Solo USB player (DH447)Thank you for purchasing from RNIB. In the unlikely event the item is unsuitable, please contact us within 14 days of receipt to obtain your returns number. To ensure your return goes smoothly, the item and all components must be in as new condition and packed in its original, undamaged packaging. For further details and guidance on returning faulty items, please see the Terms and conditions of sale and How to contact RNIB sections of this instruction manual.

Please retain these instructions for future reference. These instructions are also available in other formats.

General description..............................................................................2Features............................................................................................3Audio playback.................................................................................3Battery and charging.........................................................................4Items supplied...................................................................................4

Caution...................................................................................................4General safety.......................................................................................4Orientation.............................................................................................6

Front face (two columns)..................................................................6Top edge...........................................................................................7Left edge...........................................................................................7Right edge........................................................................................7Bottom edge.....................................................................................7

Playing USB memory sticks................................................................7Bookmarking.....................................................................................8

Play, Pause, Skip, Navigate.................................................................8Track back/rewind button [9].............................................................8Play/Pause/Battery status button [10]...............................................8Skip folder (book) / Reset button [11]...............................................8Track forward/Fast forward button [12].............................................8Bluetooth playback status LED [4]....................................................8

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Bluetooth connectivity.........................................................................8Bluetooth manual reset for a new pairing.........................................9Connecting to a Bluetooth device for the first time...........................9Connecting to a previously paired Bluetooth device.......................10

Battery power......................................................................................10Inserting the charger.......................................................................10Charging time.................................................................................11Battery status..................................................................................11

Trouble shooting.................................................................................11Bluetooth headphones....................................................................11Strange noises and poor quality output/audio................................12

How to contact RNIB..........................................................................12RNIB Technology Team.................................................................12

Terms and conditions of sale............................................................12Why recycle?..................................................................................13What is WEEE?..............................................................................13How are we helping?......................................................................14

General descriptionThe Solo is part of the Kings Access Technology range of USB players and is designed to be a high-quality and portable device. It can easily fit in your pocket or bag, meaning you can listen to your favourite Talking Book, music playlist or podcast wherever you go.

Raised buttons with tactile markings make it easy to move to a new book, skip through chapters or review the paragraph you have just read. The Solo has four large, yellow tactile control buttons, an extra-large volume control dial.

The Solo automatically bookmarks, so when you turn the player back on or reinsert the memory stick, the player knows the exact place to start playing from. This function works across an unlimited number of memory sticks so allows for multiple books to be enjoyed.

Bluetooth connectivity works by simply searching and connecting to the Solo from your other device, such as a phone or tablet.

The Solo has the latest generation of digital amplifiers providing clearer sound, less distortion and a louder, clearer head-phone output. For best

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sound quality, it is recommended to use Bluetooth headphones or plug in headphones that don't have a microphone.  Headphones usually supplied with mobile phones have a microphone within them and these may cause a poorer quality output.

Supplied with a built-in rechargeable battery and USB C charger with a unique tactile feel, 3D raised Kings’ logo and high contrast colours, so you’ll always know you’re using the right charger. The cable is made from a strengthened braided nylon cable. USB C is a universal standard and will prevent “wrong” chargers being used and potentially damaging equipment.

The USB micro-processor is optimised to ensure compatibility across the thousands of different USB controller types.

Features High-quality USB audio playback on wired or Bluetooth headphones

or speakers (using headphones with a microphone, like those supplied with a mobile phone, may cause a poorer quality output).

Clear contrasting tactile buttons; yellow buttons on black casing. “Click” On/Off/Volume control. Keypad lock to ensure trouble free pocket usage. Raised, shaped controls and ports for tactile identification and ease

of use. 3.5mm mini-jack for headphone connection. Size: H86mm by W55mm by D18mm (3.38 by 2.16 by 0.70 inches). Weight: 61g.

Audio playback Audio playback of MP3 and .WAV formatted audio files. Navigation of files and folders. Intelligent and simple Bluetooth connectivity with vibration haptic

feedback to confirm pairing status (Bluetooth 4.2 chipset and TX transmitter).

Automatic bookmarking of USB sticks. Optimised USB stick compatibility.

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Battery and charging Built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery: three to six hours per charge. Real voice audio announcements of battery level with visual

indication via 10 ultra-bright LED’s. USB C power supply specifically designed for visually impaired

users. Can be inserted either way up and is compatible with other USB C devices.

Items supplied One Solo USB player. User guide. One USB C charger with tactile identification. One yellow lanyard, pre-fitted to the player.

The player is not supplied with headphones or speakers. For best sound quality, it is recommended to use Bluetooth headphones or plug in headphones that don't have a microphone.  Headphones usually supplied with mobile phones have a microphone within them and these may cause a poorer quality output.

CautionListening at high volume for a long time may damage your hearing.

Over time the sounds from your headphones cause the hair cells in the cochlea to bend down too much or too severely. Even listening to headphones or earbuds at a moderate volume can damage your hearing over time.

The Solo has been designed to allow for a wide range of headphones and for people that may be hard of hearing. It can generate high volume on some headphones so you must always exercise caution when listening.

General safety Do not allow this product to be exposed to liquids, steam or sand. Do not store this product in an airtight container or bag as this may

lead to deterioration of the rubberised finish.

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Do not leave where excessive heat can occur such as in a vehicle, in direct sunlight, on top of a heater or other heat sources.

Do not attempt to open or dismantle any part of this product. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. If any faults are discovered do not operate, disconnect from the

mains and contact your point of purchase.

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OrientationPlease read this section to help you understand the location of the players buttons. Numbers provided in square brackets relate to the labelled image below.

Place the player on the table with the large flat face against the table surface, the four-large tactile buttons facing upwards with the circular button in the bottom right. The short smooth edge should be at the bottom and the lanyard in the top right.

Front face (two columns)The left column has three tactile buttons, top to bottom. Track back/Fast rewind [9] – triangle button. Play/Pause/Battery status [10] – square button. Track forward/Fast forward [12] – triangle button.

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The right column has: Battery Status [8] – 10 square ultrabright yellow LEDs. Skip Folder/Reset button [11] – round yellow button.

Top edgeLeft to right. USB stick port [3] – rectangular with raised yellow surround. Bluetooth playback status LED [4] – small LED. Headphone socket [5] – circular with raised yellow surround.

Left edge Top to bottom On/Off and Volume [2] – scrolling wheel. Rotate down to switch on

and increase the volume; rotate up to decrease volume and switch off. A click is heard when switching on and off. Note, there is sometimes a short delay in scrolling and the volume changing, this is normal.

Keypad Lock Control [1]; pushed up the keypad is unlocked, move down to lock the keypad.

Right edgeTop to bottom Lanyard connection point (top right corner). Charging Port [6] – raised yellow surround. Charge status LED [7] – small rectangular yellow LED.

Bottom edgeThe bottom edge is smooth and has no buttons, ports or LEDs.

That is the orientation complete.

Playing USB memory sticksSimply insert the USB stick and turn on the player. The Solo will automatically find the audio and start playing. Use the controls to navigate the audio content.

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BookmarkingThe player will automatically remember where you left off. It can remember this across multiple memory sticks.

Play, Pause, Skip, Navigate

Track back/rewind button [9] Short press: skip back a track Press and hold: audio will rewind within the current track

Play/Pause/Battery status button [10] Short press: toggle between Play and Pause Long press (three seconds): audio through headphones and visual

LED battery status report.

Skip folder (book) / Reset button [11] Short press: skip to the next folder (book). Long press: reset to the start (first folder, first track). Track forward/Fast forward button [12] Short press: skip forward track Press and hold: Audio forward within the current track.

Bluetooth playback status LED [4] Red flashing: playback. Red solid: playback paused or no USB stick present. Blue slow flash: attempting to pair with previous Bluetooth

connection. Blue fast flash: attempting new Bluetooth connection.

Bluetooth connectivityBluetooth is automatically enabled whenever the Solo is switched on and no wired headphones are connected. The Solo will remember its last paired device and will always try to reconnect to this device when powering on.

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Note: Bluetooth functionality is disabled and does not work if you have wired headphones connected to the device.

Bluetooth manual reset for a new pairingTo reset the Solo’s internal Bluetooth memory press and hold both the Track Back and Track Forward buttons [9, 12] together for three seconds until the Bluetooth Playback status LED [4] rapidly flashes blue. A new pairing search will automatically start.

Connecting to a Bluetooth device for the first timeBefore getting started Ensure the Solo is placed within one metre (three feet) of the

Bluetooth device you’re connecting to. Ensure both devices are fully charged. You may wish to have the operating instructions of the Bluetooth

device on hand. Where possible switch off Bluetooth on any other nearby devices.

Connecting Switch on the Bluetooth device in pairing mode. Usually for headphones this is a long-press of the power button that

will often result in a flashing blue or red LED. Please refer to the device’s instructions for full details.

Switch on the Solo and after a couple of seconds press the Track forward and Track back [9, 12] buttons together. You’ll feel three short vibrations and the Status LED will flash rapidly in blue. The Solo is attempting to pair.

If the pairing is successful, the Solo will give one long vibration and playback will start if a USB stick is inserted. Bluetooth playback status LED [4] will change to solid red if there is no USB stick inserted or the you’ve got the playback on Pause. If you’re actively in playback mode, the LED [4] will flash red. Your Bluetooth device may also inform you of successful connection.

If the Solo cannot find its previously paired device in 30-seconds, it will automatically rescan to look for a new device to pair with.

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If the Solo is paired but loses its connection this will be indicated by three short vibrations and rapid blue flashing on the Bluetooth playback status LED [4] (as it returns to reconnect mode).

Connecting to a previously paired Bluetooth device Switch on the Bluetooth device. Switch on the Solo. The Solo will normally reconnect within about 15 seconds and will be

confirmed by a single long vibration. Playback will automatically resume.

Battery powerYour player is supplied with a built-in rechargeable battery. It’s important to only use the King Access charging cable provided with your device.

Inserting the charger To plug in the USB C charger please line-up and carefully insert until it is fully seated. The Charge Status LED [7] will illuminate. Once the Solo is fully charged the LED will go out.

Caution: minimal force is needed when inserting the USB C charger and excessing force or rough handing may damage the connector and the Solo.

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You may operate the Solo whilst the charger is connected but this may reduce the battery’s operating life.

Charging timeIt’s recommended that your first charge be for six to eight hours and thereafter charge for one to two hours as required. It’s recommended that the charger is not plugged in all the time, if it is please be aware this may reduce the battery’s operating life.

Battery statusWhen you first switch the player on the yellow Battery Status LEDs will scroll up to indicate the current charge level (10 LEDs equals 100 per cent charge, five LEDs equals 50 per cent, and so on).

Check the battery charge level at any time Press and hold the Play/Pause button [10] for three seconds. There will be a visual indicator on the Battery Status LEDs. You’ll hear an audible announcement of the battery level if you’ve got

your headphones on.

Trouble shooting

Bluetooth headphones If you find that your Bluetooth headphones are not consistently pairing automatically, please try the following:

Switch on your headphones in “pairing mode”. Whilst this differs from model to model it is most commonly activated by keeping the power button depressed for about two to five seconds after switching the headphones on. Often the LED on the headphones will flash blue or red rapidly. Next switch on the Solo and it should pair within 10 seconds. If a USB stick is inserted playback will resume.

Some Bluetooth headphones go into “back-channel” search mode when connection is lost due to switching off the Solo. This normally lasts for about 60 seconds. Often if the Solo is switched back on after this period re-connection only takes about five seconds.

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Strange noises and poor quality output/audioFor best sound quality, it is recommended to use Bluetooth headphones or plug in headphones that don't have a microphone.  Headphones usually supplied with mobile phones have a microphone within them and these may cause a poorer quality output.

How to contact RNIBPhone: 0303 123 9999Email: shop@rnib.org.ukAddress: RNIB, Midgate House, Midgate, Peterborough PE1 1TNOnline Shop: shop.rnib.org.uk

Email for international customers: exports@rnib.org.uk

RNIB Technology TeamPhone: 0207 391 2280Email: tfl@rnib.org.uk

Terms and conditions of saleThis product is guaranteed from manufacturing faults for 12 months from the date of purchase. If you have any issues with the product and you did not purchase directly from RNIB then please contact your retailer in the first instance.

For all returns and repairs contact RNIB first to get a returns authorisation number to help us deal efficiently with your product return.

You can request full terms and conditions from RNIB or view them online.

RNIB Enterprises Limited (with registered number 0887094) is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the Royal National Institute of Blind People ("RNIB"), a charity registered in England and Wales (226227), Scotland (SC039316) and Isle of Man (1109). RNIB Enterprises Limited covenants all of its taxable profits to RNIB.

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This product is CE marked and fully complies with all applicable EU legislation.

Please do not throw items marked with this symbol in your bin. Recycle your electricals and electronic devices free at your local recycling centre. Search for your nearest recycling centre by visiting www.recyclenow.com.

Why recycle?Unwanted electrical equipment is the UK’s fastest growing type of waste.

Many electrical items can be repaired or recycled, saving natural resources and the environment. If you do not recycle, electrical equipment will end up in landfill where hazardous substances will leak out and cause soil and water contamination – harming wildlife and human health.

RNIB are proud to support your local authority in providing local recycling facilities for electrical equipment.

To remind you that old electrical equipment can be recycled, it is now marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. Please do not throw any electrical equipment (including those marked with this symbol) in your bin.

What is WEEE?The Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires countries to maximise separate collection and environmentally friendly processing of these items.

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How are we helping?In the UK, distributors including retailers must provide a system which allows all customers buying new electrical equipment the opportunity to recycle their old items free of charge. As a responsible retailer, we have met the requirements placed on us by financially supporting the national network of WEEE recycling centres established by local authorities. This is achieved through membership of the national Distributor Take-back scheme (DTS).

Date: January 2020

© 2020 RNIB

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