VAIL Cast Owner’s Manual

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The VAIL Cast is a universal compact digital amplifier that can seamlessly connect to all popular voice control platforms, 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 bracket with the included wall mount bracket.
*Note that some services may require separate subscriptions or fees from the respective providers.

VAIL CAST SETUP

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

1 VAIL Cast
1 Wall Mount Bracket Kit (Necessary only for Wall Mounting)
1 Power Supply
1 IR Receiver (3 volt)

NEEDED BUT NOT SUPPLIED

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 cabinet speakers or your choice.

Speaker Wire Due to the countless configurations that may be used we do not include speaker wire. The speaker connectors on the VAIL Cast will fit up to most 14-gauge speaker wires with 16-gauge being ideal. For short runs of 20 feet or less 18-gauge wire is acceptable.

Wire Strippers/Cutters

Small Flat Head Screwdriver for attaching the speaker wire

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.

FRONT CONTROLS & LIGHTS

REAR CONNECTIONS

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 placing the VAIL Cast please consider that the streaming features rely on a solid connection to your home network.

IMPORTANT: If you are unable to assure a good Wi-Fi connection, you may use the ethernet connection 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 connect 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.

CONNECT VIA iOS

1. These instructions assume that the VAIL Cast has not yet been connected to a network.
2. Power on the VAIL Cast and wait for the multicolored lights to stop flashing.
3. On your iPhone go to 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.
4. 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.
5. Wait and you will see a message “Setup Complete” and confirmation of the network it has joined.
6. Your VAIL Cast is now connected to your network via Wi-Fi and is ready to use via AirPlay2.

CONNECT TO YOUR NETWORK

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 setups.

IMPORTANT: If you have multiple devices, set up 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 available 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 periodically check for updates and install them.

CONNECT VIA ETHERNET

Connect the VAIL Cast to the network you will be using by using the ethernet jack on the back and plugging it into your network. Your VAIL Cast will be immediately seen by your device as “VAIL Cast” followed by a 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 VIA WI-FI

To connect VAIL Cast via Wi-Fi to your home network you must use one of the two following methods.

CONNECT VIA ANDROID

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.

OTHER WIRELESS CONNECTIONS

ALEXA CONNECTION

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 set up 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.”

APPLE HOME CONNECTION (Optional)

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.

BLUETOOTH CONNECTION

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.

SPOTIFY

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.
   1. Play a song and select Devices Available.
   2. Select VAIL Cast and start listening.

TV CONNECTION

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 using optical make sure you select PCM as the output in the TV menu if available.  On some TVs it may also be necessary to change the INPUT settings on the TV to PCM if an external device is connected, such as streaming player or satellite box. Even if the output is set to PCM, some TVs will pass through source inputs “as is”.  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.

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.

• 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

• 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 confirmation that MUTE has been programmed.

• 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.

After completing the above steps, please test to make sure the commands are working with the source operating.

CONNECTING SPEAKERS

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 pairs 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.

MOUNTING VAIL CAST INTO THE WALL

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 variety 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

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 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 overtighten 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

WIRE MANAGEMENT

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.

KNOCK-OUT

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.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

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 the 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.

USING THE VAIL CAST AS A SOURCE (AUDIO OUT)

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.

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.

BUTTON OPERATIONS

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

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

UNDERSTANDING THE SOURCE LIGHTS

CAST

GREEN

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.

OPT (OPTICAL)

PURPLE

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.

RED

Solid = Wi-Fi is Disconnected. If your

VAIL Cast is not operating and this light remains solid red please contact tech support.

Flashing = If connected to Alexa this indicates you have notifications.

Slow Flashing = VAIL Cast is disconnected from your Wi-Fi.

WHITE

Fast Flash = IR is learning “Volume Down”. Light Flashes All Colors = Firmware is Updating.

WHITE

Fast Flash = IR is learning “MUTE”

AUX (LINE IN)

WHITE

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”.

BT (BLUETOOTH)

BLUE

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

Important Safety Instructions

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.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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 electrician 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 lightning 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.

1. 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.

FCC STATEMENT

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 compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

IC 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.

TRADEMARK AND LICENSE

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.

Limited 1-Year Warranty

Vanguard Dynamics warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this Vanguard Dynamics product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year, provided the product was purchased from a Vanguard Dynamics Authorized Dealer. Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid and insured to the Vanguard Dynamics Authorized Dealer from whom they were purchased, or to the Vanguard Dynamics factory at the address listed on this installation instruction manual. Freight collect shipments will be refused. It is preferable to ship this product in the original shipping container to lessen the chance of transit damage. In any case, the risk or loss or damage in transit is to be borne by the purchaser.

If upon examination at the Factory or Vanguard Dynamics Authorized Dealer it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this warranty period, Vanguard Dynamics or the Vanguard Dynamics Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. If this model is no longer available and can not be repaired effectively, Vanguard Dynamics, at its sole option may replace the unit with a current model of equal or greater value. In some cases where a new model is substituted, a modification to the mounting surface may be required. If mounting surface modification is required, Vanguard Dynamics assumes no responsibility or liability for such modification.

All replacement parts and products become the property of Vanguard Dynamics. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to the original retail purchaser, within a reasonable time, with freight prepaid. This warranty does not include procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, or service, repair, or modification of the product which has not been authorized or approved by Vanguard Dynamics. This warranty also excludes normal cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental conditions.

This warranty will be void if the serial number on the product has been removed, tampered with, or defaced. This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If the product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, the purchaser’s sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Vanguard Dynamics be liable for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product, even if Vanguard Dynamics or a Vanguard Dynamics Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply. All implied warranties on the product are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty. If the original retail purchaser resides in such a state, this limitation does not apply.

VCOM-04-2023