Speed of Sound Technologies

Mobile Enhancement Experts in Milford CT

55 Woodmont Rd., Milford, CT 203-954-0066
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Car Audio
    • Custom Installation
    • Driver Safety
    • Radar/Laser Detectors
    • Remote Starters
    • Truck Accessories
    • Vehicle Security
    • Window Tint
  • Location and Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Product Spotlight: Hertz CP4.800

Hertz CP4.800

When choosing an amplifier for your car audio system, consider quality, features, physical size and power production to ensure a worthwhile investment. The mobile audio amplification experts at Hertz have recently released a new product line called Cento Power that specifically addresses these factors. In this spotlight, we’ll look at the four-channel CP4.800 amplifier.

Hertz CP4.800 Specifications

The Hertz CP4.800 is, as mentioned, a four-channel amplifier. The amp is rated to produce 110 watts of power when driving four 4-ohm speakers. That output increases to 190 watts per channel when driving four 2-ohm speakers. Hertz is generous with their configuration specifications. If one pair of channels is driving a set of four-ohm speakers and the other is bridged to a subwoofer, the mono channel can produce as much as 400 watts of power. If both pairs of channels are bridged to four-ohm speakers, the output is 380 watts each. All specifications are provided at 1% THD.

In terms of performance specifications, Hertz rates the amp as having a signal-to-noise ratio of 101 dBA when driven with 1 volt of input. Concerning harmonic distortion, the amp is rated at 0.02% when producing 100 hertz at 70% of rated power. While both numbers are quite good, keep in mind that the specifications aren’t compliant with ANSI/CTA-2006-D industry standards.

A key highlight of the Cento Power CP4.800 is that it qualifies as a true High-Resolution product with frequency response rated as 10 Hz to 48 kHz. If you are playing FLAC or WAV files through a high-resolution source unit, the extra bandwidth is a blessing.

Hertz CP4.800
The CP4.800 is impressively compact for its power output capabilities.

Amplifier Layout and Connections

The CP4.800 is based around a compact cast aluminum heatsink that’s 8.07 inches long, 6.1 inches wide and stands 1.89 inches tall. All the connections are made along the front edge of the amp, and the controls are concealed beneath a removable panel on the top of the chassis.

The amp has a two-position terminal block on the left end that will accept 4-AWG power and ground cables. Beside that is a 40-amp ATC fuse to protect the amp against reverse polarity power connections. From there, we have six Molex connectors. The first plug on the bottom has four RCA jacks on pigtails for the main low-level inputs. Two additional RCA output jacks can be used to feed another amp. The next two plugs have four positions and are the speaker-level inputs to the amp. The RCA inputs can accept an input range of 320 millivolts to 8 volts. The speaker-level inputs will take 1.6 to 40 volts RMS.

Above the RCA inputs is a two-position jack for the remote turn-on input and output. Besides that, there is another two-position jack for the remote volume control. The optional HRC-02 control allows you to adjust the output of the rear channels to fine-tune the system when the low-pass filter is active.

The last plug is a larger-gauge eight-position jack for the speaker output wires.

Hertz CP4.800
All signal and speaker connections are made via Molex-style connectors to keep the installation clean and tidy.
Hertz CP4.800
Power and ground connections are handled by a large terminal block.

Signal Processing and Adjustments

As mentioned, all the adjustments and controls are located on the top of the amp under a removable cover. Starting on the top left, there is a switch for the Automatic Remote Turn-on (ART) feature. When enabled, the amp should turn on when the factory source unit connected to the speaker-level inputs is activated. Below that is a button to select the source for the rear channels. They can be fed from the front inputs in a two-channel system or the rear inputs for complete system control from the source unit.

Each pair of channels has a level/gain control, a crossover function switch and a crossover frequency adjustment control. The crossover function switch selects between high-, low-pass, or full-range operation. The crossovers have second-order 12 dB/octave filtering that’s adjustable between 50 Hz and 4 kHz.

The rear channels include a bass boost control that can add up to 9 dB around 50 Hz. Finally, each pair of channels has a mono input selector. With both enabled, the amp could be used as a two-channel unit where the Left RCA feeds both front channels and the Left RCA on the rear input feeds both rear channels. The mono button is also helpful if your radio has only a single subwoofer output jack.

Hertz CP4.800
The CP4.800 looks tidy with the panel covering the top-mounting controls and adjustments.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with the Hertz CP4.800

If you are looking for a compact, high-power amplifier with good system application flexibility, drop by a local authorized Hertz car audio retailer and ask about the new Cento Power Series CP4.800. You can find an authorized retailer near you using the locator tool on their website.

Be sure to follow Hertz on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for information on all their latest product releases and events the team attends.

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, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Hertz

A Quick Look at Apple and Android Smartphones

Apple and Android SmartphonesLooking back to the Palm Pilot and the original Blackberry, we have been on a constant path toward having full-blown computers with us at all times. Fast-forward a few decades and it’s rare that folks don’t have a smartphone in their pocket or purse. Apple and Android smartphones have changed the way we communicate and are entertained.

In the mobile electronics industry, we have been working hard to find ways to integrate your smartphone into your vehicle to help you safely communicate and listen to your music. Dive into any discussion about smartphones on Facebook, and you’ll quickly see it turn into a battle of which kind is better. As each device changes, seemingly by the hour, answering that question is nearly impossible. With that said, there are definitely benefits and drawbacks to each. Let’s look at some cold, hard facts about the Android and iOS operating systems and their associated hardware.

A Brief History of the iPhone

Launched in the summer of 2007 by Steve Jobs, the iPhone was touted as a game-changer in communication technology. Apple retains a unique advantage over Android-based smartphones in that it controls not only the hardware chosen for the device but the software as well. The iOS operating system is designed and tested to work together with the iPhone.

iPhone Complaints

Apple and Android SmartphonesWhat company doesn’t have haters? People either love the iPhone for iOS for its interface, associated software and approved hardware accessory devices or hate it for its monopolistic approach. Few people like having to use iTunes to load their music and the cost of MFI (Made for iPhone/iPod) approved cables and devices definitely raises their cost.

Is there a benefit? Definitely. When you buy an approved accessory, you know it will work. When you transfer music, you know it will play. You may lose some of the independence of doing what you want when you want, how you want, but the infrastructure exists to make owning and using an iPhone as trouble-free as possible.

Apple is often criticized by Android users for being late to the party with new features: “Oh, you added facial recognition to the iPhone X and wireless charging to the iPhone 8! That’s great, Android phones had that last year.” Maybe it takes longer for Apple to test these technologies. Maybe the development and testing time for each new phone takes a lot longer. We may never know, but it sure is nice when the features arrive and work flawlessly.

iPhone in the Car

Apple and Android SmartphonesApple led the automotive smartphone connectivity battle with CarPlay. CarPlay was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo as its first automotive partners. CarPlay offers an interface that mimics the icon layout on the phone to make using the system intuitive.

CarPlay allows users to use the Siri voice recognition engine to perform tasks like listening to text messages, making phone calls, selecting music and choosing navigation destinations. You don’t have to look at the screen at all to initiate any of those tasks.

With Apple under control of the CarPlay software, both OEM and aftermarket infotainment system manufacturers need to send samples to Apple for testing and approval before they can be sold. Apple works at its own pace, and we know this can cause delays. Are they worth it? If the system works the way it should, then most definitely.

Android-Based Smartphones

Apple and Android SmartphonesDeveloped by Google, the Android mobile operating system started development in 2005 and was launched in 2007. At the same time, the Open Handset Alliance – a consortium of hardware, software and telecommunication companies – was launched to advance open standards for mobile devices. The goal of the Open Handset Alliance was to create an open competitor to Symbian, Blackberry OS and iOS-powered devices. The first Android-based device was the T-Mobile G1, developed by HTC and launched in September 2008.

A fun fact about Android is its naming convention for each major release. While this practice is not uncommon, the names are rarely shared with the public. In order, the code names have been Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat and, most recently, Oreo. Clearly, the Android development team has a snacking issue.

Is Free Good?

Apple and Android SmartphonesAs we stated, the Android mobile operating system is released by Google under an open source license. This means that phone manufacturers don’t need to buy or license the operating system. This can reduce development costs and accelerate the focus on new technology.

As with most things, for every silver lining, there is a dark storm cloud nearby. With phone manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, LG, Sony and HTC each creating their own hardware and implementation of the Android operating system, updates for each device are at the mercy of the manufacturer and the wireless carriers. With Android about to roll out Version 8.1.0, not every device will get an upgrade.

In May 2017, coinciding with the launch of Android 8.0, Google announced Project Treble with a goal to streamline and simplify the update process for Android-powered devices. Only time will tell how successful they are.

Is Easy Good?

If you want to put a few songs on your Android phone, connect the USB cable to your computer, and drag the files to the Music folder. You can manage the files on your computer however you want, or not at all – if that’s your cup of tea. Similar folders exist for Pictures, Podcasts, Ringtones and Movies. You can treat them the same way you would a USB memory stick.

When Apple announced the iPod would move from Firewire to USB, radio manufacturers were quick to adopt interfaces that would allow control playback of the songs on the device in the car. This adoption took a lot longer for Android, and even up until last year, some source units could not play music stored on an Android phone by simply connecting the USB cable.

Bluetooth Problems

Apple and Android SmartphonesWith Apple and Android smartphones, Bluetooth connectivity is a big issue. Almost everyone has a Bluetooth hands-free solution in their car, so being able to use your phone with it is crucial to your productivity. Apple hasn’t been flawless in terms of backward compatibility to older source units, but for the most part, they seem to work well. Android, on the other hand, has been plagued with connectivity issues that vary by the phone manufacturer. Several aftermarket radio manufacturers cringe when dealers or consumers call about Bluetooth issues from specific brands.

Imagine if you update your smartphone and you can no longer connect to your vehicle’s hands-free system. With Apple, you can complain at the Apple Store or log into their support website. Though they won’t admit it outright, they pay attention to these issues and in many cases, fixes are released in updates.

If you own an Android-based phone, whom do you call when something doesn’t work? The store you bought the phone from? Your carrier? The manufacturer? Google? Simultaneously, each of them and none of them are singly responsible for the issue, nor can any one of them directly help you find a solution. Sure, there are exceptions, but with the open source philosophy of Android, connectivity with third-party devices is a lot more variable.

Android in the Car

Apple and Android Smartphones Android Auto was announced in 2014 as a joint effort between 28 automobile manufacturers. The actual Android Auto app was released on March 19, 2015; in May 2015, the Hyundai Sonata became the first vehicle to offer Android Auto support. Android Auto offers similar functionality to CarPlay, but eschews the menu-driven foundation and provides information about the function you are using on the screen. Voice commands and features work similarly to CarPlay.

Android Auto has an advantage over CarPlay with Google Maps and Waze. Both of these navigation solutions are considered superior to Apple Maps. You will find that many Apple users, unless they are using CarPlay, use the iOS versions of Waze and Google maps for their navigation needs.

Which Phone is Better?

Apple and Android SmartphonesOur goal isn’t to determine a winner in the battle of Apple and Android smartphones – that’s up to each individual user. If you use Macintosh-based computers at home, you may see no better option than to choose an iPhone. If you like the freedom of Android open architecture, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Integration for Apple and Android Smartphones

No matter which phone technology you use, your local mobile enhancement retailer can help you integrate your phone into your vehicle. CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, audio streaming, hands-free calling solutions or even a custom mounting bracket are available for most vehicles. Drop by and see how they can make using your smartphone in your car safer and easier.

Steve Jobs photo by Ben Stanfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acaben/541326656/) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Everything You Need To Know About SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SiriusXM Satellite RadioIt seems you can’t go anywhere these days without hearing or seeing evidence of SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Satellite radio is touted as a commercial-free entertainment solution that can be accessed almost anywhere in North America. With more than 175 channels of music, comedy, sports and talk radio available 24 hours a day, there is always something to listen to. Let’s look at the how satellite radio began, how it works and why it has been so popular.

The Early Days of Satellite Radio

XM Satellite Radio evolved from the American Mobile Satellite Corp. AMSC was a consortium of companies that wanted to use satellite technology to broadcast telephone, data and fax information around the country. In 1992, AMSC formed the American Mobile Radio Corp. to develop a satellite-based digital radio service. AMRC was spun off from AMSC in 1998 as XM Satellite Radio. XM Radio was first to broadcast, launching on Sept. 25, 2001.

In 1990, Sirius Satellite Radio set out to attract customers and vehicle manufacturing partners to its proposed music service. After years of planning, development and licensing, Sirius launched three satellites in July 2000 and started broadcasting in January 2002.

Satellite radio was the hot ticket in the early the early 2000s, and partnerships with automakers were crucially important to each company. Sirius gained the support of Ford, BMW and Chrysler, while XM had General Motors, Honda and Toyota on board.

Satellite Radio Company Merger

SiriusXM Satellite RadioIn January 2005, the New York Post announced that Sirius and XM would merge into a single company on Feb. 19, 2007. The combined companies had about 14 million subscribers, but neither company had posted a profit. The result of the merger was SiriusXM – the brand we have now.

SiriusXM is now integrated into 75 percent of the new car market, with roughly 40 percent of those vehicle owners becoming subscribers. As of late 2017, there are about 32 million subscribers.

How Satellite Radio Works

Satellite radio is actually a very simple broadcasting system. The company has its main studios in Rockefeller Center in New York City and in Washington, D.C. Secondary facilities are in Los Angeles, Nashville and Memphis. The company plays music from its extensive catalog and has live performance spaces to host musicians and performers from all genres.

The information is broadcast to a set of satellites above the Earth that rebroadcast that information back to Earth. The broadcast covers most of North America. The satellite radio receiver in your vehicle (car, truck, boat or aircraft) uses a compact antenna to pick up the signal and extract the channel of audio you want to enjoy.

They Really Have Satellites?

SiriusXM Satellite RadioWhether it’s a live performance, your favorite music or a great discussion about religion or politics, all of the information is combined into a complex digital signal that is transmitted to a set of five active satellites that cover North America. XM-2 and XM-5 are in a geostationary position above the Earth. That is to say, they stay in the same relative position all the time. Positioned about 22,370 miles above the Earth, the satellites relay broadcast information from the studio transmitters to all of North America, excluding the left half of Alaska. XM-2 covers the west side of the country while XM-3 covers the east.

The Sirius satellites also operate in geostationary orbits. Sirius FM-6 covers the West Coast while Sirius FM-5 is located south of New Orleans to cover the East. Early Sirius satellites (Sirius 1, Sirius 2 and Sirius 3) crossed the planet in a figure 8 pattern that had two of the three over North America at any time.

As you can see, there have been many satellites over the almost 20 years of satellite radio. In total, nine have been launched, with the most recent being Sirius FM-6 on Oct. 25, 2013. Sirius FM-6 was the first to broadcast both Sirius and XM transmission frequencies.

The Benefit of Satellite Radio

SiriusXM Satellite RadioSo, what’s the big deal? Why do people gravitate toward satellite radio? The answer comes from its coverage. You can make a road trip from Miami, up to Montreal, across to Vancouver then down to San Diego without having to change the station. If you want to listen to Howard Stern for the entire 90 hours of driving, you most certainly can.

Conventional terrestrial broadcasts (AM and FM radio) are limited in their coverage areas. In fact, the FCC regulates the strength of the signal (to 70 dBu, or decibels relative to one microvolt per meter of signal strength). That way, a station frequency can be re-used again in a relatively nearby location. The actual distance varies because of atmospheric conditions but usually covers 75 to 100 miles from the transmitter. Because each station is responsible for its own content, if spaced perfectly, you’d need to change stations between 60 and 80 times. In reality, you’d need likely a few thousand attempts to find a station that was playing the type of music you wanted.

More Than Just Cars and Trucks

SiriusXM Satellite RadioSiriusXM satellite radio services have been synonymous with marine entertainment systems since they launched. Many people have cottages or camps in very remote areas that have few if any radio stations at all, so being able to enjoy their favorite genre of entertainment is fantastic. Likewise, receivers such as the SiriusXM Sound Station let you enjoy music in your home.

Things You Didn’t Know SiriusXM Could Do

Most of us are used to having satellite radio entertainment in the car, but there are several other applications for the system as well. Many aircraft, both small and large, can get weather and location information using a SiriusXM Aviation receiver. In fact, many Garmin aviation-specific products have the SXM receiver built in.

SiriusXM Satellite RadioSiriusXM Marine provides weather information including lighting strike locations and radar, fishing information and more. Many Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G and Furuno devices are compatible with SiriusXM Marine.

SiriusXM Music for Business offers entertainment solutions that are tailored to different business types. Serve Happy covers restaurants and bars, and Shop Happy is designed for retail stores. There are channels for waiting rooms, spa and fitness businesses, banks and even music dedicated to use when clients must be put on hold on the phone.

Currently only available on OEM source units, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link provide traffic flow information as well as local weather, fuel prices, sports scores and even movie listings. Traffic information mimics that of terrestrial RDS-TMC services in major urban areas.

The Cost of SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SiriusXM Satellite RadioWith the need to replace satellites roughly every 15 years, license music, pay hosts and celebrities, SiriusXM requires a subscription to access its services. In the U.S., prices start at $10.99 a month for 80 basic channels. If you want some of the artist-specific channels and MLB, NBA and NHL coverage, that rises to $15.99. To add Howard Stern, NFL and NASCAR coverage, the price is $19.99. Adding the ability to stream Sirius XM to your computer increases any of the above by $4 a month.

Enjoy the Entertainment You Want, Almost Anywhere

Whether you are in downtown New York or venturing to Supai, Arizona (the most remote community in the contiguous U.S.), enjoying your music is easy with SiriusXM satellite radio. If your vehicle doesn’t already have a satellite radio receiver, drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about your options to add SiriusXM.

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, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: Alpine i407-WRA-JL

Alpine i407-WRA-JL

If you’ve been paying attention over the last few years, you’ll know that the folks at Alpine have been offering many different audio system upgrade solutions for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. These offerings range from head unit replacement solutions to complete audio systems with amplifiers and subwoofers. In this Product Spotlight, we will look at the i407-WRA-JL radio upgrade kit. Let’s check it out!

What is the Alpine i407-WRA-JL Kit?

The i407-WRA-JL is a radio upgrade kit for 2018 and newer JL chassis Jeep Wranglers and 2020 and newer JT chassis Jeep Gladiators. The kit includes an Alpine iLX-407 source unit along with mounting brackets, a radio trim kit, a new auxiliary input jack, all the wiring harnesses, a camera interface module, and an iDatalink Maestro RR integration module. The concept was to provide retailers with a package with everything needed to upgrade the entertainment system and prevent surprises in the installation bay.

Alpine i407-WRA-JL
The Alpine I407-407-WRA kit includes everything your installer needs to upgrade your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator.

Jeep Radio Upgrade Kit Features

The included dash kit and brackets take care of ensuring the radio is mounted in place of the stock source unit and looks great. The dash kit is molded to fit the complex shape of the dash for a clean, factory-like appearance.

Alpine i407-WRA-JL
The mounting brackets and radio trim are designed to make the iLX-407 radio look right at home in your Jeep.

In terms of integration, the factory-installed backup camera on these Wranglers and Gladiators uses a communication protocol called Low-Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS). This signal isn’t directly compatible with aftermarket radios. As such, the i407-WRA-JL kit includes an interface module that converts the LVDS signal into a composite signal so the camera will work with the included iLX-407.

The kit also includes an iDatalink Maestro RR interface. This data interface and harness allows the new radio to plug into the wiring connectors from the original radio and provides access to the Jeep’s data network. Information like vehicle speed, engine RPM and much more can be displayed on the radio. The climate control settings are also adjustable from the face of the new radio.

One item worth noting is that if your Jeep is equipped with the factory amplifier, an optional interface module called the KCX-F200INT is available to let the new radio connect properly.

Alpine i407-WRA-JL
The iDatalink Maestro RR interface allows the Alpine radio to communicate with the computer data network in your vehicle.

Alpine iLX-407 Features

The double-DIN iLX-407 is the radio at the heart of the i407-WRA-JL kit. This radio features a 7-inch anti-glare touch screen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels. The hard controls are along the bottom edge of the front panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is Bluetooth for hands-free streaming or phone calls. The tuner in the unit offers support for HD Radio, which dramatically improves the quality of FM radio. There’s an HDMI input on the rear of the chassis, so you can theoretically connect a gaming system or a laptop, if you want. There are two camera inputs and support for the SiriusXM SXV300 tuner module.

Alpine i407-WRA-JL
The I407-WRA-JL kit includes an interface that allows the LVDS factory-installed camera to work with the new radio.

If you want the best sound quality from your music, playing digital audio files from a USB drive is the way to go. The iLX-407 supports MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, and WAV audio formats with a maximum sampling rate of 48 kHz. The unit will also play AVI, MP4, MPG, MOV and WMV video files with H.264 or MPEG-4 video encoding. The maximum video file size is 4 gigabytes.

Audio Processing Features

The deck includes a four-channel amplifier rated at 16 watts per channel and in compliance with the ANSI/CTA-2006 standards for car audio amplifier power specifications. The triple preamp outputs are rated for up to four volts.

The iLX-407 is impressive in its audio processing features. It has a simple five-band graphic equalizer to let you fine-tune the system to your listening preferences. The more advanced crossovers offer adjustable slopes from six to 24 dB/Octave and filter frequencies from 20 to 200 Hz with high-pass filtering on the front and rear channels and a low-pass filter for the subwoofer output. There’s also a level control for each output, which many source units overlook. Oh, and the subwoofer level control can be adjusted from 0 to 15 with a polarity inversion option to potentially help the subwoofer’s output blend with the woofers in the dash and overhead sound bar.

The Time Correction setting screen allows your installer to dial in delays to each of the six outputs (which include the four built-in amplifier outputs) in 1 millisecond steps or set distances to the speakers in 3.4 centimeter steps. There are three presets available to store different Time Correction configurations. This is ideal if you want one alone in the vehicle or have a passenger, which requires different settings.

Alpine i407-WRA-JL
The equalizer in the iLX-409 includes presets along with user configurable options to let you fine-tune your audio system to your listening preference.

Jeep Radio Upgrade Kits

Alpine offers four Jeep-specific radio upgrade kits, including the i407-WRA-JL and a similar solution for older Wranglers called the i407-WRA-JK, covering 2007 through 2018 applications. If you want something fancier, the I509-WRA-JL and I509-WRA-JK kits include a 9-inch weather-resistant display, more advanced audio processing, and wireless smartphone connectivity.

If your Jeep is lacking in the audio department, visit a local authorized Alpine retailer and ask about the available Jeep-specific solutions. You can find an authorized retailer using the Store Locator tool on the Alpine website. For more information about the audio upgrade solutions available from Alpine, follow them on Facebook, Instagram 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.

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

7 Reasons for Hiring A Mobile Electronics Specialist to Work on Your Car

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistLet’s face it, not all of us are experts at everything. Maybe you’re an electrician or engineer and love to work on projects around the house. You might even be savvy when it comes to cars. You change your own oil and do your own brake jobs. Hey, if you can, why not, right? So, when do we know we need to look at hiring a mobile electronics specialist to help with a project or repair?

Cars are simple right? Switches, relays, light bulbs and wires aren’t hard to figure out, are they? If you can operate a multimeter, you can figure these things out. The problem is, most new cars don’t work that way anymore. Let’s look at how cars have changed, how audio and remote starter integration has changed and why it might be best to let a pro dive under your dash.

1. Vehicle Data Network Integration

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistA few decades ago, the electrical systems in our vehicles were completely analog. Devices were turned on, or off. The blower motor for the heater had four speeds. The engine had really simple temperature switches that would turn on the radiator fan. As time progressed, automakers started adding more and more features to new vehicles. Do you remember the first time you had a car with a keyless entry system? What about a car with a push-button start? These technologies were the beginning of the digital age for cars. Different modules around the vehicle talk to each other on a data network. This technology reduces the need to run as many wires through a car. Needing fewer wires saves weight and reduces cost.

In the good old days, if we wanted to see if a door was open, we’d check to see if the door pin was grounded. Now, we need to ask the computer if it’s open. We can’t simply tap into wiring for information — we need to speak the same language and we need a computer to do the talking.

Here’s a simple example that gives you a good idea of how complicated new cars are becoming. Around 2005, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep decided to remove the analog accessory wire from their radios. To turn the radio on, a message from the vehicle computer would be sent to the radio. If you wanted to change the radio, you needed to buy an interface that could intercept that signal, then produce a conventional analog accessory wire output. A radio installation in these vehicles requires a module like the PAC Audio C2R-CHYNA or the Metra CHTO-01 for a new radio to work.

Properly trained and equipped mobile electronics installation technicians have access to the training and reference material to deal with vehicles that use data networks.

2. Equipped with the Proper Tools

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistAs a car owner, did you know that the wiring for your air bag system is, in most instances, protected with yellow wire loom under the dash and in the door sills? Probing the wrong wire within those harnesses can set off an airbag, or the entire airbag system. If you were leaning on the seat when the bag went off, you could be seriously injured.

In the old days, technicians used test lights and analog multimeters to look for the presence of signals on wires. You can easily damage a modern computer using a test light. Technicians have the right tools to gather the information they need without damaging anything in the vehicle.

3. Responsible for Damage

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistLet’s say you just can’t resist the urge to install a new radio in your car. You take the dash apart, remove the radio and cut off the factory radio plug. You start testing each wire in the harness for voltage and ground, then try to figure out which of the 15 or 20 wires are for speakers. If your vehicle happens to be one with a data network and you let a wire touch the battery wire, you could damage the vehicle computer. Chances are, getting the problem fixed is going to cost you at least several hundred dollars.

By hiring a professional, you are protected from unexpected costs. If they make a mistake, they’ll pay to fix it. It’s just that simple.

4. Module Programming

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistMost remote car starter installations require some sort of vehicle data network interface. Companies like iDatalink, Fortin and Directed offer several solutions that allow specific remote starter functions to communicate directly with the car computer. Each of these modules needs to be programmed for the year, make, model and specific trim level of vehicle. They are NOT generic.

Only authorized retailers have access to the information and programming tools required to configure these modules. Consumers simply can’t perform these tasks.

5. Manufacturer Warranties

If you read the warranty card included with products like a radio or amplifier, many manufacturers require that the device be installed by an authorized dealer in order for the warranty to be valid. Different companies have different guidelines. Installing something yourself may be covered under a 90-day warranty, but the full year is only available with proof of purchase and installation.

Some companies word their warranty statements in a way that offers an extended warranty when the product is purchased from, and installed by, an authorized retailer. With the complexity of modern devices, having a warranty is important.

6. Tricks of the Trade

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistIn most cases, we hire professionals to perform a task because they can do it faster and better than we can. In the mobile electronics industry, technicians develop processes to save them time and make the work they do more reliable. With that said, they are also trained to maximize the performance of the equipment they are installing.

Let’s look at the installation of a set of component speakers. In most cases, the woofer will be installed in the factory door speaker location. When it comes to the tweeter, there are many options. The three most popular tweeter locations are up high in the door, the sail panel and in the A-pillar. Each offers different benefits and drawbacks in terms of performance. Experienced installers know this information and can work with you to determine which will yield results that match your goals.

7. Saving Time by Hiring A Mobile Electronics Specialist

One of the most common and logical reasons to hire a professional to perform a task is to save time. Most of us work Monday to Friday and want to relax on the weekend. Yes, there are many people who enjoy working on their vehicles in their spare time. By hiring an professional, you can drop your car off at the shop on the way to work, then come back after work and your new radio, subwoofer system or remote starter will be installed and ready to use. Hiring a professional can be a simple matter of convenience.

Visit Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialist

You’d never go to your dentist to have your eyes checked, and you wouldn’t go to the convenience store to buy a new computer. Companies exist to offer their expertise to those that require it. When it comes to upgrading the electronics and convenience systems in your car, truck or SUV – take it to an expert. You’ll save time, get the results you wanted and have someone who can provide training and ongoing support for your purchase.

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, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 22
  • Next Page »

Recent Articles

Hertz CP4.800

Product Spotlight: Hertz CP4.800

September 15, 2025 

When choosing an amplifier for your car audio system, consider quality, features, physical size and power production to ensure a worthwhile investment. The mobile audio … [Read More...]

A Quick Look at Apple and Android Smartphones

A Quick Look at Apple and Android Smartphones

September 7, 2025 

Looking back to the Palm Pilot and the original Blackberry, we have been on a constant path toward having full-blown computers with us at all times. Fast-forward a few decades and … [Read More...]

SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Everything You Need To Know About SiriusXM Satellite Radio

August 3, 2025 

It seems you can’t go anywhere these days without hearing or seeing evidence of SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Satellite radio is touted as a commercial-free entertainment solution that … [Read More...]

The Alpine i407-WRA-JL

Product Spotlight: Alpine i407-WRA-JL

July 21, 2025 

If you’ve been paying attention over the last few years, you’ll know that the folks at Alpine have been offering many different audio system upgrade solutions for Jeep Wrangler and … [Read More...]

Testimonials

Very Friendly Staff

Very friendly staff, knowledgeable group . Needed help on my remote starter, they got me back up and running in no time . They also do amazing tint jobs!!

I recommend then to everyone!

Super great place to get lots of custom things done. Very nice, very knowledgeable and very fare prices. I recommend to everyone I know.

Will be going back for sure!

Very happy with how the tint came out. Professional and friendly. Will be going back for sure.

Subscribe to Our Website

Enter your email address to subscribe to our website and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Location

55 Woodmont Road, Milford, CT 06460

Get Directions to Speed of Sound Technologies

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Services

  • Car Audio
  • Custom Installation
  • Driver Safety
  • Radar/Laser Detectors
  • Remote Starters
  • Truck Accessories
  • Vehicle Security
  • Window Tint

Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Closed
Sunday

Copyright © 2025 Speed of Sound Technologies · Privacy Policy · Website by 1sixty8 media, inc. · Log in

 

Loading Comments...