Author: 12VoltNews

Metra Electronics Launches New Pro LED Headlight Replacement Bulbs from Heise

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HOLLY HILL, FL (02.16.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping new Pro Series LED replacement headlight bulbs from Heise LED Lighting Systems. The Pro Series features five different bulbs that cover every application of HID currently available on the market, plus seventeen single-beam and four dual-beam lightbulb sizes. Matched with a brand new extreme LED chipset, these bulbs not only outlast but will outperform HID bulbs.

Heise has meticulously designed the bulbs to optimize the LED position in order to maximize the headlight housing optics for both projector and reflector systems. The result is a 16,000 lumens solution that is 260% brighter than other LEDs, using only 70 watts per set with a running temperature of only 115 degrees F. By running much cooler than traditional LED bulbs, the Pro Series has an increased lifespan compared to others on the market.

“The majority of failures with LED replacement bulbs come from not wicking the heat away from the LED chip. The faster a bulb can get the heat away from the LED chips, the longer the lifespan will be. In our new design, the copper substrate is very efficient at moving heat down through the heatsink and then to the fan away from the chip,” stated Jason Anderson, VP of Product Research and Development for Metra Electronics 12volt brands.

Anderson added, “When compared to two popular fanless LED bulbs on the market that are less than half the brightness of the Heise Pro Series, their internal running temperatures were significantly higher, at 160 and 170 degrees F,” says Anderson. “Heise’s new LED bulbs are much brighter, run cooler, and will last longer.”

Heise’s Pro Series bulbs feature a 2mm solid copper thermodynamic core, all-metal construction for the build material, a rotatable collar for beam pattern adjustment, instantaneous full lumen start-up, an IC thermal controller with a high-speed smart fan, built-in reverse polarity protection, and a side-cable connection for slimmer installation. A built-in EMI filter prevents the bulbs from affecting the vehicle’s radio reception and they will work with Heise’s existing CANBUS decoders, which, depending on the vehicle, may be required to stop the flashing of headlights or the “lamp out” message in the instrument cluster (sold separately). Due to their intense brightness, these bulbs are for off-road use only and not for use on public roads.

These solutions are in stock now and come with Heise’s 3-year warranty. Installers can visit HeiseLED.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information and installation instructions.

Visit metraonline.com for more.

JD Glassworks Connects with the Custom PitBox

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LUBBOCK, TX (02.15.2021) – Creativity is a hallmark across the 12volt industry. JD Glassworks, a proactive 12volt retailer located in Lubbock TX, takes the standard shop toolbox to the next level. The JD Glassworks PitBox is a totally customized shop toolbox that connects with consumers by showcasing the company’s creativity.

The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc PitBox in the JD Glassworks shop.

The PitBox caught the12volt News eye at the recent KICKER AMA ArenaCross in Levelland TX. JD Glassworks, a longtime KICKER dealer, was an exhibiting retailer at the event with a customized pickup demo and a red PitBox project for Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. The red Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox drew attention at the event from afar with the red color, flashing RGB lights and crankin’ KICKER Livin’Loud sound.

Jimmy Davis, JD Glassworks owner, related “We came up with the idea of a customized shop toolbox for exhibiting at local shows for our store. We customized a standard toolbox from Harbor Freight as a mobile office area for us at a show. The word got out to some local companies and we have done several of the custom PitBoxes. The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox is the wildest to date.”

KICKER Marine Speakers, along with battery and power supply, shown inside the PitBox.

The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox is wrapped in custom red vinyl. The 8 KICKER marine speakers are framed and arranged around the PitBox. Inside the PitBox is a KICKER L715. Three KICKER Amps deliver the power. A KICKER Bluetooth Media center provides plenty of music source options. A Viking battery is aboard along with a power supply. The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc PitBox is on heavy duty casters for mobility at events. At 400 pounds plus the PitBox is a load put easily fits into a pickup truck bed.

The KICKER Bluetooth multimedia source unit provides many content sources.

“Off and on around the shop we probably spent a couple weeks on the Mesquite Oil Tool Inc project. The company is a regional oil field provider and utilizes their PitBox in the company”s HQ gym, at company events and tailgating at games. We have created PitBoxes for other companies and some are also around swimming pools and on patios. Depending on the gear we install, and level of customization, the PitBoxes are in the $3000 to $5000 range. The Mesquite Oil Tool Inc project was more.”

Concluding, Davis offered “We also have space in our showroom to display a PitBox and use the store’s PitBox at events where is works great as a mobile office. PitBoxes always start a conversation with consumers. We had several customers come into the store after the KICKER AMA ArenaCross who wanted more info on a PitBox and gear for their vehicles, boats and Side-by-Sides.”

See @jd_glassworks on Instagram to see a short video and images of the Mesquite Oil Tool Inc PitBox.

Visit kicker.com for more.

AIS Lighting and King Car Audio Score on the 12Volt Spin-To-Win 110

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.15.2021) – The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel was created to have some fun across the 12volt industry. Fun for vendors with spaces and visibility on the wheel along with the weekly winners. Fun too for the 12volt News.

Spin 110 on Friday January 8th was especially fun. The Wheel landed on the AIS Lighting space. King Car Audio in Norwalk, CT was the winner and Mo Deura was very happy to hear the news that day.

Mo Deura with the AIS Lighting prize. The shop Jeep shines brightly behind Mo with the AIS Lighting Kit installed.

A quick call to Kelley Vickers at AIS got the ball rolling that day. The same day Destiny Akers snapped an image of the AIS Tech Series PLUS LED Lighting Kit headed to King Car Audio.

A few days later Mo Deura posted an image of the AIS Lighting kit installed on his store’s Jeep.

A smiling Destiny Akers, in AIS HQ in Marietta GA, with the AIS Lighting prize set to ship to Mo at King Car Audio.

Vickers followed up and learned Deura really liked the ease of installation and noted the AIS lights were superior to the brand being used at King Car Audio. In addition, Deura had positive comments about the product packaging and is looking forward to becoming an AIS Lighting dealer.

The King Car Audio winning slip for the AIS Lighting prize on January 8th.

From the 12volt News perspective this is a great story for all. A real win/win/win… with not one “Well you know” delay.

See aisinterface and _kingcaraudio on Instagram for more.

BOYO Releases AHD Wireless Hitch Camera System

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FULLERTON, CA (02.15.2021) – Vision Tech America, Inc. believes in providing customers with the state-of-the-art technology in automobile engineering with the best possible prices to modernize vehicles.

In this regard, BOYO unveiled VTB301CA, which is AHD/CVBS Heavy Duty Vehicle Backup Camera Systems. “Our new VTB301CA is an upgraded version of our current VTB301C. New VTB301CA is AHD 1080P and CVBS compatible camera with an excellent display quality. It is comprised of a IP69K waterproof camera and a great night vision for RVs, Trucks, Buses and Commercial Vehicles. It will help people to drive and park safely with confidence whether you have a big truck or a RV” said Richard Hong, VP Sales.

Key Product Features:
• 1/2.9” AHD Sensor (GC2053 CSP)
• High resolution: AHD 1920(H)x1080(V), CVBS 600 TVL
• Wide viewing angle of AHD : 125°(H), 60°(V), 170°(D) ; CVBS: 80°(H), 40°(V), 100°(D)
• Minimum Illumination: 0.01 Lux / 0 Lux with IR
• Night vision distance of 26ft
• Heavy-duty housing / Waterproof IP69K
• Configurable using loop wires

  • AHD/CVBS selectable
  • 1080P/720P selectable
  • Reverse/ Normal image selectable
  • Parking guide lines on/off selectable
    • High voltage tolerance 12VDC (Tolerance 8V ~ 35V)
    • Includes 65ft extension cable

Visit visiontechamerica.com for more.

Dynamic Car Audio Wins Sketch My Ride Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 115

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SHREVEPORT LA (02.13.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Dynamic Car Audio won the Sketch My Ride prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, February 12th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Two months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 115th time on Friday morning February 12th. The Wheel landed on the Sketch My Ride space. The Dynamic Car Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We have reached out to John Edwards at Dynamic Car Audio in Virginia Beach VA with the good news.

Sketch My Ride is a new company on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. Sketch My Ride, with Brett Marek at the drawing board, is nationally known for creating custom automotive art. With a vehicle image from John, Brett will create a cool black and white line art sketch.  See @sketchmyride on Instagram to see hundreds of posts featuring Brett’s great work.

This is an example of Brett’s cool Sketch My Ride work.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, the lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Design Engineering, Power Acoustik, JVC, ZZ-2 and Sketch My Ride. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME and Angelvip2474 in Draper UT. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, February 19th.

KICKER CompR Subwoofers Shipping to Dealers, Increases Efficiency with Forced-Air Cooling

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STILLWATER, OK (02.12.2021) – KICKER has begun shipping its new-for-2021 CompR Subwoofers, featuring Forced-Air Cooling and available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers nationwide both in-store and online.  Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show in October, CompR Subwoofers will retail from $99.95-$269.95. CompR Subwoofers are also available at www.kicker.com.

The CompR features a stacked magnet structure for improved power handling and sound quality, while withstanding extraordinary levels of power. The woofer’s innovative thermal system, dubbed “Forced-Air Cooling,” uses its own cone movement to route even more air than previous through the CompR’s motor, forcing unwanted heat out of vents built into the backplate and allowing the sub to run 25 percent cooler than previous versions. Users get the bass they love, the sleek look, and the reliability expected.

The subwoofer also features the SoloKon cone system, defined by a signature red, double-stitched surround and all-polypropylene woofer cone. It is available in 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-inch models with dual voice coils (2 or 4 Ohm). The CompR is engineered to maintain a superior level of volume and musical accuracy, while delivering reliable performance everyone can enjoy.

Visit www.kicker.com for more.

AHD Wireless Hitch Camera System Shipping from BOYO

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FULLERTON, CA (2.12.2021) – Vision Tech America, Inc. believes in providing customers with the state-of-the-art technology in automotive engineering with the best possible prices to modernize vehicles.

In this regard, BOYO has unveiled the VTCRH1 and VTCRH2 models. These two models are 2.4 GHz Wireless AHD Vehicle Backup Camera Systems with 5” IPS LED Monitor and Heavy-Duty Backup Cameras.

The BOYO VCTRH2 Features a 5” IPS LED monitor and two 2.4 GHz Wireless AHD backup camera systems with magnetic mounts.

“Our new VTCRH series are high-end AHD wireless systems for RVs, Trucks, Boat and Horse Trailers. As both models come with magnetic camera mount with built-in rechargeable battery, users can easily install this wireless camera without any hard wiring. This new system will assist anyone to drive and park safely with confidence whether in a RV or pulling a trailer” stated Richard Hong, VP Sales.

Richard Hong pictured in the VisionTech America HQ in Fullerton CA with the new VTRCH product.

Key Product Features:
• 720P high-definition camera and monitor for clear image.
• 2.4GHz 700’ long range connectivity between a camera and the monitor for reliable
video transmission.
• 18 Hour battery powered camera with strong magnetic mount for easy installation and
portability (between trailers).

• Heavy-duty camera with IP68 waterproof housing for harsh weather conditions and IR
light for night vision.
• Monitor with parking guidelines on/off switch, reverse/non-reverse switch, sleep mode
and trigger lines to switch between cameras.
• Monitor accessories: detachable monitor sunshade, cigarette lighter adapter, dashboard
and windshield monitor mount.
• Camera accessories: battery charger.

The VTCRH1 features 1 camera and the VTCRH2 features 2 cameras and both models are shipping now.

Visit www.visiontechamerica.com for more.

Autotek ATEQ Processor Now Shipping

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (02.12.2021) – Now shipping: ATEQ processor from Autotek is a 4-band equalizer with a 9-volt line driver featuring a multiple source signal processor. This 1⁄2 DIN pre-amp EQ includes front/rear active crossover, an audio input selector for switching between the head unit and another audio source, master volume control of SPL-level, and 2 audio inputs with level matching. In addition to providing superior sound quality for any genre of music; this processor has a selectable 12dB high-pass crossover for rich trebles and low-pass subwoofer output for deep bass.

Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales at Maxxsonics USA said, “The ATEQ processor has everything you need to control all of your sound. You’ll receive higher trebles with clearer highs, deeper lows for bigger bass, and complete customization and control of your music. These are shipping fast, so make sure to secure your order now!”

The ATEQ processor is now shipping. Contact your sales representative, or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.

See full line details on the Autotek website at autotekcaraudio.com

Tint World Builds Franchise Development Strategy from 2020 Success

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BOCA RATON, FL (02.11.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is building on its 2020 success with major investments in franchise development, positioning the company to continue its fast growth and ongoing expansion into new national and international markets.

“There’s no doubt that 2020 was a difficult year,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “But early on we made a concerted effort to develop and implement best practices for the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the entire Tint World family remained safe and healthy and could continue providing essential automotive services. Because of that proactive spirit, we had more existing franchisees invest into opening additional locations or relocate to larger stores to handle the increased service business growth. And not a single Tint World location closed in 2020, despite all the major economic challenges we faced.”

Charles J. Bonfiglio

Tint World’s 2021 strategy for franchise development includes focusing on an optimized sales process, streamlining lead management, and increasing investment in online marketing and social media efforts.

Tint World was founded in 1982 and began franchising in 2007. Since then, the company has opened more than 80 locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – with over 30 additional locations currently in development. In 2020, Tint World’s continued success earned the company multiple awards from a range of prestigious industry organizations, including the Inc. 5000, the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Business Review’s 200 Best Franchises to Buy, the Franchise Gator Top 100 Franchises, the Franchise Times Top 200+ and Franchise Business Review’s Culture100.

“Our growth really speaks to the unique business model we’ve developed and the character and commitment of our franchisees,” said Bonfiglio. “Even in a period of economic uncertainty, we’re on pace to have a record-breaking number of new franchises in 2021, and that creates extreme confidence throughout the Tint World family for growth opportunities well into the future.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Launches Dodge Challenger Dynamic ColorSHIFT Headlight Halo Kits

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METAIRIE, LA (02.11.2021) – Oracle Lighting has launched two new Dodge Challenger Dynamic ColorSHIFT Headlight Halo Kits for model years 2008-2014 (p/n 1292-33) and 2015-2021 (p/n 3990-332). Now available, the new kits both have MSRPs of $299.95.

“Customize your Challenger headlight to the max with dynamic styling and a simple, easy install with our new Dynamic ColorSHIFT halo kits,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “These kits feature our popular Dynamic ColorSHIFT technology, and now utilize our Dynamic Motion Flow turn signal feature, as well.”

Encased in a special polymer resin, Oracle Lighting’s surface mount halos are completely waterproof (they can function properly even when submerged underwater), and they easily install by attaching directly to the exterior of the headlight lens using a patent-pending system. Oracle Lighting also uses advanced LED chips that produce an impressively bright output while consuming less power. This simple process cuts down installation time from hours to just minutes.

“Our Dynamic ColorSHIFT technology is the latest advancement in our expansive lighting modifications, which allows the user to run multi-color moving patterns,” Hartenstein continued. “Conveniently controlled through a free smartphone app, the system features more than 200 pre-programmed moving patterns as well as static color control and white mode for normal street driving. In addition to the pre-programmed features, the user can also create custom designs through pixel editing in the app.”

These vividly eye-catching lighting effects are sure to wow any car enthusiast, and the chasing RGB halos are made stress-free by Oracle Lighting’s surface-mount installation and plug-and-play wiring. Simply connect the LED control box to the battery then control your lights with the smartphone app. Optional connections for turn signals and DRL conveniently tap to the turn signal and parking light leads on the back of the factory headlights.

“Using the latest lighting technology, our cutting-edge halo kits are a great way to personalize your ride with show-stopping looks and industry-leading performance,” Hartenstein continued. “Stand out from the look-alikes with an Oracle Lighting halo kit!”

Oracle Lighting notes that the colored lights are not intended for on-road use, the white “DRL” mode is intended to override any colors while the vehicle is in use.

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.