Bose Al8 Manual

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							BOSE
®
Link AL8
HOMEWIDE WIRELESS AUDIO LINK
2ZQHU
						

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English
Français Español
SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read this owner’s guide
Please take the time to follow the instruct ions in this owner’s guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate your syste m 
properly and enjoy all of its advanced features. Pl ease save this owner’s guide for future reference.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock,  do not expose the product to rain or moisture.
WARNING: The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing,  and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on the apparatus. As with any electronic product, use care not to spill liquids into any part of the system. Liquids  can 
cause a failure and/or a fire hazard
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilatera l triangle, alerts the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
 The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle alerts  the user to the presence of important operating and mainte-nance instructions in this owner’s guide.
WARNING: No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. 
Note: The product label is located on the bottom of the product.
This product is intended to be used only with the power su pply provided. Where the mains plug is used as the disconnect 
device, such disconnect device  shall remain readily operable.
This product must be used indoors. It is neither designed  or tested for use outdoors, in recreation vehicles, or on 
boats.
Important safety instructions
1. Read these instructions – 
2. Keep these instructions –  .
3. Heed all warnings – 
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water –  Do not use this product near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a 
wet basement, near a swimming  pool, or anywhere else that water or moisture are present.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth –  and as directed by Bose Corporation. Unplug  this product from the wall outlet before  
cleaning.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in  accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions – To ensure reliable 
operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, pu t the product in a position and location that will not interfere 
with its proper ventilation.
8. Do not install near any heat sources , such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories  specified by the manufacturer.
10. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time – to prevent damage to this 
product.
11. 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 appa-ratus; the apparatus has been exposed to rain or mois ture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
©2006 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may  be reproduced, modified, distributed or  otherwise used without prior written permission. 
Ultra Low Delay Audio Coding licensed by Fraunhofer IIS
01_Safety.fm  Page 2  Wednesd ay, April 19, 2006  4:56 PM 
						

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CONTENTS

English FrançaisEspañol
INTRODUCTION4
The BoseŠ link AL8 Homewide Wireless Audio Link   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Unpacking the carton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
What distinguishes the two units  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Choosing a place for each unit   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
SETUP6
Making the connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
For the transmitter   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
For the receiver   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
Instructions for non-Bose or older Bose products  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
Check the indicators and settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
The Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
The transmitter Channel button  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
Your Bose
® link expansion room remote control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
Your Bose link expansion room product   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
Enjoy your wireless entertainment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
REFERENCE10
Accessories   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
Contacting Customer Service   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Limited warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Information about products that generate electrical noise
U.S.A.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. 
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause 
harmful interference to radio communications. However, this is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. 
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off 
and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit than the one to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Any modifications made to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canada
This product complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specification.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference and (2) this device must accept any 
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
RF Guideline:
This device meets the RF Guideline FCC/OET 65 and Canadian Health code 6 for mobile devices, which assumes installation provides a 
distance of at least 20 cm (8") from users and others. 
For Your Records
Serial numbers are located on the bottom of the AL8 transmitter and the receiver.
Serial numbers: Transmitter _____________________________________ Receiver _________________________________________________
Dealer name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Dealer phone: ________________________________________________  Purchase date: ____________________________________________
Bose recommends that you keep your sales slip and a copy of your product registration card together with this guide. 
						

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English Français Español
INTRODUCTION
The BoseŠ link AL8 Homewide Wireless Audio Link
Congratulations on your choice of Bose to provide an audio expansion solution free from the 
need to run cumbersome wires between rooms. 
The audio link consists of a transmitter and receiver. They deliver audio signals from your 
LIFESTYLE
® 18 or 28 Series II system or LIFESTYLE® 38 or 48 system in one area of your 
house to the system or speakers you have set up in another area.
One transmitter can also send signals to as many as 8 receivers, making it simple to add on 
to your system whenever you like.
Note:
For future expansion possibilities, we recommend that you keep this owner’s guide as a 
reference.
In combination with a Bose
® link remote control or the PERSONAL® music center II, the 
Bose link AL8 Homewide Wireless Audio Link gives you numerous options for expanding 
your enjoyment.
Unpacking the carton
Carefully unpack the carton and save all packing materials for possible future use. They 
provide the most secure way to transport the product. 
Check to be sure your system includes all of the parts shown (Figure 1). If any part appears 
damaged, do not attempt to use it. Notify Bose or your authorized Bose dealer immediately. 
For Bose contact information, refer to the address sheet included in the carton.
Figure 1
Carton contents


Transmitter
ReceiverOwner’s
guide Bose link A 
cables
Power
packs
Note:Now is a good time to find the serial numbers on the bottom of the transmitter and the 
receiver. Copy them onto your product registration card and in the space provided on “For Your 
Records” on page 3. 
						

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I
NTRODUCTION
English FrançaisEspañol
What distinguishes the two units
The connection panel on each unit identifies it by name: TRANSMITTER or RECEIVER. Two 
Bose® link jacks and a Channel button further distinguish the transmitter.
For compatibility, the two units have a matching Setup Code, set at the factory with both 
switches in the “up” position (Figure 2). A Status LED lights when each unit is plugged in and 
the two units are communicating.
Figure 2
Connection panels on the 
two unitsReceiver
Transmitter
Bose® link jacksBose link jackChannel switch
Status LED
Note:For information on the meaning of the different Status LED lights, refer to 
“Check the indicators and settings” on page 8.
Choosing a place for each unit
Place the transmitter in the same room with the LIFESTYLE® system media center. Place the 
receiver in the same room with your Bose link expansion product.
Note:
Use of the audio link with products that are not Bose link compatible requires an adapter 
cable. For further information, refer to “Instructions for non-Bose or older Bose products” on 
page 7.
Considerations for positioning:
• Place each unit upright with all feet flat on a level surface, such as a floor, table, or shelf.
• Do not tip either unit on its side.
• Place each unit within 7 feet (2 meters) of the product to which it is connected (using the 
supplied Bose link A cable).
• Keep the two units within 80 feet (24 meters) of each other. 
• Be aware that the strongest signal direction is above and around, not below, 
the transmitter.  
						

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English Français Español
SETUP
Making the connections
You can connect one transmitter and up to 8 receivers for each LIFESTYLE® system.
The transmitter and receiver each use one of the two supplied Bose
® link A cables, which are 
7 feet (2 meters) long. Each unit also connects to power using one of the two supplied power 
packs.
Note:
Instructions for use with a non-Bose tuner/receiver vary slightly from those below. For 
details, refer to “Instructions for non-Bose or older Bose products” on page 7.
For the transmitter
1. Connect one end of a Bose link A cable to the jack labeled Bose® link INPUT on the 
transmitter connection panel.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Bose link speaker jack, below the Main 
Speaker jack, on the LIFESTYLE
® media center connection panel (Figure 3). 
Figure 3
Transmitter connecting to a 
LIFESTYLE® media center
Bose link Speaker jack TransmitterAC
PowerBose® link
INPUT
LIFESTYLE® media center
Bose link 
A
cable
Status
LED
Main Speaker jack
Note:If another product is already connected to the Bose link Speaker jack on the media 
center, disconnect it there. You can use the wireless audio link to replace this wired connection. 
Or, to continue using this connection, reconnect the cable to the jack labeled Bose
® link OUTPUT 
on the transmitter connection panel (Figure 4).
Figure 4
Transmitter and another 
product connecting to a 
LIFESTYLE
® media center 
Transmitter
LIFESTYLE® media center
Transmitter connection Bose
® link 
INPUT Bose link 
OUTPUT
Other product connection Bose link Speaker jack
3. Insert the small plug on the power pack cable into the AC Power jack on the transmitter 
and plug the pack into a wall outlet. 
The Status LED lights to verify this power connection.
Note:For information on the meaning of the different Status LED lights, refer to “Check the 
indicators and settings” on page 8
. 
						

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S
ETUP
English FrançaisEspañol
For the receiver
1. Connect one end of the second Bose® link A cable to the jack labeled Bose® link 
OUTPUT on the receiver.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Bose link Input jack on the expansion room 
system, amplifier, or powered speaker (Figure 5).
Figure 5
Connection to a Bose link 
amplifier, as an example
Bose link 
Input jack ReceiverAC
PowerLIFESTYLE® SA-3 amplifier
Status
LED
Bose® link 
OUTPUTBose link 
A cableBose link Output jack
3. Insert the small plug on the power pack cable into the AC Power jack on the receiver and 
plug the pack into a wall outlet. 
The Status LED lights to verify this power connection.
Note:For information on the meaning of the different Status LED lights, refer to “Check the 
indicators and settings” on page 8
.
Instructions for non-Bose or older Bose products
The Bose link AL8 Homewide Wireless Audio Link also works with some products that are not 
Bose link compatible. 
You can use non-Bose products in the following ways:
• A tuner/receiver as a sound source connected to the transmitter or in an expansion room 
connected to the receiver
• Powered speakers connected to the receiver
You can use older Bose products as follows:
• Powered speakers, a radio, or system with its own volume and on/off controls and line-
level female RCA input jacks connected to the receiver
Any of the above products require the use of an RCA to DIN adapter cable for connecting to 
the transmitter, the receiver, or both. An adapter kit, which contains two of these cables, is 
available from Bose.
Note:
To order the adapter kit, contact Bose and request Part Number 285320-207. For Bose 
contact information, refer to the address sheet included in the carton.
To use an adapter cable
The RCA connectors are color coded, red for right and white for left.
1. Insert the adapter cable DIN connector into the Bose
® link jack on the transmitter (INPUT) 
or receiver (OUTPUT) jack, as appropriate.
2. Insert the adapter cable RCA connectors into the Audio Out jack on the connection panel 
of the audio source or the Audio In jack on the expansion room product. Match left to left 
and right to right. 
						

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 S
ETUP
English Français Español
Figure 6
Connections using the 
adapter cable
TransmitterReceiver Expansion Room Product
Audio Input
L

R Source Product
Audio Output
L

R
Adapter cable Adapter cableBose
® link 
INPUTBose® link 
OUTPUT
3. Complete the connections using the power pack:
– Insert the small plug on the power pack cable into the AC Power jack.
– Plug the pack into an AC wall outlet. 
The Status LED lights to verify this power connection.
Note:For information on the meaning of the different Status LED lights, refer to “Check the 
indicators and settings”
 below.
To control volume when a non-Bose product is the sound source:
• There is no need for an expansion room remote control.
• Use the remote that came with the tuner/receiver in the room where it is connected to the 
transmitter. 
• Use the volume control on the system, radio, or powered speakers connected to the 
receiver in the other room.
To control non-Bose or older Bose products in the expansion room:
• Use a Bose
® link remote control or the PERSONAL® music center II to select audio from the 
LIFESTYLE® system in the main room.
• Use the product remote or console control for local volume adjustments.
Check the indicators and settings 
Before you use the audio link, you may want to check some of the indicators and settings 
that make your expansion products work together smoothly.
The Status LED
On the connection panel of both the transmitter and the receiver, the Status LED indicates 
how the two units are communicating, as shown in the table below. 
Status LED Blinking Green Solid Green Blinking Orange Solid Orange
On the 
transmitterSearching for 
receiverReceiver
locatedNot
applicablePowered on, 
no communication
On the 
receiverSearching for 
transmitterSolid signal
received Weak signal
receivedWeak or no signal 
received
On the receiver, a blinking or solid orange light indicates a communications problem. Reposi-
tioning the transmitter or receiver, or both, may resolve the problem and cause both LEDs to 
change to solid green. For further information, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 10. 
						

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S
ETUP
English FrançaisEspañol
The transmitter Channel button 
You can use the Channel button to narrow the selection of frequencies the transmitter uses.
The transmitter is factory set to avoid WiFi channel 6. This helps prevent performance prob-
lems, such as slow or intermittent data transmissions, on a wireless network. If you have a 
wireless network set up on another channel, you can set up your transmitter to avoid that 
channel, or you can move the WiFi network to channel 6. 
To reserve a channel for use by your WiFi network:
1. Press and hold the Channel button for more than 3 seconds to reach the setting for NO 
WIFI NETWORK. The Status LED blinks red three times to confirm this move.
2. In the grouping below, locate the channel used by your nearby WiFi network: 
NO WIFI NETWORK...6...11...1...2...3...4...5...7...8...9...10. 
3. Count the number of forward moves it takes from the NO WIFI NETWORK setting to 
reach your WiFi network channel. For example, if your WiFi network uses channel 3, you 
need to move forward 5 times to reserve channel 3 for WiFi network use only.
4. Press the Channel button for less than 3 seconds for each forward move. Repeat as 
many times as needed to reach the channel you want to reserve. The Status LED will 
blink red to confirm each move.
If the WiFi network channel is unknown to you, use the Channel button to switch off one 
channel at a time. Test the WiFi network to see which setting gives you the best effect.
If you do not have a WiFi network in your home:
Follow Step 1 above to use the entire frequency band and maximize transmitter 
performance. 
Your Bose® link expansion room remote control 
•Room code
If you have more than one LIFESTYLE
® system expansion room, make sure the remote 
used in each one has a unique room code. 
• House code 
The house code setting on the remote must match the setting on your LIFESTYLE
® system. 
It may not match if you changed the system house code due to interference with another 
system. 
For information on these house code and room code settings and how to change them, refer 
to the owner’s guide that came with your remote.
Note:
Setup codes for the transmitter and receiver, which must be identical to each other, do 
NOT need to match house codes on the remote or LIFESTYLE® system. 
Your Bose link expansion room product 
•Room code
Make sure the system, amplifier, or powered speaker room code setting matches that of 
the remote you are using in the expansion room.
For information on room code settings and how to change them, refer to the owner’s guide 
that came with your Bose
® link product.
Enjoy your wireless entertainment
With the settings confirmed, your Bose link AL8 Homewide Wireless Audio Link is ready for 
use. To explore and enjoy all of the capabilities provided by your expansion products, refer to 
the owner’s guide provided with each product.