Firstech

DroneMobile Unveils First Dash Cam to Create an All-in-One Solution with Remote Start, Security and Tracking Technology

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SEATTLE, WA (09.26.23) – Firstech LLC, a pioneer in after-market vehicle security and remote start, today announced the launch of the DroneMobile XC Dash Cam, the first dash camera to seamlessly integrate with compatible remote start and security systems so users can see what’s happening in and around their car in real-time from their smartphone.

DroneMobile XC can be installed as a 2K QHD standalone dash cam with GPS tracking and LTE connectivity or added to a security and remote start system. While driving, DroneMobile XC continuously records from the moment the car starts moving until the ignition is turned off. When parked, security sensors will trigger the dash cam to record and send a push notification when it detects incidents like a shopping cart bump, hit-and-run collision, attempted break-in, or unauthorized towing.

“The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam offers eyes on your car and the road like never before,” said Justin Lee, marketing director for Firstech. “With the integration of a dash cam into compatible car alarm and remote start systems, we’re introducing new ways to interact with the DroneMobile app to view live video streams, control, secure and track your car all in one place.”

The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam revolutionizes the way drivers protect their vehicles with its suite of advanced features:

  • High-Definition, Wide-Angle Lens: Equipped with a 2K (2560×1440) front camera that features a Sony STARVIS sensor, the DroneMobile XC delivers 154 degrees of surveillance coverage and captures detailed footage at 30 frames per second in most lighting conditions.
  • Live View from Anywhere: DroneMobile XC provides the latest snapshot from your dash camera right on the home screen of the DroneMobile app. Tap into Live View to see real-time footage, streamed via LTE powered by AT&T, around your vehicle from virtually anywhere.
  • Secure Backup to the Cloud: Any videos a user marks as favorites or important are automatically and securely backed up to the cloud. The DroneMobile app provides convenient access to preview and download recordings to ensure vital moments are captured to protect against theft, vandalism, or accidents.
  • Sleek Profile: DroneMobile XC’s small physical dimensions ensure an unobstructed view of the road.
  • Optional Interior or Rear Camera: DroneMobile XC allows for improved surveillance coverage with an additional video input to connect an interior or rear camera.
  • Expandable Memory Storage: DroneMobile XC has 64 GB of local storage and can be expanded to 256 GB with a compatible micro SD card. With increased storage capacity, your videos are saved longer before they’re overwritten by newer footage.
  • Seamless Installation: Even when installed with a remote start/alarm, DroneMobile XC offers streamlined installation with vehicle-specific t-harnesses to reduce hardwired connections inside of the vehicle.

The latest version of the highly-rated DroneMobile app includes all the exciting new DroneMobile XC Dash Cam functionality. It is available now from the Apple App Store and Google Play. In addition to iPhone and Android apps, the DroneMobile XC Dash Cam can be controlled with Apple Watch, Android OS smartwatches, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s voice assistant Siri.

While a DroneMobile subscription is not necessary for a local Wi-Fi connection, a subscription is required to connect the dash cam via LTE. Plans are available for control and tracking starting at $3.99 per month, while LTE livestreaming plans will cost an additional $7.00 per month.

Interior camera
Rear camera

DroneMobile XC Dash Cam works with the leading aftermarket remote start and alarm system brands, including Compustar, Arctic Start, NuStart, and FTX, ensuring compatibility with over 95% of vehicles on the road today, including manual transmissions, diesels, European models, and many more.

The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam will be available in Winter 2023 at a retail price of $379.99, not including labor required for installation. DroneMobile XC will be available for purchase and installation at over 2,000 authorized retailers in North America – all offering professional installers trained by Firstech.

To learn more about the new DroneMobile XC Dash Cam, visit: www.dronemobile.com/xc-lte-dash-cam

Find an authorized dealer near you: https://www.dronemobile.com/find-a-dealer

Training at the myFirstech Academy Prepares Attendees for the Upcoming Remote Start Season

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SEATTLE, WA (08.01.23) – The recent training sessions at the Seattle myFirstech Academy consisted of 3 sessions, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 24th-26th. Josh Woodie and Doug Reed conducted the sessions. Each session had at least 20 in the people in the training and they came from all parts of the country.

Attendees from one of the 3 sessions gather for a group photo. Firstech’s Josh Woodie is bottom right in the red shirt and Doug Rerd is center in the black shirt.
The myFirstech Academy in Seattle includes a large area for training sessions and hands-on vehicle installation.

“The myFirstech Academy trainings provide practical training that pertains to everyday, real world installations. Installers of all levels are invited to Firstech’s Dallas or Seattle offices to receive direct training from our company’s award winning technical support team. Firstech offers a Level 1 course for new installers and a Level 2 version for experienced installers with at least 2 years of experience” Justin Lee, Firstech Marketing Director related.

Josh Woodie paused during an in-session break.
Attendees gathered around as Doug Reed conducted an in-vehicle training opportunity.

The next two training events are in Dallas TX. The first for KnowledgeFest in August and another free training at the Firstech facility in Dallas suburb of Flower Mound in September.

For upcoming events, dealers and installers can visit https://www.firstechllc.com/calendar for dates and locations. Are next two events are in Dallas, TX for KnowledgeFest (August) and another week of FREE training sessions in September.

Firstech Begins Shipping New iDatastart Product

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SEATTLE, WA (07.20.23) – Firstech is pleased to announce the U.S. distribution of the iDatastart HC4.5, a new flagship remote car starter by Automotive Data Solutions (ADS). The iDatastart HC4.5 (HC4652A) uses LoRa technology to offer an impressive range of up to 6,000 feet, along with an LCD remote that delivers two-way command confirmation and vehicle status in English, French, and Spanish.

The ultra-thin LCD remote features a 1.54″ TFT display with included screen protectors to keep it free from scuffs and scratches. A 190mAH lithium-ion, USB rechargeable battery powers the device for up to 60 days of use, while the low-power Arm Cortex-M4 MCU with 128kb of flash memory ensures efficient performance. The remote is the industry’s first to be updateable via Weblink, allowing installers and consumers alike to easily obtain new features and bug fixes via downloadable firmware.

Moreover, the iDatastart HC4.5 provides peace of mind by triggering two-way alarm alerts in case of a break-in. It can also be paired with DroneMobile for controlling, monitoring, and tracking a vehicle from a smartphone.

The HC4.5 remote starter is the latest co-release by Firstech and ADS, who have a proven history of delivering groundbreaking technologies to the 12-volt industry. In 2007, Firstech and ADS co-released the revolutionary “BLADE-AL”, the first-ever cartridge-style immobilizer bypass module. Several years later, the two companies released the DC3 all-in-one remote starter, which remains one of Firstech’s best selling products.

As is the case with other iDatastart remote starters, the HC4.5 offers a universal wire harness or optional vehicle-specific t-harnesses for streamlined installation. All iDatastart systems are web- programmable from a phone, tablet, or desktop using the Weblink App and come with free access to detailed installation guides.

The iDatastart HC4.5 is available as a complete remote start system ($449.99 MSRP) or remote upgrade kit ($219.99 MSRP) and is exclusively offered by Firstech and authorized sub-distributors in the U.S.A.

Dealers interested in iDatastart HC4.5 and other products can learn more at www.myfirstech.com or www.idatastart.us.

Firstech Announces Partnership with Tint World

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SEATTLE, WA (12.20.22) – Firstech, makers of Compustar, DroneMobile, and Momento has announced its direct partnership with Tint World, America’s fastest growing auto accessories retailer.

Tint World franchise partners will gain direct access to Firstech’s catalog of vehicle remote start, security, and telematics solutions. Brands offered will include Compustar, iDatastart, DroneMobile, tesa tape, and Momento. On approval, select Tint World locations will also be eligible for selling Compustar Pro, which includes the company’s flagship remote starter with up to 3 miles of range, the Compustar Pro T13.

This announcement comes just in time for freezing temperatures and snow to sweep across North America, driving heightened consumer awareness for remote start.

“Firstech and Tint World’s company values align perfectly towards giving customers an amazing product experience backed by excellent service,” shares Firstech’s regional sales manager, Tanner Wilson. “We look forward to supporting each Tint World location and providing immense value and profitability to the categories of remote start and security.”

If you are a Tint World franchise partner and would like to learn more about this exciting partnership, please email Firstech atorders@myfirstech.com to be assigned an external and internal sales representative. All other inquiries regarding this release can be sent to Tanner Wilson at twilson@compustar.com.

Firstech Compustar Launches In-Person Installer Training Program

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SEATTLE, WA (06.28.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar and DroneMobile brand products, has announced the launch of its new national installer training program: “myFirstech Academy”. Training events, which are scheduled for Q3 2022 for authorized dealers, will include two days of intensive instruction at three different skill levels.

Level 1 – Learn how to install remote start systems and gain a deep understanding of required 12-volt electrical theory, components, and troubleshooting.
Level 2 – Take a deeper dive into Firstech remote start and security solutions, including controllers, RF, telematics, and vehicle integration.
Level 3 – For seasoned installers only. Explore advanced troubleshooting and gain experience with manual-transmission remote start, along with other complex applications.

Students of myFirstech Academy will enjoy a wide variety of learning environments over the two-day period to ensure maximum knowledge retention:

  • Bench trainers for understanding fundamentals of electronics
  • Steering columns with ignition switches for start/stop simulation
  • Wire prep and soldering practice stations (no t-taps here, please!)
  • Minimum of 3 different vehicles for full installation walkthrough
  • Q+A with Firstech technical support members
  • Networking with other industry professionals

All myFirstech Academy training events will be instructed by members of Firstech’s award-winning technical support team. Tech support manager Wade Beebe shares, “We have crafted our trainings to meet the growing demand for hands-on, step-by-step training on remote start.”

In addition to in-person instruction, myFirstech Academy enrollees will also receive free access to self-paced virtual learning materials. These materials will be made available on the web and the company’s “myFirstech” app for iOS and Android.

The first two myFirstech Training events, which have already been sold out, will be held in mid-July at Firstech’s new distribution center in Flower Mound, TX. Registration for other myFirstech Academy training events opens on July 6th, 2022. To view upcoming events and register, go to www.firstechllc.com/myfirstech-academy. Events will be limited to twenty or fewer attendees. A $99 refundable deposit will be required to reserve a spot.

“Our mission is to provide practical training and knowledge that pertains to everyday real world installations”, shares myFirstech Academy instructor, Doug Reed. “In our industry, when installers get the support and training they need – everyone wins.”

The first events in July have already been presold, but there are more events that will open for registration on July 6th, 2022. The full calendar can be viewed here. 

Visit firstechllc.com for more.

Firstech Launches 3-Channel Car Dash Camera

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SEATTLE, WA (05.04.22) – Firstech has announced the release of the Momento M7, a 3-channel dash camera system with 2K QHD recording and battery-saving technology. The Momento M7 is now available for preorder and will begin shipping in early May from Firstech’s new distribution center in Texas.

All-Time High Dash Cam Awareness

As more drivers return to their regular morning commutes, mobile electronics retailers have reported a
surge in customer demand for dash camera solutions, otherwise known as “dash cams.” Retail experts
and analysts have attributed this growth in consumer awareness to the effectiveness of dash cams in
fighting accident fraud and the rising trend of viral video recordings of on-road incidents.

In response to this growth, the Momento M7 arrives as a key addition to Firstech’s Momento brand of
dash cams. The M7, or MD-7200, includes two cameras for front and rear recording along with an
additional video input for a third camera. M7’s front camera records in 2K QHD, promising clearer visibility of details such as license plate numbers or faces – key ingredients in fighting accident fraud.

“ECO” Battery Saving Technology

Despite their rise in popularity, dash cameras have faced one consistent obstacle: car battery depletion.
For a dash camera to monitor activity around a parked vehicle, it needs to constantly draw current from
the battery. In as little as a day, a dash camera could completely drain a car’s battery.

The Momento M7 addresses this issue head-on with the introduction of “ECO” mode. “ECO” mode is
Firstech’s new battery-saving technology that reduces the M7’s power consumption by up to 90% while
the vehicle is parked. It works by turning off the M7’s image sensor and instead using radar to detect
motion in front of the vehicle. When the M7 front camera detects a vehicle or person approaching the
vehicle, the system will reactivate the cameras’ image sensors and begin recording. The utilization of
radar greatly reduces battery usage while retaining full motion detection capabilities.

More About M7

Momento M7 will serve as the brand’s co-flagship product along with the M6, which Firstech released in Whereas the M6 features a companion mobile app for iOS and Android devices, the M7 is an “allin-one” device that has a 2-inch touch LCD screen built into the camera for reviewing video.

In addition to the touch LCD, the Momento website touts the 3-channel M7 as having an enhanced lowlight image sensor, on-board GPS antenna, and industry-leading 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty (most other dash cam brands offer 1-year of warranty protection).

To learn more about the Momento M7, visit www.MomentoCam.com or follow the brand’s
Instagram page @momentocam. MSRP for M7 (MD-7200) will be $379.99. Dealers interested in reselling
the Momento M7 can contact an authorized Firstech distributor and/or sales representative – or visit
www.myfirstech.com.

Firstech Expands to Texas with New Facility

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SEATTLE, WA (02.18.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar, Momento, and DroneMobile products, has announced the scheduled opening of its new distribution and training facility in Flower Mound, Texas. The company planned to commence operations at its new Texas facility in April 2022.

The new Firstech facility in Flower Mound TX is located just 6 miles from DFW International Airport.

At launch, Firstech’s move to Texas will establish another distribution center in the South-Central U.S. where the company can improve its shipping turnaround times for dealer and distribution partners. Approximately half of Firstech’s logistics team will permanently relocate to Texas to make the expansion as seamless as possible.

Cody Galen is preparing pallets for shipment in the new Flower Mound location.

In the near future, the Texas facility will also provide an additional meeting hub for installers, salespeople, and partners to receive hands-on training from Firstech’s award-winning technical support team. The new location is conveniently located within six miles of Dallas Fort-Worth Airport (DFW).

Firstech’s primary headquarters will remain near Seattle, Washington where it has been since the company relocated from Anchorage, Alaska in 2003.

Neil Bagalso on the forklift in the warehouse working to put stock on shelves.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open a new branch to better serve Firstech’s growing customer base,” shares managing director, Jason Kaminski. “In addition to expanding our warehouse space and improving our just-in-time inventory, the Texas location will also open up additional port options for ocean-going cargo to combat congestion.”

If you would like to learn more about Firstech, visit the company’s website at www.firstechllc.com.

Firstech, ADS Announce Remote Start Partnership

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SEATTLE, WA / MONTREAL, QC (08.27.2021) – Ahead of the upcoming remote start season, Firstech and Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) are announcing a strategic alliance to bring further innovation to iDataStart remote start solutions in the U.S. market. As part of this announcement, Firstech and ADS will also streamline future product development by better aligning the efforts of both teams.

iDataStart was created by ADS in the mid-2010s and has since become one of the leading brands of remote starters, particularly in Canada. Some of the key advantages of iDataStart products include:

• All-in-one remote start and bypass module interface

• Industry leading coverage featuring a wide range of vehicle-specific t-harnesses

• Web-programmable from desktop, tablet and mobile

• Easy-to-follow installation guides

By partnering with Firstech, ADS will instantly enhance iDataStart’s presence in the U.S. market while also streamlining product development to meet the specific needs of U.S. consumers and dealers. Firstech will extend the opportunity to purchase iDataStart products to its dealer base of 1,500+ U.S. retailers along with any new dealers interested in upgrading their remote start assortment.

“We are thrilled to bring Canada’s #1 remote start brand by volume to the U.S. market. More importantly, with the teams from both companies more closely aligned, we can speed up product innovation and better react to changing market dynamics,” said Jason Kaminski, Managing Director of Firstech.

ADS and Firstech’s alliance signals a new chapter in the companies’ shared history of collaboration and innovation. In 2007, Firstech and ADS co-released the revolutionary “BLADE-AL”, the first-ever cartridge-style immobilizer bypass module. Several years later, the two companies released the DC3 all-in-one remote starter, which remains one of Firstech’s best selling products. Lastly, Firstech’s award-winning telematics solution, DroneMobile, is compatible with all iDataStart remote starters.

“Building on the long, successful partnership between our two companies, we are excited to make iDataStart products more broadly available to Firstech’s wide network of U.S. retailers. By creating synergies with Firstech’s national salesforce and top-rate technical support staff, we are confident that iDataStart products will quickly become a valued addition on dealers’ shelves across the country,” added Robert Di Cesare, General Manager of ADS.

Firstech will transition to the exclusive source for iDataStart products in the U.S. as of September 2021. Products will be available for purchase directly from Firstech, online at myFirstech.com, and through authorized subdistributors.

To learn more about iDataStart’s U.S. lineup, visit www.idatastart.us.

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

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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.

DroneMobile Makes Car Sharing Easier with Contactless Key Handoff

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SEATTLE, WA (01.11.2021) – While travel and vacation were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, car sharing has remained relevant with commuters seeking alternatives to public transportation. However, car sharing users, both vehicle owners and renters, continue to face hurdles that prevent a smooth and safe rental experience.

First and foremost, there’s the issue of the vehicle’s key. Currently, vehicle owners’ only two methods of key handoff are to meet renters in-person or to stow away the key somewhere on the outside of the vehicle. The former presents social distancing concerns and the latter subjects the vehicle to threats of theft and key tampering. Additionally, “smash-and-grab” break-ins continue to plague vehicles parked in public places for extended periods of time awaiting rental pickup. Vehicle owners that monetize their vehicles are faced with the dilemma of choosing between convenience and safety.

Firstech, the Seattle-based maker of the DroneMobile remote car starter app, has announced that its April 2021 app update will offer vehicle owners and renters both safety and convenience with new car sharing and key management capabilities.

The upcoming DroneMobile app update will enable the use of the company’s patented KL1 KeyLocker hardware. KeyLocker is an LTE-enabled key management and storage system that makes key handoff as easy as sending an invite to a renter’s email. Upon acceptance of the invitation, renters can instantly see the vehicle’s parking spot and start their trip using only their smartphone. Meanwhile, vehicle owners receive alerts notifying them of successful pickup and drop-off. (During the rental, vehicle owners cannot track or control the vehicle without ending the renter’s access.)

KeyLocker fits into most vehicle compartments and has a sliding door mechanism for safely storing any type of vehicle key. While a vehicle’s key is stored in a KeyLocker, the system activates anti-tampering security sensors around KeyLocker and the outside of the vehicle. These sensors can only be disarmed using the DroneMobile app, which works over LTE from unlimited range. If a vehicle utilizes a “smart” key with push-to-start capabilities, KeyLocker can enable and disable the detection of that key so that it does not need to be removed throughout the duration of the rental. In this case, drivers would use their smartphone as the key for driving the vehicle.

Firstech’s KeyLocker also includes a windshield-mounted touchpad as backup in the event of poor cellular coverage or dead smartphone battery.

Firstech describes the DroneMobile app update as “enabling safer and easier car sharing for everyone.” While the DroneMobile app won’t offer a marketplace to reserve car shares, the company hopes to fill a void for vehicle owners that scale their car sharing operations on other platforms.

In order to enjoy DroneMobile car sharing, vehicle owners should visit an Authorized DroneMobile dealer to have their KeyLocker and LTE hardware installed. Parts and pricing may vary by vehicle. To find a dealer near you, visit www.dronemobile.com/find-a-dealer. All car sharing and key management features will be included for all DroneMobile Premium subscribers, with plans as low as $5.99/month.