Author: 12VoltNews

BestCarAudio.com Returns to Roots with Introduction of Test Drive Reviews

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LEHIGHTON, PA (11.18.2020) – 1sixty8 media, the team behind the consumer-facing BestCarAudio.com website, is proud to announce that they will begin offering their advertising clients hands-on product reviews under the title Test Drive Reviews.

Mitch Schaffer, President of 1sixty media, said, “We’ve reached a point where it’s time to take the information available to consumers to the next level. Thankfully, we have Dave MacKinnon in charge of content for BestCarAudio.com. His extensive experience in developing, testing and reviewing mobile audio products is nearly unmatched in the industry. I’m very excited to be able to offer Test Drive Reviews to our clients and their potential customers.”

Dave MacKinnon at home on the bench in his location in Burlington, Ontario Canada.

Dave MacKinnon, Head Writer for 1sixty8 media and Editor-in-Chief of the BestCarAudio.com website, said, “Testing products in my lab is what got me started as a writer in the mobile enhancement industry just under 20 years ago. I’m excited to get my hands on the latest and hopefully greatest offerings from the industry and share my experiences with our readers. Educating consumers on the features and performance capabilities of the products available to them will help them make a better purchasing decision. While unboxings and videos about features are interesting, they don’t get to the core of what makes one product’s performance different from another. Our Test Drive Reviews will change that.”

Schaffer added, “As the owner of a mobile enhancement store since 1994, support for brick-and-mortar retailers is a fundamental part of how BestCarAudio.com operates. It’s at our core. The vast majority of the 300+ articles currently on the site explain solutions or technologies, then directs readers to find a car audio shop in their area that can provide them with top quality service. My hope is that the new Test Drive Reviews drive business to qualified retailers looking for quality gear.”

The BestCarAudio.com team already has products on the test bench, and the first review should be available on the website (www.bestcaraudio.com) and Facebook page (facebook.com/bestcaraudio) by the end of November 2020.

Manufacturers and distributors can find out more about the marketing opportunities available from the BestCarAudio.com website by contacting Mitch Schaffer at 570-656-6900 or mitch@1sixty8.com.

iBEAM Shipping New ADAS Products and Cameras

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HOLLY HILL, FL (11.18.2020) – iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems by Metra Electronics launched new aftermarket automotive safety products at SEMA360 that provide reliable OE-quality upgrades with easy to install options. Now shipping are two new ADAS products; a universal parking sensor system that requires no drilling, along with a two-way blind spot and lane change alert system that can be installed without removing the bumper. iBEAM is also now shipping a new wide-angle camera, a 1080p dash camera, and third brake light cargo cameras for Chevrolet/GMC and Ford trucks.

Two-Way Rear Blind Spot and Lane Change Alert System
iBEAM’s new rear two-way blind spot detection kit brings high-tech safety without the lengthy installation. The TE-BSM2 is mounted entirely inside the vehicle with one sensor mounted on the rear windshield, providing a clean and easy installation that eliminates the need for bumper removal. Unlike other systems, everything is built into a single sensor for an easy DIY installation, with no additional control modules or parts needed. This system provides both audible and visual alerts for rear blind spot detection within a 65.5ft field. An LED visual-only alert is shown if there is a vehicle in the blind spot and then the visual and audible alert is triggered if the blinker is on and a vehicle is in the blind spot, alerting the driver immediately.

No Drill Two-Sensor Parking System

Without drilling into the bumper, iBEAM’s new two-sensor parking solution, the TE-2PSK, provides enhanced accuracy and easy installation. Its reliable technology uses a higher frequency than current sensors on the market to allow for a more precise 3-foot sensing field with fewer false triggers. The TE-2PSK has everything built into the sensors with no additional control modules or parts needed, resulting in an easy to install kit that doesn’t require drilling into the bumper – simply mount the sensors and run wires. A three-zone setup for audible alerts helps drivers navigate difficult parking situations with ease. Designed for rear plastic bumpers.

Wide Angle Camera

iBEAM’s TE-190 is a 190-degree wide-angle camera that provides more visibility due to its larger field of view. This camera lens is adjustable, it is rated IP69, and has selectable parking lines. The resolution is 600 TV lines, it has a minimum illumination of 0.01 lux and can be mounted in the front, rear, or side of the vehicle.

1080p Dash Camera

The TE-DVR1080 is a new suction-cup mounted dash camera that is powered by a cigarette adapter, allowing for an easy to install solution. It has 1080p resolution at 30 fps and a 150-degree wide-angle lens. The 2-inch LCD screen shows menu options to allow the user to take video, photos, or playback media on the screen, with motion detection and parking mode features available. The G-sensor will lock video recordings if a crash is detected to avoid overwriting video footage in the event of an accident.

Third Brake Light Cargo Camera Frames

Two new third brake light cargo camera frames are now available from iBEAM. The TE-3BLCFD is designed for 2015-2020 Ford F-150, 2019-2020 Ford Ranger, and 2017-2020 Ford Superduty trucks. The TE-3BLCGM is designed for 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014-2020 GMC Sierra trucks. These frames add a blind spot/cargo camera to the third brake light of the vehicle with 480 TV lines resolution, selectable parking lines, and a 136-degree horizontal field of view. Both of these cameras are rated IP69 and improve rear visibility, allowing the driver to keep an eye on their cargo and rear blindspot areas.

All of these new products are now shipping with additional details available at iBEAMusa.com.

New DEI Safety Products Provide Protection for Pit Crew Eyes, Ears & Arms

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AVON LAKE, OH (11.18.2020) – Things can happen in an instant in the pits, meaning your pit crew can never be too safe. Keep their eyes, ears and arms protected with safety items from Design Engineering, Inc.

DEI’s Pit Crew Safety Kit includes vision, hearing and arm protection for professional mechanics, pit crew members and do-it-yourselfers. Kits include protective eyewear, ear plugs and Kevlar sleeving, all in one package and at an affordable price.

“Safety is the most important thing, which is why DEI is proud to offer professional-grade safety protection for mechanics, pit crew members and anyone working around vehicles,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “These items allow you to protect yourself at all times while working on any project.”

Kits include:
DEI Safety Glasses – The glasses are black-framed, impact-resistant, wraparound-style protective eyewear that meets ANSI Z87 general-purpose UV requirements. They provide 100% UV protection, are scratch-resistant and are available with clear, smoke or yellow lenses for flawless vision in any environment.

DEI Ear Plugs – The plugs feature triple flanges for a comfortable, one-size-fits-all design. They are re-useable and offer a Noise Reduction Rating (NPR) of 25 decibels, with a breakaway cord included.

DEI Kevlar Safety Sleeves – The sleeves provide superior resistance to cuts, slashes and heat in environments where workers’ arms are exposed. Strong without being bulky, they withstand temperatures up to 900º F, extend past the wrist and include a thumb hole for added protection of the palm area.

In addition to the complete Pit Crew Safety Kit, DEI Safety Glasses (#070513), Ear Plugs (#070530) and Kevlar Safety Sleeves (#070520) are available for individual purchase.
 
Visit www.designengineering.com for more.

KC Trends Hosts KC Exotic Club Members and Their Supercars

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OVERLAND PARK, KS (11.16.2020) – KC Trends is a very proactive retailer in Overland Park KS specializing in automotive aftermarket products. KC Trends is Kansas City’s best source for automotive luxury, performance and automotive wheels, parts and accessories since 1993.

On a recent Friday evening the company hosted members of the KC Exotic Club for an evening to showcase their exotic cars, network with peers and enjoy refreshments along with a selection of goodies from a local food truck.

Over 50 KC Exotics Club members attended the event at KC Trends.

KC Trends owner Chad Dearth related “We had over 50 exotic cars that circled the store and filled the parking lot. The least expensive ride at the event was a new 2020 Corvette. Over 120 people spent time in the store checking out our wide assortment of automotive accessories including lighting. We had a raffle and raised over $1,300 for a local charity. Michelin, Toyo and GoMobile Tires were great raffle partners for @shadowbuddies.”

This overhead shot really shows the great turnout for the KC Exotics Club at KC Trends Overland Park, KS event. The drone image from @thechazzcom.

KC Trends is very active on social media with eye-catching image posts. Many of the posts spotlight a recently completed project positioned in front of the store. KC Trends store branding is very visible in the background of many of the posts. Followers definitely see KC Trends is the place in the Kansas City area for automotive upgrades.

Exotic rides from the KC Exotic Club member in the KC Trends parking lot at sunset.

The night of the KC Exotic Club event amazing overhead drone pics @thechazzcom were posted. The overhead images of the exotic cars circling the building were truly amazing Instagram posts.

Concluding, Dearth offered “The KC Exotic Club night was terrific. To see all the vehicles surrounding the store, with their owners and friends in our showroom, was truly great. We plan for this to be an annual event.”

Visit kctrends.com for more.

Maxxsonics USA Saddened by the Passing of Lukas Louw

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.17.2020) – “At Maxxsonics USA, we are deeply saddened to announce the sudden loss of a colleague and dear friend of the company, Lukas Louw. Lukas was a design consultant and one of the original engineers who worked with Hifonics founder Helmut Stieglitz. Lukas remained the Hifonics Chief Engineer until his passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Lukas’s family.”

On his passing, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics USA, commented, “Last week Maxxsonics lost a very integral part of its family. Lukas Lowe was not only our Chief Engineer he was a very dear friend of mine and he will be sorely missed. Lukas’s contribution to the mobile audio industry will go unmatched.”

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

BOYO Launches Feature-Packed Touch Screen Dash Cam

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FULLERTON, CA (11.17.2020) – Vision Tech America, Inc. has launched VTR419GW, a dual, front, 4K UHD, and rear, 2K FHD camera dash cam with a full touch screen.  It is the most advanced and user friendly with safety in mind.

VTR419GW, with a high-definition front camera, will record vibrant color pictures during the day,  and with the rear wide dynamic range camera, will be able to read the license plate number of a  vehicle following with headlights during the night driving. With a wide viewing angle, a rear camera with a reverse trigger wire can be used as a backup camera.

Out of box, full features also include
• High definition 4K UHD front camera and 2K FHD WDR camera with a backup trigger line,
• Gesture sensitive, 3.0” full touch screen
• motion detection, impact sensitive parking mode and continuous loop recording,
• GPS for Speed and Geotagging for playback,
• Wi-Fi connectivity for a mobile app for viewing and playback,
• USB Video Class (UVC) connectivity for direct memory access, USB camera, and Charging, and
• H.264 and H.265 recoding for maximum compression with minimum clarity loss for efficient storage usage.

In this regard, “Our new VTR419GW incorporates the latest technology to provide the best safety and security that a driver can expect. It will provide a driver with excellent supporting evidence for defending himself or herself in case of a car accident. It will help anyone to drive and park safely with confidence. We are very excited to offer VTR419GW to all drivers whether they are new drivers, commuters, or professional drivers.” said Richard Hong, VP Sales.

For more information, visit www.visiontechamerica.com/VTR419GW

Remembering Steve Fahlmark, Veteran 12Volt Rep and Founder of Midwest Sales Group

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YORKVILLE, IL (11.16.2020) – “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Fahlmark, founder of Midwest Sales Group. Steve passed away on Thursday, November 12th, 2020. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Marcia Fahlmark; his daughter, Sara (Kevin) Roorbach; his son, Max Fahlmark; and his extended family and friends.”

Steve Falhmark (L) receiving the JVC Rep Firm of the Year, Eastern Region 2019, at CES 2020. JVC National Sales Manager Ron Trout (R) and Steve Cote presented the award to Midwest Sales Group during the National Sales Meeting.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 N. Bridge St., Yorkville, IL. Friends may visit from 4:00 until the Hour of Service on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.

Steve Falhmark Midwest Sales Group 1965-2020

Steve was deeply loved by his family, friends, and his customers. His infectious personality and bold spirit will be missed – no words can describe the tremendous loss that will be felt. Steve was the principal of Midwest Sales group, and an industry veteran with over 25 years in the market. His passion for car audio and electronics grew into a successful career. He started on the retail floor of Y.E.S. Electronics, where he worked his way up to store manager.

A collage of Steve Falhmark images during various activities.

Steve’s desire to focus more on the business side led to his transition to Manufacturer Representative. He began with Brook Marketing, Inc, as an account executive, moved to Sales Network, Inc. and was then named Vice President of Leading Edge Sales and Marketing, Ltd. Throughout Steve’s career as a Sales Representative, Steve has represented many premium lines such as JL Audio, Focal, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, Lightning Audio, JBL, Bazooka and Clarion. In 2003, Steve decided to start his own Rep Firm, and Midwest Sales Group was born. Steve has been providing outstanding service and support to his Midwest Sales Group manufacturers, dealers, and distributors for over 17 years.

For those who knew Steve, please feel free to write a few words about Steve or extend your condolences to his family at this address or on his Facebook page.

WeConekt supplied this article “Remembering Steve Fahlmark.”

Hifonics HFEQ-2 Processor Utilizes Higher Sound Quality

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.16.2020) – NEW HFEQ-2 processor from Hifonics utilizes higher sound quality with upgraded components. With 1⁄2 DIN ISO mount included; this perfect system upgrade can be installed right in the dash of your vehicle. At your fingertips, you’ll receive a 9-volt line driver offering a 4-band equalizer with a +18dB variable plus master volume, subwoofer volume control, and front to rear dual-amp fader.

Jim White, Quality Assurance Specialist, said, “With the HFEQ-2 processor, you’ll gain smoother sound and an all-around better listening experience. Obtaining full control of your music in every aspect is what we set out to achieve and the result is our most powerful and efficient processor that Hifonics has to offer.”

ABOUT THE HFEQ-2 PROCESSOR

With higher efficiency, drawing less power, the HFEQ-2 processor delivers a sound to your audio that creates a more dynamic experience letting you customize your music more than ever. High-pass filters allow complete control of every high, while low-pass filters allow for deeper low bass.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

  • 1⁄2 DIN, 4-band, pre-amp EQ with front/rear active crossover
  • Audio input selector for switching between the head unit and another source
  • Input level controls for both car radio and any media device to ensure identical volume levels
  • Master volume control of the SPL-level for both sound sources
  • Front to rear dual-amp fader
  • 2 audio inputs with level matching
  • 45Hz sub-bass control
  • 120Hz mid-bass control

The HFEQ-2 processor offers more control for you and higher sound quality for your audio. Obtain total control of your sound and hear every song in a new light.

Contact your sales representative, or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.

Visit hifonics.com for more.

Matt Michielin Joins Eleven Engineering Marketing Team

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EDMONTON, ALBERTA (11.16.2020) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. has announced that Matt Michielin has joined the company as marketing team leader.

“As Eleven Engineering has continued to grow, we needed to add to our marketing and customer service team in order to keep up with worldwide demand of our SKAA technologies and products offerings,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “Matt has stepped in and immediately taken the reins on some very important projects while keeping everything running smoothly. Besides his marketing and customer service skills, he is a heck of an accomplished musician, as well.”

Matt Michielin

Michielin, a trumpet player, has a MA (Jazz Studies) from San Jose State University, and has played with the likes of Tom Politzer (Tower of Power), Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, and the Super Soul Brothers, to name a few. His responsibilities at Eleven Engineering include maintaining the SKAAstore and the creation of the new SKAAstore website, customer service, office operations, database management, and social media and communications assistance. 

Prior to joining Eleven Engineering, Michielin worked with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, The Government of Alberta, and Special Olympics Alberta.

“Eleven Engineering provides a great atmosphere to work in, which allows me to apply my formal music education,” Michielin said. “The team really works well together and supports one another to accomplish each and every project. I’m excited to be a part of the team.” 

SKAA wireless lets the integrator easily create a dedicated multi-room home audio superhighway with a long range up to 150 feet with a robust, interference-free low-latency signal eliminating lip-sync issues with TV and gaming. SKAA-enabled products can stream music between them, up to four sets simultaneously – one transmitter to four devices. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals that are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

SKAA is available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack.

Eleven Engineering breaks down the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio on its YouTube channel. See above of visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw2iSCuT0x8

For more on SKAA and the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio, subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/user/SKAAwireless and visit SKAA.com.

Drive Customs Wins 12volt News Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 102

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SHREVEPORT LA (11.14.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Drive Customs won the 12volt News $100. Prize on Friday November 13th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

On Friday morning, November 13th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 102nd time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Drive Customs slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We called the San Luis Obispo CA retailer and Jesse Sprister was very happy to hear the news. A $100. Check will be headed that 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit 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 and Audio Finesse in Santa Monica. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 20th.