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Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate P300-10T Powered Subwoofer

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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

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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

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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.

Enhance Vehicle Security with a DroneMobile Smartphone Interface

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Vehicle Security

When it comes to protecting your vehicle from damage or theft, a Compustar security system with a DroneMobile interface ensures that you are always in constant communication. Whether you’re on the sofa watching TV or across the city at your desk, DroneMobile will let you know if someone is tampering with or trying to steal your car or truck.

What Is DroneMobile?

Known as a telematics solution, the DroneMobile app is a remote-control option for your remote car starter or security system. Unlike the keychain fobs that use direct radio-frequency communication with the vehicle, DroneMobile uses the cellular phone network to relay commands from the app on your smartphone to your car or truck. More importantly, a Compustar or Arctic Start security system can send security alerts to your phone to let you know if someone is tampering with your vehicle.

DroneMobile Security Warnings

When it comes to keeping your car or truck safe, combining DroneMobile connectivity with a car starter or security system that includes the DAS-II security module is a fantastic combination. The DAS-II includes four sensors in one compact package. The integrated shock sensor monitors the vehicle for impacts. The tilt sensor will warn you if someone is lifting your car or truck to steal your wheels. The motion sensor will provide warnings if someone is trying to tow it away. Finally, the glass-breakage sensor will let you know if someone is trying to break a window.

Vehicle Security
The DAS-II 4-in-1 security sensor monitors your vehicle for movement or damage.
Vehicle Security
Another option for protecting your vehicle is the Drone X1MAX. This stand-alone system includes door lock control and all the security sensors in the DAS-II.

In a conventional installation without DroneMobile, the vehicle’s siren or horn would be the only warning that something is happening. If you’ve chosen a two-way remote control like the PRO T13 or PRO T9 (which both include the Drone hardware), then the remote will beep when a protection zone is violated as long as you are close enough to the car or truck.

If you have equipped the vehicle with DroneMobile and subscribed to at least the Basic subscription package, warnings from the DAS-II sensor, along with the door, hood and truck monitoring information, are displayed on your smartphone almost instantly. So long as you and your vehicle have access to the cellular data network, you are connected.

Vehicle Security
Alerts from a Compustar security system are forwarded to your smartphone through the DroneMobile smartphone interface.

Improved Car Security with DroneMobile Location Alerts

If you opt for the Premium, Premium Plus or Ultimate service plan for your DroneMobile system, the GPS receiver integrated into the Drone hardware can provide additional warnings. The Premium plan includes Driver Monitoring features like Speeding and Curfew alerts. The Curfew alert allows you to configure a time period when the vehicle shouldn’t be in use. If someone starts the engine, you’ll get a notification right away. Aside from the obvious security benefits, this is a great feature for monitoring fleet vehicles. Curfew alerts remain functional even if the car or truck starts with the key, so you’ll still receive notifications, even if a thief has stolen your keys.

Vehicle Security
The DroneMobile system will send alert notifications to your smartphone if the alarm system is triggered.
Vehicle Security
You can configure the DroneMobile system from the website to alert you if the vehicle is used outside of Curfew hours.
Vehicle Security
If your car goes missing, the GPS Car Finder feature will let you pinpoint its location and alert local law enforcement agencies.

Protect Your Vehicle with a Security System that includes DroneMobile

Protecting your vehicle and its contents with a Compustar or Arctic Start security system that includes a telematics interface like DroneMobile is one of the best options for maintaining the security of your vehicle and its contents. To find an authorized Compustar or Drone retailer in your area, you can use the dealer locator on their website. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for updates on the latest vehicle security and convenience solutions.

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 T1650 Euro-Fit Coaxial Speakers

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Rockford T1650

If you want a fantastic bang-for-your-buck speaker upgrade for your car or truck, check out the Rockford Fosgate T1650 Euro-Fit speaker set. Using many of the same technologies found in the popular Power Series T1 components, these speakers optimize every dimension to deliver impressive efficiency and great bass output while delivering crystal-clear sound.

What Size Are My 6.5-inch Speakers?

You’d think that cars and trucks that use “6.5-inch” speakers would all be the same, right? The reality is, some OE speakers in this class are closer to 6 inches in diameter, while others are closer to 7. Rockford’s Power Series coaxial speaker offerings include three size solutions to optimize the upgrade in your vehicle. The T16 models are 6-inch speakers and fit in cut-outs with a 5.04-inch diameter. At the other end of the scale are the T1675 speakers, which are a 6.75-inch set and require a 5.68-inch cut-out. In the middle, we have the T1650 speakers that we’ll focus on for this spotlight. These two-way drivers mount in a 5.51-inch cut-out, have an outer diameter of exactly 6.5-inches and require 2.5 inches of mounting depth.

Rockford T1650
The Euro-Fit T1650 is a true 6.5-inch speaker set with an optimized cone area to deliver excellent efficiency and bass extension when you upgrade your stereo system.

Rockford T1650 Features

The T1650 speakers are based around a custom-tooled, stamp-cast aluminum frame. Rockford Fosgate optimizes the rigidity of the design by including curved elements in both the vertical and lateral axis. Of note, there are four cooling vents near the magnet to let hot air escape from the outside of the voice coil and prevent air from pressurizing under the spider as the cone travels forward and rearward from rest. Also worthy of mentioning is the die-cut foam gasket on the rear of the mounting flange that helps to seal the speakers against the mounting surface. Not many companies include these gaskets, especially at a price point under $150 USD.

Rockford T1650
The stamp-cast basket features four cooling vents to increase power handling and improve the longevity of the T1650 speakers.

In terms of moving parts, the speakers use a carbon fiber-filled polypropylene woofer cone that’s suspended by a Santoprene rubber surround at the top and a long-lasting poly-cotton spider at the base. Rockford’s Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) optimizes cone area by minimizing the width of the surround. Of course, the design team used its Klippel test equipment during the development process to ensure that these speakers operate linearly to minimize distortion.

At the base of the cone is a 1.1-inch diameter, high-temperature aluminum voice coil former with a winding that presents a 4-ohm load for the amplifier. Spade terminals in 0.25- and 0.205-inch sizes are provided for electrical connections.

One of the features that separate this speaker’s design from most competing products is how the tweeter is mounted. In most 6.5-inch speakers, the tweeter is mounted on a post that extends forward from the T-yoke through the center of the woofer cone. While this works fine, it sacrifices some cone area and reduces the efficiency of the driver. Rockford chose to mount the tweeter on a bridge that extends from the lower edge of the basket. The tweeter is angled upward to allow the installer to optimize the delivery of the highest-frequency information to the listener.

The tweeter itself is a 1-inch aluminum-dome design that has been treated to prevent unwanted diaphragm resonance. Importantly, Rockford Fosgate has integrated a 12 dB/octave tweeter filter network into the speaker to ensure a smooth transition with the woofer.

Rockford T1650
The bridge-mounted tweeter on the T1650 speakers is angled to help direct the highest of audio frequencies toward the listener.

Going back to the basket design, these speakers feature Rockford’s FlexFit 2 mounting solution. Rather than being riddled with holes, the driver mounting lip includes eight holes and eight slots that make them compatible with a variety of vehicles to save your installer time and hassle. Last and certainly not least, Rockford includes a set of perforated steel mesh grilles with the speakers for custom installations.

Rockford T1650

Let’s Look at the T1650’s Specifications

While design features are cool, how all those components come together is crucial to recreating your music with accuracy and exuberance. Rockford Fosgate rates the T1650 to handle 75 watts of power continuously and 150 watts maximum. The drivers have a Qts spec of 0.74, indicating that they are designed for installations in an infinite baffle application like the door or rear parcel shelf of a vehicle. This Q factor also indicates that the speakers will reproduce bass without the unwanted distortion that would be found from drivers with Qts values above 0.8. With that said, the compliance (Vas) specification is low enough that an enclosure with an internal volume of 0.5 cubic foot or larger won’t result in unwanted resonance in the midbass region (100-200 Hz).

Finally, the Xmax specification, which describes how far the woofer cone can move forward or rearward from rest, is an impressive 5 mm. This spec is more excursion than on some high-end component woofers in this size range. The transducer design team at Rockford Fosgate knows what they’re doing.

Rockford T1650
The T1650 speaker set includes a set of mesh grilles for custom installations.

Upgrade the Speakers in Your Car or Truck Today

If you’re shopping for a 6.5-inch speaker set to upgrade your car audio system, drop by your local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask for a demonstration of the T1650 set. Their unique combination of features will undoubtedly prove to be impressive. You can find a Rockford Fosgate dealer near you by visiting the dealer locator on their website. You can keep up with the newest product releases from Rockford by liking their Facebook page and following their Instagram feed. They also offer informative and entertaining videos on 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.