overriding any sources currently playing. It will assume that you
wish to listen to that source, for example TV, once it is playing.
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
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Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com

UNDERSTANDING THE SOURCE LIGHTS
CAST
OPT (OPTICAL)
AUX (LINE IN)
BT (BLUETOOTH)
Solid = Streaming Source is Playing
Breathing = Streaming Source is Paused, or Volume is Muted
Off = No Streaming Source is Playing or is Disconnected
Slow Green Flash = Configure Network
GREEN
Solid = Wi-Fi is Disconnected.
Flashing = If connected to Alexa this indicates you have notifications
Fast Flash = IR is learning “Volume Down”
Light Flashes All Colors = Firmware is Updating
RED
Solid = Optical Source is Playing
Breathing = Optical Source is muted.
Off = The Optical Source is not currently playing or selected.
5 Flashes = Entering IR learning Mode.
3 Flashes = The current IR learning mode is complete.
PURPLE
Fast Flash = IR is learning “MUTE”
Solid = Current Source of Aux / Line In is playing
Breathing = Muted as Current Source
Off = Not the selected Current Source
Fast Flashing = IR Learning “Volume Up”
WHITE
WHITE
Solid = Bluetooth is Playing
Off = Bluetooth is not current source and is not playing
Breathing = Bluetooth is current source and is Muted
Slow Flash = Bluetooth Pairing mode is entered
ALL LIGHTS Breath = System is Rebooting
BLUE
WHITE
Phone : (866) 834-6321
Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com

IR RECEIVER
4ohms/8ohms
VAIL CAST
L+ L
-
R+ R
-DC INETHERNETLINE IN
LINE OUT
OPTICAL
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Email: [email protected]
www.vanguarddynamics.com

1. Read these instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated.
2. Keep these instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow all instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water – The appliance should not be used near water or moisture – for example, in a wet basement
or near a swimming pool, and the like.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
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8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug, if provided. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electri-
cian for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point
where it exits from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug the apparatus during lighting storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as; the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilt or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
14. CAUTION: Servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so.
Important Safety Instructions
This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device complies with Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radiofrequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Only operate the device in accordance with the instructions
supplied. This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the
possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less
than 20cm (8 inches) during normal operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
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FCC STATEMENT
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this advice may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device. The device meets the exemption from the routine evaluation limits in section 2.5 of RSS 102 and
compliance with RSS-102 RF exposure. Users can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance.
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This Class B digital apparatus
complies with Canadian ICES-003.
This Category ll radiocommunication device complies with industry Canada Standard RDD-310.
IC STATEMENT
Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified
in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPhone
and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. To control this AirPlay 2– enabled speaker,
iOS 11.4 or later is required.
Google, Android, Google Home and Chromecast built-in are trademarks of Google LLC. Amazon,Alexa and all related logos and
motion marks are trademarks of Amazon Inc. or its affiliates.
Use your phone, tablet or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to spotify.com/connect to learn how.
The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.
The device must be able to be awakened by the Google service in various power modes, the LS9X module and the Ethernet module in the device
needs to be in working mode all the time, so the device power consumption will be greater than 2W when the device enters the network standby.
Based on Vail Cast function design requirement, the wireless or Ethernet module (LS9X Module) must keep searching and working function on
Google Cast and with Alexa function. So it cannot enter normal standby mode and network standby due to the features of the product.
TRADEMARK AND LICENSE
VAIL ;9KLw
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