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Model AW850

Installation and 

Operation Manual

Important Information

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. 

DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION

Caution:

 To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user 

serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

Product Information

Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and 
service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and 
record the serial and model numbers in case you need 
them. These numbers are located on the product. 
Model No.: ______________________________________
Purchase Date: __________________________________  
Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________

Important Safety Instructions

1.   Read these instructions.
2.  Keep these instructions.
3.  Heed all warnings.
4.  Follow all instructions.
5.  Clean only with dry cloth.
6.  Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance 

with the manufacturer’s instructions.

7.   Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat 

registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) 
that produce heat.

8.  Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched 

particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the 
point where they exit from the apparatus.

9.  Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when 

unused for long periods of time.

10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing 

is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any 
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid 
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, 
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does 
not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Care and Maintenance

• Always use a soft cloth to clean the speaker and 

transmitter. Never use any product containing alcohol or 
other solvents as they may damage the surface.

• Use caution when plugging the power transformer in an 

AC outlet to avoid the risk of electric shock.

• To clean the lantern/speaker: Shut off main power supply. 

Wipe with damp cloth or use window cleaner. Do not use 
abrasive cleaners. 

• Bulb replacement: Replace with MAX 40W type B or 

Listed 13W Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamp 
(candelabra-based bulb).

Warning:

 Do not use bulb-base adapters with this product. 

This product must be used with candelabra-based bulbs 
only.

Tour of the Speaker System

Lantern/Speaker

Bottom Panel

The bottom panel of the lantern/speaker is 
protected by a rubber door. Find the tab on 
the right side of the door and pull it down 
gently to open. 

A

Audio

source

DC IN

CHANNEL

1 2 3

R  AUDIO  L

IN

Transmitter 

(back panel)

Y-adapter

audio cable

WARNING: RISK OF INJURY

• Some metal parts in the fixture may have sharp edges. To prevent cuts and scrapes, wear gloves when handling the parts.
• Account for small parts and destroy packing material, as these may be hazardous to children.
• Use flashlight or alternate light source to light work area during installation.
• Assistance may be required to support fixture during installation.
• This apparatus must be installed in accordance with all applicable installation rules.
• This device must be connected to a mains socket outlet or outlet box with a grounded and protected connection.
• To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the wall in accordance with the installation instructions.

CAUTION: WIRING AND FIXTURE OPERATION

• Connect fixture to supply wires rated for at least 90°C (194°F).
• Do not use fixture on dimming circuits.
• Unit must be mounted higher than 60”.

WARNING

To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the wall in accordance with the installation instructions.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

Introduction

AR’s Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker System puts a new twist on your outdoor 
lighting: sound! The AW850 eliminates the hardest part of adding speakers to your 
home—running and hiding hundreds of feet of speaker wire. The AR Wireless Speaker 
System’s RF signal travels with ease through walls, floors, ceilings and other obstacles, 
delivering high-quality sound and stylish décor. With drift- and static-free reception 
along with outstanding range—up to 150 feet*—the possibilities for enjoying your AR 
Wireless Speaker System are nearly unlimited.  The AR Wireless Speaker System is 
compatible with most audio sources, such as TVs, DVD players, VCRs, A/V receivers/
amps, stereos, computers, and portable devices (CD players, cassette players, MP3s 
etc.).

This manual covers various connection options and detailed operating instructions for 
making the AR Wireless Speaker System a valued part of your lifestyle. If, after having 
reviewed the instructions, you have any questions, please call toll-free  
1-800-732-6866 or visit www.araccessories.com.

*Range may vary according to environment.

Setting Up

Unpacking

Before you start installing the Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker, make sure you 
have the following parts in your package:

(1) Lantern/Wireless Speaker

(2) Wire 
Connectors

(2) Mounting 
Screws

(1) Mounting Crossbar

Mounting the Lantern/Wireless Speaker

Before you can use the Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker, you must mount it to 
an outlet box.

WARNING:

 Consult a qualified electrician in case the main supply wiring needs to be 

checked or if you’re not certain how to install wiring. Always install wiring connections 
in accordance with local code, ordinances, and the National Electrical Code.

Outdoor Lantern and 

Wireless Speaker

(2) Caps

1.  Make sure power is off for the outlet box at the main 

circuit breaker.

2. Remove the old fixture from the outlet box. Carefully 

disconnect its wiring.

3. Mount the crossbar to the outlet box using the mounting 

screws included in this package.

4. Unscrew the center screw on the crossbar and align the 

two side screws so that they are level with each other. Then 
tighten the center screw.

5. Find the copper ground wire coming from the wireless 

speaker. Twist it together with the ground wire coming from 
the outlet box. 

  If the outlet box doesn’t have a ground wire, attach the 

ground wire to the mounting crossbar as shown here.

6. Strip 3/4” of insulation from the wire ends coming from 

the speaker. Use pliers to twist the speaker’s stripped ends 
together with the wires coming from the outlet box—make 
sure you match black wire to black and white wire to white. 
Then snip the ends.

7.  Attach the wire connectors to the joined ends. If you’d like, 

you can tie the connectors and ends together with electrical 
tape. 

Level

8. Place the wireless speaker onto the two side screws on the 

crossbar. Secure the speaker onto the wall with the two caps 
included in this package.

9. Use silicon caulking to seal the top and sides between 

the speaker and the wall. Leave the bottom open so that 
moisture can drain.

Connecting the Transmitter to an Audio Source

1.  Plug the stereo plugs on the provided Y-adapter 

audio cable into the AUDIO IN jacks on the back of 
the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on 
the plugs and jacks). 

2. Plug the mini-plug end of the provided Y-adapter 

into the headphone output of your MP3 player or CD 
player (or audio output jack on your computer). 

Transmitter (back panel)

120V AC

wall outlet

AC Power

Adapter

DC IN

CHANNEL

1 2 3

R  AUDIO  L

IN

3. Connect the small, round plug from the transmitter 

AC power adapter to the transmitter’s DC IN jack. 
Plug the other end of the transmitter AC power 
adapter into any standard 120V AC wall outlet.

Connecting to an A/V Receiver

You can also connect the transmitter to an A/V Receiver using the mini-jack to 
RCA adapter included.

1.  Plug the stereo plugs on the provided Y-adapter audio cable into the AUDIO 

IN jacks on the back of the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on the 
plugs and jacks).

A

A/V Receiver

Audio Output

DC IN

CHANNEL

1 2 3

R  AUDIO  L

IN

Transmitter 

(back panel)

Mini-jack to 

RCA adapter 

Y-adapter

audio cable

2. Plug the mini-plug end of the provided 

Y-adapter into the mini-jack to RCA adapter.

3. Connect the stereo plugs on the mini-jack to 

RCA adapter to the corresponding left and 
right audio outputs of your A/V receiver, 
amp, or other audio source.

(1) Transmitter 
Power Adapter

(1) 3.5mm to 
RCA Cable

(1) Transmitter

Note:

 This power unit is intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor 

mount position.

Note:

 There is no transmitter ON/OFF switch. The transmitter is designed to be 

left plugged in and powered at all times. If you will not be using the AW850 for an 
extended period of time, unplug the transmitter AC power adapter.

Installing/Changing the Lantern Light Bulb

The Outdoor Lantern and Wireless Speaker takes a candelabra-base bulb (40W max; 
bulb not included). For best results, use a clear (non-frosted) 40W bulb. To install or 
change the lantern’s bulb:

1.  Use a small flat tool (like a flat-head screwdriver) 

to open the top of the lantern’s front door.

2. Insert the bulb and screw it into the base.

3. Gently close the door until it snaps back into 

place.

Important:

 Handle and dispose of fluorescent bulbs 

per manufacturer’s directions.

L/M/R 

switch determines if the speaker plays sound in mono as a stand-alone speaker, 

or plays the left or right track in a stereo pair with an additional AW850

Music On/Off

 button turns the speaker on and off

Auto Scan

 button rescans for the transmitter’s signal

/–

 buttons adjust the volume level

Light On/Off switch

 turns the lantern on and off

Front Panel

Power/Linked

 indicator (not shown) blinks when the speaker is first powered on; it turns 

solid blue when the speaker is tuned to the transmitter

Warning:

 This product is designed to work with line level outputs or headphone 

outputs only. 

DO NOT

 connect it directly to speaker outputs as it will permanently 

damage the transmitter.

Ground 

wire

(1) mini-jack to 
RCA adapter

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