Mobile Electronics News May 2012

MAY 2012

R A C O M E D E SAT S ALPGIN A P L L A T S ERMAN IN 800 PROCESSOR FH F O S W O H S

INSIDE

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND REVIEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY INSIDE >>

GADGET SHOW

REVIEW OF MOBILE EXHIBITORS

OEM INTEGRATION

LATEST STUFF AVAILABLE

SOUND DEADENING

UPDATE ON CURRENT PRODUCTS

W W W. M O B I L E E L E C T R O N I C S N E W S . E U

DATES ANNOUNCED! THE IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS, 16Th NOVEMBER 2012 GRAND CONNAUGHT ROOMS, LONDON

WWW.MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.EU

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CONTENTS

PARKSAFE AUTOMOTIVE

MAY 2012 04 - ED SPEAK:

Has the Ed got a problem with Range Rovers?

06 - 10 – NEWS:

Our never-ending quest to bring you the latest info

14 - 15 – ALPINE DEMO CAR:

Germany calling, all hans on deck to bring you a top install

16 - 26 – OEM INTEGRATION FEATURE

What’s new in this product area? Carl Hynes finds out

28 - 30 – SOUND DEADENING GUIDE A small but perfectly-formed market

32 - 33 – GADGET SHOW LIVE

The Editor takes a tour round the important bits

34 - 35 – FUTURE TECH FEATURE

Andy Mills gives us a fresh look at latest technology

We offer a full range of automotive consumables.

Get free delivery on all consumable orders over £50 in the month of May Call 01773 746591 for the sales office to get an up-to-date Consumable Guide or scan the bar code below to download the Elite Product Guide e rANfG O T e CArP

36 – COBRA VIZUALOGIC SCREENS An excellent name for an excellent range

40 – COMPANY FOCUS - NOVERO

Daltec distribute this top hands-free brand in the UK

42 – IFITSTUFF’S STARTING OUT

Another in the series, from Jeff Scott – forming a company

44 – INDUSTRY INTERVIEW:

Vestatec’s MD Dean Beha reveals some stuff you may not know

46 – DOWN AT THE DEALERS

0 PS74

Steve Jones of Boundary Car Care tells us about his company

48 – OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Show and Tell time for dealers wishing to go forth and sell

• The PS740 features 6 and 10 degree heads and self test function

50 – RAYNER’S RANTS

This month Adam describes himself and his achievement

• We have a wide range of coloured sensors including a full colour coding service

52 – INSTANT EXPERT

Where will the next hands-free take you? Sporting choice?

54 – M.E.N DIRECTORY:

• Introducing the PS00674 with PSC10 camera kit

Compiled this month by the Ed’s assistant Edward Dweezel

Charlotte Body PUBLISHER Tel: 01268 754 897 or 07903 944666 Fax: 01268 754429 email: charlotte@creativemedialtd.co.uk Martyn Williams EDITOR Tel: 07768 083748 email: edunit@edunit.plus.com Loryn McIntyre PUBLICATION MANAGER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: loryn.mcintyre@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Parksafe has one of the largest range of reversing sensors, water proof commercial sensors and rear view camera systems.

674 PS00 C10 S P &

• We have comprehensive marketing material to display in your dealership.

Loraine Winter SENIOR DESIGNER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: loraine.winter@creativemedialtd.co.uk Peter Johnson ART DIRECTOR Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: peter.johnson@creativemedialtd.co.uk Contributors: Adam Rayner: adam@talkaudio.net, Andy Mills (Millsy): millsy-max@hotmail.com, Arthur Deebie: arthur.deebie@gmail.com Ben Chandler: ben@scene-media.com, Jeff Marshall: mobilefed@aol.com If Creative Media publish any supplied text or photographs by way of contribution to the magazine, you automatically and hereby grant Creative Media a perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable, non-exclusive right and licence to use, reproduce modify, publish, translate, create derivative works from and distribute such text or photography into any from, medium or technology now known or hereafter developed.

In addition, as between you and Creative Media, you assert and waive any and all moral rights in such text or photography. The views and opinions expressed by any contributors (including advertisers) to the magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine and should not be taken as such.

Tel: 01773 746591 fax: 01773 743251 Email: sales@parksafeautomotive.com www.css-group.co www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu www.parksafeautomotive.com

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GO 5/12 ED UNIT SPEAKS

ROSY PARKER OUTLOOK There are still good opportunities to make money in the aftermarket but it needs constant alertness, an enquiring mind and a willingness to engage with customers about gadgets.

Steve Jones of Boundary Care St Helens, in our Down at the Dealer page shares with us some of the highlights of hope that vehicle manufacturers might be going a little too far trying to claw back the max from customers in pricey options. Although it’s nice to have more sophisticated parking aids such as self-parking and space-recognition, it looks like they are in danger of pricing themselves out of the market. At the same time, conventional aftermarket sensors are getting more small and sophisticated to make it a customer no-brainer to think about an

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu selection of front and rear cams if fitted. As an unreformed gadget freak, I have managed to fit it into the clear-lens area of my rear light cluster and, while it’s not perfect positioning for straight reversing, it’s rather handy for my reversing that I have to do straight on the road out of my driveway. All comments gratefully received!

Is it my imagination, or are there a lot of aggressive Range Rover drivers out there? A chap I know with a black chrome-wheeled Escalade was once severely cut-up by a Rangey that, coincidentally, was black and fitted with chrome wheels… More than just a coincidence?

Anyway, just to reinforce my prejudices, a Range Rover parked the other day, in my boot. To do this, the driver had to pull beyond the white line of their parking spot so it wasn’t as if I was doing anything to upset this parking genius?

What really puzzles me is that it had the usual row of parking sensors across the front. Answers on a postcard please!

attractive money-saving alternative.

On the subject of auto parking, I have seen the Valeo system in beta version working on an Apple app. This is coming up in the next couple of years and will allow users to control their self-parking from outside the car via an iPhone (don’t let the kids get their hands on it!). I think there could be some spin-offs from this technology once it’s

Featured link of the month I love it – you too? You Tube Dub FX ‘Flow’ feat. Woodnote

NEXT ISSUE – SEND YOUR LATEST INFO – BE A PART OF IT! Features: Slimline bass solutions, Speed camera detectors and lots more

established.

You may remember that I reviewed Kenwood’s rear view camera a couple of month’s back, the one with the clever processing of views and the very neat selector button which includes easy

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MARTYN WILLIAMS

Editor edunit@edunit.plus.com

Simply Inspired... ...Now We’re Talking

NEW!

CC 9048 Bluetooth® hands-free car kit with remote control A2DP Music Streaming1 – great sound from the built-in 30W digital class D amplifier Voice Tags2 – access to voice tags stored on mobile phone Multipoint function – connect two mobile phones with the system simultaneously Easy Operation – illuminated 3-key cable remote control Battery charging function – unlimited talk time in the vehicle, includes Micro-USB charging cable

1 2

Works out of the box The scope of the functions may vary according to mobile phone, network provider and software version.

www.bury.com/uk www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

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NEWS

NEW FUSION HEAD UNITS Fusion has announced details of three feature packed CD receivers for 2012. Available now from CEL trade, the CA-ML600, CA-CD700 and CA-CD800 all sport a 3.5mm analogue aux input on the front panel above a USB port.

A clean fuss-free control surface is dominated by a large and easy to find rotary controller and an enlarged dot matrix display with variable colour options with the CD700 and 800 having separate variable colour for key illumination. The ML600 suits those who no longer rely on a disc to carry their music around and has no CD mechanism on board, drastically reducing cost. All three units offer compatibility with iPhone/ iPod and the CA-CD800 sits at the top of the pile with a second USB port mounted on the rear and full Bluetooth hands free and audio streaming functionality. 2V Rear/sub line outputs are included with the ML600 while the CD700 and 800 feature 5 Volt front, rear and Sub outputs.

CEL TRADE 0116 2449846 www.celtrade.com

Alpine EZi-DAB Alpine has launched a brand new,

innovative digital radio adapter

TRACKER GOES MESH

TRACKER’s new nationwide Mesh Network is

called the EZi-DAB based on the

the latest innovation from the stolen vehicle

PURE 300Di but with a signature

recovery (SVR) expert. When a vehicle

Alpine knob and, instead of yellow-

fitted with TRACKER Locate or TRACKER

only display lighting colour, has a

Plant passes any TRACKER SVR equipped

choice of five changes.

vehicle that has been reported stolen, it

Keith Holness, Alpine’s Senior Business

automatically sends a signal to TRACKER

Manager, said: “The new EZi-DAB

providing the location of the stolen asset –

digital radio adapter allows almost

even if it is hidden in a garage, container

everyone to add digital radio to

or underground car park. Both drivers are

their existing car audio system and

totally unaware that the stolen vehicle has

provides a neat and classy solution

been identified.

to accessing more radio stations and

DCI Mark Hooper of ACPO Vehicle Crime

much more listening choice. We are

Intelligence says, “The new TRACKER Mesh

proud to have collaborated with Pure

Network will enable the police to extend the

on this project, as their reputation as

network of ‘eyes and ears’ to identify and locate

leaders in digital radio is legendary.”

stolen vehicles more effectively using advanced

In reply, Paul Smith, Pure’s General Manager: “We are delighted to be powering the new

technology and allow us to stay one step ahead

EZi-DAB and bringing our considerable digital radio experience to Alpine’s leading car audio

of criminals” Stephen Doran, Managing Director

heritage. This is an important step forward for the sales of in-car digital radio adapters and

of TRACKER claims; “In the last few weeks alone,

will be a significant catalyst in helping digital radio switchover.” EZi-DAB uses a small, discreet

we have recovered over £200,000 worth of stolen

windscreen film antenna solution with a proven performance. In addition to digital radio, the

vehicles as a direct result of the Mesh Network“

EZI-DAB also offers the option to connect an MP3 player, USB stick or Apple devices for which

Tracker reminds us that as their systems use VHF

it has a sound and charging interface. The EZi-DAB has dual tuners and also provides the user

technology for locating stolen vehicles, their

with the ability to hit the pause button before removing the car keys, so that the broadcast

systems are immune to the sudden proliferation

or music is paused while away from the car for a maximum of 15 minutes. The TSP is £249.99

of GPS jammers which are increasingly used by

including the antenna.

thieves to outsmart some tracking systems.

Alpine 02476 719620 www.alpine-electronics.co.uk

Tracker 0845 602 2356 www.tracker.co.uk

GOT SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT? Then contact the editor Martyn Williams on edunit@edunit.plus.com

LUCY POET 6

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

SALES MANAGER

T: 01268 754 897 M: 07951 698 873

CSSA BECOMES RAM Mount’s new Tab-Tite PARKSAFE Car Sound Supplies is a name that is well

With a staggering array

known within the Industry with a track

of tablets and eReaders

record of 30 years trading but has now

available on the market in a

had a name change and will be known as

variety of shapes and sizes,

Parksafe.

finding an ideal mobile

Commenting on the change, Managing

mounting solution may seem

Director Mick Barber said: “Over the last

a challenge. RAM Mount UK

few years as most of your readers will know,

claims to have a solution to

Car Sound Supplies launched Parksafe

this problem with its’ Tab-

Automotive and Elite Consumables, this has allowed the company to

Tite™ range.

offer customers a range of selected products at a competitive price

Featuring spring-loaded

giving the trade maximum profit. Changing the company name to

interchangeable bumpers in a number of different lengths and

Parksafe Automotive is a positive move for the company profile.

depths the Tab-Tite™ offers an adaptable and secure mounting

“We have invested, and will continue to invest, in new technology,

solution for any mobile application and supports anything from the

plus we have streamlined the range of products we offer. We are a

Amazon Kindle to the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Apple iPad

company that moves with the times and listens to your readers.”

series with or without bumper skins and thick protective cases. With

Parksafe 01773 746591 www.Parksafeautomotive.com

the option of using an integrated locking system, powered uni-conn dock connection and a variety of additional patented components,

I.C.E. AWARDS – NEW VENUE & DATES!

the Tab-Tite™ range is not only universal but also extremely robust. Using an ingenious ball and socket design, Tab-Tite™ holders can connect seamlessly to a variety of surfaces with a selection of bases available including suction, U-bolt and flexi-pole amongst others.

RAM Mount UK 0208 894 1234 www.ram-mount.co.uk

Creative Media Ltd are proud to announce the In Car Entertainment

Awards, in association with M.E.N, taking place on 16th November at the prestigious Grand Connaught Rooms, London.

The new venue reflects the standard we expect this year, so join us for what promises to be a night to remember by booking now! The evening will cost £165 per person or £1600 for a table of ten and includes reception drinks, a sumptuous three course meal and entertainment.

Contact the awards hotline for tickets on 01268 754897.

THE RISE AND RISE OF CHRIS BENNETT It’s with great pleasure that Celsus UK announce the promotion of Chris Bennett to the position of Director of Business Development.

His new role will cover both domestic and international territories for all products and brands within the Celsus portfolio. Utilising his extensive 18 years of experience within the mobile electronics industry, Chris will provide quality pre and post sales development and effective training services ensuring active development and consistent growth for both Celsus and our customers alike. Chris can be contacted on 07771 986 001. Paul Baker, Managing Director at Celsus added: “We are delighted that Chris will be assuming this exciting and key position for Celsus which further underlines our continued commitment as a value added supplier both in the UK and internationally” Celsus 01202 664 390 www.celsusice.co.uk

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NEWS

COBRA UK BLACK BOX APPEAL Telematics provider, Cobra UK welcomes the Labour Shadow Transport Minister, John Woodcock’s call for the insurance industry to embrace black box technology, in a bid to avoid a potential

THE IN-CAr E N T E R TA I N M E N T AWA r D S 2 0 1 2 In association with MOBILE ELECTRONICS NEWS Dates announced

16th N o v ember 2012 The Grand ConnauGhT rooms, London

insurance ‘time bomb’ heading their way from Europe at the end of the year.

Unless insurers act now, a European Court ruling on shelving the current beneficial treatment towards women in the insurance industry, could see premiums soar. Labour claims that an industry-wide adoption of the black box technology, otherwise known as telematics, could help control rising insurance premiums for all drivers.

According to Cobra, who already provides the technology that powers the Co-Operative’s Young Driver Insurance, telematics does not discriminate against gender or age, and will not only lower an insurance company’s risk, but reward drivers for good driving with lower premiums.

Cobra UK 01932 772400 www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk

TWEETED TO DEATH

MOULIN ROUGE RECRUITMENT

Hyde Park Corner the Uk’s leading mobile installation company are currently recruiting experienced In-car mobile engineers As many as eight per cent of drivers are using smartphones at the wheel and some are even announcing it proudly on twitter, according to road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) This is equivalent to 3.5 million licence holders.

The IAM’s six of the worst dangerous driving tweets: @bellyki Here lies Isobel. She perished while simultaneously eating whole packet of Percy Pigs, driving down the M3 and tweeting about it. @sacksy1 If I’m ever in an accident while driving and tweeting and you’re the first person to arrive on the scene, grab my phone and press “Send.” @ GSpace7 Multi-tasking: Driving, Tweeting & Brushing my hair. I do it. If I die remember me like John Lennon. @A_Ishaq who said guys can’t multi-task..tweeting,@ watching match n driving wow lol @tchudson Im driving, tweeting, smoking, talking and listening to @BBCR1 Ill listen to it via the #beats when I stop breaking the law. Safe! @Beckstah You wouldn’t think I was actually driving on the motorway the amount I’ve been tweeting. Better concentrate on the road. Good day, twitter IAM research shows that using smartphones for social networking while driving is more dangerous than drink driving or being high on cannabis.

It slows reaction times by up to 37 per cent1.

Institute of Advanced Motorists 0845 126 8600 www.iam.org.uk

Successful Engineers will require a minimum of 3 years previous experience working within vehicle installations and have good customer services skills. You will be working with all types of motor vehicles and installing various types of electrical accessories including: car kits, parking sensors, tracking devices, telematic products, etc.

You will be required to carry out installations on a mobile basis at arranged time slots, install the products and complete all relevant electronic paperwork.

An excellent package awaits the successful candidate including company vehicle, uniform, company phone, basic salary & commission.

Currently recruting all over the UK including the following areas: London (north & south) • Birmingham • Leicester • Peterborough • Kent Please send a CV in the first instance to: jobs@hydeparkcorner.net Hyde Park Corner, 61-63 Dowson Road, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 1QS • Tel: 0161 368 6999

BIG

noise at

SMALL

prices...

only whilst stocks last

SUBWOOFERS CO104S - 10” Subwoofer - 400Watts CO124S - 12” Subwoofer - 500Watts CO154S - 15” Subwoofer - 600Watts

Trade Price £26.00 £32.00 £40.00

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SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURES Trade Price £55.00 £72.00 £102.00 £120.00

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CO552 - 5.25” 2-Way Component Speaker CO652 - 6.5” 2-Way Component Speaker CO500 - 5.25” Coaxial Speaker CO570 - 5”x7” Coaxial Speaker CO650 - 6.5” Coaxial Speaker CO690 - 6x9” Coaxial Speaker

£17.00 £16.00 £18.00 £25.00

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CO104SBX - 10” Single Vented Enclosure CO124SBX - 12” Single Vented Enclosure CO104DBX - 10” Dual Vented Enclosure CO124DBX - 12” Dual Vented Enclosure

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SPEAKERS £20.00 £24.00

AMPLIFIERS CO3002 - 2 Channel 300Watt Amplifier CO6002 - 2 Channel 600Watt Amplifier CO6004 - 4 Channel 600Watt Amplifier CO5001 - Mono 500Watt Amplifier CO8001 - Mono 800Watt Amplifier

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To place your order please call 01420 487110 or email sales@armourauto.com

www.armourauto.com **Whilst stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. All information correct at time of press.

AUTOMOTIVE www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

9

NEWS

NEW MOREL RANGE Maximo Coax inherits of several of the company’s innovative technologies.

IN-CAR TECHNOLOGY RISK

The foundation for the Maximo tweeter is rooted with the same design

An investigation by Which? magazine suggests that using in-car

principles as Morel’s hi-end tweeters. Each coaxial speaker features a

technology such as touchscreens, integrated phones and satnavs

19mm (0.8”) soft dome tweeter with a powerful neodymium magnet motor.

can be distracting if used on the move.

The design, along with high quality film capacitors used in the crossover,

Which? tested the systems of eight of the UK’s bestselling carmakers

suppresses distortion while optimizing off-axis performance and maintaining

and found many features difficult to use while driving. Although some

the “sweet and warm” signature sound only a Morel can produce.

car companies performed very well, other carmakers need to follow

Efficiency is a Morel trait, one that is incorporated into the new Maximo

their lead and ensure their systems pose as little distraction as possible

Coax woofer as well. At the source is a new high-grade ferrite magnet that

to motorists. Which? has created an ‘in-car technology charter’ with

generates increased magnetic flux, thereby increasing power handling and

a 10-point checklist to make in-car technology systems less distracting

output. At the same time, the more powerful magnet (35% smaller than

which we will be discussing with the Government, road safety bodies

standard ferrite magnets) affords the Maximo to be smaller in size, providing

and carmakers in the coming months.

a shallow mounting depth for easy installation in tight places.

Commenting, Which? Car editor, Richard Headland, said: “We found

Maximo is the first in Morel’s lineup to use a new proprietary coating called

that the sheer number of ways to carry out simple tasks in the cars was

Acudamp, which is an ultra lightweight polymer resin applied to the bass/

baffling, and crying out to be simplified.

midrange cone to eliminate cone resonances largely responsible for

“We know people want systems in their car that integrate audio,

distortion. This, along with the computer optimized cone and suspension

phone, satnav and other functions, but it’s time for the Government

result in clean, linear

to step in and provide some strong guidance to focus carmakers on

movement during low

creating less distracting systems.”

frequency reproduction and

The full article, Driven To Distraction, features in the May issue of

increased bass dynamics.

Which?. The Which? in-car technology charter is as follows:

Available in 4”, 5 ¼”, 6 ½”,

1 – Drivers shouldn’t need to look away from the road for more

and 6x9” sizes, Maximo

than two seconds at a time to operate a single device.

Coax fit any speaker

2 – The fewest possible inputs should be needed to operate devices.

placement.

Developing better voice-recognition systems is strongly desirable.

Flagship Products

3 – Key functions that you need to access every day need

020 8838 8844

dedicated buttons (radio station/CD track selection, air circula-

http://www.autoaudio.

tion and heating controls), rather than being buried in on-screen

Morel’s new Maximo coaxial speakers offer the sonic performance you expect from a Morel product, yet with pricing you don’t.

menu systems.

4 – Steering wheel controls should be placed in convenient loca-

THULE GETS AN AWARD

tions on the front of the wheel.

Thule has been

7 – Pairing a mobile phone to the car via Bluetooth should only be

awarded the

permitted while stationary.

prestigious Red

8 – Drivers shouldn’t be able to initiate phone calls while driving,

Dot Award for

other than via voice control. Accepting a call should also be simple.

its’ innovative

9 – While on the move, the car should ‘read out’ SMS messages

and specially

rather than display text on a screen.

developed

10 – Any internet, email, social media and TV/DVD functions

kayak carrier Thule K-Guard. This is the first kayak carrier ever that

should only be accessible when stationary.

locks kayak to carrier and carrier to roof rack.

The report was commented on by the Institute of Advance Motorists. IAM

Designing a universal carrier for kayak’s made of different materials and

Director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “We welcome this report

with very different sizes and shapes made this project a true challenge.

which highlights the need for more consistent design standards for in car

Adding security and safety features increased the difficulty and the

systems. Manufacturers must work together and be prepared to sacrifice

Thule K-Guard was adjudged to solve all of these problems elegantly.

that unique selling point or competitive advantage in new technology

The prestigious Red Dot Award has been acknowledging innovative

to help reduce confusion. Drivers changing or hiring cars also need

and good design since 1955, and is presented by the German institute

to take time and advice to fully understand how to use their new car

Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen.

safely. Crash protection in cars has never been better, we must all work

5 – Entering satnav destinations should be disabled when moving.

6 – Centre console displays should be placed high up, so the driver doesn’t have to glance down at them. Smaller second screens in the instrument cluster (or a head-up display) are useful for showing key journey information and ‘next turn’ navigation prompts.

together to make sure in car systems don’t undermine these gains.”

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IN-CAR ANDROID

TM

Kenwood introduces the first Android phone compatible car hi-fi range that allows you to play & control your music whilst on the move TM

Super fast music search via rotary control

Direct USB Android handset connection via phone lead TM

••••••••••••••••

Charge your phone during music playback

SCAN ME ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Download the FREE Kenwood “Music Control” App for Android phone

TM

Introducing the all-new 2012 head unit range featuring full Android phone integration by Kenwood Electronics. Simply download the free Kenwood 'Music Control' App for Android TM to your phone. Once installed, you can play and control your entire music library via your smart phone* whilst on the move.

Just connect your handset using its USB cable and make a direct selection of the song, album or playlist that you want to listen to using the simple-to-use rotary controller.

The Kenwood ”Music Control” App for Android TM smart phones is FREE to download from Android Market: market.android.com

www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk

*Compatible phones only

Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

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DEMO CAR

RHAPSODY IN BLUE Alpine Germany staffer Manfred Stengl’s install is one of the smoothest and well-crafted werk we have seen for a long time. At its heart is the fabulous Alpine PXA-H800 processor which competently draws all the amplifier and speaker ordnance together into super audio coherence – a ‘rhapsody’ of equipment you might say?

suspension is a great invention.

The subtle changes to the body and the grille was performed by VW customising specialists Pfeffer-Car-Design, a company that specialises in debadged grilles and custom trim. A sporty exhaust system was also added by Pfeffer to complete the car’s transformation.

One trap that Manfred didn’t want to fall into is the ‘me too’ fashion clues such as the the black Passat seen in Europe almost on every street.

It was decided that it had to be a matt finish but the colour had to be Alpine blue.

The car was vinyl-wrapped by German film specialist CFC near Weilheim south of Munich. CFC also wrapped the chrome trim in blue too – a tricky job.

The Install

The Alpine installer team led by Manfred had a dream job in creating

The interior plan for the car was to have two distinct zones from back to

this car. The Passat CC, which for years was one of his favourite’s, was

front. Apart from the rather noticeable centre speaker in the re-moulded

transformed into a smooth concept with a style of its own rather than

dash section, everything is integrated nicely at the front whereas it’s all full-

aping all of the usual Euro-style fashions which don’t lean towards the

on at the back.

fitting of 20 inch polished Audi A8L wheels seen here. These were shod with Pirelli tyres with a super-low profile (235/30). Normal to Germany, the car also has a set of winter wheels of the same width but with 35 series winter tyres on 19 inch rims.

Manfred wanted the car to drop to the floor at shows and found a really clever solution from specialists KW Automotive.de. This company manufactures a rather expensive suspension adaptor, HLS – Hydraulic Lift System at over £2000 for OE systems or over £4000 fitted to coil-over conversions which preserves a normal sporty sprung suspension (unlike air bags) by using a simple hydraulic lift ring which forms the lower spring cup. This meant it could be built as a radical show car but could also be easily driven on Europe’s roads. Manfred thinks the hydraulic-adjustable

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Master builder Manfred Stengl, Alpine’s install team leader in Germany

|Alpine Passat CC The Alpine 800 processor at the heart of the system floats on a perfectly-crafted outrigger

Beautiful speaker moulding has an extremely high quality finish and clever lighting

Equipment list INA-W910R - Advanced Navi Station DHA-S690 - 6 Disc DVD-Changer PXA-H800 - System Integration Audio Processor RUX-C800 - Remote Commander for PXA-H800 Two - PDX-F6 - 4/3/2 Channel Power Density Digital Amplifier Two - PDX-M6 - Mono Power Density Digital Amplifier Four - PDX-M12 - Mono Power Density Digital Amplifier RUX-KNOB - Remote Bass Knob Two SPR-60C - 6-1/2 inch (16.5cm) Component 2-Way Speaker Three - SPR-50C - 5-1/4 inch (13cm) Component 2-way Speaker Four - SWR-T12 - Type-R Subwoofers Two SWG-844 - 8 inch (20cm) Subwoofer (4Ohm) Three - TME-S370 - 6,5 inch WVGA on-dash Touch Screen Monitor Three - KCE-635UB - Advanced USB Multimedia Interface HCE-C300R - Active View Camera System

Who needs rear seats when it leaves space to spare for the amplification and rear speakers

Suppliers www.gepfeffert.com www.cfc.de www.kwsuspension.de

More clever moulding in evidence with the construction of the centre speaker module

One of the first things that shows up as listeners sit in the car is the superbly-crafted and very shiny painted glass fibre panels housing an 8 inch subwoofer, the SWG-844, in the door. The subwoofer panel is shaped to fit in the original grille position and also carries a nicely-styled nerf bar with an illuminated Alpine logo. The replacement tweeters are fitted in the mirror pads in a similar way with glass fibre mouldings, again in a perfect shiny finish to compliment the woofer panel.

The Passat is fitted with the new double Din head unit INA-W910R with integrated navigation and Bluetooth hands-free built in. The standard steering wheel remote control functions work through the unit. The RUX-C800 processor controller is also seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s ashtray.

The rear seats have given way to cascading amplifiers adding up to 7000 Watts of power and in the boot there are four 12 inch subwoofers to make sure that enough low frequency sound is produced to annoy professionals and people who have heard it all before.

The pièce de résistance (as the French might say) is definitely the installation of the PXA-H800 audio processor, constructed to be freefloating in the middle of the boot. It provides an elegant audio solution that has to be heard to fully appreciate, particularly the result of its attention to comb filtering. Using Alpine’s IMPRINT system, it automatically calibrates time alignment and equalisation and, unlike the previous model PXE-H650 processor, you can edit or set all the parameters manually.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

15

PRODUCT FOCUS

|OEM INTEGRATION

The vehicle manufacturers try to keep us out but we keep trying (successfully) to stay in! Carl Hynes gives us the lowdown…

T

8Audison OEM

mean it is not a profitable field and should instead be looked upon as a way of attracting

bit Ten D - capable of perfect interfacing

new customers by offering upgrades which will not overtly change their pride and joy.

between an OE head unit and modest to

We have, of course, been integrating our work with vehicles since the beginning and even vi-

massive sound system.

nyl covered MDF, fibreglass work and leather re trimming could be seen as OEM integration as

Audison bit One is small but has a big

they all came to being in order to integrate something with a vehicle. For the purposes of this

performance and is capable of interfacing

round up however, we are defining OEM integration as products, which help us to connect

with any analogue and/or digital source.

into a vehicles electrical systems or fit without disturbance to the look and feel of a vehicle in

It’s equipped with a powerful DSP package

order to improve or add functionality.

offering full adjustment from input to output.

hese days, OEM integration is a much-used term used to describe plug and play opportunities to expand OEM electronic systems. With bus systems moving digital

Signal Improvers

data including audio around a modern car, it has actually become easier to add on functionality than it would be to start again with an aftermarket solution. This doesn’t

Audison offer two processors – bit One and

It can be connected to two digital sources, one coaxial and one fibre-optic.

The Audison bit Ten D is the daddy with a

8ALPINE

towering DSP performance - its cleverest trick is the possibility of a direct databus connection between a vehicle and can

Alpine’s fantastic PXA-H800 processor is

also feed directly to the DAC of compatible

featured in this month’s demo car article. It

Audison amplifiers.

is capable of delivering a massive upgrade

Both processers are capable of de-equali-

in sound quality using external amplification to

sation of the OE system and masses of DSP

any OE system.

output and positional options. They can be

It has six channel speaker level inputs and can

controlled either by computer or the Audi-

take these from an existing externally-amplified

son Digital Remote Control which provides

OE system. Additionally it has two optical inputs

control of volume, balance, fader and

and two Ai-NET inputs for adding extra devices

subwoofer level. It also has source selection

including portable players of all types.

between main, aux and optical inputs and

ImprintEQ for optimum automatic calibration based

has four configuration presets.

on the vehicle’s interior and OEM system and a

FOUR 0121 451 4930 www.fourcars.co.uk

major upgrade from the previous PXE-H650 is the ability to adjust the settings after auto setup. This also applies to the eight channel time correction. It uses a new RoadEQ acoustic adjustment designed to eliminates road and general in-car noise.

Alpine Electronics, 0845 3131650 or alpine-electronics.co.uk

16

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ORIGINIAL VOLKSWAGEN GROUP PARTS

Genuine OEM Head Units & Retrofit Accessories AUDI

✔ Genuine OEM Parts ✔ Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Audi RNS-E Head Unit Hi-Res DVD Navigation System A3/A4/TT

Audi AMI Interface iPod USB

Audi Digital TV DVB-T Module

Audi Digital DAB Radio Module

Audi Rear View Reversing Camera Module

Audi Front & Rear Optical Parking Sensors

Audi Bluetooth Telephone Module

LED Daytime Lights Upgrade

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

VW

VW RNS-315 Head Unit Navigation Bluetooth and DAB Radio

VW RCD-310 Head Unit with CD/MP3 VW Optical Parking System Module DAB Radio for RCD-310,510 RNS-315,510

VW Reversing Camera Module for RNS-315 RNS-510

VW Universal Retrofit Bluetooth Module

Trade Sales Call

01254 694537

VW RNS-510 touchscreen Head Unit Navigation Bluetooth iPod

This is only a small selection of OEM accessories we stock, please contact us for further details.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 17 Car Communications Ltd Saturn Centre, Challenge Way, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5QB • sales@carcommunications.co.uk

PRODUCT FOCUS

|OEM INTEGRATION

8Car Communications Car Communications offer original VAG head units at trade prices – considerably less than VAG dealerships. Car Communications OE head units are genuine original equipment sourced directly from VAG UK and Germany and all these head units come with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.

Car Communications’ current top sellers include VW RNS-315 DAB, RCD 510 DAB Touchscreen, RNS 850 Touchscreen and Audi RNS-E Navigation and its range of Fiscom head units.

Other products include original OEM retrofit accessories such as the Audi Rear View Camera, Parking sensors, AMI interface,

VW’s RCD-310 DAB receiver

Bluetooth and DAB radio. All accessories are genuine VAG parts.

Car Communications 01254 694537 sales@carcommunications.co.uk

8 Caska OEM8Autoleads

Style Replacement Head Units

iPod Interfaces Autoleads has created a range of car manufacturer specific iPod interfaces allowing the consumer to control and charge an iPod without replacing the head unit or adding an external accessory or device. The iPod Interface allows for the charging and control of an iPod through an OEM head unit; using the on-board head unit controls/stalk controls and providing a solution for those customers that wish to retain the original head unit but integrate an iPod. Line Output Converters The Autoleads H2L line output convertor reduces speaker level outputs from OEM systems to line level and delivers these on RCA outputs for connection to external amplifiers. Many customers who want an upgraded sound in their car are reluctant to change the head unit, which rarely have the desired line

Caska has been busy since last year’s round

outputs for connection to an external amplifier. The problem with this kind

up and has added plug and play replace-

of power conversion is that the quality at, say, 15 Watts can be wildly worse

ment head units for Ford, Vauxhall and VW

than at 1 Watt output. Autoleads has developed a system that optimizes

models. All units fit straight in to the existing

the output of the head unit in order to deliver best quality. Once the signal

aperture with no modification necessary

is collected it is processed through the H2L and passed through to standard

and plug directly into the existing OEM loom.

RCA connectors. The H2L actively drives connected amplifiers and offers low

Featuring Navigation amongst a host of A/V

distortion whilst maintaining high noise rejection. Other features include a

features these highly specified units represent

ground isolation function to help limit interference from ground loops. There

a huge uplift in feature level including; high

is also a Time Sequence Control feature that minimizes switch on pops and

resolution touch screen, iPod/MP3 compat-

bangs by ensuring that the amplifier switches off before the head unit and

ibility, Bluetooth hands free with A2DP audio

turns on after the head unit.

streaming, Built in GPS receiver, USB and

Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

SD card reader and a dual zone function.

The unit’s all support existing steering wheel remote controls and a range of optional extra’s including parking sensors, head rest monitors and DVB TV are also available and all at extremely competitive prices.

TTINTS 01582 817142 www.ttints.co.uk

18

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

“...The UK’s leading security brands at their LOWEST EVER prices...”

Clifford G5 Concept 650 MKII

2-Way Thatcham Approved Category 1 Security System ► Thatcham Approved Category 1 Security System with remote adjustable Dual-zone Proximity Sensor ► Exceeds Highest Standards of the UK insurance industry ► Installation could qualify for discounted vehicle insurance

1-3 Price - £130.00 4-5 Price - £120.00

6+ Price - £115.00

Viper 480XV

2-Way Thatcham Approved Category 1 Security System ► ► ► ►

5-Channel Security System Remotely adjustable Ultrasonic Sensors 1 x 2-Way Transmitter & 1 x 4 button Transmitter ESP2 Battery Back-up Siren

Trade Price - £115.00 1+ Price £95.00 5+ Price £90.00

10+ Price £85.00 To place your order please call 01420 487110 or email sales@armourauto.com

www.armourauto.com **Whilst stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. All information correct at time of press.

AUTOMOTIVE www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

19

PRODUCT FOCUS

|OEM INTEGRATION

8Connects2

8 Dension Gateway

Connects2 has a whole range of interfaces allowing connection

Dension is one of Europe’s largest and longest

to OEM systems ranging from Bluetooth phone kits to iPod, USB and

established developers of OEM integration prod-

auxiliary interfaces and have recently released a range of AutoDAB

ucts. As a long-time supplier of OEM equipment

interfaces, allowing digital radio integration with OEM head units.

to car manufacturers themselves, they are in a

The DAB digital radio can be then controlled from the vehicles steer-

fortunate position of having access to technical

ing wheel controls. AutoDAB allows all DAB station information to be

data enabling them to design bespoke and multi-

displayed via RDS text on the OEM head unit, seamlessly integrating

vehicle interfaces which are simple to install and

DAB into the vehicle.

do not interfere with other on-board systems. The

All Connects2 interfaces are ‘plug and play’ and allow connec-

‘Gateway’ range provides access to infotainment

tion into a wide range of vehicles with standard systems and also

systems whether CANbus or Fiber-optic allowing

vehicles with CAN-Bus and MOST systems.

the connection of external devices like hands-

Connects2 iPod interfaces allow iPod integration with an original

free, iPod/iPhone or adding an auxiliary input for

head unit. These plug and play interfaces connect to the CD

portable navigation devices for instance.

changer port of the head unit. The iPod is charged and can also

Armour Auto 01420 487110

be controlled via track and playlist from the head unit and steering

www.armourauto.com

Range

wheel controls (if fitted).

Connects2 0845 2575588 www.connects2.com

8Focal IPF207

Dedicated Speaker Kits Custom speaker kits are not a new thing but this plug and play speaker kit from Focal provides installers with everything they need to upgrade a Peugeot 207 offering a giant leap in quality. Tweeters are provided in a drop in moulding which

8 Clarion Installer

while the woofers simply drop into the standard positions with

Programme

no need for speaker rings or any other kind of hardware.

The CIP (Clarion Installer Programme) offers fitting accessories

The IFP207 dedicated component kit marks a new chapter in

allowing any Clarion device to be simply and safely connected to

speaker installation as the new Integration range from Focal

more than 200 different car models.

takes shape.

CAN-bus converters

raises them out of the dash and points them toward your ears

New cars increasingly rely upon proprietary data bus techniques Here are the finer details:

that are not compatible with commercial audio products. Clarion

• A fully tailored 4 speaker solution, specific for the Peugeot

however, has developed an extensive range of solutions that

207 (Frances most popular vehicle, number 5 in the UK) • Polyglass Woofer, Aluminum/Magnesium inverted dome Tweeter • Tweeter housing custom moulded for perfect integration in the original location and dashboard design.

• All the tools needed to complete the job, including spare panel clips in case of breakage.

• A video on the Focal website shows how simple installation

effectively overcome such complications. Clarion CAN converter interfaces allow Clarion audio systems to be used with CAN-bus equipped cars.

2-DIN installation brackets More than 60% of all new vehicles sold in Europe have an extralarge installation space in the dashboard for mobile entertainment products, known as 2-DIN. Clarion has developed an extensive range of car-specific mounting brackets each supplied complete

can be although, it may convince customers to have a go

with instructions, diagrams and fixing materials.

at it themselves. To get the most from these speakers, some

OEM steering wheel remote controls

sound treatment could be a good idea and an offer an

Clarion has introduced interfaces that enable its range of prod-

argument for letting the professionals handle it!

ucts to interface with a vast array of OEM steering wheel mounted

Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

remote controls.

Clarion 01793 859563 www.clarion.co.uk amsales@clarion.co.uk

20

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21

PRODUCT FOCUS

|OEM INTEGRATION

8Cache OEM Integration Launched in 2009, Cache is a relatively new company although it is related to the same company as

8Media in Motion

Diamond Audio. Cache

Media in Motion provides seamless integration to vehicle

convertors that cope with

factory entertainment systems for the addition of iPod, USB,

the job of summing multiple

Bluetooth, Digital TV, AV Input/Output, Rear-View Camera

inputs to give a full-range

and Navigation upgrades.

or number of full-range

DVB Logic – DVB-T Tuner for direct OEM connection

outputs. It can be difficult in

The first after-market Digital TV Tuner that comes equipped

many cars to find a singe pair of full-range outputs from a car stereo

with an interface, which allows for easy connection to an

as many now have internal crossovers to filter the outputs and send

OEM system. In the majority of models the DVB-T Tuner can

them to specific speakers. These all have to be brought together and

be controlled directly from the factory navigation system.

summed or added together to derive a full range signal for further

The vehicle specific Plug & Play harness kits allow for both

processing or amplifying. Cache coe8 and coe6 handle up to eight

easy installation and trace free removal of components

and six channels respectively and the devices feature signal auto

to account for today’s need to restore vehicle systems to

sensing to make installation easier but also have a remote turn on input

original condition. The interface also provides a single Audio/

and output. The coe8 features an auxiliary input while the coe6 has a

Video input plus an additional dedicated input for a rear

remote boost control.

view camera. The interface also has an AV Output so that

For 2-channel systems, the Cloc+d is both a line output converter ac-

you can output either the DVB-T or AV signal to rear screens.

cepting high-level signals and a line driver, taking a pair of line inputs

Control Logic – Extensive AV integration with an OEM

and boosting them to 10 Volts for cleaner signal transfer. The Cloc+d

system

features an extremely low, 30 Ohm, source impedance usually only

A dedicated interface range that enables seamless inte-

found on much more expensive equipment.

gration of an aftermarket AV device with an OEM system.

PPA Distribution 020 7993 8889 or 07908651684

has a series of summing line

The interface comes equipped with 2 x AV Inputs & 1 x Video Output plus a dedicated input for a rear view camera. AV Inputs can be controlled directly from the factory navigation system in the majority of vehicles. The vehicle specific Plug & Play harness kits allow for both easy installation and trace free removal.

Blue Logic – Bluetooth / Hands-Free Provides hands-free integration of a Bluetooth phone to a factory navigation system. Enabling access and display of a mobile’s phone book on the vehicles factory monitor.

The phone may be controlled using the factory head unit or steering wheel controls. The interface comes equipped with the latest generation of Parrot Bluetooth chipsets and is completely plug and play.

8JBL

Alongside the above products, Media in Motion also stocks a huge range of vehicle specific iPod/iPhone interfaces,

The JBL MS-8 is a patch-in processor which will work with up to eight

video interfaces and other devices to help with OEM

speaker outputs from an OE system (max 15V). It doesn’t have a

integration.

speaker-sensing turn-on but the remote activation can be linked to

Media in Motion 0121 311 9011

an Acc supply or current-sensing circuit. It also has phono inputs.

www.media-in-motion.co.uk

It de-equalises the input signal for Harman’s clever Logic 7 processing and acoustic equalisation and has eight channel pre-outs and on-board power at 8x30W peak per channels at two Ohms.

Setting up is easy and features a microphone fixed to a headphone to ensure accurate speaker-to-ear measurements.

Car Audio Security, 020 85969 1543 www.caraudiosecurity.com

22

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Why Parrot hands-free?

PARROT MKi9200

PARROT CK3100

Maps

• Compatibility: All Parrot products are compatible with every brand of mobile phone. Regular free software updates ensure the highest possible compatibility at all times.

• Discreet, Easy Installation: Parrot strive to ensure compatibility with all models of vehicles. Steering wheel controls are also available.(1) • Wireless music: The MKi & ASTEROID ranges have advanced music playback functionality and can play music from a variety of sources through the vehicle’s speakers.

• Advanced voice recognition and excellent audio quality from the World leader in Bluetooth hands-free systems.

• Reliability: Our two year warranty on all UK stock supports the fact that Parrot hands-free systems are designed to last.

Parrot Approved Partners:

T:01206 500 848

T:0161 494 4200

T:+353 1 448 1288

T:+353 45 407000

T:01162 449846

Available as an optional extra on the Parrot CK3000, Parrot CK3100 and MKi Series. “Made for iPod” and “Made for iPhone” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. iPhone and iPod, are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Parrot is under license. COYOTE, iCOYOTE and COYOTE logo are trademarks of COYOTE. LIVERADIO, ORANGE LIVERADIO and ORANGE LIVERADIO logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of France Telecom. Parrot trademarks figuring on this document are the property of Parrot SA. Other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Parrot SA - RCS PARIS 394 149 496.

(1)

www.parrot.com www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

23

PRODUCT FOCUS

|OEM INTEGRATION

8PARROT Customer’s steering wheel buttons can come alive and relate to Parrot

8Maxxsonics OEM Integration

CK3000 EVOLUTION and CK3100 LCD with MULTICOMM kits suitable for a large range of r-ladder bus and CAN Bus-equipped vehicles and the whole system can be installed invisibly with no trailing wires. The MUL-

Maxxsonics OEM integration boxes allow customers to get bet-

TICOMM uses the existing steering wheel command buttons to

ter sound from an existing car audio system when it is improb-

operate the Parrot Bluetooth hands-free car kit. If the vehicle

able, impractical and sometimes just impossible to change an

doesn’t have the specific operating buttons required the MUL-

aftermarket head unit.

TICOMM uses a combination of buttons to compensate for the

Easily add an aftermarket amplifier to any OEM radio system

missing ones. This does not interfere with the existing steering

with this range of 5, 4 and 2-channel line-level controllers. The

wheel control features.

MX range converts factory high-level speaker wires into unbal-

Using the MULTICOMM with the Parrot CK3000 EVOLUTION allows

anced low-level (RCA) outputs and add multiple sound shap-

removing the user interface, and getting a fully invisible Bluetooth

ing controls to clean up and boost the factory outputs.

hands free solution! Steering wheel control interfaces are also

All three feature floating ground inputs and audio signal sense

available in the UNIKA range for the Parrot MKi series and are

for remote turn on although the MX-1 (5-channel) and MX-2

now compatible with the

(4-channel) have a remote signal input also. Input sensitivity is

Parrot ASTEROID. The UNIKA

adjustable from 4-40 Volts with output levels from 4-9 Volts. The

has all the user and instal-

MX-1 and MX-2 also house a tri-colour LED to indicate clipping

lation characteristics of the

levels and parametric bass Equalisation and 24dB per octave

MULTICOMM apart from the

subsonic filters. The MX-1 is supplied with a remote bass level

interface, which has a LED

control, an optional extra on the MX-2.

indicator to show whether the

PPA Distribution

020 7993 8889 or 07908651684

UNIKA is properly installed.

Contact: Parrot 0844 472 2360 www.parrot.com

8Paser Italian Manufacturer, Paser, develops and manufacturers a broad range of vehicle specific and universal OEM interfaces for iPod/iPhone, SD, USB and Aux in integration.

MAESTRO is a comprehensive interface that allows you to connect three different and selectable devices such as: iPod/iPhone, USB and auxiliary audio input to aftermarket and OEM head units. Devices can be directly controlled by the included remote control or by steering wheel commands, where provided, both on resistive and CANbus cars. MAESTRO can transfer iPod or USB text data and menu data, to the radio display via RDS protocol. In this way, source name, folder name and song title can be directly read on the Radio display.

Celsus 01202 664 390 www.celsusice.co.uk

24

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25

PRODUCT FOCUS

|OEM INTEGRATION

8MEDIADAB MEDIADAB allows you to transform an OEM FM radio into a digital radio receiver. MEDIADAB receives the digital signal from a DAB antenna and sends it to the OEM or aftermarket unit with a FM modulator. Many functions are controllable from the car steering wheel controls with CAN-Bus, GMLAN or Resistive protocols. User information is displayed on the radio display (name of the channel, title of the song, news, etc).

MEDIADAB also uses a synthesized voice for certain information/instructions. A remote control is now provided for vehicles without steering wheel control.

Paser also manufactures VAG compatible front and rear parking sensor kits, which utilize the OEM display to provide information to the driver.

CONVERSO Mute provides the ideal hands free kit add-on for vehicles without a mute input and is compatible with all Parrott MK1 kits.

Celsus 01202 664 390 www.celsusice.co.uk

8Soundstream INt-2bX

OEM Integration w/ Bass Processor The INt-2bX from Soundstream is a signal processor with built in high-level line convertor for those who want to upgrade audio without tampering with the factory head unit. The device will accept up to five channels of audio at levels of up to 30 Volts. The subwoofer input includes a subsonic filter and 12dB of bass boost with 30-80Hz variable frequency and variable Q. The INt-2bX features an on board clip indicator, signal sense turn on and comes with a remote bass boost control.

PPA Distribution

020 7993 8889 or 07908651684

8Precision Power INT.5B

OEM Integration w/ Bass Processor Precision Power’s INT.5B is a 5-channel signal processor capable of accepting high-level signal up to 15 Volts RMS. Bass input can be tweaked to taste using the on-board 30-80Hz variable EQ with 0-12dB f gain available and variable Q. A 15-50Hz Subsonic Filter prevents the amplifier from wasting energy boosting signals that cannot be heard. A remote

8Xcarlink

bass boost control allows dynamic user adjustment

Xcarlink has a range of vehicle specific interfaces,

while a delayed turn on signal sense simplifies instal-

which allow for the connection, charging and control

lation and minimises the risk of turn on pops!

of iPod/iPhone from a factory installed head unit.

PPA Distribution

020 7993 8889 or

07908651684

Utilising the CD changer port, there are also specific interfaces for providing aux inputs with a USB/SD port and aux input. Xcarlink will also be launching a new all in one interface which will support all media including iPod/iPhone/USB/SD and Aux. Also, iPod’s/iPhones and even Livio Internet radio can be controlled from steering wheel or head unit controls and allow apps such as internet radio to be played. Xcarlink also supplies video interfaces, TV in motion and Bluetooth modules which integrate completely and can be removed if the vehicle needs to be returned to stock condition.

XCarLink 020 3393 4308 or www.xcarlink.co.uk

26

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27

PRODUCT REVIEW

|Sound deadening

SOUND OF

SILENCE

Impressing customers with the idea of good car sound is as much about the bits we can’t see as it is about the bits we can! It’s easy to forget to speak of such things with potential buyers but installation of good sound deadening is fundamental in delivering a pair of speakers potential

l Anti-VIBE by Midbass Anti-VIBE applies science to its’ sales proposition claiming that a “fully treated” car will reduce road noise by up to 12dB effectively quadrupling the output power of your amplification. As well as explaining the benefits of sound deadening for stiffening metal panels, Midbass also recommends that it be used on

W

speaker baffles for reduced distortion. Heat reflection

energy ends up lost or dissipated in the panels where they are mounted or the voids

effectively. Anti-VIBE is available in a single 18” X 32”

and reflective surfaces behind. Although not a high-priced item, sound deadening

sheet or as a door pack containing two 10” X 10”

does offer great margins and should never be overlooked. Use this guide to familiarise

sheets.

yourself with what is available.

Midbass 0121 311 9090 www.midbass.co.uk

ithout effective treatment, the expected uplift in quality from changing

is also sited as an additional benefit the theory being

a pair of factory fit horror shows for a spanking new pair of aftermarket

that by reducing the transfer of heat from exhaust and

speakers can be seriously compromised as all of their good work and

engine bay, vehicle air conditioning will work more

l SKINZ Skinz Expert Damping membrane consists of a 3-layer solution with a thickness of just 3mm. Skinz Expert Damping can be applied without the use of a heat gun and its triple layer sandwich of two differing density rubber layers covered by an aluminium layer offers effective damping.

A pressure sensitive adhesive compound ensures optimum adhesion to sheet metal, plastic and other reasonably level and grease-free surfaces.

The Skinz system includes a wave diffuser to prevent back reflections and a moisture guard to protect speakers and their terminals from corrosion. FOUR offers an extended warranty on its speakers when used in conjunction with

l RHINO MAT

the complete Skinz system and can provide installers with

Rhino Mat is manufactured from a

a panel preparation spray to maximise contact with the

viscoelastic material with suspended

surface to be protected.

mineral particles claimed to be effective in

Skinz Expert Damping is available from all FOUR MASTERS

converting vibration into thermal energy.

and FOUR dealers in 0.7 square meter packs or a 2.7 square

Rhino Mat is coated with an aluminium

meter bulk pack.

constraining film and backed with a super

FOUR 0121 451 4930 www.fourcars.co.uk

charged bitumen-based adhesive and is available in two pack sizes containing one or two 1M X 0.6M sheets or as a 1M X 10M roll. Its high flexibility makes it ideal for

lA utoleads Sound Deadening Autoleads Sound deadening offers an acoustic solution at a value for money price. The high performance butyl composite membrane is foil covered and comes in 15” X 16” sheets with 2, 5 and 10 sheet packs available.

Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

28

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covering panels with complex shapes.

CSS Aftermarket 01773 746591 www.cssaftermarket.co.uk

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

29

Product review

|Sound deadening

l Hushmat Sound Deadening Distributed by Armour Automotive, Hushmat hails from North America and plays heavily on its’ OEM credentials and particularly, its’ relationship with General Motors which was established in 1988. Hushmat is one of the oldest aftermarket brands available with four main products. Hushmat Ultra is a specially formulated, foil constrained, self-adhesive material, which can be applied without the need to clean panels before application. It is supplied in 12x23 or 12x12 inch sheets both of which are available in bulk pack quantities. Silencer Megabond is a self-adhesive foam, which can be used to reduce high frequency noise. It can be used alone or as a supplement to Ultra. Quiet tape is a highly adhesive foam tape ideal for eradicating rattles from un tethered cable harnesses while Ultra H-2-O paste is a water-based sealant ideal for sealing enclosures and sealing seams in panels in hard to reach areas.

Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

l Silent Coat Door Kit

l Focal Sound Deadening

Silent Coat specialises in solutions for noise and vibration

Focal BAM is a 3-layer damping mat.

issues in cars and all products are made in Russia.

Made up of a foil layer sandwiched

With military grade construction and highly effective

between a honeycombed foam,

damping, Silent Coat Damping Mat is already the

designed to eradicate back waves

choice of many car audio competitors. Silent Coat

from the rear of the speakers and

2mm Damping Mat uses mass loading to lower

a viscoelastic butyl compound. It is

panel resonance and absorb structural vibrations,

supplied in 21cm X 30cm sheets, 50cm X

converting them into low level heat. Stop those nasty

200cm (BAM XL) or in a 0.5m X 6M bulk

rattles, eliminate road and outside noise, insulate

pack (BAM XXXL) Also available is BAM

your vehicle and dramatically improve the sound of

BR, a sealing tape with an adhesive,

your car audio stereo system.

which will stick to wood, metal, fiberglass

Silent Coat Damping Mat is a polymeric based

and other surfaces. BAM BR can be used

damping material with a supercharged adhesive.

for sealing seams in panels and speaker

The Aluminum surface and military-grade

enclosures ensuring an airtight seal or to

composition has been proven to be extremely

fasten loose wires and cables to minimize

efficient in the conversion of vibration to thermal

rattles and vibration.

energy. Silent Coat is very flexible which allows it to

Armour Auto 01420 487110

properly adhere to a contoured panel. It can be

www.armourauto.com

installed anywhere in your vehicle including under the bonnet.

The door kit comprises eight 375 x 265mm sheets which will cover 0.8sq.m (8.6sq.ft) but many other pack sizes are available.

Car Audio Direct 01865 341179 www.caraudiodirect.co.uk

l Dynamat

Brax eXvibration Anti Noise Paste is

Market leaders since the late eighties, Dynamat has the broadest range of products developed

designed to minimise road noise, eliminate

not only for automotive but also home and equipment use. Dynamat extreme demonstrates

panel resonance and suppress vibrations. It

commitment to continuous improvement, boasting a four-fold increase in effectiveness compared

is extremely flexible and easy to apply due

to the original sound deadening material. Supplied in a wide variety of pack sizes depending on

to its high glass fibre content and can be

application, Xtreme can be shaped and installed without the need for a heat gun.

applied to

Superlite is 30% lighter than Xtreme, ideal for customers concerned about adding extra weight

a wide range of surfaces including

to their vehicles. This could represent a significant saving when treating a whole vehicle

metalwork, door cards, trim and bass boxes.

including roof, floor, boot and doors. Available as 3 off 457mm X 812mm sheets or a bulk pack

It is available in a 1.5Kg tin and 5Kg tub.

containing 12 off 457mm X 812mm.

Celsus 01202 664 390

Dynaliner is a synthetic crush and tear resistant foam layer available in three different

www.celsusice.co.uk available

thicknesses (1/8 inch, ¼ inch, ½ inch) depending on how much deadening you need or have

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space for. This sound absorption foam can be used on top of Dynamat for additional noise

341179

attenuation, Dynaliner is also an effective heat insulator useful for transmission tunnels, engine

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firewalls or other areas where heat transfer is likely.

Celsus 01202 664 390 www.celsusice.co.uk

30

l Brax eXvibration

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

31

event news

SMARTPHONES

ARE GO! Smartphone linkage was a big feature being pushed by the head unit brands which included Alpine, JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer, plus more smartphone excitement from Car Audio & Security showing Smartstart car location and command from an iPhone.

Martyn Williams reports

G

adget Show Live 2012 ran

Mirrorlink

from April 11 to 15 and was the usual massive show

Mirrorlink was

for attracting the public.

being boosted

For MEN readers however,

on the JVC stand

Tuesday the tenth was the

with a neat

magic number for which bone fide business

demo area with

people can register for the Trade and Press

in-car National Sales Manager

day – a total contrast to the public days where you won’t get a chance to stroll around quickly from stand to stand (more likely to be carried

JVC’s National Sales Manager Adam Wiegleb

Adam Wiegleb

Curtis James Jackson III – 50 Cent – was at the show endorsing product

in attendance.

there with the heaving crowds!) and trying to

Adam said: “We are pushing DAB at the show

talk to somebody on the stand might see you

with the new double Din digital radio model

wait for an hour or so.

on display. We are also demonstrating our new Mirrorlink unit which will be out in June.

The show is certainly a good place for

“One of the advantages of Mirrorlink is that the

networking even though there was only a

user is paying a reduced price for a double Din

“We are also showing DAB which was slow to

sprinkling of mobile electronics companies

head unit without navigation but a smartphone

start with but is picking up now, particularly with

exhibiting. Within a couple of minutes of arrival

navigation app brings up navigation on the

a lot of Halfords activity. However, there are a

I bumped into BURY’s Christian Spaul. They

head unit’s screen – a cheaper alternative to a

lot of misconceptions creeping in with people

are not exhibiting so what are you looking at

head unit with fixed navigation.”

talking about internet radio in the car offering

Christian? “I’m on a stroll round,” He said, “To

How are DAB units selling I asked Adam? “We

digital radio. Internet radio is fine when it’s

see what’s hot and what’s new but there’s not

had loads of back orders on our two single

being streamed at home but in the car it’s not

a lot that’s exciting me apart from Dion Dublin

Din head units when the products were first

a good experience and can’t be compared to

demonstrating the Dube.” (A percussion box

launched but as stock has come in sales are

DAB where we have now sold 15,000 units and

with a microphone inside).

not so strong but we are selling steady numbers

not had a single complaint about the service.

There was a short spat of crowding as hip hop

each month. I think the whole industry is hoping

We are hoping this won’t confuse the public.

artiste 50 Cent walked by to a stand next to

for confirmation soon that the switchover will

the car area to be seen by the media with his

happen.”

One of the most

personally-endorsed headphones – cool stuff.

32

well-known industry Adam Handley,

personalities is Raj

Expo karaoke star and CEL TRADE mover and

Kenwood’s General

Sangha of Car Audio &

shaker Darren Whaddingham was spotted

Manager - Car

Security who has signed

checking out the stands and talking to some of

Electronics Division,

up to the Gadget Show

the chaps in the mobile electronics area where

explained that it’s all

three years in a row

everyone is mostly grouped together. Was he

about Android and

now and recognises its

travelling incognito or was it that the organisers

the Kenwood app.

value for showcasing

decided his name was Whaddington?

He said: “We will be

Organisation from my point of view as a

doing a lot of work

member of the Press was not a pinnacle of

getting dealers to upload the app and really

Directed Electronics’

efficiency – I guessed that signage to the Press

familiarise themselves with it so they can show

Viper SmartStart app on

office was arranged by MI5?

potential buyers.

iPhone.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Adam Handley

products to the public, notably JBL and this year, See exactly where your car is on the SmartStart map

the gadget show

“Internet radio can’t be compared to DAB” I asked Raj about the highlights on the stand to delight the punters? He said: “We’ve got the new range of JBL amps and we are showing the MS8 processor and related JBL equipment in our M3 and we have our Focus with the new range of MS amps installed and we’ve got the

Emma Ward, Midbass’s Managing Director

Rocco with the Infinity Kappa equipment. We also have Viper SmartStart being demo’d on the Audi R8 – this will be available in July or August.”

I managed to catch Midbass’s Managing

Using an iPhone, SmartStart will allow all the

Director, Emma Ward on the Vibe stand for

usual control features and GPS monitoring

a comment on Gadget Show Live. She said:

features which include Geo-fence and speeding text messages and a host of other useful remote operation tricks.

“This is our third year and I think it’s a fantastic New Pioneer Mixtrax head unit is full of trix

business proposition because it’s a totally

Smartphone connectivity was also top of the

unique audience compared with those at the

list on the Pioneer stand – now in its third year of

car shows. It has new consumers who match

Comment on the show? Raj said: “This is only

attendance on the mobile side - with product

our own aims as a company that is diversifying.

my second year and, in terms of a consumer

man Girish Janday pushing the new range which

We’ve seen plenty of dealers here looking

show, this is the best show in the UK by far. For

was presented to 90 dealers on the trade day.

around with a view of adding to their portfolio.”

us it’s all about branding of CAS, Directed

One of the most exciting new additions was the

products and JBL/Infinity.”

new MixTrax concept with will perform DJ-style

Flying investment

Mirrorlink was

blending from one track to another and a big

The Parrot stand was flanked by retailers

also a big topic

slider control on the touch screen to adjust the

selling the Drone 2 – Parrot’s four-prop flyer

on the Alpine

BPM right up to a dizzy 200 beats.

which now has barrel-roll capability to thrill

stand and Keith

the Gadgetmungeous crowds. The Drone

Holness, Alpine’s

Girish said: “This is the only show where we can

is relatively cheap bearing in mind it’s not

Senior Business

raise awareness of our other products on the

sold with a remote control and it’s not only

Manager is also

same stand as the mobile equipment.”

smartphones that will control it, an iPad can be used allowing the Drone’s surroundings to be

keen to show the public the new

Asif Gillani, Parrot’s Sales Director

DAB-equipped

Keith Holness, Alpine’s Senior Business Manager

shown and recorded onto the iPad from the HD on-board camera.

double Din head

A more expensive Drone was being shown by

unit which has a

one of the retailers – made from gold leaf and

TSP of £999 – a

painted with a hair from a fly’s body, it was

competitive

an exact replica that could be seen under a

price for a quality

microscope inside the eye of a needle. Start

product with a

with offers around £20,000!

very long list of features including Bluetooth.

Keith thinks that the new EZi-DAB universal add-on tuner will be popular due to its adaptability to any in-car fitting scenario and the performance of its twin tuners allowing it to seek out higher strength signals of the same programme as the user drives. Its black piano finish of the small command head and

Parrot’s Sales Director, Asif Gillani was

OLED display is likely to appeal to the gadget-

enjoying the show with plenty of media

seeking public.

attention including a BBC interview. He said: “This is our second year of having an extra large stand where we are attracting plenty Girish Janday, Pioneer’s Product Manager

of attention demonstrating the new smartphone-controlled flying machine Drone 2 with its HD videocam. We are also showing ASTEROID with it’s new Digital Radio logo bearing in mind that it can play all the DAB stations through internet streaming.”

Currently there are no plans to have a DAB tuner version but Asif did mention that Parrot now owns DiBcom, an electronics company with products that include DAB tuner chips.

Parrot’s Drone 2 quadracopter was performing safely inside a cage on the towering stand

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

33

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

The Art of

Change As technology continues to advance at rapid rates, what does the future hold for mobile electronics retailers?

M.E.N ponders the influence of OEMs, smartphones and tablets.

As an industry we thrive on new technology. But are we to be bested by it, left like a jilted lover as technology moves on to please new admirers of her wonder? Take satellite navigation for example; a product so universal, so useful and so accessible, that it has been an added boost to many aftermarket retailers over the past decade.

Like anything though it has evolved, offering

does get the user from A to B pretty effectively, whether they indulge in the social aspect or not… and, crucially, it’s a free download. It doesn’t need Google search, music playing abilities or photo viewing, the smartphone can take care of all of that. It doesn’t need a financial outlay, it can be downloaded instantly and users can be sure that updates

is offering it and how they plan to increase

will be offered for free as needed. According

its availability to car buyers outside of just

to Wikipedia, over 12 million users around

executive or premium models. Others will follow

the world are already using it and you can

suit and in a few years time all but the most

understand why.

basic of new cars will do much of that which is done by the products you offer.

more and more features for less and less money.

Pleasing customers with functions and price, the

Just as magazines struggle to find a way of

cost of an all-singing, all-dancing system is more

living side-by-side with the internet, high street

That’s not even beginning to touch on how

affordable than ever. Great news for retailers as

shops struggle to compete with online offerings

OEM car companies are looking to utilize the

customers surely can’t resist!

or music/film retailers battle against the

cloud, or keep the car and home connected

download site, are mobile electronics retailers

so that drivers can do things like turn home

destined to battle against the smartphone?

lights or heating on remotely or sync with the

The problem is that this technology may have

home computer!

found a new love, in the form of smartphone applications. You may or may not have heard

Similarly, the impact of the OEM car

of all of them, but take Waze as an example.

manufacturers can’t be underestimated

Microsoft, who already work with the likes of

It takes satellite navigation but plays on the

when looking to the future. Anything that the

Ford, Toyota and Nissan believe that cars are

social aspect of it, allowing users to tell others

aftermarket is planning or talking about now,

becoming the world’s third most important

of incidents, accidents and delays, for which

you can be sure the major automakers are also

computing device after phones and tablet

they are rewarded by evermore impressive

already working on.

computers. Some 4 billion cars are expected to be on the world’s roads by 2050, four times

avatars (their user identities).

This year will see Ford launch their SYNC system

the current amount, so the idea of connected

There are also games, like collecting cupcakes

in Europe, which has already been in use in

cars and increased computing ability is seen as

at various locations, to encourage drivers to

North America for a while. In its bid to become

not only core for infotainment but also to help

use it more; the information of their speed

seen as a technology company as much as

navigate the ensuing congestion.

and location being fed back to Waze to help

an automaker, this system will be available on

them perfect the whole process. Similarly,

more and more Ford vehicles and continue to

notifications by users of mapping errors and

evolve to meet demand.

the like all help the product grow organically,

34

So, what does this mean for the aftermarket?

Essentially, products like sat nav, Bluetooth

essentially doing for free what established

It essentially takes over the hands-free phone

phone kits, iPod/iPhone connectivity and even

navigation companies pay to have done.

and connected music playing functions of

in-car internet are going to end up in most

It’s not a slick 3D system with photo-real

the aftermarket products, with the added

new cars, potentially leaving the aftermarket

junction views, so surely it’s not really

advantage of voice control. While none of

out in the cold. The products that dealers

competition for traditional sat nav. However, it

this is particularly new, what’s relevant is who

have moved from audio to offer, such as

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

|2012 that this is a technology industry more than it is an automotive one and, like any other technology industry, being fluid and ready to change is the key to survival.

Once you take this approach to the future things shouldn’t seem so daunting.

By constantly looking at what’s coming and how your company can utilise it and capitalise upon it, combined with aftermarket manufacturers taking the same tact to stay one step ahead, then the future becomes an exciting place. The mobile electronics field is changing, but the thing to remember is that the importance of mobile electronics is increasing. While that can take some opportunities away from retailers, the crucial thing is that it can also add new opportunities.

Your customers are using smartphones for navigation rather than buying navigation systems from you? Fine, sell them a phone cradle and while you’re at it get the phone linked up to better car speakers so they can hear the directions more clearly. It won’t always be so easy, but you get the point; success in the future depends on the ability to move as quickly as the technology you work with.

Heading forward without looking where you, and those around you are going, is a dangerous tactic

CAR AND OWNER: A Changing Relationship?

Consider these two views for a moment.

Firstly, new car buyers in Europe now are from an increasingly aging demographic as they are the only people who can afford the purchase. Younger customers are disappearing as they struggle to find the money for housing and general living.

phone kits or sat nav, are one day going to be

and according to DVLA statistics from 2009,

obsolete, the main hope being that perhaps

the average age of those is around seven

increasingly to massive emerging markets like

improvements and upgrades to OEM systems

years. That leaves a massive market still for the

China, Russia, India and Brazil so the climate is

continue to be developed by the ingenious

products you supply and sell now… especially

definitely changing.

companies in the aftermarket.

when you think how many people you still see

Alternatively, it’s possible that the market for

Secondly, car manufacturers are looking

using their phone while driving, or hear their

What impact will this have? Well, cars will be

sound system rattling their doors.

designed with the likes of China in mind, a country where congestion is heavy and in-car comfort

upgraded speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers will become prominent for the aftermarket

There will also be an increasing opportunity to

and entertainment are subsequently increasingly

retailer once again. They are products that

help customers integrate their smartphones

important. This is already the case and it will

modern technology can only compliment and

and tablets to their older cars, which is

become more so, with the trend likely to spread.

not replace (for the moment anyway), plus

something you should probably be focusing on

The handling and performance of a car will be

OEM manufacturers are unlikely to ever justify

heavily already.

secondary to the convenience and comfort.

standard, passing the costs of upgraded sound

But heading forward without looking where

In the west, the thinking may revolve around

systems on to the customer as optional extras

you, and those around you are going is a

there being more shared cars as car ownership

instead. Appealing to the audiophile, offering

dangerous tactic for companies aiming for

and how people view it will change. This

the very best in in-car sound may be the niche

long-term success and survival. At some point

means the smartphone/tablet will be more

that the aftermarket will need to promote ever

in the next decade, the new cars will already

important as integration of personal devices

harder in the future.

offer as standard much of what you currently

with a car is how users will make the car they’re

offer as additional functionality. As an industry

in personal to their tastes. Both views clearly

Naturally, this all takes a medium to long term

the aftermarket mobile electronics sector,

point to in-car technology being of increasing

view of the situation. Certainly in the short term

including the retailers, need to adapt and

importance, which could be great news for the

there are over 31 million cars on the UK’s roads

evolve accordingly. The first stage is to accept

aftermarket industry if it continues to pioneer

the costs of using higher levels of equipment as

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

35

PRODUCT FOCUS

|Cobra Vizualogic

VIZUALOGIC SCREEN STARS FROM COBRA

and service package.”

Brian Torres, Vice President of Vizualogic also commented on the two company’s successful association saying: “Cobra is the UK marketleading distributor for the premium DVD screen segment and as such, we felt the company was best placed to launch our products in Britain. We are keen to replicate the success we have achieved in America and I am confident that with Cobra’s expertise, we will meet these aspirations in the UK.” For dealers, a comprehensive range from one supplier is a must, and Cobra’s line up of Vizualogic products covers a massive list of applications including, for example, BMW 5-Series leather headrests. The range includes a conventional front seat headrest system, an active headrest solution and a unique arm rest system which has been hailed by dealers as a major installation problem-solver for vehicles where it’s difficult to offer a conventional headrest or roof-mounted system.

There are three roof mount screen sizes offered - 8.5, 10.2 and 11 inch models with side-loading decks. These, and the headrest systems, all come with two pairs of foldable wireless headphones and 300 integrated games (54 games for headrest and console models) with a custom controller. Input facilities include a USB slot, SD Card reader and two auxiliary inputs. Other roof mount installer options are interchangeable colour-matching surrounds

Arguably one of the best ranges of screens in the business, Cobra has launched its range of Vizualogic premium in-car entertainment systems, with a massive range of PerfectMatch leather headrests plus an innovative armrest multimedia screen product

and built-in superbright interior lighting.

The headrest range caters for over 900 leather headrests alone, and with PerfectMatch, every installation boasts a factory fit appearance. The flexibility of the PerfectMatch system means that a bespoke solution is virtually guaranteed for vehicles old or new. The Vizualogic screens allow passengers to watch individual films at the same time, or to play the same game on both displays.

Vizualogic packages consist of the DVD

The Vizualogic range offers dealers a screen solution for virtually any vehicle

Vizualogic – American know-how

A-1260 featuring a pair of seven inch screens

even those with a combination of sport

Vizualogic is based in Corona, California. It’s

and PerfectMatch headrests with a leather

seats, panoramic roof, or a convertible.

a division of TMI Products, a family-owned

option. They are rake adjustable via a ratchet

Stocking is simplified by all screens having

company founded in 1982. TMI specialises

mechanism which allows fine-tuning for perfect

an integrated DVD deck. Other customer

in OEM interior components, including

positioning. The system comes complete with 54

satisfaction delights include screen

convertible roof assemblies, door panels,

resolutions of 800 by 480 pixels and Cobra’s two year hardware warranty.

Dealers can be assured of a high quality OEM standard of all Vizualogic products by worldwide association with leading vehicle manufacturers which include Ford, GM, Infiniti,

electronic systems, interior consoles and seating. Vizualogic products are used by leading vehicle manufacturers throughout the world.

games and a game controller, wireless remote control, backlit buttons which auto fade at night and two auxiliary inputs to accommodate a choice of entertainment.

The Headrest DVD A-1260 ACTIVE package features the same specification as the A-1260 but is designed specifically for fitment to cars

Kia, Nissan, Suzuki and all Range Rover models

with active headrests. Vizualogic’s unique

including the new Evoque.

screen solution is the Armrest DVD with an

Andrew Smith, Managing Director of Cobra

eight inch display mounted on the front centre

UK, thinks that the Vizualogic range of products

armrest console. It can be angled towards each

is exactly what dealers are looking for. He said:

passenger and folded away flat against the

“We have joined forces with one of the world’s

console when not in use.

leading suppliers of in-car entertainment systems

36

floor coverings, headliners, integrated

The Roof Mount models are DVD 9000, 1020

to offer first class quality, and the Armrest system

and 1160 offered in 8.5, 10.2 and 11 inch sizes

is a unique product that hasn’t been available

respectively.

before in the UK. All of these products are

Cobra UK 01932 772400 www.

supported by Cobra’s comprehensive warranty

cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

No Compromise Quality, Range & Cobra Service Since 1975 Cobra has developed and distributed some of the best electronic products available to the motor industry Now we’ve launched the Vizualogic™ range of premium InCar DVD and Rear Seat Entertainment solutions in the UK Call our Sales Team to arrange a personal demonstration – that’s what Cobra service is all about

• Screen quality 800x480 pixels • 900+ PerfectMatch leather & cloth headrests • SD card reader and USB slot • iPod® compatible* • 2 year warranty • 54 games included • 2 wireless headphones plus 3.5mm headphone jack

Exclusively from Cobra * iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc

Call Cobra Sales Support now on 01932 772400 www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

37

HEADREST MONITORS £134 + VAT

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Caska is an OEM manufacturer for Mercedes Benz China, Seat Spain and Mazda Netherlands. They are now bringing their range to the UK market via Caska UK (TTints). We at Caska UK are now taking on select installation centres to become dealers of our GTMMI, VXMMI, RSMMI 1 & 2 models.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join forces with China’s leading aftermarket manufacturer, bringing the only aftermarket system that offers multiple add ons and guaranteed upsales.

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

39

COMPANY FOCUS

|2012

HANDS-FREE DESIGN LEADER Novero is a German based international company launched in the height of the financial crash, so had to be good to survive and thrive – its success was not unexpected for an organisation with a pre-formed pedigree dedicated to quality hands-free products - distributed in the UK by Daltec great technology, be they for the home, office, car or on the move in general. Our products are developed in Germany and Canada and designed in Scandinavia, they include lifestyle, fashion and music headsets as well as multimedia, computing and car communication devices that complements the customers’ style. Some have picked up prestigious design awards.”

Novero’s production discipline founded in OEM means rigorous testing of all products is seen as an essential part of everything they do

Latest to pick up an accolade is the

Novero’s intensive research and development programme ensures total product quality of hands-free equipment

Rockaway, a minimalist-design Bluetooth in-ear

The Truly One

stereo headset which has gained the 2012

Novero’s top of the range flagship model

internationally recognised ‘red dot’ Design

with stylish control module with adaptive

Award ahead of over 4,000 submitted entrants.

illumination and a neat display head featuring

Peter Dallas, Managing Director of Daltec

easy-to-see icons and text on its high contrast

Novero was founded in ‘interesting times’

is particularly pleased with the company’s

2.2 inch screen. It’s designed to work with

as Chinese philosophers might say, in the

association with Novero. He said: “They have

the user’s phone voice recognition system

middle of the West’s financial crash in 2008.

a fantastic range of products, everything from

and the amplified Bluetooth music playback

It was born out of a successful management

Bluetooth jewellery, to in-car communications

has pause/play, next/previous and track title

buy-out of Nokia’s Automotive division and

devices. The industry needs innovators like

information. Bluetooth Profile 2.1+EDR, hands-

with this wealth of experience behind it

Novero and we at Daltec are proud to be

free Profile 1.5, A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3, HFP 1.0

went on to develop a new class of quality

working closely with them to bring the brand

mobile communications products.

to market. All of the Novero range combines

The Trusty One

Scandinavian styling and German engineering

The Trusty One has nearly all the advantages

Bluetooth connectivity multimedia systems and

excellence to provide a satisfying customer

of The Truly One apart from the screen. The

telematics solutions for the automobile industry

experience.”

remote control has adaptive illumination and

Novero’s portfolio is comprised of both

with OE customers that include Audi, Bentley,

They are ‘The Ones’

system. Amplified Bluetooth music playback

and Nokia.

Novero hands-free products handled by UK

has pause/play and next/previous functions.

distributor Daltec, are The Truly One, The Trusty

The Bluetooth is Profile 2.1+EDR and the Hands-

One and The Talky One.

free Profile is 1.5, A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3, PBAP 1.0

Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Novero is a 400-strong company with offices in Europe, North America and Asia.

The brains behind Novero’s success story is Romanian-born CEO, Razvan Olosu, founder of the company and instrumental in the negotiations with Nokia.

Razvan Olosu

All Novero hands-free equipment is distinguished by its smooth, futuristic styling to

The Talky One

complement any modern dashboard.

Novero’s high quality pocket-sized

Important features for installers includes ease

speakerphone is the most versatile and is ready

of fitting and a full support service plus effortless

for use in the car, at home or in the office.

synchronising with all popular phones including

It’s easy to use the one big button and has

company’s strategy, he

iPhone, BlackBerry and Android devices.

Bluetooth Profile 2.1 and hands-free Profile 1.5,

said: “We pride ourselves on

They all provide multipoint active connection

A2DP 1.2 It has a talk-time of up to 15 hours

constantly delivering cutting

functionality for two phones – typically personal

and will standby for up to

edge products. Our goal is to

and company. Another customer satisfaction

180 hours.

offer our customers wireless

point is Novero’s reputation for excellent audio

For more details contact

multimedia products with

quality – an essential for promoting repeat

Daltec 0208 515 7820

sophisticated designs and

business.

www.dal-tec.com

Commenting on the

40

works with the phone’s voice recognition

Ford of Europe, Land Rover, Skoda, Volkswagen

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

love tomorrow

TRULYONE • Stylish car display with clear icons and text • 2.2“ monochrome colour adjustable display • Works with your phone’s voice recognition • A mplified Bluetooth music playback with pause/play, next/ previous and track title information dependent on model • B luetooth Profile 2.1+EDR, Handsfree Profile 1.5, A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3, HFP 1.0

TRUSTYONE • Stylish remote control with adaptive illumination • Works with your phone’s voice recognition features • A mplified Bluetooth music playback with pause/play, next/previous • B luetooth Profile 2.1+EDR, Handsfree Profile 1.5, A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3, PBAP 1.0

TALKYONE • U se the speakerphone wherever you want - in the car, at home or in the office • Ease of use: one big button and illumination guidance • Bluetooth Profile 2.1, Handsfree Profile 1.5, A2DP 1.2 • Elegant design • Talk-time: up to 15 h • Standby time: up to 180 h • Charges with micro-USB connector

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

41

BUSINESS FORUM

|2012

BUSINESS CHOICE

Article three

Third in a series on aspects of business is one man’s slant on starting out as a mobile installer. Jeff Scott, Director, Ifitstuff and the Sussex Installation Team, talks further about the aspects of forming a company or being a sole trader

There are a number of things that you will need to do in order to start trading, firstly it helps if you are not asking to borrow money for a business from a bank!

can also be costly too. You can change the

If you do want a business account then you

business entity as it progresses over the years

will need the usual identification as you

and for many it’s unlikely to have to worry

would need for a personal account with the

about paying too much tax on profit in the

addition of a business card and letter head

first year as there is a good chance you won’t

(which you could do on your computer or

make much!

online). I would suggest not to get thousands of business cards made at this stage as you will

My first venture when I was 18 years old started

42

with a nice business plan to try and get some

A Sole Proprietorship is a common and

probably want to change something on the

funding from the Prince’s Trust or the bank.

popular one to start with. Here, your position

card very soon as it is difficult to get it right first

Neither helped me, and in truth I was just

will the ‘Proprietor’ and you will be a ‘Sole

time, particularly in new territory. I would also

plucking numbers out of thin air as I didn’t

Trader’. As a Sole Trader you can open a

say to avoid the free ones as they give out the

have a clue what profit, turnover or expenses I

business bank account in the business name,

wrong impression.

would have at that stage. Since then if I need

but be aware that a business bank account

a loan for business I just get a personal loan

will charge you for things that you have

(like for a new car) and tell the bank that I just

always had for free, maybe 75 pence for

that you are now self-employed and that

want a current account and nothing else, no

every time you pay into your bank plus 30p

means that you will have to fill out a HMRC self-

questions, no business plan, the APR is generally

for every cheque and 85p per £100 cash

assessment form each year before January 31.

better on a personal loan anyway.

and a monthly fee (my Barclays Business

You have time though as the deadline for this

account charges £5.50 a month). You are

tax year April 6 2011 to April 5 2012 is January

Starting out, you will need to decide

likely to get a free period for being new

31 2013. You will also have to start paying class

what sort of business to form – such as a

business to them, maybe for 12 to 18 months,

2 national insurance contributions at a flat rate

Sole Trader, Partner with a friend or spouse,

but be sure the charges will eventually go

of £2.50 a week. However, if your earnings are

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or a Limited

out like clockwork. You can pay cash into a

below £5,315 per year (2011-12) you might not

Company. There are pros and cons to all of

private account first and then transfer it via

need to pay. There is a required time period

these - a Limited Company could reduce the

BACS to the business account to avoid some

to tell them when you start trading or you risk

tax that you pay (with clever accounting), but

fees although it can make your banking

getting fined (fines are reasonable at around

you then have to pay more to an accountant

more confusing. You might prefer to just use

£100 or something small like that though so it’s

for the added paperwork. With a Limited

a personal account to run your business

not the end of the world if you are late in telling

Company the debt of the business is limited

finances, although it would be worth opening

them).

to your business and so in theory you won’t

a second personal account and keeping that

lose your house or personal possessions if it

one for business only and not confusing your

View other Ifitstuff members points of view

all goes tits up! But then again if you want

personal and business affairs in one account.

on this subject in the trade only section of

credit with anyone then you will almost

One drawback of not having a business

the forum here http://www.ifitstuff.com/

certainly have to sign a Directors Guarantee

account is that you will have to explain to

forum/index.php/board,1056.0.html.

anyway which defeats the point really. Limited

your customers to make cheques payable to

companies are more complicated to fulfil all

you personally and not your company name

Thanks for reading and please do check back

the paperwork obligations and the penalties

as the bank will not accept a cheque in the

next month for some advice which includes

are more severe if you fail to meet those

name of your business if you don’t have an

whether to buy or lease a van.

obligations, winding the company up if you fail

account in that name.

Contact Jeff onjeff@ifitstuff.com

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

You will have to notify the Inland Revenue

SUMMER DEALS Ifit-Pro Websites

Do you need a new website? Do you wish that there was better value for money than the £400+VAT for a basic 3-4 page website?

What would you say if I told you that now you can have a 300-400 page website pre populated with hundreds of search engine friendly pages of products and installations?

Getting you all over Google when your search for those products in your local area. What if it was really easy to set up? What if we already priced the jobs for you? How about if we continually add new products to your site for you?

What if it doesn’t cost £10,000? What if it costs just £20 per month? and what if we give you FREE SET UP as in MAY when you quote MEN/Ifit-Pro?

Ifitstuff SSSI (Safe, Secure & Sustainable Installations) We are offering a 12 month SSSI listing fee at half price £25 (Normally £50).

Simply buy your listing, Provide proof of you public liability insurance, Read FCS 1362 and IFit SSSI V1.2, Complete SSSI online exam and pledge to comply with our standard and code of practise.

You will then be giving the green light for potential new customers who find your company on our “Find an Engineer” search tool. If you spend over £150 on sponsored listings then you will get this entirely free.

Sponsored Listings We are also offering sponsored listings (mini website listing) on the find an engineer search page above the free listings on a buy one get one free MEN/Ifit-Pro deal.

The listings are exclusive with only 1 of each position available, so if you buy position 1 in the BN Postcode area for example then your business will be listed 1st for searches in any BN Postcode area, If you buy position 10 then you will appear above all the free listings and only businesses that have purchased a higher position sponsored listing will feature above you.

Remember there is only 1 of any of these listings available and so you should consider if you should buy this listing now or risk your competitor buying it, if your competitor does buy the listing then they will have 1st refusal to renew it when the 12 months expires and so you might never get another chance to buy it!

If you buy a sponsored listing in one postcode area, then you will get another of equal or less value free. You could even club together with another Ifitstuff member and one pay while the other gets one free? If you spend over £150 on sponsored listings then you will also get a free 1 year SSSI listing for free saving a further £50.

See ifitstuff.com for further details or contact jeff@ifitstuff.com

l TEL 01386 554210 l FAX 01386 552461 l sales@sailesmarketing.com l www.sailesmarketing.com

NEW CAN SOFTWARE UPDATE....

Cars just added to our CAN interfaces: Landrover Defender 2.2 (2012) Volvo XC60 (2012) Jaguar XF 2.2 (2012) Volvo V70 (2012) Porsche Cayenne (2012) Volvo XC70 (2012) Volvo V60 (2012)

In 1999 we introduced the first CAN interface to the aftermarket covering just a small selection of cars! Now in 2012 we supply a range of CAN interfaces which are compatible with 40 vehicle manufactures covering 300+ cars, vans, commercial vehicles and motorbikes!

Please contact us for full details & latest prices www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

43

INDUSTRY PERSONALITY

|2012

DEAN BEHA Managing Director of Vestatec Distribution, underwater hockey champion, talented technician and petrolhead, Dean started his working life alongside people who are now part of industry folklore… Martyn Williams asks the questions like, where did it all start?

“I started working in the summer holidays for my uncle Mike Wells on the Kings Road at Chelsea Car Stereo. He taught me how to solder and crimp, Ohms law and lots of other install stuff. I was doing highend celebrity installs for the likes of Rod Stewart and Cliff Richard, to name but a few, in Jensen Interceptors, Bentleys etc. In those days, you had to do an awful lot of suppression work which came in handy for writing Thatcham and VSIB criteria later on.

“Vestatec Distribution not only supplies MetaSystem but also Rockford Fosgate and Rosen Entertainment plus we are suppliers of daylight running kits, cruise controls, speed limiters and related items.

Vestatec Distribution is the electronics division of the Vestatec Group.

“From there I went to Autosound Services in Watford and Harrow as a shop manager when Adam Rayner was a teenage kid the other side of my counter driving everybody mad.

Autosound was owned by Bob and Frank King who also owned Ital Audio who were the importers of Cobra. In 1988 they made me technical director of the group which involved technical support and training for their products.

“Our plans are to develop Rosen a lot more, they have got a lot of things coming along with the integration of infotainment in cars.

We already have iPod integration products and Android is coming soon. You will also see much more connectivity between the front screen and the headrest screens.

The other development is bringing information into the car via 3G and eventually 4G where you’ve got access to the web and all the services going to the front screen of the car and transmitted to the headrests.

“At that time I had a lot of involvement with security products and even earned a reputation for being able to show up the flaws in equipment such as one time at the Motor Show there was a company called Vecta marketing an ‘unbeatable’ immobiliser. Vecta’s advertising generally bad-mouthed a lot of competitive products so it was a red rag to a bull when they set up an all-comers opportunity to try and get past their immobiliser on the press day. It was quite satisfying to have cracked it inside a minute in front of journalists!

“My transition from technical to the commercial side of the company was almost by accident and, I ended up more or less being technical and commercial director at Ital. Various events and changes of direction saw Ital wound up in 2001. Vestatec then took over Cobra distribution taking turnover from £2m to £16m in only seven years. During this time we launched CobraTrak which I think was a major achievement to break in with an Italian alarm brand against Tracker and Trackstar and take a significant market share. This did however make the UK distribution a much bigger part of Cobra’s world to the point where they eventually set up their own UK operation.

44

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Our plans are to develop Rosen further with the integration of infotainment in cars

“One of the first Rosen head unit products to be introduced is the feature-rich and wellpriced Piranha – it’s called that because it’s going to eat up the competition! It is currently being developed to a European specification including a DAB tuner instead of US satellite radio.

“With Rockford we are really looking at reestablishing the brand and getting stands into dealerships and supporting it around the show circuits. One of the most exciting products in the range is the Rockford 3Sixty processor which enables you to upgrade an OE system in prestige cars and turn what the factory gives you into top-performing audio. To me, that is a key product in the range.

“I am into OE adaptation throughout all our product ranges. MetaSystem does some top class OE integration products – everything links in just like as if it was factory including the sensors.”

When you get a chance to relax, do you pursue any hobbies or sport?

“Well, I regularly do an unusual sport that I’ve been playing since I was 14 – underwater hockey. It’s not well-known that it’s an international game – I’ve been in five world championships and managed to pick up several gold medals. I still play a couple of times a week plus mountain bike-riding in between to keep fit.

“I also enjoy doing a bit of wake-boarding and free-diving – being able to hold your breath for about five minutes helps with that one, and allows you to go down about 20 metres or more. Anything to do with water like sailing and power boating generally are all things I get up to.”

ALL NEW ROSEN AV7900

Exclusively distributed in the UK & Ireland by: Contact us: 020 8867 2340 Email: sales@vestatec.co.uk Rockford Fosgate UK

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

45

DOWN AT THE DEALER

|2012

BOUNDARY CAR CARE “The business started back in 1969,” Steve told me. “By my father, George Jones who, in the mid-80s became the biggest distributor for Webasto sun roofs in the UK. He originally worked for Ford at the Halewood plant putting in roof and interior trim on the production line. He then branched out on his own with a small garage doing servicing, repairs and bodywork. By the mid-70s he had got into fitting vinyl roof covering which became popular and had a staff of about 10 people who were going out to dealerships fitting them. It became such big business that he was marketing vinyl roof kits boxed up and sent out to other companies who were fitting them.

“In the late 70s he was doing rust-proofing and fitting sun roofs and got the Webasto distributorship. There was a year when aftermarket sunroof sales peaked at 400,000.

“As the sunroofs fizzled out in the late 80s we became distributors for Foxguard alarms.

These were very simple

PA-ME P U Score: 5 out of 5

R TE

From the left: Debbie Jones, Steve Jones, Becky Little, Lee Newberry, Paul Henderson, Ken Houghton, Paul Okeefe. Others not in the picture are Dave Penny in Sales, Lee Seagreaves out Window Tinting, Susan Brown Accounts on a day off

devices when others had as many as 30 wires to connect, and we sold them to a lot of our sunroof customers. Some of them weren’t all that electrically-minded but connecting up this alarm was not much of a problem for them.

By about ’95 the Foxguard business had fizzled out too (at one time we had been one of their biggest distributors) and we were beginning to struggle on the distribution sales side but things were still going strong in the workshop and, as we went into the next decade, our AV sales were improving fast along with the increased popularity of window tinting.

“At one time we had two guys in the workshop doing 30 tints a week and although it’s peaked, the business is still steady. Currently we average between 10 and 15 a week.

“Our vinyl wrapping business is also going well and we have two sides to this venture – one is for people who want a colour change or carbon mirrors and bonnets etcetara.

The other is digital wrapping which is the advertising wraps. This is going well – only last week we did two TNT Iveco Daily vans – and there is more money in advertising than styling wraps. On the signage side we have two guys – Lee Newberry and Ken Houghton - constantly making all the stuff and another chap, Dave Penny, out in a van all day doing the sales and two people in the workshop doing the wrapping.

“Dave Penny has been with us now for 34 years by the way, We’ve only got one lad here who has been with us for a short time, two years, Lee Seagreaves who tints and wraps.

The rest have been with us for a long time with the shortest-serving of the long termers having been with us for ten years.

“Anyway, when we had been vinyl wrapping for a while we also started Car Skinz where we supply training, tools and materials with a starter deal starting at around £1600.

At the moment we have a network of 12

dealers using the Car Skinz scheme which takes advantage of bulk buying from Hexis with excellent prices. We buy between 10 and 20 rolls at a time. We can sell to anyone who wants it off the roll.”

You’ve seen tints and tvs coming along, are there any other trends that you’ve seen?

“VW T5s seem to be popular, and the customisation scene that goes with it. We recently trimmed one inside and fitted extra seats and windows. It was Dynamatted and all the bare metal was covered in a thick acoustic cloth. We fitted sliding seats in the back that can be removed, plus AV equipment throughout. It’s not only T5s, last week we did a Vito fitting alloy wheels and dropping the suspension plus cloth and sound-proofing and a drop-down screen in the back plus LED lighting inside. It was a 2.5 turbo diesel with 140bhp so it goes well too.

“It now looks like we will be doing some Mercedes Vaneos for a company who need VIP transport vehicles. One the uses they are put to is transporting footballers’ families to matches with a driver following on while they are in the coach. They are fully-loaded with fridges and DVD players etcetera and can add up to as much as £60k’s worth of work. We definitely see this as a growing lifestyle market.

“Overall though, the area for gadgets in cars is getting smaller and smaller but there are still opportunities like when a customer came in yesterday with a new Merc who wanted parking sensors. The option from the dealer – admittedly an intelligent system with guidance – was £1200!

C

Diversification is the key to Steve Jones’ success, owner of Boundary. Martyn Williams paid a visit to his premises in the environs of St Helens near Liverpool

Steve also runs the successful Skinz vinyl service which can include tool supply and training to businesses

Excellent tea and a cru available sty ro also prov ll was ided!

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

47

Opportunity Knocks

|2012 Midbass demo cars at MEN Expo

Car Audio Security at MEN Expo

Show and Tell

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Modified Live, Cadwell Park – 5th May www.modifiedlive.co.uk Japfest, Castle Coombe – 12th May www.japfest.co.uk

With the 2012 show season already ramping up, it is time for you to get out and show your wares.

Modified Nationals, Peterborough – 1st-3rd June - www.modifiednationals.co.uk Ultimate Performance Vauxhall Show, Santa Pod – 10th June – www.PVShow.co.uk Petrol Heads, Blackburn – 12th June – www.petrolheadsshow.co.uk

The UK show scene is one of the finest and fittest in Europe with hundred’s of regional and national shows, all well attended, taking place from March to September. Shows can be a great way to get in front of an audience who may never have cause to enter your store.

These are all prime prospects for your business and to be able to mix with them while they are in entertainment mode gives a unique insight into what they want and to open their eyes and ears to new ideas and opportunities.

With the massive growth of modified car clubs online, a new movement has taken over the modifying scene. To be part of it, you have to physically show what you can do – their passion is after all, cars, not shops!

Japshow, Santa Pod – 17th June – www.japshow.co.uk GTi International, Briuntingthorpe – 23rd24th June – www.gtiinternational.co.uk Modified Mania, Devon – 29th July www.devoncarshows.co.uk Street Car, Santa Pod – 3rd-5th August www.ultimatestreetcar.co.uk Trax, Silverstone – 2nd September – To get involved as an installer/dealer, you

www.traxshows.co.uk

will need a demo car and some signage, if you have a branded pop-up tent then all the

there are plenty of logo’s strategically placed

better. Height is important and a 4M fishing

so that when their pictures appear on Facebook,

pole with a flag on top can help get you

they are inextricably linked to your business.

noticed. Many shows allow you to retail on site.

Check first, but this can result in spontaneous

There are literally hundreds of car shows

purchases particularly if you have a “once

throughout the season and your local area

in a lifetime” offer. Be realistic though, £2000

car clubs are a good source of information.

amplifiers will not sell, £50 subwoofers might if

Your suppliers may also be happy to help you

you can demonstrate they do the business and

with materials and even space. A few of the

offer value for money.

main national shows on this year’s calendar are listed below with contact details but do not

Make sure your demo car represents all of

exclude the opportunities that may exist in your

your skills and take enough staff with you to

locality. A small attendance of good quality

carry out personal demonstrations or group

prospects could be just as valuable as the

“walk rounds”. Most visitors will skulk around in the

many thousands that go to the ones listed.

background and take pictures, the keener DIY Connects2 strategically placed labels

48

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

inclined ones take pictures of details they want

Let me know how you get on:

to copy on to their own projects so make sure

Arthur.deebie.co.uk

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Pioneer AVH-2400BT 5.8” Touch screen CD/USB/DVD Bluetooth ready

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JVC KD-R331 4x45W, CD/MP3 Front aux-input

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 49 All prices exclude VAT at current rate and are subject to availability/change without notification. Trade prices are available to CAS Account holders only. E&OE

ADAM RAYNER

|2012

RAYNER RANTS Adam Rayner believes in the phrase, “Build it and they will come”…

I was far too dismantled and startled to make any coherent speech at the Ice Awards last October when they gave me the Lifetime Achievement gong and only some of you would have been in the room. So you’ll not know my history…

It all started with Car Stereo & Security

For what you do and what Computer Geeks

forum ended up being given up in disgust

magazine (A.K.A. Fast Forward – as in FFwd

get up to are different things. For some, just

by the owner and handed to the chief

on a cassette deck!) called ‘Rock Bus’ about

finding the bloody “E” key can take twenty

Dufflepud. (Google them.)

tour coaches. It worked. I was Features Editor. I

seconds, so typing is hell. But soldering a neat

then got onto Max Power very early on and a

join while your arse is higher than your head

And on that last forum, is a long thread, which

year later became their ICE Editor for another

and a -5 Centigrade draught is chilling your

I only read a few pages of, having a right royal

four years. From there to Fast Car, where I was

spine in the workshop is second nature.

attack on a famous lad (and me, too, although

also Ice Editor for another seven years until

to my utter hilarity, I still get the honorific “Mr”

the Internet kicked the feet out from under the

I work as Online Editor on www.talkaudio.co.uk.

used!) basically, for a perceived ‘celebrity

readership and they couldn’t afford me any

It’s a forum which has been running for over a

slight’ and ‘lack of credit’ for his ‘design’. It was

more. Sadly it was a 42% drop in one year and a

decade and I make the consumer magazine

as if the legendary Ian ‘Iceman’ Pinder would

long time later they look to be getting a grip on the force that has turned the paper mag into the mere peak of the iceberg, as their iPad digital edition trials were in the 900,000 region!

So I started with a cassette deck at the birth of

Get a sexy car built for the summer and if it is good enough, it will pay you back

in-car CD, which was a few years after in-home

screen of design.

But my point is that however savant a designer may be, there is no substitute for playing trombone with port tubes and in any case, Iceman has his history of install after install and

CD and have seen MiniDisc and in-car DAT

that comprises the front page. The whole thing

then going to every event for twenty years

come and go (incidentally the BBC still use pro

has been independent, running on advert

already. That and the four inch thick wall he

MD for stings and jingles – or there’s a pro MD

revenue alone for four years now. And I have

built in the Astra. They just wanna be him. (Sad

machine in the contributors’ studio at BBC TVC,

learned some Internet stuff.

thing is, without the issues, said designer would

anyway) , and then DVD. Followed briefly by

be the most wonderful editorial material.)

DVD-Audio and now I await the HD lushness of

Internet forums are scary places where

Blu-Ray for in-car?

status and wit rule. More people look (‘lurk’)

Just like the guys of Kings Audio in Leicester who

than sign in and only a few ever dare, of our

won the ‘The One’ Phoenix Gold monoblock

I have thus seen a car audio equivalency of

90,000 different people a month to actually

amp and then nicked Mum’s Lexus and cut the

Jezza Clarkson-esque amounts of fabulous

chip in. That said, it’s a fabulous community

bloody roof off for the install. It looked fabulous

car installs. All over the place, too. Las Vegas

resource where people tell each other stuff

at Expo and awesome at Santa Pod the next

for CES, Paris and Athens with Panasonic,

and ask questions and it’s a cool place as the

weekend. They have put blood into the actual

Makuhari, near Tokyo with Alpine and

owner is such a laid back chap and has hired

work, not talking.

Kenwood. London and all over the UK for years

moderators who are equally as chilled. I would

for everybody. I’ve met Magic Mike and Xzibit

be terrible as a ‘Mod’.

and Miami’s Bass Mekanik is my friend. I have

50

have been nothing without this one computer

It’s not the keyboard warrior, it’s the build that impresses. So if you have any pretensions to

sat inside some awesome work, like the Galpin

But very few forums have moderator teams

excellence at all, then get a sexy car built for

Scythe and met some amazing craftsmen

who also man a high end data centre,

the summer and if it is good enough, it will pay

and now, after four years of doing it full time, I

like Talk Audio’s and are thus 24/7. And

you back.

reckon I also have a little handle on the more

nastiness seethes on some other forums.

blindingly obvious things about the Internet and

Pistonheads is known for its purity of cruelty

why so many of you are scared of it.

from some writers and the Streetbassers

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Take care, now and try to avoid the old BOOMPH tinkle …

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INSTALL GUIDE

|INSTANT EXPERT

bluetooth install

NSV A/M BLUETOOTH SYSTEM

The customer was pleased with the install in his daily driver which lead to a bit of up-selling into his weekend car too Getting on a sales-roll is easy if you ask the right questions like: ‘now that you’ve seen and heard how good this hands-free system is, maybe the wife would like one? Or, have you any other cars that you would like the same system fitted to?’ As a technique it’s not rocket science as the old cliché goes, but are you and your employees, if you have them, finding time to pick up extra business? As we all know, most people will respond if they are sold to in an engaging and friendly manner. The MGF featured here is owned by a punter who

There is a wide range of black and chrome-trimmed switches

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had a hands-free system fitted to his Merc and was asked if he had anything else in the garage that would benefit from a system to keep him legal. It turned out that this was his ‘weekend’ car and, because he didn’t drive it for a lot of miles a year, was risking using the phone without hands-free. The hint was made that he may not get nicked for merely using the phone if the police considered it was a Due Care or maybe worse if he was unlucky enough to make contact while making contact! The NSV Bluetooth aftermarket kit is an OE-class system and is a doddle to fit with a range of three-section switches or a single multi-action round type, both available in black or with a chrome surround.

It has all the right features such as working with any Bluetooth phone, auto ignition-on linking, audio and mute patched into vehicle speakers, directional microphone, over 150 vehicle applications, plug & play vehicle-specific harnesses, vehicle-specific switches (for OE use), audio streaming - A2DP, supports voice dialling, automatic phone link up upon ignition on, works with up to five Bluetooth, full duplex DSP echo cancellation/noise reduction – you name it, it’s got most of it!

The Install A standard DIN/ISO T-harness lead was used (1) and the instrument facia was lifted out by removing the four plainly visible fastening screws. There was space on the panel to drill a mounting hole by the dimmer switch (2). The A post trim is held by a row of clips and only needs to be levered up and pulled straight out (3). Side force can easily break the clips. This was the perfect spot to fit the directional microphone (4). The passenger kick panel on the side of the centre console was removed and the lead pulled down for the NSV processor (5) which fits neatly on the central metal tunnel behind the control/

instrument panel of the centre console. The CPU has provision for tie-wraps or sticky-backed Velcro can be applied to the shiny plastic label on the back which usefully shows all the plug connection information (6). Last but not least is the operating instruction sticker (7), the customer lets other people drive the

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CONTACTS FOR YOUR AREA: Nothern Sales: Dave Thornber 07710 092871 Southern Sales: Rob Walker 07826 653689 East West & Midlands: Hayley 01773 746591 OE Sales: Robin Holman 07894 123118 Mick Barber 07500 110460

Call: 01773 746 591 Email: sales@parksafeautomotive.com Web: www.parksafeautomotive.com 52

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DIRECTORY www.mobileelectronicsnews.co.uk For as little as £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754 897 or e-mail loryn.mcintyre@creativemedialtd.co.uk

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Aftermarket Vehicle Solutions Ltd Contact: Peter Hughes T: +44 (0)1255 434353 E: sales@avs-ltd.co.uk W: www.avs-ltd.co.uk Brands: Distributor of Speed Limiters, Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, Security Products, CAN interfaces and Carbon Fibre Heated Seat Kits to the Aftermarket and the OEM Industries.

Clarion (GB) Limited Contact: Sales at Clarion T: +44 (0) 1793 859563 F: +44 (0) 1793 859598 E: info@clarion.co.uk W: www.clarion.co.uk Brands: Clarion Cobra UK Contact: Cobra Sales T: 01932 772 400 E: salesuk@cobra-at.com W: www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk Brands: Cobra has been providing tried and tested vehicle security, safety and electronic systems since the 1970s. Our products include: Cobra Alarms and Immobilisers, Cobra ParkMaster Parking Sensors, CobraTrak Stolen Vehicle Tracking, NSV Bluetooth® Handsfree Systems (compatible with all Bluetooth® enabled handsets), VizualogicTM In-car DVD Systems, Rear View Reversing Cameras and Monitors, Cruise Control and Speed Limiters.

Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd Contact: Keith Holness T: +44 (0) 2476 719623 E: keith.holness@alpine-electronics.co.uk W: www.alpine-electronics.co.uk Brands: Alpine Armour Automotive Limited Contact: Sales T: 01420 487110 E: sales@armourauto.com W: www.armourauto.com Brands: Autoleads, CTi, iO, Mutant, Radiomobile, Veba, VI, Avital, Clifford, Focal, Hornet, Kicker, Orion, Viper, Oxygen, Dension, Kinetik, Hushmat, Sony

Connects2 Contact: Andrew Simner T: 0845 257 5588 F: 0121 522 5589 E: sales@connects2.com W: www.connects2.com Brands: Connects2 – Interface solutions for O.E.M and aftermarket systems, Including interfaces for iPod, USB, MP3, Aux, Steering wheel controls inc CAN-Bus, Stalk & Display, Telemute, Parrot, and MOST fibre optic iPod & Bluetooth hands free interfaces.

BEAT, Ground Zero, Tsunami, Shuriken, Balistic, Raptor, Zenec, Metra, LG, MAC Audio

Antennentechnik Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg AG, Hermann – Petersilge – Srasse 10, 07422 Bad Blankenburg, Germany T: +49(36741)3690 F: + 49(36741)36963 Email: Liane.Marter@antenne-ag.de Audiovox Incaar Systems GmbH Contact: Damian Trybuszewski T: 01483 722 531 E: info@audiovoxincaarsystems.com W: www.audiovoxincaarsystems.com Brands: Audiovox, Audiovox Incaar Systems, AIS

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Automonitor Mobile Multimedia Ltd Contact: Hugh J McTernan T: +44 (0) 116 275 2020 E: hugh@automonitor.co.uk W: www.automonitor.co.uk Brands: Automonitor, SAVV, Necvox, Baton, Rosen, Visteon, Britax and Westfalia Autosound Limited Contact: Lee Fergus T: 01274 688990 E: lee.fergus@autosound.co.uk W: www.autosound.co.uk, www.blaupunktdirect.co.uk Brands: Blaupunkt, Bosch Car Multimedia, Funkwerk, Funtoro Mod Systems

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Canm8 Ltd Contact: Colin Palmer T: 08452266283 E: SALES@CANM8.COM Brands: Canm8 range of can bus interfaces can bus custom design Celsus UK Limited Contact: Sales T: +44 (0) 1202 664 390 E: sales@celsusice.co.uk W: www.celsusice.co.uk Brands: Celsus Accessories, Calearo, Antennas, Caliber, Dynamat Europe, iSimple, Jehnert, JL Audio, MediaDAB, MTX, PAC Audio, Paser, Phoenix Gold and Stinger.

CKO International Limited Contact: Tony Rook T: 020 8863 8333 M: 07751 726 598 E: enquiries@c-ko.co.uk W: www.c-ko.co.uk Brands: C-KO, Eurologics, Nesa/VST, Necvox, Rosen Area of business: In Car Multimedia, Interfaces, Rear View Camera Systems, Parking Sensors, Heated Seats, HID/Day Running Lights, Digital Video Recorders, Digital TV, Digital Radio

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Kenwood Electronics UK Limited T: +44 (0) 1923 816444 E: enquiries@kenwood-electronics.co.uk W: www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk Brands: Kenwood

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Navigon AG Contact - Anthony Mills T: 07971 526616 F: +49 40 370 88 480 E: Anthony.mills@navigon.com W: www.navigon.com Navman Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Navman

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Panorama Antennas Ltd Contact: John Thomson T: +44 (0) 20 8877 4444 E: sales@panorama-antennas.com W: www.panorama-antennas.com Brands: Manufacturer of antennas for DAB, Mobile Radio, Tetra, 3G Broadband and other wireless technologies.

Dashmount Contact: Steve Taylor T: 01883741460 E: sales@dashmount.co.uk W: www.dashmount Brands: Dashmount, Bury, Nokia, Parrot, Adapt, Brodit, Autoleads, Elan, Kram, Park Control, Steelmate.

Parksafe UK Contact: Mick Barber T: 01773 746 591 F: 01773 743 251 E: Sales@Park-safe.co.uk w: www.Park-safe.co.uk Brands: Parking and Rear View camera systems

DMC Business Machines PLC Contact – Steve McLean T: 0844 736 1144 E: steve.mclean@dmcplc.co.uk W: www.dmcplc.co.uk/auto Brands: Handsfree Car Kits – Nokia, THB Bury, Parrot, Motorola Parking Sensors – Steelmate, Veba Reverse Camera Kits – Veba GPS Camera Detection – Novus, Event Recording Systems – Novus Vehicle Lighting – Haztec, Ring Installation Accessories – Autoleads, Hirschmann, Bloomice, Wallen & More!

Parrot UK Limited T: 0844 472 2360 E: sales.uk@parrot.com W: www.parrot.com Brands: Parrot

Drivesync - Tracking Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Drivesync - Tracking.

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In Car Technologies Contact: Steve Patient T: 01392 829435 E: sales@incartec.co.uk W: www.incartec.co.uk

FLYAUDIO UK Contact: John Pedlow T: 0333 4560236 F: 0333 7007120 E: sales@flyaudio.co W: www.flyaudio.co Brands: FlyAudio – In car advanced replacement media head units.

Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Jeep, Subaru, Toyota, Vauxhall, VW Hawk Security Alarms Contact: Salim T: 0208 404 7105 Mobile: 07985 414517 Email: salim@hawkcaralarm.com iGRIP® / Herbert Richter GmbH Contact: Scott Bouquet Email: s.b@igrip.eu T: +44 (0) 2081447413 E: www.igrip.eu Brands: iGRIP, Herbet Richter.

Exclusively Available at Strax (UK) LTD

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Radio World Contact: Dale Johnson T: 01132 578932 E: sales@radioworld-online.co.uk W: www.rw-online.co.uk Brands: Accessories importers

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Sailes Marketing Ltd Contact: Matthew Sailes T: +44 (0) 1386 554210 E: info@sailesmarketing.com W: www.sailesmarketing.com Brands: Manufacturer and Distributor of CAN Bus interfaces, Electronic Interfaces, Parking Sensors, Speed Pulse Generators & Installation tools.

Scorpion Automotive Ltd Contact: Dianne or Philly T: 01257 249928 E: info@scorpionauto.com W: www.scorpionauto.com Brands: Scorpion Security, Toad Security, Sigma Security, Stirling Security, Scorpion Parking sensors, Scorpion Track Stolen vehicle and fleet management tracking Select Products Contact: Matt Hurst T: 01233 62 32 36 E: matt@selectproducts.co.uk W: www.selectproducts.co.uk Brands: Select Products, Inigma Steelmate Automotive (UK) Ltd Contact: Kevin Kay T: 01582 475677 E: sales@steel-mate.co.uk W: www.steel-mate.co.uk Brands: TPMS, DVR. Promata - DRL, High level brake light warning device, Reverse Alarm.

For less than £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754 897 or e-mail loryn.mcintyre@creativemedialtd.co.uk 54

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CONTACT SCOrpiON: 01257 249 928 Or emAil iNfO@SCOrpiONAuTO.COm ViSiT Our NeW WeBSiTe WWW.SCOrpiONTrACk.COm

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