Author: 12VoltNews

Mobile Solutions Introduces Magnet Fitment System

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TEMPE, AZ (02.03.2021) – Mobile Solutions announces its latest product release: the Magnet Fitment System. It’s a complete, solution-driven kit that aids fabricators in the use and installation of round neodymium magnets in place of traditional door or trim panel clips. “It’s the only kit of its kind” says company founder and president, Bryan Schmitt. He says that using this kit virtually eliminates difficulties commonly experienced when implementing these small, powerful magnets into custom interior and audio system builds.

“The problem when using neodymium magnets for panel attachments is common size drill bits are not precision-sized for a secure press fit and leave an angled bottom of the drilled hole” explains Schmitt. This means the mounting hole (also called the “pocket hole”) ends up larger than round magnet’s outer diameter and without a flat countersink at the bottom of the hole. “A precision, tight fit is critical because of the force of attraction between these magnets” continues Schmitt. In addition, because magnets require a specific polarity orientation to attract to one another (rather than oppose), positioning the magnets with a backward polarity orientation is a common mistake. The Mobile Solutions Magnet Fitment System solves all these problems with a solution-driven approach.

Custom CNC-machined Magnet Match countersink bits that are precision-sized for a secure press fit of MS neodymium magnets. This means precision mechanical fitment for most materials with a flat bottom surface. Smart Mag Alignment Plates assist with the magnet installation process.  These are machined out of 1/2” acrylic with corresponding flush-mounted magnets to ensure North and South polarity orientations are always correct.

Using the Magnet Fitment System is very easy. “It’s as simple as drilling a pilot hole through both surfaces (fixed surface and removable panel), countersinking the magnet pocket hole, embedding the magnet with correct polarity orientation and you’re done” explains Schmitt.

List price for the Magnet Fitment System is $299.99. For a short time the introductory pricing is just $249.99.

For more information on the Magnet Fitment System and view the How To video, visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

New Lights, Camera Kit, and Brackets for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Now Shipping from Metra Electronics

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HOLLY HILL, FL (02.03.2021) – Metra Electronics has added even more aftermarket products to their growing line of Jeep accessories with the addition of new side marker lights, a third brake light, a replacement camera kit, and a fog light adapter bracket set. These new products provide stylish yet functional upgrades for the latest Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator models.

Amber LED Side Marker Lights for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

The JP-SML2 replaces factory side marker lights with an easy to install solution that is plug-n-play with all of the 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT trim levels. It includes an integrated anti-flicker feature with a smoked crystalline lens for a stylish upgrade. The amber LEDs provide better visibility with 13.5 watts and an internal reflector for an even brighter output than the factory marker lights.

JP-SML2 Product Specifications:

  • (27) 0.5-watt LEDs
  • Smoked crystalline lens
  • Amber LED
  • Multi-angle internal reflector
  • Integrated anti-flicker
  • Plug-n-play factory connector
  • IP67
  • Sold as a pair

Third Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler

The JP-TTL3T upgrades the third brake light to a brighter, modern LED light with 2.5 watts and a durable polycarbonate lens. Installation is easy with a plug-n-play factory connector that will work with any trim level for 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL models.

JP-TTL3T Product Specifications:

  • (5) 0.5-watt LEDs
  • Polycarbonate lens
  • Plug-n-play factory connector
  • IP67

Replacement Camera Kit for Jeep Wrangler

This JP-JLKT kit is designed to replace the factory LVDS camera on 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler models to provide an RCA output for aftermarket radios or monitors. The rear video feed may be viewed while driving and there is an optional feature for selectable parking lines. This camera is a direct OE replacement and features 550 TV lines resolution, an improved power circuit, and a 160-degree viewing angle. The rear tire mounting bracket is included in the kit so that installers have everything needed.

JP-JLKT Product Specifications:

  • Designed to replace the LVDS camera
  • RCA output for aftermarket radios or monitors
  • Camera video and power harness is 32ft in total length
  • Can be viewed while driving with compatible monitor
  • Improved power circuit
  • Direct OE replacement
  • ABS housing
  • Resolution: 550 TV lines
  • Selectable parking lines
  • 160-degree viewing angle
  • IP68 water-resistant

Fog Light Brackets for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Sport

With a different design for the 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT Sport models, the JP-JFOG2 will convert any of Metra’s 4-inch JP-XXX series fog lights to fit and bolt on directly to the vehicle. The brackets are sold as a pair and mount with the factory hardware.

JP-JFOG2 Product Specifications:

  • Mounts with factory hardware
  • Coverts any JP-XXX 4″ fog light to a direct bolt-on for JeepWrangler JL Sport
  • Brackets marked for left and right sides, and top for easier orientation
  • Durable ABS construction
  • Lights sold separately
  • Sold as a pair

These new accessories are available now from Metra Electronics, with more new products coming soon. The full line of products can be seen in the 2021 Metra’s Jeep Accessories catalog.

Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

SoundShield Welcomes CE Guys Rep Firm

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ANCHORAGE, AK (02.02.2021) – SoundShield, the premium sound deadening brand launched in 2019 by 12 volt industry veterans John Schwartz and Bryan Schmitt, recently welcomed CE Guys as their newest rep firm. CE Guys is representing the brand in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Hawaii.

CE Guys CEO Michael Foundation pictured with a selection of SoundShield products in the FDI and rep firm’s Chicago HQ.

“We are very pleased to welcome CE Guys as our newest rep firm, along with their distribution company, FDI, that will stock SoundShield,” commented John Schwartz. The fact that the CE Guys are essentially stocking reps via their distribution company mean that SoundShield availability in all of those states represented is just a one or two day shipment time in most cases.

Michael Foundation, CEO of CE Guys said, “We absolutely love the love and enthusiasm that John and Bryan have put into every detail of the product, from packaging to point-of-sale displays. These two guys are well-respected in the industry and that carries a lot of weight with dealers. We feel comfortable that we are selling the best Sound Deadening product on the market!”

For 2021, Foundation plans to position SoundShield as the go to sound deadening brand in all of their represented states. “There is zero reason to carry another brand. We have the service, product, and relationships to make this happen. SoundShield, CE GUYS, and FDI together is the winning trifecta to dominate in our markets,” commented Foundation.

One of the advantages Schwartz noted in choosing to go with CE Guys is that they are known as the #1 powersports / motorcycle rep firm in the country. They have a long-standing background and experience in car audio, though. In addition to traditional car audio, motorcycles and powersports, CE Guys also services RV and marine sales channels. “This means we have a great opportunity for brand exposure in different retailer categories and for shops that may be unfamiliar with the category of sound deadening, acoustic treatments and road noise control,” added Schwartz.

To learn more about SoundShield, request a dealer application from soundshieldusa.com. To learn more about CE Guys and their company, visit ceguys.com

Sound Solutions Receives 2020 Best of Gulfport Awards

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GULFPORT, MS (02.01.2021) – Sound Solutions has been selected for the 2020 Best of Gulfport Award in the Electronics category by the Gulfport Award Program.

Brett Shank pictured in the Sound Solutions showroom holding the 2020 Best of Gulfport Award for the Electronics Category.

Brett Shank, Sound Solutions owner, related, “Receiving this award is an honor as a local Gulfport business owner. We have been in business in Gulfport for 23 years. This is the 7th consecutive Best of Gulfport Award for Sound Solutions. We continue working to enhance our store and being recognized with this award gives a feeling of accomplishment. We feel there is only one solution and that is Sound Solutions.”

Hot rides in front of the store grab eyeballs from drivers on the busy street in front of the store.

Each year, the Gulfport Award Program identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and the Gulfport community. These exceptional companies help make the Gulfport area a great place to live, work and play.

The Sound Solutions showroom definitely has that ‘WOW factor’ when customers enter the store.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2020 Gulfport Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners we determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Gulfport Award Program and data provided by third parties

This panoramic shot reveals the ‘WOW Factor’ when customers enter Sound Solutions.

The Gulfport Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Gulfport area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

A CNC was recently added to the Sound Solutions ‘Tool Box’ to further their custom work.

The Gulfport Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Lighting draws attention to the Sound Solutions location when sun goes down.

Visit soundsolutionsgulfport.com for more.

Accele Electronics “Charges Forward”

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (02.02.2021) – Accele Electronics is pleased to announce the latest addition to their growing portfolio of QI Wireless Charging Solutions, Qi Wireless charging is a much sought after feature and one that everyone with a recent model Smart Phone can benefit from. The BU-WLCTRV4 is the first offering of vehicle specific applications and is a direct replacement, snap in panel kit for America’s best-selling SUV, 2019 – 2021 Toyota RAV4 vehicles.

Qi wireless charging is typically offered as part of expensive Technology packages from vehicle manufacturers. Similar to Bluetooth 10 years ago, it’s a feature everyone can use but not readily available or even offered by Retailers. Users can now place their smart device safely out of the way and charge it while connected to the vehicle via Car Play or Android Auto. Installers will appreciate its simple installation as the kit requires no additional wiring. An additional plus, the “Plug & Play” OE design does not require use of a vehicle’s existing USB or USB C ports. Here’s a link to show simple installation.

To insure quick and reliable charging, Accele uses high power circuitry delivering 15 Watts to connected devices. To ensure safe use of the phone, the charging pad is constructed of non slip Rubber, securing the device while driving. Three status indicators display On, Charging & Charged to keep users informed. This is the perfect product for Expeditors seeking additional items to offer their dealerships and for 12 Volt Specialists to offer their Retail customers and that’s why they’ve chosen the Number 1 selling SUV in America, the Toyota RAV4 as its first application.

The BU-WLCTRV4 will be available in mid-February and pre-orders are currently being taken, contact your Accele Sales Representative.

Visit www.accele.com for more.

AudioControl Introduces Powerful 5-Channel 1300 Watt Amplifiers

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SEATTLE, WA (02.01.2021) – AudioControl has introduced two new high-power 5-channel amplifiers capable of driving the front, rear and subwoofer channels of a complete premium audio system solution. Having all five channels housed within a single chassis enhances installation efficiency, providing 12-volt specialists with solutions that deliver the features and performance consumers demand.

AudioControl’s new 5-channel amplifiers offer 200 Watts RMS X4 @ 2-Ohm (100 Watts X4-channels RMS @ 4-Ohm) and 500 watts X1-channel at 2-Ohm along with eight speaker level inputs with selectable summing capability. The D-5.1300 delivers onboard DSP control of all amplified outputs and a pair of low-level outputs as well. The DSP interface is managed by the highly intuitive DM Smart App designed for all of AudioControl’s DSP amplifiers. The LC-5.1300 offers the same outstanding specifications and performance without the DSP features. The AudioControl D-5.1300 has a selling price of $1,099. The LC-5.1300 has a selling price of $799.

“Our new 5-channel amplifiers offer outstanding performance for many system applications, all from a sleek, single-chassis solution,” stated Chris Bennett, Director of Mobile Audio at AudioControl. “The flexible input stage accommodates the growing OEM integration market, and DSP on the D5.1300 enables 12-volt specialists to perfectly tune each system to match the preferences of individual clients. These amplifiers represent an important opportunity for our dealers.”

AudioControl LC Series 5-channel amplifiers are available now

AudioControl D Series 5-channel amplifiers will begin shipping mid-February, 2021

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

KICKER Now Shipping CompRT Thin Subwoofers with Forced-Air Cooling

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STILLWATER, OK (02.01.2021) – KICKER is now shipping its new-for-2021 CompRT Thin 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, CompRT Subwoofers will retail from $109.95-$219.95. CompRT Subwoofers are also available at kicker.com.

CompRT’s Forced-Air Cooling contributes to the woofers’ efficiency and durability, allowing it to run more than 20 percent cooler than previous versions of the ultimate KICKER thin woofer. High-temp voice coil wire windings surround a high-mass, solid pole piece adding to CompRT’s excellent thermal management. As a result, the CompRT boasts one of the highest power ratings of any thin sub on the market.

The CompRT’s magnet structure provides superior power handling and sound quality, while dual-ended, satin nickel terminals allow for multiple wiring possibilities. The CompRT utilizes a large-diameter, progressive-roll spider for increased linearity and better overall sound quality. A bumped top plate allows for full voice-coil clearance and excursion, creating outstanding bass.

Now with a sleek, blacked-out look, the CompRT Subwoofer is currently available in 8-, 10- and 12-inch versions with dual voice coils (2 or 4 Ohm) and still requires less than four inches of mounting depth. The thin-mount, weather-proof design is ideal for trucks, motorcycles and UTVs off-road or in the outdoors – anywhere that needs big bass without a big box. Six-and-three-quarter-inch CompRT subwoofers will ship later in the quarter.

Visit kicker.com for more.

VAIS Technology Shipping SEER Vehicle Proximity Automation Device

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ENGLEWOOD, CO (02.01.2021) – SEER – Smart Entry Exit Recognition is now shipping.

“SEER was initially introduced at SEMA show and has won the SEMA 2020 Best Mobile Electronics award. It is a new category for us, and we are excited to offer our industry with a fully customized proximity automation device,” commented EVP for VAIS Dennis Hopper.

Dennis Hopper, VAIS Technology EVP, holding the new SEER product in the company’s HQ lobby in Englewood, CO.

SEER is designed, engineered, and brought to life by VAIS to trigger any factory or aftermarket electronics based on driver proximity or events. Compatible virtually with any vehicle SEER is a great add on for cars, trucks, RVs, fleet, 1st responders, and muscle cars. Once professionally installed SEER can trigger up to 10 outputs to turn the lights on and off, lock / unlock doors, lower the running boards, chirp horn, and power any other electronic accessory by approaching and exiting a certain perimeter around the vehicle. Additionally, you can trigger the outputs by 8 inputs also available on the unit.

SEER can be fully customized by the dealer using an online software tool designed by VAIS and flash the unit via a smartphone app. Dealers that choose to customize SEER can set up different proximity levels to trigger accessories, specify input and output signal types, introduce delays and timers.

“The technology behind SEER allows a user to be recognized as far as 13-15 feet away from the vehicle. The recognition zone plus customization tool is what make this product so versatile and available for multiple markets,” stated Hopper.

SEER can also be used along with industry popular CAN BUS integration modules to simplify the installation or disarm factory security for newer vehicles. VAIS is working closely with iDatalink and will carry ALCA modules in stock to bundle with SEER.

Upon release, VAIS Technology will be conducting weekly training seminars to get any dealer or distributor wishing to become familiar product and its features.

Visit www.vaistech.com for more.

Sanford Sound Wins NavAtlas Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 113

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SHREVEPORT LA (01.30.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Sanford Sound won a NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, January 29th.

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 113th time on Friday, January 29th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space. The Sanford Sound 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 to Jack Bogard at Sanford Sound in Sanford ME. Jack was very happy to hear the news. The new Sanford Sound store is seeing increased activity in the Powersports category and the NavAtlas prize will be welcomed.

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, Power Acoustik, JVC 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, 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 and PopTronics in Baltimore MD. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, February 5th.

MECA SPL Champion Retires

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KNOXVILLE, TN (01.29.2021) – Longtime sound-off competitor Anthony Caldwell from Knoxville, TN is retiring from the lanes after 15 years, with 7 MECA World Championships in Sound Pressure League and Dueling Demos contests. His van, Big Blue, was built for music with 110 speakers, inside and out, and was a big draw at our events. It is an SQL vehicle that does SPL, and it’s an SPL vehicle that sounds great cranked up at concert levels, like a live performance. With over 2 dozen Tennessee State Championships in SQL and SPL classes over his 14 years of competition, traveling to almost all the East Coast big events, as well as Slamology, and events in IN, VA, KY . He owed Xtreme Audio (Team XFL) in Knoxville until 2020, after 17 years in business, and is now the Tech guy at MechMan Alternators.

Anthony Caldwell

Anthony and Big Blue, his 1997 Ford E150 Van, are legendary in the car audio sports world, and helped show people that BIG builds could sound great. Always demonstrating good sportsmanship and accessibility, Anthony has this way of describing 150+ MECA events:

Anthony in Big Blue – his 1997 Ford F150 van with 110 speakers

“MECA is like pizza. Even a bad pizza is still good because it’s pizza. If you have product failure, or your numbers aren’t where they should be, it’s still good, because it’s MECA. There are people to lend a hand. You get to catch up with friends. You ask ‘how’s the family? You answer questions, you help troubleshoot, you have a good time. Even on mornings that I didn’t want to make the drive, I knew when I got there everything would be okay. Too much fun!”

Big Blue took the SPL Park & Pound DB5 World Championship ( 140. 74 dB 6′ from the vehicle ) at the 2020 Finals in Lafayette, IN, along with 2nd place in Dueling Demos Extreme, and 5th place in Sound Pressure M5 ( at the headrest with 158.13 dB ). Incredible score in M5 for a music vehicle! And, as he has for many years, he won the Sound Pressure League Best of Show with highest combined scores in Sound Pressure (M5) and Park & Pound (DB5). Anthony went out banging and at the top of his game.

He’s put in a lot of years, and miles, competing and representing the Mobile Electronics Industry, and is retiring from the competition lanes. We hope that Big Blue will show up at our events in E. Tennessee every now and then. Anthony is always available for tech help at MechMan and has a wealth of real-world knowledge about power flow, especially in the big systems.

Visit mecacaraudio.com for more.