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Product Spotlight: DroneMobile X1-MAX

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Drone X1-MAX

In the summer of 2019, Firstech introduced a new version of its Drone vehicle telematics module called the X1-MAX. This new module took everything great about Drone vehicle tracking and remote control and injected it with a healthy dose of new-feature steroids. The result is a smartphone control solution that is unparalleled in capabilities while remaining easy to use.

The Drone Telematics Platform

Just like the Drone X1-LTE interface included with such Compustar RF kits as the P2WR3, the X1-MAX includes a built-in LTE cellular radio that communicates directly with the DroneMobile servers. The DroneMobile app on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone can control door locking and unlocking, remote start functionality and several auxiliary outputs. Additionally, Drone modules can provide GPS tracking, driver monitoring, security alerts and vehicle health monitoring functions. The unit can also be integrated with a remote start controller like the CM7000 and CM7200 from Compustar for additional features or the inclusion of an RF remote option.

Drone X1-MAX
Complete control over your vehicle is as easy a few taps on the screen of your smartphone using the DroneMobile app.

Both systems include a GPS receiver that can be used with the DroneMobile smartphone app or the web interface to locate your vehicle and provide position-based geofencing alerts. Using the GPS features requires a subscription to the Premium, Premium Plus or Ultimate service plan instead of the Basic subscription.

Of course, both units will communicate directly with Compustar, Arctic Start, FTX, ADS iDatastart and Mid City Engineering car starters to control door locks and starting functionality. Control for optional auxiliary accessories like trunk release, sliding door or power windows may also be available.

Remote start, door locking and trunk release commands can be sent through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also use the DroneMobile app with your Apple Watch or an Android Smartwatch. There’s also an iPhone Widget to make it easy to access commonly-used functions almost instantly.

The DroneMobile app includes provisions for controlling and monitoring multiple vehicles. The Family Sharing feature allows others to control the vehicle from their smartphones. Sharing is also great for businesses that use Drone. Finally, driver monitoring features like curfew alerts, geofencing, trip reporting and speeding alerts are also available.

Drone X1-MAX

New Drone Hardware Features

The X1-MAX separates itself from the X1-LTE with the inclusion of a built-in lithium-ion backup battery that will maintain location and control communication if the vehicle battery is disconnected or the wiring is cut. Once you get an alert that the battery is disconnected, you’ll have more than enough time to check the vehicle to see what’s going on or contact local law enforcement.

The X1-MAX includes CAN/OBD network connectivity hardware so that the module can communicate directly with the computer system in your vehicle. For example, should the ECM in the vehicle generate a Diagnostics Trouble Code (DTC), the Drone system will push that information through to your smartphone. Fuel level monitoring will also be available on many vehicles. These features are still in the final testing stages and, according to Firstech, should be available in the fall of 2020.

The X1-MAX system includes onboard security sensors for impact, glass breakage and tilt. If someone tries to jack the car up to steal your wheels, you’ll get a notification on your smartphone. Likewise, if a thief attempts to break a window, or if someone bumps into your vehicle, those conditions will also send an alert. Interestingly and conveniently, users can adjust the shock sensor sensitivity directly from the DroneMobile app. The tilt sensor also functions as an accelerometer so that warnings about abrupt acceleration or braking can be logged or sent to the phone application.

Finally, the X1-MAX includes a Bluetooth 4.2 radio. You can pair your smartphone directly to the system to control all the functions from the DroneMobile app. If you are traveling to a campsite or cottage outside of cellphone coverage range, Bluetooth ensures that you have complete control over the vehicle.

Drone X1-MAX

Control Your Vehicle from Almost Anywhere

Firstech recently upgraded the behind-the-scenes control system for Drone to use Amazon Web Services IoT for lightning-fast connectivity and fantastic reliability. Globally recognized companies like Formula 1, Volkswagen Group, and, of course, Amazon trust AWS IoT for their cloud-based services.

The X1-MAX is currently available for purchase exclusively in the United States.

Drone telematics systems have quickly become the industry reference for features and intuitive functionality. If you’re looking for a long-range remote control, vehicle tracking and maintenance logging solution for your car, truck or SUV, visit your local authorized Drone retailer. You can learn more about Drone by visiting their website, Facebook page, YouTube channel or Instagram. You can find a local retailer using their online dealer locator.

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: Sony DSX-M80 Marine Bluetooth Receiver

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Sony DSX-M80The introduction of the DSX-M80 Bluetooth receiver marks the newest version of Sony’s marine-grade High Power head unit in its current product line. It replaces the MEX-M100BT, which debuted Sony’s proprietary impressive High Power technology at 45-watts by four from its internal amplifier to a marine-grade radio. The fun doesn’t stop there – dual USB ports, dual Bluetooth connectivity, UV-resistant materials used for the face and trim, anti-corrosive coatings on its electronics and a suite of signal processing features make this radio an excellent solution for boats as well as powersports applications.

Sony DSX-M80

Sony High Power Source Unit Amplifier

Unlike typical car radios that use a single integrated circuit powered directly from the vehicle battery voltage, Sony has included a switching power supply and a four-channel Class D amp in the chassis of the DSX-M80. This amp is capable of producing at least 45 watts of power per channel into 4-ohm loads and is 2-ohm stable to bring even more power in that configuration. Sony also includes its Subwoofer Direct Mode, which lets you feed even more power to a single rear output connected to a subwoofer setup to bring your audio system to life without the need for an external amplifier.

Sony DSX-M80 Design and Interface

The display on the DSX-M80 features a high-contrast design with a white panel and black text that works well in bright sunlight. The 14-segment, 12-character display allows song titles and radio station information to be displayed accurately. The display and button backlighting colors can be set to any of more than 34,000 options, or you can use the Sound Sync mode to have the display change to the beat of your music. A key feature for marine applications is the inclusion of non-volatile memory that will maintain system settings, radio station presets and phone pairings when power is cut to the unit for storage or maintenance on the vehicle or watercraft.

Likewise, in keeping with the marine design, the radio’s face is constructed using UV-resistant materials that can handle prolonged exposure to the sun without fading or cracking. Sony has coated the main circuit board with a moisture-resistant conformal coating to help prevent corrosion in high-humidity environments.

Sony DSX-M80
A coating on the circuit board of the DSX-M80 helps prevent electrical connections from corroding in high-humidity environments.

Marine Entertainment Source Options

The DSX-M80 includes dual USB ports so you can connect an Android smartphone or Apple iPod, iPhone or iPad to play music. Android connectivity includes Android Open Accessory (AOA) 2.0 support. The rear USB port supplies 1.5 amps of charging current, and port on the front face supplies 1 amp. You can play up to 10,000 audio files in MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC or FLAC formats at up to 48 kHz sampling rates from a single USB device.

As mentioned, you can pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously to this radio. The first connection can serve as an entertainment source using Bluetooth A2DP and AVRCP connections, giving you access to communication, navigation and music playback features. Pair a second phone for hands-free call connectivity.

Sony DSX-M80
Classy styling combined with a reverse LCD display and two-color illumination make the DSX-M80 look as great as it sounds.

There is a front-panel 1/8-inch aux input, and the AM/FM tuner features RBDS station information display. The radio tuner channel spacing can be changed to work with European and other countries’ standards. The DSX-M80 is compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio — just ask your retailer to add the optional SXV300 tuner module during the installation.

System Configuration and Tuning Features

Sony has included its EQ10 10-band equalizer along with the Extra Bass function so your system can be fine-tuned to deliver the frequency response you want. Adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers with adjustable slopes let your installer optimize the operating frequency range for each speaker in the system. ClearAudio+ and DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) audio processing features help to recover audio information lost during the digital compression process or radio transmission to make your music sound better.

This radio is also compatible with the Sony | Music Center app. The app not only serves as a convenient music player, but it provides full remote control over the radio from your smart device. Your installer can even configure signal delay and level settings using the Advanced Car Audio Setting portion of the app to optimize the system for the given speaker locations in your boat or vehicle.

Sony DSX-M80
Your installer will have no problem upgrading an existing source unit with the DSX-M80, thanks to industry-standard wiring and connections.

Sony DSX-M80 Connectivity Features

The Sony DSX-M80 includes the aforementioned four-channel High Power amplifier and three sets of 5-volt preamp outputs. Connections are provided for the included Bluetooth hands-free microphone as well as an input for an optional steering wheel or helm control input interface. A programmable steering wheel control input feature allows connection to older resistance-based controllers that may already be installed in the boat. Your retailer can help you determine if your existing system will be compatible with this feature.

Sony DSX-M80
If you have an ATV or UTV that needs a high-power source unit, the Sony DSX-M80 is a great choice.

Upgrade Your Playtime with Sony

Whether you’re looking for a source unit for your boat, golf cart or side-by-side, the Sony DSX-M80 is a great option. It has all the source features you could ever want, and the High Power amplifier ensures that you can blast your music loud and clear. For more information, visit the Sony car and marine website or visit their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter social media sites.

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: Audison SR Amplifiers

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Audison SRThe Audison SR-Series amplifiers are now into their third generation and continue to offer amazing performance and value for car audio enthusiasts. The four amplifiers in the series offer impressive power along with installer-friendly features that make them a perfect solution for music lovers on a budget.

Introducing the New Audison SR Amplifiers

Audison SRThe SR-Series amplifier family begins with a pair of four-channel amps. The SR 4.300 is rated for 85 watts per channel into 4 ohms and 130 watts into 2 ohms. Each pair of channels can be bridged to produce a healthy 250 watts of power when connected to a 4-ohm load. Distortion is rated at 0.03% and the S/N ratio at -82 dB when referenced to 1 watt of output.

The larger four-channel amp is the SR 4.500. This amp is rated for four by 130 watts and four by 220 watts into 4 and 2 ohms, respectively. When both pairs of channels are bridged, it produces 450 watts per pair into 4-ohm loads. The S/N ratio for the big four-channel is -83 dB referenced to 1 watt and distortion is specified at 0.08%.

Audison SRThe five-channel SR 5.600 can deliver up to 75 watts from each of the four main channels when driving 4 ohm speakers and 115 watts with 2-ohm speakers. The mono subwoofer channel is good for 310 watts into 4 ohms and an impressive 550 watts into a 2-ohm load. All told, this amp can produce a healthy 1,010 watts of power. The front channel performance specs include a distortion rating of 0.02% at 70% of rated power. Noise specifications are -84 dB for the main channels and -75 dB for the subwoofer channel.

The final amp in the series is the SR 1.500. This monoblock subwoofer amp is rated for 500 watts into 4 ohms, 800 watts into 2 ohms and an impressive 1,000 watts into 1 ohm. Distortion is listed as 0.1% and noise is -75 dB referenced to 1 watt.

All four of the amps use Audison D Class Technology, which they call ADT. Interestingly, the full-range channels have a frequency response specification of 10 Hz to 35 kHz with a tolerance of -1.5 dB. That’s almost an extra octave over most Class D designs on the market. Very impressive.

Amplifier Design and Feature highlights

Audison SRThe new Audison SR amps are based on extruded and machined aluminum heatsinks. The end caps on the sides of the amps are finned and serve as the primary source of heat radiation from the output and power supply switching devices. Audison notes that the heatsinks are large enough to negate the need for a cooling fan, which can add noise or ingest debris into an amplifier. The overall footprint of the amplifiers is impressively small. All are 6.1 inches deep and 18.7 inches tall with lengths of 7.48 inches for the SR 4.300, 10.39 for the 4.500 and 1.500 and 11.57 for the 4.500.

All of the connections are made along the front edge of the amplifiers. According to the owner’s manual, the power connection block will accept 8 AWG cables, and the speaker blocks are good for 10 AWG wires. Over-current protection for the amps is handled by easy-to-find ATC/ATO fuses located in the left-side end cap.

Input signals are connected to the amps using chassis-mounted RCA terminals or through provided pigtail harnesses that connect to Molex plugs. The RCA connections are rated for 0.2 to 5 volts and the high-level inputs for 0.8 to 20 volts. All four amplifiers feature Audison’s Automatic Remote Turn-ON/OFF (ART) circuitry to enable the amplifiers when it detects the BTL voltage from a connected source unit when it’s turned on. The speaker-level inputs include Universal Speakers Simulator (USS) loads to ensure that factory-installed source units and amplifiers will function properly.

Audison SRAmplifier configuration adjustments and controls are on the top of each amp and are accessed by removing a panel. All SR amplifiers are well-equipped in terms of features, including a phase control on the SR 1.500 and optional subsonic filters on the subwoofer sections and the choice of full-range, high- or low-pass signals on the wide-bandwidth (non-subwoofer) channels. Multichannel amps can split the input signal from a single set of inputs to all the outputs, negating the need for Y-cables. All amps except the five-channel include a signal output RCA jack to cascade multiple amplifiers together.

The five-channel and monoblock amps have a 1/8-inch jack for the optional VCR-S1 remote subwoofer level control. The control allows users to adjust the subwoofer level from -20 to +6 dB.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with Audison SR Amplifiers

If you are on a budget but still want the brand heritage that has made Audison a highly regarded solution, visit your local authorized dealer and ask for a demonstration of the new SR-Series amplifiers. They can design a premium upgrade that will dramatically transform the performance and output capabilities of almost any factory-installed car audio system. For more information, visit the Audison website and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

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.