Industry

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.17.2020) – WTF… Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over 3 months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click here to view this Bite video on instagram.com/12voltnews

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner, Number 63, is Extreme Performance Audio. The Wheel landed on the Cadence space and a cool Cadence product will be headed to the Extreme Performance Audio Team in Fresno, CA.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday a 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics and Image Dynamics. SpellBrite, a manufacturer of in-store signage, also has a space. 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 and the Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC plus the latest winner Extreme Performance Audio. Congratulations to all.

Click here to view this Bite on instagram.com/12voltnews

WTF… Where’s The Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, February 21st.

Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin. A slip for your company will be added to the slips in the jar.

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

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

JL Audio Introduces JD Car Amplifiers

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MIRAMAR, FL (02.17.2020) – JL Audio has introduced the JD Series car audio amplifier line. Four models are being announced for 2020, including three monoblock subwoofer amplifiers and a four-channel full-range amplifier. All models are available for purchase through JL Audio’s network of specialty car audio retailers or on jlaudio.com.

JL Audio Vice President Electronic Engineering, Dr. Stephen Leigh stated “The JD amps deliver tremendous value, combining JL Audio’s NexD Class-D technology, advanced auto turn-on features, and a very handy clipping indicator for accurate level setting. These are technologies never before offered at these price points.”

JD amplifiers also include JL Audio’s dual-range differential-balanced technology, for superior noise rejection and excellent compatibility with a wide range of input signal voltages. Automatic turn-on is another welcome feature, selectable between Signal Sensing and DC Offset Sensing modes. LED clipping indicator rings surround each input level potentiometer. With the use of a CD or an audio file with a fullscale sine wave, installers can use these LED indicators to quickly establish the correct input sensitivity setting, without the need for additional test equipment.

A sleek new industrial design with molded end caps and an aluminum extruded chassis give the JD’s a tough, purposeful look. Power indicator and protection LED indicators shine from behind a simple black logo bar on the top surface of the amplifier. Installers are sure to appreciate thoughtful ergonomics and wire management considerations in the end cap designs, as well as beefy, well-protected power and speaker connectors.

JL Audio VP-Marketing, Manville Smith said: “The outgoing JX amplifiers were a massive success at these price points. With the additional features and performance added to the new JD’s, we predict these will be an even bigger hit with car audio enthusiasts looking for JL Audio performance at a very nice price.”

The new JD Amplifiers are currently shipping to dealers in the USA.

Visit jlaudio.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Announces New Oculus Bi-LED Headlight Choices for Select Jeeps

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METAIRE, LA (02.14.2020) – Oracle Lighting now offers additional choices for its popular Oculus Bi-LED headlights for 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020 Jeep Gladiator JT. Now available, the Oculus Bi-LED headlights have an MSRP of $689.95.

“Our Oculus bi-LED headlights are now available in a RGB+W ColorSHIFT,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Our customers asked, and we listened! You can now have your Oculus headlights change colors without sacrificing the White Daytime Running Light (DRL). Oculus headlights feature advanced focused LED projection that outshines all the competition (including the factory LED headlights). With 3,200 Lumens of high-quality Bi-LED projection, these headlights provide enhanced driver visibility in all weather conditions.”

Light focus is very important for driver safety and for others who can have their vision obstructed by glare. Oracle Lighting is proud to offer the most focused and lowest-glare LED headlights for the JL and JT on the market.  ColorSHIFT Oculus Headlights feature 3-Tiered RGB features in the lamps, including:

  • Outer Halo Ring (RGB+W)
  • Inner Halo Ring (RGB)
  • Projector Demon Eye (RGB)

“Each LED feature has a separate cable output and can be connected together so all three create the same color or set up as three separate channels or ‘zones’ depending on the user preference and the ColorSHIFT controller selected,” Hartenstein continued. “The Pure-White DRL has its own wiring harness (same as the original Oculus) that connects to the fuse box with an add-a-circuit for easy and safe integration. The DRL will come on when the engine is running or can be connected to a switch (including the factory Aux switches) for additional user control.”

Oculus bi-LED headlights product specifications:

  • Headlight Wattage: 36W
  • Headlight Total Lumens: 4800LM
  • Headlight Color Temp: 5500K
  • Certification: DOT SAE 5839-504 HL VOR 19
  • Warranty: 2 Years

Oculus bi-LED headlights package contents include:

  • 2x Oculus ColorSHIFT headlights
  • Headlight aiming tool
  • DRL wiring harness
  • Add-A-Circuit fuse adapter
  • 6x RGB wiring extensions
  • RGB controller not Included

Please note that these features are intended for off-road “show” use only and are not compliant for street use.

Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Metairie, LA-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 on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

SCOSCHE Congratulates Nic Ashby of Rockstar Performance Garage for Being Named “SuperJeep Builder Of The Year”

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OXNARD, CA (02.14.2020) – Scosche congratulates their partner Nic Ashby
of Rockstar Performance Garage (RPG) on this prestigious and well-deserved honor.

Nic Ashby and Rockstar Performance Garage have partnered with Scosche since 2016. In addition to completing several vehicle builds with us, including our 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, they test, use, and create content for Scosche products including: smartphone mounts, powersports mounts and mirrors, chargers and cables, vehicle jump starters, backup batteries, power inverters and more.This product testing is carried out by Nic, the RPG Team and their ambassadors in their vehicle builds, everywhere from daily drives to extreme off road environments such as trail runs, and races, like King of the Hammers.

On February 12, 2020, MotorTrend magazine announced that Rockstar Performance Garage’s owner Nic Ashby has been named Builder of the Year by MotorTrend’s American SuperJeep Challenge. As part of the inaugural competition, the American SuperJeep Challenge invited the top custom modified Jeep Builders in the country to compete for the title of SuperJeep Champion Builder of the Year. Entries were required to pass pre-set modification requirements to qualify, and were judged by an elite panel of diversified industry leaders, including Courtney Hansen, Terry Madden and Greg Henderson.

“We scoured the country looking for some of the most exciting and unique rigs and builders in America. Our goal is to highlight the incredible skill that exists among today’s builders who have mastered working with a uniquely American platform – The Jeep Wrangler,” said Tony May, Executive Producer, American SuperJeep Challenge. “We could not be happier with the competitors for our first series, and while all of the participants deserve recognition for their many contributions to the off-road community, GRDLOC’s marriage of form, function and creativity ultimately earned Nic Ashby and Rockstar Performance Garage the top spot.”

The winning builders and their one-of-a-kind builds were ultimately measured by the highest standards, based on custom modifications, fabrications and its craftsmanship as well as creativity, presentation, overall functionality – and put to the test during a series of challenges at the 2020 King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California.

GRDLOC – A 1983 CJ7 Jeep was redesigned and built to be a dream rig on and off the road. “GRDLOC is my personal build and a passion project that has involved nearly every member of the team at RPG, I’m proud to share this recognition

with my team and honored that we had the opportunity to compare our work head-to-head with the work of colleagues and fellow shop owners who we all hold in such high regard,” said Nic Ashby, Proprietor of LDRSHIPdesigns and Rockstar Performance Garage. “I’m thankful to American SuperJeep and MotorTrend for creating this platform and I look forward to following along as the series grows and more builders have the opportunity to showcase their passion.”

Visit scosche.com and rockstarperformancegarage.com for more.

Nakamichi Gets in Front of Dealers at Long Beach KnowledgeFest

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LONG BEACH, CA (02.13.2020) – Nakamichi Car Audio made the most of its first appearance at Knowledgefest this past weekend by talking to dealers from California plus bordering Western States and making a case for carrying the relaunched line.

Local reps Jerry Zemming (Sound Sales & Marketing) and Scott Schmidt (Cardoza & Company) showing the Nakamichi line up to interested California dealers.

Present at the Long Beach show were California reps Sound Sales & Marketing (So Cal) and Cardoza & Company (No Cal). Both were on hand to take dealers through the range of new products and discuss the Nakamichi brand philosophy and profit potential.

Dealers saw the production unit first hand.

Of particular interest was the new 2020 single DIN mechless (no CD) model NQ-721BE. This new short chassis addition features RGB multi color 2-line VA (Vertical Alignment) display, 10-band EQ, 2 phone connection for Bluetooth pairing, Nak Control APP smart phone compatibility for iOS and Android along with 4-volt front and rear line outputs. The NQ-721BE has a MSRP of $89.95 and is ready to ship this month.

Robin McNeal-Nakamichi National Sales Manager and Orestes Ordaz-Diplomat Trading Sales Manager host a dinner with staffs from Sound Sales & Marketing and Cardoza & Company.

Friday night exclusive U.S. agent for Nakamichi, Diplomat Trading, hosted an appreciation meal at a nearby steakhouse for the local reps that helped work the Long Beach show. In attendance for dinner were Jerry Zemming—Sound Sales & Marketing and the crew from Cardoza & Company—Mark Cardoza, Scott Schmidt and Micah Boren.

“We were very happy with the quality of the dealers we saw in Long Beach,” stated Robin McNeal—National Sales Manager for Nakamichi, “and are looking forward to even a bigger turnout in Indianapolis next month.”

Visit nakamichicaraudio.com for more.

Earmark Car And Marine Audio Made Waves at the Dallas Boat Show

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DALLAS, TX (02.13.2020) – Earmark Car and Marine Audio exhibited at the recent Dallas Boat Show at Dallas Market Hall. The event was held over 2 weekends, January 31 – February 2 and February 6 – 9.

Earmark’s Captain, Joe Parker, related this was the 13th year the company has exhibited at the Dallas Boat Show. The company’s Lewisville location is located just north of Dallas in ‘Lake Country.’ Jim Johnson worked the booth with Parker to show the company’s marine offerings to members of the crowd.

Joe Parker pictured in the install bay area with a $4,500 job just finished for a customer from the Dallas Boat Show.

Parker stated “The investment in exhibiting at the Dallas Boat Show is very good. We receive tremendous exposure for the Earmark brand and the manufacturers that are presented in the booth. JL Audio, Wet Sounds and Kenwood Marine were featured in out 10×20 booth. With a staff of 2 working the booth it made for long hours but will prove, once again, to be a very good investment. Mark Couch, from Team Sales our JL Audio rep, was in the booth with us and a great help.”

As a direct, and immediate, result of exhibiting at the boat show Earmark has just completed a $4500. boat job. That will go quite away to paying for the cost of the booth at Market Hall.

Click above to view this video on Instagram via @earmarkcaraudio_lewisville

During the show Parker kept a notebook noting the names and contact information of attendees that were ‘real potentials’. That list to followup with topped 3 dozen.

While speaking with Parker, on his cellphone, a call came into the store’s line. That call ended with an appointment for the caller to bring his boat in for a new system.

Hat’s off to Earmark Car and Marine Audio for seeing the value of participating in an offsite event.

Visit earmarkcaraudio.com and dallasboatexpo.com for more.

KICKER Marine Audio – Ready to GO OVERBOARD at The Miami International Boat Show – February 13-17, 2020

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STILLWATER, OK (02.12.2020) – KICKER Marine Audio is coming on strong in the marine industry as evidenced by its presence and activity at the 2020 Miami International Boat Show, on Virginia Key, February 13-17.

KICKER, long recognized in the “12-Volt” world of automotive, truck and powersports mobile audio, has recently flexed its muscle in the marine environment. While the brand initially appealed to many lake boats, excelling in the pontoon, wake and surf boat markets, it has recently expanded to the fishing boats and cruiser market, thanks to the growing appeal of its strong waterproof and reliable product characteristics.

At the Miami Show, KICKER Marine Audio has teamed up with Reef Runner Boats as a key sponsor in the manufacturer’s third annual “Battle Breast Cancer Giveaway.” The charitable fundraiser features a $25 ticket donation campaign for the giveaway of a 230 open fishing boat, valued at $85,000 retail, with all funds raised to benefit breast cancer research for the Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale organization. KICKER Marine Audio donated a full sound system, valued at nearly $4,000, joining additional sponsors like Evinrude, TACO Marine, SeaDek, Epson and others to support the effort. The boat will be prominently displayed at the show entrance, space D-50. A lucky winner will be drawn at the show at 1 PM on Monday, February 17.

KICKER Marine Audio will also participate at the show’s opening industry event on Thursday morning featuring Marine Marketers of America (MMA) and Boating Writing International (BWI) in a joint annual awards celebration. KICKER is the exclusive event sponsor for the MMA Neptune Awards, along with a category sponsorship of the BWI Travel Award. In addition, the company has donated raffle prizes to the awards event featuring giveaways of its high-end blue tooth product, EB200 Earbuds and the Tabor Over-the-ear headset.

KICKER will show its line-up of marine audio equipment in the D-Tent #139. Coaxials, subwoofers, amplifiers, receivers, service units and remotes for operation and lighting are part of the offerings, but KICKER Marine Audio has gone the extra mile behind the scenes to ensure that its marine components and rigging are waterproof, durable and problem-free. This attention to detail is expressly seen in items like fuses, cables, coaxial speakers and subwoofers, which are both certified and compliant to stringent marine standards.

While “compliance” (relying on the manufacturer to test its own products) and “certification” (requiring third party review) are equipment terms often used, in the international marine industry these descriptors hold even more credence.

“We ensure that the right product is used for the application,” states Phil White, KICKER’s Unit Director of Marine Audio Systems, “KICKER Audio components are designed to meet or exceed U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as well as American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. We also carry certification on certain items for water-tightness, ignition protection, and IP rating. We want to ensure that our high standards meet those of our boat builder partners, so every installation involving KICKER Marine Audio components can be waterproof, safe, and eliminate any avoidable risk in the harsh marine environment.”

Items like fuse holders, ground distribution and cables are USCG and ABYC compliant, protecting electrical circuits against short circuits and corrosion, with construction and labelling compliant with USCG and ABYC standards. The Marine Rated Battery Fuses (MRBF) are certified IP66, meaning they are sealed to protect against dust and water intrusion. These KICKER Marine Audio fuses are also certified as Ignition Protected so they will not ignite flammable or explosive vapors in your engine compartment or enclosed spaces.

KICKER has taken a big step with ISO marine certification for its coaxial speakers and woofers. Kicker coaxial speakers and woofers are certified to meet the same ISO standard which applies to marine windows, doors and hatches, as those audio components must withstand water intrusion as well. Carrying this ISO certification has had a major impact in the EU and the rest of the global market.

KICKER tests all components in real life situations: salt fog, for corrosion; weather, for UV and moisture resistance; and IP testing for debris and water ingress, thereby providing OEM builders, dealers and customers with ultimate peace of mind when using KICKER Marine Audio. New products are also being added to the roster including more wiring, AMP kits, RCA Interconnects and terminals, all designed from the start to be marine compliant.

“KICKER Marine Audio delivers a trustworthy experience for our highly valued marine industry customers and the retail community,” says Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager for Lifestyle and Marine Products, “We deliver total confidence in our product as proven in over 40 years of manufacturing top-quality mobile sound systems, with the goal to continually grow our brand and reputation in the recreational marine marketplace.”

Visit kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

Cadence Partners with 12 Volt News in Product Giveaway

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CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA (02.12.2020) – Cadence has partnered with 12 Volt News to giveaway a pair of ​IQ 653GE Speakers​ to a special winner, selected randomly by 12 Volt. The winner was announced via ​Instagram​ – and it was ​Stereo City Pros​.

Rick Kahn pictured in his Carmichael, CA store with the Cadence 12volt Spin-To-Win prize.
John Velez in the Cadence City of Industry warehouse set to send the Cadence speakers to Stereo City Pros.

Here at Cadence, we enjoy partnering with companies like 12 Volt, which gives us the opportunity to get involved with more car audio lovers and dealers like Stereo City Pros. We cannot wait to see what kind of car these speakers are installed in.

Interested in becoming a dealer? Dealer and Representative inquiries are welcome. Visit our website​ or give us a call 626.465.3383. Make sure to visit our new and improved website: ​CadenceSound.com

WeBoost Helps Signals Weather the Storm

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(02.11.2020) – We know that weather affects satellite and radio signal, with even a light mist greatly hampering satellite TV viewing, but did you know that weather also has a big impact on your cellular signal? As we forge through winter and into spring, unpredictable weather from blizzards to heavy rain storms can greatly impact your phone’s ability to connect to its network at home or in your car or RV.

Cellular network traffic is carried on radio waves, and that means it can be affected by atmospheric conditions in the same manner as terrestrial radio signals. Whether the effect on signal is direct — such as thunderstorms causing electrical interference — or indirect — such as a change of season from winter to spring leading to budding trees that physically block signal — weather can be a huge factor in the diffusion, weakening, and even blocking of cell signals as they travel to and from the cell tower. Even a completely sunny day can hurt cellular signal if there’s high humidity. Thankfully, you can greatly reduce the impact of weather on your device’s cellular connection with a cellular signal booster from weBoost for your car, RV, home or office.

Are you interested in learning more? I’m happy to set up an interview with an expert from cellular signal boost leader weBoost. You can also find more information here. We also have review units available if you’d like to see how the boosters stack up against Mother Nature.

Alina Tichacek
(m) 618-534-9717
alina@commstrat.com

Visit commstrat.com for more.

Brandmotion’s FullVUE Rear Camera Mirror is Now Trail Ready

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SOUTHFIELD, MI (02.11.2020) – Brandmotion has introduced the FullVUE Jeep Rear Camera Mirror. Brandmotion’s FullVUE Mirror/Rear View Camera for Jeep delivers a completely new driving experience for your JK by helping you see more than ever before.

This versatile new safety and convenience aid replaces your current rear view mirror with a full always-on HD video screen. It improves on your traditional JK mirror by providing a clear, crisp live action view at all times, with no spare tire or rear seat occupant obstructions. In addition to seeing everything behind your Jeep at all times, the view is 300% wider. Result? No more blind spots.

Mirror Features:

  • Bright 800LUX 9.66” Full Mirror LCD Video Screen
  • Super High Definition 1980*320 Pixel Display
  • Advanced Anti-glare Tempered Glass Camera
  • Full Swipe/Scroll Touch Screen for Easy View Adjust
  • Built in 2-channel recording cameras and DVR (w/ 32GB SD Card) High quality OEM grade mirror snaps onto Jeep JK Mirror Mount
  • Revert to a normal rearview mirror with the touch of a button

Camera Features:

  • 170° Wide Angle Rear View 2MP Front Camera, 300% Wider than Stock JK Mirror
  • Custom Adjustable Spare Tire Mount Exclusively for 2007-2018 Jeep JK
  • Fits Virtually All Tire/Wheel Designs Including Deep Dish Wheels (extenders included)
  • 60 FPS Refresh Rate for Realistic Video Smoothness

Visit brandmotion.com for more.