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Upgrade the Radio on Your Motorcycle for Performance and Features

Motorcycle Radio

Most touring motorcycles and trikes come with some form of radio and entertainment system. With the majority of bikes on the road being older models, many of their audio systems lack modern technologies like Bluetooth audio streaming, support for digital audio files like MP3 and WMA, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Even if you have a rare bike that you don’t want to modify permanently, there are lots of entertainment options available to make your time on the road much more enjoyable.

Replace That Old Radio

If you have a ’98 through 2013 Harley touring bike, upgrading the radio is an easy task. Rockford Fosgate and Aquatic AV both offer upgraded source units designed specifically for these bikes. In both cases, the radios fit perfectly into the fairing opening and include electrical connectors that don’t require any modifications to the vehicle. Your local mobile enhancement retailer can have you back on the road in about an hour with all the source unit features you could ever want.

Motorcycle Radio
The PMX-HD9813 from Rockford Fosgate is a single-DIN, water-resistant digital media receiver with Bluetooth, USB and a bright color display.

In many applications, especially with Harley-Davidson bikes, your installer can connect the radio to the audio control switches on the handlebars to make it safer to adjust the volume or change songs while you ride.

Motorcycle Radio
The AQ-MP-5UBT-HS radio for Harley-Davidson motorcycles is a direct-fit solution with Bluetooth and a high-power amplifier.

Audio Upgrade for Custom Applications

If you own a motorcycle like a Honda Gold Wing or a BMW K 1600 GTL with a radio that’s integrated into an infotainment system, installing a new radio isn’t an option. That doesn’t mean that you can’t upgrade the stereo system. Companies like ARC Audio offer signal processors designed to take the audio signals coming out of the factory stereo system and allow your installer to process them so that they will sound great with a new amplifier and upgraded speakers.

Motorcycle Radio
Designed specifically for motorcycle applications, the ARC Audio PSM is a powerful signal processor that can help your audio system sound great.

If you have a newer Harley-Davidson with the Boom! Box radio, using a signal processor is the best way to upgrade the sound system on these bikes. Some stereo shops offer radio reflashing services that can help you get better sound, but these setting changes may affect your warranty or may be undone if the bike goes in for service.

The biggest benefit of having a signal processor on a bike is that your installer can fine-tune the output of each speaker on the bike to your personal listening style. If you like smooth and natural sound, that’s an easy option. If you like an in-your-face tune that rocks-out when the throttle is cranked, they can do that too. Within reason, a processor can make any high-quality speaker sound the way you want.

Great Sound with No Radio at All

Finally, if you want great sound on your bike but don’t want a radio at all, your installer can integrate a stand-alone Bluetooth receiver directly into an aftermarket amplifier. When you want to listen to music, just pair the audio streaming function of your smartphone to the receiver. For hide-away units, you can adjust the volume using the buttons on your phone. Music options include songs stored on a smart device or any streaming service like iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify or Apple Music.

Motorcycle Radio
Bluetooth receivers like the JL Audio MBT-RX make it easy to stream music into an amplifier or signal processor on your Motorcycle.

Upgrade the Radio on Your Motorcycle Today

Whether you want an elaborate audio system with fairing, lower and saddlebag speakers or just want to add some new technology to your motorcycle, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can help you choose a solution that’s perfect for your application. Drop by their shop today and let them check out your bike. They’ll come up with a plan to have it sounding great!

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Motorcycle Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Five Upgrades to Make Your Motorcycle’s Audio Sound Better

Motorcycle Audio

If you’re a fan of a little “wind therapy,” then having some great music to listen to while you you’re riding your motorcycle starts with a great audio system. Sure, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki and Honda include radios and speakers with their touring bikes, but so do Toyota and Hyundai cars and SUVs. All of them could use an upgrade or two to put a smile on your face when a great song comes on. Let’s take a look at five great upgrade options that will make your motorcycle audio system sound better.

Upgrade 1 – Upgrade Existing Speakers

If you’re a regular reader of BestCarAudio.com, then you know how important speakers are to the performance of any audio system. Imagine a high-end home audio system with an amplifier, preamp, CD transport and stand-alone digital-to-analog converter. It isn’t hard to spend $10,000 on this equipment, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to spend more than $500,000. When it comes time to choose speakers, you need something amazing to accurately convert those electrical signals into sound.

High-quality speakers transform electrical signals into sound more accurately than poorly designed solutions. Better speakers offer a smoother frequency response so your music will sound more realistic. Finally, great speakers can handle more power and play much more loudly than an inexpensive solution. All of these criteria are important for motorcycle audio upgrade.

Another important factor in choosing new speakers for your motorcycle is whether they’re designed to be specifically suitable for the application. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage some car audio speakers and cause the cones and surrounds to fail very quickly. Likewise, if there’s even the slimmest chance the speakers will get wet, choosing a solution with integrated weatherproofing and water-resistant materials is mandatory to ensure reliability.

Motorcycle Audio
The Moto602V2 speakers from ARC Audio feature a UV- and weather-resistant design that will ensure that they look and sound great for many years.

Upgrade 2 – Add High-Power Amplifiers

When it comes to playing music loudly, your speakers will need lots of power. Upgrading your motorcycle with a high-power, high-efficiency amplifier is the only way to make your music loud enough to drown out wind and exhaust noise.

Size is a top priority when it comes to choosing an amplifier for your motorcycle. You want something that will fit inside the front fairing or not take up too much space in a saddlebag. Many companies make compact powersports amplifiers that will fit nicely above the factory radio in a Harley.

You also want an amplifier that is efficient. Efficiency refers to how much of the power that is drawn from the battery and alternator or stator is converted into energy to drive the speakers. More efficiency means the amp will run cooler and your audio system can play louder without overloading the bike’s electrical system. The best motorcycle and powersports amplifiers on the market are over 93% efficient. That’s about 10% better than the typical car audio amplifier.

Motorcycle Audio
The Hertz HMP 4D is a compact four-channel powersports amplifier that produces an impressive 60 watts per channel when connected to a 4-ohm load.

Upgrade 3 – Add More Speakers

Aside from using great speakers and providing them with lots of clean power from an amplifier, another great upgrade you can make to your motorcycle audio system is to add more speakers. Sure, the task isn’t as easy as cutting a panel in a car door, but it can be done. Many companies offer handlebar speakers, motorcycle-specific speaker pods that attach to the lower front fairing, and saddlebag lids with options for 6.5-, 8- or 6×9-inch speakers.

Motorcycle Audio
The compact JL Audio SlamPak for the Can-Am Spyder includes front speaker pods for their 7.7-inch marine speakers and a fiberglass subwoofer enclosure with an 8-inch driver.

Upgrade 4 – Source Unit Upgrades

Every great audio system starts with a great source unit. If there’s distortion in the original audio signal, no amount of processing or tuning can remove it. Companies like Rockford Fosgate and Aquatic AV have created motorcycle-specific source units for 1998 through 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Motorcycle Audio
The PMX-HD9813 was designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The radio includes a color display and support for Bluetooth audio streaming.

Another option is the cool Sony XAV-AX7000 multimedia receiver. Several motorcycle enthusiasts have integrated this double-DIN radio into the fairing of their bikes. The radio has a weather-resistant front panel and buttons. It’s not water-proof, but it can handle the occasional light sprinkle. If you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on your bike, then this radio is a perfect choice.

Motorcycle Audio
Nu Image Audio in Salina, Kansas, upgraded this 2017 Street Glide with a Sony XAV-AX7000 multimedia receiver.

Upgrade 5 – Proper System Configuration

The perfect speaker, if it were to exist, would offer flat frequency response across the entire audio spectrum. The reality is, no speaker can deliver that. Likewise, where we install speakers can have a huge effect on how they sound. To get the most out of your motorcycle audio system upgrade, it needs to be configured to optimize the output of each speaker for the environment. You aren’t going to hear a bass drum or synthesizer riff at 65 mph on the interstate, so crossovers and equalization will let your speakers focus on the frequency ranges where they work best.

Just as in a car audio system, a concert venue or a theater, using an equalizer to optimize the response of a motorcycle sound system is important. Compact digital signal processors include multiband equalizers that can be configured with a calibrated microphone to deliver smooth sound, so your music sounds realistic.

Motorcycle Audio
The ARC Audio PSM digital signal processor was designed to make calibrating motorcycle audio systems easy for your installer.

Upgrade Your Motorcycle Audio System Today

The options for making the stereo system on your motorcycle sound better are nearly endless. Drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today to find out about the audio upgrades that are available for your bike. As always, remember that proper installation and excellent craftsmanship are as important as the products you choose. Be sure to work with a retailer that has the skills to execute your upgrade reliably.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Motorcycle Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PMX-1

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1

As much fun as it is to check out top-of-the-line products, sometimes the right solution is surprisingly affordable. The marine and powersport audio experts at Rockford Fosgate offer a full line of digital media receivers. In fact, there are five stand-alone units, plus an add-on multi-zone unit with several controller options. There is, indeed, a solution for every application. We will highlight the affordable but full-featured PMX-1 Punch-Series marine-grade receiver in this spotlight.

PMX-1 Physical Design

When we talk about source units, we usually discuss single or double DIN units designed for cars and trucks. The PMX-1 chassis, designed for marine and powersports applications, is intended to be flush-mounted on a flat panel. Rockford Fosgate has several vehicle-specific audio upgrade kits for side-by-sides that include mounting provisions for this unit.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1
The RZR14-STG1 audio kit for Polaris RZR vehicles includes a PMX-1, speakers, and a mounting pod that fits on the top of the dash.

The face of the PMX-1 is 4.5 inches wide and 4.2 inches tall. It protrudes 1.5 inches forward of the mounting surface, and the chassis and heatsink extend 2.9 inches rearward. The kit includes a rubber mounting gasket to ensure the face seals perfectly against the mounting surface.

The radio can be installed in one of two ways. If you have a dash with a round three-inch mounting hole, your installer can mount the radio using the supplied aluminum U-bracket, just like a speedometer or tachometer in a boat. Alternatively, the kit includes a metal mounting bracket that can be positioned behind the mounting surface, and four screws secure the display to the plate and sandwich on either side of the mounting surface. An included trim ring conceals the mounting hardware once in place.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1
Two mounting options are provided to maximize installation options.

The radio is rated to have an IPX6 water intrusion rating, so you can blast it all day long with a hose or let it get hit by waves. This is crucial in Rockford Fosgate’s Element Ready™ marine, motorcycle, and powersport products. Further, the radio has been tested to exceed prolonged UV and salt fog exposure requirements. Few, if any, other brands talk about the durability of the overall design. Rockford Fosgate punishes their Element Ready™ products with impact and vibration testing to ensure you’ll always have tunes when on the trails or ripping the waves.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1
Whether on the water or the trails, the Element Ready™ PMX-1 is ready for anything you can throw its way.

User Interface Design

The first feature you will see when you look at the PMX-1 is its 2.3-inch dot-matrix monochrome display. While this looks simple, the display is constructed with a wet-bonded process that makes it easy to read in bright sunlight. The glass screen over the display has a 9H hardness rating, so it’s scratch-resistant. Many competing products use plastic over the display.

A sizable rotary encoder in the center of the front panel allows for volume adjustments or navigating through different menu settings. Four buttons on either side of the encoder provide direct access to source selection, track adjustment, play/pause, menu access, and a dimmer control. Bass heads will love that there are subwoofer + and – buttons on the front panel.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1
The layout of the front panel is intuitive and organized. Importantly, it’s durable.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1 Source Options

You have four options for playing music from the PMX-1. The built-in terrestrial radio tuner includes AM and FM reception capabilities. It also has a weather band tuner for those near larger lakes or the ocean.

You can connect a 32GB or smaller USB memory stick to the USB port to play MP3 or WMA files. The system supports up to 255 folders with a maximum of 1,000 songs.

The radio has stereo RCA input jacks on the back as a third option. So, if you want your installer to connect it to a laptop, DVD player, or similar device, it’s ready to go.

Finally, the PMX-1 includes a Bluetooth receiver. The system uses Bluetooth 3.0+EDR and supports the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) version 1.3. You can connect almost any smartphone and play music stored on it or stream audio from Pandora, iHeartRadio, or Spotify. Album and artist information will scroll across the screen if your device supports sending this information over Bluetooth.

Power, Preamp, and Installation Considerations

The radio includes a four-channel amplifier rated to produce 25 watts of continuous power into four four-ohm speakers with less than 1% THD+N. It also has two sets of RCA jacks on pigtails, rated to produce up to 2 volts of output.

The radio includes a three-zone crossover set to high or low-pass modes with 60, 80, or 120 hertz filter frequencies. The crossovers work on the built-in amplifier and the preamp signals. For the second set of RCA outputs, your installer can select between the rear and subwoofer output functions in a nearby menu.

The radio has a seven-band graphic equalizer with Flat, Rock, Classic, Acoustic, Dance, Electronic, and Hip-Hop presets. A custom EQ mode allows you to fine-tune the system to suit your audio system design or listening preferences. Of course, Rockford Fosgate includes their famous Punch EQ in the PMX-1. You can dial up to 18 dB of boost at 45 Hz and 12 dB at 12.5 kHz.

Power conservation can be a concern for marine and powersports vehicles, so the PMX-1 includes a battery voltage display, so you can keep track of things. The radio uses non-volatile memory to store all setting information. As such, it only requires an accessory and ground power connection. There is no clock, so your installer doesn’t have to hook up a wire likely to drain the vehicle battery. If you turn the radio off but leave it powered, it draws under two amps of current. At the other end of the spectrum, the radio has a 20-amp fuse, so ensure your installer uses large enough wiring to power it.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1
The PMX-1 was designed with a 12-pin Molex connector for speaker and power connections.

Compact and Durable Audio Solution

If you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use radio for a boat, side-by-side, ATV, or jet ski, the Rockford Fosgate PMX-1 is an excellent solution. If you’ve had a craving to build a portable boombox from an old ammo can, the PMX-1 is perfect for that as well. You can pick up a PMX-1 at any authorized Rockford Fosgate dealer. You can find a dealer near you using the locator tool on their website. Be sure to follow our friends from Tempe on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to keep up with new product releases and the events they attend.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Marine Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Rockford Fosgate

Upgrade your Golf Cart with Audio and Lighting

olf Cart Upgrade

Whether you’re spending an afternoon on the links with a couple of friends, towing your race car back to the pits, or you just have to have the coolest Club Car or E-Z-GO on the block, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can help. From audio systems and lighting upgrades to heated seats and lift kits, a whole world of accessories and custom solutions make getting around more fun and entertaining.

Golf Cart Audio System

Whether you want to check the weather before you hit the back nine or blast some music in the pits while getting ready for the next race, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can help. In terms of source units, you’ll want to look at some of the marine solutions from companies like Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer and Clarion. Full-size radio options include sources like Bluetooth, an AM/FM tuner with Weatherband and a CD mechanism. USB ports let you connect and charge a smartphone or play digital audio files from a memory stick.

Golf Cart Upgrade
The Sony DSX-M80 Bluetooth receiver features a High Power amplifier that can crank out 45 watts to each speaker, so your music is crystal clear.

If space is limited, you may want to look at one of the compact source units from companies like Hertz, JL Audio, Fusion or Kicker. These source units are designed with a controller and a hide-away power module, or as an all-in-one solution that can be mounted in the dash or an overhead console.

Golf Cart Upgrade
The Hertz HMR 20 is a UV- and water-resistant marine-grade source unit with Bluetooth audio streaming, an AM/FM tuner with Weatherband and a USB port for digital audio file playback.

If space is at a premium or you’re going for that stealth look, companies like JL Audio, Wirez and WetSounds have hide-away Bluetooth receiver options. You can pair your smartphone to the receiver and play music stored on the device or from a streaming service like Pandora, iHeartRadio or Tidal. Some Bluetooth receivers have control buttons to let you change tracks and volume without the need to grab your phone.

Golf Cart Upgrade
The JL Audio MBT-CRXv2 is one of the most popular Bluetooth receivers. It doesn’t have the capability to power speakers directly, but it’s the perfect complement to a compact amplifier solution.

Golf Cart Speaker Options

This may sound like deja vu, but the speakers chosen for your audio system are the most important component in determining sound quality. A great source unit and amplifier are wasted if the speakers on the vehicle don’t deliver smooth and natural performance. Just as with the source unit, you’ll likely want to choose a marine-grade speaker for your golf cart so you won’t run into problems if they get wet. Another key feature of marine speakers is that high-quality options are designed to handle prolonged sun exposure without fading, cracking or turning yellow.

Golf Cart Upgrade
Our friend Paul Niwranski built this speaker pod for his four-seater E-Z-GO golf cart.

For a speaker to work properly, it needs to be mounted in a way that prevents the sound coming from the back of the woofer cone to mix with and cancel the sound coming from the front. If there’s a storage compartment in the dash of your golf cart, this might make a great enclosure. Another option is to have a fabricator create a pod that fits into the roof or behind the seats. Finally, soundbars can be installed at the front of the vehicle to deliver your music.

Golf Cart Upgrade
The MUD6SPBT soundbar from MTX includes four 3-inch midrange speakers and a pair of tweeters to deliver great sound. A built-in amplifier and Bluetooth receiver make this a great all-in-one solution.

Speakers Need Amplifiers to Sound Great

Unless you have a genuine high-power radio, you are going to need an amplifier to make your system sound good. Many companies offer compact multi-channel amplifier solutions that would work perfectly on a golf cart. Before you rush out and buy something, keep in mind that your installer will need to find a place to mount the amp. You also have to remember that the size of the battery on the cart dictates how long the system will play. An efficient amp is a great choice for extending playtime.

Golf Cart Upgrade
The ARC Audio Moto 720 is a four-channel amp that boasts more than 93% efficiency. The amp can crank out a mind-blowing 150 watts of power per channel.

Your retailer can help you choose an amp that will fit perfectly and sound great. Don’t forget to include high-quality interconnect cables and all-copper power wiring in your budget to ensure that the system functions reliably for many years.

Accent and High-Output Lighting

If you’re rolling back to the clubhouse just as the sun sets, there’s no denying that some unique accent lighting will make your cart really stand out. LED lighting strips and pods can be changed to almost any color under the rainbow. These lighting solutions combine red, green and blue elements, and you can use a wireless controller or an app on your smartphone to select the hue you want or have the light change colors through random patterns or to the beat of your music.

Golf Cart Upgrade
Audio Express in Texarkana, Texas, upgraded this Textron E-Z-Go with a high-output headlight to make driving after dark safer.

If you’re planning on heading out after the sun sets, dozens of high-output lighting options are available to ensure that you can see safely. An LED light bar mounted at the top of the windshield is a great option to help you see long distances or light up a large area. You can choose from spot or flood patterns to suit your application.

Seat Heaters and Golf Cart Accessories

Not every upgrade to your golf cart needs to be fancy. Your local mobile enhancement retailer can add a power port or high-current USB plug to keep a phone charged. Heated seat pads are a nice upgrade for those cool spring or fall mornings. If you use your cart to get around the neighborhood, a backup camera is a great addition to help you park and maneuver the vehicle safely.

Golf Cart Upgrade
Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland, Florida, added a set of high-output air horns to this 2012 Yamaha golf cart. This is the compressor and air reservoir for the system.

Upgrade Your Golf Cart Today

Whether you want a big audio system with a subwoofer or a way to keep your smartphone charged while you whack a few golf balls, visit your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today and find out about the ways you can upgrade your golf cart.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Lighting, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam: Innovating Vehicle Safety with 4K Clarity and Radar Technology!

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam

It’s no exaggeration to say there are hundreds of dash cams on the market. Many are budget models plagued by low-resolution sensors, excessive image compression, and contrast issues. Others offer upgraded optics but still lack state-of-the-art convenience features. However, leading the way in surveillance technologies are dash cams like the Thinkware U3000. Equipped with a Sony image sensor, radar-based parking mode, and Wi-Fi connectivity, this dash cam offers nearly everything you could ask for. Let’s dive in.

Thinkware U3000 Image Sensors

Image quality is paramount when purchasing a dash cam. Clarity and detail largely depend on the choice of image sensor and its resolution. However, data compression settings also play a crucial role in capturing vital information, such as a license plate. The U3000 features a 4K UHD front-facing Sony IMX678 Exmor R Starvis 2 image sensor with a 152-degree lens. With 3840 by 2106 pixels, it captures impressively subtle details.

The most popular U3000 package includes the U3000R rear-facing camera and a cable. The rear camera uses an IMX335 Exmor R Starvis 2K QHD image sensor with a 128-degree lens angle. Although this sensor is higher in quality than most forward-facing sensors on the market, it doesn’t offer the same low-light capabilities as the Starvis 2.

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam
The most popular U3000 kits include the 2K QHD U3000R rear camera.

Speaking of night recording, Thinkware’s Super Night Vision 4.0 technology reduces sensor noise at high gain levels, allowing for brighter, sharper images after sunset. Capturing clear images in low-light conditions is essential for comprehensive protection.

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam
Thinkware’s Super Night Vision 4.0 brightens low-light settings while minimizing video noise for a clear image.

In addition, Thinkware includes a circular polarizing filter to reduce glare during the day, further enhancing image quality and clarity.

Compact Chassis Design

The U3000’s chassis was designed for discretion. The image sensor mounting position allows the electronics to fit neatly into the space typically blocked by the sun visor at the top of the windshield. Four buttons across the body’s center control manual emergency recording, power down the camera, activate the dash cam’s Wi-Fi connectivity, and toggle audio recording mode on and off. To clarify, the camera begins recording automatically when you start your vehicle, so you never have to worry about forgetting to turn it on. The power button is simply an option to turn the system off, if desired.

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam
The low-profile chassis design helps the U3000 fit behind the rearview mirror.

All electrical and peripheral connections are located along the rear edge of the chassis, near the top of your windshield. This design reduces clutter and ensures a clean installation. The most popular camera kit includes Thinkware’s OBD II power cable. However, some retailers may use the dealer-exclusive hardwire kit for integration into the vehicle. Both cables automatically enable parking mode when the vehicle ignition is turned off.

Adding an external battery pack like the Thinkware iVolt Mini or iVolt Xtra is a popular upgrade. These packs prevent the main vehicle battery from heavy discharge if the vehicle isn’t driven for a few days, thereby extending battery life.

Thinkware also includes a piece of heat-blocking film and a second piece of two-sided adhesive. The film is ideal for hot climates like Florida or Texas, where interior temperatures can easily exceed 140 degrees. It also simplifies removing the camera if you decide to purchase a new vehicle.

Radar Parking Mode

One of the U3000’s most important features is its radar-based parking mode. Parking mode allows the U3000 to continue monitoring the area around the vehicle after you’re parked. Historically, cameras would monitor the image sensor’s signal and store recordings when motion was detected. This feature, however, consumes a noticeable amount of power from the vehicle’s electrical system.

Uniquely, the kit’s front and rear cameras include radar transceivers. If someone approaches behind to steal your license plate, you’ll have it on video.

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam
The radar-based parking mode consumes minimum current while monitoring in front and behind your vehicle.

Thinkware’s radar-based monitoring solution consumes just a fraction of the energy compared to video monitoring. This allows the camera to monitor the area around your vehicle for days rather than hours. When it detects someone or something nearby, it records a 20-second video. You can fine-tune the radar detection range to suit your parking location.

The U3000 features a built-in supercapacitor. This energy storage solution ensures that recorded video files are saved and closed correctly when power is removed from the camera. In the unlikely event of a severe accident, having a small onboard power source greatly increases the likelihood of retaining evidence compared to a low-cost dash cam.

Video Storage

The popular U3000-2CH kit includes a 64 GB microSD memory card, though the camera supports cards up to 256 GB. Data storage bitrates are selectable between 24 and 30 Mbps. Less compression results in a clearer image and more detail. Best of all, videos are encoded using the MPEG H.265 codec, which offers impressive file compression without significant detail loss.

Connectivity Features

The U3000 supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to download video files to your smartphone via the Thinkware Dash Cam Link App. Once connected, you can adjust menu settings and view camera images in real-time.

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam
The Thinkware Connected App allows you to download videos stored on the U3000 quickly to your smartphone over a Wi-Fi connection.

The Thinkware Connected App provides a suite of remote monitoring solutions. From viewing what the dash cam sees to receiving alerts from the built-in impact or radar sensors, it’s like being in the car. You can even access an image from when you last parked the vehicle. If you’ve ever lost track of your car after a day of shopping, this is a huge time-saver and stress reducer. By connecting your U3000 to the Internet using a vehicle or mobile hotspot, you maintain complete control.

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam
When your U3000 is connected to the Internet, you can access it using the Thinkware Connected App.

ADAS Features

The U3000 offers a full suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), similar to those found in lane-keeping assist and even self-driving cars. Lane Departure Warning (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCWS), Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW), and Rear Collision Warning (RCWS) are all included. These systems act as a computerized copilot, monitoring what other vehicles are doing around yours. Unlike many other dash cams, the U3000 uses the rear camera’s monitoring capabilities for these features. You can fine-tune which systems you want to activate and at what speed they are enabled via the smartphone apps.

The system supports both GPS and GLONASS global navigation systems. Location and vehicle speed information is stored along with the video. When you play back videos using the PC/MAC viewer software, the vehicle’s location is displayed on a map on the right side of the screen.

Class-Leading Dash Cam Technology

If you’re in the market for the best dash cam to protect your pride and joy, visit a local authorized Thinkware retailer and ask about the U3000. For more information about Thinkware products, visit their website. You can learn more about the U3000 and other impressive products they offer by following them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and of course, 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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Backup Safety, Driver Safety, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Thinkware

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If you want to upgrade your vehicle with window tint, a new car audio system or a remote car starter, we invite you to visit the team here at Extreme Car Audio in Manteca.

Check back here for more testimonials soon!

Whether it’s a new radio, a remote car starter or new driving lights, we take the time to ensure that every connection is secure and the equipment is mounted safely. We do the job right the first time, every time.

Window Tinting Experts!

We take a great deal of pride in our window tint solutions. Call or stop by today to see what options we can offer to take your vehicle to the next level.

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Location


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Address

Extreme Car Audio, Inc
197 S Union RD
Manteca, CA 95337
Phone: 209-665-4150

Connect With Us

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Services

  • Car Audio
  • Driver Safety
  • Marine Audio
  • Motorcycle Audio
  • Remote Starters
  • Vehicle Security
  • Window Tint

Store Hours

SundayClosed
Monday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

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