KICKER Returns to American Flat Track in Oklahoma City

Posted on June 16, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker.

STILLWATER, OK (06.17.2021) – KICKER is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the 2021 OKC Mile, an American Flat Track race at magnificent Remington Park in Oklahoma City on June 18-19.

Each day, KICKER will be supporting AFT riders Cory Texter and sister Shayna Texter-Bauman as they take on the OKC Mile. KICKER will also feature live demonstrations of its motorcycle and powersports audio systems, installed in a custom Harley-Davidson Road King and Polaris RZR. KICKER powersports systems are designed for maximum reliability, sound quality and volume, all without over-burdening the factory charging systems.

“At KICKER, we deliver the kind of products that excite – that make your heart race when you hear your favorite song through our equipment,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER’s Director of Marketing. “Now approaching our 50th year of developing high-performance audio, our “Livin’ Loud” trademark is a perfect fit for the passion of the athletes and teams of American Flat Track racing.”

AFT racers can exceed 140 miles-per-hour in the straightaways and 90 mph in the corners. The sport remains “perhaps motorsport’s purest test of man and machine” according to americanflattrack.com. With more than 75 competitors racing every night, this thrilling race format brings thousands of spectators to each of 17 races throughout the year.

For more information, consumers can visit www.americanflattrack.com.

Introducing Cicada Audio, a New Company for High-End Motorcycle Audio

Posted on June 16, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Cicada Audio.

PHOENIX, AZ (06.17.2021) – Larry Frederick, company Founder and President, has assembled a talented team with over 40 years of design, manufacturing, and marketing experience in 12-volt audio to develop a uniquely crafted range of “Plug-n-Play” motorcycle audio amps, speakers, processors, and harnesses exclusively for Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Larry commented, “It is time for a High-End and more FOCUSED approach to motorcycle audio.” Larry comments “Today’s motorcycle audio is like car audio circa 1990… growing, and needing nurturing, technical knowledge, training, and custom solutions.” Larry continues “At the same time, Harley Davidson audio is creating a lot of FUN and these guys are Crazy! and I like it!!!”

Larry Frederick showing two new Cicada Audio products in his Phoenix facility.

Cicada Audio was founded on a set of core values:

Partner with like-minded professionals who share a passion for engineering, manufacturing, installing and enjoying great motorcycle audio.
Dedicate the time needed (and man power) to develop the right product for the end user, done in the right way with an eye on quality and performance.
Consider the physics and limitations of the motorcycle; make audio products that are designed to perform and work in that environment.
Tool and manufacture our own product using high quality parts and innovative designs, not outsourced or off-the-shelf products in which you have no control of the process.
Possess the technical knowledge to help the dealer and consumer get the most out of their Cicada-branded audio system.
If it cannot be done well, do not do it, only the BEST will do for a Cicada Audio System!

Cicada is introducing the following products:

Amplifiers with DSP built-in

DSP125.4 – 4 X 90 WRMS @ 4 ohm / 4 X 150 WRMS 2 ohm
DSP250.2 – 2 X 150 WRMS @ 4 ohm / 2 X 250 @ 2 ohm

Standard Amplifiers

CX125.4 – 4 X 90 WRMS @ 4 ohm / 4 X 150 WRMS 2 ohm
CX250.2 – 2 X 150 WRMS @ 4 ohm / 2 X 250 @ 2 ohm

CoAx Horns – CH Series

6.5 inch / 6 X 9 Inch / 8 inch NEO Coax Horns – 2 inch VC and 1.4 Inch Ring Radiator
4 ohm and 2 ohm version

Coax Speakers – CX Series

Waterproof 6.5 inch and 6 X 9 inch shallow Coax (Aluminum dome tweeter)
4 ohm and 2 ohm version

DSP Processor – DSP88

8in/8 out DSP processor, small and BT controlled setup

Pro MidBass Drivers – CM Series

6.5 inch / 6 X 9 Inch / 8 inch NEO MidBass – 2 inch VC

Ring Radiators – RR

2 Ring Radiator (horn) tweeters, both shallow with one super shallow with built in grill

Accessories/Harnesses

8 and 4 gauge power kits,
TSLink harness for HD,
Loaded harness input with Molex
Speaker output with Molex.

All built to interface with HD directly -Plug & Play!.

“I have been berry berry busy over the last 9 months,” commented Larry. “It is easier to just go to the website and see everything.”

Phone: 1-480-887-8699

Email: larryf@cicadaaudio.com

Website: www.cicadaaudio.com

Lucas Lighting Announces Kevin O’Donnell Has Joined the Company as Technical Support and Training Manager

Posted on June 16, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Lucas Lighting.

ITASCA, IL (06.17.2021) – Lucas Lighting has announced the addition of Kevin O’Donnell to their staff as the new Technical Support and Training Manager. O’Donnell is a 20-year veteran of the mobile electronics industry, having worked for a large chain, regional specialist, adding new skills by graduating from Mobile Dynamics in 2007 and then opening his own retail business in 2009.

“Kevin brings a tremendous amount of knowledge with him to Lucas Lighting. I’ve worked with him in various capacities over the last 18 years, and have always respected his troubleshooting abilities, patience and determination to find solutions.” says Steve Rogers, National Sales Manager.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be a part of the Lucas Lighting family and want everyone to feel confident installing and selling LED lighting. Having embraced the lighting category in my retail operation, I have learned a tremendous amount of information on lighting application on modern vehicles. I am here to share my knowledge and assist in any way I can to help installation go as smoothly as possible!” says O’Donnell.

Kevin can be reached at support@lucas-lighting.com, or Lucas Lighting Facebook and Instagram pages. Visit www.lucas-lighting.com for more info.

EDA Hosts First In-Person Conference in Park City, Utah

Posted on June 16, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged EDA.

SEATTLE, WA (06.16.2021) – Elite Distributor Alliance hosted the industry’s first face to face meeting in Park City Utah at the Grand Summit resort. All of EDA’s members and vendors attended the event and everyone was excited to be meeting in person.

L to R: Jim Warren (EDA), Josh Eatherly (P&E Distributors), Steve Irby (Kicker), Rob Limbaugh (Kicker), Lori Roberts (Kicker).

“After a year and a half of Zoom meetings it was so nice to actually be shaking hands and talking in person,” said Nalaka Adikari of Orca Designs. Ron Trout with JVC added, “Wow! EDA hosted an incredible event. What a group of professionals, and to be able to actually sit at a table and talk was energizing.”

L to R: Josh Eatherly (EDA), Jake Bates (Metra), Jeff Fletcher (Metra

EDA presented two vendor awards at the conference. Kicker received “Best Vendor in a Storm”. The award was presented to Steve Irby, Rob Limbaugh, and Lori Roberts by Josh Eatherly, EDA’s president. Eatherly noted, “Kicker stood out throughout the pandemic. Their ability to have product during a very difficult time was not only amazing, it likely saved many of our customers.”

EDA Members preparing to start the conference

EDA also presented Metra Electronics its Top Gun award. “Metra was amazing,” said Nate Taliani, President of Davis Distribution. “They pulled out all the stops and consistently delivered at better than expected fill rates. They worked literally around the clock to deliver us product. Because of this, as a group, we purchased more product from Metra than any one of our EDA vendors,” Taliani added.

L to R: Theresa and Josh Eatherly (P&E Distributors), Steve and Becky Irby (Kicker), Alex Camara (Audio Control), Rob Limbaugh (Kicker

EDA reported record sales for the year and estimates that 23.6% of all 12 volt product sold in the United States will flow through an EDA member in 2021. With same day or one day shipping to all 48 states customers recognize the benefits of utilizing their local EDA member to allow them to react very quickly in a rapidly shifting marketplace. Steve Cote from JVC said, “EDA members are increasingly becoming more and more important. They have reacted faster than most and are building a solid and loyal following.”

Vendors and Members networking around the firepits

On Monday night, June seventh, members and vendors rode the Orange Bubble chairlift to Lookout Cabin for a special joint dinner. At 8,000 feet the views were incredible in every direction. The weather was perfect. After dinner, the group gathered around the firepits for s’mores and more conversation.

Visit www.elitedistributoralliance.com for more.

Firstech Unveils New “KP2” Keyless Touchpad Accessory for Remote Start

Posted on June 16, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Firstech.

SEATTLE, WA (06.16.2021) – Firstech, the maker of Compustar and DroneMobile connected car solutions, has announced that it will begin shipping the KP2 Keyless Touchpad (FT-KP2) in July 2021. KP2 is a windshield-mounted touchpad that gives drivers the ability to lock, unlock, and share their vehicles without the use of a key, remote, or smartphone.

In daily use, the KP2 Touchpad functions as a convenient replacement for car keys for unlocking and locking the doors. To lock/arm the vehicle’s doors, the driver simply needs to hold the “Lock” button on the KP2. When the driver is ready to hit the road, they can unlock the doors by entering their 4-6 digit PIN code onto the windshield mounted touchpad. The KP2’s upgraded capacitive touch sensors respond quickly for drivers who are on the go.

Click here to view a product video

KP2 now supports two separate PIN codes, one reserved for the vehicle owner (“Master PIN”) and one reserved for shared drivers (“Guest PIN”). The Guest PIN code is time-sensitive and will expire on the time/date appointed by the vehicle owner via the DroneMobile smartphone app. In order to enable Guest PIN codes, the KP2 must be installed with a KL1 KeyLocker, which Firstech released in Spring 2020.

Guest PIN codes make the KP2 an ideal solution for car sharing situations. Whether a vehicle owner is hosting out-of-town guests or using car-sharing services such as Turo or Getaround, he/she could share PIN codes with other drivers without revealing his/her own Master PIN code. The KP2 will eventually be included with every Drone KL1 KeyLocker, giving car sharers an all-in-one vehicle and key management solution.

Installation of the KP2 Keyless Touchpad is simple, requiring only a single connection to a compatible Firstech remote starter, alarm, or KeyLocker. As usual, Firstech offers an array of programming methods via desktop, smartphone, or Firstech’s proprietary “OP-500” option programmer.

KP2 is Firstech’s fourth touchpad release. Previous models include the KP1 and the RPS TOUCH, one of Firstech’s best-selling accessories over the past ten years. In comparison to previous models, the KP2 features a new “OEM”-style interface, unbranded design, and two additional digits for code programming. Internally, the KP2 boasts significant upgrades to its memory and processor, improving the speed, responsiveness and reliability of the touchpad.

As a standalone accessory, KP2 will start at $49.99 MSRP.

KL1 KeyLocker systems bundled with the KP2 will retail at $199.99 MSRP. If you are interested in learning more about the KP2 Keyless Touchpad, visit www.myfirstech.com or email Firstech’s sales team at orders@myfirstech.com.

Magnadyne Intros MA-CAM3 Single Camera to 3 Camera Switching Solution

Posted on June 15, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

COMPTON, CA (06.16.2021) – Magnadyne Corporation, Compton CA is excited to announce the release of the MA-CAM3 single camera to 3 camera switching solution for single camera compatible aftermarket radios. The MA-CAM3 converts any aftermarket radio that supports a backup camera to control left, right and rearview cameras. No need to overpay for this feature as the MA-CAM3 retails for only 59.99.

“The MA-CAM3 is the perfect solution for those wanting to eliminate left and right blind spots when their current radio only supports a rearview camera. It is an easy install and works with any aftermarket brand radio with rearview camera support. It is a perfect solution for utility trucks and RV’s that need to replace the radio and maintain 3 cameras.” Mark Hockett – VP

“I was inspired to create the MA-CAM3 while working with our high end M11 RV radio that supports 3 cameras and decided there must be a way to provided that feature to others” Mark Jones – (Tech & Sales Support)

The MA-CAM3 enables any brand aftermarket radio with rearview camera support to operate 3 cameras. The right and left cameras are triggered by turn signal input and the rear camera is triggered by the reverse light power lead. The installation is very quick and if the current cameras are Magnadyne, then the existing radio camera harness just plugs in. But no problem if the cameras are from another manufacturer, just use the supplied RCA adapters and wire as necessary.

The MA-CAM3 does not support audio as most aftermarket radios do not have this option. With the availability of the MA-CAM3 at only $59.99, numerous solutions have opened up for RV and utility vehicle headunit replacement.

Visit www.magnadyne.com for more.

Slamology 2021 Filled the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indy June 12th and 13th

Posted on June 14, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (06.15.2021) – The Slamology automotive and mobile audio-heavy show filled Lucas Oil Raceway June 12th and 13th. The massive grounds were filled with vendor displays, sound-off competition lanes, auto and truck displays and a large main stage area. Slamology also featured RC Racing, a tattoo competition, hydraulic contest, big-rig show and of course a bikini contest on the very hot stage.

The Main Stage was just one of the action centers at Slamology 2021.

In its 18th year, Slamology is billed as a “family friendly, yet edgy” event put on by Donnie Babb, the show organizer and founder. In its third year of sponsorship, KICKER has frequently attended as a corporate brand.

Billed as one of the largest car-stereo competitions in the country, Slamology played host to competition organizations MECA and dB Drag Racing, which had multi-point competitions at the Raceway during the weekend. In the spirit of mobile-sound competition, KICKER was Livin’Loud as the official car-audio contest sponsor for Slamology 2021 and conducted a huge contest in which one lucky show attendee won special KICKER product.

It was 5 lanes of SPL Madness during the MECA competition at Slamology.

Both MECA and dB Drag Racing competitions occupied large areas on parking lots. MECA Commish Steve Stern relayed “Slamology this year was 5 lanes of SPL Madness. In addition we had 25 SQL competitors in the lanes. Slamology this year was definitely a record turn-out in the MECA lanes.”

The dB Drag Racing lanes and area were packed at Slamology. 183dB was a big number on the meter.

Celise Harris related for dB Drag Racing “We knew the competitors were anxious to get back in the lanes to compete but the turnout at Slamology was beyond our expectations. The dB Drag lanes were non-stop all day long and there were a few world records set with one competitor hitting over 183 dB! We thank the competitors and judges for a great day. It was very hot and at least 4 people had to be taken to the hospital Saturday for heat exhaustion.

A number of DS18 rides showed all We Like It Loud!

DS18 was one of the 12volt companies with a booth and demos at the event. Anthony Kimble, Tech Support Staff member, offered “Slamology was a great show for DS18. We had supporters from all over with extreme builds having fun with their vehicles…with several Jeeps. At DS18 ‘We Like It Loud’. This year we were Loud and Hot as there were record setting temperatures.”

Trauma Car Audio with Damian, Paul and Steve (L to R) did a ton of demos for the company’s new Bluetooth Amplifier.

Trauma Car Audio has hit the 12volt scene with a Bluetooth enabled amplifier. Slamology provided a venue for the company to introduce that new product to a large audience of enthusiasts. Damian Reyes, along with Steve Garone and Paul Castellano, were in the booth providing demos for attendees. The booth demo was very unique as people could hear music from their smartphones through a speaker system set up a table in the booth.

“This was a great weekend for Trauma Car Audio. We met tons of cool people and did lots of demos. We sold amps and got quite a few dealers interested in our new Bluetooth amplifiers.We offered a raffle for one of our amplifiers and Pierce Wentworth will be receiving a TCS-M80.4d. Slamology 2021 was definitely a very productive show for Trauma Car Audio.”

Watch for more from Slamology 2021 as there will be more from this very strong event.

Visit slamology.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Announces 2021 Ford Bronco Sport ColorSHIFT Headlight Upgrade

Posted on June 14, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Oracle Lighting.

METAIRIE, LA (06.15.2021) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the launch of the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. With an MSRP of $249.95, the new kit is now available and fits Ford Bronco Sport First Edition, Base, Outer Banks, Big Bend, and Badlands.

“Featuring our high-performance RGB+W chips, this kit allows you to use the existing DRL feature on your Ford Bronco LED Headlights and easily convert it to color-changing DRLs while maintaining a true white DRL function,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of product development. “Upgrade your lights to any color imaginable and instantly switch over to a crisp white OEM DRL color. These 2021 Ford Bronco Sport ColorSHIFT RGB+W DRL boards can make hundreds of different colors, dozens of patterns, control the brightness, and even the speed of the functions using one of our ColorSHIFT controllers.”

Click here to visit the product page.

Features and specifications include:

Bright output with less power consumption
Fits models with the factory LED DRL option
Kit includes
ColorSHIFT RGB+W DRL PCBs for driver and passenger side headlights
constant current LED driver hubs with DRL trigger wire
heavy-duty IP67 wiring adapters
1-year warranty

Headlight disassembly is required, so Oracle Lighting recommends professional installation with Oracle Lighting’s premium silicone sealant. White and amber are considered on-road legal colors…other colors not intended for on-road use so please verify all state and local driving laws.

“Give your Bronco an attitude adjustment and stand out from the crowd with the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W DRL kit from Oracle Lighting!” Hartenstein concluded.

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

DEI Sponsors Drifter Adam LZ

Posted on June 14, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Design Engineering.

AVON LAKE, OH (06.15.2021) – Design Engineering, Inc. has announced a new partnership with social media star and Formula DRIFT racer Adam LZ.

The talented driver and social media giant has nearly 3.2 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, more than 950,000 followers on Facebook and more than 1.2 million followers on Instagram.

“Partnering with racers like Adam LZ is what the DEI sponsorship program is all about,” said Will F. of Design Engineering, Inc. “Our relationship started with him using our heat and sound control products and has grown to where we are now working together to promote our brands and win races.”

DEI will offer products, tech support and service to LZ and his No. 5 LZMFG 2JZ powered Nissan Silvia S15 throughout the 2021 Formula DRIFT season.

“It’s been awesome getting to work with a company that I’ve already been using for so long,” LZ said. “We’ve found out about some pretty cool products I didn’t know existed—like their tranny tunnel shield—and have been coming up with new uses and purposes that are helping both us and our viewers.”

LZ’s YouTube channel documents his many adventures and has recently been welcoming viewers to a new Florida facility known as the LZ Compound, which he calls a “30-Acre Automotive Dream.” It includes more than 65,000 square feet of buildings that haven’t been used in more than five years.

The 25-year-old originally made a name for himself in BMX, which he used to fund his first drift car in 2015. He also enjoys Time Attack and off-road racing.

“For now, I’m pouring as many resources as I can into Formula DRIFT,” he noted. “It’s extremely fun, very challenging and very rewarding.”

For more information about DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

Team Nutz Returns to the Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

Posted on June 13, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Jeep, Team Nutz.

BUTLER, PA (06.14.2021) – The 10th Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival took place on June 11th thru 13th in historic downtown Butler PA and on the Cooper’s Lake Campground. Over 15,000 Jeepers attended the weekend and enjoyed off-road trails, obstacle courses and a huge vendor area filled with companies that offer aftermarket products for Jeep owners and enthusiasts. The downtown Butler Jeep Invasion witnessed over 1000 Jeeps parked along main street and parking areas in the town of approximately 13,000 located 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. Butler was named the 7th Best Small Town in America in a Smithsonian Magazine in 2012.

Jeeps rolled into downtown Butler. Over 1000 Jeeps were parked throughout Butler’s downtown area for the evening event.

The crowd for the Main Street evening festival.

Team Nutz is a proactive 12volt retailer located in Pittsburgh and returned to the Bantam Jeep Festival for the 2021 run. Ed Nuttall related “The JeepFest draws thousands of Jeepers, enthusiasts and their rides. That crowd is noted for adding aftermarket products to their rides. We do a lot of Jeep upgrades, and being so close to our store in Pittsburgh, it makes perfect sense for our brand to be on site. I did not attend this year but we had a great crew on site with vendor support, a large booth area with multiple tents plus several demo vehicles. Sales this year were the best ever and our team made contact with quite a number of promising prospects.”

The vendor area covers many acres with vendor booths spread throughout

The Team Nutz team on site was led by Mike Gosnik with strong support from Stinger Electronics’ Christian Venn, End Result’s Rusty North, and Metra’s Tim Shell. A good customer and Jeeper Vince Murray also worked with the event.

Gosnik stated “The 2021 Bantam JeepFest was just what everyone needed after a year of the pandemic. It was great to see everyone unite over the love of Jeeps. For Team Nutz it was great for sales and getting our name out there that we support small business and the Jeep community as well as the aftermarket community in general. Everyone came together as a family at The Bantam Jeep Festival. Can’t wait until next year.”

The Team Nutz crew on site included Vince Murray, Christian Venn, Rusty North and Mike Gosnik (L to R).

Rusty North and Vince Murray (R) by the Stinger tent that grabbed attention for the Heigh 10.

The Stinger Heigh 10, which takes a Jeeper’s infotainment system to the next level, was one of the hottest products in the Team Nutz booth. Other brands and products in the large booth included Metra, Memphis Audio, Hertz/Audison, JL Audio and Wet Sounds. Katzkin custom leather seats also grabbed attention along with a Sony demo Jeep from Davis Distribution.