iHome iA63 Stereo Alarm Clock Radio Instruction Manual

: June 16, 2024
: iHome

Table of Contents

iHome iA63 Stereo Alarm Clock Radio
Specifications
Controls and Indicators / iA63 Display
FAQ
FCC STATEMENT
Controls and Indicators
Sleep Operation
Troubleshooting
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Warranty
CONTACT
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

iHome iA63 Stereo Alarm Clock Radio

Specifications

Model: iA63
Stereo Alarm Clock Radio with Motorized Rotating Dock
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod
Works with iHome + Sleep alarm clock app
Works with iHome + Radio internet radio app

Controls and Indicators / iA63 Display

Front Panel

Snooze/Dimmer Button
Stabilizer Lever
Rotate Button
Wakeup Button
Radio Button
Presets Button
Power/Alarm Reset/App Settings Button

Rear Panel

Aux-in Jack
AC Adaptor Jack
iPod Dock
iPod Play/Pause Button
Bedtime Button
Alarm Button
Set – Button
Set + Button
Raise Volume Button
Lower Volume Button
Time set/Sync Button
DST switch
FM Antenna

A Consumer Guide to Product Safety

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: Using abrasive cleaners or similar materials can damage the surface of the unit.

Please refer to the warranty information section in the user manual for details on the warranty coverage of the iA63.

FAQ

Q: Are the iHome + Sleep and iHome + Radio apps covered in this manual?
A: No, these apps are not covered in detail in this booklet. To learn more about how these apps can enhance your experience, please download the free iHome+Sleep app from the App Store and review the Start Guide.
Q: Where can I find the latest instructions for my iA63?
A: For the latest instructions, please visit www.ihomeaudio.com/support.

Note: iHome+Sleep and iHome+Radio apps are not covered in detail in this booklet. To learn more about how these apps can enhance your experience, please download the free iHome+Sleep app from the App Store and review the Start Guide.

A Consumer Guide to Product Safety

FCC STATEMENT

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference, and
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B digital device as specified in Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against radio and TV interference in a residential area.
However, your equipment might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To eliminate interference you can try one or more of the following corrective measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the distance between the equipment and the radio or TV.
Use outlets on different electrical circuits for the equipment and the radio or TV.
Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television technician if the problem still exists.

Modifying or tampering with your system’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate the system’s warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Maintenance

Place the unit on a level surface away from sources of direct sunlight or excessive heat.
Protect your furniture when placing your unit on a natural wood and lacquered finish. A cloth or other protective material should be placed between it and the furniture.
Clean your unit with a soft cloth moistened only with mild soap and water. Stronger cleaning agents, such as Benzene, thinner or similar materials can damage the surface of the unit.

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel

Rear Panel

iA63 Display

NOTE: The PM indicator will not appear when the clock is set to 24-hour display mode.

Quick Start

power

Attach the AC adaptor cable to the DC jack on the back of the iA63 and plug the other end into a wall socket.

docking your iPhone/iPod

Move the stabilizer lever to the right to release the stabilizer bar. 2. Gently dock your iPhone or iPod into the connector dock. 3. Press the stabilizer bar until it is snug against the iPhone or iPod. The iPhone or iPod will charge while docked. Press the Button on the iA63 to play your iPhone or iPod.

rotating the dock

Press the Button to rotate your iPhone or iPod to landscape mode. Press again to return to portrait mode. NOTE: please do not attempt to rotate the dock by hand, or to rotate the dock clockwise. The dock only rotates in the counter- clockwise direction when changing from portrait to landscape mode.

time sync

Dock your iPhone or iPod (see step 3). Press and release the Time Set/Sync Button located on the back of the iA63. “SYNC” will appear on the display, followed by the updated time upon successful syncing.

FM radio

Press the Button to select FM radio.
Press the + or – Button to tune in to a station.
See page 8 for programming presets.

Using the iA63

Updating your iA63 firmware
For best performance, make sure the iA63 firmware is up to date. To update, download the free iHome+Sleep app from the App Store to your iPhone or iPod touch. Turn on the iA63, dock your iPhone or iPod touch, launch the app go to Settings/iA63 and follow the directions on your iPhone/iPod display to update the iA63 firmware if the display indicates that an update is available.
Connect iA63 to Power Source
Plug the AC adaptor cable into the AC Adaptor Jack on the back of the unit and the other end into a standard 120V AC wall socket. The adaptor must be plugged in to operate the unit and charge the iPhone/iPod. The iA63 does not operate on batteries (a battery backup system maintains clock settings during power failures).
Installing/Replacing Clock Backup Battery
The iA63 uses a CR2032 battery for backup to provide continuous alarm operation and clock settings in the event of a power failure. The battery is pre-installed with a battery pull tab. Remove the pull tab when you first start to use the iA63. If the Backup Battery has been installed and a power failure occurs or the AC cord is accidentally disconnected, the display backlight will not remain lit, but the current time and alarm time settings will be temporarily maintained. Otherwise, you must reset the time and alarm settings.
Note: The Battery Low Icon is located on the left side of the clock display. When the backup battery is low and needs to be replaced, the icon will flash.

REPLACING THE BATTERY

Please make sure the AC adaptor is connected. Otherwise, all settings may be lost during battery replacement.
Place the unit face down on a stable surface. Pull down and remove the backup battery compartment door located on the rear of the unit.
Insert a new CR2032 battery by easing it under the tabs in the battery well and pressing it down. Make sure the side marked + is facing up.
Replace the battery compartment cover and stand the unit back upright.

Note: Make sure you dispose of the battery properly (see your local regulations).
WARNING: Lithium batteries can explode or cause burns if disassembled, shorted, recharged, or exposed to water, fire, or high temperatures. Do not place loose batteries in a pocket, purse, or other container containing metal objects, mix them with used or other battery types, or store them with hazardous or combustible materials. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Follow applicable laws and regulations for transport and disposal.

Setting Time Using iPhone/iPod Time Sync
The iA63 Time Sync feature allows you to sync the time setting on the iA63 to the time from your docked iPhone or recent model iPod (iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod Classic; older iPod models such as iPod mini do not support this feature).

Dock your iPhone or iPod
Press and release the Time Set/ Sync Button located at the back of the unit. “SYNC” flashes on the display to indicate a sync attempt.
Once sync is completed, the updated time will appear on the display and 2 beeps will confirm successful syncing.
If sync is not successful, “FAIL” will appear on the display and you will hear a long beep. If this happens, please try again, with a different iPhone or iPod if needed. If sync still fails, please see Setting Time Manually.

NOTE: iPhone time is automatically updated to the correct time via cell phone towers. The time on your iPod is accurate only to the time on the computer the last time the iPod was synced to it. It’s possible to have up to 59 seconds difference between the iA63 and synced iPhone/iPod.

Setting Up the iA63

Setting the Time manually

Slide the DST (Daylight Saving Time) Switch located on the back of the unit to +1 to add an hour (Spring) or to -1 to subtract an hour (Fall) to adjust for daylight saving time or standard time.
Press and hold the Time Set/Sync Button located at the back of the unit until the time flashes on the display and the unit beeps once.
Press the + or – Button to set the correct time (hold for faster setting). Remember to set the correct AM or PM time. The PM Indicator appears to the left of the time display; there is no AM indicator.
If desired, press the button during the Time setting to toggle the clock display format to 12 hours or 24 hours.
When the correct time is displayed, press the Time Set Button again (or no button within 10 seconds) to exit the time setting mode.

NOTE: You can also adjust settings on the iA63 via the iHome+Sleep app. To do so, press and hold the Button when the iHome+Sleep app is open and in view. See the iHome+Sleep Start Guide for more information.

Using the Alarms
iA63 lets you wake to FM radio, iPhone/iPod or buzzer alarm and adjust the alarm volume.

Setting the Alarms

Press and hold the Button until the alarm time flashes on the display then release it. Press the + or – Button to set the alarm time (hold for faster setting). Remember to set the correct AM or PM time.
Press the Button again to confirm the set alarm time, then press the + or – Button to select an alarm source to wake to: iPod, Radio (the currently tuned radio frequency appears on the display) or Buzzer.
For wake to iPod: select iPod to wake to a docked iPhone/iPod. If the unit does not detect an iPhone/iPod at the set alarm time, the iA63 will default to the buzzer alarm. The alarm cycle lasts for one hour; make sure you have enough music on your iPhone/iPod to last that long.
For wake to radio: You can wake to a different preset station. After selecting Radio as the wake to source, press the Button as needed to cycle to the desired preset station (see Listening to Radio on page 8 for details on setting radio stations and presets).
Press the Button again, then press the + or – Button to set the alarm volume.
Press the Button again (or no button within 10 seconds) to exit the alarm setting mode. 2 beeps will confirm the alarm is set. The alarm is armed once set, indicated by the alarm icon on the display.

Arming and Disarming Alarm (Turn Alarm Function On and Off)

Press the Button at any time to arm the alarm. The alarm icon will appear and the currently set alarm time will appear briefly on the display.
Press the Button again to disarm the alarm (the alarm icon will disappear).

Setting Up the iA63

Resetting the Alarm to Come on the Next Day

When the alarm is sounding, press the Button or the wakeup button to stop the alarm and reset it to come on the next day.

NOTE: Pressing the button when the alarm is sounding will cancel the alarm.

Snooze Operation

To program a custom snooze time, press and hold the Snooze Button during normal operation (when the alarm is not sounding) until the snooze minutes display appears. You will hear a beep, indicating Snooze settings mode. Press the + or – Button to set the snooze timer from 1 to 29 minutes. Press the Snooze/Dimmer Button to confirm the snooze setting and exit the snooze setting mode. You will hear 2 beeps confirming the snooze time setting.
Press the Snooze/Dimmer Button after an alarm sounds. The alarm will be silenced for the set snooze duration time then sound again. Snooze can be pressed several times during the 1-hour alarm cycle.

Sure Alarm
The iA63 has a sure alarm feature. If the backup battery is installed, the buzzer alarm will still sound in the event of a power failure.
Tip: Download the free iHome+Sleep app for advanced alarm, snooze and sleep functions.

Docking and Charging your iPhone/iPod

Gently dock your iPhone or iPod. For added stability in landscape mode, slide the stabilizer lever (located at the top of the centerrest above the dock) to the right to release the stabilizer, then press the stabilizer until it is snug against the side of the iPhone or iPod. While an iPhone/iPod is docked in the unit and the unit is connected to AC power, it recharges (until fully charged).

Listening to iPhone/iPod

Dock the already playing iPhone/iPod in Dock. The iA63 will automatically turn on and you will hear the music playing from your iPhone/iPod.
Note: If the playing song volume is too low on the iPhone/iPod, the iA63 may not detect iPod is in play mode. Press the Button to play it.
When an iPhone/iPod is docked and in standby mode, press the Button to play it. “iPod” will appear on the display to indicate iPod playing mode.
Press the Button again to pause play; press again to resume it.
Press the + or – Button to skip to the next or previous track on your iPhone/iPod. Press and hold the + or – Button to search within a track.
Press the to adjust the system volume.
To turn off the unit, press the Button. An iPhone/iPod will continue charging while docked.

Setting Up the iA63

Rotating the Dock

1. Before rotating dock, pull the spring-loaded Stabilizer Lever to the right to release the Stabilizer Bar, then press the bar in until it is snug against your iPhone or iPod
2. To rotate a docked iPhone or iPod to landscape mode for viewing videos or movies, press the Button. Press again to return to standard upright portrait mode. To release the stabilizer bar, remove the iPhone or iPod and pull the Stabilizer Lever to the right.

NOTE: Rotation operation works only when the unit is connected to a power source by an AC adapter. Please do not attempt to rotate the dock by hand, or interfere with the dock during rotation.

Listening to Radio
Setting up the Antenna
Extend the FM wire antenna fully for the best reception. Do not strip, alter or attach to other antennas.

Tuning and Playing the Radio

Press the Button to turn on the iA63 in FM radio mode. The current radio frequency appears on the display.
Press the + or – Button to tune the radio to a desired station. Press the + or – Button for a few seconds to scan for the next clear station.
You can set up to 6 FM presets. To memorize a station as a preset:
- A. Press the Button to enter radio mode (you can also press the Button to go directly to a preset).
- B. Press the Button as needed to step through the 6 presets (P1 – P6) to the number you wish to assign, and then hold the Button until the selected preset station begins flashing in the display.
- C. Press the + or – Button to tune the radio to a desired station. Hold briefly to have the radio auto-scan/search for the next clear station.
- D. Press the Button to confirm the setting. A confirmation beep will confirm the setting and the preset number you wish to assign. Repeat steps A-D to preset up to 6 stations.
To listen to a preset station, press the Button as needed to choose the desired preset.
Press the Button to adjust the system volume.
To turn off the radio (and the unit), press the Button.

TIP: Download the iHome+Radio app from the App Store to enjoy thousands of internet radio stations from around the globe on your iA63.

Setting Up the iA63

Using the Aux-in Jack
You can play any portable audio device with a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack through the iA63 via the Line-in Jack.
NOTE: Do not play an aux audio device while your iPhone or iPod is docked or you will hear both play at once.

Plug one end of a standard audio patch cord (not included) into the headphone or line-out jack on your device and the other end of the patch cord into the iA63 Aux-in Jack located on the back of the unit.
Turn on and play your device.
Press the Play/pause Button on the iA63.
Press the Button to adjust the system volume. You may need to adjust the volume on your external device as well.
To turn off the unit, press the Button. Please remember to turn off your device, too.

Sleep Operation

Sleep mode lets you sleep to your iPhone/Pod or radio, gradually lowering the volume until the unit shuts off at the selected time.

Press the Bedtime Button to enter sleep mode. The sleep time will appear on the display.
Press the Bedtime Button again as needed to adjust the sleep timer from 90, 60, 30, 15 minutes or OFF.
When the display changes back to show the real-time, press the Bedtime Button once to show the sleep time remaining.
Pressing it again will change sleep time to the next lowest increment.
iA63 has an independent volume setting for sleep mode so you can adjust the sleep volume without affecting the normal volume. Press the Button to adjust the sleep volume. The sleep volume will remain at that level the next time you enter sleep mode until the controls are changed.
To stop listening at any time, press the Button to turn the unit off.

Dimmer Operation
During normal operation (when no alarm is sounding), press the Snooze/Dimmer Button to control the brightness of the LCD.

Using the iA63 in Other Countries
Different regions of the world use different FM radio frequency steps and ranges. You will need to select the one that matches the standards in your region (USA, EUROPE, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA,or CHINA). The default setting is USA; if you live in the US, you may skip this section.

Make sure the iA63 is OFF (not playing in any mode). Press and hold the Button for about 5 seconds until “FM xxx” appears in the display. A beep will sound. Press the + or – Button to set the “xxx” to your region.
Press the Button again (or no button within 10 seconds) to exit the radio frequency setting mode. 2 beeps will confirm the frequency has been set.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Problem	Solution
iA63 does not turn on	AC adaptor isn’t plugged into a working wall socket or
not plugged into the power supply jack on back of the unit	Plug the AC

adaptor into a working wall socket and plug the connector into the supply jack on the unit
iA63 doesn’t respond| iA63 requires a reset| If unit is plugged in and doesn’t respond, try resetting the unit by following these steps:

a) remove iPhone/iPod from dock

b) unplug unit from power source

c) remove back up battery

d) wait a few minutes, then resume use

iPhone/iPod is not docked properly| Remove your iPhone/iPod from the dock and check for obstruction on the connectors in the dock and on your iPhone/iPod. Then reseat it in the dock. Make sure that the stabilizer is properly positioned against the side of the iPhone/iPod, especially when rotating the dock to the landscape mode.
Battery Low icon always flashing| Battery is weak| Replace with new battery
Battery is not installed properly| Check to make sure the polarity ( + and – ends) matches the diagram in the battery compartment (+ side up)
iPhone/iPod does not respond to the unit/iPod is playing but no sound comes out| iPhone/iPod is not docked properly| Remove your iPhone/iPod from the dock and check for obstruction on the connectors in the dock and on your iPhone/iPod. Then reseat it in the dock.
Your iPhone/iPod software is too old| Upgrade software on your iPhone/iPod via iTunes on your computer
iPhone/iPod is locked up/plays but no sound comes out| Check the volume setting. Make sure your iPhone/iPod is working properly before docking into the unit. Please refer to your iPhone/iPod manual for details. See above for software upgrade information. You may need to reset your iPhone/iPod. Refer to your iPhone or iPod user guide for details on how to perform a reset.
Using 1st or 2nd generation iPod, iPod Shuffle or other devices.| iA63 cannot control those iPod models or other devices.
iA63/iPhone/iPod performance is erratic| The iA63 is reacting to external interference| Move unit away from potential sources of external interference such as computers, modems, wireless devices (routers) or fluorescent light.
No sound from iA63| Volume is set too low on iA63| Make sure volume is turned up
iPhone/iPod didn’t charge up| iPhone/iPod is not installed properly| Remove your iPhone/iPod from the dock and check for obstruction on the connectors in the dock and on your iPhone/iPod. Then reseat it in the dock.
iPhone/iPod is locked up/ frozen| Please make sure your iPhone/iPod is working properly before docking into the unit. Please refer to your iPhone/iPod manual for details.
iPhone/iPod battery has problem
Time sync didn’t work| Older iPod models such as iPod mini do not support time sync function| Make sure you are using an iPhone or newer iPod such as touch, nano or classic. If not available, set time manually (see page 6).
Symptom| Possible Problem| Solution
---|---|---
Sound is distorted| Volume level is set too high| Decrease the volume
Sound source is distorted| If the iPhone/iPod original sound source (MP3) is old or of poor quality, distortion and noise are easily noticed with high- power speakers. Try a file from a trusted source such as iTunes.
If you are using an external sound source like older generation of iPod or iPod Shuffle, try reducing the output volume on the device itself. Also try turning bass boost OFF in your iPod settings.
EQ settings on device are too high.| Lower EQ settings on your iPhone/iPod.
Unit/adaptor gets warm after extended play at high volume| This is normal| Turn unit off for awhile or lower volume
Snooze time

is too long/short

| Custom snooze time not set| Press and hold Snooze button then press + or – button to adjust
Alarm not working| AM/PM time/alarm time not set correctly| When setting clock or alarm time, take note of the PM indicator
Alarm is not armed| Make sure you see the alarm icon on the display (press alarm button)

A Consumer Guide to Product Safety

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When used in the directed manner, this unit has been designed and manufactured to ensure your personal safety. However, improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. Please read all safety and operating instructions carefully before installation and use, and keep these instructions handy for future reference. Take special note of all warnings listed in these instructions and on the unit.

Water and Moisture – The unit should not be used near water. For example: near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, swimming pool or in a wet basement.
Ventilation – The unit should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block ventilation openings. Also, it should not be placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, which may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat – The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Power Sources – The unit should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
Power-Cable Protection – Power supply cables should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. It is always best to have a clear area from where the cable exits the unit to where it is plugged into an AC socket.
Cleaning – The unit should be cleaned only as recommended. See the Maintenance section of this manual for cleaning instructions.
Objects and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into any openings or vents located on the product.
Attachments – Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer.
Lightning and Power Surge Protection – Unplug the unit from the wall socket and disconnect the antenna or cable system during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
Overloading – Do not overload wall sockets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Damage Requiring Service – The unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
- A. the power supply cable or plug has been damaged.
- B. objects have fallen into or liquid has been spilled into the enclosure.
- C. the unit has been exposed to rain.
- D. the unit has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
- E. the unit exhibits a marked change in performance or does not operate normally.
Antenna – Do not connect an external antenna to the unit (other than that provided).
Periods of Nonuse – If the unit is to be left unused for an extended period of time, such as a month or longer, the power cable should be unplugged from the unit to prevent damage or corrosion.
Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the unit beyond those methods described in the user’s operating instructions. Service methods not covered in the operating instructions should be referred to qualified service personnel.

Warranty

Limited 1 Year Warranty Information

iHome Products, a division of SDI Technologies Inc. (hereafter referred to as SDI Technologies), warrants this product to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for a period of 1 Year from the date of original purchase.
Should this product fail to function in a satisfactory manner, it is best to first return it to the store where it was originally purchased. Should this fail to resolve the matter and service still be required by reason of any defect or malfunction during the warranty period, SDI Technologies will repair or, at its discretion, replace this product without charge (except for a $20.00 charge for handling, packing, return UPS/postage, and insurance). This decision is subject to verification of the defect or malfunction upon delivery of this product to the Factory Service Center listed below. The product must include proof of purchase, including date of purchase. The fee for service without proof of purchase is $40.00. Before returning this product for service, please first replace the batteries (if applicable) with fresh ones, as exhausted or defective batteries are the most common cause of problems encountered. If service is still required:

Remove the batteries (if applicable) and pack the unit in a well padded, heavy corrugated box.
Enclose a photocopy of your sales receipt, credit card statement, or other proof of the date of purchase, if within the warranty period.
Enclose a check or money order payable to the order of SDI Technologies, for the sum of $20.00 ($40.00 without proof of purchase).
Send the unit prepaid and insured, to the Factory Service Center listed below.

Consumer Repair Department

SDI Technologies Inc.
1330 Goodyear Dr.
El Paso, TX 79936-6420

Disclaimer of Warranty
NOTE: This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed. It does not cover (i) products which have been damaged by negligence or willful actions, misuse or accident, or which have been modified or repaired by unauthorized persons; (ii) cracked or broken cabinets, or units damaged by excessive heat; (iii) damage to digital media players, CD’s or tape cassettes (if applicable); (iv) the cost of shipping this product to the Factory Service Center and its return to the owner.
This warranty is valid only in the United States of America and does not extend to owners of the product other than to the original purchaser. In no event will SDI Technologies or any of its affiliates, contractors, resellers, their officers, directors, shareholders, members or agents be liable to you or any third party for any consequential or incidental damages, any lost profits, actual, exemplary or punitive damages. (Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties or exclusion of consequential damages, so these restrictions may not apply to you.) This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Your acknowledgment and agreement to fully and completely abide by the above mentioned disclaimer of warranty is contractually binding to you upon your transfer of currency (money order, cashier’s check, or credit card) for purchase of your SDI Technologies product.