iHome iW3 Air Play Wireless Speaker System Instruction Manual
Welcome to the iHome iW3
Thank you for choosing iHome. The Air Series represents the new frontier of product offerings from iHome that embrace Wi-Fi connectivity and AirPlay, Apple’s new wireless streaming technology. The iHome iW3 with AirPlay offers the latest experience in home audio entertainment allowing users to stream digital audio over Wi-Fi from iTunes, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Featuring SRS® DSP technology and a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the iW3 offers high fidelity audio that is truly wireless. You can use the iW3 to:
- Stream music directly from iTunes on your Mac or PC using your home Wi-Fi network
- Stream your favorite music from your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch’s iPod music library or popular music apps like PANDORA®, iHeartRadio®, and Tunein® available on the App Store
- Play and charge your iPad, iPhone, and iPod with included USB sync cable
- Enjoy true wireless audio anywhere around the house with the iW3’s rechargeable battery, convenient charging base and integrated handle
- Add multiple iW3 speakers to enjoy multi-room audio anywhere in the home (note: streaming to multiple speakers simultaneously requires iTunes as the source)
- Download and enjoy iHome+apps available on the App Store:
- iHome Set, a free iHome utility app for easy network setup, device settings and firmware updates
- iHome Sleep, a free music alarm clock app
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to get the most from your iHome iW3.
iW3 Overview
Contents
- iW3 speaker
- iW3 start guide
- Charging base
- Power adaptor
- USB sync cable
Compatibility
USB connector works with:
iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPod nano (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3G, and iPad (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation).
iTunes, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPad (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation). For AirPlay, the iW3 must be connected to Wi-Fi with networked access to a Mac or PC running iTunes 10.1 or later; or an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch running iOS 4.2 or later.
iHome+apps:
iHome Sleep and iHome Set apps work only with iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and require iOS 4.2 or later.
Maintenance
Place the unit on a level surface away from sources of direct sunlight or excessive hear. Protect your furniture when placing your unit on a natural wood and lacquered finish. A cloth or other protective material should be placed between it and the furniture. Clean your unit with a soft cloth moistened only with mild soap and water. Stronger cleaning agents, such as benzene thinner or similar materials can damage the surface of the unit.
iW3 Controls
Quick Start
Getting Started
Master Power Switch
The iW3 has a master power switch that is used to power the unit ON or OFF, help conserve battery life, and reset the iW3 speaker. In order for the iW3 speaker to power ON, the battery must be charged or placed on the charging base connected to an AC outlet. Master Power ON – Slide the Master Power Switch (on rear panel) to the ON position to activate your iW3 speaker. Master Power OFF – Slide the Master Power Switch to the OFF position to power the iW3 speaker OFF.
Note: If the iW3 is in the Master Power OFF state the iW3 will only allow charging of the iW3’s internal battery and will not support iPod/iPhone charging, AirPlay, network setup, nor firmware updates.
Powering your iW3 speaker ON
To power the iW3 speaker ON:
- Plug AC adaptor into Charging Base, and plug into a live AC wall outlet.
- Place the iW3 Speaker on top of the Charging Base.
- Slide the Master Power Switch (on rear panel) to the ON position.
Note: Allow 30 seconds for the speaker to startup before interacting with the iW3 speaker.
- Press the Power button to switch between power ON and Standby mode. The iW3 speaker will power ON to the previous mode (default is AirPlay mode).
Rechargeable Battery
The iW3 speaker has an internal rechargeable battery and supports audio playback anywhere in the home when the battery is charged. To Charge the Battery:
- Plug AC adaptor into Charging Base, and plug into a live AC wall outlet.
- Place iW3 Speaker on top of Charging Base.
Note: Allow up to 10 hours to fully charge the iW3’s battery
Resetting your iW3 speaker
It is possible for the iW3 speaker to lockup and be unresponsive, making it necessary to reset the unit. To reset the iW3 speaker:
- Remove the iW3 Speaker from the Charging Base.
- Using a paper clip, press the Reset Button on the bottom of cabinet within the charging base recess. The iW3 will reboot and power ON again.
Using your iW3
Top panel controls
The iW3 speaker has a control interface for power, mode, volume, and music controls. Controls are lit according to the status of the iW3
speaker and the selected mode.
Standby mode
Wi-Fi Network Setup for AirPlay
Check list
Please verify the following steps before attempting to connect your iW3 speaker to a Wi-Fi network: To enjoy AirPlay wireless audio, you must have the following:
- iTunes or an iOS device (iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad).
- A functioning home network with Wi-Fi.
Download the latest software updates for iTunes and your iOS device to ensure that you are able to enjoy the latest AirPlay enhancements and compatibility. Download the iHome Set app for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. Have your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password (if applicable) available for reference.
Note: AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 (Mac and PC) or later; OR an iPad (3rd, 2nd, and 1st generations), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (4th, 3rd, and 2nd generations) with iOS 4.2 or later. The iHome Set app requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Option A – Connecting via Wi-Fi sharing for iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad (Recommended)
If you have an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad with iOS 5.0 or later, we recommend that you use Wi-Fi sharing for the quickest network setup experience. To connect your iW3 speaker to a Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi sharing, follow these steps:
- Activate Wi-Fi on your iPad/iPhone/iPod touch (with iOS 5.0 or later) and ensure you are connected to the network whose settings you wish to share network settings with the iW3 speaker.
- Connect your iOS device to the iW3 using the included iPod USB sync cable.
- Press the Network Setup button on the back of the iW3.
- A pop-up message will appear on the iOS device asking if you want to share your Wi-Fi settings. Select ‘Allow’. The iOS will share current wireless network credentials with the iW3 and a confirmation tone will sound.
Success!
Congratulations, you have successfully connected your iW3 to your wireless network and now you can start enjoying wireless audio anywhere in your home or office. Verify that the Network Status LED is green and then keep reading to learn how to use iW3 to stream your iTunes and iOS audio content using AirPlay.
Note: Your AirPlay source devices (Mac or PC with your iTunes library as well as your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the iW3 speaker is
Option B – Manually connecting & managing settings with the iHome Set app
If you have an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad with iOS 4.0 or later, we recommend that you use our free iHome Set app to easily rename your iW3 speaker and configure network settings. To connect your iW3 speaker to a Wi-Fi network using iHome Set, follow these steps:
- Connect AC power and power ON the iW3 speaker.
- Connect your iOS device to the iW3 using the included iPod USB sync cable.
- Download our free iHome Set app from the App Store and launch the app.
- Scroll down the app interface and select the ‘Network’ tab interface and then select ‘Manual Setup’ button.
- Select your preferred Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks and enter password if prompted. Select ‘Other Network’ to connect to network with a hidden SSID.
Note: Connecting to a network may take up to 120 seconds. If network connection is unsuccessful, reset the unit or disconnect your iOS device and reconnect and repeat the above steps.
- OPTIONAL: To rename your iW3 speaker, exit manual network setup, select ‘Speaker Name’ and customize how your iW3 speaker will present itself on your network. Press ‘DONE’ to confirm the new name.
Success!
Congratulations, you have successfully connected your iW3 to your wireless network and now you can start enjoying wireless audio anywhere in your home or office. Verify that the Network Status LED is green and then keep reading to learn how to use iW3 to stream your iTunes and iOS audio content using AirPlay.
Note: Your AirPlay source devices (Mac or PC with your iTunes library as well as your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network that the iW3 speaker is connected before using AirPlay wireless streaming.
Option C – Connecting with your Mac or PC over Wi-Fi
To connect your iW3 speaker to a Wi-Fi network using a Mac or PC, follow these steps:
- Connect AC power and power ON the iW3 speaker.
- Press and hold (5 sec.) Network Setup button on the back of unit.
Note: The Network Status LED will begin flashing green and the top control panel will also flash.
- On your Mac or PC, select the network called “iHome Setup ######” from Wi-Fi network settings.
Note: This process can take up to 2 minutes. Be patient and refresh your network list if necessary.
- Launch a web browser (ex. Safari, Chrome, or Firefox) and enter http://192.168.1.12 in the address bar.
Note: If the page is not initially available or becomes unresponsive, reload the page. See “troubleshooting” if problem persists.
- Rename the iW3 speaker and click ‘Apply’. (optional)
- Select the ‘Networking Tab’ , click ‘Configure Network Settings’, choose preferred Wi-Fi network from the list of available and click ‘Apply’.
Note: Connecting to a network may take up to 120 seconds. If network connection is unsuccessful reset the iW3 by powering OFF/ON again and then repeat the above steps.
Success!
- Verify that the Network Status LED is green to confirm if the iW3 is successfully connected to a network.
- Disconnect from “iHome Setup ######” and connect your Mac/PC to the same network you connected the iW3 speaker.
- Keep reading to learn how to use the iW3 to stream and control your iTunes and iOS audio content.
Note: Your AirPlay source devices (Mac or PC with your iTunes library as well as your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network that the iW3 speaker is connected before using AirPlay wireless streaming.
Music Connectivity
Connecting to the iW3 speaker
You can connect to your iHome iW3 speaker three different ways:
- Using AirPlay® to stream wirelessly from iTunes or your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.
- Using the USB port on the rear panel with a iPod USB sync cable for audio and charging your iPod or iPhone.
- Using an auxiliary audio device (mp3 or CD player) connected to the aux-in port on the rear panel.
AirPlay & iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad
Using an iOS device:
- Connect your iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network as iW3. Go to Settings –> Wi-Fi on your iOS device.
- Tap on iPod/Music app, look for the AirPlay button next to the iPod music transport controls.
- Tap on the AirPlay icon and choose iW3 from the list of speakers. If the iW3 speaker is not available, restart your iOS device and verify that the iW3 is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Press play.
AirPlay & iTunes
Using a Mac or PC with iTunes:
- Connect your Mac or PC to the same Wi-Fi network as iW3.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Within iTunes open “Preferences”, Select the “Devices” tab, and activate the following option: “Allow iTunes control from remote speakers”
- Click OK, close iTunes preferences.
- Look for the AirPlay icon in the bottom right corner of the iTunes window.
- Click the AirPlay icon and choose iW3 from the list of speakers. Click “Multiple Speakers…” to select additional AirPlay speakers. If the iW3 speaker is not available, restart iTunes and verify that the iW3 is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Press play.
AirPlay Wireless Audio Mode
Enjoy AirPlay audio anywhere:
- Press to exit standby mode and power the iW3 ON.
- Press for wireless audio mode and to listen to AirPlay music.
- Use the buttons on the iW3 to control streaming AirPlay content.
Local iPod Audio Mode
Charge and Play using iPod USB sync cable:
- Connect USB sync cable to iW3’s USB port.
- Press Local Playback mode button and enjoy iPod and iPhone charging and audio playback.
- Use the buttons on the iW3 in iPod mode to control your music.
Note: Use Local Audio mode for both iPod and Aux-in audio playback.
Control
SRS TruBass
The iW3 features SRS TruBass® digital sound processing to enhance the audio performance and ensure proper bass response when listening to your music. The SRS TruBass function is on by default and can only be turned off using the iHome Set app.
EQ
The iW3 has an EQ feature that is controlled using the iHome Set app to adjust Bass and Treble. TREBLE +/- buttons: Adjust treble levels between -5 and +5. Default is 0 BASS +/- buttons: Adjust treble levels between -5 and +5. Default is 0
Firmware update
It may be necessary to update the firmware of your iW3 speaker to ensure the latest compatibility and optimal functionality. The iW3 offers three different methods for performing the firmware upgrade, detailed below as Option A, B and C. You only need to choose one.
Note: If you have access to an iOS device running 4.2 or later we recommend option A.
Option A – Firmware update using iHome Set
- Power ON the iW3 speaker and place on the charging base.
- Connect your iOS device to the iW3 using the included iPod USB sync cable.
- Download our free iHome Set app from the App Store and launch the app.
- Scroll down the app interface and select ‘Search for Update’ .
- If there is an update available, a message will pop-up asking if you would like to apply the firmware upgrade.
- Select ‘Upgrade’.
Option B – Firmware update using USB mass storage device
- Using your computer visit www.ihomeaudio.com/support/product/iW3 and download the latest firmware from the top right corner of the support page. Please be sure to remember the location where you save the file to on your computer.
- Locate the file from step 1 and load the file onto a USB mass storage device
Note: You must load it to the root (main) directory. Do not create a separate folder within the USB device.
- Power on your iW3. When the iW3 is fully powered on connect the USB drive to the port located on the rear panel.
- Press and Hold the Firmware button for 5 seconds.
Note: The update process will take around 3 minutes to complete.
During Firmware Update:
There are two indicators on the iW3 to track the progress of the update:
- The firmware update LED will remain RED
- The top panel LED’s will light up in succession to note the progress of the update (see diagram below)
Note: If the Firmware LED remains unlit this indicates that the process was unable to begin. Please be sure the proper file was loaded on the USB drive and start over from step 3 above.
Option C – Firmware update using Mac/PC
Follow these steps to update the firmware of your iW3 speaker using only your Mac or PC. Please note that we recommend trying option A or B before attempting this method.
- Using your computer visit: www.ihomeaudio.com/support/product/iW3 and download the latest firmware from the top right corner of the support page. Please be sure to remember the location where you save the file to on your computer.
- Verify that your iW3 is successfully connected to your home network.
- Open a web browser (we recommend Safari) and access the iHome Device Management webpage by using Bonjour services or directly typing in the iW3’s IP address. The IP address can be found using iHome Set under network details or by re-initiating the network setup mode on page 10.
Note: Make sure that you have enabled Bonjour service in your
PC. Take Windows XP for example: to enable the service, you can click Start->Settings->Control Panel, and double click Administrative Tools-> Services->Bonjour Service, then click Start followed by OK on the pop-up menu.
- If everything was done correctly you’ll see the page pictured.
- Click the “Firmware” tab on the left column and follow the on-screen instructions.
During Firmware Update:
- The top panel LED’s will light up in succession to note the progress of the update (see diagram below)
- The iW3’s device management web page will indicate progress. The iW3 will restart if firmware update is successful.
Note: This process can take 4-5 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Quick tips for common problems:
I am unable to connect the iW3 to my home Wi-Fi network:
- The iW3 does not support WEP or WPA/WPA2 Enterprise security types. We recommend Open, WPA Personal (-PSK), WPA2 Personal (-PSK). Once you change the security type on your router, we suggest rebooting your Wi-Fi router and your iW3 speaker.
- Make sure router firmware is up to date.
- Make sure that your wireless network is not on a conflicting channel with one of your neighbors. You can use software like iStumbler on Mac or Netstumbler on Windows to verify that adjacent networks, sorted by SNR, aren’t on the same channel. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are the three non-overlapping 802.11g channels.
- If you cannot see your network on the list of available networks, ensure that your network is not hidden. If so unhide and reboot the router.
I cannot find the MAC address of my iW3 speaker:
- Use the iHome Set app with the iPad/iPhone/iPod touch, connected with the USB sync cable and select ‘Show Details’ under the NETWORK tab (note: you can also discover the MAC address using the manual network setup method – see page 10).
I’ve successfully connected the iW3 to my home network, but I cannot select the iW3 speaker from iTunes or my iOS Device:
Note: The iW3 speaker must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your airplay source
iTunes Solutions:
- Make sure that you have the latest version if iTunes.
- Try restarting iTunes.
- In order for the iW3 to be able to access track controls in iTunes you need to allow it in iTunes:
- In iTunes, go to Preferences.
- In the Devices tab, check “Allow iTunes audio control from remote speaker”
iOS device solutions:
- Make sure the iOS device has the latest software.
- If you’re unable to see the Airplay icon on the iOS device, restart your iOS device;
- Verify that your device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
I’ve selected the iW3 speaker as my AirPlay audio source, but I do not hear any music:
- Verify that the volume is not muted or set to 0.
- Verify that there is not another iTunes library or iOS device connected to the iW3 speaker.
- Try restarting iTunes or your iOS device.
- Reset the iW3 speaker and reboot your Wi-Fi router.
The iW3 doesn’t respond or doesn’t turn ON:
- Place the iW3 on the charging base and fully charge your speaker.
USB Cable issue: Error message “this device is not supported”:
- Please restart your iW3 speaker as well as your iOS device and then try again.
Quick tips for network setup via Mac/PC:
I cannot access http://192.168.1.12 webpage:
- Please make sure that your Mac/PC is connected to the ‘iHome Setup XXXXXX’ network on your list of available networks
(note: internet access is not needed for this) - Disable any firewalls that may prevent you from accessing this address: (i.e. anti-virus protection)
- Restart your browser.
I put my password in and hit “Join Network” and the network status is still blinking red:
- Please verify that you have entered the correct password for your wireless network.
- Restart the iW3 speaker.
AirPlay & Network Setup
Questions? Visit www.ihomeaudio.com/support/airplay/
General
Questions? Visit www.ihomeaudio.com/support/airplay/
Consumer Product Safety Guide
Safety Instructions
- Water and Moisture – The unit should not be used near water. For example: near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, swimming pool or in a wet basement.
- Ventilation – The unit should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block ventilation openings. Also, it should not be placed in a built in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, which may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
- Heat – The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Power Sources – The unit should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
- Power Cable Protection – Power supply cables should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. It is always best to have a clear area from where the cable exits the unit to where it is plugged into an AC socket.
- Cleaning – The unit should be cleaned only as recommended. See the Maintenance section of this manual for cleaning instructions.
- Objects and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into any openings or vents located on the product.
- Attachments – Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer.
- Lightning and Power Surge Protection – Unplug the unit from the wall socket and disconnect the antenna or cable system during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
- Overloading – Do not overload wall sockets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
- Damage Requiring Service – The unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
- the power supply cable or plug has been damaged.
- objects have fallen into or liquid has been spilled into the enclosure.
- the unit has been exposed to rain.
- the unit has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
- the unit exhibits a marked change in performance or does not operate normally.
- Antenna – Do not connect an external antenna to the unit (other than that provided).
- Periods of None Use – If the unit is to be left unused for an extended period of time, such as a month or longer, the power cable should be unplugged from the unit to prevent damage or corrosion.
- Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the unit beyond those methods described in the user’s operating instructions. Service methods not covered in the operating instructions should be referred to qualified service personnel.
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