ION ALPHA Electric Ice Auger Owner’s Manual

Operator’s Manual
ION® Alpha
ELECTRIC ICE AUGER

Get parts online at www.ioniceaugers.com

40811
ECN #13487
REV1 03/28/2022
©COPYRIGHT 2022 ARDISAM, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing an ION® Electric Ice Auger from Ardisam, Inc. We have worked to ensure that this ice auger meets high standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your ice auger will provide you many years of service. Please take the time to read this manual carefully to learn how to correctly operate and maintain your ice auger. Congratulations on your investment in quality. Save these instructions for future reference. Ardisam, Inc reserves the right to change or alter this manual without notice.

Registration and Service
Record the product model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference when ordering parts or requesting technical support. Save your proof of purchase, and keep with this manual. You can register your warranty online by visiting www.ioniceaugers.com, or by mailing it to:

ION Ice Fishing
1730 Industrial Avenue,
Cumberland, WI 54829
Our customer service department can be reached at 800-345-6007 Monday­ Friday.

OWNERSHIP RECORDS

Place of Purchase:

Place of Purchase Address:
City:| State/Province:| Zip Code/Postal Code:
Model Number:| Serial Number
Date of Purchase:
Notes:

This manual may contain information for several models. Read and keep this manual for future reference. This manual contains important information on SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE. The owner must be certain that all the product information is included with the unit. This information includes the MANUAL, the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the WARRANTIES. This manual should remain with the unit even if it is resold.

WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Operator’s Responsibility
Accurate, safe and effective use of this product is the operator’s responsibility.

• Read and follow all safety instructions.
• Maintain this machine according to directions and schedule included in this operator’s manual.
• Ensure that anyone who uses the machine is familiar with and understands all controls and safety precautions.
• Do not discard battery into trash can. Discard the battery according to your local, state, federal or country’s regulations.

Safety Messages
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety concerns, as well as helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all the information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.

NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual that may help the operator in the operation or service of the product.

THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH IF NOT FOLLOWED COULD ENDANGER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY.

Before Operating Unit:
Please read this section carefully. Read entire operating and maintenance instructions. Failure to follow instructions could result in injury or death. Operate the machine according to the safety instructions outlined here and inserted throughout the text. Anyone who uses this machine must read the instructions and be familiar with the controls.

WARNING
WARNING INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

CAUTION
CAUTION INDICATES YOU CAN BE HURT OR YOUR EQUIPMENT DAMAGED IF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.

IMPORTANT
INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, OR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT.

WARNING
READ AND COMPLY WITH ENTIRE OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS MACHINE, IN ADDITION TO ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW AND/OR COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF MACHINE CONTROL, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU AND/OR BYSTANDERS, AND EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. OPERATE THE MACHINE ACCORDING TO THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED HERE AND INSERTED THROUGHOUT THE TEXT. ANYONE WHO USES THIS MACHINE MUST READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND BE FAMILIAR WITH THE CONTROLS.

Important Safety Precautions

• The ice blades are very sharp. Use extreme caution when drilling a hole or replacing the blades. Put the blade guard on after each use.
• Always keep hands, feet, hair, drawstrings, scarves, hats and loose clothing away from any moving parts on the unit.
• Do not allow children to operate this unit. Do not allow adults to operate the unit without proper instruction.
• Do not operate any power equipment under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight.
• The battery must be removed before any repairs are attempted.
• If the unit becomes stuck in a hole, remove the battery before attempting to remove the unit manually.
• DO NOT use this product for anything other than its intended purpose.
• DO NOT use attachments and accessories other than those available from ION.
• DO NOT alter this product in any manner; doing so is dangerous and will void the warranty.
• DO NOT continue to use this product in the event of mechanical failure.
• This product produces considerable torque that is felt by the operator. Make sure your feet are firmly planted and that the handles are held firmly while operating the auger.
• During operation, the unit could stop. If this happens, release the operating trigger. Reposition your feet and grip the handles tightly. Then squeeze operating trigger and lift the unit gently.
• When drilling ice holes, do not push down on the unit. If auger begins to drill slowly, blades may need to be replaced.
• DO NOT discard the battery into trash can. Discard the battery according to your local, state, federal or country’s regulations.

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY

To Assemble the Battery Guard to the Powerhead

1. Remove the silver 5mm hex wrench that is included in your parts bag.
2. Remove the nuts and bolts that are pre-installed into the Battery Guard. Note the orientation of the nuts and bolts, as they will be re-installed the same way.
3. Install the Battery Guard onto the handlebar. SEE FIGURE 1
4. Re-install the nuts and bolts.

To Assemble the Auger to the Powerhead

1. Use the hex 3/16” wrench on the powerhead to remove the bolt from the stem of the auger.

2. Insert the output shaft of the powerhead into the stem of the auger and align the hole in the stem with the hole in the output shaft. SEE FIGURE 2

3. Replace the bolt in the stem of the auger and tighten firmly with the included 3/16” hex wrench.
   NOTE: There may still be some slop in the connection between the output shaft and the auger. This is normal.

Optional:
Apply a small amount of oil or grease to the output shaft before assembly to aid in disassembly at a later date.

To Charge the Battery for First Use

1. Connect the charger to a standard 120-volt outlet; a red light should appear on the charger. Always connect charger to standard 120-volt wall outlet before inserting battery.
2. Charge the battery until the light on the charger turns solid green.
3. To disconnect the battery, remove the plug from the wall outlet then disconnect the battery from charger.
   NOTE: Do not leave the battery on the charger after the charge is complete. Unplug the charger from the wall and remove the battery.

IMPORTANT
DO NOT LEAVE BATTERY ON POWERHEAD WHEN AUGER IS NOT IN USE. ALWAYS DETATCH BATTERY WHEN NOT USING THE ICE AUGER.

To Install the Battery

1. Turn the battery lock lever counterclockwise, to the unlocked position.
2. Slide the battery onto the powerhead until it is fully seated.
3. Turn the battery lock lever clockwise, to the locked position.
   NOTE: The battery lock lever must be in the unlocked position before the battery can be slid onto the powerhead. SEE FIGURE 3

IMPORTANT
BATTERY MUST BE FULLY CHARGED BEFORE FIRST USE. IT IS SHIPPED IN A PARTIALLY CHARGED STATE.

ION Alpha models feature a variable speed trigger. Speed can be adjusted by the amount of pressure on the switch.

OPERATION

1. Make sure your footing is secure and that you have the unit in the vertical position firmly in your hands.
2. Depress the operating lock lever, then squeeze the operating trigger. Following a 1/2 second safety delay, the auger will then start drilling. SEE FIGURE 4
3. To stop the auger, release the operating trigger. 4. When the auger is not in use, remove the battery.
   NOTE: For best results on the ice, remove the battery and put it in a warm place while you’re fishing.

Reverse Switch Operation
To use reverse operation function to flush hole of unwanted debris do as follows: SEE FIGURE 5

1. To activate reverse function, move reverse switch to “R” and then depress the operating lock and operating trigger at the same time.
   NOTE: Reverse switch is located in front of operating trigger on top of right grip.

2. To stop auger release the operating trigger.

To flush a hole, do as follows:

1. Place the auger half way down the hole with the auger starting in the hole. The top of the auger flight must be above the water and slush.

2. Activate reverse function and continue to lower the auger into the hole. The lower ring of the auger must exit the bottom of the hole.

3. After a few seconds of reverse operation, release the operating trigger.
   NOTE: KEEP POWERHEAD CLEAR OF WATER. Water will come back up the hole and overflow.

4. Repeat the above steps three times to clear the hole.

BATTERY CHARGING AND MONITORING

1. Connect the included power cord into the charger. Plug the other end into a 120V outlet.
2. Slide the battery into the charger, making sure the battery pack is fully seated in the charger.
3. The charge indicator light should blink green. SEE FIGURE 6.
4. When indicator light is lit solid green, the battery is fully charged.
5. Once the battery has been fully charged, unplug the charger from the wall.
6. Remove the battery from the charger.
   NOTE: Recharging the battery after each use is best for the life of the battery.

Charger Indicator Lights and Meaning

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

Read the maintenance schedule and observe these recommendations to extend the life of your electric auger.
Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. To help you properly care for your powerhead, the following pages include a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other service tasks that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by professionals and are normally performed by a technician or other qualified mechanic.
The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If you operate your powerhead under unusual conditions, such as sustained high-load, or use in unusually wet conditions, consult ION® customer service for recommendations applicable to your individual needs and use.

Maintenance and Schedule

MAINTENANCE ITEM| Before each day’s use| Every 500
complete charges| Yearly
---|---|---|---
Check bolts and nuts| X| |
Battery| Charge| X| |
Replace| | X|
Sharpen/Replace Blades| | | X

Long-Term Storage
If your ice auger will not be run for more than one month, prepare it for long-term storage.

• For best results, store your battery with 2 or 3 indicated lights of charge.
  NOTE: You don’t need to completely charge your battery prior to long-term storage.
  NOTE: You don’t need to charge your battery during long-term storage unless the charge drops below 2 lights.

• Store battery in a cool dry place. NOTE: Optimal storage temperature is 68° F.

• Avoid leaving the battery attached to the charger or powerhead for a prolonged period of time.

IMPORTANT
CONNECT THE BATTERY TO THE CHARGER EVERY THREE MONTHS TO ENSURE THAT IT MAINTAINS A FULL CHARGE DURING EXTENDED STORAGE.

Transporting Your Ice Auger

• Remove the battery if transporting the auger.

SERVICE AND REPAIR

Service Information
At Ardisam, we build quality and durability into the design of our products; but no amount of careful design by us, and careful maintenance by you, can guarantee a repair-free life for your auger. Most repairs will be minor, and easily fixed by following the suggestions in the troubleshooting guide in this section. The guide will help you pinpoint the causes of common problems and identify remedies. For more complicated repairs, contact ION customer service. A parts catalog is included with the product separately. We will always be glad to answer any questions you have, or help you find suitable assistance. To order parts or inquire about warranty, call or write us at the address found below.

Ordering Repair Parts
Parts may be obtained from the store where your auger was purchased or direct from the factory. To order from the factory, call, e-mail, or order online at www.ioniceaugers.com:

ION Ice Fishing,
A Division of Ardisam, Inc.
1-800-345-6007 E-mail: info@ioniceaugers.com
Please include the part numbers, part description, quantity, model number and serial number.

ION TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Replace battery charger.
2| Battery Charger LED blinks RED or GREEN or is solid GREEN when the battery is not attached to it.| Battery charger is defective.| Replace battery charger.
3| Drilling lights come on, powerhead will not start, and battery indicates (3) LEDs. CON” switch has been held down for more than 5 seconds, ambient temperature is very cold)| Battery core temperature is too cold. (Extremely)| Remove the battery from the unit and place it in a warm location (inside a jacket pocket, vehicle or a small cooler with a warmer), for up to 60 minutes.
4| Drilling lights come on, powerhead continuously runs-stops-runs with no load on it, will not cut ice. (Battery indicates (3) LEDs)| Battery core temperature is too cold. (Extremely)| Remove the battery from the unit and place it in a warm location (inside a jacket pocket, vehicle or a small cooler with a warmer), for up to 60 minutes.
5| Drilling lights come on, powerhead runs smoothly with no load on it, and continuously runs-stops-runs when cutting ice. (Battery indicates (3) LEDs)| Battery core temperature is too cold. (Moderately)| Remove the battery from the unit and place it in a warm location (inside a jacket pocket, vehicle or a small cooler with a warmer), for up to 45 minutes.
6| Drilling lights come on, powerhead runs smoothly with no load on it, and turns slowly with low power when cutting ice. (Battery indicates (3) LEDs)| Battery core temperature is too cold. (Slightly)| Remove the battery from the unit and place it in a warm location (inside a jacket pocket, vehicle or a small cooler with a warmer), for up to 30 minutes.
7| Drilling lights come on, powerhead runs smoothly with no load on it, and turns slowly with low power until it stops cutting ice. (Battery indicates (2) LEDs)| Battery core temperature is too cold for the existing
battery voltage. (Slightly with low voltage)| Remove the battery from
the unit and place in a warm location. Completely re-charge the battery.
8| Drilling lights come on, powerhead starts, then stops while cutting ice; will start again ONLY if switch is activated. (Battery indicates (1) LED)| Battery is low on power.| Charge the battery.
9| Battery LED’s do not illuminate.| Battery is dead or defective.| Charge or replace the battery.
10| Drilling lights do NOT come on, powerhead will NOT| Battery is dead or defective.| Charge or replace the battery.
start, and the Battery LEDs do NOT illuminate.
11| Battery charger indicates that the charging battery is “too cold’ (solid red LED) when the battery is at room temperature.| Battery temperature sensor malfunction.| Replace battery.
12| Drilling lights come on, powerhead will not turn, all (3) battery LEDs indicate a full charge. Unit WILL run with a different battery.| Battery temperature sensor malfunction.| Replace battery.
13| Drilling lights come on, powerhead runs smoothly with no load on it, and turns normally with full power until it stops cutting ice. Hole count is significantly reduced from normal operation. (Battery indicates (2) or (3) LEDs)| Battery will charge normally, and measures for good voltage, but has no capacity.| Replace battery.
14| Drilling lights come on, powerhead will not turn, all (3) battery LEDs indicate a full charge.| Power switch is not depressed completely.| Hold the switch for five seconds.
15| Drilling lights do not come on, but powerhead functions normally.| LED system has failed or Controller is not sending power to the LED system.| Install LED Light Kit or replace Controller.
16| Drilling lights stay ON all of the time; must remove battery to turn them off.| LED board has failed.| Install LED Light Kit or replace Controller.
17| Drilling lights come on, powerhead makes a “clicking noise”from the top of the motor cover, and will not turn. Battery LEDs indicate a full charge. (“ON” switch has been held down for more than 5 seconds, battery core temperature is not frozen). WITH BATTERY| ION Motor is trying to turn, but cannot due to low or incomplete voltage to the motor.| Remove access panel and Controller. Check connection between the Controller and the Motor connector. If all connections are good, replace the Controller.
DISCONNECTED, transmission CAN be turned over by
hand, in either direction without stopping.
18| Drilling lights come on, powerhead makes a “clicking noise”from the top of the motor cover, and will not turn. Battery LEDs indicate a full charge. (“ON” switch has been held down for more than 5 seconds, battery core temperature is not frozen). WITH BATTERY| ION Motor is trying to turn, but cannot due to transmission problems.| Replace Motor/Transmission assembly.
DISCONNFCTFD transmission CANNOT be turned
over by hand in either direction without stopping.
19| Hole count has drastically and quickly reduced. Hole count cannot be increased by switching batteries or even powerheads. (The blades are new)| Auger bit is damaged or bent.| Replace ice auger bit.
20| Auger jumps on the ice and will not cut.| Blades are dull or damaged or re-sharpened incorrectly.| Replace with new blades.
21| Auger spins at normal speed, but cuts slowly through the ice.| Blades are dull or damaged or re-sharpened incorrectly.| Replace with new blades.
22| Powerhead functions normally, but hole count is drastically reduced. Battery indicates a full charge. Drilling suddenly requires downward force to be applied to the handlebars in order to cut the ice.| Blades are dull or damaged or re-sharpened incorrectly.| Replace with new blades.
23| Powerhead with Reverse, only runs in forward.| Reverse switch is faulty (open circuit) or has
become unplugged inside the handlebar control, or Controller is faulty.| Remove handlebar control, replace Reverse switch or re-connect wiring. (If switch and wiring is correct, replace Controller).
24| Powerhead with Reverse, only runs in reverse.| Reverse switch is faulty
(closed circuit) or wiring has become loose on switch and is touching each other, or Controller is faulty.| Remove handlebar control, replace Reverse switch or re-connect wiring. (If switch and wiring is correct, replace Controller).

If above remedies fail, contact ION Customer Service at 800-345-6007 or info@ioniceaugers.com to locate an authorized Service Center near you.

ION® ELECTRIC ICE AUGER

Warranty Terms and Conditions

**PRODUCT WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY***
Ardisam, Inc., warrants this ION Electric Ice Auger under a three-year limited warranty to be free from defects in materials or workmanship or both for a period not exceeding thirty-six consecutive months from the date of original purchase by the first retail consumer or commercial end user. “Consumer use” means personal recreational use by a retail consumer. “Commercial use” or “commercial application” means all other uses, including use for commercial, income producing or rental purposes. Once a product has experienced commercial use, it shall thereafter be considered as a commercial use product for purposes of this warranty. This warranty applies to the original owner that provides a proof of purchase. The warranty is not transferable. The warranty period begins on the date of purchase by the first retail consumer or commercial end user, and continues for the thirty-six month consecutive period thereafter. Any unit used in a commercial application is covered for a period of 90 days after purchase. For the warranty to be valid, the product must be registered online at www.ioniceaugers.com, or the warranty card must be filled out and received by Ardisam, Inc., within 30 days of purchase. Ardisam, Inc. shall not be obligated to ship any repair or replacement product to any location outside of the United States of America or Canada.

**BATTERY WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY***
Ardisam, Inc., warrants this ION battery under a three-year limited warranty to be free from defects in materials or workmanship or both for a period not exceeding thirty-six consecutive months from the date of original purchase by the first retail consumer or commercial end user. “Consumer use” means personal recreational use by a retail consumer. “Commercial use” or “commercial application” means all other uses, including use for commercial, income producing or rental purposes. Once a product has experienced commercial use, it shall thereafter be considered as a commercial product for purposes of this warranty. This warranty applies to the original owner that provides a proof of purchase. The warranty is not transferable. The warranty period begins on the date of purchase by the first retail consumer or commercial end user, and continues for the thirty-six month consecutive period thereafter. Any unit used in a commercial application is covered for a period of 90 days after purchase. For the warranty to be valid, the product must be registered online at www.ioniceaugers.com, or the warranty card must be filled out and received by Ardisam, Inc., within 30 days of purchase. Ardisam, Inc. shall not be obligated to ship any repair or replacement product to any location outside of the United States of America or Canada.

*This warranty applies only to products which have not been subjected to negligent use, misuse, uses other than those indicated in the product’s owner’s manual, alteration, accident, use of unauthorized parts, failure to perform periodic maintenance as specified in product’s owner’s manual, normal wear and tear, use of unauthorized parts or repairs performed at non-authorized service centers. There is no other expressed warranty. Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year from purchase, or to the extent permitted by law. All other implied warranties are excluded. Liability for incidental or consequential damages are excluded to the extent exclusion is permitted by law. Ardisam, Inc. does not assume, and does not authorize any other person to assume for us, any liability in connection with the sale of our products. To obtain warranty service, you must have prior approval by calling our customer service department at 1-800-345-6007. If you choose to ship your product to Ardisam for warranty repair, you must first have prior approval from Ardisam by calling our customer service department for a return material authorization number (RMA#). Under these circumstances, all items must be shipped prepaid. Ardisam will at no charge, repair or replace, at their discretion, any defective part which satisfies all conditions stated above. Ardisam retains the right to change models, specifications and price without notice. Ardisam, Inc. shall not be obligated to ship any repair or replacement product to any location outside of the United States of America or Canada.

ION ICE FISHING
A Division of Ardisam, Inc.
1730 Industrial Avenue, PO Box 666, Cumberland, WI 54829
P.800-345-6007 | F. 715-822-2223
E-mail: info@ioniceaugers.com
Check for parts online at www.ioniceaugers.com or call 800-345-6007

Documents / Resources

| ION ALPHA Electric Ice Auger [pdf] Owner's Manual
ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, ALPHA Electric Ice Auger, Electric Ice Auger, Ice Auger, Auger
---|---

References

• ION Ice Fishing
• ION Ice Fishing

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