Frequently Asked Questions: OutCast
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Q:Does this product work with anything other than an iPod?A:OutCast and all Soundcast products work with any MP3 player and any playlist. The iCast dock is designed to accomodate the iPod product line and the connector serves to both control the iPod and charge it at the same time. The iCast has a 3.5mm mini-jack on the back which can accomodate any MP3 player. When used in this way, the track controls on the OutCast will not function. Soundcast designed an alternative transmitters, the Universal AudioCast (UAT) to provide you with the ability to control tracks on any computer's (PC or MAC) media player software playlist directly from the OUtCast. The UAT also has a 3.5mm mini-jack input for use with MP3's. The UAT is sold separately.
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Q:What is the life expectancy of the OutCast battery?A:OutCast uses a Nickel Metal Hydride battery that is rated by the number of charges it can take before expiring. Our NiMH battery is rated at a minimum of 500 charges before requiring replacement. Generally we expect them to perform much better than this, and they have in fact, but the documented specification meets a minimum standard. The trick with NiMH batteries is to run them until they are completely empty and the charge light on the OutCast indicates they need to be charged (blinking red light... don't you just hate em?). They do not develop a memory but NMh batteries like to be fully drained. This maximizes their useful life. Charging them after each use is unnecessary and may shorten their life. If you are unsure of how much battery life is left, charge the OutCast a few hours before you use it. These batteries do slowly trickle discharge so it is better to charge them just before you need to use them, rather than right after you do so.
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Q:Can the OutCast be connected to my home audio receiver to take that sound outside?A:The OutCast has two transmitter options, the iCast or the Universal AudioCast Transmitter. Both of these have stereo line level input. The cable kit that comes with either transmitter includes an RCA to mini-jack cable for iCast and RCA to RCA cables for UAT. Just take the line level output of the audio receiver and connect it to the line level input of the transmitter and you are in business. (Caution: Make sure that you do not have an iPod docked in the iCast transmitter if that is what you are using for this application).
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Q:Can the OutCast work with other wireless systems?A:We do not work wirelessly with other systems. Our proprietary system is much more robust and uses significantly different technology than any other wireless product. If there is an output available on the other wireless system, connect it to the iCast or UAT and use the OutCast to play the music. Note that the track controls on the OutCast will not function in this application. OutCast works with one of Soundcast's two transmitters, the iCast transmitter or the Universal AudioCast transmitter (UAT). Both of these take line level input and come with assorted cables.
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Q:What do you mean by "weatherproof"? Is the OutCast waterproof or not?A:OutCast is designed to be fairly water resistant. It is not waterproof, meaning if you drop it in the pool we get to sell you two! Seriously, the OutCast is built to be used and if left outside it will not sustain damage from the elements. Obviously it is not designed to be left outside permanently but it can handle weather issues quite well. Sprinklers, dogs, rain, snow, sleet and hail will not keep it from its appointed duty of sounding good. What you should keep in mind is that it is a high quality device and it does need to be recharged. Even though it's finish includes ultra-violet protection from the sun, It is best left in a sheltered location when not in use. If properly maintained it will give you many years of excellent service. With respect to "beach wear", the unit should not be buried in the sand. Sand is no more an enemy of the OutCast than water, however care should still be taken.
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Q:Why doesn't the OutCast have a remote control? Why can't I have something that shows me what the tracks are?A:OutCast is designed primarily as an outdoor product. Remote controls come in two flavors: IR (infrared) and RF. In the case of IR, obviously Mr. Sun has something to say about it. IR doesn't work well at all in sunlight and so this was not something we considered. The RF option and MetaData (being able to see tracks etc) take up one full radio channel. We determined that it was more desirable to be able to support two systems for our initial product than to support MetaData and remote control. Soundcast transmitters (iCast and UAT) each can support two receivers EG: one transmitter can support two OutCasts, or one OutCast and one SpeakerCast (cool product that does have an IR remote for indoor use. . .check it out!). At some later time we will offer multi channel products that provide remote with MetaData, but not for now. Interestingly there are other products that interface well with our products and provide remote operation.
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Q:When I play my music from my computer, I have to turn the volume up almost all the way to hear anything. What is going on?A:It is important to check the volume setting on your computer and make sure it is at 80%-90% of maximum level. Windows master volume does control what output you get from Soundcast products when played through your PC.
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Q:I have an MP3 player that has a built in Bluetooth capability. Do you have a speaker system that I can interface it with?A:All of Soundcast's systems use our proprietary 2.4GHz technology. It uses entireley different protocol than Bluetooth systems. Our products are built for reliability and we do not interface with other systems directly, although there are some 3rd party devices that are compatible.
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Q:Can the OutCast system be run without the battery installed and connected to AC power?A:Yes, the system can run wthout the battery installed while connected to AC power. While the system is weatherproof, for safety reasons, you should not use it in the manner described above where water is present.
