2019 dBDRA Australian Championship Took Place Nov 23-24

AUSTIN, TX (11.27.2019) – The 2019 Australian dB Drag Racing Association Championship took place during the weekend of November 23-24, 2019. Participants traveled from around the country to compete in the annual event hosted by Frankies Auto Electrics and Car Audio. The event was judged by a team of North American and Australian judges including: Wayne Harris, USA / Ray Choy, Canada / Grant Stapleton, Victoria / Gavin Campbell, New South Wales / Samuel McWaters, South Australia and Michael Crouch / Queensland.

The 1st place winners in each format of competition will be awarded a National Championship Ring sponsored by Pioneer Electronics Australia. Trophies were awarded to the 1st-3rd place winners and sponsored by Frankies Auto Electrics and Car Audio. The lane sponsor for the event was Kenwood Australia. Additional event supporters include: DD Audio, Vibe, Sony, Aerpro, Audison, Hertz and Rockford Fosgate

2019 Australian Championship Winners

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Matt Jones
Pro Stock 2K – Mitchell Bulmer
Pro Stock 5K – Brenton Hammond
Pro Stock NL – Chris Ziino
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Fedee Fattal
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Zac Trigg
Super Street NW – Tony Pellicci
Super Street 1-2 – Josh Livingston
Super Street 3-4 – Dean Veitch
Super Street X – Shalfraaz Ali
Extreme NL – Team Frankies

Bass Race
Bass Race 120.0 – 129.9 dB – Billy Arnold
Bass Race 130.0 – 139.9 dB – Chris Ziino
Bass Race 140.0 – 149.9 dB – Shalfraaz Ali

Psychlone
Psychlone – No Wall – Adrian Dougherty
Psychlone –Wall – Lucky Lianos

Top Dog
Mitchell Bulmer

Best of Show
Richard Snell

A few comments from competitors that attended event.

Fedee Fattal
“I had a great experience at finals. I am always happy to help fellow competitors and strive to be the best in my class while having fun.”

Shalfraaz Ali
“Competing in the Australian Finals Is FUN and challenging because I am always aiming to achieve my Personal Best. Winning a Championship Ring is an overwhelming sense of this achievement. It is always great when International judges attend the event. Having Wayne Harris and Ray Choy at the event is the BEST!”

Mitchell Bulmer
“Absolutely amazing weekend at Frankie’s Car Audio for the Australian dB Drag Finals. I am very happy with my achievements as I walked away with 2 championships rings (Pro Stock 2K and Top Dog) which is beyond my expectations. Huge thanks to Frank for holding the event and thanks to Ray Choy and Wayne Harris for attending the Australian Finals. Thanks to my team Dem Lowz, Josh Livingston, Shane Wegener, Chris Ziino, Fedee Fattal for all the motivation and helping push through the wins with all their support. Thanks to Brenton Hammond for putting up with all my shit all year. And lastly and most importantly thank you to my love Sammi Shetye for dealing with me all year and allowing me to put time into the car to get where I am now.”

Brenton Hammond
“Another successful Australian Championship for the mighty Yaris. I retained my Pro Stock 5K title for the 3rd consecutive year as well as set a new Australian Record and Personal Best. A big shout out to Matty from B2 Audio and Blake from Powerus Amplifiers for supplying me the world class equipment. Also want to give a shout out to our celebrity judges for their travel and their efforts this weekend. Cheers Wayne Harris, Ray Choy, Michael Crouch, Grant Stapleton and Samuel McWaters.”

Lance Herner
“Another great year with dB Drags and an awesome weekend. Caught up with old friends and made a few more.”

Tony Pellicci
“After this weekend’s Finals at Frankies, I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to Hayne Harris (U.S.A.) and Ray Choy (Canada) for officiating the comp, and also a Huge THANK YOU to Frank at Frankies for holding Australian Finals at his shop and trophies and BBQ. Also thank you to all competitors that turned up. Didn’t matter if you come 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or whatever, you are all winners, thank you all!”

Adrian Dougherty
“I would like to thank all those involved with Finals over the weekend. I would also like to thank those that brought their partners… you all deserve a pat on the back, and welcome to the dBDRA family. We are a true audio family in that we help each other the best that we can: before, during, and after the events! Again, thank you to everyone. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you throughout the year and next year at an even bigger event.”

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

Alpine’s Highly-Anticipated 9-Inch X409-WRA-JL Navigation System is Now Shipping

DETROIT, MI (11.27.2019) – Introducing the 9-Inch X409-WRA-JL Weather-Resistant Navigation System with Off-Road Mode. This mech-less (no CD/DVD) in-dash audio/video/navigation (AVN) system is a direct-fit solution for the new 2018 – Up Jeep Wrangler and 2019 – Up Jeep Gladiator.

Enhancements to the user interface for faster screen transitions, as well as added features based on industry research, has made the X409-WRA-JL an ideal upgrade for the active weekender looking to enhance their adventures.

The X409-WRA-JL is designed for Plug-and-Play installation and includes a vehicle-specific dash bezel and factory-compatible wiring harness to create a direct-fit solution for the dash and integrated operation in the vehicle, so factory features like the volume knob, steering wheel controls, and HVAC system are retained.

Built to handle the toughest of outdoor conditions, the weather-resistant X409-WRA-JL is rated IP53 for protection against dust and ingress. The dash bezel is precisely fitted to house the screen so no water or dust can enter the electronics assembly. The high-visibility screen delivers cleaner, brighter images even when off-roading on rugged terrain.

As many Jeep owners enjoy off-road activities like trail rides, the X409-WRA-JL comes equipped with Off-Road Mode with off-road centric vehicle information like vehicle tilt, tire pressure, optimized camera view, and FunTreks trailhead POI database displayed on the large, 9-inch screen. Drivers can revisit their favorite off-road adventures through Off-Road Trip Recording.

The large, 9-inch screen has a WVGA display, Capacitive Touch, and Swipe Graphical User Interface that’s optimized for in-vehicle smartphone use so drivers can access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for music, messages, or maps while keeping their eyes on the road. Built-in Bluetooth is also available for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Third-party driving maps like Google Maps and Waze are available through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or in areas that don’t have strong cellphone service, the X409-WRA-JL comes equipped with built-in navigation with Turn-By-Turn and Pinch-to-Zoom maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico with The Latest Map Guarantee.

The X409-WRA-JL retains the factory rear-view camera with three additional camera inputs that can be assigned as a front or side camera. For multiple camera systems, the KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Selector (sold separately) allows the camera systems to be easily controlled right from the touchscreen.

Display up to eight accessories directly from the touchscreen by adding the optional KAC-001 External Accessory Controller. Assign graphical icons to the accessories for quick identification and control through a pulsed, latched or momentary output.

Audio entertainment sources include a built-in HD Radio Tuner, Pandora via a smartphone, iPod/iPhone music, various music file formats including FLAC / MP3 / WMA / AAC / HE-AAC playback via USB and SiriusXM compatibility (tuner and subscription required).

For even more entertainment options, a “Media” center that matches the factory look is added to the lower, right-hand side of the dash with one HDMI input, dual USB for smartphone access (one device at a time) or charging, and an Aux input.

The X409-WRA-JL is available now at Alpine Authorized retails or online at www.alpine-usa.com through Crutchfield for $2999.95. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

CRUX Releases New Kit for Select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Vehicles

CHATSWORTH, CA (11.27.2019) – CRUX has released a new radio replacement interface with dash kit for select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.

The DKFD-27 facilitates the integration of an after-market radio to enable retention of certain factory features when replacing a factory-installed radio. It also includes a dash kit (double DIN or single DIN with pocket).

Listed below are compatible models:

Key Features:
Retains factory features in select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio.
Retains factory Aux-Input and Subwoofer (if equipped).
Retains RAP (Retained Accessory Power) feature.
Includes dask kit (double DIN or single DIN with pocket).

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

*Classifieds* CRUX Seeking Customer Service Technician

Location: Chatsworth, California

CRUX Interfacing Solutions, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and talented customer service technician to help expand our business in the car audio industry in North America. This position will be part of the customer service team and will be responsible for understanding and effectively solving a spectrum of customer issues. The customer service technical will work and assist our technical support team in providing solutions to customers and users by identifying problems; researching answers; guiding customers through corrective steps. Employees must take the challenge to be knowledgeable of updated technical data pertaining to all Crux Interfacing Solutions products and support an array of technical issues.

Job Requirements:

Minimum of two (2) years of familiarity or experience in mobile electronic, 12-volt industry, or car-audio is required.

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of CRUX products and technologies
  • Coordinate issues and remedies with interdependent departments.
  • Self-motivated, detail/deadline oriented with the capability and capacity understand issues and solve them.
  • Ensure all data is accurately recorded and maintained in CRUX’s CRM application.
  • Have the know how to spread accurate knowledge within the respective industry.
  • Be able to travel for out-of-state trade shows.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel).
  • Excellent written and verbal skills.
  • Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus, but not required.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary, compensation, and other benefits will directly reflect and be based on expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. These matters will be subjective to each respective applicant.

Crux Interfacing Solutions
21541 Nordhoff St. Unit C, Chatsworth, CA, 91311
Tel 818-609-9299
Fax 818-996-8188

Alpine to Attend the 2019 Jeepers Holiday Bazaar

TORRANCE, CA (11.26.2019) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. will attend the 2019 Jeepers Holiday Bazaar at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey from Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8. This new, Holiday-themed Jeep event will feature a large selection of vendors, kid-friendly activities, and a Holiday-themed Jeep decorating contest that’s sure to get attendees in the Holiday spirit.

Alpine is excited to sponsor the 2019 “Photos with Santa” station. Event attendees can receive a free kid’s photo with Santa, located next to Alpine’s Booth in the Showboat Hotel event floor. Stop by Alpine’s Booth afterward for free giveaways.

The booth will also be stocked with the latest vehicle-specific Audio and Video technology, as well as premium sound system upgrades with easy Plug-and-Play installations built to directly fit select Jeep models.

Making its first Jeep event debut is Alpine’s solution for the new 2018 – Up Jeep Wrangler and 2019 – Up Jeep Gladiator: The 9-inch Weather-Resistant X409-WRA-JL Navigation System with Off-Road Mode. This solution, built for easy, Plug-and-Play installation, will enhance the lifestyle of any Jeep driver, from the adventurous Off-Roader to the day-to-day commuter.

The new 9-inch Weather-Resistant X409-WRA-JK Navigation System with Off-Road Mode for the 2011 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler will also be on display, where visitors can witness faster screen performance and a new interface that’s designed to deliver an entertaining in-vehicle experience in any driving condition.

All Alpine booth products will be showcased in a store-front display that allows visitors to demo products with an on-site Alpine staff member and find the perfect solution for their Jeep. All products are available for purchase with special, event-only pricing available throughout the duration of the event – perfect for fulfilling a Holiday wish list.

Alpine’s Jeep Wrangler will be on-site, loaded with the new X409-WRA-JL, a PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System Upgrade, an HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Mount Rear-View Camera, and an HCE-C2600FD4 Front View Camera.

Tickets to the 2019 Holiday Jeep Bazaar are $8 per day if purchased in advance, with a $15 charge at the door. Kids 12 and under are free. Learn more about the event and Alpine’s involvement by visiting Alpine’s Facebook Event Page.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

SSV Works Features New Award-Winning Polaris RZR Overhead Weatherproof Audio Solution at 2020 CES Show

OXNARD, CA (11.26.2019) – SSV Works will feature its new, award-winning overhead weatherproof audio solution for two and four seat Polaris RZRs during the 2020 CES Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Jan. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth N4900. The WP3-RZ3O65 is scheduled to be available early Q1 2020 with an MSRP of $799.99.

During the recent 2019 SEMA Show, the WP3-RZ3O65 won for Best New Powersports Product as well as a 2019 SEMA Global Media Award.

“With these two awards, we couldn’t have asked for a better product launch than this,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Listen to your music via Bluetooth, AM/FM, or Aux-In through four 6.5-inch powersports speakers pumping out 200 watts of internal power with the new rugged SSV Works WP3-RZ3O65. This system also offers the capability to add more speakers and amplifiers by utilizing two additional high level and or low level outputs.”

The WP3-RZ3O65 tucks neatly overhead into the cage tubes of the Polaris RZR allowing great visibility and helmet clearance. The unit also works with both metal and the plastic factory roof option. Installation time is under 30 minutes to both mount and wire, and the rugged UV stable polymer enclosure protects from the harsh elements.

Visit www.SSVWorks.com for more.

NAV-TV Launches Smart-Link Modular Smart Phone Interface

CORAL SPRINGS, FL (11.26.2019) – NAV-TV Corp. has released the Smart-Link Smartphone Interface. Smart-Link enables the display and control of popular Smartphone content through factory radio touch screen displays, aftermarket radios or monitors.

Smart-Link is a universal and modular interface that can be used as a stand-alone unit connected to any monitor or radio with a composite (yellow RCA) input, or may be connected to a NAV-TV vehicle-specific interface that enables display and touch screen control. When used as a stand-alone unit, the interface may be controlled through the optional Smart-Link Controller or, for use in custom applications, through a 4-wire resistive touch-screen overlay.

Smartphones can be connected to the Smart-Link interface either wirelessly or hardwired. When connected through a wired connection, the Smart-Link provides charging for the connected device. To be compliant with Country or State hands-free laws, the device supports Bluetooth hands-free calling as well as phone dependent voice commands which the included noise-canceling microphone. In-vehicle audio routing is achieved through the factory auxiliary audio port or vehicle dependent auxiliary audio interface.

“NAV-TV pioneered the automotive video integration field over 20 years ago and offers solutions for the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. Rather than reengineering vehicle-specific Smartphone integration offerings, we decided to take a modular approach that allows the addition of Smartphone integration to current NAV-TV products. This approach allows our dealers to stock less inventory while having the ability to support a broad range of vehicle applications,” stated NAV-TV Vice President, Derek Schmiedl.

A video demonstration showing the Smart-Link integrated into a Porsche CDR31 radio is available on NAV-TV’s YouTube channel. In addition to Porsche, vehicle-specific NAV-TV integration offerings that support Smart-Link are also available for the following vehicles:

The Smart-Link and Smart-Link Controller are available and shipping now with a retail price of $399.00 and $40.00 respectively.

Visit www.navtv.com for more.

Ovation Manufacturer Representatives at SEMA 2019

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.25.2019) – The Ovation Manufacturer Representative firm worked a set plan at the 2019 SEMA Show. An attention grabbing Instagram post on November 3rd showcased the firm’s brands exhibiting at SEMA… MTX Audio, PowerBass, Escort, Scosche and Waylens. Ovation firm team members Clay Nelson, Rick Nissenson and Ken Nelson were on site. All spent booth time with each vendor to see the latest products, meet with dealers from their territory and networked across the massive LVCC venue.

Clay Nelson is the firm Principal in Central California. Nissenson handles Southern California while Ken Nelson covers Northern California. All were in Vegas for the entire SEMA Show 2019 run from November 5th through the 8th.

The PowerBass booth in the North Hall was busy with Powersports and new OE Direct Fit Speakers products highlighted.
New introductions from Escort Radar and Cobra were featured in the booth at SEMA.

Nissenson stated “The SEMA Show was very busy from the opening bell. SEMA attendees are all car people as opposed to CES. The SEMA Show is definitely growing in importance for members of the 12volt industry.”

Rick Nissenson (L), Ovation Reps, and Rich Amaro are pictured with the new NEXS1 in the Scosche booth.

At the SEMA Show the new PowerBass XL-1250 SoundBar and new OE Direct Fit Speakers for Chevy and Nissan were booth highlights. The Escort brand’s ESCORT LIVE app, which works with the company’s full line of radar detectors, drew attention in the booth. In addition, the new Cobra Road Scout combination of radar detector and dash cam attracted serious attention. Scosche added to their line with the new NEXS1 dash cam and the M8RIX touchscreen power management system for UTV off road and marine. MTX featured a large number of sponsored vehicles inside and outside the North Hall. New JACKHAMMER amplifiers and new RZR audio systems added to MTX’s presence at SEMA 2019. In the Waylens booth the 360 4G model showed all why that model is doing so well in the marketplace.

Booths of brands Ovation represents were prominent on the North Hall floor at SEMA 2019.
The Waylens Secure 360 is enjoying success across the marketplace.

“The dealer turnout at the show was strong from the San Diego area and Northern California. Ovation represents the AudioControl line in NorCal and they had a very busy booth throughout the show plus after hour trainings and activities. The vibe throughout the SEMA Show was terrific. There will be plenty for dealers to share on their social media outreach to get followers into their stores to experience the latest in 12volt and aftermarket products” Nissenson concluded.

AudioControl showcased their latest products in a busy North Hall Booth throughout SEMA’s 4-Day run.

Visit ovation-reps.com and sema.org for more.

KICKER Adds Noise-Canceling Headphones to Personal Audio Mix

STILLWATER, OK (11.25.2019) – KICKER has announced the shipping and availability of CushNC Over-Ear Headphones, KICKER’s first with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The CushNC, which streams audio via wireless Bluetooth, will be available November 25 at select Authorized KICKER retailers, both in-store and online.

With KICKER’s signature bass response and astounding clarity from 40mm drivers, incredible on-ear comfort and 20-hour battery life, the ultra-comfortable CushNC Headphones allow the listener to immerse themselves in the music. Users can press the ANC button to eliminate annoying sounds like voices, the hum of air conditioning or office lights, or even the engine noise of an airplane. CushNC achieves a -25dB reduction in ambient noise with ANC activated.

In addition, a built-in microphone allows for hands-free calling, and compatibility with Siri and Google assistants let the listener access all of the features their phone has to offer. Users enjoy the 20 hours of Bluetooth listening with the extended battery life, and the CushNC operates with the included, 50-inch detachable cable where wired listening is required. CushNC charges fully with a USB cable in 2-1/2 hours.

Visit kicker.com for more.

CRUX Premieres NEW Portable Charger and Dual Wireless Charging Pad

CHATSWORTH, CA (11.25.2019) – CRUX has released its brand new portable charger and dual wireless charging pad, CRISC-070.

Listed below are compatible models:

SMARTPHONE COMPATIBILITY

Apple
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X
iPhone Xs
iPhone Xs Max
iPhone XR

Samsung
Galaxy S8
Galaxy S8+
Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9+
Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10+
Note 5-9 Series

Other Devices
Any other Qi-enabled and Quick Charging devices

Key Features:
Comes with both, CRISC-070A & CRISC-070B.
Includes Type-C Cord & QC 3.0 Fast Charge Adapter
Qi Fast Charging & Universal Compatibility
Charges Power Bank and Qi-Enabled Devices
Can Charge an additional Qi-Enabled Device along with Power Bank

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.