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Product Spotlight: Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

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Thinkware U1000 Plus

If you are shopping for a premium dash camera with a high-resolution image sensor, the Thinkware U1000 Plus should be on your shortlist. This solution can record video in 4K resolution and is available with a secondary camera to capture what happens behind your vehicle. Let’s take a close look.

Design of the Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

The U1000 Plus is a low-profile camera that mounts at the top of your windshield. Rather than a square or round body, the bulk of the camera sits flat against the glass. This design leaves a lot of clearance for the sun visor and rearview mirror.

The main camera can be tilted up or down to ensure the system works with windshields with varying rakes. The camera body is 4.33 inches tall, 2.55 inches wide and 1.18 inches thick. On the left side of the chassis are power connections, a port for an external radar sensor and the optional rear camera. The rear camera uses a USB connection, so you shouldn’t have issues with RF interference. Thinkware includes a hardwire installation kit with the camera. You can upgrade to the OBD-II power cable if you don’t want any of the wiring in your vehicle modified. This is a wise investment for leased vehicles.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The right side of the chassis has the Micro SD memory card slot, the reset button and the microphone.

Once installed, the camera body has the manual recording button in the center and the Power, Wi-Fi and voice recording buttons in the upper left corner. LEDs across the top indicate when the unit is on, when Wi-Fi is enabled, and when the GPS receiver has locked on enough satellites to pinpoint your location.

Thinkware U1000 Plus

Thinkware Dash Camera Specifications

This camera features a Sony IMX515 STARVIS-Series image sensor that can record at up to 3840 x 2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. It can also be configured to record in 2K mode at 2560 x 1440 pixels at 60 frames per second. The viewing angle is rated at 135.6 degrees, offering a good balance of detail and field of vision.

The rear camera features a Full HD-quality image sensor that records 1920×1080 pixels at 30 frames per second. Both the front and rear cameras have a High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode that compresses the light and dark parts of the image to make objects in shadows, or that might be washed out by a bright light source more visible. Low-light performance is further enhanced with Thinkware’s Super Night Vision 3.0. This processing reduces noise when light levels are low to keep videos clear and sharp.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The Wide Dynamic Range mode compresses bright areas and brightens dark parts of the image to make everything more visible.

Video files are stored using the HEVC format H.265 to maximize file storage. With the 64GB card included, the system can store up to 151 minutes of video in a dual-camera solution. You can increase the size of the memory card to 512 GB for an incredible 1229 minutes of storage.

You can upgrade the U1000 Plus to a five-camera system using Thinkware’s optional multiplexer and three additional cameras. This is an ideal solution for taxi, limousine and rideshare applications.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The U1000 Plus can be upgraded with the optional multiplexer module and additional cameras for better coverage.

Parking Mode Protection

The Thinkware U1000 Plus includes several parking mode options. In energy-saving mode, the camera only stores video when the onboard accelerometer detects impacts. Motion and Impact mode allows the camera to watch for vehicles or people entering the field of vision along with impact sensing. The camera stores a 20-second video that starts 10 seconds before the event trigger. Time Lapse mode records constantly at two frames per second.

The U1000 Plus can be upgraded with Thinkware’s optional radar module. Rather than monitoring the area in front of the vehicle using the image sensor, the radar sensor detects someone or something approaching. This dramatically reduces current consumption, so there is less draw on the vehicle battery.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
The optional radar sensors can dramatically reduce current draw when using parking mode.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

You can use the Thinkware Dashcam Link app on your Android smartphone, iPhone, or tablet to view video files stored on the system. Once connected, your installer can adjust the system settings and fine-tune the viewing angle to ensure maximum coverage.

The Thinkware Connected app gives the U1000 Plus Cloud-based connectivity. If you have a mobile hotspot, or the dashcam can connect to Wi-Fi at your home, you can view what the camera sees on your phone. You’ll also get impact notifications when parked. The vehicle operator can send an emergency message to the registered contact by pressing the REC button on the chassis for three seconds. Parents or business owners can review the vehicle’s operational history to review use and driving behavior.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Modern video processing technology allows the U1000 Plus to warn the operating. These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Front Vehicle Departure Warnings (FVDW), Forward Collision Warnings (FCWS) and Lane Departure Warnings (LDWS). Notifications about approaching a vehicle too quickly or crossing the lines on the side of the road can help prevent serious accidents.

Thinkware U1000 Plus
ADAS features like Forward Collision Warning integrated with the Thinkware U1000 Plus can help prevent serious accidents.

If you are shopping for a premium dash camera with a high-resolution image sensor, the Thinkware U1000 Plus should be on your shortlist. This solution can record video in 4K resolution and is available with a secondary camera to capture what happens behind your vehicle. Let’s take a close look.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with a Thinkware Dash Camera

We all know that having a dash camera is the best way to protect yourself from fraud and false accusations. It’s also an ideal solution for capturing those “I can’t believe that just happened” moments. When upgrading your vehicle, drop by a local authorized Thinkware retailer and ask about the U1000 Plus system. They can provide you with a quote that includes expert installation.

You can learn more about Thinkware products like the U1000 Plus by visiting their website. Their dealer locator makes it easy to find a retailer near you to help design and install a premium dash camera system.

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 PP4-NT

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Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT

Not long ago, we took a look at the impressive PPS4-10 10-inch Punch Pro midrange drivers from Rockford Fosgate. While they are great for keeping up with a trunk full of subwoofers, what works in terms of reproducing those high frequencies? This spotlight focuses on the Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT Punch Pro tweeter. Let’s check it out!

Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT Specifications

The PP4-NT is a one-inch diameter aluminum dome horn tweeter designed for SPL systems. The tweeter is rated to handle 50 watts of power continuously and 100 watts maximum. The driver has a nominal impedance of four ohms and has an incredible efficiency rating of 105 dB SPL when powered with one watt and measured at a distance of one meter.

The Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT tweeters are sold individually. So, if you need a pair, then you have to buy two of them.

Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT
The raw PP4-NT Tweeter (left), with the mounting flange (center) and with the through-panel clamp (right).

Punch Pro Tweeter Features

As mentioned, the PP4-NT is based around an aluminum diaphragm and is powered by a compact neodymium magnet. The voice coil is formed from high-temperature Nomex to help ensure reliability. This is all housed in an aluminum chassis that improves heat extraction from the voice coil assembly. To increase efficiency, the tweeter uses a horn design with a pointed phase plug.

Electrical connections are handled by a pair of spring-loaded chrome terminals on the bottom of the housing. The terminals are designed to allow wires to be inserted from underneath the tweeter, preventing wires from protruding and increasing the overall size.

Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT
Electrical connections are made using a pair of spring-loaded terminals on the bottom cap.

SPL Tweeter Mounting Options

Rockford Fosgate includes two mounting solutions for the PP4-NT. If space is at a premium, then the compact outer trim ring will screw down into the body and clamp over materials up to 0.35 inches thick. Your installation technician will need access to the back of the mounting location to complete this installation.

Alternatively, the tweeter can be flush mounted through a 2.52-inch hole using the provided removable mounting flange.

With the compact mounting ring, the tweeter body is 2.52 inches in diameter and the ring is 2.09 inches across. The surface mounting ring measures 3.64 inches across.

Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT
The included mounting flange allows the tweeter to be surface-mounted.
Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT
Mounting dimensions for the two installation options.

Crossover Options

The PP4-NT includes a built-in 6dB/octave 4kHz crossover. This is equivalent to using a four-microfarad capacitor wired in series with the voice coil. You can also use the tweeter with the PP4-X Punch Pro passive crossovers. The crossovers are designed to apply a 3 kHz low-pass filter to whatever four-ohm Punch Pro midrange you choose. They also add 0, -3 and -6 dB output attenuation options for the tweeters. If you don’t have a DSP and amplifier channels dedicated to the tweeters, then the PPS-X crossovers are a wise investment.

Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT
The optional Punch Pro passive crossover networks add output attenuation options to the PP4-NT installation.

Louder Than Loud for Music Fanatics

If you are working on building a car audio system designed to play music at rock concert levels, visit a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the PP4-NT tweeters and the rest of the Punch Pro line.

You can find a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer at their Dealer Locator. Be sure to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn about their new products and the amazing events they attend each year.

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: Thinkware Q200 Dash Camera

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Thinkware Q200

Consumers typically have two schools of thought when it comes to dash cameras. Some want the most advanced technology and highest-resolution image sensors available. Others believe that any dash camera system is exponentially better than none. Sadly, the latter concept often leads to people buying low-quality, unreliable solutions. Sitting between these philosophies is the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system. With 2K QHD image quality on the front, 1080P FHD image quality on the rear, intelligent parking modes, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, this affordable system is anything but run-of-the-mill. It even includes a 32 GB microSD card! Let’s check it out!

Thinkware Q200 Front and Rear Camera System

The Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is based around the compact (3.9 x 0.9 x 1.3 inches) forward-facing camera with its Quad-HD (2506 x 1440-pixel) image sensor. The camera has a 125-degree field of view, offering a good balance of forward focus and side-approach monitoring. Videos are recorded in HEVC format using the H.264 codec to keep the file sizes manageable. As mentioned, the system includes a UHS-1 32 GB memory card but can accept cards up to 256 GB in capacity for over 800 minutes of storage.

Thinkware Q200
The included GPS receiver captures both location and speed information.

The camera includes several video processing technologies to help improve image quality. First, Super Night Vision 2.0 helps ensure clear, low-noise images in low-light situations, capturing details like license plates or street signs when it’s dark. Advanced Video Clear Technology includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture technology that compresses washed-out highlights while boosting information usually lost in the shadows. Smart focusing and intelligent auto exposure enhance the system’s ability to store clear, sharp videos. Finally, de-warping technology reduces barrel distortion so objects at the extreme edges of the video don’t look misshapen.

Thinkware Q200
Features like Super Night Vision 2.0 dramatically improve performance in low light levels.

The camera body has three connection ports: one connection is on top of the chassis for the power source, while one on the side is for the rear camera and one for the GPS receiver. The buttons on the rear panel activate the manual recording mode, and another provides control options for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use Wi-Fi with the free Thinkware Dash Cam Link application to download videos directly from the camera. Alternatively, you can remove the microSD card from the bottom of the chassis and use the PC viewer software to view video files.

Thinkware Q200
The compact Q200 dash camera fits neatly beside your rear-view mirror and captures everything that happens in front of the vehicle while you drive.

Rear and Optional Cameras

The rear camera included with the Q200 Front and Rear kit is even more compact (2.40 x 1.20 x 0.98 inches) and captures video in full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). It shares the same 125-degree field of vision as the front camera and records at 30 frames per second. A 19.7-foot cable lets your installer connect the rear camera to the front camera.

Thinkware Q200
Your installer can mount the included rear camera in the back window to monitor drivers approaching from behind.

Another option is the infrared interior camera from Thinkware. This compact camera (part number TWA-NIFR) is ideal for taxi, limousine, and rideshare applications where recording what happens and what’s said inside the vehicle is important. The camera includes two compact infrared transmitters so it can effectively see in the dark.

Thinkware Q200
The optional infrared interior camera is ideal for taxis, limousines, Uber and Lyft drivers.

The Q200 is compatible with the optional multiplexer box. With this option, your installer can add three additional cameras to the system, bringing the total to five. The four cameras connected to the multiplexer combine their images into a single video feed that records on the rear channel of the Q200. Side-view and infrared interior cameras are just some options available for additional cameras.

Thinkware Q200
Thinkware offers several multiplexer bundles to add three cameras to the Q200.

Parking Mode

For those not up-to-date with dash camera lingo, the parking mode feature allows the camera to continue capturing what’s happening around your car when it’s parked. Depending on where you park, you can work with your installer to choose between two frame-per-second Time Lapse, Energy Saving, and Motion/Impact Detection options. In Motion and Impact mode, the camera monitors the image sensor for changes that indicate something or someone has entered the field of vision. When this happens, it stores a video file with 10 seconds of footage before and after the trigger. The built-in three-axis accelerometer also monitors the vehicle for motion from an impact, which triggers a similar recording.

Energy-saving mode foregoes image sensing, dramatically reducing the electrical energy required to maintain camera operation. This mode is ideal for longer-term parking recording.

Thinkware Q200
Parking mode will monitor what happens around your vehicle in the driveway or a garage.

Built-In ADAS Features

The Q200 is no slouch when it comes to bonus features. The camera includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the form of Lane Departure Warning (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCWS), and Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW). These systems use artificial intelligence and advanced image processing to detect potential hazards and provide a warning to the driver. The GPS antenna must be installed for these features to function.

Protect Yourself with the Thinkware Q200

As is evident, the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is exponentially more capable than most solutions you’ll find outside a professional mobile enhancement retailer. If you want premium image quality in the videos, advanced ADAS warnings, and easy Wi-Fi downloading, drop by your local Thinkware retailer and ask about the Q200 system. They can provide a package price for the dual camera system with expert installation to ensure reliable operation.

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 PMX-BTUR

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Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR

Imagine you are driving your side-by-side down a twisty, high-speed trail. You want to crank up the volume on your stereo. Do you take your hands off the wheel to make an adjustment? You don’t have to if you have the Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR universal remote control installed. Let’s check it out!

What is the Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR?

The PMX-BTUR is a remote designed to mount on the steering wheel of your side-by-side, boat, car, or truck. The remote pairs with your smartphone using Bluetooth and allows you to control the device. You can adjust the smartphone’s volume, change tracks, or even answer a phone call. When used with an iPhone, you can also fast-forward and pause what’s playing.

The remote is impressively compact, measuring only 2-3/4 inches tall, 1-7/8 inches wide, and 1-1/4 inches thick. Your installer can mount it on the dash or a center console using two-sided tape. The remote also comes with a heavy-duty Velcro strap and mounting adapter that allows it to be attached to the inside of your steering wheel. Best of all, there are no wires to run. The device is powered by an easily replaceable CR2032 coin cell.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR
The PMX-BTUR universal Bluetooth remote is small enough to fit in your pocket.

How Does the PMX-BTUR Work?

The PMX-BTUR is easy to configure and use. Once installed, press any button to wake the remote up. You can then search for PMX-BTUR in the list of available devices. Once selected, it will pair with your smartphone. The remote uses Bluetooth 4.0 to communicate commands to your phone. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as only small digital commands are transmitted back to the phone. This communication method dramatically reduces power consumption and extends the battery’s life. Low Energy Bluetooth still provides up to 30 feet (10 meters) of range. As such, you can use your Polaris Ranger’s Rear Audio Cap to provide music for the entire campsite and control it all with the PMX-BTUR.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR
Are you on DJ duty with your Polaris Ranger? The PMX-BTUR remote is the perfect companion.

Durable Design for Long Life

Rockford Fosgate knows how crazy things can get in a side-by-side or after an evening of hanging out with friends by the campfire. The PMX-BTUR remote is IP67 rated, so it can be dropped in the water or get dusty without fear of failing. The materials used to construct the remote are designed to withstand prolonged UV and salt spray exposure.

Remote Control Adds Safety

The PMX-BTUR controls the operation of your phone, not a radio. As such, you can pair your phone with almost any radio brand and use this remote. It would be an excellent solution for a factory-installed or aftermarket motorcycle audio system mounted on the handlebar. You could even use the PMX-BTUR with a motorcycle helmet and built-in speakers.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR
The PMX-BTUR is an excellent solution for motorcycle and ATV applications.

Of course, if you are captaining a boat, then the PMX-BTUR adds instant convenience. Imagine being at the helm of a jet boat headed up the rapids. Keeping your hands on the wheel is crucial to ending the day with great stories instead of drama. The PMX-BTUR is a perfect solution!

Do you have an older car or truck without steering-wheel audio system controls? The PMX-BTUR is the perfect solution for controlling your phone. Stream music from a service like Pandora or Spotify, then use the remote to change tracks or adjust the volume.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR
Strap the PMX-BTUR to the steering wheel of your side-by-side or UTV and enjoy the ride.

Add Audio System Convenience Today

If you’re looking for a remote that works with most smartphones to provide volume, track selection, and let you answer a call, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer today. You can find a shop near you using the online locator tool on their website. As always, be sure to follow our fanatical friends from Tempe on Facebook, Instagram, and, of course, YouTube.
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: PMX-1R Marine Remote

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Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R

Installing a marine radio in your boat is the best way to improve your day on the water. If your boat has bow seating, a swim platform, a cuddy, or a full cabin, adding a wired remote to the source unit at the helm makes it easier to control the music. The marine audio experts at Rockford Fosgate offer several wired remote solutions to upgrade their marine multimedia receivers. Let’s check out the PMX-1R wired remote control.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R Design

The PMX-1R is a compact wired remote with a rotary encoder, eight buttons, and a 2.7-inch color display. Its functions mimic the controls on the PMX-2, PMX-3, and PMX-5CAN radios. The remote also works with the PMX-8BB and the older PMX-5 source unit.

The remote measures 4.2 inches in height, 4.5 inches wide, and only 2.5 inches deep. Its shallow depth makes it a popular choice for instrument clusters where space behind the mounting panel is an issue. In those applications, a source unit like the nearly identical-looking PMX-3 could be installed in the galley or nav station.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The PMX-1R doesn’t require much mounting depth, making it ideal for mounting in the hull of a boat.

The display features the same TFT wet-bonded design used in the PMX-3 source unit. This construction method allows for great visibility and vibrant colors in bright conditions.

At the center of the remote is a rotary encoder with a large knob that serves as the system volume control. The knob can be pushed to access additional functions. Speaking of additional functions, the eight rubber-coated buttons provide direct access to track or channel selection, source selection, and even dimmer control. Knowing how Rockford Fosgate fanatics think, dedicated SUB + and SUB – buttons provide direct access to adjust the subwoofer output. Things couldn’t be more intuitive.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The wet-bonded 2.7-inch color display is easy to read in harsh lighting conditions.

Remote Wiring and Installation Options

Your installer will find a multi-pin DIN connector on the remote’s rear. This plug connects to any Rockford Fosgate marine source units mentioned above using the PMX16C 16-foot, PMX25C 25-foot, or PMX50C 50-foot extension cables sold separately. Multiple remotes can be used with a single source unit with the addition of the PMXYC Y-cable. Rockford Fosgate marine radios will support up to three remotes and as much as 100 feet of cable in the installation. That’s not 100 feet per remote, by the way.

The remote mounts through a three-inch hole in whatever panel you choose. Your installer can clamp the remote with the aluminum support bracket. Alternatively, they can use the four stainless steel mounting screws to affix the remote from the front. A trim ring is provided to conceal the mounting hardware, giving the remote a clean and tidy appearance. A rubber seal ensures water won’t get into the boat through the mounting hole in either solution.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The PMX-1R includes several installation options to ensure reliable operation.

Element Ready™ Design

Crucially, all Rockford Fosgate marine source units and remotes feature their Element Ready™ design. Where most companies stop with weather resistance ratings like the IPX6 found on the front panel, things go several steps further with the PMX-1R and its brethren. The remotes are tested in a UV light exposure chamber, which mimics years of prolonged sun exposure. The materials and design must remain colorfast and not turn chalky, fade, or dry out. Further, salt fog testing ensures the radios and remotes can be used in saltwater without concern over corrosion.

Rockford Fosgate takes things even further with its vibration and impact testing. When crashing over the waves, your boat can experience impacts of well over 5 G’s, with emergency situations exceeding 7 G’s. All products carrying the Element Ready™ symbol are tested on a vibration bench to ensure the design and internal components can withstand these stresses. When the Product Specialist you are working with tells you that purchasing a Rockford Fosgate marine source unit and remote is an investment in quality, they have the proof to support that statement.

Unlimited Installation Applications

Aside from marine applications, recreational vehicles, motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, and toy haulers are popular applications for Rockford Fosgate marine source units and remotes. A radio can be installed in the dash, and then additional remotes can be added in the kitchen, master suite, or even outside to control a set of marine-grade speakers. If you have a four-seater side-by-side, a PMX-1R could be added to a Stage 5 Polaris Ranger audio system to give the backseat crew as much control as the driver.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The PMX-1R can be used almost anywhere to make controlling an audio system easier.

Upgrade Your Marine Radio with the Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R Today!

Whether you are starting to build an audio system from scratch or looking to upgrade an existing installation, adding a remote like the PMX-1R is an excellent solution. If space is limited, the PMX-0 remote without an LCD display is another option. To find the best solution for your application, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer today. You can find a shop near you using the online locator tool on their website. As always, be sure to follow our fanatical friends from Tempe on Facebook, Instagram, and, of course, YouTube.

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.