The Importance of GPS Tracking

Automobile theft has been a major concern over the last few years. Vehicles from Lexus, Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai have been key targets for criminals. Aside from a premium security system, GPS tracking is the best investment if you hope to get a stolen vehicle returned. Let’s look at the automotive theft process and explain how a locating device can help get your car or truck back into your driveway.

Auto Thefts

There are a few ways that thieves steal modern vehicles. Some use a relay attack to capture signals from your key fob in your home and unlock the doors. From there, thieves connect to the vehicle’s computer systems, add a new key fob, and drive away in near silence. Top tip: Don’t keep your keys near the front door of your house.

When the bad guys can’t relay the unlock codes from your keys to the vehicle, they have to resort to more invasive processes. They may smash a window and climb through. They are smart enough to know not to open a door, as that will trigger most factory-installed security systems. Once in, they program a new key fob and are on their way. The entire process takes only a few minutes, and brazen thieves commit their dastardly deeds even in broad daylight.

GPS Tracking — YouTube star Tom Bailey inspecting the interior of his stolen and recovered Dodge Ram TRX.

What Happens to a Stolen Vehicle?

Most thieves follow a simple process once the vehicle is stolen. They drive it out of the city it was stolen from and park it in a public place for a day or so. Why? They are checking whether there is a tracking system that will lead the police to the vehicle. One of our team members who listens to police scanners has heard law enforcement follow a stolen vehicle about 40 miles, only to find it parked at a recreation center a few cities away. This process is called “cooling off.”

If, after a day or so, the vehicle hasn’t moved, the thieves either drive it to a chop shop or place it in a container for shipment out of the country.

What About Factory-Installed Tracking?

Most new cars, trucks and SUVs have some form of smartphone-based keyless entry and vehicle-locating system. Aren’t these enough to get your car back? The short answer is no. Thieves know exactly how these systems work and where components like the antenna are located. They disable these either before the vehicle is stolen or when it’s parked to wait. Don’t underestimate the effort bad guys put into preparing to steal a vehicle.

Aftermarket Vehicle Tracking Solutions

It’s safest to assume that criminals know everything about the cars they want to steal. As such, the only way to get your car back is to use an aftermarket tracking device. Firstech, the manufacturer of the Drone telematics system, has recently launched a product designed specifically to track new cars, trucks, SUVs, boats, personal watercraft and powersports equipment – the Drone XT. Drone XT is a smart tracking solution that works with the DroneMobile smartphone app and website to let you keep tabs on your belongings.

Having a Drone XT installed in your car or truck lets you check your vehicle’s location in seconds. Just open the app or visit the website, and you’ll know where the vehicle is located. You can even see a breadcrumb trail of where it’s been, had it been moving.

What sets Drone XT apart from other options? First, it will alert you when the vehicle moves. There’s a small geofence around the parked location, so you won’t be annoyed by small variances caused by GPS signal strength variations. If the system is hardwired to the vehicle via the included USB-C cable, you’ll receive a notification when the engine starts or shuts off.

The system incorporates several environmental sensors that will also trigger alerts on the owner’s smartphone. There’s temperature, humidity and even a light sensor. When any of these detect an abrupt change, you’ll know about it seconds later.

While we are focusing on auto theft, the Drone XT is a perfect solution for motorcycles, boats or a trailer, thanks to its built-in 2,200 mAh battery pack. The system can operate for up to three weeks in Energy Saving mode. It lasts for up to 10 months in Deep Sleep mode. If you are worried about someone stealing a motorcycle while you are on a road trip, Drone XT is a perfect solution.

The Importance of Proper Installation

You may recall that we emphasized how well thieves know the wiring in the cars and trucks they steal. If you have a tracking solution installed, it’s only as effective if the bad guys don’t find it. For example, power wires tapped into the fuse panel will lead criminals to the tracking device’s location, making it easy to defeat.

As with any automotive accessory upgrade, you need to be picky about who works on your vehicle. You want to choose a shop that will take the time to integrate all the wiring into the factory harnesses, using the same cloth or vinyl tapes the vehicle manufacturer uses. You’ll want to ensure that a mounting location is chosen that conceals the unit from view, even if access panels are removed, or major components like the radio are removed from the dash. Skimping on a high-quality installation can render the solution useless.

Protect Your Vehicle with a GPS-Based Tracking System

If you are worried about someone stealing your vehicle or weekend toys, then visit a local authorized Drone retailer and ask about having a Drone XT installed. You can find a retailer near you using the locator tool on the Dronemobile.com website.

Be sure to follow the DroneMobile team on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about the vehicle security and convenience solutions they offer.

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.

Technical Skills Now Pay More: Build a Better Career

For job seekers looking for higher pay, better benefits, and a career with long-term demand, technician work deserves a serious second look. Across the automotive, mobile electronics, transportation, manufacturing, and service industries, employers are no longer searching only for people who can turn wrenches or follow basic installation steps. They are competing for candidates who can learn advanced systems, perform precise electrical and fabrication work, use new diagnostic tools, and adapt as technology advances faster than traditional training cycles can keep pace. That shift likewise shapes the pay opportunity.

The pay opportunity reflects that shift. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics had a median annual wage of $49,670 in May 2024, while the top 10 percent earned more than $80,850. BLS also projects about 70,000 openings per year for automotive service technicians and mechanics from 2024 to 2034.

Employers Need Advanced Technical Talent

The modern technician role is becoming more technical, digital, and valuable. Vehicles and equipment now rely on connected electronics, software-controlled modules, sensors, driver-assistance features, infotainment systems, security technology, cameras, and data networks. A technician may be expected to interpret wiring diagrams, test circuits, fabricate mounting solutions, integrate aftermarket products, diagnose intermittent electrical problems, and document work accurately. This growing complexity helps explain the demand.

That need is not isolated to one industry. National Skills Coalition reports that 52 percent of U.S. jobs require training beyond high school but less than a four-year degree, yet only 43 percent of workers have had access to that level of skills training. For candidates willing to gain technical credentials and continue learning, that mismatch creates opportunity and sets up the next challenge: keeping pace with change.

Skills Are Changing at Record Speed

The pace of change is one reason technician careers are gaining attention. Lightcast found that 37 percent of the top 20 skills requested for the average U.S. job have changed since 2016, with one in five skills entirely new in this article. That is an important signal for anyone pursuing a high-paying career path: employers are rewarding adaptability.

Technical workers are also expected to be comfortable with digital tools. A National Skills Coalition report found that 92 percent of job ads require either definitely digital or likely digital skills. For technicians, that can mean using scan tools, online service information, programming platforms, connected diagnostic systems, digital inspection tools, and cloud-based reporting systems.

Electrical and Fabrication Skills Matter

The most attractive technician candidates are those who can consistently produce clean, reliable, repeatable work. Employers need people who understand electrical loads, proper circuit protection, wire routing, grounding, connectors, mounting methods, materials, and fabrication quality. In the field of vehicle technology, mistakes can cause more than customer inconvenience. Poor installation practices can cause battery drains, system faults, safety-system interference, damaged electronics, or fire risk. Those stakes make precision essential.

That is why employers increasingly prize candidates who can prove they understand professional standards. A person who can learn advanced systems, work safely, and conform to new procedures is not just filling a job opening. They protect customer vehicles, reduce comebacks, improve efficiency, and help a business stay competitive. In that context, credentials matter.

Credentials Help Candidates Stand Out

In a crowded labor market, claims of experience are not always enough. Legitimate credentials help job seekers show that their skills have been measured against an industry-recognized standard. They also give employers a faster way to identify candidates who are serious about professional development and ready for the next step.

For mobile electronics, vehicle accessory installation, and automotive technology integration, MECP certification is a strong place to start. The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional program as the only internationally recognized credentialed certification program of its kind for mobile technology installation technicians and salespeople working with OEM and aftermarket automotive technology, entertainment, navigation, safety, and security systems. More than 60,000 installation technicians have been tested through the MECP program since its inception.

MECP Certification Opens Career Doors

MECP certification can help candidates gain recognition, get hired, and prepare themselves for advancement. For new entrants, it provides a credible starting point. For working technicians, it can support progression into higher-level roles, more complex work, or specialist responsibilities.

MECP’s professional resources indicate that earning certification shows an employer that a person is invested in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to take on greater responsibilities. MECP also identifies certification upgrades as a way for technicians and specialists to demonstrate to the industry that they are serious about their careers and work quality.

Start Building a Higher-Pay Future

For job seekers looking beyond traditional four-year degree paths, the message is clear: technician careers are becoming more advanced, more respected, and more financially competitive. The candidates most likely to benefit will be those who can combine hands-on skill with electrical knowledge, fabrication ability, digital confidence, and legitimate credentials. That combination establishes the foundation for a stronger career path. Start building that advantage now.

A great place to begin is MECP certification. In a market hungry for technical talent, take the next step to turn interest into recognition, recognition into interviews, and skill into a stronger career.

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: Audison Voce II Speakers

We’ve said dozens of times that speakers are by a long way the most important part of any audio system, be it for a home or car. The team at Audison in Italy went to great lengths to create a truly carte blanche set of speaker solutions when they developed the Voce II series of speakers. Sharing design concepts from the premier Thesis line, Voce II speaker solutions deliver value and excellent performance for music lovers. Let’s check them out!

AV 1.1 II Tweeters

Let’s look at the AV 1.1 II tweeters first. Designed with a 1.1-inch Tetolon fiber soft dome, these are among the very few tweeters that offer good upper-midrange performance while delivering high-frequency extension to 40 kHz. They have a resonant frequency under 900 Hz, making them an ideal partner for the three-inch AV 3.0 II mids or the 6.5-inch AV 6.5 P II woofers. They can be filtered at 1.8 kHz with a fourth-order active filter.

Another key feature of the AV 1.1 II tweeters is the Any Install Faceplate (A.I.F.) installation parts included in the kit. The A.I.F. component gives your installer several choices for grilles or OE-style mounting rings available to simplify and add elegance to any installation.

Audison Voce II — The AV 1.1 II tweeters include a selection of grilles and mounting adapters to give your installer options during installation.

AV 3.0 II Midrange

The 3.5-inch AV 3.0 II midrange speakers have been designed to offer excellent clarity, detail and output from a relatively shallow design. In fact, it’s almost 20% shallower than the driver it replaces. The speakers use a rubber surround for reliability. The cone is semi-pressed paper that offers an excellent balance of strength, rigidity and damping.

At the heart of the driver is a large 26mm glass fiber voice coil to help dissipate heat. This contributes significantly to the 50-watt continuous and 100-watt peak power rating. Crucially, Audison implemented a copper shorting ring in the motor assembly to reduce inductance and improve upper midrange output. These midrange speakers have a 3.2-ohm impedance that balances efficiency and sound quality from your chosen amplifier. The AV 3.0 II speakers have a resonant frequency of 150 hertz, allowing your installer to cross them over low enough to create a stable soundstage across the vehicle.

AV 6.5 P II Woofers

The AV 6.5 P II Woofers can serve as dedicated midbass speakers with the AV 3.0 II midrange, or as midwoofers when paired with the AV 1.1 II tweeters in a two-way system. The woofers are based on a cast-aluminum chassis and use semi-pressed pulp paper cones with an IIR rubber surround. An aluminum shorting ring in the motor assembly reduces inductance and improves upper midrange performance. The woofers feature a 40mm voice coil, which helps them handle 150 watts of power.

The AV 6.5 II and the AV 3.0 II component drivers include both the classic Faston spade terminals and a set of OEM-style automotive connectors with pigtails to make electrical connections.

AVX 6.5 II Coaxial Speakers

Audison has combined the Voce II woofer and tweeter technologies into a single point-source coaxial called the AVX 6.5 II. This 6.5-inch driver features the same semi-pressed paper cone and IIR rubber surround concepts as the dedicated woofer. In the center of the driver is a 25 millimeter Tetolon-dome tweeter. The driver components can be actively filtered with a crossover point at 3 kHz. The kit includes four passive crossover modules, two for the tweeters and two for the woofers. The tweeter crossover includes a 0 or -1.5 dB attenuation switch, and the woofer filter networks offer a selectable mid contour control.

Component Sets

Audison offers three component sets in the Voce II line. The AVK 6 P II and the AVK 6A P II include the 1.1-inch tweeters and 6.5-inch woofers. The A designation in the latter kit denotes that passive crossovers are not included as the system is intended for active filtering with a DSP-equipped amplifier.

There is another component set called the AVK 6 S II, which features a shallower 6.5-inch woofer, a 1-inch tweeter, and a passive crossover network. Power handling is reduced to 125 watts on this kit because the woofer has a smaller (but still relatively large) 36 mm voice-coil diameter.

Upgrade Your Driving Experience with Audison Voce II

The new Audison Voce II speakers combine premium technologies that genuinely improve performance. They have been crafted with installer-friendly features that save time. When it’s time for a premium speaker upgrade for your car, truck or SUV, visit an authorized Audison retailer and ask for a demonstration of the new Voce II speakers. You can find an authorized dealer using the locator tool on the Audison website. Be sure to follow Audison on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn about the amazing mobile audio solutions they offer.

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: Drone XT GPS Tracker

Protecting your vehicles or equipment has never been more important, and a GPS tracking system is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. The new Drone XT from Firstech gives owners a simple and effective way to monitor the location of their car, truck or powersports vehicle in real time. Whether you want added security against theft or want to keep tabs on valuable equipment, a professional-grade tracking solution can improve your chances of quickly recovering your property. Let’s take a closer look at the new Drone XT tracking system.

What is the Drone XT?

Drone XT is a self-contained GPS tracking solution that features an integrated battery for stand-alone operation. Unlike Bluetooth devices like AirTags, the Drone XT operates completely independently from other devices like a smartphone, so you can always check its location from the app or website.

The Drone XT includes a USB-C hardwire power cable that your installer can integrate with the vehicle to power the system and indicate when the ignition is on. There’s also a dual-ended USB-C cable for charging the unit in stand-alone mode. For convenience, four high-strength neodymium magnets are integrated into the base of the unit. If you have heavy equipment to monitor, you can simply attach the Drone XT, and you are good to go.

Full-Time GPS Tracking System

The Drone XT works with the Dronemobile.com website and smartphone app. You can locate your vehicle anytime you want, as long as you have access to the Internet. You don’t need to involve the police or call a phone number. You’ll know the solution is working as soon as you power it up. If you can’t check the location of your GPS tracking system, do you even know if it’s working?

When the unit is moving, the Drone system tracks location with a breadcrumb trail that updates every minute or 30 seconds, depending on the service plan you’ve chosen. Not only can you see where the device is, but where it’s been. This is great as a tracking solution for company-owned service or delivery vehicles.

Low-Power Operation

Firstech engineers have gone to great lengths to maximize the built-in battery’s longevity. The system combines a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with a state-of-the-art LTE Cat M1 cellular radio. Unlike conventional cellular radios, the LTE Cat M1 is designed specifically for low-power IoT devices like the Drone XT.

The Drone XT has power-saving modes to further extend the battery’s life. The unit doesn’t update GPS location or communicate with the DroneMobile server unless it detects motion. The “Wake on Movement” feature has a five-meter buffer, so even shifts in GPS location due to signal strength variations won’t trigger communication. If someone moves the vehicle or piece of equipment, you will be notified immediately.

The 2,200 mAh battery will last up to 3 weeks in Energy-Saving mode and up to 10 months in Deep Sleep mode.

Integrated Environment Monitoring

The Drone XT GPS tracker includes three additional sensors that can be configured to provide alerts to the owner. There’s a temperature sensor that provides notifications for changes by a user-configurable number of degrees. Likewise, a humidity sensor monitors moisture in the air and sends an alert if that changes by a certain percentage. Finally, there’s a light sensor that’ll tell you if someone is snooping around with a flashlight. These alerts show up almost instantly as notifications on your smartphone.

Protection For Unique Applications

The Drone XT GPS tracker is an affordable, convenient way to monitor your car or truck. However, its applications extend much farther. If you have a side-by-side, ATV or motorcycle you want to monitor, the Drone XT is perfect. Your boat, personal watercraft or trailer is also a great application for the compact tracking solution. Did we mention the unit has an IP67 rating for water and dust intrusion?

If you have a service or delivery vehicle and need to monitor its location, Drone XT is a perfect solution. You’ll know when the ignition turns on or off, where it’s located and what stops it has made throughout the day. If the vehicle is used after hours, you’ll be alerted instantly.

Heavy equipment theft is a major issue. Protect your dozers, graders, excavators, compact track loaders and skid steers with this reliable and affordable solution.

For more information on the Drone XT GPS tracker, or to schedule an installation, contact your local authorized Drone retailer by visiting the dealer locator on the Drone website. Be sure to follow the Drone team on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay up-to-date with new product releases.

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

Why Certified Professionals Deliver Faster, More Accurate, and More Reliable Vehicle Upgrades

When a vehicle is upgraded or repaired, the quality of the work depends heavily on who performs it. Certified professionals bring formal training, verified skills, and adherence to industry standards that directly translate into faster completion, greater accuracy, and longer-lasting reliability. For consumers, choosing a certified technician is not just a credential preference – it is a practical decision that protects both time and investment.

Certified professionals are trained to work efficiently without sacrificing precision. Their education focuses on proven processes, correct tool usage, and systematic diagnostics. Rather than relying on trial-and-error, they follow established procedures to identify issues quickly and implement the correct solution the first time. This efficiency reduces vehicle downtime, minimizes repeat visits, and ensures upgrades or repairs are completed on schedule.

Accuracy is another key advantage. Modern vehicles integrate complex electrical, electronic, and safety systems that require a deep understanding of how components interact. Certified technicians are tested on these systems and must demonstrate competency before earning their credentials. This reduces the risk of misdiagnosis, improper installation, or overlooked details that can lead to performance issues or system failures. Accurate work not only improves immediate results but also prevents secondary problems caused by incorrect service.

Long-term reliability is where certification delivers the most value. Certified professionals install and repair components in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry best practices. This includes proper wiring, secure mounting, accurate calibration, and thorough testing before returning the vehicle. Because work done to these standards is far less likely to fail prematurely, develop intermittent issues, or compromise other vehicle systems, the value of certification becomes even clearer.

Certification emphasizes ongoing education. As vehicles and aftermarket technologies evolve, certified professionals must stay current with new products, standards, and service techniques. This ensures repairs and upgrades remain compatible with future needs.

Finally, certified professionals operate within accountable systems, where their credentials can be verified, their work is often documented, and their reputation depends on maintaining compliance with certification requirements. This level of accountability encourages consistency, professionalism, and attention to detail, benefiting every customer.

In short, certified professionals upgrade and repair vehicles faster by using efficient processes, deliver greater accuracy through informed, tested work, and ensure greater reliability by following established standards. Certification is not just a title; it offers a measurable advantage that delivers better outcomes for both the vehicle and its owner.

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.

The Importance of GPS Tracking

Auto Thefts

What Happens to a Stolen Vehicle?

What About Factory-Installed Tracking?

Aftermarket Vehicle Tracking Solutions

The Importance of Proper Installation

Protect Your Vehicle with a GPS-Based Tracking System

Technical Skills Now Pay More: Build a Better Career

Employers Need Advanced Technical Talent

Skills Are Changing at Record Speed

Electrical and Fabrication Skills Matter

Credentials Help Candidates Stand Out

MECP Certification Opens Career Doors

Start Building a Higher-Pay Future

Product Spotlight: Audison Voce II Speakers

AV 1.1 II Tweeters

AV 3.0 II Midrange

AV 6.5 P II Woofers

AVX 6.5 II Coaxial Speakers

Component Sets

Upgrade Your Driving Experience with Audison Voce II

Product Spotlight: Drone XT GPS Tracker

What is the Drone XT?

Full-Time GPS Tracking System

Low-Power Operation

Integrated Environment Monitoring

Protection For Unique Applications

Why Certified Professionals Deliver Faster, More Accurate, and More Reliable Vehicle Upgrades

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