Adding
wireless speakers to your backyard or patio is a great way to enjoy sound
without having to run speaker cable underground and connect the speakers to an
external amplifier or receiver. OSD Audio wireless outdoor speakers use a transmitter (the egg-shaped object in the picture) that sends
the signal to a receiver built in to the master speaker. Wireless speakers are
also self-powered, meaning the master speaker has an internal amplifier to
power both speakers. Plug your iPod or other music source into the transmitter with the included cable,
plug the speakers into an outdoor outlet and installation is done. Once you cycle through the channels to find the frequency that works best in your location, you'll be tapping your toes and grilling burgers.
As fun
and easy as wireless speakers can be, however, there are limitations that every consumer should understand. Traditional wired speakers will offer a more reliable audio signal than wireless speakers. That's because the cables that connect the wired speakers to an amp or receiver use highly conductive copper strands that are shielded
to ensure the signal is strong and steady. Wireless speakers, however, rely on the open space to transmit a 2.4Ghz frequency through the air, and that open space
can be as crowded as the 405 freeway. Sometimes the signal is intermittent;
sometimes the signal will stop completely. No need to scream expletives at your
wireless speakers; it's those crowded airwaves and there are a few simple steps
you can take to restore great sound.
1. Re-synchronize the wireless transmitter with the speakers. When everything is plugged in and powered on:
- Turn the wireless speakers off using the on/off button on the remote. Next, press the channel button on the transmitter once. Turn the speakers on using the on/off button on the remote.
- The speakers should start producing sound.
2. Adjust the frequency setting on the transmitter. This is a small button labeled CH on the transmitter. Press it several times until you have a stronger signal.
3. Experiment with placement of the speakers by moving the speakers closer to the transmitter or farther away from the transmitter.
4. Check your wireless router. Although rare, certain models of wireless Internet routers can cause interference. OSD recommends moving the transmitter that came with your speakers as far away as possible from the wireless router and cycling through the frequency channels several times.
Problem: No Sound
5. Make sure the power button on wireless speakers is set to the ON position.
6. Check the power cord to make sure that the main speaker is plugged into a working outlet. If it is plugged in, double check that the cord securely fits into the socket. Switch the plug to a different outlet to rule out a faulty outlet.
7. Make sure the transmitter is plugged into an outlet and follow the same troubleshooting steps as above.
8. If the power is on, make sure your music source (iPod, receiver, etc) is turned on. Switch to a different sound source to rule out a problem with the source.
9. Make sure that the volume is turned up using the volume button on the remote.
10. Check the sound settings on your source to make sure it is not set to mute or that the sound is too low to hear.
11. Change the position of your speakers—test the signal by moving the speakers closer to the transmitter or farther away from the transmitter.
12. If you’re using batteries to power the speakers, make sure they are fresh batteries.
13. Make sure the batteries on the remote are fresh.
Learn more about wired versus wireless speakers in the speaker section of outdoorspeakerdepot.com
