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

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

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

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

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
Ford Bronco

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

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

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
A portion of the Team Nutz booth area.

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.

Team Nutz always provides plenty of items for consumers as branding reminders from a show.

Based on the 2021 success at JeepFest 2021 expect to see Team Nutz at the 2022 event and beyond.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

KICKER Begins Shipping Its Mini-Enclosed Handlebar Speakers

STILLWATER, OK (06.14.2021) – KICKER adds a new look to the versatile PSM3 Mini-Enclosed Speakers for powersports. Made for bikes, ATVs, and anything else that has a round bar or handle, the newest version of the PSM3 speaker line adds a glossy black housing to the mix, along with the durable chrome pair that KICKER has had for years. 

PSM3 weather-proof speakers are now shipping and ready for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show in October, PSM3 Mini-Enclosed Speakers retail for $199.95. PSM3 Speakers are also available at www.kicker.com.

Designed specifically to deliver crystal-clear audio and last through every kind of weather, the rugged PS speaker system boasts high power handling and volume from the robust, three-inch woofers for ultra-clear music reproduction through helmets, wind noise and road noise.

New for 2021, KICKER now offers the PSM3 pairs in either 2- or 4-Ohm versions. PSM drivers advertise heavy-duty ceramic magnets, water-proof suspension, and a polymer basket for battling the elements. The lightweight, durable design of the speakers does not affect how the bike rides or handles in any way, and they fit with ease on round pipes ranging from 7/8-to-1-1/4 inches. The speakers come complete with cast-aluminum mounting hardware originating from a single-point clamp that resists vibration.

Visit www.kicker.com for more.

JL Audio Extends Relationship with 2X Supra PWT Champion Nic Rapa as Brand Ambassador

MIRAMAR, FL (06.14.2021) – JL Audio has extended its sponsorship of two-time Supra Pro Wake Tour Champion Nic Rapa. Headed into the 2021 season, Rapa will represent the JL Audio brand as he strives for a PWT championship three-peat.

“Nic is an all-star in the wakeboarding space and has been a great partner of the JL Audio brand since we first started working with him several years ago,” said Bryatt Fischer, Marketing Director, JL Audio. “As a brand ambassador, Nic has done a great job tying his enthusiasm for wakeboarding to promoting the JL Audio brand, and its gear on his boat. We’re pleased to extend our sponsorship of Nic for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and look forward to working with him to expose the JL Audio brand to a new generation of boating and watersports enthusiasts.”

2X Supra PWT Champion Nic Rapa

Since turning pro and joining the Supra Boats Team in 2016, native Australian Nic Rapa has quickly made a name for himself in wakeboarding. After winning the Supra Boats PWT Rookie of The Year title and placing in the top three rankings at the WWA Wakeboard World Championships his first year competing as a professional, Nic won second place at the 2017 and 2018 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tours. In 2019, Nic earned the Champion title at the 2019 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour, as well as at the 2019 Nautique WWA National Champion, solidifying his status as a marquee rider in watersports. Rapa was also the 2019-2020 IWWF world champion and 2020 USA national champ, He won the Supra Pro Wakeboard Tours championship again in 2020, making it the second year in a row coming out on top, and was also 2020 WWA world champion, 2020 World Series overall champion, as well as the 2020 wake series champion.

“Music and watersports go perfectly with one another, which is why I am grateful to JL Audio for continuing to be an excellent partner,” said Nic Rapa. “As an athlete, I’m not only dedicated to my personal growth, I’m also fueled by leading companies like JL Audio seeing value in working with me to enhance their brand. I am confident that 2021 is going to be a solid season, and I look forward to rocking the JL logo and creating awesome content as we win more championships together.

JL Audio has been working indirectly with Rapa since 2016 when he first joined the Supra Boats Team. As the exclusive audio supplier for Supra Boats, Rapa has first-hand experience with JL Audio products. JL Audio has been entrenched in the professional wakeboarding circuit with their sponsorship of the Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour since 2014. The PWT has served as the stage for JL Audio to connect directly with watersports and boating enthusiasts alike to demonstrating the latest and greatest in marine audio technology. The partnership with Nic allows JL Audio to continue to support and inspire the next generation of watersport athletes.

Visit www.jlaudio.com for more.

Unique Auto Sound & Security Wins JBL Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 131

SHREVEPORT LA (06.12.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Unique Auto Sound & Security won the JBL WIND2 Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, June 11th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 131st time on Friday morning June 11th. The Wheel landed on the JBL space. The Unique Auto Sound & Security 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 and spoke to Sean Kafaierad at his store in Lindenhurst NY and gave him the good news….which he was surprised and happy to hear the JBL WIND2 Bluetooth Handlebar speaker will be headed his way. 
Spinning out a 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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, 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, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA and Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, June 18th.

DS18 Teams Up with Electronic Express

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (06.11.2021) – DS18, a well-known player in the audio industry, notorious for their stylish, clear sounding, trend setting audio equipment for cars, marine, and on-the-go. Their slogan, “We like it loud!” is taking on a whole new meaning for those in Tennessee and Alabama, as DS18 will now be available in all Electronic Express storefronts.

Electronic Express is known for their wide array of electronics, ranging from home appliances to audio and video for the home and car audio.

Specializing in everything audio related, DS18 has a vast array of options for any audio project that any audiophile, from beginner to professional, can desire. DS18 has experts in OEM, Pro-Audio, Bass, Jeep Nation, Marine Specialization, and Off-Road, that live and breathe the industry and are true enthusiasts themselves. They have continued to lead the industry with products that have the latest and greatest audio technology, that allows you to stand out in any crowd.

Visit ds18.com and electronicexpress.com for more.