Product Spotlight: Thinkware Q850 Dash Cam

By now, you know that Thinkware is effectively a household name in North America when it comes to high-quality dash cam solutions. A while back, we took a look at their flagship U3000 model. In this spotlight, we are going to examine the two-channel 2K and Full HD Q850 model. Let’s check it out!

Thinkware Q850 Features

The Q850 2CH is a dash cam system with a 2K resolution (2560 by 1440 pixels) forward-facing camera and a Full HD (1920 by 1080 pixels) secondary camera. The front camera features a Sony Starvis image sensor that includes Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) contrast compression. This feature not only boosts objects in shadows when light levels are low but also prevents image blowouts when the sun faces the camera. The result is a clearer video with more detail.

Additionally, the Q850 offers Thinkware’s Super Night Vision 2.0 image processing. Just as with high-sensitivity film, image sensors are prone to adding noise in low-light levels. The Q850’s advanced image processing boosts overall brightness with minimal quality loss.

The front camera features a viewing angle of 125 degrees to help capture everything that happens in front of the vehicle. The secondary CMOS camera has a vast 160-degree viewing angle. It can be installed on the rear window or mounted to record activity inside the car, truck, or SUV. Interior monitoring is ideal for rideshare operators and taxi and limousine companies.

Thinkware Q850 — The compact rear camera in the Q850 set records at Full HD resolution.

Dash Cam Physical Design and Features

The Q850’s chassis is designed to install flat against your windshield. The camera sticks out the side and can be rotated to fine-tune the viewing angle. An array of four buttons enables voice recording, turns on the Wi-Fi feature, formats the memory card, and turns the camera off. The camera wakes up by default and starts recording when the ignition turns on.

A slot on top of the body accepts a UHS-1 micro-SD card. The system supports up to 256 GB capacities, allowing 1,272 minutes of storage for the primary camera alone, or 808 minutes with both the front and rear cameras. The system includes a 64 GB card, offering 318 or 202 minutes of recording.

Dimensions are 107 x 30 x 61 mm or 4.2 x 1.18 x 2.4 inches.

A built-in GPS receiver stores vehicle velocity and location information along with the video feeds. An accelerometer can also be configured to store event videos if there’s a sudden jolt or impact. The parking mode feature can also use the accelerometer to monitor your vehicle in the driveway at home or the parking lot at work.

Parking Modes

You have several options when it comes to dash cam parking mode operation. First, let’s explain how parking modes work. When you turn off the ignition, the camera can be programmed to continue monitoring your vehicle. Parking Surveillance Mode offers time-lapse, motion detection, or impact triggering. The Smart Parking Mode feature monitors the temperature inside the car. If it gets too hot, the camera will default to impact mode. Once cooled down, it can go back to motion or time-lapse recording.Your installation will require Thinkware’s OBD-II Cable to enable parking mode. The retailer you are working with can provide this.

Artificial Intelligence ADAS Features

The Q850 offers several integrated ADAS features to help make your commute or trip safer. Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW) lets you know when a car or truck in front of you has driven away. The Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) alerts you when your vehicle is approaching another too quickly or you are following too closely. This feature disables itself automatically below 40 km/h (25 mph), so it’s not a nuisance.

The integrated Lane Departure Warning System will sound an alert if you appear to be crossing a white or yellow line on the side of the road. This function operates above 50 km/h.

Safety camera alerts are provided for speed and red-light cameras in many areas to help ensure you arrive at your destination safely and efficiently.

Smartphone Wi-Fi Connectivity

Once the Q850 has recorded a video, the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot makes it easy to download that video to your smartphone. Simply connect your phone wirelessly to the Q850 and launch the Thinkware Dash Cam Link app. You can even fine-tune the camera settings to suit how and where you use your vehicle.

The Thinkware Connected app takes communication a step further. If your camera is connected to a mobile hotspot, you can access it and the stored videos online. The live view mode lets you see what the camera sees. You can view stored videos on your smartphone from driving or parking events. Better yet, you can configure impact notifications while driving or when parked, so you’ll always know if something is wrong.

Camera Multiplexer Compatible

The Q850, along with the Q200, F200 Pro, F790, X700, X800, XD250, and XD100, is compatible with Thinkware’s four-camera multiplexer accessory. Imagine having four additional cameras connected to the Q850, all of them recording to the secondary camera input channel. You can monitor the area behind the vehicle, in the interior, and on either side of the car or truck all at once. Multiple cameras are a great way to ensure the driver is safe if you have a limousine.

Premium Protection from Fraud and False Accusations

If you are concerned about a staged accident, fraud, or being found at fault for an accident, investing in a dashcam like the Thinkware Q850 2CH is wise. Visit Thinkware’s website for more information about its products or to find a retailer near you. You can learn more about the U3000 and other impressive products they offer by following them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PMX-3

When it comes to marine and powersports source units, Rockford Fosgate has a solution! We previously looked at the affordable PMX-1. In this spotlight, we will check out the Rockford Fosgate PMX-3 to see why it’s an excellent choice for your boat, side-by-side, UTV or even a custom car or hot rod. Let’s check it out!

PMX-3 Design and Construction

The PMX-3 media receiver fits into a three-inch round opening. Its square face measures 4.5 inches wide and 4.2 inches tall. The face extends 1.5 inches forward, while the chassis reaches 2.9 inches behind the mounting surface.

The PMX-3’s face includes a full-color 2.7-inch TFT display, designed for clear visibility in bright sunlight. Rockford Fosgate enhances sunlight readability by using an optical wet bonding process. A large rotary encoder with an integrated button sits at the center of the lower section, allowing adjustments for volume, zone volumes, and menu settings. Surrounding the knob are buttons for menu, source, track selection, tracking, play/pause, and subwoofer-level access.

Importantly, the radio holds an IPX6 water intrusion rating, meaning it can endure splashes or hose washes without damage. Rockford Fosgate’s Element Ready™ design also tests for salt fog exposure (ASTM B117) and accelerated UV exposure (ASTM D4329). Along with impact and vibration testing, this unit withstands the harshest abuse from both trails and Mother Nature.

Features of the Rockford Fosgate PMX-3

The Rockford Fosgate PMX-3 is packed with of source options. First, there’s a digital AM/FM receiver with Weather band channels. The tuner includes RDS information display. A USB connection is provided on a pigtail to let you connect a memory stick up to 32GB in capacity to play MP3, WMA and FLAC files. You can also connect a smartphone to charge it at up to one amp of current. The PMX-3 includes wired USB support for Pandora on Apple devices, but Android users can use the integrated app over Bluetooth.

Wireless audio streaming over Bluetooth 3.0+EDR is built into it, so almost any mobile device can serve as the DJ. You can play music from that device, stream your favorite podcast or listen to music from Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music or YouTube Music.

Support for SiriusXM Satellite radio is included. Your installer can add an SXV300 receiver and antenna to provide uninterrupted entertainment almost anywhere in North America. The input for the SiriusXM receiver can be repurposed as an auxiliary input if you haven’t purchased a tuner module.

Audio and Connectivity Features

The amplifier built into the PMX-3 is rated to produce 25 watts of power into 4-ohm speakers and 50 watts of power into 2-ohm speakers. If you want more from your audio system, there are two sets of four-volt preamp RCA output jacks. These outputs can be configured as front and rear or front and subwoofer with subwoofer level control. High- and low-pass crossovers are built-in to optimize the internal amplifier or filter the preamp signals. The unit has source-specific level controls, so you can fine-tune everything to be the same volume – sweet!

A seven-band equalizer with several presets is included to let you fine-tune your audio system to your mood or listening environment. Being a Rockford Fosgate product, they’ve included a Punch EQ circuit. To give the system some extra sizzle, dial in up to 18 dB of boost at 45 Hz and 12 dB at 12.5 kHz..

Your installer can add up to two wired remote controls to the PMX-3. You could have a PMX-3 at the helm of your boat, then add a PMX-1R in the cuddy or galley. A PMX-0 on the swim platform is great when the family is playing in the water of the stern. The PMX-3 and its remotes also make a great audio solution for campers and motorhomes.

Camera Input and Power Connections

One feature you won’t find in many units in this class is camera input. If you have an ATV, a rear camera is perfect for maneuvering. The same applies to backing into your camping spot if you have a motorhome. You could even add a camera on the bow of a boat to help make docking easier. The camera input includes a reverse trigger that your installer can connect to a switch for manual activation.

The PMX-3 is commonly known as a two-wire unit. Typically, most radios have ground, power, and accessory connections, with the power connection constantly tied to the battery. The issue with this design is that even when the radio is off, it creates a small but continuous drain on the battery. If your boat or side-by-side sits unused for a week or more, this drain can deplete the battery. The PMX-3 addresses this by eliminating the need for a constant power connection, requiring only an accessory and ground connection. Additionally, the unit’s integrated flash memory stores all your audio and tuner settings, ensuring you don’t lose them when the power is off.

Speaking of batteries, the PMX-3 includes a digital voltage gauge. This allows you to monitor the electrical system voltage so you’ll always be able to start the vehicle and get home.

Premium Marine and Powersport Source Unit

There are many gauge-style radios on the market these days. Picking the right one isn’t easy. If you want a unit with all the premium source options, flexibility for expansion with external amplifiers and remotes, and durability that’s hard to beat, drop into your local Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the PMX-3. You can find a retailer near you using the locator tool on their website. Be sure to check out their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube feeds and channel to stay up to date with their latest product releases.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Four Key Factors to Consider in Motorcycle Audio Upgrades

More and more companies are offering motorcycle audio system upgrade solutions. Bikes like Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide can sound so much better with proper speakers and a high-power amplifier. In this article, we’ll cover four things you need to keep in mind when shopping for new tunes for your touring bike.

1. Installation Is Crucial to Performance and Reliability

How the new speakers, amplifier and perhaps a new radio are mounted, wired and configured plays a considerable role in the performance and reliability of your motorcycle audio system. New speakers are often much more substantial than the factory-installed products they replace. The speakers need to be mounted securely with corrosion-resistant fasteners. Of course, the speakers need to fit perfectly and seal tightly against the faring face for optimum performance.

Amplifiers can draw a lot of current from the battery and charging system when the volume is cranked. High-quality, appropriately sized wiring with solid electrical connections is mandatory to get the most efficient delivery.

Motorcycle Audio — Once upgraded, the wiring around your amplifier, speakers and battery should be neat and tidy. Ask to see the work before the bike is put back together.

2. Buy from a Brick-and-Mortar Retailer

If you’re going to have work done to your motorcycle, make sure that it’s by someone who will be available to support the products and services they sell you. Many bike enthusiasts buy audio upgrades at shows and rallies. If you have problems or need adjustments weeks or months after the purchase, you’ll need to find someone else to help and you’ll have to pay them for their time. Dealing with a local shop that specializes in motorcycle audio can save you a lot of headaches. A deal at a show isn’t a deal if you have to invest more money down the road.

3. Choose Premium Products

Face it: Your motorcycle is likely worth a lot of money. Inexpensive speakers and amplifiers aren’t apt to perform well or last as long as products from reputable companies. A motorcycle presents a challenging environment for audio equipment. Vibration is a huge factor, and when poorly designed audio components are used, they often fail in a few months.

Amplifiers need to be designed so that they are efficient and reliable — the fragile components inside need to be secured so that nothing will break. Speakers need to be weather-resistant in case you get caught in the rain. You also want a solution that is designed to handle prolonged UV exposure without drying out, chalking, cracking or fading. Woofer cones that fade or change color after prolonged exposure to the sun may become more brittle and eventually crack and fail. Regular car audio speakers simply aren’t a reliable option.

If you’re upgrading the radio on your bike, be sure to choose something that is weather resistant. You want a bright screen that’s easy to see in direct sunlight. You will also want something that can integrate with the handlebar stereo controls, if your bike has them.

4. Audio System Upgrades Need Tuning for Accurate Sound

We may have beat this topic to death, but it’s worth stating at least one more time. The factory-installed radios in 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson touring bikes have a slew of signal processing built into them. If you don’t address this tuning when upgrading the bike with a new amp and speakers, the system likely won’t sound right, and you could damage the new components. A reputable mobile enhancement retailer should have the tools to check the output of the radio on a Honda, Yamaha or BMW bike before they dive into an upgrade.

Your best bet is to purchase a digital signal processor (DSP) from the shop installing your equipment. They can use their audio test equipment to smooth the EQ curve in the radio and fine-tune the system to sound the way you want. Having the radio flashed to reduce the equalization settings is another option, but this process could be undone if you take your bike in for service. Likewise, there may be concerns about your warranty when you make alterations to the software.

Upgrade the Audio System on Your Motorcycle Today!

If you can’t crank the stereo on your motorcycle to the point that it gives you goosebumps, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today and find out about the upgrades that are available. Don’t be afraid to research the suitability and reliability of their suggestions before you make a purchase. In the end, a little planning will keep your investment sounding great and last for years.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate T1T-S

When defining realism in a car audio system, frequency response is one of the most crucial aspects. We want the midbass, midrange, and high-frequency information to be reproduced at similar levels. When done correctly, voices and instruments sound like they did in the mastering room at the recording studio, and not like a clock radio or smartphone. A key factor in delivering this sense of realism is to use high-quality tweeters with your midrange speakers. In that regard, Rockford Fosgate has the perfect solution with its Power Series T1T-S 1-inch tweeter set. Let’s check them out!

Rockford Fosgate T1T-S Design

The T1T-S tweeter set includes a pair of 1-inch audiophile-grade fabric dome tweeters, passive crossover networks, mounting rings, and installation hardware. Rockford Fosgate rates the set to continuously handle an equivalent of 75 watts of power. Maximum power handling is rated at 150 watts, and efficiency is specified as 90 dB SPL 1W/1M. Finally, the tweeters have a nominal impedance of four ohms. Like all Rockford Fosgate speakers, these ratings comply with the ANSI/CTA-2031 Automotive Loudspeaker standard.

The tweeter diaphragms are made from treated fabric. The balance of low mass from the fabric and damping from the treatment helps ensure linear operation up to extremely high frequencies without unwanted resonance. Undamped designs can cause resonance, which many people find harsh. Rockford Fosgate claims an upper-frequency limit of 22 kHz, which is very good. The design has a resonant frequency (Fs) of 1.8 kHz, which is nice and low for a 1-inch tweeter. An integrated neodymium magnet drives the tweeters. Neodymium provides a much stronger magnetic field than ferrite magnets, so you get more efficiency and output from a compact design. These are the same drivers you’d find in the T-162S and T-1652S two-way component speaker sets.

Passive Crossover Networks

The Rockford Fosgate T1T-S set includes a pair of passive crossover networks designed with a 3 kHz cutoff frequency and a third-order -18dB/Octave attenuation slope. Your installer has input connection options to adjust the output sensitivity to 0, -2, or -4 dB to ensure the tweeters blend well with the midrange speakers. On the output side, on- and off-axis connection options subtly alter the signal phase around the crossover point to improve the system’s coherence further. The crossovers use high-tolerance polypropylene capacitors and air-core inductors for good power handling. The circuit also includes a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistor. Should you drive the amp you are using into clipping, the PTC will limit the power going to the tweeters. Unlike fuses, the PTC resets itself to normal operating conditions once everything cools off.

Premium Mounting Hardware

At a time when many of the most expensive tweeters on the market require mounting with hot glue or backstraps, it’s refreshing that Rockford Fosgate provides real metal mounting hardware. You can mount the tweeters either flush or on the surface using the Discreet Dual Clamp (DDC) hardware. An installer might also create a custom mount to position the tweeter behind an OE grille in your car or truck.

Another key feature of the T1T-S set is the inclusion of a mesh protective grille with each tweeter. Without protection, many expensive tweeters have suffered damage, making this a welcome addition.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with Rockford Fosgate T1T-S Tweeters

Whether you want to add clarity to a dull factory-installed audio system, need a solution to keep up with a few woofers in each of your vehicle’s doors, or are putting together a clean and classy system, the Rockford Fosgate T1T-S tweeter set is a great choice. They sound great and include premium mounting solutions that ensure they function reliably for years without any headaches.

Use their website’s locator tool to find a Rockford Fosgate retailer near you. You should also follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for new product releases and event updates.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate RFK1D Dual Amp Kit

Knowing that it takes power to make power isn’t rocket science. When feeding high-power car audio amplifiers, skimping on wiring invites problems. If starved for voltage, your amplifiers will run hotter and clip earlier. Rockford Fosgate offers a unique solution to ensure your amp gets the current and voltage it needs. Let’s dive into the Rockford Fosgate RFK1D Dual Amplifier Installation Kit.

Rockford Fosgate RFK1D Overview

The Rockford Fosgate RFK1D is a 1/0-AWG kit that simplifies installing two amplifiers in your vehicle. It includes 1/0 power and ground wire, 4-AWG wiring, a fuse holder, distribution blocks, a ground lug, three stereo interconnects, speaker wire, ring terminals, grommets, and zip ties. Everything needed to install amplifiers like the T1500-1bdCP for your subwoofers and a T1000-4ad for your mids and highs is included.

Power Wiring

The highlight of the RFK1D kit is the 17 feet of 1/0-AWG power cable and three feet of ground cable. Rockford Fosgate wiring meets the full American Wire Gauge (AWG) specification for size at 53.5mm², exceeding the 50.3mm² minimum. The wiring uses Pure Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (PC-OFC) for maximum conductivity. The 1/0-AWG cable has 4,702 strands, making it extremely flexible.

The kit also includes four feet of 4-AWG power and ground cables. Like the 1/0-AWG cables, the 4-AWG cable is full AWG-sized with 1,862 strands, more than required for its size. It offers a cross-sectional area of 21.1mm².

Additionally, the kit provides 30 feet of two-conductor 16-AWG speaker wire. This wire also uses PC-OFC, with a high strand count for flexibility and AWG compliance.

A high strand count is crucial for speaker wire as it helps prevent work hardening when the wire bends. For instance, if your installer uses Rockford Fosgate’s 65-strand wire for your door speakers, it’s less likely to fail than “value” products with just 26 strands.

All wiring in the kit exceeds ANSI/CTA-2015 Mobile Electronics Cabling Standard requirements and meets the BC-5W2 marine wiring standard. The flexible PVC jacket resists arcing up to 600 volts and handles temperatures up to 105°C without melting or becoming gummy when exposed to oil or fuel.

I can’t stress enough the importance of looking for cables that conform to industry standards. Many brands sell “4 Gauge” wire for a bargain, but once you inspect the number of strands and bundles, you realize there’s more insulation than the wire itself! Undersized or aluminum wire will starve your amplifier and prevent it from producing its rated power.

Fusing and Power Distribution

The RFK1D kit includes an RFFANL Inline ANL or Maxi fuse holder to protect the battery if the wire shorts. The block accepts the included 300-amp ANL fuse. It’s made from solid brass and features a High-Performance Plating (HPP) finish for corrosion resistance and durability.

The kit also includes one-input and two-output distribution blocks, which feature 4-AWG adapter inserts. You can run a 1/0-AWG cable from the battery and alternator, then split it into 4-AWG for a four-channel amp and 1/0-AWG for a sub amp like the T1500-1bdCP. The brass blocks have an HPP finish and come with injection-molded plastic covers.

RCA Interconnect Cables

Just as your amplifiers need efficient power delivery, they also need clean signals. The RFK1D kit includes three 16-foot, two-channel Rockford Fosgate twisted-pair interconnects. Twisted-pair geometry helps reject noise when used with amplifiers featuring differential inputs.

The interconnects feature split center pins for a solid connection. Injection-molded RCA ends provide strain relief, and gray and black markings make it easy to distinguish between channels.

Kit Accessories

The kit is complete and well-designed. It comes with ring terminals crimped onto the 1/0-AWG power and ground cables and the 4-AWG ground cable. A spare 1/0-AWG ring terminal and a brass grounding lug are also included. Additionally, there are 20 feet of 18-AWG remote turn-on wire, butt connectors, grommets, and zip ties.

Complete Dual Amplifier Installation Kit

You could piece together a similar kit from other brands, but matching this quality would take a lot of work. If you have two amplifiers that need reliable power, visit an authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the RFK1D kit. If it’s too much, Rockford Fosgate also offers dual amplifier 4-AWG and single-amp kits in 4 and 8-AWG sizes.

To find a Rockford Fosgate retailer near you, use the locator tool on their website. You can also follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for new product releases and event updates.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

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Thinkware Q850 Features

Dash Cam Physical Design and Features

Parking Modes

Artificial Intelligence ADAS Features

Smartphone Wi-Fi Connectivity

Camera Multiplexer Compatible

Premium Protection from Fraud and False Accusations

PMX-3 Design and Construction

Features of the Rockford Fosgate PMX-3

Audio and Connectivity Features

Camera Input and Power Connections

Premium Marine and Powersport Source Unit

1. Installation Is Crucial to Performance and Reliability

2. Buy from a Brick-and-Mortar Retailer

3. Choose Premium Products

4. Audio System Upgrades Need Tuning for Accurate Sound

Upgrade the Audio System on Your Motorcycle Today!

Rockford Fosgate T1T-S Design

Passive Crossover Networks

Premium Mounting Hardware

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with Rockford Fosgate T1T-S Tweeters

Rockford Fosgate RFK1D Overview

Power Wiring

Fusing and Power Distribution

RCA Interconnect Cables

Kit Accessories

Complete Dual Amplifier Installation Kit

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