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Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX6000 Automotive AV Receiver

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Sony XAV-AX6000

Hundreds of audio-video receiver options are available to upgrade your car’s or truck’s entertainment system. Selecting one that’s easy to use, reliable and sounds great is no easy task. The car audio team at Sony has combined the most sought-after features with state-of-the-art technologies to create the XAV-AX6000 digital media receiver. This radio includes wireless Apple CarPlay and both wired and wireless Android Auto, so your smartphone’s voice recognition and internet-connected features become a crucial part of providing you with the information and entertainment you want while driving.

Sony XAV-AX6000 Source Information

Most owners will connect their Sony XAV-AX6000 to their Android or Apple phone using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to stream music from Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Tidal. You’ll also have the option of playing music files stored directly on the phone, which can be accessed using simple voice commands. Both Apple and Android-based phones can connect wirelessly to the radio using a Wi-Fi connection, so there are no cords or cables to worry about each time you get in or out of the vehicle. You can also use these smartphone connectivity solutions to get detailed, turn-by-turn navigation directions to almost any address, business or landmark in North America using Google, Waze or Apple maps. Both systems allow you to check your schedule, make phone calls, listen to incoming text messages and dictate a reply – all while keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.

Sony XAV-AX6000
You can use your Apple or Android smartphone wirelessly for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to make communicating while driving safer.

The XAV-AX6000 includes an AM/FM receiver with RDBS station information display. Users can connect a USB mass storage class device to play MP3, WMA, ACC, FLAC, WAV, ALAC or DSF/DSDIFF audio files with sampling rates up to 768 kHz (depending on the file format). The USB-C port on the rear of the chassis provides up to 3 amps of current to recharge your smartphone efficiently when connected. The XAV-AX6000 also has a micro-HDMI port on the back of the chassis so that you can connect a smartphone, computer or game system to the radio as an external multimedia source. Bluetooth audio streaming with support for high-resolution LDAC is built into the radio to maximize the sound quality of wireless audio playback on supported devices.

Sony XAV-AX6000
When your vehicle is parked, you can use the micro-HDMI input to display video from a smartphone, laptop or game system on the XAV-AX6000.

Connectivity and Control Options

The XAV-AX6000 features a 6.95-inch display with a capacitive-touch interface. The screen assembly is integrated into a bezel-less design that looks as though it belongs in the dash of your car, truck or SUV. A set of six hard buttons is included at the bottom of the screen to make volume, source selection, track selection and voice recognition activation easy without having to look at the radio.

In terms of audio features, the radio has a 20-watt-per-channel amplifier built in and can be connected to external amplifiers using the 5-volt front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs. The XAV-AX6000, the XAV-AX4000 and the XAV-9500ES offer high- and low-pass filters on all four channels with slopes that are adjustable from -12 to -48 dB/octave. Your installer can fine-tune the installation with the five-channel time alignment settings and the 14-band graphic equalizer. Many users will appreciate the ability to change the background wallpaper to a JPEG image from a USB memory stick.

Sony XAV-AX6000
Users can change the background color of the menu screens or upload their own wallpaper from a USB memory stick.

A backup camera input is also included to make it easy to see everything behind your vehicle while parking or maneuvering. The backup camera image will display automatically when the transmission is in reverse or can be selected manually from the source menu if you need to check on a trailer.

Sony XAV-AX6000
A dedicated backup camera input allows the driver to see everything behind the vehicle when parking or maneuvering.

Sony has included support for the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 integration system. These modules allow the radio to talk to the computer network in your car to display information like engine speed, vehicle speed, coolant temperature and much more. Select applications include information like tire pressure, battery voltage and even climate control adjustment. Check with your local Sony retailer to learn more about your vehicle’s Maestro compatibility and features.

Sony XAV-AX6000
Support for the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 provides access to climate control adjustments in certain applications.

Upgrade Your Entertainment System with Sony

If you’re looking for a new radio to upgrade the sound quality, features and technology in your car, truck or SUV, drop by a local authorized Sony retailer and ask about the XAV-AX6000. Be sure to bring your smartphone to experience how intuitive and responsive the system is. To learn more about Sony car audio products, check out the Sony Car and Marine Audio website. You can also follow Sony on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep up with their latest product releases and new information.

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.

A Close Look at the DroneMobile Car Starter Remote Control System

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DroneMobile Remote Control

DroneMobile is undoubtedly one of the best solutions to control a remote car starter or security system in your car or truck. While the traditional key fob remote is a great backup, being able to send commands to your vehicle from almost anywhere using your smartphone is ultra-convenient. Better yet, your vehicle can use DroneMobile to send notifications to advise you if someone is tampering with it. Let’s take a close look at some of the features of this impressive vehicle control and communication system.

What Is DroneMobile?

Telematics is the name given to solutions used to monitor the location and operation of cars and trucks using a telecommunication system. Suppose your vehicle has a Compustar, iDataStart or iDatalink remote car starter or security system. In that case, DroneMobile allows you to use your smartphone to send commands to the system controller in the vehicle instead of a traditional key fob. The system uses an application on your Android or Apple smartphone to talk to a DroneMobile computer module in your vehicle using the cellular data network. You can send unlock, lock or remote start commands with a simple touch of a button. Auxiliary outputs and trunk release control are also available. You can even activate the panic feature right from your phone.

DroneMobile Remote Control
The DroneMobile App makes it easy to send remote start, locking and unlocking and trunk release commands to your vehicle.

When you launch the DroneMobile app, you’ll initially see a status screen display for the last vehicle you sent commands to. Indeed, DroneMobile will work with any number of vehicles, making it perfect for a family with two cars or a company with a fleet of commercial vehicles. The status screen displays the battery voltage and the temperature inside your car or truck (if you have a temperature sensor built into your remote car starter). All of these functions are included with the Basic service package, which costs as little as $3.99 a month. That’s much less than most factory-installed telematics systems cost.

DroneMobile Remote Control
Vehicle battery voltage and internal temperature information can easily be seen on the status screen of the DroneMobile app.

Vehicle Security Features

Another essential feature of DroneMobile is its security features. If you have a Compustar car alarm or have added the DAS or DAS-II sensor to a Compustar remote car starter, then alerts from the alarm will show up on your phone as a notification. If you have installed the DroneMobile app on your smartwatch, the notifications will also show up there.

DroneMobile Remote Control
Alarm notifications will be displayed on a smartwatch when the DroneMobile App is installed.

Another feature included in the Premium and higher packages is towing alerts. If your vehicle is moved without the ignition being turned on, you’ll get an instant notification on your smartphone. If you have a luxury or exotic vehicle and are concerned that someone might tow it away in the middle of the night, this feature is a perfect way to protect your pride and joy.

Find and Track Your Vehicle or Fleet

If you opt for the Premium service plan, you can access a full suite of GPS-based functions and warnings. When you log into the app, DroneMobile will show you exactly where your vehicle is located on Apple or Google maps. Tapping on the map screen will enlarge the map and show you the engine status (off or running); if the vehicle is moving, it will display how fast it’s traveling. This feature is quite handy if you share your car or truck with a family member.

DroneMobile Remote Control
The DroneMobile system will let you know where your vehicle is and how fast it’s traveling with a few quick taps.

You can also configure GPS-based alerts and notifications. Speed Monitoring will notify you if the vehicle exceeds a predefined limit. Likewise, you can set curfew hours and receive a notification if the vehicle is started during that time. These features are excellent for business owners with a fleet of vehicles.

DroneMobile Remote Control
The advanced tracking features are like having a silent watchdog that keeps an eye on your vehicle for you.

The Premium plan also includes user-configurable Point of Interest and geofence warnings. If one of your kids borrows the family vehicle to go to work, you can configure a geofence around the location and receive a notification when they arrive and when they leave. This is also an excellent feature for company vehicles that are intended for use in specific areas.

DroneMobile Remote Control
It’s easy to configure a geofence around a destination to receive alerts from the DroneMobile system.

The Premium service plan will also track how far the vehicle has been driven to let you know when it’s time for service and maintenance. Should the computer in your car or truck produce a check engine light or error code, DroneMobile can forward that information to you.

Advanced GPS Features Are Great for Business

The DroneMobile Premium Plus and Ultimate service plans add detailed breadcrumb trails and turn-by-turn tracking. If you use your vehicle for work, the system will log each trip. You can log into the DroneMobile website to generate travel reports for your expenses. That information is stored for six months, so there is lots of time to create reports for income tax purposes.

DroneMobile Remote Control
The turn-by-turn and breadcrumb trail features of the Premium Plus service plan are excellent tools for fleet owners.

High-Speed Communication

One complaint we hear from people using factory-installed smartphone control systems is that they seem to take forever to send commands from the smartphone app to the vehicle. We’ve heard from many people that the process can take 30 to 60 seconds. DroneMobile modules are built using LTE-based cellular communication radios, and the authentication database is hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The result is a system that works with lightning-quick speed. In most cases, commands from your phone or watch are received and executed by the vehicle in two to three seconds. You’ll get confirmation back to the app that whatever command you’ve requested has been completed in the same blazing-fast time.

Ready When You Are

Compustar bundles a Drone X1 module with most of its premium two-way remote-control systems. New users are provided a 30-day Premium trial to experiment with the system’s features. An important consideration is that you can activate DroneMobile as you need it. If you don’t need to remote start your vehicle in the summer and only use the system in the winter, you can pay for service from December to March. Should your vehicle be stolen or you lock your keys inside and need access, you can activate the subscription and use the tracking or unlock the doors in a few minutes. You can even use DroneMobile from a desktop computer connected to the internet by visiting the DroneMobile website. One of our co-workers managed to lock his keys and phone in his truck. He used a computer at the restaurant he was dining at to log into the website and send an unlock command to the vehicle. The whole process took only a few minutes. You can even log into the dronemobile.com website using the web browser on a smartphone or tablet. As long as you have internet access, you are connected.

DroneMobile Remote Control
The DroneMobile website lets you send commands to your vehicle quickly and easily.

DroneMobile – The Ultimate Vehicle Control and Monitoring System

If you want to communicate with the remote car starter or security system in your car or truck from almost anywhere in the country, visit a local authorized Compustar or iDataStart retailer and ask about adding DroneMobile. Once you’re used to its speed and convenience, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

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 T2S1-16 Subwoofer

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Rockford Fosgate T2S1-16

When it comes to car audio subwoofers, Rockford Fosgate has solutions for everyone. Whether you need something affordable for the daily driver or want ground-shaking bass that registers incredible SPL measurements on the meter, they have you covered. At the top end of the scale is the Power Series T2S1-16 and its brother, the T2S2-16. These massive 16-inch subwoofers are rated to handle 2,500 watts of power and move air like you’ve never experienced before.

Rockford Fosgate T2S1-16 Features

The T2S1-16 is a 16-inch subwoofer with an effective cone area of about 1.25 square yards. Compare that to a typical 15-inch subwoofer, and you have almost 24% more cone area. That means more efficiency from every watt of power from your amplifier. This subwoofer is based on a proprietary die-cast aluminum chassis that includes twin spider mounting plateaus and extensive cooling vents around the voice coil. Ensuring that everything remains aligned and linear at high excursion levels is paramount with a cone assembly that weighs just shy of 1.25 pounds. The twin progressive Nomex spiders are spaced apart to help prevent rocking when things get loud.

The massive cone includes twin glass fiber layers sandwiched over an aramid honeycomb core to deliver amazing strength and rigidity. An aluminum dust cap with the Rockford Fosgate logo in silver keeps debris out of the monster 3.96-inch aluminum voice coil former. The voice coil winding is edge-wound to optimize flux density and provide excellent efficiency. Edge winding a flat wire is a difficult process and nearly unheard of in car audio, so this tells me it’s designed for sound quality as well as efficiency. The tinsel leads from the coil to the massive eight-AWG terminals are sewn to the spiders to keep them under control.

Rockford Fosgate T2S1-16
The T2S1-16 aluminum trim ring gives it a neat finish once installed in your vehicle.

An injection-molded foam surround at the top of the cone is secured to the basket with an aluminum clamping ring. The T2S1-16 uses Rockford Fosgate’s Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) to optimize the cone area of the driver. This method eliminates the 90-degree mounting angle typically used to secure surrounds to a basket while helping to increase the radiating cone area for more SPL.

The design engineers at Rockford Fosgate included a unique inductive damping heatsink on top of the motor assembly. The heatsink fins help radiate heat and keep the voice coil cool. More importantly, the copper assembly dramatically reduces voice coil inductance to minimize distortion and improve midbass response. The 1-ohm T2S1-16 has a voice coil inductance (Le) specification of a mere 0.53 millihenries. Competing products are often two to four times higher, leading to changes in performance based on cone position. For reference, the T2S2-16 is a single voice coil 2-ohm driver with all the same features. Three 11-pound (5-kilogram) segmented ferrite magnets are stacked on the bottom of the driver to drive this monster.

Last and certainly not least, we should talk about dimensions. The T2S1-16 requires a speaker cut-out with a diameter of 15.04 inches and a mounting depth of 10.47 inches. You will want to have eaten at least two bowls of Wheaties before attempting to handle this roughly 85-pound behemoth.

Rockford Fosgate T2S1-16
The segmented ceramic magnets dramatically increase surface area to improve voice coil cooling and reduce power compression.

Room to Boom

Rockford Fosgate offers two enclosure recommendations for the T2S1-16 on its website. If space is at a premium, then a sealed enclosure with a net internal air volume of 2.3 cubic feet provides a -3 dB frequency of 43.3 and a Qtc of 0.74. If you really want to rock, a vented enclosure with a net internal volume of 5.5 cubic feet and three 4-inch vents tuned to 35 hertz will get pretty serious. The F3 frequency of the vented enclosure is 29 Hz, and you’ll have picked up more than 10 dB of output at 40 hertz compared with the sealed enclosure for the same amplifier power. Even with 5,000-watt peaks in terms of drive power, the T2S1-16 won’t reach the jaw-dropping 34-millimeter Xmax rating of the sub at any frequency above 23 Hz. If you need a high-power subwoofer for a home theater or even a small movie theater, a vented enclosure with a slightly lower tuning frequency will be nearly flat to 20 Hz and capable of producing enough bass to make you think a jet engine or explosion is happening in the same room.

Rockford Fosgate T2S1-16
Predicted free-field output of the Rockford Fosgate T2S1-16 in a 2.4-cubic-foot sealed enclosure (red) and a 5.5-cubic-foot vented enclosure (yellow).

Feed Your Need for Bass with Rockford Fosgate

If you demand the best when it comes to high-output car audio subwoofers, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the amazing Power Series T2S1-16 16-inch subwoofer. This sub is a perfect match for the T2500-1bdCP amp we looked at a few weeks ago.

You can learn more about Rockford Fosgate Power Series products by visiting their website. Be sure to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to be the first to learn about their solutions for car, motorcycle, marine and powersports fanatics.

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.

The Importance of Proper Cables and Wiring

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WiringInstalling mobile electronics systems is not as easy as it used to be. In the “good old days,” cars were made from thick metal and didn’t have many electrical components. Modern vehicle construction makes use of the thinnest, lightest materials possible. These body panels are held together with non-conductive adhesives, and it seems that every square inch of our cars and trucks are packed with computers, sensors and modules. Even a task as simple as wiring an amplifier can become quite complex.

In this Best Car Audio article, we look at the importance of proper wiring techniques and materials, and the effect they have on the performance of an aftermarket audio system upgrade.

Power Delivery

WiringThis article is about installing a five-channel amplifier in a vehicle with a factory head unit. There are two important tasks when it comes to installing an amp: getting a signal to it and getting power to it. For an amplifier to produce power, you need to feed it power. The primary source of power in our vehicles is the alternator, followed by the battery. Most people focus on running a large conductor from the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the amplifier. While this is important, where and how the amplifier is grounded is equally important.

Quality installers will know the best locations on a vehicle to make a ground connection. They will know how to handle a vehicle with an aluminum or composite chassis. They will know how to recognize vehicles that are assembled with adhesives instead of spot welds. If you are installing a large amplifier, they will know how to upgrade the factory wiring under the hood to handle the extra current draw.

Wiring
It is best practice to install the fuse as close to the battery as possible.

Protecting your vehicle is a part of installing power wire. In the unlikely event you get into an accident or something bad happens to your amplifier, the wiring and the equipment installed in your vehicle need protection in the form of a fuse. A good installer will install a fuse as close as possible to each source of power for the system. In most installations, this is near the main battery.

Some systems have secondary batteries and require additional fuses for proper protection. If you have the choice, a fuse provides better protection device than a circuit breaker. Fuses offer more surface area for power conduction. Also, there is absolutely no chance that a properly installed fuse could fail in a condition that may allow current to continue to pass.

Signal Integration

The audio systems in modern vehicles are becoming increasingly complex. Manufacturers (JBL, Infinity and Lexicon) are turning to suppliers like Bose and Harman for increasingly complex audio systems. Each of these companies employs highly trained engineers who spend months tuning each new system.

Wiring
Technicians use an RTA to gain a visual representation of audio signals.

Trying to source an audio signal that will work with aftermarket equipment is becoming increasingly difficult at the same time. A properly trained installer will have the knowledge and experience to measure the signals in the factory system to determine if they can be used as is. If the signals are not acceptable in level, frequency response or bandwidth, your installer can recommend the correct component to correct them.

Your installer will also know to test each signal source across multiple functions. Ensuring that factory Bluetooth, navigation prompts and parking sensor warnings continue to work as intended is important to you being able to enjoy your upgraded audio system.

Noise Prevention

Wiring
Proper wire routing can help reduce the chance of radiated noise.

Dealing with factory computers, sensors, data networks and other high-current components can cause interference with the delicate low-level audio signals we send to our amplifiers. If you are not using good-quality interconnects that offer a twisted-pair design and appropriate shielding, you leave yourself open to picking up all sorts of strange noises. Likewise, choosing the right equipment is critical. You want to ensure that each component in the signal path has differential inputs to reject any noise that might be imposed on your interconnects, or the speaker wires running to the input of your amplifier.

The amplified signal coming from your amp is still subject to noise. Passive crossover networks can be notorious for picking up electromagnetic noise. Where your installer places the passive networks is quite important. An experienced installer knows what to avoid for your system to sound great and be noise-free.

Choice of Wiring Materials

Wiring
OFC wire is often tinned to help reduce surface oxidation.

There are two options for power and speaker wire – CCA and what most refer to as OFC. CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminum. CCA typically is an inexpensive wire that is part aluminum and part copper. Aluminum costs less than copper, but it also does not conduct as well. You will usually see CCA wiring labeled with Gauge or GA when referencing its size. It is also worth noting that, unless the wiring you have chosen says AWG on it, there is no standard for the size of the conductor within the jacket.

Combine that with not knowing the ratio of copper to aluminum, and you run the risk of starving your amplifier for power. We have seen CCA 4 gauge wires that present almost four times the resistance as a proper 4 AWG conductor.

OFC stands for Oxygen-Free Copper. The term OFC has become the accepted slang term for all copper wiring. Properly sized copper wiring (using the AWG standard) offers the best possible power delivery to your amplifier.

Working on modern vehicles has its challenges, but those challenges come with rewards regarding background noise levels, convenience and features. Trust the installation of your audio equipment to qualified professionals. They have the experience to get the job done right the first time. Visit your local mobile electronics retailer to find out more.

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: iDatastart VWX Remote Starter for Volkswagen and Audi

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Volkswagen Car Starter

Volkswagen, Audi and Bentley vehicle owners are in luck! The VWX remote car starter from iDatastart was specifically designed for your vehicle. Starting your car a few minutes before leaving for work or the drive home will let the engine warm up in the winter or allow the air conditioning to cool things off in the summer. Either way, your drive will be much more enjoyable. Let’s take a close look at the features and some of the options available from this unique remote car starter.

iDatastart VWX Features and Compatibility

The VWX includes all the inputs and outputs necessary to allow it to start Volkswagen and Audi vehicles reliably. Aside from starting your Golf, Jetta, A3 or A4, you have complete remote control over door locking, unlocking and trunk or hatch release control on compatible models. The system includes a dedicated output for the vehicle horn, and an optional siren can be added to provide enhanced security and protection. The system can monitor the hood, trunk and door status to let you know if someone is trying to break in.

Depending on the specific year, make, and model of the Volkswagen or Audi vehicle you own, the VWX can automatically activate the rear window defroster and factory-installed heated or cooled seats after the vehicle is started.

Volkswagen Car Starter
The IDatastart VWX is a remote car starter controller specifically designed to work with Audi, Volkswagen and Bentley vehicles.

Remote Control Options

The VWX can be used with current Compustar remote control kits, including the fantastic 3-mile-range, two-way T13 LCD unit or the one-button R5. The new Q9 remote is an excellent option for a price-conscious two-way remote with an LCD screen. Two-way communication lets you know that a lock, unlock or remote start request sent from the remote has been received by the VWX controller in the vehicle.

Volkswagen Car Starter
Compustar offers a variety of remotes like the Q9, T13, R5 or R3 that work with the VWX controller.

For the ultimate convenience, you can pair the VWX with the DroneMobile smartphone telematic control system. You can send commands over the cellular data network to your vehicle using an app on your Apple or Android-based smartphone and a communication module connected to the VWX in the vehicle. You can check to ensure that the doors are locked when the car is parked at the airport and you’re sitting at the pool bar at a resort in the Bahamas.

Using one of the Premium service plans for DroneMobile adds GPS locating and alert options. You will get a notification any time your vehicle moves or an alert if someone drives off after bedtime. If you share your car or SUV with a family member, a quick tap on the smartphone app will let you know exactly where your vehicle is and how fast it’s traveling.

If your vehicle comes with a keyless entry fob, the iDatastart VWX can be programmed to work with that remote. Pressing unlock will not only open the doors but deactivate the security features of the VWX. The VWX can be configured to remote start the vehicle if you press the lock button on the factory remotes three times in quick succession. This feature is called 3X Lock Start and is handy if you want to use the factory key fob to keep your keychain uncluttered, along with DroneMobile for those times when you are too far away from the RF remote.

Volkswagen Car Starter
DroneMobile is an easy way to remote start or unlock your Volkswagen or Audi from almost anywhere using your smartphone.

Upgrade Your Comfort with a Volkswagen or Audi Remote Starter

If you are shopping for a remote car starter for a 2006 or newer Volkswagen or Audi (or a Bentley Bentayga), drop by a local authorized retailer and ask about the iDatastart VWX system. They can explain exactly which features and functions are compatible with your vehicle’s specific year, model and trim level. The dealer will also help you choose the best remote control solution based on where you park the vehicle at home, at work and out on the town. Ensuring that you have the right control options and range is crucial to warming up or cooling the vehicle long before it’s time to drive off.

For more information on the iDatastart VWX, you can visit the iData website. In the United States, iDatastart products are distributed by Firstech, the parent company of Compustar. Most Compustar retailers have access to this unique Volkswagen and Audi-specific car starter solution.

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.