Devine Concepts

Mobile Electronics Expert in Naples, Florida

PRODUCTS

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate M2-500X1 Element Ready Amplifier

-

M2-500X1

When it comes to marine entertainment systems, Rockford Fosgate speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers are among the best in the industry. If you’re searching for an amplifier to power the subwoofer system on your boat, the new M2-500X1 is a great choice. This 500-watt is efficient, includes all the features you could want and sounds great! Let’s check it out.

Features of the Rockford Fosgate M2-500X1

The M2 Series of amplifiers is based on the Prime Series of car audio amplifiers. The amplifiers have been upgraded with Element Ready features that improve their longevity in high-humidity applications. All the terminals are zinc nickel-plated brass so they won’t corrode. The heatsink, which measures 6.5 by 8.5 by 1.9 inches, has been powder-coated with a UV-resistant gray finish that will look great for years. The circuit board has a special conformal coating that prevents the tiny traces and components from oxidization that can affect performance. This amplifier and its two-, four- and five-channel brethren are serious about reliability and performance in marine applications.

The M2-500X1 is a mono Class D amplifier designed to power subwoofers. The amp can produce a continuous 300 watts of power when driving a 4-ohm load. Power output jumps up to 500 watts when driving a 2-ohm load. Frequency response is specified as being 20 Hz to 250 Hz. The amp includes an adjustable high-pass infrasonic filter that can be set between 15 and 40 Hz, along with a low-pass filter that’s adjustable between 50 and 250 Hz. Both filters use -12 dB/octave Butterworth alignments. The amp also includes Rockford Fosgate’s Punch EQ circuit that allows for up to 18 dB of boost to be added at 45 Hz. If your subs didn’t hit hard before adding this amp, they will after! Finally, the amplifier includes an RLC remote level control to fine-tune the bass level quickly and easily right from the helm.

Your installer will appreciate that Rockford Fosgate has included their C.L.E.A.N. input and output clip LEDs to make it easy and fast to set the amp up. The amp has a set of RCA input jacks for low-level signals up to 4 volts. If your application requires it, speaker-level inputs on a pigtail will accept up to 12 Vrms of signal. The amp also has an auto-sensing turn-on feature that will activate it when it detects that a factory-style radio connected to the speaker-level inputs is turned on. Both inputs use a balanced differential design to optimize noise rejection for clean, clear sound.

M2-500X1
Corrosion-resistant zinc nickel-plated brass connections ensure reliable power delivery and performance.

A Pedigree of Car Audio Performance

With more than 50 years of car audio experience under their belts, the Rockford Fosgate team created the M2-500X1 with many of the technologies found in the Punch and Power Series models. In addition to the C.L.E.A.N. feature, the amp includes a high-efficiency MEHSA 4 high-mass heatsink to keep all the components running cool so they remain reliable. The NOMAD protection circuit monitors the amp for shorts or low-impedance loads to keep things safe. The M2-500X1 uses a loosely regulated power supply design called P.O.W.E.R. to maximize power production when the supply voltage increases. Finally, the amplifier and all the associated specifications comply with the ANSI/CTA-2006 standards for power rating. There are no “If Lightning Strikes” (ILS) numbers on Rockford Fosgate gear.

M2-500X1
The M2-500X1 includes mounting hardware, a high-level input cable and an RLC remote level control.

Upgrade Your Marine Audio System with Rockford Fosgate

If your boat needs great bass, drop by a local Rockford Fosgate retailer and check out the fantastic M2-500X1 500-watt mono Element Ready amplifier and the impressive M2 Series of 10- and 12-inch subwoofers. You can find a retailer near you using their dealer locator on their website. To learn more about the M2 Series of marine audio products, check out their Facebook page, Instagram feed and their amazing 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.

Devine Concepts

14848 Old 41 Rd
Suite 9,
Naples, FL 34110
United States (US)
Phone: (239) 451-3210
Email: info@devine-concepts.com

Product Spotlight: RDV Automotive Solutions CP/AA Mirror for Smartphones

-

CP/AA Mirror

As simple as it would seem, most car radios aren’t capable of showing video from your smartphone on their color display. The smartphone integration solution experts at RDV Automotive Technology created their CP/AA Mirror interface to make watching a video in your vehicle a reality. Let’s look at how this elegantly simple solution makes smartphone mirroring easier than ever in your car, truck or SUV.

What Is the CP/AA Mirror?

If you have a car radio with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto built-in that works with a USB connection, plugging the CP/AA Mirror into the radio opens up a world of video streaming possibilities. You can mirror what’s on your phone to watch videos or even play a game. The system also supports mirror cast. If you’re hanging out with friends or waiting to pick someone up from work or school, you can catch up on your favorite shows. Dedicated applications for YouTube and Netflix are included to make it easy to watch “The Adam Project” or “Stranger Things” or keep up with your favorite YouTube personalities.

Installation of the CP/AA Mirror couldn’t be more straightforward. All you have to do is plug the CP/AA Mirror into the radio’s USB port in the center console. There are no video cables or power connections required to get the device working. Once connected, the device uses a Wi-Fi hotspot to access the internet to download the video content. You can use the connection-sharing features of your smartphone to provide internet access. If you have a vehicle with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, that’s also an option for access.

CP/AA Mirror
When parked, you can stream video from your smartphone to your car radio’s color display.

Wireless Smartphone Connectivity

You might be wondering how you’d use your smartphone’s native CarPlay and Android Auto voice recognition features if the CP/AA Mirror is connected to your radio’s USB port. Well, the system includes a Wi-Fi transceiver. You can pair your phone with the CP/AA Mirror so they communicate wirelessly. Tapping the CarPlay or Android Auto icons allow you to use either voice recognition system to make phone calls, dictate text messages, get navigation directions or listen to streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, Tidal or Apple Music or Podcasts. Of course, CarPlay and Android Auto also provide access to detailed turn-by-turn navigation applications like Google Maps and Waze, as well as Apple Maps when using an iPhone. You can dictate text messages and have the system read an incoming message to you, so your phone can stay safely in your pocket or the center console.

CP/AA Mirror
The CP/AA Mirror adds wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Upgrade Your Infotainment System with RDV Automotive Technology

If you want to watch videos from your smartphone on your car radio and use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly, make your way to a local RDV Automotive Technology retailer and ask about the CP/AA Mirror interface. You can learn more about the CP/AA Mirror and the other fine products from RDV Automotive Technology by visiting their website. Follow them on Facebook and 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: RDV Automotive Technology Streamer

-

RDV Streamer

Have you ever been waiting to pick someone up from work or school and wished you could watch a video on the screen in the dash of your car or truck? If the radio in the vehicle has Apple CarPlay with a USB connection, the RDV Automotive Technology Streamer is the perfect solution. This simple USB device will let you watch Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max and many more streaming services. Keep reading to discover how the Streamer works and what else it can do!

Watch Internet Video in Your Car or Truck

If your vehicle includes Apple CarPlay with a wired USB connection, you can add the RDV Streamer to watch just about anything you want. In the background, your radio will detect the Streamer as a smartphone, allowing it to display the video on the screen and feed audio through your speaker system. You can use the touchscreen controls to select any of the popular streaming services. The Streamer is a stand-alone computer with a dedicated interface. You can download apps to the Streamer just as you would on a smartphone or tablet.

RDV Streamer
The RDV Streamer is a stand-alone computer that lets you play streaming video on your CarPlay-equipped car radio.

Of course, the Streamer requires an internet connection to download new apps or the videos you want to watch. If you have a Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Audi, Toyota or Dodge/Chrysler that came with a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can connect the Streamer that way to access the internet. You can also use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot to provide internet access. Mobile hotspots like the Harman Spark or Verizon Jetpack are also options for internet access.

The Streamer plugs into the USB port and doesn’t require additional power connections. This means there’s no added installation cost. Best of all, the unit can go with you on vacation and be used in a rental car, truck or SUV. The Streamer works with most factory-installed and aftermarket CarPlay-equipped source units.

The Streamer includes an HDMI output that can feed audio and video to auxiliary displays like a headrest or overhead monitor for rear-seat passengers.

RDV Streamer
The Streamer supports video apps from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, F1 and many more.

The RDV Streamer Adds Wireless Smartphone Connectivity

Although the Streamer is recognized by Apple CarPlay, it has some tricks up its sleeve regarding smartphone connectivity. The Streamer will allow you to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto over a wireless connection. You can continue using your phone’s voice recognition features to send text messages, make phone calls or get turn-by-turn navigation directions using Waze or Google Maps to almost anywhere in North America.

Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto use a Wi-Fi data connection between your smartphone and, in this case, the Streamer. As soon as you get in the car and turn the radio on, your phone will reconnect, and you’ll be ready to use the voice features. Being able to leave your phone in your coat pocket or purse means it’s safe and secure, and you’re less likely to leave it in the vehicle when you reach your destination.

RDV Streamer
With Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, you can use apps like Waze to help you get to your destination quickly and safely.

Stay Entertained While Waiting in Your Car, Truck or SUV

Whether you’re on a family vacation and have stopped for lunch or are waiting for a friend to finish work, adding the RDV Streamer to your CarPlay radio is a great way to stay entertained while in your vehicle. You can see how your favorite YouTube personalities’ latest projects are coming along, catch up on the newest episode of The Mandalorian on Disney+ or connect to Netflix and watch Stranger Things. You can learn more about the Streamer by visiting the RDV Automotive Technology website. Also, follow them on Facebook and YouTube to learn about their newest product releases.

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 XAV-AX6000 Automotive AV Receiver

-

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

-

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.