The Alpine Solar Lantern Bluetooth Speaker with LED Light (Item # SKY426SLR) is a versatile outdoor and indoor device designed to provide both ambient lighting and wireless audio. This product combines a solar-powered lantern with a Bluetooth speaker, offering convenience and functionality for various settings.
Function Description
The primary function of this device is to serve as a solar-powered lantern and a Bluetooth speaker. During the day, its integrated solar panel converts sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in a replaceable rechargeable battery. At night, the stored electricity automatically powers the LED light, creating a stunning nighttime display. The Bluetooth speaker component allows users to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device. The speaker can be used at any time, provided there is sufficient power stored in the battery.
Usage Features
- Solar Power: The device is solar-powered, allowing it to charge even on cloudy days. For optimal charging, it should be placed in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Shaded areas will reduce charging efficiency and the duration of nighttime lighting and music playback. It is important to avoid placing the lantern near strong nighttime light sources (e.g., streetlights, floodlights) as this may cause the solar light to turn off automatically.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The speaker can be paired with any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone or tablet. It supports pairing of up to two SKY426SLR solar speakers simultaneously, creating a stereo sound experience. The Bluetooth device range is up to 50 feet (15 m), and speakers should be within 25 feet (7.6 m) of each other for optimal pairing.
- Single Speaker Pairing: To pair one speaker, users simply press the Power button to turn it on. A tone will sound, and the Bluetooth Indicator Light will quickly flash blue. The device then needs to be within three feet of the speaker with Bluetooth enabled for device search. Users select "Alpine Corporation" from their device's Bluetooth list. Upon successful pairing, a tone will sound, and the Bluetooth Indicator Light will turn steady blue. The device will automatically pair whenever it is on and within range.
- Two Speaker Pairing: To pair two speakers, both Power buttons are pressed to turn them on. Both Bluetooth Indicator Lights will quickly flash blue, and the speakers will automatically pair, indicated by a tone. The main speaker's Bluetooth Indicator Light will flash blue, while the sub speaker's will light steady blue. The Bluetooth device is then paired to "Alpine Corporation" as with a single speaker. If speakers do not automatically pair, pressing and holding the Function Button on either speaker will initiate the pairing process.
- Music Playback: Once connected, users can play music wirelessly by opening their media player and pressing PLAY. Music and volume are controlled from the connected device. The Function Button on the back panel can be pressed once to pause music and again to resume playback.
- LED Light: The integrated LED light is designed to be long-lasting and energy-efficient, providing a stunning nighttime display.
- Durable Construction: The lantern features durable metal and plastic construction, making it lightweight, weather-resistant, and waterproof, suitable for outdoor use.
- Optional Ground Stake: The device includes a removable 4-1/2" garden stake for secure placement on lawns. To use, the unit is rested on a soft cloth, and the threaded end of the stake is screwed clockwise into the nut on the bottom of the base. It can then be placed into the ground with even pressure. To remove, the base is held evenly, pulled straight up, and the stake is unscrewed.
- Control Panel: The control panel, located on the top back of the lantern, includes a Power Button (to turn the speaker on/off), a Function Button (to pause/resume music, or press and hold to pair two speakers), a Charging Indicator Light (red when charging, green when fully charged), and a Bluetooth Indicator Light (flashes blue when pairing, steady blue when connected). A white protective cover protects the Micro USB Charging Port.
Maintenance Features
- Battery Charging: It is recommended to fully charge the battery before first use. Charging via the solar panel takes approximately 8 hours, though this can vary with weather conditions. Alternatively, the speaker can be charged using the included 39" Micro USB to USB Charging Cable. The Micro USB port is located on the back panel, protected by a white cover. Charging via USB cable typically takes 4-6 hours. The Charging Indicator Light will be red during charging and turn green when fully charged.
- Low Battery Indication: When the battery is low, the speaker will beep every 30 seconds, signaling that it needs to be recharged. Users can either charge it via the USB cable or turn it off to allow it to recharge by the sun.
- Changing Paired Devices: To change the Bluetooth device paired to the speaker(s), the speaker must first be unpaired from the current device via the device's Bluetooth settings (select "Alpine Corporation" and choose unpair/disconnect). Then, the new device can be connected by following the standard pairing steps.
- Changing Paired Speakers (for two paired units): If two speakers are paired and the user wishes to connect one to a new device, the sub speaker (identified by a steady blue Bluetooth Indicator Light when not playing music) is turned off using its Power Button. With the new Bluetooth device searching, the sub speaker is turned back on, and "Alpine Corporation" is selected from the discovered devices.
- Replacing Batteries: The device contains one (1) 18650 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which should be replaced every 12 months for consistent performance. To replace, turn the Power Button to "OFF," unscrew the battery housing, remove the old battery, and replace it with a new 18650 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (Alpine Item # QLP596-2). The battery mechanism is spring-loaded; press in the opposite side of the spring and lift out the batteries. Reverse this process when installing a new battery.
- Battery Disposal: Old batteries should be recycled according to local, state, and federal guidelines. They should not be disposed of in regular trash, municipal waste, streams, or by fire, as batteries may leak or explode. Users are warned not to open, mutilate, or short-circuit batteries, as this could result in injury.
- Troubleshooting Support: For questions, issues, or assembly help, customers can contact Alpine Corporation via call (877-460-4511), text (323-201-4431), or email (info@alpine4u.com) during support hours (M-F 7:30-5:00 U.S. Pacific Time). The company aims to resolve issues within 12 hours.