Stinger Electronics Announces New Versions of Elev8 and Heigh10

CLEARWATER, FL (05.05.2020) – Stinger Electronics launches a new graphical interface for its multimedia display products, ELEV8 and HEIGH10

This recent upgrade makes it easier for users to navigate with its modern look and feel, collapsible tabs, easily identifiable icons and new camera interface.

Other new features include parallel parking for the front camera, turn signal trigger override, graphical audio settings and camera identification icons all making the HEIGH10 and ELEV8 the complete radio replacement solution depending on your personal preferences for size and style. 

The ELEV8 and HEIGH10 differ in size, 8 and 10-inches respectively, but are both designed to provide total and easy access to information, entertainment, and safety features for drivers of any vehicle.

Features include:

  • Modular Multimedia Display (for installation flexibility)
  • 1024 x 600 HD Digital Touchscreen with 16.7M colors
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Google Android Auto
  • SiriusXM-Ready with Replay (SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner and Subscription required)
  • AM/FM Radio – PTY / RT information
  • High power 4 x 50W (peak) built-in amplifier
  • 4V 6ch RCA audio outputs with subwoofer control
  • Toslink (Optical) Variable Audio Output
  • 15 Band Adjustable EQ with 6 user presets
  • 1 HDMI rear input
  • 2 USB rear inputs 1.5amp output
  • Handsfree Bluetooth 4.2 A2DP with aptX
  • Built-in MicroSD card slot for optional iGO Navigation
  • 4 Camera Video inputs with wired triggers
  • Rear camera input with Mic Audio input
  • Hardwired remote control ready
  • Customizable display backgrounds
  • Shallow 1-DIN chassis mounting design
  • PAC-Link compatible for vehicle integration

Visit stingerelectronics.com for more.

JL Audio Announces Upcoming Online Training Schedule

MIRAMAR, FL (05.05.2020) – In continuing with their virtual trainings, JL Audio has announced its next scheduled courses:

DSP Amplifiers
This multi session course will cover the basics of JL Audio’s DSP-based amplifiers, build the foundational knowledge required to get the best performance from a DSP-based amplifier and demonstrate two methods for system tuning using DSP. Participants may choose to learn about MVI, VXI or both.
Learn More
DSP Amplifiers
Session 101a: About VXi Hardware
Tuesday, May 5th at 10:00 AM EST
Register

Session 101b: About MVi Hardware
Tuesday, May 5th at 1:00 PM EST
Register

Session 102: TüN Software
Tuesday, May 5th at 4:00 PM EST
Register

Session 103: Audio Basics Part 1
Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 AM EST
Register

Session 104: Audio Basics Part 2
Wednesday, May 6th at 1:00 PM EST
Register

Session 105: Audio Basics Part 3
Thursday, May 7th at 10:00 AM EST
Register
JD Amplifiers
JD Amplifiers (Encore)
This course serves as an introduction to the new line of JD Amplifiers from JL Audio. Participants will learn about the different models and key features as well as recommended applications and system ideas.Learn More
Session 101: About JD Amplifiers
Wednesday, May 6th at 1:00 PM ESTRegister

To view training schedule and details, click here.

Visit jlaudio.com for more.

SiriusXM Thanks America’s Front-Line Road Warriors with Free-to-Air Road Dog Trucking Radio

NEW YORK, NY (05.04.2020) – As a service to truck drivers on the front lines of keeping America moving, SiriusXM announces Road Dog Trucking Radio (ch. 146) will be available free on both active and inactive SiriusXM radios beginning on Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 31.

SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio hosts – including Dave Nemo, Kevin Rutherford, Mark Willis, KC Phillips, Mark Reddig, Tim Ridley, Leah Shaver, Ellen Voie, Dan Ronan, George Noory, Timothy Dooner, Claire Marie and Jimmy Mac – serve as constant companions to America’s professional drivers while providing critical news, information, and entertainment designed to lighten the load.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approximately 5.8% of all full-time jobs are related to trucking. Trucks move more than 70% of all goods transported around the United States, and there are over 12 million trucks and over 500,000 truck fleets operating in the United States.

Long haul truckers are part of the invisible workforce keeping the United States and Canadian economies going during the COVID-19 crisis. In doing so, they are putting themselves at risk at truck stops, rest areas, and throughout our countries. SiriusXM is proud to serve millions with this free service for the month of May.

Road Dog Trucking Radio, channel 146 can be heard wherever truckers tune in – on SiriusXM radios, on the SiriusXM app, and at home on a variety of connected devices and speakers and is available to subscribers nationwide and to everyone – including anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber – as part of SiriusXM’s free streaming access period through May 31.

For more information and to start listening, visit SiriusXM.com/streamfree.

Vision Zero Automotive Network Welcomes Custom Sounds & Tint

SOUTHFIELD, MI (05.04.2020) – The Vision Zero Automotive Network announced that Austin, TX based Custom Sounds & Tint has pledged its support for the network’s mission to help eliminate traffic-related fatalities by the year 2036. As part of its partnership, Custom Sounds & Tint will add its 20 retail store locations to the growing list currently populating the recently launched dealer locator. The retail partnership, and Preferred Plus Retailer status, represent a significant step in helping consumers find high-quality mobile electronics retailers that specialize in the latest available vehicle safety technology for the aftermarket.

The Vision Zero Automotive Network launched its new website at visionzero.us in April 2019 with a focus on educating visitors, introducing aftermarket safety technologies, and enlisting safety product manufacturers and suppliers to participate. The new Preferred Retailer locator lets visitors search for qualified retail centers by distance from their location as well as proximity to an entered address. Visitors can further refine the list based on six categories and more than 30 product types and services offered.

“Custom Sounds & Tint has always been committed to creating better and safer driving experiences for our customers,” said Mike Cofield, CEO of Custom Sounds & Tint. “Our employees train to understand and embrace the latest aftermarket products so they can confidently educate customers on the best options for their vehicle. It is an honor to be considered a “Preferred Plus Retailer” by the Vision Zero Automotive Network and look forward to doing our part to make vehicles safer and the overall driving experience better.” 

The Vision Zero Automotive Network has also finalized its qualifications for others to join and have their retail location listed as a Preferred Retailer or a Preferred Plus Retailer. To be listed, retailers must meet specific criteria to become part of the network. Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Store Submission Form.

“We want to thank Custom Sounds & Tint for joining us in this important cause,” said Bernie Sapienza, executive director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for the vehicles they already own. Custom Sounds & Tint has been a highly respected aftermarket 12V retailer for more than 30 years, and we’re thrilled that they are supporting our mission.”

For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at bsapienza@visionzero.us, or visit customsounds.com for more.

Cadence Partners with Car Audio Influencer – Mike Angels

INDUSTRY, CA (05.04.2020) – Cadence is passionate about partnering with influencers in the Car Audio industry to provide car audio aficionados with authentic information and content about Cadence products. Recently, the company partnered with Life In Speed – Mike Angels and sent Mike an XM64ViL Speaker.

The Cadence engineering team took their 40-year heritage of building loudspeakers and combined it with our dealer’s needs. They are proud to introduce something different; products that are intelligently designed to meet and exceed real market needs.

XM64ViL:
● Size: 6.5 in.
● RMS/Peak Power: 75/150 Watts
● Frequency Response: 150Hz-8.5KHz
● SPL@ 1w/1m: 100dB
● System Impedance: 4 ohm
● Mounting Depth: 2.2 inches
● Voice Coil: 1.5 inch
● Magnet: 20 oz
● LED: Yes

For more info, call 626-465-3383 or visit the new and improved CadenceSound.com

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Soundz Plus Wins Spin 74

SHREVEPORT LA (05.02.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Five months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 74, is Soundz Plus in Naperville IL. The Wheel landed on the Wilson space and a WeBoost Drive X Vehicle Cell Signal Booster is headed to Marty Dean at Soundz Plus. Marty was happy to hear the news when the 12volt News called.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics/WeBoost and Image Dynamics. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

This WeBoost Vehicle Cell Signal Booster will be headed to Marty Dean at Soundz Plus as the winner of 12volt Spin-To-Win Number 74.

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 and Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, May 8th.

Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.  

With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!

Tri State Enterprises Announces New Acquisition

FT. SMITH, AR (05.01.2020) – Tri State Enterprises, a large wholesale distributer of aftermarket automotive parts and truck accessories, is proud to announce the acquisition of O.W. Donald. 


L to R: Devon Taylor (VP); Tristan Taylor (Owner); Kim Taylor (Owner); Roger Donald (12V Mgr.); Robert Donald (12V Mgr.)

O.W. Donald, a third generation family owned business, started in 1968, specialized in products for the RV industry. In 2005 OWD expanded to become a distributor for the 12V aftermarket, with a focus on higher quality brands and product offerings from audio and remote starts to tint and speakers. Such brands consist of JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer.

Roger Donald President of O. W. Donald commented:

“By acquiring O. W. Donald and its crew, Tri State gains 30 years of 12V Electronic experience that they will use to immediately expand their 12V product offerings. Tri State is growing at an impressive rate and the entire crew at OWD is proud to be the newest part of the Tri State team.”

Tristan Taylor, the owner of Tri State Enterprises commented, “Tri State is very excited to add O.W. Donald’s line of accessories and its team. OWD products and services allow the TSE organization to expand into new markets and at the same time continue to grow our current customer base with the addition of the 12V line.”

Visit www.etristate.com and www.owdonald.com for more.

The AudioControl Weekly Webinar Focused on Using the DM-RTA

SEATTLE, WA (05.01.2020) – The 7th AudioControl Weekly Web Training Episode was live from the Company’s HQ at 11AM Pacific Time on Thursday, April 30th.

Matt Palumbo shows a basic checklist during the presentation from AudioControl’s HQ.

Matt Palumbo and Chris Bennett presented an engaging hour long session focused on ‘How and Why’ to test using the DM-RTA with the aid of a checklist for efficient integration. Palumbo and Bennett work well together during the presentations. The importance of following a checklist was illustrated by several less than efficient installation examples and pitfalls. The importance of an efficient shop cart housing the DM-RTA, monitor and associated items was discussed.

Following the session Palumbo related to 12volt News “Week 7 of our Weekly Web Training series, Live from AC HQ went great. We had an awesome attendance on both ZOOM and FaceBook Live. We had a lot of international attendees this week too. Both Chris and I always love to hear how valuable these trainings are from participants during and after the sessions.”

Matt Palumbo making a point with the DM-RTA in the studio during the webinar session.

The AudioControl production facility is now back to full capacity with staff members following social distancing and other mandated safety procedures.

It was noted that the Weekly Web Training Series has surpassed 22K views. Previous sessions may be viewed on Facebook. Prior sessions may be available via ZOOM by request.

Plans for featuring guests during future presentations was also discussed.

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

dB Drag Racing’s Wayne Harris Discusses 2020 Season

AUSTIN, TX (05.02.2020) – Check out this video message and transcript Wayne Harris and the team at dB Drag Racing:

Hello Competitors! And thanks for tuning in.
I hope everyone is doing well.

Today, I am going to give you a brief update on the status of the 2020 dB Drag Racing competition season.

As you know, public gatherings have been prohibited because of the Coronavirus pandemic. These restrictions, while necessary, have essentially shut down the car stereo competition scene.

The good news is that we are starting to see the potential for the easing of these restrictions in certain geographic areas. Soon, it may be possible to re-launch dBDRA events in these areas provided adequate precautions are taken.

Beginning today, the dBDRA will allow our representatives to start scheduling shows again on a voluntary basis, provided these events meet the following criteria…

  • First and foremost, the safety of our competitors, judges, spectators, and the community at large are of paramount importance.
  • All events must adhere to local, state, and federal requirements for public gatherings.
  • All attendees, including competitors, spectators, and judges are required to wear a mask throughout the event. This is true even if governmental requirements do not mandate the use of a mask.
  • All contestants must provide their own hearing protection and competition CD.
  • Finally, all attendees must maintain social distancing throughout the event.

Remember this, the virus threat is still lurking out there. We need to do our part to stop this virus from spreading further.

Now, I want to briefly discuss the dBDRA Finals…

We continue to receive a lot of calls and messages related to the Finals this year. Everyone wants to know when and where these events will take place.

Unfortunately, I cannot give you a definitive answer at this time because our ability to conduct a Finals event is dependent on safety, ethics, governmental restrictions, economics, and facility availability.
In fact, we are in a situation similar to that of professional and college sports.

At this time, no one really knows what is going to happen. There is a possibility that we may be able to host Finals events as we always have. But, there is also a slight possibility that events such as these will not be permitted or even possible. For now, we are hoping for the best and so should you.

So, what does this mean for the Points Requirements for Finals?

Obviously, changes will be necessary. This is one of the reasons the points requirements have not been posted on the website yet. As restrictions are lifted and events start taking place again, we will have a better idea as to how these changes need to happen.

That’s all I have for now.

Thanks again for tuning in.
Until next time…
Keep it Loud!
Make me Proud!

-Wayne Harris

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

LESCO Distributing Caps Annual Spring Break Sale

Carlos Gonzales is pictured during the event at LESCO’s Orange City location. The Polk Car Audio and Marine specials contributed to the successful Spring Break Event.

ORANGE CITY, FL (04.30.2020) – For over 30 years, LESCO DISTRIBUTING has been running Annual Spring Break events to introduce new products and offer some of the best prices of the year.

“Considering the COVID-19 Pandemic we had a strong event this year. We were fortunate enough to have all of our 4 locations staffed and shipping while following social distancing and other protocols. Most of our suppliers were able to fill our demand and our customers have been able to adjust to the tariffs” Neil Brookmyer, Merchandise Manager, stated.

The Annual Spring Break themed event featured 25 business days of savings from March 16th until April 17th. Brands featured included VOXX, JVC Mobile, Rostra, Dual, PRV, Jensen, Polk Audio, Cobra, AudioPipe, Uniden, Whistler, Massive Audio, Omega, Aquatic AV, Directed, Aries Technology, Metra, AAMP and more. All four of the LESCO branches-Orlando, Miami, Dallas and South Bend-were shipping orders to dealers.

“We’re looking forward to a strong rest of the spring and summer as America gets back to work and the consumer demand for new technology, replacement purchases, safety and convenience products remains strong” Brookmyer concluded.

Visit lescodistributing.com for more.