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How Does the Drone Vehicle Smartphone Control System Work?

How Drone Works

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.

How Drone Works
Users can log in to accounts.dronemobile.com from any browser to control and locate their vehicle or configured the Drone system.

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.

How Drone Works
With push notifications, you’ll know in seconds if someone is tampering with your vehicle.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, PRODUCTS, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: DroneMobile

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile X1-MAX

Drone 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.

Drone X1-MAX

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.

Drone X1-MAX

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, PRODUCTS, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: DroneMobile, Firstech

Product Spotlight: Sony DSX-M80 Marine Bluetooth Receiver

Sony DSX-M80The introduction of the DSX-M80 Bluetooth receiver marks the newest version of Sony’s marine-grade High Power head unit in its current product line. It replaces the MEX-M100BT, which debuted Sony’s proprietary impressive High Power technology at 45-watts by four from its internal amplifier to a marine-grade radio. The fun doesn’t stop there – dual USB ports, dual Bluetooth connectivity, UV-resistant materials used for the face and trim, anti-corrosive coatings on its electronics and a suite of signal processing features make this radio an excellent solution for boats as well as powersports applications.

Sony DSX-M80

Sony High Power Source Unit Amplifier

Unlike typical car radios that use a single integrated circuit powered directly from the vehicle battery voltage, Sony has included a switching power supply and a four-channel Class D amp in the chassis of the DSX-M80. This amp is capable of producing at least 45 watts of power per channel into 4-ohm loads and is 2-ohm stable to bring even more power in that configuration. Sony also includes its Subwoofer Direct Mode, which lets you feed even more power to a single rear output connected to a subwoofer setup to bring your audio system to life without the need for an external amplifier.

Sony DSX-M80 Design and Interface

The display on the DSX-M80 features a high-contrast design with a white panel and black text that works well in bright sunlight. The 14-segment, 12-character display allows song titles and radio station information to be displayed accurately. The display and button backlighting colors can be set to any of more than 34,000 options, or you can use the Sound Sync mode to have the display change to the beat of your music. A key feature for marine applications is the inclusion of non-volatile memory that will maintain system settings, radio station presets and phone pairings when power is cut to the unit for storage or maintenance on the vehicle or watercraft.

Likewise, in keeping with the marine design, the radio’s face is constructed using UV-resistant materials that can handle prolonged exposure to the sun without fading or cracking. Sony has coated the main circuit board with a moisture-resistant conformal coating to help prevent corrosion in high-humidity environments.

Sony DSX-M80
A coating on the circuit board of the DSX-M80 helps prevent electrical connections from corroding in high-humidity environments.

Marine Entertainment Source Options

The DSX-M80 includes dual USB ports so you can connect an Android smartphone or Apple iPod, iPhone or iPad to play music. Android connectivity includes Android Open Accessory (AOA) 2.0 support. The rear USB port supplies 1.5 amps of charging current, and port on the front face supplies 1 amp. You can play up to 10,000 audio files in MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC or FLAC formats at up to 48 kHz sampling rates from a single USB device.

As mentioned, you can pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously to this radio. The first connection can serve as an entertainment source using Bluetooth A2DP and AVRCP connections, giving you access to communication, navigation and music playback features. Pair a second phone for hands-free call connectivity.

Sony DSX-M80
Classy styling combined with a reverse LCD display and two-color illumination make the DSX-M80 look as great as it sounds.

There is a front-panel 1/8-inch aux input, and the AM/FM tuner features RBDS station information display. The radio tuner channel spacing can be changed to work with European and other countries’ standards. The DSX-M80 is compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio — just ask your retailer to add the optional SXV300 tuner module during the installation.

System Configuration and Tuning Features

Sony has included its EQ10 10-band equalizer along with the Extra Bass function so your system can be fine-tuned to deliver the frequency response you want. Adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers with adjustable slopes let your installer optimize the operating frequency range for each speaker in the system. ClearAudio+ and DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) audio processing features help to recover audio information lost during the digital compression process or radio transmission to make your music sound better.

This radio is also compatible with the Sony | Music Center app. The app not only serves as a convenient music player, but it provides full remote control over the radio from your smart device. Your installer can even configure signal delay and level settings using the Advanced Car Audio Setting portion of the app to optimize the system for the given speaker locations in your boat or vehicle.

Sony DSX-M80
Your installer will have no problem upgrading an existing source unit with the DSX-M80, thanks to industry-standard wiring and connections.

Sony DSX-M80 Connectivity Features

The Sony DSX-M80 includes the aforementioned four-channel High Power amplifier and three sets of 5-volt preamp outputs. Connections are provided for the included Bluetooth hands-free microphone as well as an input for an optional steering wheel or helm control input interface. A programmable steering wheel control input feature allows connection to older resistance-based controllers that may already be installed in the boat. Your retailer can help you determine if your existing system will be compatible with this feature.

Sony DSX-M80
If you have an ATV or UTV that needs a high-power source unit, the Sony DSX-M80 is a great choice.

Upgrade Your Playtime with Sony

Whether you’re looking for a source unit for your boat, golf cart or side-by-side, the Sony DSX-M80 is a great option. It has all the source features you could ever want, and the High Power amplifier ensures that you can blast your music loud and clear. For more information, visit the Sony car and marine website or visit their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter social media sites.

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: Sony

Product Spotlight: SoundShield Sound Deadening

SoundShield Deadening

Car audio enthusiasts have been using sound deadening products to improve the comfort of their vehicles and the performance of mobile audio systems for decades. SoundShield is the newest name in the game, but the technology and team behind the products are a step above the rest. Read on to find out more about this innovative sound control material and the people who brought it to market.

Who’s Behind SoundShield?

SoundShield DeadeningIndustry legends John Schwartz and Bryan Schmitt are partners in SoundShield. John is the owner of Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage, Alaska. This prestigious car audio retail location has won the Retailer of the Year award not once but twice and has been recognized as the #1 Compustar retailer in the world every year since 2005. John is the chief executive officer of SoundShield.

Bryan Schmitt is the owner of the world-renowned Mobile Solutions car audio training facility and solution provider in Tempe, Arizona. Bryan is considered one of the top car audio and custom vehicle interior fabricators in the world, and his training services have elevated the quality and creativity of car audio technicians in every corner of the globe. Bryan is the vice-president of sales for SoundShield and is a managing partner in the company.

Bryan saw a need for a premium sound deadening solution that would provide world-class damping and sound absorption properties. Knowing that John had all the connections needed to bring the plan to fruition, these moguls combined their expertise to create SoundShield. The brand launched at the KnowledgeFest mobile electronics industry conference in August 2019.

What Is SoundShield Sound Deadening?

SoundShield DeadeningUnlike some asphalt- and vinyl-based products, SoundShield takes a three-pronged approach to improving the performance of your car stereo system while increasing the comfort in your car, truck or SUV. The base layer is 1.5 mm-thick butyl rubber. This layer adds mass to the panels it’s adhered to, making it more difficult for sound energy to be transmitted. The butyl features a high-tack adhesive to ensure it stays in place in even the hottest and coldest conditions.

The middle layer is an aluminum foil sheet. The foil acts as a thermal barrier and serves as a second structural component to further reduce sound energy transfer. The strength of the aluminum allows SoundShield to span openings in door panels to help transform them into a speaker enclosure.

The top layer of SoundShield is 3 mm of closed-cell foam. This foam absorbs additional sound energy that may radiate through the mounting service for better performance. More importantly, the foam prevents wire harnesses, door lock and door handle actuator rods and trim panels from buzzing and rattling caused by high-power aftermarket audio systems. The choice of closed-cell foam ensures that the material won’t hold water, which could lead to mold and mildew issues.

Why Do You Need SoundShield?

SoundShield DeadeningModern vehicles are designed to be as light as possible to reduce fuel consumption. Thin carpets, less underpadding and flimsier trim panels allow more wind and tire noise into the cabin. You can dramatically improve the comfort of your vehicle by having your local authorized SoundShield dealer install their damping material on the floor, firewall, trunk and cargo area, roof and both the inner and outer door skins. Reductions in road noise of 10 dB or more aren’t uncommon.

The primary benefit is that your car is, quite simply, quieter. You can hear more of the music from your existing stereo and wring out every last ounce of performance from a speaker or subwoofer upgrade. Because the vehicle interior is quieter, Bluetooth and voice-recognition technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be more accurate.

If you’re looking for better performance from your audio system, having the openings in a car or truck door sealed will dramatically improve midbass response to bring your car stereo to life. The performance improvement realized by adding SoundShield can be more significant than that of purchasing better speakers, making it an excellent value.

Improve Your Vehicle with Premium Sound Deadening

SoundShield is available in 11-square-foot rolls. This is usually enough material to treat the inner and outer skins of a typical car door. If you’re interested in improving the performance of your car audio system, or are planning a new speaker purchase and want to maximize their performance, drop by your local authorized SoundShield retailer and ask about having your vehicle treated. To learn more about the product, visit the www.soundshieldusa.com website. Be sure to follow the company on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest projects created using SoundShield.

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: Soundshield

Product Spotlight: ARC Audio ARC Amplifiers

ARC AmplifiersBased in Modesto, California, ARC Audio is one of the few mobile electronics companies that still designs its amplifiers from scratch in the United States. The ARC Series trio of amplifiers represents a high-performance mobile audio amplification solution that incorporates features that aren’t available from competing products. Let’s take a look at what makes the ARC 1000.2, ARC 1000.4 and ARC 1000.6 truly special.

Premium Car Audio Amplifier Solutions

ARC AmplifiersCombining the latest high-frequency Class-D driver technology with the engineering experience and acumen of the ARC Audio team, the three ARC Series amplifiers not only produce impressive amounts of power, but they also sound amazing. Each amplifier is housed in an identical custom-tooled cast-aluminum heatsink. Four large hex-head cap screws (that conceal the mounting locations) and seven machined fins across the top of the amp provide classy contrast against the textured matte black powder coat finish. All the connections and controls for the amp are placed along the bottom edge to simplify installation, configuration and calibration. Power connections are made using a chassis-mounted terminal block that accepts 4-AWG cable, and speaker and remote connections are on quick-release plugs. All amplifiers include on-board fusing, so there aren’t any surprises at installation time.

ARC AmplifiersThe ARC amplifier family includes the ARC 1000.2 two-channel amp that produces up to 500 watts per channel into a 4-ohm load, 600 watts into a 2-ohm load, and 1,200 watts when both channels are bridged to a single four-ohm subwoofer. The ARC 1000.4 is a four-channel amp rated at 250 watts per channel into 2 or 4 ohms, and each pair of channels can be bridged to provide 500 watts to a single 4-ohm load. The ARC 1000.6 produces a beefy 175 watts from each of its six channels at 2- or 4-ohm impedances. Each of the three channel pairs can be bridged to produce up to 350 watts into 4-ohm loads. Switches underneath each speaker connector change the internal supply voltage to optimize power delivery so that 2- and 4-ohm power production is similar.

Amplifier Common Features

ARC AmplifiersAll ARC Series amplifiers use balanced differential inputs capable of up to 4 volts of input with the default analog signal input card or up to 32 volts input with the optional IPS8.8 DSP card in place This higher level of signal input range is optimum for connections with factory amplified OEM systems and from some higher output OEM radios. At a quick glance, you’ll notice that there don’t appear to be many signal processing options on the ARC Series amplifiers. The ARC 1000.2 has a variable high- or low-pass crossover while the four- and six-channel amplifiers don’t have any crossovers at all. ARC Audio designed the analog signal processing portion of these amplifiers to be easily removable so that they can be used with any of the Pro-Series DSP processors from ARC Audio. If space is a limitation in your vehicle, each model of ARC Series amplifiers can he upgraded with the IPS8.8 Pro Series digital signal processor by simply removing the front end signal input module and replacing it with the IPS8.8. We took a close look at the eight-channel Pro-Series DSP platform here.

Each amplifier has an Auto Sense switch that allows your installer to choose from the remote turn-on connection, DC voltage sensing and a signal sensing option in order to activate the amplifiers when connected to an aftermarket source unit or a factory-installed sound system.

Microprocessor-Controlled Features

ARC AmplifiersYou will note that each amplifier has a micro-USB port on the front panel. This port exists even if you haven’t opted for the IPS8.8 processor upgrade and provides access to adjust the color of the logo on top of the amp and to change the Class-D switching frequency. Knowing that high-frequency switching inherent in all Class-D designs can occasionally interfere with radio reception, the engineers at ARC allow access to adjust the switching frequency from 323.4 kHz to 450 kHz. In the unlikely event your ARC Series amp does affect radio reception in your application, your installer can resolve the issue with a few taps on his computer keyboard. No other amplifier manufacturer in the car audio industry includes this feature.

Build Your Car Audio System with ARC Audio Amplifiers

Whether you need the ARC 1000.2 to power a subwoofer or are designing a four-way fully active entertainment system with an ARC 1000.6 and an ARC 1000.2, these amplifiers will ensure amazing sound and unparalleled flexibility when upgraded with an IPS8.8 processor. Drop by your local authorized ARC Audio dealer and ask for a demonstration today. For more information about ARC Audio and their products, visit their website and 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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: ARC Audio

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