Product Spotlight: DroneMobile XC Connected Dashcam Security System

Thieves frequently target vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, RAM, Chevrolet, and Honda. These vehicles are often stolen for their parts or exported overseas. Well-integrated anti-theft systems like those from Compustar greatly reduce the chances that a thief will drive off in your vehicle. However, vehicle owners have long sought the ability to monitor their vehicle and its surroundings using their smartphone. The DroneMobile XC connected dash cam is the perfect solution. Let’s check it out!

What is DroneMobile?

DroneMobile is a smartphone interface created by Firstech, the parent company of Compustar and Arctic Start. DroneMobile allows you to use an app on your smartphone to communicate with, monitor and control your vehicle from almost anywhere on the planet. If the shock sensor on your Compustar alarm is triggered, the DroneMobile app will notify you within seconds. If someone opens a door, you’ll get an alert. If a thief is trying to cut off a catalytic converter, you’ll know about it.

DroneMobile hardware works with a remote car starter or security system to add smartphone control. Door lock, trunk release, and, when applicable, remote starter activation are as simple as tapping the screen of your Android-based smartphone or iPhone. The communication is bidirectional, so you’ll be advised when the command is executed. This feedback lets you know the car is locked and safe in your driveway for the evening.

DroneMobile XC is the only dash cam we’ve reviewed that offers this level of functionality and integration with aftermarket remote start or alarm systems.

GPS Locating Services

The DroneMobile system offers services at various feature levels. The basic package provides door lock and remote start control. You also get security alerts from an optional (but highly recommended) DAS-II security sensor. This means that impact, motion, or tilting will result in a nearly instant phone notification. You can also monitor the temperature inside the vehicle and keep an eye on battery voltage.

Upgrading to one of the Premium plans adds location-based alerts and monitoring. If the system reports that your vehicle has moved from where you parked it without authorization, you can tap the map screen to view its current location. You can set Geofences around specific areas to monitor usage. Several of the top programs include full breadcrumb trail tracking with turn-by-turn updates.

High-Speed Communication

One of DroneMobile’s best features is its speed. Factory-installed smartphone control systems, such as MyMazda, can take more than 30 seconds to relay a command to the vehicle. It’s incredibly frustrating to have to wait that long. DroneMobile uses the fastest LTE services and Amazon cloud servers to execute a command in a second or two. Often, they can be faster than a key fob remote control. That’s truly impressive.

Live Video Feed

What makes the DroneMobile XC so special is its integrated camera system. It includes a Sony Starvis 2K QHD camera that monitors everything in front of the vehicle while you are driving. Videos are stored on an included 64GB microSD memory card.

What sets the XC apart from other dashcams is that it can use the onboard LTE modem to transmit video to the DroneMobile app on your smartphone. Using artificial intelligence, your phone can warn you when someone walks in front of your vehicle. You can turn on the video feed to see who is lurking around your vehicle. You can even speak with them. If it’s the neighbor kids, you can ask them to be careful around your pride and joy. If it’s someone more nefarious, you can alert them that the police have been notified and that the vehicle is being tracked.

The DroneMobile XC features many of the same capabilities as the DAS-II security sensor. So, impact, tilt, motion or glass breakage will immediately trigger an alert.

DroneMobile XC Installation

The DroneMobile XC mounts to the front windshield and can be mostly hidden behind the rearview mirror. It starts recording video as soon as the vehicle is started. Your DroneMobile retailer can add the optional RC1 rear camera to capture what’s happening behind your car or truck as you drive. Another option is the IR1 interior camera. A second camera capturing what’s happening inside the vehicle is a wise investment if you drive a taxi, limousine, Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service. The IR1 includes infrared LEDs, so it can see in the dark without lighting up the interior. Only one additional camera can be added to the DroneMobile XC.

For the DroneMobile XC to control your vehicle, you need a remote car starter or security system from Compustar or one of its sister products. This system must be integrated into your car or truck to monitor door locks, the hood, trunk and ignition. If you want remote starter features, then a controller with remote start functionality and a vehicle data interface will be required.

A local authorized DroneMobile and Compustar retailer can tell you the total cost of the system, including professional installation and configuration. Likewise, they can review the prices for the DroneMobile XC service plans to help you choose an option that provides the features you desire.

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: Compustar EZGO-II

Hands-free proximity unlocking is a feature found on many new cars and trucks fresh off the showroom floor. The Compustar EZGO-II adds this convenience to your remote car starter or security system. Let’s take a close look at this unique keyless entry solution.

What are Keyless Entry and Proximity Unlocking?

A typical keyless entry system uses a key fob to unlock the doors of your car or truck. The key fob communicates with the electronics in the vehicle using radio frequency signals. In most cases, you need to press the unlock button on the fob to disarm the security system and unlock the doors. This keyless entry technology was a major upgrade from manually inserting a key into a door lock, as was common in the ’90s.

Compustar developed a fully hands-free unlocking solution when it launched the Compustar PRO T13 and R5 remote controls for its starters and alarms in 2021. That same technology is now available in the EZGO-II proximity unlocking system.

Proximity unlocking refers to the automated process of unlocking the doors of your car or truck as you approach the vehicle. As we found when testing the T13 and R5 remotes, when you are about four or five feet from the door, the system will automatically detect the remote in your pocket and unlock the vehicle. In most cases, the tailgate of an SUV or truck will also unlock to provide full access to the vehicle.

Once the last door is closed, the system will search for the EZGO-II remote. When it doesn’t detect the remote, it automatically locks the doors. If you remain around the vehicle for five minutes or more after turning off the engine, the proximity locking feature is disabled until a door is opened or the vehicle is started.

With a Compustar remote starter or alarm and the EZGO-II, looking for car keys is a thing of the past.

The EZGO-II Remote

The EZGO-II system includes a small antenna and a compact, square remote with a single button. In terms of features, it’s surprisingly similar to the T5 remote we mentioned earlier. First and foremost, the remote will automatically unlock your vehicle as you approach. This is a godsend if you are carrying groceries or have one of your kids in your arms. Sure, you still have to pull the door handle to open it, but that’s always been the case.

Next, the remote’s single button allows you to lock or unlock the doors from up to 150 feet away from the vehicle. A single tap sends a lock command, and double-tapping the button sends the unlock command.

Finally, if you hold the button for 2.5 seconds, the remote will transmit a start command to your car starter. Pressing and holding the button again for 2.5 seconds will transmit a stop command. So, if you are in your home and the vehicle is in the driveway, the EZGO-II remote provides enough range to start the vehicle remotely.

The EZGO-II remote has a small LED that indicates when it is within range of the remote car starter or security system controller.

If you need additional range, then upgrading your car starter or security system with the Drone smartphone-based control system is a perfect solution. So long as you have access to the Internet, you can lock, unlock or remote start the vehicle. With a premium service plan, you can also use GPS-based tracking to monitor the vehicle’s location and how it’s being used.

Compustar EZGO-II — If you need more range to control your vehicle, add the Drone smartphone control system.

How Does Proximity Unlocking Work?

If you are like us, then knowing how something works is as interesting as the features it offers. The EZGO-II system uses a communication system called Bluetooth Low Energy, or Bluetooth LE. The key fob transmits a low-power signal that can be picked up by the EZGO-II antenna mounted to the dash. If the signal matches the security pattern, the antenna sends a digital command to the remote start or security system controller in the vehicle. That module then sends an unlock command to the vehicle’s door locks or, in some cases, the body control module (BCM).

When you close the last door, the antenna starts communicating with the EZGO-II remote again. Once the communication stops, as would happen when you walk away from the vehicle, the antenna sends a lock command to the controller.

Bluetooth LE was designed specifically for applications like what we’ve described above. These systems can consume as little as one microamp of current when in standby mode. As such, a typical CR2032 coin cell can last for more than a year. Even when communicating, the current draw is well under five milliamps. This communication is brief, however – lasting only as long as the remote is near the vehicle and the engine isn’t running. Put another way, the remote only consumes relatively high amounts of current while you are approaching or walking away from your car or truck. Honestly, that’s pretty cool!

Upgrade Your Convenience System Today

If you have a Compustar, NuStart, or FTX-branded remote car starter, the EZGO-II should be a compatible upgrade. Your Firstech (the parent company of the above brands) retailer can provide up to two additional remotes—whether they’re the EZGO-II or a more conventional one-button or four-button unit.

If you want to unlock your car, truck or SUV by simply walking up to it, you can find an authorized Compustar retailer near you using the dealer locator tool on their website. Be sure to follow Compustar on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube to stay up to date with all the new products and technologies available from this award-winning company.

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: Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

If you are shopping for a premium dash camera with a high-resolution image sensor, the Thinkware U1000 Plus should be on your shortlist. This solution can record video in 4K resolution and is available with a secondary camera to capture what happens behind your vehicle. Let’s take a close look.

Design of the Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

The U1000 Plus is a low-profile camera that mounts at the top of your windshield. Rather than a square or round body, the bulk of the camera sits flat against the glass. This design leaves a lot of clearance for the sun visor and rearview mirror.

The main camera can be tilted up or down to ensure the system works with windshields with varying rakes. The camera body is 4.33 inches tall, 2.55 inches wide and 1.18 inches thick. On the left side of the chassis are power connections, a port for an external radar sensor and the optional rear camera. The rear camera uses a USB connection, so you shouldn’t have issues with RF interference. Thinkware includes a hardwire installation kit with the camera. You can upgrade to the OBD-II power cable if you don’t want any of the wiring in your vehicle modified. This is a wise investment for leased vehicles.

Thinkware U1000 Plus — The right side of the chassis has the Micro SD memory card slot, the reset button and the microphone.

Once installed, the camera body has the manual recording button in the center and the Power, Wi-Fi and voice recording buttons in the upper left corner. LEDs across the top indicate when the unit is on, when Wi-Fi is enabled, and when the GPS receiver has locked on enough satellites to pinpoint your location.

Thinkware Dash Camera Specifications

This camera features a Sony IMX515 STARVIS-Series image sensor that can record at up to 3840 x 2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. It can also be configured to record in 2K mode at 2560 x 1440 pixels at 60 frames per second. The viewing angle is rated at 135.6 degrees, offering a good balance of detail and field of vision.

The rear camera features a Full HD-quality image sensor that records 1920×1080 pixels at 30 frames per second. Both the front and rear cameras have a High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode that compresses the light and dark parts of the image to make objects in shadows, or that might be washed out by a bright light source more visible. Low-light performance is further enhanced with Thinkware’s Super Night Vision 3.0. This processing reduces noise when light levels are low to keep videos clear and sharp.

Video files are stored using the HEVC format H.265 to maximize file storage. With the 64GB card included, the system can store up to 151 minutes of video in a dual-camera solution. You can increase the size of the memory card to 512 GB for an incredible 1229 minutes of storage.

You can upgrade the U1000 Plus to a five-camera system using Thinkware’s optional multiplexer and three additional cameras. This is an ideal solution for taxi, limousine and rideshare applications.

Parking Mode Protection

The Thinkware U1000 Plus includes several parking mode options. In energy-saving mode, the camera only stores video when the onboard accelerometer detects impacts. Motion and Impact mode allows the camera to watch for vehicles or people entering the field of vision along with impact sensing. The camera stores a 20-second video that starts 10 seconds before the event trigger. Time Lapse mode records constantly at two frames per second.

The U1000 Plus can be upgraded with Thinkware’s optional radar module. Rather than monitoring the area in front of the vehicle using the image sensor, the radar sensor detects someone or something approaching. This dramatically reduces current consumption, so there is less draw on the vehicle battery.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

You can use the Thinkware Dashcam Link app on your Android smartphone, iPhone, or tablet to view video files stored on the system. Once connected, your installer can adjust the system settings and fine-tune the viewing angle to ensure maximum coverage.

The Thinkware Connected app gives the U1000 Plus Cloud-based connectivity. If you have a mobile hotspot, or the dashcam can connect to Wi-Fi at your home, you can view what the camera sees on your phone. You’ll also get impact notifications when parked. The vehicle operator can send an emergency message to the registered contact by pressing the REC button on the chassis for three seconds. Parents or business owners can review the vehicle’s operational history to review use and driving behavior.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Modern video processing technology allows the U1000 Plus to warn the operating. These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Front Vehicle Departure Warnings (FVDW), Forward Collision Warnings (FCWS) and Lane Departure Warnings (LDWS). Notifications about approaching a vehicle too quickly or crossing the lines on the side of the road can help prevent serious accidents.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with a Thinkware Dash Camera

We all know that having a dash camera is the best way to protect yourself from fraud and false accusations. It’s also an ideal solution for capturing those “I can’t believe that just happened” moments. When upgrading your vehicle, drop by a local authorized Thinkware retailer and ask about the U1000 Plus system. They can provide you with a quote that includes expert installation.

You can learn more about Thinkware products like the U1000 Plus by visiting their website. Their dealer locator makes it easy to find a retailer near you to help design and install a premium dash camera system.

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: Thinkware Q200 Dash Camera

Consumers typically have two schools of thought when it comes to dash cameras. Some want the most advanced technology and highest-resolution image sensors available. Others believe that any dash camera system is exponentially better than none. Sadly, the latter concept often leads to people buying low-quality, unreliable solutions. Sitting between these philosophies is the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system. With 2K QHD image quality on the front, 1080P FHD image quality on the rear, intelligent parking modes, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, this affordable system is anything but run-of-the-mill. It even includes a 32 GB microSD card! Let’s check it out!

Thinkware Q200 Front and Rear Camera System

The Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is based around the compact (3.9 x 0.9 x 1.3 inches) forward-facing camera with its Quad-HD (2506 x 1440-pixel) image sensor. The camera has a 125-degree field of view, offering a good balance of forward focus and side-approach monitoring. Videos are recorded in HEVC format using the H.264 codec to keep the file sizes manageable. As mentioned, the system includes a UHS-1 32 GB memory card but can accept cards up to 256 GB in capacity for over 800 minutes of storage.

The camera includes several video processing technologies to help improve image quality. First, Super Night Vision 2.0 helps ensure clear, low-noise images in low-light situations, capturing details like license plates or street signs when it’s dark. Advanced Video Clear Technology includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture technology that compresses washed-out highlights while boosting information usually lost in the shadows. Smart focusing and intelligent auto exposure enhance the system’s ability to store clear, sharp videos. Finally, de-warping technology reduces barrel distortion so objects at the extreme edges of the video don’t look misshapen.

The camera body has three connection ports: one connection is on top of the chassis for the power source, while one on the side is for the rear camera and one for the GPS receiver. The buttons on the rear panel activate the manual recording mode, and another provides control options for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use Wi-Fi with the free Thinkware Dash Cam Link application to download videos directly from the camera. Alternatively, you can remove the microSD card from the bottom of the chassis and use the PC viewer software to view video files.

Rear and Optional Cameras

The rear camera included with the Q200 Front and Rear kit is even more compact (2.40 x 1.20 x 0.98 inches) and captures video in full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). It shares the same 125-degree field of vision as the front camera and records at 30 frames per second. A 19.7-foot cable lets your installer connect the rear camera to the front camera.

Another option is the infrared interior camera from Thinkware. This compact camera (part number TWA-NIFR) is ideal for taxi, limousine, and rideshare applications where recording what happens and what’s said inside the vehicle is important. The camera includes two compact infrared transmitters so it can effectively see in the dark.

The Q200 is compatible with the optional multiplexer box. With this option, your installer can add three additional cameras to the system, bringing the total to five. The four cameras connected to the multiplexer combine their images into a single video feed that records on the rear channel of the Q200. Side-view and infrared interior cameras are just some options available for additional cameras.

Parking Mode

For those not up-to-date with dash camera lingo, the parking mode feature allows the camera to continue capturing what’s happening around your car when it’s parked. Depending on where you park, you can work with your installer to choose between two frame-per-second Time Lapse, Energy Saving, and Motion/Impact Detection options. In Motion and Impact mode, the camera monitors the image sensor for changes that indicate something or someone has entered the field of vision. When this happens, it stores a video file with 10 seconds of footage before and after the trigger. The built-in three-axis accelerometer also monitors the vehicle for motion from an impact, which triggers a similar recording.

Energy-saving mode foregoes image sensing, dramatically reducing the electrical energy required to maintain camera operation. This mode is ideal for longer-term parking recording.

Built-In ADAS Features

The Q200 is no slouch when it comes to bonus features. The camera includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the form of Lane Departure Warning (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCWS), and Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW). These systems use artificial intelligence and advanced image processing to detect potential hazards and provide a warning to the driver. The GPS antenna must be installed for these features to function.

Protect Yourself with the Thinkware Q200

As is evident, the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is exponentially more capable than most solutions you’ll find outside a professional mobile enhancement retailer. If you want premium image quality in the videos, advanced ADAS warnings, and easy Wi-Fi downloading, drop by your local Thinkware retailer and ask about the Q200 system. They can provide a package price for the dual camera system with expert installation to ensure reliable operation.

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.

Powersports Amplifier Upgrades For Fun and Function

UTVs and side-by-sides from companies like Polaris, Yamaha, Honda and Can-Am can provide hours of fun on the trails or sand dunes. While some of these vehicles come with basic audio systems, none has the power to drown out wind and exhaust noise entirely when the pedal is to the floor. Adding a powersports-specific amplifier to the audio system is the best way to ensure that your music will sound great. Let’s look at a few amplifier options and explain what to look for when shopping.

What Does a Powersports Amplifier Do?

The job of an amplifier is to take the signal from the radio – be it factory-installed or an aftermarket solution – and increase the signal to a level that can drive the speakers. The amplifier needs a robust power supply so that it can also provide adequate current to those speakers.

Powersports Amplifiers — Extreme Audio near Richmond installed a pair of JL Audio water-resistant amplifiers in this RZR 1000.

What to Look for in a Side-by-Side Amplifier

Many companies produce great amplifiers for powersports applications. The amps fall into three classes. The best choices for those who are the most adventurous with their vehicles (i.e., elbow deep in water) is a water-resistant amplifier. These amplifiers can get wet or muddy without any fear of the internal components becoming damaged. Most of the manufacturers who produce water-resistant amps ask that you don’t submerge them, especially for long periods.

The second and most popular group of amplifiers falls into the marine-grade category. These amplifiers are designed with a corrosion-resistant chassis and hardware, and typically have a coating on the circuit boards to prevent moisture from damaging components. These amps aren’t designed to get wet or really dirty but should be able to shrug off a splash or two.

Finally, we have regular car audio amplifiers. For a dusty, dirty and often wet environment like a side-by-side, these aren’t a great long-term solution. Debris can get into the amp and block cooling vents and fans. Without proper airflow, the amps can overheat and will stop working. If you are using your side-by-side in an application more like a heavy-duty golf cart and it’s going to stay dry, you might be able to get away with this for a while. We recommend staying with marine-grade or water-resistant amplifiers for powersports applications.

Whether you choose a water-resistant or a marine amplifier, you are going to need to decide how many channels the amp needs to have. The product specialist at the store can help you figure this out. If you didn’t bring the vehicle with you, having a set of pictures on your phone is a good idea. If you’ve already made upgrades, be sure to tell them. If you plan on adding more updates in the future, let them know that information as well.

Suitable amplifiers are available in configurations from single-channel, high-power monoblock solutions for subwoofers to four-channel full-range solutions to power your speakers. There are even compact marine amplifiers with as many as eight channels for complex systems. In short, you want an amplifier channel for each speaker on the vehicle and enough power to ensure that any subwoofers will play loudly without the amp distorting.

Amplifier Installation Is Crucial to Longevity

Once you’ve decided on the right amp or amplifiers for your vehicle, the next step is to ensure that they are correctly installed. Powersports amplifiers can draw a lot of current from the electrical system when the volume is cranked. So that they function as designed, they need to be connected to the battery with large-gauge, high-quality wiring. Wiring, connectors and protection devices (fuses and circuit breakers) are not items to skimp on. You wouldn’t buy a Porsche as a track-day vehicle, then outfit it with off-brand all-season tires to save a few bucks, right?

Amplifiers need to be mounted securely. Stable mounting not only prevents the amp from moving around as you bounce off rocks and logs, but it makes sure that the electrical connections won’t be unduly stressed from vibration and motion. Mounting locations and methods vary from vehicle to vehicle and may include composite panels or metal brackets. You don’t want wood in your powersports vehicle – it’s going to get wet, swell and potentially become moldy.

The last step in installing the amplifier is its proper configuration. Crossover and input sensitivity settings need to be configured correctly so that you get the most performance for your investment. Many shops use oscilloscopes and test equipment to optimize the installations they do. Hearing mention of this equipment is a sign that you’re dealing with a reputable facility.

Enjoy Your Day on the Trails

Upgrading your side-by-side, ATV or even a snowmobile or personal watercraft with a high-quality sound system is a great way to make your fun-time even more enjoyable. Visit your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today and talk with them about the amplifier options for your powersports vehicle.

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: DroneMobile XC Connected Dashcam Security System

What is DroneMobile?

GPS Locating Services

High-Speed Communication

Live Video Feed

DroneMobile XC Installation

Product Spotlight: Compustar EZGO-II

What are Keyless Entry and Proximity Unlocking?

The EZGO-II Remote

How Does Proximity Unlocking Work?

Upgrade Your Convenience System Today

Product Spotlight: Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

Design of the Thinkware U1000 Plus Dash Camera

Thinkware Dash Camera Specifications

Parking Mode Protection

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Upgrade Your Vehicle with a Thinkware Dash Camera

Product Spotlight: Thinkware Q200 Dash Camera

Thinkware Q200 Front and Rear Camera System

Rear and Optional Cameras

Parking Mode

Built-In ADAS Features

Protect Yourself with the Thinkware Q200

Powersports Amplifier Upgrades For Fun and Function

What Does a Powersports Amplifier Do?

What to Look for in a Side-by-Side Amplifier

Amplifier Installation Is Crucial to Longevity

Enjoy Your Day on the Trails

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