NORFOLK, VA (10.19.2021) – Great to see unique installations by proactive 12volt retailers like The Audio One in Norfolk, VA.
Mike Kreiselman, Shop Foreman at the Norfolk VA The Audio One, recently completed a system in the Goode Family train that runs through the Virginia Zoo train that carries children and guest along a track in the 53 acre zoo that was founded in 1901. The zoo has 700 animals representing 150 species.
The ‘Little Engine’ that could.
The control console was a unique experience.
“I went out to the zoo after they contacted our GM Bob Mickonis. We have done a number of unique projects and he felt I could handle this project. On September 29th I went to the zoo to check out the train to see what would be needed. I went back on October 6th and completed the job in about 6 hours. Basically sent up the installation of the radio, found juice in the engines and ran wires to the speakers on the cars. A zoo staff member had fabricated a bracket to mount the radio,” Kreiselman related.
Another unique learning experience.
Mike Kreiselman’s veteran hands and skill set made it all come together on the train at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk.
There were 2 trains the zoo uses and one needed a radio installed in the engine. Kreiselman put in a REI Radio the zoo supplied which is designed for tour buses that includes a mic input for PA uses. There were already 3 speakers on each of the 4 train cars. The REI Radio had enough power to run the system.
Concluding, Kreiselman offered, “This job was definitely a different and unique experience I had never done before. That said I really like doing this kind of work and can imagine everyone on the train having a very nice and informative ride.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.19.2021) – Changes to this year’s SEMA Show Student Program will give participating exhibitors and students more quality connections and value than ever before.
Through the Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast, Thursday, November 4, from 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m., exhibitors will host a networking table where they will engage in quality, intimate conversations with a limited number of students. Host companies will build connections by sharing their expertise, helping students explore career opportunities and inspiring students in their career paths.
“The focus on the Student Networking Breakfast is on quality connections, rather than quantity connections,” said Byron Bergmann, SEMA project manager, member services. “Whether companies are hiring or not, members have a vast amount of knowledge to share and can be a great resource for students.”
Exhibiting companies are encouraged to participate in the program. Participation, which is free to exhibiting companies, simply requires one-and-a-half hours from one company representative. No setup time or marketing materials are required.
PITTSBURGH, PA (10.18.2021) – The Team Nutz crew made the 360 mile trip from Pittsburg to Indianapolis late Thursday, October 7th, to attend KFest Indy that ran Friday through Sunday, October 8th-10th.
The Team Nutz SUV and the Vince Murray’s Jeep Gladiator stopped for a break Thursday night between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.
One last late night stop between Pittsburgh and Indy.
Team Nutz leader Ed Nuttall related, “We looked at this is a great opportunity to attend a number of training sessions by National Trainers, see products from a number major brands on the event floor with their reps and network with other members of the 12volt industry. Staff members from our sales and installation made the trip. Staff members included Ben Bjerke, Brandon Star, Colleen Gregory and Mike Pent.”
Early Saturday morning it was time to check in and get ready for the day.
The Team Nutz crew at the Race Sport Lighting booth listening to a presentation from Steve Jergensen.
In addition, Vince Murray was with crew. “Vince is a friend and customer plus his Jeep Gladiator Sport S was displayed in the Metra booth. Team Nutz completed the installation on Vince’s Gladiator with an extensive selection of Heise lighting and Metra products” Nuttall stated.
Continuing, “We arrived in Indy after midnight and caught a few hours of sleep before getting all done with event registration Friday morning. After getting our badges we split into groups and attended every training session through the day. As soon as the show floor opened we made the rounds to check out the booths of vendors we work with in our store. Seeing Vince’s demo vehicle in the Metra booth with Jason Anderson was terrific” Nuttall added.
Team Nutz Ed Nuttall (R) and Rusty North-End Result. “It’s great to see the commitment Team Nutz made to attend KFest as a group and to grow their business” North stated.
The Team Nutz crew recapped KF Day 1 and enjoyed group dinner.
Further Nuttall offered “Spending time in the Race Sport Lighting booth to see new products with Steve Jergensen and Ignacio Ayala was time well spent as the lighting category is certainly growing. Rusty North, End Result, is our rep and it was good to make plans for growth with him.”
During a nice dinner Friday night the crew discussed the days activities and then rested up to get ready for Saturday.
Team Nutz believes in getting it done. Nuttall has already applied for and received his first certification, signed by Kris Bulla, from MECP that began during KFest Indy.
On Saturday the crew again split up to attend every training session on the schedule. They spent time in the Sony booth to check out the new demo car and the new head unit that debuted at KFest. In addition they spent time with Kris Bulla in the MECP booth to check out a new program MECP has introduced.
Vince Murray (L) and Jason Alexander in the Metra booth with Vince’s Jeep Gladiator Sport S loaded with Heise Lighting and Metra gear on the KFest floor.
“I was very impressed with the new MECP package and purchased an application for our entire staff of 12 people. As Saturday wound down we made the decision to head back to Pittsburgh since we had already attended all of the trainings that were on the Sunday schedule. Attending KFest Indy was overall a positive experience for Team Nutz as we met our objectives,” Nuttall concluded.
SHREVEPORT, LA (10.15.2021) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP is another example of making it easy for industry members to put their company’s brand and activities in front of members of the 12volt industry.
Mel Valadez sent this image from the front seat of his Ford Explorer on the route between Dallas and Sacramento for the Western DBDRA Finals.
Vince Murray (L) sent this image from KFest Indy of his Jeep Gladiator Sport S In the Metra booth with Jason Anderson on the trip with Team Nutz-Pittsburgh.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles for information and news delivery. The fact remains people need still, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Today a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.
End Result sent this great image as they were traveling with Race Sport Lighting’s Ignacio Ayala from the bay in Auto Sounds Willoughby, OH with Craig Wardell (R) and a ‘64 Mercedes 230 SL that was white owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
Rich DeSclafani shown in his Palm Beach FL office with new ZZ-2 CarPlay products for select Land Rover and Jaguar products.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. It’s the 12volt Central Studios 6 Pack. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry. On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Big Daddy’s Morris Hartman jumped into the 12volt Chevy Studio for another ride around the Big Apple.
Kicker Marine Audio is ‘going overboard’ in Lake Havasu City AZ this weekend for the NRG Spark Plug Formula 1 Power Boat Race October 15-17.
Check out the 12Volt 6-Pack as The 12volt Central Studios will work to make 6 social media posts each business day delivering fresh positive news the 12volt industry.
PALM BEACH, FL (10.15.2021) – ZZ2 has released the IT-LR line of interfaces for select LAND ROVER/RANGE ROVER/JAGUAR vehicles. Rich DeSclafani stated “We are extremely excited to launch our Wireless CarPlay interfaces for Land Rover/Range Rover/Jaguar. These interfaces provide a complete all in one solution for supported vehicles. They offer wireless connectivity, safety, and convenience. They are exactly what is needed to add the latest technology to these vehicles. The interfaces exclusively use the factory touchscreen to control the interface and come with a 3 year warranty. These products are in stock and available to ship.”
Rich DeSclafani pictured with new CapPlay products in the ZZ-2 office in Palm Beach, FL.
FEATURES: · Wireless CarPlay · Wireless Android Auto · Backup Camera Input (w/Dynamic Moving Lines) · Front Camera Input (w/Parking Mode and Forced Front Camera) · Smartphone Mirroring/Mirror Link · Touchscreen Control
LAND ROVER: 2012-2016 Discovery 4 2012-2016 Freelander 2 2012-2016 LR2 2012-2016 LR4 2012-2016 Range Rover Sport 2012-2016 Range Rover Evoque 2012-2016 Range Rover Vogue 2015-2016 New Discovery Sport
IT2-LR15:
Jaguar: 2017 and Up E-Pace 2017 and Up F-Pace 2017 and Up XJ / XJL 2017 and Up XF 2017 and Up XE
Land Rover/Range Rover: 2017-2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2017-2018 Range Rover Evoque 2017-2018 Range Rover Sport 2017-2018 Range Rover Velar 2017-2018 Range Rover Vogue
IT4-LR-DUO:
Land Rover/Range Rover: 2019-2021 Range Rover Velar 2019-2021 Range Rover Sport 2019-2021 Range Rover Vogue 2019-2021 Range Rover Evoque 2020-2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport
SHREVEPORT, LA (10.15.2021) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP is another example of making it easy for industry members to put their company’s brand and activities in front of members of the 12volt industry.
Mel Valadez sent this image from the front seat of his Ford Explorer on the route between Dallas and Sacramento for the Western DBDRA Finals.
Vince Murray (L) sent this image from KFest Indy of his Jeep Gladiator Sport S In the Metra booth with Jason Anderson on the trip with Team Nutz-Pittsburgh.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles for information and news delivery. The fact remains people need still, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Today a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.
End Result sent this great image as they were traveling with Race Sport Lighting’s Ignacio Ayala from the bay in Auto Sounds Willoughby, OH with Craig Wardell (R) and a ‘64 Mercedes 230 SL that was white owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
Rich DeSclafani shown in his Palm Beach FL office with new ZZ-2 CarPlay products for select Land Rover and Jaguar products.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. It’s the 12volt Central Studios 6 Pack. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry. On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Big Daddy’s Morris Hartman jumped into the 12volt Chevy Studio for another ride around the Big Apple.
Kicker Marine Audio is ‘going overboard’ in Lake Havasu City AZ this weekend for the NRG Spark Plug Formula 1 Power Boat Race October 15-17.
Check out the 12Volt 6-Pack as The 12volt Central Studios will work to make 6 social media posts each business day delivering fresh positive news the 12volt industry.
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.14.2021) – Metra Electronics will have two booths at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with booth 12141 in the North Hall and its off-roading and powersports products on display at booth 61041 in the West Hall. This year marks Metra’s 75th anniversary in manufacturing and will be celebrated with a look back at Metra’s car audio history on social media. As Metra Electronics releases new product announcements for the SEMA Show, it will also showcase a look at products from the past, celebrating both old and new innovations in the aftermarket automotive industry.
How Metra Electronics Started It all began in 1946 at a little shop in Brooklyn, New York, with founder Michael M. Somma fixing and selling TVs and FM radios. Soon, they began creating FM radios specifically for cars under the name MetraVox and found a big demand for installations in taxi cabs. Taxi drivers spent their entire workday in their vehicle and now they could enjoy listening to the radio. Naturally, Metra’s radio kits took off. This is where the business split into a new entity focusing entirely on car audio, called Metra Electronics. Metra manufactured complete radio installation kits that included wiring and harnesses, becoming a pioneer in the car audio industry.
A Change in the Industry Up to this point, dealerships were a major customer, purchasing radio kits from Metra to install into vehicles before they left the lot. It was in the 1980s that things began to change and transition from OE radio installations to aftermarket. The Custom Aftermarket Sound Association (CASA) was formed and lobbied to make radios optional for car manufacturers. At this point, Single-DIN radios were in use and European models were becoming more prevalent. These models required a different dashboard to fit the standard Single-DIN radio, making installation challenging for all of the various makes and models on the road. Metra Electronics became one of the first to offer a solution, focusing on its support for the radio business by providing dash kits with the installation hardware and essentials required for aftermarket radio replacement.
Metra Grows Through the Years In the 1980s, it became clear that Metra was outgrowing its operations, which now took up an entire city block with 100,000 square feet of space in Brooklyn, New York. The company needed to find a new home. In 1986, Metra’s corporate headquarters packed up and moved south, settling in Holly Hill, Florida, where the company remains today. Several events helped contribute to the growth of the company, with Metra first attending the SEMA Show in 1980, becoming a fixture at the annual event. Recognizing the importance of developing relationships with face-to-face time, Metra’s President, Bill Jones, took a motorcycle road trip through the United States in 1991, visiting its distributors and customers throughout the region.
In 1992, Mr. Jones realized that an organized training program was needed for an industry that was growing too fast. With no standardized methods for training or schools specifically for 12volt installers, he created Installer Institute in Holly Hill, FL. Since 1992, Installer Institute has graduated thousands of students and helped push MECP and MESA certifications. In 2016, the school became accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, and most recently had its 26-week program eligible for Title IV funding so that students could apply for federal financial aid to cover their tuition.
Metra Introduces New Brands In the early 2000s, Metra grew beyond dash kits, creating Axxess for vehicle integration and Tsunami for car audio wiring and audio installation accessories. While Tsunami’s brand name evolved into the T-Spec and Raptor product lines, Axxess remains a top name among professional 12volt installers. In 2003, Axxess introduced interfaces to retain the door chimes in Chevrolet, which became the start of a long line of products developed to accommodate the ever-changing vehicle technology seen in different makes and models. The Install Bay brand was also created to offer all of a shop’s hardware essentials in one place, becoming the largest product line in the Metra portfolio. To complete an aftermarket audio installation, Metra created Shuriken High Performance Batteries along with Ballistic sound damping. In 2014, Heise LED Lighting became its premiere LED lighting brand, soon followed by iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems, AmmoTenna, Metra PowerSports, Saddle Tramp, Metra Marine, Daytona Lights, and a product line of accessories dedicated entirely to Jeeps.
In 2001, Metra applied its expertise in car audio connectivity to create Ethereal Home Theater, a division specifically for HDMI products and home theater systems. Today, this division has been rebranded as MetraAV and has grown to include Ethereal, Velox, Spyclops, and Helios product lines. MetraAV is now known as one of the most reliable manufacturers for premium residential and commercial integration products.
75 years after introducing its first automotive radio kit, Metra Electronics will attend the 2021 SEMA Show to celebrate its innovations over the decades. New product highlights include a growing lineup of dash kits and integration products designed to bring upgraded sound systems into older and newer vehicles. Metra will also showcase accessories and lighting packages designed for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, new RGB and RGBW lighting kits, redesigned LED lightbars from Heise, and new monitors and cameras from iBEAM. In the off-road/powersports booth, attendees will see universal audio products plus audio accessories designed specifically for Polaris and Can-Am UTVs. Daytona Lights will also expand its value series of LED lights, doubling its product offerings. For motorcycles, Metra’s Saddle Tramp brand will introduce new audio installation products and lighting accessories designed to fit Harley-Davidson. Product announcements will be released with more details closer to the show.
STILLWATER, OK (10.14.2021) – KICKER Marine Audio is again joining its local dealers and fans in Lake Havasu City, AZ, for the NGK Spark Plugs Formula 1 Powerboat Series, October 15-17, which features high-horsepower racing excitement in 3 classes over 2 days, featuring international powerboat racing stars.
On Oct. 15, the Friday Night Beach Party from 4-8 pm at the London Bridge Beach is sponsored by KICKER Marine Audio. Fans get to mingle with the drivers and crews to learn more about them and their racing equipment. Amid great music–broadcast through the KICKER Marine Audio system–a vintage boat display, kids’ activity zone, museum exhibits, food, Beer Garden, vendors, and a Reunion Social for past racers, families and racers crew members will enjoy the festivities. This special event will be free and open to the public.
The race is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the city’s founder, Robert P. McCulloch, Jr. who was the first to initiate the outboard championships at Lake Havasu in 1964. The race became a Lake Havasu tradition, drawing competitors from every corner of the globe for high stakes cash and prizes.
As the owner of McCulloch Motors, McCulloch later purchased the then-sinking London Bridge in 1968 and shipped the pieces to the USA where he resurrected the granite blocks in the exact same order over the man-made Bridgewater Channel, a feat that was completed 50 years ago. The London Bridge has since been a tourist attraction in the heart of the Arizona desert.
KICKER Marine Audio, and its local dealers (Wired 4 Sound and Ron’s In Your Ear Audio), and vendors have long been active in Lake Havasu through the performance boating Annual Desert Storm Poker Run and rally. This NGK Spark Plugs Formula 1 Powerboat event gives KICKER Marine Audio and music fans the opportunity to mix high-speed racing with high-octane sound.
Dan Murphy of MurfCo. Inc. KICKER Marine Audio’s long-time Manufacturers Rep Group, that sets up distributors and dealers in the Southwest Region, is teaming up with Lake Havasu’s custom installer Wired 4 Sound’s Jeff Cuvelier at the event. Murphy and partner Frank Zepeda’s “Boom Toon,” a “vintage” 30-foot Starlight 1986 riverboat that was transformed into a runabout double decker party barge, complete with a slide and party poles, will be at the docks. The Boom Toon will join Jeff’s Rinker Flotilla Deck boat. Both are decked with top-of-the-line KICKER Marine Audio speakers, subwoofers, amps and more, and both boats emphasize the company’s tag line of “Livin’ Loud!”
Ron Voegele, of Gatorwraps, installer of large-scale vessel and vehicle wraps said of Cuvelier’s boat, “When he pulls into a cove, everyone else shuts off their stereos because his sounds like a live concert! We get those comments all the time when we play our KICKER sound systems—the sound is that clear!”
MurfCo and local dealers have had long-time KICKER audio affiliations including friendships with KICKER founder Steve Irby, who was a pioneer in the 12-Volt, mobile audio world.
“KICKER Marine Audio finds kindred spirits in the performance boating community,” says Jeremy Bale, brand manager, “This group of racers and fans may be introduced to KICKER through this event and some may certainly know the company from its decades as a mobile audio leader, no doubt used in their tow vehicles. Lake Havasu has been a good location for us with long-time dealers, distributors and installers and we enjoy getting together and engaging with our customers and friends at these events–and to make new friends. We’re happy to support the Seebold family in this race!”
All KICKER Marine Audio’s can enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white to complement a boat’s color scheme, complete with LED light complements. Horn-Loaded Tower Systems, speakers, subwoofers, amps and media centers are only part of the line, so when you want to “Kick” up your sound system, rely on the brand that delivers the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components—KICKER Marine Audio.
MUSCLE SHOALS, AL (10.13.2021) – MECA is proud to announce the clubs 2021 Sound Pressure League World Champions. MECA presented 31 World Champion trophies at the Finals event held in Muscle Shoals, AL on October 8th and 9th.
Chris and Lori Caudill-AudioDreamLand Ky- With their SPL Loud Spouses plaque.
“A huge thank you to our Title Sponsor Sundown Audio, and co-sponsors Ohio Generator, Incriminator Audio, TRU Technology, Arc Audio and all who contributed to the success of the 2021 event” MECA Commish Steve Stern related.
Chris IKSRTFO Eigensee-Team 614 OH with his SPL Best of Show plaque.
Mike and Rachel Jones Phat Farm-KY, Phat Farm-Venue of the Year, pictured with their plaque and MECA Commish Steve Stern.
Stern continued with “Thank you also to ring sponsors Sundown Audio and SoundCheck. All Champions will receive the traditional MECA ‘super bling’ Champion’s Ring.”
Nearly 50 National Point Champs plaques are displayed on the table at the event.
MECA competitors and friends work to unload all of the trophies out of the MECA truck.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (10.12.2021) – MB Quart strengthens partnership with CFMOTO as the UFORCE600 launches with the MB Quart U6 audio system. Previously, MB Quart has worked with CFMOTO with the Universal Overhead System, and this ALL-NEW U6 audio system cements the growing relationship.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “This growing partnership with CFMOTO represents a magnitude of future opportunities for more vehicle-specific kits. We are extremely proud and satisfied with the release of the ALL-NEW UFORCE600 showcasing audio that’s loud with the included 6.5-inch coaxial speakers and a high contrast 160-watt LCD source unit. Bringing audio with adventure on every outdoor journey is what sets Music. Defined. apart from the rest. With LIFE SHIELD/IPX-rated, you’ll be able to take on any element that the condition brings.”
Purposely engineered for the UFORCE600 (U6), this MB Quart U6 audio system fits MY21/22 U600 vehicles and includes a high contrast 160-watt LCD source unit, 6.5-inch coaxial speakers, high-impact HDPE composite enclosure, and LIFE SHIELD/IPX-rated.
Rest assured that for any adventure that demands rough conditions faced along the way, your audio will remain durable while lasting against the elements.
Bring Music. Defined. audio on every adventure with the ALL-NEW UFORCE600 and get ready to tackle any element along the way with audio that’s high quality and produces undistorted levels of listening in any song.
12VoltNews.com 