Devine Concepts

Mobile Electronics Expert in Naples, Florida

BestCarAudio.com

Product Spotlight: Compustar CSX7905-A Premium Car Alarm System

-

Compustar CSX7905-A

Protecting your car or truck from theft or vandalism requires constant monitoring. While sleeping in your vehicle all night might be one solution, it isn’t really an option. The Compustar CSX7905-A vehicle security system includes a long-range two-way RF remote control and the Drone X1-LTE with the DroneMobile App so that you know what’s going on – whether you’re six blocks or 60 miles away. Let’s delve into the features of Compustar’s flagship car alarm system and why it’s the best way to protect your investment.

Communication Enables Easy Monitoring

With the CSX7905-A, you have two ways of knowing if someone is tampering with your vehicle. The system includes a two-way T9 LCD remote control that offers up to 3,000 feet of range. The remote features an LCD screen that provides details on the security system status. Should the alarm go off, the remote will beep, and an icon will show you what zone triggered the alert.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The two-way T9 remote includes an LCD screen that will let you know when the security system has received and executed commands from the remote.

Even if your apartment is 15 floors up, or you work in a large factory or a building like a hospital, then the included Drone X1-LTE Smartphone Telematics module is the perfect solution. The Drone hardware uses the cell phone data network to relay information to the DroneMobile app on your phone and commands from the app back to your vehicle. If the shock sensor is triggered, a door opens or even something as simple as the ignition turns on, you get a notification on your Apple iOS or Android-based smartphone in a second or two. Based on those alerts, you can decide to check on your vehicle or alert the authorities.

The Drone X1-LTE module includes a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that adds a second level of protection. If someone were to drag your car or truck onto a flatbed, you’d get a tow alert on the DroneMobile app that lets you know your vehicle was moved without authorization. You can track its location and notify the police. In many cases, vehicles stolen this way are returned in a few hours instead of being shipped out of the country, never to be seen again. Your Compustar retailer can help you choose a DroneMobile subscription service that offers the communication and security features to suit your needs.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The DroneMobile system will relay alerts from your CSX7905-A and the optional DAS-II to your smartphone so you can monitor your vehicle from anywhere that you have internet access.

On-Board Security Features

The CM2400 security module at the heart of the CSX7905-A monitors door, hood and truck pins and includes a two-stage analog shock sensor. Compustar includes their E-Lock starter disable relay that prevents hot-wiring of your ignition system. Of course, Compustar includes a dash-mountable warning LED to let would-be thieves know they are up for a challenge. The included 105+ dB siren draws attention to the vehicle should a persistent thief decide he or she wants in.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The CSX7905-A includes one of Compustar’s 105+ dB sirens that will help warn thieves that a high-quality security system protects your vehicle.

The flexibility of the CM2400 allows your installer to add upgraded security features for advanced protection. Perhaps the most popular upgrade is the DAS-II sensor. This four-zone security module includes a two-stage digital shock sensor, a motion and tilt sensor and a microphone calibrated to monitor glass breakage. The optional FT-KP2 keypad works like the number pad many vehicle manufacturers include by the door handle on some vehicles. By entering a user-selected code, you can disarm the security system and unlock the vehicle. The FT-KP2 keypad mounts on the inside of the windshield. Touch the glass on the outside to enter the code and arm or disarm the system.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The optional DAS-II sensor adds digital shock, motion and tilt detection along with glass-breakage monitoring to help protect your vehicle.

Another upgrade option is the Drone X1-MAX. The X1-MAX hardware includes a built-in backup battery. If a thief cuts a battery cable in hopes of disabling your security system, the X1-MAX will continue to send you alerts and allow you to monitor the vehicle location. The X1-MAX also includes a shock, tilt and glass-breakage sensor.

Of course, all Drone solutions let you monitor the temperature inside the vehicle and its battery voltage. You can lock and unlock the doors and pop the trunk or tailgate if your vehicle has an electronic release option.

Compustar CSX7905-A
DroneMobile will let you check the temperature inside your vehicle and ensure that the doors are closed and locked.

Protect Your Vehicle With the Best Car Alarm Available

If you’re worried about theft or vandalism, visit a local authorized Compustar retailer today to learn more about the CSX7905-A and how it can keep your vehicle safe and secure. You can find a retailer near you by using the Dealer Locator on their website. To learn more about Compustar car alarm systems, follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to visit their YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

What Is Signal-To-Noise Ratio, And Why Does It Matter?

-

Signal-To-Noise RatioMost people understand the importance of amplifier power specifications. In most cases, more power is a good thing, that is, until you reach the thermal or suspension limits of the speakers you are using. One specification that is also very important in a mobile electronics amplifier, processor or source unit is Signal-to-Noise Ratio. In this article, we are going to explain what S/N Ratio numbers are and why they are important.

All the Noise, all the Time!

Signal-To-Noise RatioIt just so happens that when you pass a signal through any device – like a piece of wire, resistor, capacitor, inductor, transistor or anything else you can think of – a tiny little bit of noise is added to the signal. There are many different kinds of noise. The random motion of electrons bouncing around as they pass through a device causes thermal noise. Higher temperatures result in more noise. Another common noise is Shot Noise. The difference in arrival times of electrons as they cross a barrier or gap between two materials causes Shot Noise. Devices like transistors and diodes, which have different layers of materials inside, are common sources of Shot Noise. There are many more types of noise.

As you can imagine, the amount of noise generated by any one of these devices is minuscule. When you add up a little bit of noise from a bunch of components, then you amplify the resulting signal, the amount of noise in the output of a circuit grows dramatically.

Noise happens in source units, signal processors and amplifiers. Once you add noise to the signal chain, it’s essentially impossible to remove it.

The Sound of Noise

Signal-To-Noise RatioAn easy way to hear what noise sounds like is to connect a set of headphones to your laptop computer and turn the volume up fairly high. You’ll hear a hiss through the headphones. That’s noise. (Note: Please be careful, we want you as an audio enthusiast for life. Take those headphones off before your computer plays a sound and you risk damaging your hearing.)

How We Measure Noise

Signal-To-Noise RatioThere are a few ways to quantify the noise an electronic component creates. One method is to simply state the noise on the output of the device in absolute terms. The measurement could be in volts or watts, and quantifies the amplitude of the noise signal. You won’t see this used to describe audio components, however.

The most common method of quantifying the noise that a product adds to the signal is to compare the noise level to that of the audio signal coming out of the device. Because the difference in these levels can be quite large, we state the ratio of the signal level to the noise level using the decibel (dB) scale. The decibel scale is logarithmic. As such, a difference of 6 dB represents a doubling of the amplitude ratio, 20 dB is ten times the amplitude, 40 dB is 100 times, 60 dB is 1000 times and 80 dB is 10,000 times and so on.

Let us look at a moderate quality amplifier – nothing awesome, nothing disastrous. We see that this fictional amplifier has a S/N Ratio of -82.3 dB when referenced to 1 watt of power output into a 4-ohm load. What does that mean? Well, first, we know that to produce 1 watt of power into a 4-ohm speaker, we need 2 volts RMS of signal coming out of the amp. Our noise level is 82.3 dB quieter than 2 volts. Using an online calculator, that means that the noise produced by this amp is 0.00006918309709189363 times smaller than 2 volts, so it’s about 0.000138 volts. A little more math and that works out to 4.785 nanowatts.

Nope. That isn’t very much noise. And in most cases, you probably can’t hear it.

What if we work hard and find a below-average amplifier? Something with a S/N spec down around 70 dB? If we apply that math to our 2 volts of rated output, we get a noise level of 99.99 nanowatts. Yep, that’s a LOT more watts as compared to the previous example.

Clarifying the Mysterious Signal-To-Noise Ratio

If you look at an amp spec from more than about 10 years ago, or you see a number that is abnormally high, they may be rating the noise level using the maximum output capability of the amplifier as the comparing factor. If we measure an amplifier’s noise output level at 1 watt to be 85 dB, then you increase the amplifier’s output to 10 watts, assuming it doesn’t make any additional noise, the S/N ratio will be -95 dB. If the amp can produce 100 watts with no more noise, the ratio is now -105 dB. There are hundreds of amps that can produce 1000 watts – so that noise ratio measurement would now be -115 dB. When it comes to printing numbers on a gift box, in a brochure or publishing them on a website, being able to say that the S/N Ratio is -115 dB sure looks more appealing than -85 dB.

Signal-To-Noise RatioThe CEA-2006 specification established a standard set of guidelines for S/N Ratio noise measurement. The specification dictates that we measure the S/N Ratio compared to 1 watt of output into a 4-ohm load. A new specification is in the works that will help quantify the adjustment of the sensitivity setting on the amplifier during the measurement process. As it sits, the lower the setting of the amp, the better the S/N ratio measurement will be. Want to confirm this? Next time you are installing an amp, turn the system on with no signal connected to the amp and listen to the speakers. Then turn the amp gain up all the way. You will hear the noise level increase. Please turn the gain back down and shut the system off before proceeding.

Why is the Lack of Noise Important?

How can we quantify the desire not to add noise to our signal? Here is a simple analogy. If you purchased a TV in recent years, you may have heard the expression ‘blacker blacks.’ ‘Blacker blacks’ refers to how dark the screen gets when there is no signal. Blacker is better. When you think about your audio system, a ‘more negative’ S/N ratio means that the noise is quieter than the audio signal. We don’t want to listen to noise. -90 dB is better than -80 dB. Go it? Clear?

There are so many criteria to balance when choosing any car audio product. Power levels, efficiencies, distortion characteristics, features and functions all play an important role. Understanding the meaning of the S/N ratio measurement is very important. We don’t want ANY distortion or noise added to our music, but the laws of physics deny us that luxury. Do your best to choose products that, through careful design and choice of internal components, minimize these negative effects. Your local mobile electronics specialist can help steer you towards some amazing equipment. Drop in and check out what’s new.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate P300-10T Powered Subwoofer

-

Rockford P300-10T

Adding great bass to your truck’s audio system is easy with the Rockford Fosgate P300-10T powered subwoofer enclosure. This 10-inch bass upgrade system includes a Punch 10-inch subwoofer installed in an optimized enclosure and features a 300-watt power amplifier. Best of all, the system is ready to connect to a factory-installed audio system or an aftermarket source unit. If you’re looking for a way to add great bass to your truck, this is a fantastic option!

Punch Series Powered Truck Subwoofer System

Rockford P300-10TFitting in between the Power and Prime product echelons is the venerable Punch . Products in this range balance performance and value to deliver better-than-expected sound quality and reliability. The P300-10T is a perfect example of this philosophy as it combines a carefully thought-out enclosure with a high-quality subwoofer and a potent amplifier.

The enclosure features CNC-cut 5/8-inch MDF construction and has a durable vinyl-wrapped finish that resists damage from scuffs and scratches. The face, top and back of the enclosure have a carbon-fiber pattern in the vinyl, and the end panels are a classic leather-like grain. The enclosure is an acoustic-suspension (sealed) design that allows the overall size to remain compact. In terms of dimensions, the unit is 21.7 inches wide, 13.3 inches tall and measures a slim 7.9 inches deep at the base and only 4.8-inches deep at the top. Unlike enclosures designed for cars and SUVs, this truck enclosure has the driver mounted on the angled panel to fire into the seat. A durable mesh grille protects the subwoofer from damage. If you’re looking for a similar solution for a car or SUV, check out the P300-10 with the subwoofer mounted on the vertical panel.

The subwoofer included in the P300-10T is bespoke to this system but draws features and technologies from the Punch and Power series stand-alone woofers. As such, it features extensive voice coil cooling technologies like a large-diameter pole piece vent, vents under the voice coil in the bottom plate, venting under the spider mounting plateau and vents in the base of the cone. What makes the driver genuinely unique is its low-impedance design. Rather than the typical 4- or 2-ohm load we’re used to, it’s much lower so that the amplifier doesn’t need an expensive step-up power supply to produce impressive power levels. The result is a combination that offers good efficiency and excellent output.

Rockford Fosgate P300-10T Amplifier Features

Rockford P300-10TThe engineers at Rockford know what they’re doing when it comes to car audio component design. The amp in the P300-10T includes all the features your installer will need to integrate the system into your vehicle and make it sound amazing. First, with up to 300 watts of power on top, there’s no problem with the system playing loudly enough to keep up with the rest of the speakers in your truck while giving you a nice back massage.

The amp features a sensitivity control that allows the unit to make full power with signals between 150 mV and 6 volts. A switch adds an attenuator to the input so that the RCA pigtails can be cut off the provided harness to connect the amp to a factory-installed radio. In this mode, the maximum audio signal input voltage is 12 volts. A switch lets your installer can select from the remote turn-on input, DC offset sensing or audio signal sensing. The latter two options turn the subwoofer on automatically when a factory-installed radio turns on or starts playing music.

The adjustable electronic crossover is variable from 50 to 200 Hz, and the filter has a -12 dB/octave slope. A bass boost control is adjustable from 0 to +12 dB, and a polarity control switch that inverts the output from 0 to 180 degrees is included for quick system configuration. Last but certainly not least, the system includes a Punch Level Control that your installer can mount in the front of the vehicle. This control lets you fine-tune the system output to suit the music you listen to or your mood.

Electrical connections for eight-AWG power and ground wires, along with the remote lead, are made by a durable quick-release connector. Likewise, the audio input is on a Molex connector, and the Punch Level Control uses a 1/8-inch headphone jack. As such, the enclosure can be removed from the vehicle quickly and easily if you need extra cargo space.

Upgrade Your Truck with an Amazing Subwoofer System Today

If the stereo in your truck is like most on the road, adding a subwoofer system is one of the best upgrades you can make. The Rockford Fosgate P300-10T is a great solution to warm up your music or add some kick and get the mirror shaking. Drop by your local authorized Rockford Fosgate dealer and ask about upgrading your truck today! Be sure to follow our friends from Tempe by visiting the Rockford Fosgate website, their Facebook page, Instagram page and their YouTube channel for updates on all the latest new products.

Product Spotlight: Compustar CS852-A Car Alarm System

-

Compustar CS852-A

A car alarm system like the Compustar CS852-A helps protect the contents of your car or truck and dramatically reduces the chances of vehicle theft. As a step-up solution from the CS697-A, this alarm system offers increased remote-control range and a high-output siren to ward off would-be criminals.

Reliable Vehicle Theft Protection

At the heart of the CS852-A is the Compustar CM2400 Security Control Module. This powerful yet compact microcomputer can monitor the doors, hood and trunk of your car or truck to alert you if someone has tampered with your vehicle. An integrated dual-stage shock sensor monitors the body of the vehicle for impacts. A mild impact will trigger a warning blast from the included high-output 105+dB siren. An impact from car door or an inattentive driver that will cause damage to the vehicle triggers the full siren. The system can also flash the parking lights and sound the horn to attract even more attention and scare off criminals.

Compustar CS852-A
The 105+dB siren included with the CS852-A helps scare away thieves to protect your car or truck.

Thanks to the included E-LOCK starter kill relay, hot-wiring your car by conventional means is nearly impossible. Even if you have unlocked the doors with the key, so long as the alarm is armed, thieves won’t be able to start the engine.

Compustar CS852-A
The included E-LOCK relay helps prevent your vehicle from being stolen when the alarm is armed.

Long-Range Communication

The CS852-A security system includes a pair of PRO-Series G15 one-way long-range remote controls. These easy-to-use key fobs transmit lock, unlock, trunk release and auxiliary output commands from distances as far as 3,000 feet away from your car or truck. If you live in an apartment building or work in an office tower, this extra signal transmission power helps maintain communication with the vehicle through walls and other obstacles.

The CS852-A includes keyless entry functionality to upgrade almost any vehicle with power door locks. You can even opt for power trunk release and power sliding door or power tailgate operation as an option.

The PRO-Series remotes are backed by a three-year warranty, and the control module in the vehicle carries a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident with your purchase.

Compustar CS852-A
The PRO-Series one-way four-button remotes included with the CS852-A offer up to 3,000 feet of range for reliable communication.

Upgrade Your Car Alarm for Added Protection

If you want to receive warnings or alerts from your car alarm, consider upgrading it with the Drone telematics system. DroneMobile combines a cellular communication module that talks to your Compustar car alarm and relays information to the DroneMobile app on your Android or iOS smartphone. You have all the same control features right at your fingertips, and you’ll know instantly if someone is tampering with your vehicle. You can also check the battery voltage and the temperature inside the vehicle. When combined with the Premium service plan, GPS locating functionality and location-based alerts are added for an additional level of confidence.

Compustar CS852-A
Adding the Drone system to your car alarm gives you real-time two-way communication with your vehicle from anywhere that you have access to the Internet.

Another popular upgrade is the DAS-II security sensor. This four-in-one module includes a shock sensor, a digital tilt sensor, vehicle motion monitoring and a glass breakage sensor. If you are worried about someone stealing your wheels or a catalytic converter or smashing a window, adding the DAS-II is wise.

Protect Your Vehicle with Compustar Security Systems

If you’re concerned about automotive theft or vandalism, drop into one of the more than 2,000 Compustar retailers across North America and ask about their vehicle car alarm solutions like the CS852-A. You can find a shop near you by using the Dealer Locator on their website. To learn more about Compustar car alarm systems, follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to visit their YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Vehicle Lighting Upgrades Offer Many Options

-

LightingWhen it comes to driving in the dark, the quality and quantity of lighting you have is paramount to your safety, and the safety of those around you. In recent years, automakers have begun to put significant effort into their lighting systems. From the days of incandescent lighting to upgrades with halogen gases, high-intensity discharge (HID), light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and – most recently – lasers, lighting has come a long way. The aftermarket is evolving quickly as well, so let’s look at some of the options that can make your nighttime drive safer.

Light Source Options

Factory headlight replacement options are the most popular upgrades available. There are three basic options: incandescent, LED and HID. Incandescent bulbs use a high-temperature filament that glows white-hot when current passes through it. Advances in materials and the selection of gases that are used in the construction of the light bulb have improved efficiency and longevity, as well as increased light output. A few years ago, tinted incandescent bulbs were popular – they gave the white/blue appearance of high-dollar HID kits. However, any time you put something between the light source and what you are trying to illuminate, you decrease the light output. Cool? Yes. Bright? Not so much.

LightingThe latest rage is LED lights. Vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Acura MDX and new Honda Civic are available with LED headlights. These light sources are very bright. They produce full output very quickly when turned on. In the aftermarket, LED replacement headlight bulbs are becoming more and more popular. The quality of LEDs available is increasing in tandem with demand. However, the light output (measured in lumens) is still a little behind that of HID bulbs. LED lights often cost more, because not as many are being produced – a supply-and-demand issue. LED lights also require external cooling. Aluminum heat sinks, braided metal tabs and fans are common solutions for helping to dissipate the heat generated by LEDs. These can pose challenges regarding installation and available space.

The 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is credited as being the first production vehicle with HID headlights. This system works by increasing the 12V vehicle electrical system voltage up to around 100 volts. This voltage goes to a pair of electrodes in a gas-filled chamber. A steady spark between the two electrodes is what produces the light. However, it takes around 25,000 volts to get the lights to start working. That’s why you get a small, bright flash when you first turn on an HID system. HID lights are among the brightest on the market. The color of the light they produce is closer to that of sunlight, with more blue content than with incandescent bulbs.

Light Color

Lighting
Image courtesy of Vleds.com

We should talk about light color, or more accurately, light temperature is rated on the Kelvin scale. Lower numbers, around 3,500–4,500 K have significant yellow and orange content, and are similar to incandescent bulbs. Moving up the scale, 4,500–6,000 K is bluer and closer to sunlight. That said, as the blue content increases, so can the propensity for eye fatigue – blue light can be tiring to look at. You don’t want to go too high for daily use. Bulbs rated at 6,000–10,000 K are for appearance purposes only. The light becomes more purple toward the high-end of the spectrum. These are fine for a show car, but not practical or safe for daily use.

Light Intensity

Many people believe there is a direct correlation between color temperature and light output. That depends, of course, on the manufacturer of the bulb. The thinking is that lower temperatures produce more light output. Ultimately, the amount of light that is produced will determine how much and how far you can see.

Light output is measured in lumens. More lumens means more brightness, which, for a given beam pattern, means that the road will be illuminated better.

Beam Pattern

LightingWhen upgrading your headlights, it is critically important that you are conscious of the resulting beam pattern. The light that is emitted from the front your vehicle is in a specific pattern – not round like a flashlight. The beam has a flat line through it, ever so slightly below horizontal. This allows the light to illuminate the road without blinding oncoming drivers. The light should also be brighter near the edge of this cutoff, putting more light down the road rather than in front of the vehicle. Too much light in the foreground will cause your pupils to close slightly, reducing how far down the road you can see.

Likewise – and this is a great night driving tip – the brightness of the vehicle interior can have the same effect. Keep the dash and radio illumination as dim as possible. That can help you see further down the road.

If the new light bulbs you install change the beam pattern, remove them. They are not compatible with your headlights, and they will blind oncoming drivers. This is extremely dangerous and can cause accidents.

Headlight Styles

There are two types of factory headlight assemblies in use today: reflector style and projector style.

The projectors are fairly easy to recognize – they have smallish, 2–3” round lenses. Reflectors have a large, molded, mirror-finish bowl behind the light. While one is not necessarily better than the other, you do need to know which you have when you go shopping for upgrades. Aftermarket HID kits don’t typically work properly in reflector-style headlight assemblies. The beam pattern becomes uncontrolled, pointing light into the eyes of oncoming drivers. In many cases, depending on the specific design of the kit you choose, you can use an LED upgrade in those applications.

In projector-style systems, the shape of the internal reflector is designed to work with either incandescent or HID style bulbs. The position and shape of the light source differs between these two bulb types. You can often get away with putting HID bulb kits in a projector designed for Incandescent bulbs without any detrimental effects, but they may not be quite as bright or focused as an HID bulb in a projector designed specifically for that application.

Retrofits

If you are looking for the ultimate lighting upgrade, you may want to contact your local mobile electronics specialist about a retrofit. A retrofit involves removing the headlights from the vehicle, taking them apart, and installing new projectors with OEM-quality bulbs and ballasts. Most of these solutions use what is known as a bi-xenon projector. These projector assemblies have motorized shutters that move to produce a “high beam” light pattern. The output of these systems is among the best there is – perfect beam pattern, excellent cutoff and great light output. Some headlights are easier to work on than others, so contact a local specialist for details about your lights.

You can also make some cosmetic changes while the lights are apart. The installation of LED halo rings, and painting some of the interior components can have a dramatic effect on the look of the vehicle.

Wiring

LightingWhen you want to change headlights, wiring is often involved. Many new vehicles have systems in place to detect when a bulb is burnt out. They can also modulate the voltage to high-beam lighting circuits to operate them as daytime running lights.

When it comes to wiring, nobody is better than your local car audio specialist retailer. Work with them to ensure that your new light wiring can provide enough current and operates the way it should. Relays, capacitors and load resistors may be required to achieve the results you want. Don’t ever skimp on wiring – it affects the reliability of the lights you install, and your safety is at risk.

A Word of Caution About Vehicle Lighting Upgrades

We want to remind you that your headlights are a tool. They are not toys, and their performance and reliability are of the utmost importance to your safety and the safety of those you share the road with. Lighting upgrades are a great way to improve your safety at night. Drop by your local mobile electronics specialist and discuss your options.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.