ION Block Rocker Series Battery Replacement User Manual

ION Block Rocker Series Battery Replacement

The ION Audio Tailgater, Block Rocker, and Job Rocker series products come with a user-replaceable rechargeable battery. The battery panel is either located on the side or bottom of the unit. If for any reason the battery needs to be replaced, this panel allows customers to replace the battery without the need to bring it to a professional. This guide walks through what type of battery these products use, how to obtain one if necessary, and how to physically replace it.

FAQs

How to replace the battery in your ION Audio speaker?

1. Determine which ION Audio speaker you have, and what replacement battery you need
   Different ION Audio speaker models use different batteries. The batteries are not proprietary, and are readily available from any number of retailers or websites. Once you know which battery you need, they can be easily found locally or online.
   There are three important specs you’ll need to know when looking for a replacement battery.

2. The Voltage (V) – 12V or 6V for example

3. The Amp Hours (AH) – 4AH, 5AH, 7AH for example

4. The size/dimensions – you’ll want to make sure the battery you get will fit inside your ION Audio speaker’s battery compartment

Use the list below to find your speaker model and associated battery or use the serial lookup tool below to find the right replacement battery for your ION rechargeable speaker.

• Click here to find the right battery for your ION speaker

12V, 5AH, Lead Acid Battery – 3.54″ x 2.76″ x 3.98 (L x W x H)

• Block Rocker
• Block Rocker AM/FM
• Block Rocker Bluetooth
• Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56)
• Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56D)
• Explorer Bluetooth
• Explorer Bluetooth M2
• Job Rocker
• Tailgater Active
• Tailgater AM/FM
• Tailgater Bluetooth
  Buy: Amazon | Mouser

12V, 7AH, Lead Acid – 5.94″ x 2.57″ x 3.78″ (L x W x H)

• Block Party Live
• Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56B)
• Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56C)
• Block Rocker Bluetooth (iPA56C2)
  Buy: Amazon | Mouser

Other

• Road Rocker – 6V, 4AH, Lead Acid – 3.1″ x 1.6″ X 4.3″ (L x W x H)
• Mobile DJ – contact ION

Explorer Outback
The process for replacing the battery in an Explorer Outback is a little different than the description in this guide. Instead, check out the guide below for a specific walkthrough for your Explorer Outback:

• ION Audio Explorer Outback – Replacing the Battery and Improving Battery Life

Make sure you purchase a battery with the correct terminal connectors
There are two terminal connection possibilities that can come with a 12V, 5AH, or 12V, 7AH rechargeable sealed lead-acid battery when purchased from a third- party retailer: F1 and F2.

• The ION Audio Portable Audio products require the F2-type battery terminals, which are slightly larger than the F1-type terminals.
• If you purchase a battery with the slimmer F1-type battery connection terminals, it may still be able to be used. As long as all the other specs of the battery are correct, you may be able to locate “F1 to F2 Step Up Adapters” at a third party retailer. These adapters slip over the slimmer F1 terminals and make them slightly wider, allowing for F2-type terminal connection cables to attach correctly.See the pictures below for a visual representation of the above information:

Where to buy a replacement battery
The replacement batteries are not proprietary and are readily available from any number of retailers or websites. Once you know which battery you need, they can be easily found locally or online. To help save you time, we’ve included links to just a couple of online sellers below:

12V, 5AH, Lead Acid Battery – 3.54″ x 2.76″ x 3.98 (L x W x H)

• Amazon
• Mouser

12V, 7AH, Lead Acid – 5.94″ x 2.57″ x 3.78″ (L x W x H)

• Amazon
• Mouser

A step-by-step walkthrough on installing a replacement battery yourself

1. IMPORTANT: First, disconnect all power cables, audio cables, and accessories. Make sure that the product is completely disconnected from any electrical power outlets.

2. Next, locate the battery access panel on the side or bottom of the product. It is secured by four Phillips-head screws.
   In some cases, such as the Block Party Live, the battery access is on the rear of the unit and the handle must be removed first, as shown in the images below. To remove the handle, simply remove the four screws that fasten it to the unit.

3. Remove the four to six screws which secure the panel and remove the panel cover. This will allow access to the battery compartment.

4. Next, slide the battery out to reveal the connection wires.
   IMPORTANT: Note how the terminals on the battery are connected. The red connector is connected to the red positive terminal. The other connector (blue or black) is connected to the black negative terminal. The replacement battery must be connected the same way. Failure to connect to the correct terminals could result in damage to your product.
   Only use and approved replacement battery that meets the specifications provided by ION Audio. For more specifics or further information, contact ION Audio Technical Support.

5. Slide the metal connectors off each of the terminals to disconnect the battery. Remove the battery from the product.

6. Connect and insert the new battery, close the side panel, and replace the screws. You have now completed the process. Enjoy!
   IMPORTANT: The red connector must be connected to the red positive terminal on the battery. The other connector (blue or black) is connected to the black negative terminal. Failure to connect to the correct terminals could result in damage to your product.

Notes about older ION Audio speaker models (pre-2010)

If your Block Rocker or Tailgater was produced prior to 2010, it will not feature an external battery access door. Because of this, your battery will need to be replaced by a certified technician. For a list of recommended authorized service centers, contact ION Audio Technical Support.
To determine when your unit was produced, refer to the images below. Units produced in 2010 or later feature and easy-access battery compartment, which allows for the battery to be replaced by the customer. These 2010 and newer units can be identified by the recessed plastic carry handles on the side of the enclosure. Earlier units featured metal-hinged handles.

How to get the longest life out of a Lead-Acid battery?

Rechargeable lead-acid batteries are the same type used in automobiles. As with your car battery, how you use this battery has a significant impact on its lifespan. For example, if you forget to turn off your car’s lights and drain the battery, a jump start may work a few times. But after a few full discharges, even a jump won’t help, and the battery will need to be replaced. With proper use and treatment, a lead-acid battery can last for years. Here are some recommendations for getting the longest life from the internal battery:

Tips for using your battery

• Fully charge the battery before using it.
• For maximum life, drain the battery by 80% once a month.
• Charge the battery completely after each use.
• Avoid completely draining the battery.

Tips for storing your battery

• Avoid storing in high temperatures and moist places.
• For long-term storage, periodically recharge the battery.
• If you do not charge the battery for six months, it may not charge.

How to dispose of a Lead-Acid battery

• Bring the unit to a recycling center or dispose of in accordance with local ordinances.

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