Frequently Asked Questions

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Manual
Click here to download the Castgrabber manual


Table of Contents:

What models of MP3 players does the CastGrabber work with? CastGrabber works with all iPods/MP3 players we have tested except for Sony PSP, iPhone, iPod touch, and iPods used with (formatted for) Macintosh OS computers.
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Which models will CastGrabber charge? If your iPod/MP3 player currently charges off the USB port on your computer, CastGrabber will do the same. Some players use disposable batteries and others come with their own AC power supply. You will continue charging your MP3 player/changing batteries just as you do now.
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How do I synchronize my PC based music library with my iPod/MP3 player? CastGrabber automatically communicates with Windows Media Player, iTunes,Zune, etc. When you plug your iPod/MP3 player into the CastGrabber, everything will work just as if you were plugged into your PC. For very large transfers of files, we suggest connecting directly to your computer as the speed over the network is much slower.
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How do I Choose Podcasts? First, you need to set up an account. The first time you plug your MP3 player into a CastGrabber, you will see your introductory CastGrabber Podcast appear on the player. Go to the Podcast play list and look at the CastGrabber Podcast and retrieve your two word “Registration Key”. Visit http://www.castgrabber.net or a partner site to enter your Registration Key in the “Podcasts” tab located on the hompage. This allows you to create an account unique to your MP3 player. Enter the Registration Key in the blank next to the “Register Now” button. Please follow the instructions to create a login, and profile.

There are two ways to choose from the many thousands of topics once you register your iPod/MP3 player with CastGrabber:

Using iTunes on your PC – Simply plug your iPod into CastGrabber. iTunes will contact the CastGrabber and behave just as if it were plugged directly into your PC. Hundreds of thousands of Podcasts are available in the iTunes store for free. Just choose your Podcasts and synchronize with your iPod. CastGrabber will automatically place the desired Podcasts on your device thereafter until you change Podcast subscriptions.

Using a browser with a non-iPod player - You subscribe to the multitude of topics generated by people with your interests all over the world by logging into http://castgrabber.net/podcasts/logon.php (clicking on the “Media Directory” tab on http://www.castgrabber.net) or visit a partner site. You may search or browse the tens of thousands of Podcasts. To add to your list of subscriptions, simply click on the “subscribe” link. The next time you plug in your MP3 player to any CastGrabber device, your chosen Podcasts will appear on the MP3 player.
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My university or company has proprietary Podcasts; can I use CastGrabber to download these? If these Podcasts are available on an Internet server with RSS means of subscription, most likely you can retrieve them with your CastGrabber. Please check with your administrator if there are any problems as some proprietary podcasts may be protected by password or other means.
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Where can I purchase the CastGrabber? Please check our site (click here) often for locations.
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What types of content will CastGrabber download to my iPod/MP3 player? Podcasts cover any imaginable topic. Please visit our podcast page for examples of the thousands of available Podcasts.
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Will CastGrabber work outside the United States and Canada? Yes but in certain countries you will need a voltage and/or two prong outlet adapter to convert the local power to acceptable current for the CastGrabber (110/220 volt power supply comes with the CastGrabber). CastGrabber is approved for use in the United States.
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I already have a USB dock for my iPod/MP3 player. Can I use it with the CastGrabber? USB docks work perfectly with CastGrabber. Simply take the USB cord from the USB dock and connect it to the CastGrabber.
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How do I update CastGrabber firmware/software? CastGrabber will download the latest upgrades to the CastGrabber device automatically to keep you up to date with the latest features. Updates to software on your PC are only done with your knowledge and authorization. CastGrabber will inform you of available upgrades. You must approve before they are installed.
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How do I download the Podcasts in my iPod/MP3 player to my PC? You can synchronize play lists from your iPod/MP3 player similar to the way you synchronize now. If you retrieve files on your player and put them on your computer, CastGrabber will not alter the behavior of the iPod/MP3 player in this regard.
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How many topics or areas of information can CastGrabber retrieve from the World Wide Web? CastGrabber staff is unable to count or quantify all the areas of interest. We estimate that hundreds of thousands (maybe millions) of Podcast files are available for download on just about any imaginable topic.
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What colors is the CastGrabber available in? Currently, CastGrabber comes in a two tone metallic gray/eggshell white only.
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Do I need to put batteries into CastGrabber? CastGrabber operates on AC power only.
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I plug in the CastGrabber and the unit does not work. Please check that the a/c adapter is plugged in, the Ethernet cable is connected properly to the CastGrabber and switch/hub, and you correctly plugged in your USB cable to the CastGrabber and your MP3 player. You should also be sure that the network can get to the Internet and your PC (if desired) is networked correctly. Before contacting customer support, try unplugging the power from the CastGrabber for 30 seconds then connecting your iPod/MP3 playe and waiting for two minutes. This resets the CastGrabber.

Please note the LED signal (color, flashing/solid light) on the front of the CastGrabber when contacting customer support.
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My MP3 Player does not function. Make sure the iPod/MP3 Player is charged and that all connections are in place. In some cases an MP3 player may freeze up; please follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to reactivate/restart the player.
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How do I position the MP3 Player on the CastGrabber? Connect the cable to the bottom of your MP3 player. Pull out the CastGrabber shelf. place the player in a position that allows the cable to go thru the slot on the pullout shelf. Put the remainder of the cord into the cord storage area in the bottom back of the CastGrabber. If you wish to lay the iPod/MP3 player horizontally on the shelf, simply put the USB cord along the side of the CastGrabber.
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How do I eject the CastGrabber? Press the eject button on the top of the unit and unplug when LED indicator changes.
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How do I download the instruction book? Simply click here.
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What is new in Podcasts? Subscribe to the CastGrabber Here when available.
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