SpAudioCast™ and iCast™
Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPods® will fit into the iCast Transmitter?
The Mini, nano, and iPod with Video 30GB/80GB (and older 20GB/60GB version) will fit into the transmitter dock. The transmitter includes multiple docking inserts to support all sizes of iPods, except the Shuffle®.

How far does the wireless signal transmit?
The transmitter and receiver can transmit and receive when they are up to 100 feet apart. (The iCast Owners Manual references 350 feet, but that is a direct line-of-sight distance, without going through cabinets and walls.)  Note: The signal cannot travel through water or grounded metal, so when placing a spa it’s important to keep in mind the location of the transmitter in relation to the receiver, to ensure the spa water is not in between them. Also, significant elevation changes between the transmitter and receiver may impact signal quality.

Do the SpAudioCast and iCast music systems turn on instantly?
No. There is a slight delay when the system is first powered on. This is related to the wireless process of information data. Note: There may also be a slight echo initially, which should go away shortly after start-up. 

Will the iCast system play other audio sources besides the iPod?
Yes. The iCast system will play several different audio sources depending on how you configure the iCast transmitter. The transmitter can be configured in the following ways:

1. When the iPod is in the transmitter dock, the iCast plays music from the iPod through the receiver at the spa. Additionally, a mini-to-RCA cable can be plugged into the back of the transmitter (as a line-out) and be connected to the audio input of a home stereo/receiver and/or television. This allows for the iPod music to be played simultaneously at the spa and in the home. 

   AND

2. When the iPod is not in the transmitter dock, a mini-to-mini cable (3.5mm) can be plugged into the back of the transmitter (as a line-in) and be connected to a personal music device (e.g. an MP3 player) or a computer.  If connected to a computer, any Internet audio source can then be played at the spa.

   OR

3. When the iPod is not in the transmitter docking station, a mini-to-RCA cable can be plugged into the back of the transmitter (as a line-in) and be connected to the output of a home stereo/receiver and/or television. This allows for listening to radio or cable music channels at the spa.   Note: The iCast system transmits audio only.  No video content will be transmitted if connected to a TV source.

How many receivers can be used with each transmitter?
Two. The SpAudioCast and iCast systems come with one receiver exclusively customized for the spa.  An additional receiver can be used in another area of the home.  The consumer can purchase an additional receiver on-line at www.soundcaststore.com. This receiver would be an off-the-shelf product, not designed for the spa environment nor to function with the IQ 2020® control system.

If SpAudio® II is already installed, can I add the iCast system?
Yes. In addition to the iCast system, a Sony® XA-300 adapter (sold separately) will be required to interface with the Sony stereo. Please note, however, if the spa is older than 2007, the IQ 2020 remote control will not have the iPod track control function.

If SpAudio is already installed, can I add the iCast System?
Yes. If the “older,” larger amp is on the spa, no changes to the amp are required. However, if the spa has the “newer,” smaller, digital amp, the ASP board will need to be upgraded to the newer version. Note: Due to certain software changes made to the IQ 2020 control box, please note the following key points:

1. Virtually any 2006 SpAudio or SpAudio II spa would need to have the ASP board changed out to be compatible with the iCast system.  (Installation instructions are included with the ASP Board Upgrade Kit, P/N 74332.)


2. If a customer has an existing IQ 2020 remote control, it will operate as normal. Should a customer purchase a new IQ 2020 remote control with an iCast system to be installed on a SpAudio system, the iCast menu will not appear. The volume control, however, can still be operated through the SpAudio amp menu or the auxiliary control panel.

What is the difference between SpAudio II and SpAudioCast?
The only difference is the music source. SpAudio II uses a Sony CD/Stereo, while SpAudioCast uses the iCast system consisting of the iCast transmitter and wireless receiver. The iCast receiver is placed out of sight, within the spa’s equipment compartment. Therefore, the time required to install the SpAudioCast system versus a SpAudio II system will be less because there is no need to modify the spa cabinet for the stereo housing.