AUSTIN, TX (12.08.2020) – The dB Drag Racing Association is pleased to participate in the annual Toys for Tots program for the 14th consecutive year! The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
A MECA competition took place, along with the dB Drag competition, at the December 5th Toys For dB’s event in the Lebanon High School parking lot in Lebanon, TN.
As an incentive to retailers and promoters that have hosted dB Drag Racing events during the 2020 season, the dBDRA will waive the listing fee for qualifying 1X events that are scheduled during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The entry fee for the competitors must be a new unwrapped toy. There is no limit on the amount of toys that can be donated, however, the minimum suggested toy should be $20+.
Special MECA awards were created for the Toys For Tots event.
According to Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA, “Our goal is to provide dB Drag Racing competitors and retailers the opportunity to get involved with their local communities by providing shiny new toys to children who otherwise might have gone without.”
MECA Commish Steve Stern related, “The Car Audio Community came together at Lebanon High School in middle Tennessee to donate to Toys For Tots. MECA had 35 vehicles involved in Bass contests and Dueling Demos. All proceeds from the event went to Toys For Tots and about $1600 was raised. It was awesome! Thanks to judges Eric Halfacre, Chris Jones, and Malani Puni for taking care of the contest activities. This was the 6th Annual event organized by Chris Gregory (Wall Street’s Finest) and his family, and the event gets bigger every year. Despite the pandemic issues, we were able to gather outdoors and spend the day together, and contribute to one of our favorite causes.”
To participate in the Toys for Tots competition series, retailers and promoters will need to contact the dB Drag Racing Association. Auto sound manufacturers are also welcome to participate.
While the Toys for Tots program is a US based program, many of the international dBDRA affiliates will be offering similar toy drives in their respective countries as well.
LONG BEACH, CA (12.08.2020) – Join JVC on Tuesday, Dec. 8th @ 12:00 PM EST OR Wednesday, Dec. 16th @ 9:00 PM EST as the topic will be a CLEAR path to your JVC product selling success. Show your customers you are the expert when it comes to JVC products with the knowledge you will gain from the last mass training of 2020.
Hear additional selling insights from special guest Ata Ehdaivand of Absolute Electronics in Rockville, MD & The Mobile Electronics Syndicate.
Come excited to learn things like:
· Why You Should SELL JVC · NEW Dash Cam – Kicking off JVC’s USA introduction to the dashboard camera market – this dashcam has all of the right features at the right price · KW-Z1000W Key Features – What You Need To Know · Phone Mirroring – Simplify the different ways JVC products can mirror the screen of smartphones and tablets! · Wireless Hi-Res Audio – With the need for the best in sound quality continuing to grow, JVC brought the missing piece to the puzzle with LDAC · LED Lit Speakers – Rain or shine, JVC has the perfect solution for those harsher environments, and JVC always comes to light up the party!
Meeting Info – December 8th 12:00 PM EST JVC – Our Vision Is CLEAR Tue, Dec 8, 2020 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
HOLLY HILL, FL (12.08.2020) – Metra Electronics will be a part of the virtual KnowledgeFest Live event, hosted December 11-13, 2020. This three-day event for mobile electronics industry professionals is hosted by the Mobile Electronics Association. Metra is proud to be a platinum sponsor and host three manufacturer training sessions online that will help dealers sell and install custom audio and lighting accessories for new Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models, powersports UTVs, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Attendees will be able to interact with Metra’s sales team and participants will be able to ask questions during the live training sessions. Metra’s virtual booth will also feature videos of four of their sponsored vehicles, to give attendees a similar experience they would find had they toured the booth at an in-person event.
Training sessions will include the following topics: “Upgrading the New Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator” will be hosted on Friday, December 11 from 8:20 PM to 9:20 PM EST. Jeep owners want to customize their rides to reflect their own personal style. With the new Gladiator and Wrangler JL models on the market, aftermarket audio and lighting products designed specifically for the new body style will be a hot item for the holiday season. In this training session, attendees will learn about Metra’s latest audio accessories, vehicle-specific lighting solutions and universal RGB underglow lighting from Metra and Heise LED Lighting Systems. Metra will unbox the new products, give valuable tips for selling and installing these solutions, plus show a demo of the new RGB lighting controller and smartphone app.
“New Audio Accessories to Improve the System in UTVs” will be hosted on Saturday, December 12 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST. Powersports vehicles continue to be a popular opportunity for installers to add revenue outside traditional car audio installations. Attendees will learn about the newest solutions on the market for upgrading a Polaris RZR and Polaris General audio system with Ride Command technology available from Metra PowerSports. This training will also showcase new universal and vehicle-specific products designed for upgrading the power system and how to fit aftermarket speakers into Polaris, Can-Am, and other UTVs without custom fabrication.
“Lighting and Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” will be hosted on Sunday, December 13 from 4:10 PM to 5:10 PM EST. Attendees will learn how to cut down installation time on Harley-Davidson audio and lighting upgrades using Saddle Tramp products. The session reviews the new plug-n-play harnessing solutions that will reduce time in the bay when adding aftermarket speakers, amplifiers, Axxess DSPs, and RGB lighting to popular Harley-Davidson models. Attendees will see how they can offer upgrades to make their customer’s motorcycles louder and more stylish, without the need for labor-intensive custom fabrication and wiring.
All three of the sessions will stream live from the Metra install bay with Jason Anderson, VP of Product Research and Development. To register, visit Knowledgefest.live and sign-up for the event. An additional registration is required for Metra’s training sessions, which can be done from the Manufacturer Training page. On December 11, attendees will be able to view Metra’s virtual booth and participate in the event.
Sponsored show vehicle videos will feature a custom-built 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Sport S by Extreme Offroad and Performance in Katy, TX using Metra products. A 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500 van conversion by Ryno Built Rods and Customs in Grand Junction, MO will also be showcased, along with a 2016 Ford F-150 Raptor truck conversion owned by Metra’s sales rep, Jon Brothers. A completely gutted and rebuilt military van by the team at Throtl, dubbed “the coolest ice cream truck in the world,” will also be featured in a video that highlights their installation journey using Metra’s products.
These videos will go live on December 11 and also be available to watch from the Metra Youtube channel.
LAFAYETTE, LA (12.07.2020) – The Ricky Smith’s Audio location in Lafayette hosted a tremendously successful Toys For Tots event on Saturday, December 5th. Shortly after the store opened at 9AM people began entering the store with toys to add Christmas joy for many youngsters in the area.
The Ricky Smith’s Audio store front in Lafayette Louisiana.
Chad Neveu related, “People started bringing toys right after we opened and a steady flow of people with presents for area youngsters continued until the actual event ended at 2PM. The area LA Jeepers Club participated with us in the event and one of their members was dressed as Santa and another as an Elf. At the end of the day we had collected well over 100 toys that filled several of the large Toys For Tots Marine Corps Reserve boxes.”
Areas inside the store were set up for the Holidays and the Toys for Tots event.
In past years the South College Shopping Center businesses joined together for a Santa Sleigh Christmas event in the center’s parking lot. In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic that event was cancelled this year.
An area in the showroom was set up for people to see Santa who actually was a member of the LA Jeepers Club. This image was taken early in the event when only a small portion of the toys had arrived.
Continuing, Neveu offered, “Without the traditional Santa Sleigh event in the center we wanted to provide some cheer for area youngsters and holding a Toys For Tots event seemed like a great opportunity. In the past we have co-hosted events with the community minded area LA Jeepers Club. With their help the Toys For Tots event came together. They had several members helping in the store along with Santa and his Elf.”
When the event was over at 2 PM well over 100 toys had been donated at the Toys For Tots event.
Following the devastation from Hurricane Laura in Lake Charles the LA Jeepers Club hosted a drive for supplies to provide aid for residents in early September. That drive for supplies and tools was held in the parking lot in front of Ricky Smith’s Audio. Other Jeep focused events have also been held in the parking lot at Ricky Smith’s Audio.
Members of the LA Jeepers Club gathered for a photo during the Toys for Tots event.
“Aftermarket upgrades for Jeep vehicles are a very bright spot across the 12volt industry. We have added a variety of products to the rides of several members of the LA Jeepers Club and other Jeep owners in the area at our 3 locations in Southern Louisiana. Jeepers are very passionate about their rides and we at Ricky Smith’s Audio share their passion for upgrades on vehicles of all types including marine and powersports,” Neveu concluded.
Byron Jensen, a member of the Ricky Smith’s Audio Team, is pictured with Santa and his lovely Elf.
In 1977 Ricky Smith opened his doors in Lafayette, LA in the South College Shopping Center where the flagship store remains today. In the forty-plus years since the business has expanded throughout Southern Louisiana and now boasts locations in Abbeville and New Iberia as well as an in-house service department.
STAMFORD, CT (12.07.2020) – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated has announced JBL BassPro Go. A hybrid automobile subwoofer and portable speaker, this versatile speaker system connects music enthusiasts to JBL’s Signature Sound for an exceptional audio experience on-the-go.
When docked inside the vehicle’s trunk, the JBL BassPro Go adds powerful bass to the existing car audio system, delivering sound performance equivalent to a traditional aftermarket subwoofer system. Engineered with a subwoofer and two passive radiators, the sub system allows users enhance the bass response to their listening preferences.
The JBL BassPro Go also operates as a portable Bluetooth speaker when undocked from the vehicle. The speaker is designed to deliver big concert sound to outlast any tailgate or party with its 8 hours of play time. Users can connect up to 3 mobile devices and take turns playing DJ when it’s detached from the mount.
The JBL BassPro Go also features JBL Connect technology that can wirelessly link two BassPro Go speakers together to amplify the listening experience. The speaker’s sleek, iconic design integrates with any vehicle’s interior while delivering superior sound. In addition, the water resistant covering lets users embrace an on-the-go lifestyle without worrying about rain or spills. Built for versatility, the system is easy to dock or undock with no tools required and has the ability to charge devices via USB so users are always connected.
“The JBL BassPro Go is the first of its kind and will set a new standard in the Aftermarket industry,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Audio Aftermarket at HARMAN. “With its dual functionalities, consumers get a quality subwoofer system to enhance their in-car audio system with the added convenience of doubling as an exceptional portable speaker, ready for outside use.”
Pricing and Availability: The JBL BassPro Go will be available for purchase for $549.95 at JBL.com and select JBL retailers in December 2020.
HOLLY HILL, FL (12.07.2020) – Metra Electronics is shipping four new dash kits to upgrade older model Mercedes-Benz C, S, and SL-Class vehicles with a Double-DIN radio provision, along with a new integrated dash kit for 2020-up* Kia Soul models. These dash kits were announced at SEMA360 and are in stock now.
The 95-8734W is designed for 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models and is coated with a hydrographic film for a woodgrain finish that matches the factory look and feel. The 95-8734B is designed for 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models and is painted scratch-resistant matte black. The 95-8735B is for 2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models and is painted scratch-resistant matte black. For 2008-2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 models, the 95-8733B dash kit includes an upper panel with a recessed re-location of the factory buttons and is painted scratch-resistant matte black. All four of the new dash kits are designed for Double-DIN radio provisions.
For 2020-up* Kia Soul models without navigation, the 99-7397B dash kit fits both a Double-DIN radio or a Single-DIN radio provision with a pocket and is painted scratch-resistant matte black. This integrated dash kit includes pre-wired harnessing and an interface that retains the factory steering wheel controls, plus a 6v adapter to retain the factory backup camera. An antenna adapter is also included and the dash kit features an integrated circuit board and laser-etched graphics for a molded hard button to retain the vehicle’s hazard button. This dash kit is available now from Metra Electronics.
SHREVEPORT LA (12.05.20) WTF…Win This Friday. Cars 843 won a ODX Lighting Prize on Friday December 4th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Two weeks ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, December 4th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 105th time and the Wheel landed on the ODX space. The Cars 843 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 reached out and spoke with Tracy Ford at the Cars 843 store in Charleston SC with the good news that an ODX product will be headed their way.
Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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, Power Acoustik, JVC, ODX and ZZ-2. 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, and AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, December 11th.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (12.04.2020) – Bigger and bolder than ever, the DDX6.9AD is DS18’s new revision of our long line of amazing head units.
This receiver shares a lot of the characteristics that its little brothers share except one HUGE difference. We have upgraded the screen size from 6.2 inches to a whopping 6.9 inches with this huge screen. Now you and everyone in the vehicle can enjoy the crisp visuals along with goose bump worthy sound quality. Maneuvering through the options is quite easy with the touch screen controls and will give you flawless and absolute control over all the media you are wanting to hear.
This receiver will include everything you need to bring your multimedia dreams into full fruition with the Android operating system including Mirror Link, Wi-Fi, Blue Tooth, GPS, AUX, USB, SD, phone controls, and all your AM / FM stations. Apps are also easily downloadable when you hook your head unit up to your cellular hot spot. The SD reader can use memory cards up to 64GB.
Your music can be set easily to your preferences with the easy to use and detailed manual and the DDXRC app equalizer can get you the sound that is specific to your tastes with easy access and settings. Mirror link is also easily set up in just a few steps so you can mirror all media from your phone to your device. A mobile hotspot is required for GPS functions if you are not using mirror link. (PLEASE REMEMBER DO NOT WATCH MOVIES IN MOTION – WAIT UNTIL THE CAR IS PARKED.)
There is plenty of power behind this versatile receiver. At 4 ohms this unit offers 4×15 watts RMS and 40×4 max power which is generally enough to power all entry level speakers, but to get the maximum output from this amp, you will need amplifiers and higher quality speakers to handle the power. The PRE-AMP outputs will deliver a maximum of 4.5 volts so you can be reassured that you will have enough output voltage for your amplifiers to get the clearest and distortion free sound available. Also 3 sets of preamp outputs (SUB, Front, and Rear) will be there for you to configure to your specific setup.
METAIRIE, LA (12.04.2020) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce its new Dynamic ColorSHIFT Surface Mount DRL Signature Light for 2019-2021 Polaris RZR Turbo and 1000 (p/n 1447-332). The new powersports “Fang Light” is now available with an MSRP of $299.95.
“Our Dynamic ColorSHIFT™ fits all 2019+ Polaris RZR 1000 and Turbo (except Pro), and features individually addressable LEDs which pack a ton of unique features,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The dynamic features allow the user to run multiple moving color patterns through the LEDs, creating a vivid eye-catching lighting effect. The new RGB+A (RGB+ Amber LED) SWITCHBACK line-up features Amber LEDs creating the exclusive Dynamic FLOW turn signal effect.”
The Dynamic FLOW Turn Signals (an Oracle Lighting exclusive) has a sequential indicator which sends the LEDs in a wave towards the direction you are turning. This unique feature is built in to the control box but is optional and does not need to be connected if you choose not to. The connection is easy…just connect the LH and RH input cables to the + turn signal wire leads. Note: if your vehicle is not equipped with a turn signal kit you will need to add that to use this feature.
The Dynamic DRL Startup Sequence (an Oracle Lighting exclusive) is the latest advancement in Oracle Lighting’s Dynamic LED line. This feature creates an exciting motion effect when you start up the vehicle, giving the appearance of the DRL lights “waking up”. It is easy to install by simply connecting the integrated DRL wire to ignition + power.
“The Waterproof Surface Mount Design features our patent-pending waterproof LED modules which install directly onto the lens surface,” Hartenstein continued. “Because these new Surface-Mount DRLs are installed directly to the outside surface, installation is fast and easy…even for a beginner.”
The Smartphone App Control can easily make standard white colors as well as any static colors using the LED color wheel. What makes these DYNAMIC halos more unique is that you can also display a variety of moving patterns within the app. With more than 200 different patterns there is something to fit every color scheme imaginable.
“Installation is very easy thanks to the IP67 waterproof characteristics of the Halos,” Hartenstein concluded. “The LEDs are completely encapsulated in a waterproof resin which allows them to be installed onto the outside of the lens. Plus, wiring is now easy with the plug-and-play connectors between the LED modules and LED driver and LED controller. Simply plug the halos into the LED driver and connect the provided leads to + and – to the battery. The cables even have ring terminals already installed for the closest thing to ‘Plug-and-Play’ you can get with a kit like this. Once connected to the battery simply download the app on your phone and turn on your lights.”
Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Metairie, LA-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.
TEMPE, AZ (12.04.2020) – Mobile Solutions has introduced the Wire Ruler, an innovative and easy-to-use tool created to make wire management in a car audio system visually pleasing while also enhancing serviceability. Its purpose is to facilitate clean layout of wiring with evenly measured spacing of zip ties or other wire management clips.
Created by well-known installation technicians and YouTube gurus Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez at Five Star Car Stereo, the ruler is how so many of their clean wiring projects get efficiently accomplished. “This is a must for any professional technician or DIY enthusiast to elevate your wire management techniques to the next level” stated Beyett and Lopez.
Made from durable, laser-etched translucent plastic, the Wire Ruler system comes in two-pieces; one 12-inch section and an interlocking 5.5-inch add on section for longer wire runs. Along the ruler are pre-measured holes for marking zip tie location markings and then drilling precise holes. The laser-cut hole spacing and size of zip ties can be varied to accommodate larger gauge wiring or smaller bundles such as RCA audio cables, speaker wiring or data cables. Large holes on the ends make it easy to hang on a wall bracket next to other templates.
Features: • Wire tie spacing intervals are laser-etched • .75-inch and 1.25-inch spacing (skip holes for 1.5-inch or 2.5-inch spacing) • Designed for 4” and 8” zip ties • Easy to see through for optimal layout • Increase serviceability of equipment and wiring • Enhance install with straight, clean wire runs • Fast and easy to use – saves install time • Ideal for professionals or DIY enthusiasts
Pricing • $24.99 – Wire Ruler Set (two pieces – one long, one short) • $39.99 – Wire Ruler Double Pack (four pieces – two long, two short)
Originally created by Dean and Fernando as their own in-house tooling idea, Mobile Solutions will now partner with the pair to manufacture and exclusively distribute the Wire Ruler from its Tempe, AZ facility. “This is a great collaboration for our company to work with a fellow creative problem-solvers like Dean and Fernando” remarks Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions. Dean and his co-host, Fernando, have five separate social media channels that reach both industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts, all the while running the installation bay operation at Five Star Car Stereo in Clearwater, FL. “It made a lot of sense to partner with Mobile Solutions on this Wire Ruler” added Beyett.
The Wire Ruler is in stock and available now. For more details and to see a how-to video on the Wire Ruler uses, visit www.mobilesolutions-USA.com. Orders can easily be placed online. For phone orders, call 480-968-2074.