Devine Concepts

Mobile Electronics Expert in Naples, Florida

RESOURCE LIBRARY

DroneMobile Is the Best Car Sharing GPS Tracking Solution

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Car Sharing GPS

Just as Uber and Lyft have changed the way we move around when we don’t have access to a vehicle, car sharing is changing how we rent vehicles. If you’re sharing your vehicle through Turo, Getaround, HyreCar or Outdoorsy and you’re looking for the best GPS tracking and control solutions, DroneMobile is an excellent choice. Being able to check your vehicle’s location at any time gives you peace of mind, and best of all, the system is reliable, accurate and easy to use. Let’s take a close look at the features and information that make DroneMobile the top choice for people who own car-sharing vehicles.

Precision Vehicle Location Information

DroneMobile can be added to your vehicle as a stand-alone tracking solution or an accessory to a security or remote car starter system. This telematics solution provides state-of-the-art LTE-based communication with a vehicle using the DroneMobile app on your Android or Apple smartphone or tablet, or via the web interface on a laptop or personal computer. One key element is that the hardware is completely invisible and can’t be easily disabled by the end user.

Car Sharing GPS
As soon as you launch the DroneMobile app, the system displays the location of your car or truck.

Locating and tracking your vehicle in case of an emergency is as easy as launching the app on your device or logging in to the website. In a second or two, you’ll know the exact location of your car or truck. You’ll be provided with the address where the vehicle is, and you can check its speed if it’s in motion. You can even use your Apple Watch or a WearOS device to check the vehicle location.

Car Sharing GPS
You can check your vehicle’s location with an Apple Watch or a WearOS device.

Instant Alerts Add Peace of Mind

The DroneMobile system does much more than report a vehicle’s location. You can configure alerts for vehicle speed, operating hours and excessive idling. If you want, you can receive a notification any time the ignition is turned on or off. DroneMobile monitors battery voltage and can send you a warning message if its low, so the person renting your vehicle will never be stranded. If you add DroneMobile to a security system, you’ll know when the alarm is triggered and what caused the alert.

The system pushes instant notifications directly to your smartphone. LTE communication (with 3G fallback) between the vehicle and blazing-fast servers means you get these alerts usually within two seconds, if not faster!

Car Sharing GPS
Alerts are pushed directly to your smartphone, so you’ll always know what’s happening with your vehicle.

Detailed Information Makes Managing Your Rental Easy

If you choose the DroneMobile Premium Plus or Ultimate service package, you can see turn-by-turn details of where the vehicle has been driven. The data includes the total distance traveled and timestamps for stop and start locations and each turn made during the trip. If your car-sharing service uses per-mile billing, this information is perfect for invoicing.

Car Sharing GPS
Details about each drive are available by logging into the DroneMobile website or using the Activity tab in the smartphone app.

Monitor Your Car-Sharing Vehicle with DroneMobile GPS

Renting out your vehicle can be stressful. DroneMobile helps to alleviate this stress by letting you monitor the vehicle usage, its security and location. More than 2,000 dealers across the United States and Canada are available to install DroneMobile in your vehicle. You can find one near you using the Dealer Locator on the DroneMobile website. Learn more about DroneMobile products by following them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or 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.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate DSR1 Digital Signal Processor

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Rockford DSR1

Thanks to the DSR1 digital signal processor from Rockford Fosgate, upgrading car audio systems has never been easier. Aside from a full suite of easily configurable audio processing features, the DSR1 includes an iDatalink Maestro amplifier replacement interface. Maestro technology can be used to upgrade the audio system in more than 1,500 vehicle applications with reliable and predictable results. The DSR1 is compact, powerful and, most importantly, it can make the stereo in your car, truck or SUV sound amazing.

Rockford Fosgate DSR1 Features

At its core, the DSR1 is the latest generation of Rockford Fosgate’s 3-SIXTY digital sound processor. The compact unit includes four pre-amp inputs that will accept up to 4 volts of signal from a radio and four speaker-level inputs that will accept signals up to 12.5 volts from an amplifier. The DSR1 includes a DC offset detection circuit that will power the unit up when it detects that the factory radio has turned on. Rockford has also included a coaxial digital input for connectivity with SP/DIF-equipped factory-installed audio system. The eight outputs are rated to produce up to 4 volts, making them compatible with any amplifier on the market.

Rockford DSR1

The software used to configure the DSR1 is designed for tablets and smartphones. Your installer can download the PerfectTune app from the Apple Store or Google Play store and use this slick graphical interface to configure the input and output connections and calibrate your audio system.

Rockford DSR1
Your installer has several options to route audio signals into the DSR1.

From a system configuration perspective, the DSR1 can accept audio on one or two sets of inputs. There are output configuration options that include front/rear/sub, front two-way/rear/sub, center/front/rear/sub, front three-way/sub and a few more options. The function of the optional PLC2 remote is configurable in the software to act as subwoofer level control, a Punch bass boost control or the master volume control for the system.

Rockford DSR1
The front three-way and subwoofer option is one of the eight available output configurations available in the PerfectTune app.
Rockford DSR1
The optional PLC 2 remote control can be configured as a subwoofer level, Punch EQ or master level control.

The setup options continue with crossovers adjustable in frequency from 20 Hz to 10 kHz with slopes of 6 dB through 48 dB per octave. All of the filters have a Linkwitz-Riley alignment, so they sum flat at the crossover point. Your technician can apply high- or low-pass filters to each channel or use both to create a bandpass crossover for midbass and midrange drivers. Your installer can implement an infrasonic filter on the subwoofers by applying a high-pass filter at 20 or 25 Hz to protect drivers from excursion issues at high volume levels.

Rockford DSR1
Channels three and four configured with a 300 to 3.5 kHz bandpass filter to power a set of midrange speakers.

Each output has a dedicated output trim level control to adjust each driver before your technician implements equalizer settings to smooth the output. The EQ for each of the eight outputs has 31 bands of adjustment. Each band can be fine-tuned in terms of frequency, Q-factor and boost or cut. Lastly, the signal delay settings for each channel are adjustable in 0.01-millisecond steps. Rockford Fosgate includes a delay calculator tool that allows your installer to enter the distance to each speaker. In turn, it provides the equivalent delay setting information while minimizing the maximum overall delay.

Rockford DSR1
The eight output channels have dedicated 31-band parametric equalizers that your tech can use to fine-tune the response of your car audio system.
Rockford DSR1
The built-in delay calculator makes quick work of configuring the signal delays for each speaker in a system.

iDatalink Maestro Integration Features

Many modern cars and trucks use a source unit and amplifier configuration with a fixed-level audio signal. Volume, tone, fader and balance adjustments take place inside the amplifier. Additionally, signal processing like equalization, crossovers, volume-based tone adjustments and all-pass filters are applied to the outputs of the factory-installed amplifier to maximize the performance of the speakers that came with the vehicle. Attempting to undo this processing is complicated. Enter the Maestro Interface. As experts in working with the digital networks in cars and trucks, iDatalink partnered with Rockford Fosgate to create an interface that will convert the CAN signals passing from a factory-installed radio to the amplifier into commands that the DSR1 can execute. When you turn up the volume on the radio, that command is forwarded to the DSR1 and the master output level increases.

Rather than experimenting with the input EQ and mixers on a DSP, or adding unwanted delay from an integration processing, using a solution like the DSR1 allows your installer to create an audio system that works just like the one from the factory. Not only will the music sound great, but prompts from the navigation system, audio from Bluetooth hands-free phone calls and chimes from safety solutions will function flawlessly.

Rockford DSR1
The DSR1 can replace a CAN-controlled amplifier to provide you with eight channels of output that can feed any amplifier on the market.

Why Upgrade Your Car Stereo with the Rockford Fosgate DSR1?

If you don’t have a digital signal processor in your aftermarket audio system, adding a solution like the DSR1 from Rockford Fosgate is the easiest way to add realism and authenticity to the listening experience. Instruments and vocals will sound more lifelike, and your music will be reproduced with accurate staging and imaging that will make you feel like you are at a concert.

There are DSR1 applications for select Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Maserati, Volkswagen, Lexus, Subaru, Toyota, Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. When combined with a dedicated integration harness, upgrading your car audio system while retaining the factory infotainment system couldn’t be easier. Your installer can configure your new amplifier, speakers and subwoofer quickly with the PerfectTune app and deliver an audio system that sounds amazing. Likewise, the DSR1 is an ideal solution to upgrade audio system performance on a motorcycle, boat or side-by-side.

To find an authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer that can install a calibrate the DSR1 in your car or truck, visit the Dealer Locator page on their website. Be sure to give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram and learn more about their fantastic mobile, marine, motorcycle and powersports audio upgrades on 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.

Why Would I Want A Remote Starter?

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Remote StarterIf you have never owned a remote starter, you might be asking yourself why they are so popular. The mobile electronics industry switches into “starter season” each fall and, when the weather cooperates, doesn’t stop until spring time. But what is it about having a remote starter that is so great? We’ll explain.

Just What Is a Remote Starter?

A remote starter system includes several components: a primary system “brain” and interface module, an antenna and at least one remote control. The installer will wire the brain into the ignition system of your vehicle, and then the brain replicates the electrical connections or data commands that are used to start your vehicle. When you press the Start button on the included remote control, the brain starts the remote start process. Pressing the Start button again or letting the preset timer run out will stop the car.

What Are the Benefits of a Remote Starter?

The biggest advantage of having a remote starter is that it will give your vehicle and its systems a head start in getting up to operating temperature. While most people think of a remote starter as something that is used exclusively in the middle of winter, many systems in the vehicle are involved.

Remote StarterThe engine has two fluid systems that need a chance to warm up before the vehicle is driven: the cooling and lubrication systems. As your engine runs, both the coolant and the oil will warm up. Engines operate their best at their operating temperature. At these temperatures, the oil flows easily through the engine and properly lubricates everything from the crankshaft and camshaft bearings to the cylinder walls and upper valvetrain. Oil gets thick when it’s cold, so warming it up before you put a heavy load on it (such as accelerating away from being parked or at a stoplight) makes it flow more easily.

The engine’s cooling system has to warm up for the heater core under the dash of your car to warm up. Only once the heater core is warm can the interior of the vehicle start to warm up in the winter.

In the summer, your engine needs to be running for the air conditioning compressor to work and allow it to extract heat from the interior of your vehicle. Even in the summer, your engine oil needs a few minutes to warm up so it can protect your engine properly.

How Long Should My Remote Starter Run?

You want the remote starter system to give your car a head start at warming up. Running the engine for 30 minutes would waste a lot of fuel. Most starters have a default run-time of 10 to 12 minutes. If you start the car 5 to 10 minutes before you want to leave, it will have had a good chance to warm up and start making the interior comfortable.

What Else Can My Remote Starter Do?

Remote StarterIn many vehicles, especially those with computers that control the accessory circuits, you have many options that can enhance the functionality of your remote starter. The most common option is door lock control. Most starters have multiple buttons on the remote control that will allow you to unlock the doors as you approach the vehicle, then lock them again as you walk away after arriving at your destination.

Some starter systems have the option of adding a security system. This upgrade adds a siren, shock sensor and additional wiring to monitor the doors. Other options include controls for the power trunk/tailgate, rear window defroster, heated seat and even power window. Your retailer can help guide you through the specific options for your vehicle.

Is My Car Safe When Remote Started?

Remote StarterA lot of retailers are asked whether someone could just walk up the car once it is remote started, open the door, get in and drive away. The answer is no. Stealing your car while it is remote started is no easier than when it’s parked and turned off.

First, most starters keep the doors locked after starting the car. It would be no easier to get in than when the vehicle isn’t running. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, you almost always have to put your foot on the brake pedal to shift out of park. Most remote starters have a shutdown wire connected to the brake pedal – unless you have put the key in the ignition, the vehicle will shut down as soon as you put your foot on the brake. You have no fear of anyone taking your vehicle just because you are using a remote starter system.

Does the Brand of Remote Starter Matter?

That’s a tough one. Certain brands have excellent reputations for reliability. In most cases, the brand of starters that a store carries is typically the one that they have the most experience with and confidence in installing. No installer wants to troubleshoot faulty equipment, so good retailers will always work with brands they trust.

Being familiar with the brand also means that the installers know the color and function of all the wires coming out of the brain so they spend little or no time is spent on reading the owner’s manual. Installers will also have all the tools required to program the system to your vehicle. Most remote starters in late-model vehicles have to communicate with CAN data network, so proper programming and configuration are essential.

What Else Do I Need to Know about a Remote Starter?

You have a lot of options when it comes to purchasing a remote starter. Other than the accessory circuits we mentioned earlier, the options involve different ways of controlling the starter system.

  • Remote StarterYour first option will involve deciding how much range you need. The range is the distance (in feet or miles) that you will be away from the vehicle and still want it to start when you press the button on the remote control.
  • The second option is how you want to communicate with the remote starter. Are you happy to push the Start button and let the vehicle do its thing? This type of communication is called one-way. The other option is a two-way remote that will blink, beep or vibrate once the system has received a command back from the vehicle to confirm it has started successfully.
  • You can also incorporate cellular-based smartphone interfaces with your starter. With a smartphone interface, as long as your phone and the vehicle can get a cellular data connection, you can be anywhere on the planet and start your car.

Choose Your Retailer Wisely

You also need to ask the retailer how the system will be installed. Installers around the country, and around the world, use many different concepts and methods. Some focus on speed so they can offer low prices. Other installers focus on replication of OEM methods for connectivity and wire management. What matters is that the system is reliable. Wire connections should be secure both mechanically and electrically. The installer should mount components so they do not cause buzzes or rattles. The shop should pay special attention to the safe disassembly and reassembly of your vehicle’s trim panels.

We can’t describe every situation, so ask to see their work and judge for yourself.

Owning a remote starter is a great way to save a few minutes each day. Giving your car even 90 seconds to warm up and get the fluids flowing before you start to drive can have a dramatically positive effect on the longevity of your vehicle and on your comfort.

Remote starter systems are not just for cold climates, so visit your local mobile electronic specialist retailer and see what they have to offer.

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: Compustar CSX7905-A Premium Car Alarm System

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Compustar CSX7905-A

Protecting your car or truck from theft or vandalism requires constant monitoring. While sleeping in your vehicle all night might be one solution, it isn’t really an option. The Compustar CSX7905-A vehicle security system includes a long-range two-way RF remote control and the Drone X1-LTE with the DroneMobile App so that you know what’s going on – whether you’re six blocks or 60 miles away. Let’s delve into the features of Compustar’s flagship car alarm system and why it’s the best way to protect your investment.

Communication Enables Easy Monitoring

With the CSX7905-A, you have two ways of knowing if someone is tampering with your vehicle. The system includes a two-way T9 LCD remote control that offers up to 3,000 feet of range. The remote features an LCD screen that provides details on the security system status. Should the alarm go off, the remote will beep, and an icon will show you what zone triggered the alert.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The two-way T9 remote includes an LCD screen that will let you know when the security system has received and executed commands from the remote.

Even if your apartment is 15 floors up, or you work in a large factory or a building like a hospital, then the included Drone X1-LTE Smartphone Telematics module is the perfect solution. The Drone hardware uses the cell phone data network to relay information to the DroneMobile app on your phone and commands from the app back to your vehicle. If the shock sensor is triggered, a door opens or even something as simple as the ignition turns on, you get a notification on your Apple iOS or Android-based smartphone in a second or two. Based on those alerts, you can decide to check on your vehicle or alert the authorities.

The Drone X1-LTE module includes a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that adds a second level of protection. If someone were to drag your car or truck onto a flatbed, you’d get a tow alert on the DroneMobile app that lets you know your vehicle was moved without authorization. You can track its location and notify the police. In many cases, vehicles stolen this way are returned in a few hours instead of being shipped out of the country, never to be seen again. Your Compustar retailer can help you choose a DroneMobile subscription service that offers the communication and security features to suit your needs.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The DroneMobile system will relay alerts from your CSX7905-A and the optional DAS-II to your smartphone so you can monitor your vehicle from anywhere that you have internet access.

On-Board Security Features

The CM2400 security module at the heart of the CSX7905-A monitors door, hood and truck pins and includes a two-stage analog shock sensor. Compustar includes their E-Lock starter disable relay that prevents hot-wiring of your ignition system. Of course, Compustar includes a dash-mountable warning LED to let would-be thieves know they are up for a challenge. The included 105+ dB siren draws attention to the vehicle should a persistent thief decide he or she wants in.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The CSX7905-A includes one of Compustar’s 105+ dB sirens that will help warn thieves that a high-quality security system protects your vehicle.

The flexibility of the CM2400 allows your installer to add upgraded security features for advanced protection. Perhaps the most popular upgrade is the DAS-II sensor. This four-zone security module includes a two-stage digital shock sensor, a motion and tilt sensor and a microphone calibrated to monitor glass breakage. The optional FT-KP2 keypad works like the number pad many vehicle manufacturers include by the door handle on some vehicles. By entering a user-selected code, you can disarm the security system and unlock the vehicle. The FT-KP2 keypad mounts on the inside of the windshield. Touch the glass on the outside to enter the code and arm or disarm the system.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The optional DAS-II sensor adds digital shock, motion and tilt detection along with glass-breakage monitoring to help protect your vehicle.

Another upgrade option is the Drone X1-MAX. The X1-MAX hardware includes a built-in backup battery. If a thief cuts a battery cable in hopes of disabling your security system, the X1-MAX will continue to send you alerts and allow you to monitor the vehicle location. The X1-MAX also includes a shock, tilt and glass-breakage sensor.

Of course, all Drone solutions let you monitor the temperature inside the vehicle and its battery voltage. You can lock and unlock the doors and pop the trunk or tailgate if your vehicle has an electronic release option.

Compustar CSX7905-A
DroneMobile will let you check the temperature inside your vehicle and ensure that the doors are closed and locked.

Protect Your Vehicle With the Best Car Alarm Available

If you’re worried about theft or vandalism, visit a local authorized Compustar retailer today to learn more about the CSX7905-A and how it can keep your vehicle safe and secure. You can find a retailer 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.

What Is Signal-To-Noise Ratio, And Why Does It Matter?

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Signal-To-Noise RatioMost people understand the importance of amplifier power specifications. In most cases, more power is a good thing, that is, until you reach the thermal or suspension limits of the speakers you are using. One specification that is also very important in a mobile electronics amplifier, processor or source unit is Signal-to-Noise Ratio. In this article, we are going to explain what S/N Ratio numbers are and why they are important.

All the Noise, all the Time!

Signal-To-Noise RatioIt just so happens that when you pass a signal through any device – like a piece of wire, resistor, capacitor, inductor, transistor or anything else you can think of – a tiny little bit of noise is added to the signal. There are many different kinds of noise. The random motion of electrons bouncing around as they pass through a device causes thermal noise. Higher temperatures result in more noise. Another common noise is Shot Noise. The difference in arrival times of electrons as they cross a barrier or gap between two materials causes Shot Noise. Devices like transistors and diodes, which have different layers of materials inside, are common sources of Shot Noise. There are many more types of noise.

As you can imagine, the amount of noise generated by any one of these devices is minuscule. When you add up a little bit of noise from a bunch of components, then you amplify the resulting signal, the amount of noise in the output of a circuit grows dramatically.

Noise happens in source units, signal processors and amplifiers. Once you add noise to the signal chain, it’s essentially impossible to remove it.

The Sound of Noise

Signal-To-Noise RatioAn easy way to hear what noise sounds like is to connect a set of headphones to your laptop computer and turn the volume up fairly high. You’ll hear a hiss through the headphones. That’s noise. (Note: Please be careful, we want you as an audio enthusiast for life. Take those headphones off before your computer plays a sound and you risk damaging your hearing.)

How We Measure Noise

Signal-To-Noise RatioThere are a few ways to quantify the noise an electronic component creates. One method is to simply state the noise on the output of the device in absolute terms. The measurement could be in volts or watts, and quantifies the amplitude of the noise signal. You won’t see this used to describe audio components, however.

The most common method of quantifying the noise that a product adds to the signal is to compare the noise level to that of the audio signal coming out of the device. Because the difference in these levels can be quite large, we state the ratio of the signal level to the noise level using the decibel (dB) scale. The decibel scale is logarithmic. As such, a difference of 6 dB represents a doubling of the amplitude ratio, 20 dB is ten times the amplitude, 40 dB is 100 times, 60 dB is 1000 times and 80 dB is 10,000 times and so on.

Let us look at a moderate quality amplifier – nothing awesome, nothing disastrous. We see that this fictional amplifier has a S/N Ratio of -82.3 dB when referenced to 1 watt of power output into a 4-ohm load. What does that mean? Well, first, we know that to produce 1 watt of power into a 4-ohm speaker, we need 2 volts RMS of signal coming out of the amp. Our noise level is 82.3 dB quieter than 2 volts. Using an online calculator, that means that the noise produced by this amp is 0.00006918309709189363 times smaller than 2 volts, so it’s about 0.000138 volts. A little more math and that works out to 4.785 nanowatts.

Nope. That isn’t very much noise. And in most cases, you probably can’t hear it.

What if we work hard and find a below-average amplifier? Something with a S/N spec down around 70 dB? If we apply that math to our 2 volts of rated output, we get a noise level of 99.99 nanowatts. Yep, that’s a LOT more watts as compared to the previous example.

Clarifying the Mysterious Signal-To-Noise Ratio

If you look at an amp spec from more than about 10 years ago, or you see a number that is abnormally high, they may be rating the noise level using the maximum output capability of the amplifier as the comparing factor. If we measure an amplifier’s noise output level at 1 watt to be 85 dB, then you increase the amplifier’s output to 10 watts, assuming it doesn’t make any additional noise, the S/N ratio will be -95 dB. If the amp can produce 100 watts with no more noise, the ratio is now -105 dB. There are hundreds of amps that can produce 1000 watts – so that noise ratio measurement would now be -115 dB. When it comes to printing numbers on a gift box, in a brochure or publishing them on a website, being able to say that the S/N Ratio is -115 dB sure looks more appealing than -85 dB.

Signal-To-Noise RatioThe CEA-2006 specification established a standard set of guidelines for S/N Ratio noise measurement. The specification dictates that we measure the S/N Ratio compared to 1 watt of output into a 4-ohm load. A new specification is in the works that will help quantify the adjustment of the sensitivity setting on the amplifier during the measurement process. As it sits, the lower the setting of the amp, the better the S/N ratio measurement will be. Want to confirm this? Next time you are installing an amp, turn the system on with no signal connected to the amp and listen to the speakers. Then turn the amp gain up all the way. You will hear the noise level increase. Please turn the gain back down and shut the system off before proceeding.

Why is the Lack of Noise Important?

How can we quantify the desire not to add noise to our signal? Here is a simple analogy. If you purchased a TV in recent years, you may have heard the expression ‘blacker blacks.’ ‘Blacker blacks’ refers to how dark the screen gets when there is no signal. Blacker is better. When you think about your audio system, a ‘more negative’ S/N ratio means that the noise is quieter than the audio signal. We don’t want to listen to noise. -90 dB is better than -80 dB. Go it? Clear?

There are so many criteria to balance when choosing any car audio product. Power levels, efficiencies, distortion characteristics, features and functions all play an important role. Understanding the meaning of the S/N ratio measurement is very important. We don’t want ANY distortion or noise added to our music, but the laws of physics deny us that luxury. Do your best to choose products that, through careful design and choice of internal components, minimize these negative effects. Your local mobile electronics specialist can help steer you towards some amazing equipment. Drop in and check out what’s new.

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.