Product Spotlight: ARC Audio X2 600.4

When it comes to balancing fantastic sound quality with impressive power production, the X2 600.4 four-channel amplifier from ARC Audio checks all the boxes. This compact amplifier is rated to produce 150 watts per channel, and it includes all the signal routing and integration features your installer would need to complete your installation.

ARC Audio X2 600.4 Specifications vr

Up first, let’s talk about how much power this amp can produce. ARC rates the amp as being capable of delivering 150 watts per channel or 300 watts per channel pair when bridged into a 4-ohm load. The stereo specifications apply to both 4-and 2-ohm loads as a switch located beside each of the speaker output connectors adjusts the power supply rail voltage. Whereas most amplifiers make power into lower impedances, the X2 600.4 ensures that you have all the power you’ll need into 2- or 4-ohm loads.

Signal Processing Features

Each pair of channels is equipped with a stereo sensitivity control that is adjustable from 200 mV to 3.5V. Channels 1 and 2 have an adjustable crossover than can be configured in high- or low-pass mode and is adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz. This pair of channels also has an adjustable bass boost function that allows your installer to dial in up to 12 dB of boost at 45 Hz. When the crossover for this pair of channels is set to low-pass mode, the included remote level control can be used for subwoofer level adjustment.

Channels 3 and 4 have the option of being configured in a bandpass configuration for a midrange or mid-bass speaker. The high-pass filter is adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz, and the low-pass filter has two ranges – 50 to 500 Hz, or 500 to 5,000 Hz when the x10 multiplier switch is activated. The signal input for channels 3 and 4 can be sourced directly from the RCA jacks on the front edge of the amp or can be “copied” from inputs 1 and 2 to eliminate the need for Y-cables.

ARC Audio also includes a bridging switch that sets the signal routing up to use the amp in a two-channel configuration. The signal from RCA input 1 goes to channels 1 and 2, and the input from RCA 2 goes to channels 3 and 4. The controls for channels 1 and 2 are used in this configuration.

On-Board Diagnostic System

All of the controls are on the top of the amp and are concealed by a removable aluminum shroud. The acrylic badge in the center illuminates in blue when the amp is powered up. If the microprocessor in the amp detects a fault, the logo will flash in a pattern that describes the issue. Specific error codes are provided for under-voltage, over-voltage, short circuit, thermal and DC conditions. This information can dramatically reduce the time required to diagnose any vehicle or installation issues if the amp shuts down.

Electrical and Signal Connections

The front edge of the amp has a power block that will accept four-AWG power cables. The block uses plated Phillips-head set screws with knurled tips to hold the wire securely. To the left of the power block is a pair of 30-amp ATC fuses. It’s nice to see an amplifier include fusing on the chassis – this saves the consumer money at the time of installation.

There are four chrome-plated RCA jacks and an RJ-11 for the remote level control. A pair of removable terminal blocks handles the speaker output connections. The blocks will accept 12-AWG cable. To the right of each block is the aforementioned load select switch that adjusts the power supply voltage.

Factory Stereo System Integration Features

Each of the RCA connections uses balanced differential circuitry to eliminate noise imposed on the interconnect cables. ARC Audio includes two sets of RCA pigtails with the amp for use as speaker-level inputs. These pigtails include a voltage divider network that allows for up to 20 volts of signal from a factory radio or amplifier.

The amp also includes a three-position switch that controls the auto-sensing turn-on circuit. In the Off position, the amp monitors the remote turn-on terminal for 12V. In the Signal Detect mode, it looks for audio to be present on RCA input 1. In the DC detect mode, the amp looks for a DC offset voltage on RCA input. This DC offset voltage is typically found in the output of most radios and small amplifiers.

The power supply is designed to work with electrical systems that function between 9 and 17 volts. It also includes provisions to function with vehicles equipped with Start-Stop technology. As long as your radio keeps playing, so will the X2 600.4.

Experience the ARC Audio X2 600.4 Today!

While the features and design of the X2 600.4 are unmatched, so too is its sound quality. You have to experience this amp to understand its impressive clarity and detail. Visit your local authorized ARC Audio retailer today for a demonstration. To learn more about the X2-Series amplifiers, or any of ARC Audio’s fine products, visit their website and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, 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.

Why Drone Is the Perfect Choice for Fleet Management

Whether you are a small auto parts store with two delivery vehicles or run a local courier or moving company with dozens of trucks, Drone is the perfect fleet management tool. Drone uses high-performance telematics technology to monitor the location and behavior of the vehicle it’s installed in. DroneMobile – the powerful web and smartphone interface – makes managing the information collected by Drone efficient, so you can optimize the operation of your company vehicles and increase safety.

Drone Fleet Management Packages

Depending on the specific needs of your company, Drone offers three tracking solutions for business owners. The Premium package logs individual vehicle trips, monitors for speed violations and includes four geofence and 10 point-of-interest alert options. You can look up a vehicle location in seconds using the DroneMobile app on your smartphone or the web interface.

Stepping up to the Premium Plus plan adds turn-by-turn and breadcrumb trail logging that updates every two minutes. Geofences and point-of-interest locations are unlimited on the Premium Plus and higher packages.

Finally, the Ultimate package increases breadcrumb trail logging to every 30 seconds and adds location-based alerts. All three options include Drone’s standard vehicle control features like locking and unlocking, as well as battery voltage and vehicle temperature monitoring.

The packages include maintenance reminders, and vehicle diagnostic trouble code information is also logged to help ensure that the fleet is operating reliably and efficiently.

Fleet Management — You can choose from three GPS-enabled tracking packages to provide the connectivity and information you require to manage your fleet.

How Fleet Tracking Saves Companies Money

As a business owner, understanding how your equipment is being used is paramount to your profitability. Ensuring that delivery routes are being followed can save money in reduced fuel expenses. Information about arrival time to each destination can be used to optimize itineraries to avoid traffic congestion or construction. Curfew alerts ensure that your vehicle fleet is being used for business purposes only.

Using the Trips feature (available on the DroneMobile app or at accounts.dronemobile.com on any web browser), managers can review up to six months of data for each vehicle and look for driving behavior issues like speeding, unnecessary stops and unscheduled detours.

The Activity Log function at accounts.dronemobile.com includes options to sort information by vehicle, date range and activity, enabling you to analyze operational status with impressive detail. Data from the Activity Log can be exported into a spreadsheet-compatible .CSV format with a single button-click to help create presentations and reports.

Additional Fleet Tracking Benefits

It’s been proven repeatedly that company drivers who know a tracking system has been installed on the company vehicle drive more safely and efficiently. Safer driving reduces fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses, and can also reduce insurance costs from reduced claims. Speaking of insurance, it would be worth asking your insurance company if they offer a discount for vehicles that have tracking systems.

Drone hardware can be upgraded with security features to add another level of protection to your fleet. The Firstech DAS-II sensor monitors the vehicle for impacts, glass breakage, towing and motion. Likewise, sensors can be added to tool storage compartments or cargo loading doors. These alerts are not only logged in the activity report, but notifications are sent directly to the driver’s smartphone so he or she can contact law enforcement if the vehicle is being tampered with.

Accurate Data Makes Asset Management Easier

As a company owner with a fleet of vehicles, managing their expense can be a daunting task. From fuel and regular maintenance to insurance claims and damage repairs – your overhead can be thousands of dollars a year. Knowing where and how your vehicles are used is the first step to implementing policies that ensure their efficiency and safety. Drone can provide that information.

Contact your local Firstech retailer today to find out how you can equip your fleet with Drone Fleet Management solutions. You can find a dealer here. To stay up-to-date with the latest from Drone, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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: ARC Audio MOTO720

ARC Audio is known across the aftermarket motorcycle industry for having introduced some of the first audio upgrade packages specifically for Harley-Davidsons. The MOTO720 is the company’s second generation of extreme-power, motorcycle-specific amplifiers. With four channels of amplification and all the system configuration tools your installer will ever need, this amp should be at the top of your list for upgrades to the audio system in your Harley (or any other brand of motorcycle).

ARC Audio MOTO720 Features

The MOTO720 is based on an aluminum extrusion and measures in at a compact 8.125 inches wide, 5.43 inches deep and 1.8 inch high. The leading edge of the top of the amp is angled so that it will fit inside the fairing of 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles like the Road Glide and Road King. Wisely, ARC put the connections for the amp on this narrow leading edge so that they won’t interfere with the instrument cluster in the dash. All of the crossover and sensitivity controls are located on the top of the amp under an easily removable machined aluminum cover that bears the ARC Audio logo and the amp model number.

ARC Audio rates the amp as being capable of producing 150 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads, 180 watts per channel into a 2-ohm load, and an impressive 360 watts per channel pair when bridged to a single 4-ohm driver. Unlike many other products and brands out there, ARC’s power rating showcases its output abilities at a continuous power rating at .05% THD, giving you a real-life power rating and not just a number that looks good on paper with marketing attached. More impressive than the robust power ratings is its efficiency. The engineering team at ARC was able to wring out a mind-blowing 94% total efficiency at full power. That’s 10 to 15% better than most competing products. Making the most of the limited electrical systems on a motorcycle is crucial to being able to listen at high-volume levels. With this level of efficiency, the MOTO720 will play louder and longer than its competitors.

Amplifier Connections and Controls

The front edge of the amp includes a custom-tooled terminal block that will accept 8-AWG power and ground connections. Two blocks that will accept 12-AWG speaker cables are at the other end of the amp. The set screws for all 10 terminals plus the remote turn-on connection are accessible through openings in the top cover and are sealed to the inside of the amplifier. Should water get into the screw openings, it will pass through the terminal with no chance of collection and damage. Signal inputs are handled by two five-pin quick-connect jacks. ARC Audio has used these locking jacks as the speaker-level inputs on amps for decades. The amp includes a set of RCA jacks on pigtails for use with aftermarket source units, or it can be connected to the wiring from one of ARC’s Harley-specific wiring kits like the HD-FH2014. A third option is to connect the output of the ARC Audio PSM digital signal processor directly to the amp. As with all new ARC Audio products, the inputs feature a balanced differential design to help eliminate the potential for unwanted noise in the system.

In terms of integrating this amp with the factory source unit on a motorcycle or in any kind of vehicle, ARC has included both DC-Offset and signal-detect remote turn-on features. The sensitivity controls are adjustable from 200 mV to 3.5 V. Each pair of channels has a selectable high- or low-pass crossover that can be set anywhere between 50 and 500 Hz. Additionally, all four channels can be fed using a single pair of inputs based on the position of the Input Select switch. ARC also included a two-channel mode switch that feeds the signal from channel 1 to outputs 1 and 2, and input 2 to channel 3 and 4 for high-power applications. Be careful: 320 watts to a single driver, other than a subwoofer, is a potentially dangerous amount of power.

A look inside the amp reveals a tidy and thoughtful design. All the power supply components are kept to the left side of the amp, the input and signal processing components are in the center and on two vertical boards in the back right. You can see the enclosed output chokes on the bottom right. This style of inductor emits less RF noise than typical open designs.

Worth noting is the tribute ARC included inside this amplifier, with a personalized logo in the center of the amp circuit board. It’s a caricature of Bob Morrow. Bob was the ARC Audio representative in the Arizona region and one of the first fields reps to work for the company. He passed away in May 2017. Bob was a true audio enthusiast and loved riding his Gold Wing.

Premium Audio Quality for Motorcycle and Powersports Applications

If you’ve ever had the chance to audition an ARC Audio amplifier, then you’ll understand why they are considered among the best in the industry in terms of sound quality. Drop by your local authorized ARC Audio dealer to check out MOTO720 and the rest of the motorcycle and powersports solutions that are available. You can learn more about ARC Audio products by visiting their website, their Facebook page, their Instagram and their YouTube channel.

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.

How Does the Drone Vehicle Smartphone Control System Work?

Drone is the world-class vehicle telematics system from Firstech – the manufacturer of Compustar security and remote start systems. Drone will let you remote start your vehicle, control the door locks and trunk release, pinpoint the GPS location, monitor driving behavior and much more using the DroneMobile app on your smartphone or their website. How all these features work may seem like magic, but it’s actually quite logical. Let’s look at how the Drone system works.

A Look at the Drone Telematics System

In terms of hardware, Drone is a small computer module that a professional technician can integrate into your vehicle to provide remote control functionality. The module includes a cellular data radio to communicate with your smartphone. The vehicle hardware works with the DroneMobile app on an iOS or Android smartphone or the accounts.dronemobile.com web interface to send commands to and display information from your vehicle.

How Drone Works — The compact Drone module is mounted inside the dash of your vehicle and serves as a high-speed interface between your smartphone and your car or truck.

What Can Drone Do?

Remote control functions like remote start, door lock control, trunk release and auxiliary output activation are just one aspect of the Drone solution. Each Drone module includes a GPS receiver that receives information from several of the 32 GPS satellites that orbit the earth at any given time. Tapping on the map button in the DroneMobile app sends a command to the vehicle module to report its location. The longitude and latitude are relayed back to your phone and overlaid onto Apple Maps (in iOS devices) or Google Maps (on Android smartphones). Accuracy is usually within several meters, so you will always know exactly where your vehicle is located.

Any command or request from the app is sent from your phone using WiFi or a cellular data connection to the Drone servers. Drone uses Amazon Web Services to host their servers because their service is one of the fastest and most robust Cloud connectivity solutions available. The command, which includes security authentication information, is checked by the servers, then forwarded to the Drone hardware in your vehicle using a cellular data connection. The Drone module receives the command and activates the appropriate function, or returns the requested information. In most cases, the entire communication process takes only a second or two.

The beauty of Drone is that there are no range limits. If your vehicle is in range of a cell-phone tower and you have access to the Internet, you are in complete control. You could be in your house, an office building, or lying on a beach in Mexico – you are still connected.

Drone Security and Vehicle Tracking Features

If you have chosen a Compustar, Arctic Start, FTX or iDatastart security system or upgraded a remote starter with security features, alerts from the vehicle will be sent to your smartphone and displayed as notifications. Firstech’s DAS-II sensor will monitor your vehicle for impacts, tilting (if someone were to jack up the vehicle to steal a wheel or the catalytic converter), glass breakage and motion or acceleration. The X1-MAX has the features of the DAS-II built into the unit. You can also configure Drone to send notifications when the ignition is turned on or off, or when the remote starter is activated. Speed limit warnings, curfew alerts and geofence notifications are also available.

Easy and Fast Remote Control from Almost Anywhere

If you are shopping for the easiest-to-use, fastest remote-control system for your vehicle remote starter or security system, look no further. We can demonstrate the features of this amazing product and let you know what it will take to upgrade your car or truck. For more information about Drone, visit their website. You should also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Their YouTube channel contains hundreds of videos that offer in-depth explanations of specific Drone features and technologies.

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 X1-MAX

In the summer of 2019, Firstech introduced a new version of its Drone vehicle telematics module called the X1-MAX. This new module took everything great about Drone vehicle tracking and remote control and injected it with a healthy dose of new-feature steroids. The result is a smartphone control solution that is unparalleled in capabilities while remaining easy to use.

The Drone Telematics Platform

Just like the Drone X1-LTE interface included with such Compustar RF kits as the P2WR3, the X1-MAX includes a built-in LTE cellular radio that communicates directly with the DroneMobile servers. The DroneMobile app on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone can control door locking and unlocking, remote start functionality and several auxiliary outputs. Additionally, Drone modules can provide GPS tracking, driver monitoring, security alerts and vehicle health monitoring functions. The unit can also be integrated with a remote start controller like the CM7000 and CM7200 from Compustar for additional features or the inclusion of an RF remote option.

Drone X1-MAX — Complete control over your vehicle is as easy a few taps on the screen of your smartphone using the DroneMobile app.

Both systems include a GPS receiver that can be used with the DroneMobile smartphone app or the web interface to locate your vehicle and provide position-based geofencing alerts. Using the GPS features requires a subscription to the Premium, Premium Plus or Ultimate service plan instead of the Basic subscription.

Of course, both units will communicate directly with Compustar, Arctic Start, FTX, ADS iDatastart and Mid City Engineering car starters to control door locks and starting functionality. Control for optional auxiliary accessories like trunk release, sliding door or power windows may also be available.

Remote start, door locking and trunk release commands can be sent through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also use the DroneMobile app with your Apple Watch or an Android Smartwatch. There’s also an iPhone Widget to make it easy to access commonly-used functions almost instantly.

The DroneMobile app includes provisions for controlling and monitoring multiple vehicles. The Family Sharing feature allows others to control the vehicle from their smartphones. Sharing is also great for businesses that use Drone. Finally, driver monitoring features like curfew alerts, geofencing, trip reporting and speeding alerts are also available.

New Drone Hardware Features

The X1-MAX separates itself from the X1-LTE with the inclusion of a built-in lithium-ion backup battery that will maintain location and control communication if the vehicle battery is disconnected or the wiring is cut. Once you get an alert that the battery is disconnected, you’ll have more than enough time to check the vehicle to see what’s going on or contact local law enforcement.

The X1-MAX includes CAN/OBD network connectivity hardware so that the module can communicate directly with the computer system in your vehicle. For example, should the ECM in the vehicle generate a Diagnostics Trouble Code (DTC), the Drone system will push that information through to your smartphone. Fuel level monitoring will also be available on many vehicles. These features are still in the final testing stages and, according to Firstech, should be available in the fall of 2020.

The X1-MAX system includes onboard security sensors for impact, glass breakage and tilt. If someone tries to jack the car up to steal your wheels, you’ll get a notification on your smartphone. Likewise, if a thief attempts to break a window, or if someone bumps into your vehicle, those conditions will also send an alert. Interestingly and conveniently, users can adjust the shock sensor sensitivity directly from the DroneMobile app. The tilt sensor also functions as an accelerometer so that warnings about abrupt acceleration or braking can be logged or sent to the phone application.

Finally, the X1-MAX includes a Bluetooth 4.2 radio. You can pair your smartphone directly to the system to control all the functions from the DroneMobile app. If you are traveling to a campsite or cottage outside of cellphone coverage range, Bluetooth ensures that you have complete control over the vehicle.

Control Your Vehicle from Almost Anywhere

Firstech recently upgraded the behind-the-scenes control system for Drone to use Amazon Web Services IoT for lightning-fast connectivity and fantastic reliability. Globally recognized companies like Formula 1, Volkswagen Group, and, of course, Amazon trust AWS IoT for their cloud-based services.

The X1-MAX is currently available for purchase exclusively in the United States.

Drone telematics systems have quickly become the industry reference for features and intuitive functionality. If you’re looking for a long-range remote control, vehicle tracking and maintenance logging solution for your car, truck or SUV, visit your local authorized Drone retailer. You can learn more about Drone by visiting their website, Facebook page, YouTube channel or Instagram. You can find a local retailer using their online dealer locator.

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: ARC Audio X2 600.4

ARC Audio X2 600.4 Specifications vr

Signal Processing Features

On-Board Diagnostic System

Electrical and Signal Connections

Factory Stereo System Integration Features

Experience the ARC Audio X2 600.4 Today!

Why Drone Is the Perfect Choice for Fleet Management

Drone Fleet Management Packages

How Fleet Tracking Saves Companies Money

Additional Fleet Tracking Benefits

Accurate Data Makes Asset Management Easier

Product Spotlight: ARC Audio MOTO720

ARC Audio MOTO720 Features

Amplifier Connections and Controls

Premium Audio Quality for Motorcycle and Powersports Applications

How Does the Drone Vehicle Smartphone Control System Work?

A Look at the Drone Telematics System

What Can Drone Do?

Drone Security and Vehicle Tracking Features

Easy and Fast Remote Control from Almost Anywhere

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile X1-MAX

The Drone Telematics Platform

New Drone Hardware Features

Control Your Vehicle from Almost Anywhere

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