op_Mobile Electronics News October 2011 by webwax

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SUPPLIERS OF

the in-car entertainment awards 8TH ANNIvERSARy

SHOwTIME!

TICkETS AT THE READy. THE LAST CURTAIN CALL FOR THIS yEARS AWARDS AWAITS !

INSIDE

INDUSTRy INTERvIEw cssa’s micK BarBer

BEyOND THE INvISIBLE reVersinG cams & screens FeatUred

CONNECTS2 CONFERENCE

internatiOnaL distriBUtOr meetinG

W WW. MO B ILE E LECTRONI CSNEW S.EU

D O N ’ T F O R G E T T H E I N - C A R E N T E R T A I N M E N T AWA R D S 1 3 TH O C T O B E R 2 0 1 1

october 2011

WWW.MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.EU

OCTOBER 2011

04 ED SPEAK: The Ed puts the cap on something that grates..

06-12 NEWS: This month’s round of hot products and stuff

14 CONNECTS2 DEALER CONFERENCE: The launch of AutoDAB is an international event

18-19 TRAX EVENT AT SILVERSTONE: Adam Rayner reports on this annual car n audio fest

20 PHONE INTERFACES: What’s new in this product area? MEN investigates

24 WHAT IS TPEG?: Transport Protocol Experts Group info will replace FM TA

26-32 ENTRY-LEVEL AMPLIFIERS: A fresh guide to this section of the market

34-40 PRODUCT: PARKING CAMS & SCREENS A thorough examination of this profitable market

42 INDUSTRY PERSONALITY: Getting to know Mick Barber of CSSA

43 RAM MOUNT: Product focus on RAM gadgetry to make life easier

iPod/iPhone interfaces

CONTENTS

44 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Arthur Deebie discusses some ongoing issues with the industry

46 RAYNER RANTS: Something in Edspeak last month seems to have caught his eye

48 INSTANT EXPERT: Seemingly a simple job – the Ed looks into a stick-on aerial install

50 EXPO NEWS What, where and when the 2012 event is happening

52 V.C.E GUIDE: Parrot Asteroid installed into a 2011 Chevrolet Captiva

54 M.E.N DIRECTORY: Compiled this month by ed’s new assistant Derek McCrory

l usB/sd interfaces – SD card / USB drive audio integration with OEM system.

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 Shauna Peters PUBLICATION MANAGER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: shauna.peters@creativemedialtd.co.uk Peter Johnson ART DIRECTOR Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: peter.johnson@creativemedialtd.co.uk Loraine Winter DESIGNER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: loraine.winter@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 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.

l Video in Motion interfaces – Unlocks the original DVD or TV tuner while vehicle is in motion.

l MultiMedia/rear caMera interfaces – Add video sources (Such as TV tuner, DVD player etc) to the existing OEM screen. Reverse camera input with automatic switching on reverse.

For further information/trade prices please call 020 3393 4308 or trade@xcarlink.co.uk www.xcarlink.co.uk

GO 10/11 ED UNIT SPEAKS

AWARDS – YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE

ot many, but there are just a few seats left so if you want to get on board before the event on October 13, contact Shauna Peters on 01268 754897. Connects2 will be demonstrating their AutoDAB tuner at the St Albans venue prior to the Awards night (see our news story). Digi test fallout Last month I mentioned a DAB head unit test feature in Auto Express where a Philips head unit got five stars and a Kenwood got three. The Kenwood head unit was said to have poor reception quality compared to the Philips. My curiosity was aroused when I found no problems in my area with the same model Kenny radio, and my area is definitely not the best, not least being its height above sea level (about zero to three metres where I live!). Anyway, having impugned their test and raised doubts about the installation of their antenna, I thought it was fair to give them a right to reply… Graham Hope, Acting Editor, stated: ‘Auto Express has been comprehensively testing car accessories for 16 years. We stand

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu by our fair procedures, and the result of this assessment. We quote RRPs supplied by the manufacturers, rather than concentrating on one retailer. Given that, as you agree, the Philips’ performance was superior with the supplied aerial, we are happy with our verdict.’ RRP huh? Anyway, I have to balance the comment of ‘superior’ performance - I stated in my test: ‘the difference in performance swung by an extremely small margin in favour of the Philips’ (their winning five star unit which had the advantage of a mag mount aerial against the Kenwood’s stick-on windscreen type). Crucially though, I found no difference in performance using the same aerial. Featured link of the month Australian nutters Marty n Moog – Google Mighty Car Mods – world’s cheapest stereo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHiO t4hmmS4&feature=youtu.be The piece de resistance is a CD deck ripped from an old computer!

NEXT ISSUE – SEND YOUR LATEST INFO – BE A PART OF IT! Features: Audio installation accessories, Hands-free phone kits and DAB product update

MARTYN WILLIAMS

Editor edunit@edunit.plus.com

NEWS

We provide seamless integration to a vehicles factory entertainment system. This includes iPod, USB, Bluetooth, Digital TV, AV Input/Output, RearView Camera & Video-in-Motion

CONNECTS2 DEALER CONFERENCE AT MEN AWARDS DAY Connects2 are scheduling a digital radio DAB training session in conjunction with Digital Radio UK at 2:30pm on Thursday 13th October at Sopwell house, St Albans. (Prior to the evening of the MEN Award Ceremony) All dealers are invited to join them at this event. They will be launching their AutoDAB range and discussing the DAB market and benefits of DAB to your business. Don’t miss out on the chance to

The intelligent media controller for your car

experience this exciting new product and find out more! Anyone wishing to attend this event can contact Angie Dimmack at Connects2 on 01215225588. A reminder that there are just a few seats left at the Awards, so anyone wanting to book before the event on October 13, contact Shauna Peters on 01268 754897.

FEATURES • iPod Connection including control • 3 x Audio/Video Inputs • Media functions are controllable directly from the factory system • Dedicated input for aftermarket rear view & front view cameras • USB connection for firmware updates • Plug & Play installation • Extensive application range including: Audi, BMW & Mercedes

JVC KENWOOD The official Victor Company and Kenwood corporate knot was tied on October 1 in Japan but it’s business as usual in the UK. The association between the two companies on the car electronics side of the business is expected to have parallels with businesses such as the Volkswagen Audi Group where separate designers and production takes place but with the economy of scale being used to buy some components. There is no hint yet of any merging of staff into the same building, occupying as they do, large premises in Neasden for JVC and Watford for Kenwood. This may eventually happen and there is some speculation that the companies could end up with the same CEO, but there is no hint of the merging of key staff associated with the two products. Pundits have mentioned that there has been a reduction of staff at JVC’s Neasden building but this is thought to be mainly due to the removal of TV and departments which are now covered by European operations and despite rumours, is unlikely to be a precursor for movement of Kenwood staff from Dwight Road. Readers may recall that Kenwood at Watford also went through a similar slimming-down procedure a few year’s back. One of the few areas where the two organisations are in a single building is in Spain.

SEPTEMBER WEDDING Congratulations to Kent Stabler of Chameleon and his lovely wife Julia who were married at Hengrave Hall near Bury St Edmunds on the 1st September. Kent proposed to Julia at a suitably romantic spot, the Winter Palace in Luxor. He met her on his 30th birthday and Kent comments that is so happy that Julia has been mad enough to marry him!

Website: www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 6 www.media-in-motion.co.uk

STOP PRESS OFFER – MEDIA IN MOTION Media in Motion, masters of intelligent integration, is offering all new customers 10% discount on their first order. M in M has a vast range of products including rear view camera integration which can seen in this issue’s reversing cam feature. Media in Motion 0121 311 9011 www.media-in-motion.co.uk

ARMOUR GET SONY DISTRIBUTION

Leading the way in fitting solutions ITEM CODE: 40-1143-165 • Ford Focus (2010>) • Front door speaker panels (165mm)

Armour Automotive has been confirmed as a distributor of Sony Car Audio with three key head unit models available for immediate distribution since confirmation in September 1. Talking about the addition of Sony to the company’s portfolio, Vijay Punj, Sales and Marketing Director of Armour said: “Introducing the entry-level CDX-GT250MP, CDX-GT252MP, CDX-GT450U and the Bluetooth MEX-BT2900 is a fantastic addition to our range of products, and will further enhance our reputation for fulfilling the needs of our dealers.” Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com ITEM CODE: 50-883 • BMW 1 (E87) 07> with manual air con and without i-drive

TIGERS WIN COBRA BANGER RUN Cobra’s Banger Run, raising money for Help For Heroes reached it’s Barcelona destination and, at the time of writing, has raised £8,086 of their £10,000 target for the event. The Cobra Tigers team pipped the Cobra Spanners to the post and crossed the finish line just ahead with a running time 40.33 hours against the Spanner’s 41.5 hours who might have won if they hadn’t driven an extra 131 miles. The money raised is going towards helping the Armed Forces injured on the front line and is still open for donations at Cobra’s Just Giving page http://www.justgiving. com/CobraUK

ITEM CODE: 39-LS1-BMW • BMW 1, 3 series CAN interface • CAN service, SWC, Parking, Phone

Tiger team members Ian Ross, Anthony Chorlton and Sue Bown

ITEM CODE: 39-MB-A10 • Mercedes CLK (W208 & W209) E (W210)

LATEST MUTATIONS A new Mutant head unit has been launched, the MT5068DAB CD/MP3 DAB Tuner model which, as it’s model name implies, has a DAB band. The specification includes USB and SD card slots and the deck is CD/CD-RW/MP3/WMA compatible. Other high points are a 4x40W max output with a single line out, 3.5mm auxiliary input and a fold down, detachable panel We didn’t manage to squeeze in an image of Mutant M-Series speakers in last month’s entry-level speaker feature, Mutant has launched 4, 5.25, 6.5 and 6x9 inch versions with incredibly low prices to attract the budget-conscious buyer. Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

ITEM CODE: 10-800 • Porsche PCM 2.1 Mercedes Command, BMW Proffesional, AUDI • MOST Interface for iPod or Parrot MKI

Contact us for more information or see our website Tel: 01392 829435 Fax: 01392 829439 Email: sales@incartec.co.uk Web: www.incartec.co.uk Unit 2, Leigham Units, Silverton Road, Matford, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8HY, UK

NEWS

The Ifitstuff Network Now updated with feedback feature Ifitstuff.com now have the ultimate database of “Quality Local Professional” installers and we are about to shout it from the roof tops! Well, actually we aim to spread the message across the web in a way that will go viral and any other media sources that we can access. We have 2 search tools here at www.ifitstuff.com/ engineer_locator.php 1) A retail search tool, which will allow Joe public to search for a quality local professional that offers the installation type of their choice and that lives/works within 50 miles (results listed nearest 1st). 2) A trade search tool (Only seen by members who are logged into the Ifitstuff forum) where you can find a subcontractor with a very specific skill set who is willing to travel to the postcode where you need an installation or service call. Those who do good work should be rewarded and we want as many of the 5 Million UK motorists as possible who will need a DAB conversion to use this list with confidence to get a quality installation along with any other type of installation that they might want or need. Cowboys, lashbods & fly by nights need not bother to register! Quality installers get yourselves listed free of charge when you join Ifitstuff, the number one website for the trade of the mobile electronics industry (also FOC).

Go to www.ifitstuff.com NOW 8

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

BASS STATION The latest product from Midbass is the Bass Station X which connects to any Midbass Bass Enclosure and is powered by a 12V cigarette lighter socket, allowing dealers to quickly and easily demonstrate a range of bass enclosures in the customer’s own car. The tool is great for the customer as they can actually hear what a Midbass bass box sounds like in their car before purchase, they can also trial a range of different enclosures and experience the benefits of a high end enclosure such as the VIBE BlackAir Vented 12. The trade price of the demo unit is £145.99, however in order to get it into the hands of as many dealers as possible the company is giving them away to dealers for free with any order of four different Midbass subwoofer enclosures. Midbass’ Marketing man Ryan Hawtin said: “We really believe in the Bass Station X’s power to sell bass enclosures and think the opportunities for dealers to up sell are huge.”

SmarTrack brings on the CAT SmarTrack has successfully gained CAT5 and P5 accreditation with Global Telemetrics CAT5 and P5 Platform and is now signing up new dealers with TRI - CAT5 approval. Ideal for cars, vans, HGVs and plant, the approved SmarTrack system will feature a small black box with internal aerials and a resin-potted construction to make system waterproof. It is monitored by a SOC - Secure Operation Centre and has a Keyguard DRS - Driver Recognition System. Other features include a full on-line secure customer portal with private and business mileage reporting. It also has battery disconnect, low battery and movement alerting plus remote immobilisation and an Ecall button. SmarTrack 0845 833 6971 or www.smartrack.eu

NEW RECRUIT Armour Automotive and Dension have appointed Scott Stoneage as the New Business Development Manager for Dension in the UK. Scott brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Armour Automotive with over 17 years in the automotive retail industry focussing on in-car technology and new product fitting trials. Scott will be based mainly on the road and will be required to visit the company’s retail customers across the UK representing both the Armour Automotive and Dension brand portfolio. Pete Oughton, Dension’s Brand Manager said: “With Scott’s extensive retail background and fresh approach to distribution, I am sure he will make a big difference in this tough but growing market.” Scott’s contact details are as follows: Mobile 07525911893 or email at sstoneage@armourauto.com

The perfect fit 180°

UNI System 8 Take&Talk universal NEW!

A universal and adjustable cradle with charging function* for smartphones

Compatible with UNI CarTalk – Base unit of the UNI System 8 hands-free car kit Antenna coupler – for an external GSM antenna, in order to improve reception Bluetooth® connection of the smartphone and cradle Multipoint function – connect two mobile phones with the system simultaneously Portrait/landscape mode – for the optimum display of the apps on the corresponding smartphone

*Multi tip Charging – A Micro USB Charging lead is supplied as standard. Different charging cables are separately available.

www.bury.com/uk

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

NEWS The Tradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Number One Choice

ULTIMATE HEAVY DUTY VAN LOCK NEW

Tel: +44 (0) 1474 560077

l The only automotive locking product to achieve Sold Secure Gold Status

Unit C4, Imperial Business Estate, West Mill, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0DL, United Kingdom Email: sales@locks4vans.co.uk | Fax: +44 (0) 1474 561112 www.locks4vans.co.uk

l Survived robust 5 minute attack test

High End Converter Recognising the ever-emerging need for high quality line output converters when adding an amplifier to an OEM system, Autoleads has produced the H2L Module. The H2L provides an optimum load for the amplifier from the audio source to minimise distortion and there are two adjustable settings which allow the user to isolate the audio ground from the power ground to reduce the effects of a ground loop. It also has a Time Sequence Control feature to reduce pop when turning the system on or off. The amplifier remote wire and the ignition supply is linked through the H2L module and therefore allowing the amplifier to shut down before the head unit turns off, and the head unit to power up before the amplifier is switched on. Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

NEW CLIFFORD There are plenty of new additions for the Clifford alarm range in the coming months with no fewer than ten models making an appearance. For the first time, the Clifford brand will introduce entrylevel systems bearing the famous logo and will see ranges of hybrid alarms, two-way technology and a full range of price points right the way through to the all-conquering Concept 650 MkII. Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

l Innovative double action latch l Slam or manual operation l Great introductory offer l Thatcham Deadlocks and Slamlocks also available l Free Training and Technical Support

Call Gary on

01474 560077

www.locks4vans.co.uk 10

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

BRODIT MULTISTAND Brodit has released a versatile table stand for iPad 1 and 2. It can be used at a variety of angles and is also adaptable for use in the lap as well as being attachable to a wall or a ProClip in the car. It can also be transferred between several mounting adapters set at either landscape or portrait mode. Nemesis Technology 0870 777 5530 www.nemesistechnology.com

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

ever wa n t e d to

s u p p ly yo u r

own

t r ac k i n g

s ys t e m ? NeatTrack; the powerful, low cost GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management solution.

Now providng our system to Installers on a REBRANDABLE basis meaning you can now offer your customers YOUR OWN TRACKING SYSTEM and gives you the opportunity to grow your business into the future.

benefIts • RebRand with your own company name. • Customer logs-in through your website • Your own web-site log-in • We can set-up a website for you • Provides ongoing monthly revenue • You Invoice directly to Customer • Rebrand the hardware to your own label • Money on hardware & installation

On-gOIng MOnthlY Revenue On • Fleet tracking • PAYG Tracking • Thatcham tracking devices and more...

NEATTRACK vehicle tracking solutions Tel: 024 7672 6618 e-Mail: sales@neattrack.co.uk www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 12 WeB: www.neattrack.co.uk

NEWS

Xcarlink VW iPod Adaptor The Xcarlink VW iPod car kit connects iPod to a range of VW factory car stereo systems and maintains sound quality. It allows control through the head unit and steering wheel controls and also allows the user to continue to use an existing CD changer. Automatic pausing of the device happens when other head unit sources are selected, plus a host of other useful features. It’s compatible with Delta 6, RCD100, RCD200, RCD300, RCD500, RCD210, RCD310, RCD510 (RNS-510), MFD2, MPD3 Satnav Units. Factory radios normally fitted to Passat, Touareg from 2003 onwards and Mark V Golf. Device compatibility includes iPod Nano (all generations) iPod Touch, iPod Classic and the Apple iPhone, iPod Video 30GB, 60GB 80GB and 120GB. iPod (3,4,5 Generation), iPod Photo, iPod Mini and iPod U2. Xcarlink 020 3393 4308 or www.xcarlink.co.uk

Celsus Phoenix Gold Training Celsus organised three Phoenix Gold Sales and Technical training evenings in late September for the trade only. This world-class training was held by Celsus alongside Sergio Deoliveira and Morgan West from Phoenix Gold covering all aspects of technical and sales with insight into why Phoenix Gold product is designed the way it is and how this benefits the consumer. Morgan West heads up technical training. Morgan was with the original Phoenix Gold team and has been brought back in to be product line manager based out in China. Sergio Deoliveira is in charge of sales training. Sergio is Vice President of Sales at AAMP of America (owners of Phoenix Gold, Stinger, PAC and iSimple). Celsus 01202 664 390 www.celsusice.co.uk

JBL’s NEW MS-2 A new awardwinning plug ‘n’ play digital music accessory from JBL is claimed to dramatically improve any car stereo system using a compressed music input. The MS-2 plugs into the auxiliary jack and then connects to a portable player. Once connected, press the setup button and the JBL MS-2 uses its built-in microphone and sophisticated digital circuitry to correct sound within 10 seconds by automatically tuning the tonal balance, bass impact and sonic clarity across a car’s existing speakers. It adjusts each speaker to optimise the sound quality and includes separate buttons for bass, treble, impact and image to allow for finetuning music based on individual sound tastes. Car Audio & Security, 020 85969 1543 www.caraudiosecurity.com

NEW FROM FLYAUDIO A new head unit for the Hyundai IX35 is one of the latest to be released by FlyAudio and is currently featured as a special package offer at £549 plus VAT and free delivery with a free rear view camera. It uses stock factory connectors and mounting tabs and offers multimedia, GPS with full European mapping, DVD player, Bluetooth, steering controls and MP3/MP4/WMA/WAV/JPG compatibility, iPhone/Pod and USB/RCA AUX connectivity plus rear entertainment ready. FlyAudio 0333 456 0236 www.flyaudio.co

STOP PRESS OFFER – AS TRIM

AS Trim – part of the AS Essentials Group is offering 12 large cans of fast fix high temperature spray glue absolutely free with every 46 metre full roll of 137cm-wide Trunkliner material or Acoustic Carpet at only £229.61 plus VAT. AS-Essentials 01473 327510 or visit www.as-essentials.co.uk

Remote Start

“save your customerʼs getting dressed up this winter...

...and allow them to start their car quickly with a touch of a button”

war n .. s r e t r. cas tobe c O Fore n ready ow i d get dicting n n s a f f r a o re pre nd sc

this ers a hat a your r; forecast as early as ver t u o Dig itain ply o winte early ill fall in Br ill fall shar to drop n a r t w fo recas now w ures that s Temperat and are fo of year. e s h. mont ing month for the tim 1 e m g o 09/1 / a c the aver s 20 w w e lo be UK N

“...Support us and our brands at the MEN Awards 2011 and give us a ‘license to thrill’...”

MSN

A Remote Start System will allow your customers to:



Defrost their car from inside where its warm



Heat their car securely whilst the doors stay locked



Save time & drive away safely in their warm car

For more information contact sales on +44(0)1420 487110 or email sales@armourauto.com

AUTOMOTIVE

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

connects2

|Conference

CONNECTS2 INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH Connects2 will be having a big UK AutoDAB product launch at the MEN Awards venue but prior to this, the company has staged its first international product launch based at their Tipton, West Midlands headquarters and the Village Hotel Dudley on September 20/21.

lients were treated to a presentation of a full range of products on the first day and then treated to a gourmet restaurant meal in the evening followed by an AutoDAB presentation by Connects2 Business Development Manager, Graham Johnson. Commenting on the conference, Andy Simner, Connects2’s Sales Director, said: “We were sceptical about how many would attend at first but we’ve had 22 international companies represented from four continents. The only people unable to make it were the North Americans but otherwise we have had attendees from Africa, Asia, Europe, Scandinavia and South America. “It’s been a learning curve for us doing an international launch for the first time but we have learnt a lot from it and will certainly be repeating it next year and I think it will be bigger too, with more companies attending. “The conference will certainly boost our business doing a full presentation here in the UK – AutoDAB has been the new product to get in front of them but we are also talking about all our product groups. We meet a lot of customers in their offices and at exhibitions but that’s not the same as being here with a whole Connects2 team at our premises who can answer every aspect of queries they may have. Having a two day conference also allows them to see products and think about them and possibly ask more questions – normally this wouldn’t happen. “I have been surprised how much they have gained from the conference and it’s proved to be a very efficient way to present product and educate customers and make them fully aware of how many of our products can be applied to their markets. This can be done without having to build a stand for a show half way around the world, which is why we decided to spend the money doing it here, this way it allows us to fully put across to customers the full depth of our abilities and show them all our products.

International visitors represented 22 companies and four continents

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Connects2 Business Development Manager, Graham Johnson presents AutoDAB to an international audience and (below) tour of premises included demo of circuit board production techniques “The advantage of having visitors all in one place getting a chance to raise questions, such as a query we have had during the morning session on AutoDAB where they were asking about antenna applications in various parts of the world.”

AutoDAB The new DAB tuner system, AutoDAB – designed to integrate into OE systems attracted many questions from international clients including a concern about FM transmission breakthrough as the tuner unit sends DAB audio and data using an internal FM transmission. The expert reply included information about the default frequency being 107.9MHz (which is reprogrammable) and the fact that the existing FM aerial is patched through the C2 DAB tuner box and the aerial is effectively shut off when the user is listening to a DAB broadcast. This means that there is no chance of external FM breakthrough. Other questions highlighted was that AutoDAB is designed only to work with cars with steering wheel controls to capture the most obvious demographic. Connects2 has thought of developing a separate keypad but this will depend on market demand.

You need a sense of humour in the aftermarket

:-)

It’s funny that whilst others are shrinking, Clarion has recently moved into a better, brighter new UK head office. And it’s laughable that we are one of the very few ICE manufacturers in the UK that has always had its own sales, distribution, service support, engineering and technical back-up operation to support its dealers. Then again, it really makes us smile to know that Clarion has been successfully trading for seventy years. But you can have the last laugh. Just give us a call and we’ll tell you some really hysterical news about our better dealer margins, extended warranty, our latest technical innovations and speedy deliveries. It’s always good to share.

Clarion (GB) Ltd, Unit 5C, Interface Business Park, Bincknoll Lane, Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Wilts SN4 8QQ Tel: 01793 859560 E: amsales@clarion.co.uk

TRAX 2011

The Fusion RX7 is called ‘Endless’ (as in project)

Adam Rayner rejoices that the car audio world is going to shows again… The Trax show has varied enormously in its time and while they have always had a section where they plonked ICE exhibitors, they never branded a piece of the show as effectively as this for audio before, as they did this year. And whether it is because of this better marketing of the show to the audio industry, or this better labelling of the layout for the punters, or most likely, a lovely sign of some sort of thaw in the pain of the recession in our world, I don’t know. What I do know is that a couple of years ago, we had faithful stalwarts Clarion and Armour as the pretty much only exhibitors I can recall and that there have never been as many car audio exhibitors before, nor as well organised. It was down by scrutineering at the famous Silverstone pit garages/ paddock area but we had the whole of the top bit for us. They even opened up the little posh shower/loo rooms that are used by Formula One drivers and entourage as even the most massive opening-up F1 pantechnicon corporate entertainment trailers do not have mains water supplies to offer showers to ten folks! This is where they park up and set out little fenced areas for the bosses and drivers’ R&R and the cabins function as little out-buildings to huge Winnebagos. I had to take a pensive moment in one such cabina-for-one and while trying to work out if my camera had a fault or not, the damn cabin’s walls and floors were vibrating so hard I was getting panel-shout while on the throne! Sorry for the pictures in your head…. So, we had a line up starting with Pioneer, who had their Brabus Smart and the not-yet-launched ‘Project X’. A 122mph Vito Dualiner with an M.E.N. Installer of the Year Gold (and Silver) award-winner Paul Richardson install within it. It features two of the ultra-rare actually-were-used-to-make-170dB weapons-grade fifteen inch Pioneer subwoofers in it. Sadly, they couldn’t afford to put four amplifiers on each woofer as they are designed to do… but the whole thing is delicious! The Pioneer/Subaru Pro-R special edition cars were present, showing the refinements to the Stage Two and Stage Three installs and next to them, Clarion, with a huge and handsome hexagonal E-Z up with a rally car and the bonkers K1 attack car underneath and the mobile showroom as the apex of the exhibit. Punters could walk up, drool over the K1, look longingly at the rally car and then mess about with the new generation of Clarion’s kit. Onwards and we had the big old Fusion inflatable with their Mazda RX7 and mad pickup fanboy demo cars. They had a demo stand rocking in the dome as well. The Car Audio & Security folks were there, clustered with the Kenwood Scirocco and the Alpine Passat. Two of the

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

I literally accosted the Adrian Flux Girls

lads played a driving video game on a TV in the boot of the fabulously over the top Subaru JBL demo car. There was a wicked four-JL Audio W7 estate-car install there too but John Griggs had parked the JL Audio Passat over at the top end of the Audio Zone where I was working for the EMMA sound off guys, who had a roaring success, with league trophies sponsored by Celsus UK’s Dynamat brand, which they were chuffed to bits by. The Vibe artic rig was there at the end of the row, with its mighty bass tunnel and a promo lass who just didn’t seem to be quite as good at acting all ‘sunny-disposition’ as some they have had in the past… but they gave Good Car as they always do, with demo car systems from all their main flavours in effect. The most bonkers one was a Little Legends race car, like Terry Grant drives. Tiny wee, monstrous motorbike engine with huge power and in this case, a mad little install of two six by nines and a subwoofer on a baffle panel in the rear of the car. Oddest of all, there were two used-up monster slick tyres sat in front of the car, on either side and when you looked, you realised that each one was in fact the enclosure for one of

The Clarion-sponsored Peugeot IRC rally car

|2011

DJ-POV Of Project X Mercedes Vito

Project X, staff of two required - driver and DJ

EMMA-promo Natalie usually looks slinky, glamourous and sexy...

Project X in-Cabin 148dB of mayhem

The traffic and foot fall is epic in case you are wondering about exhibiting yourself next year…

the new pro-PA style compression driven horn-concentric with linenedged mid driver assemblies. A coax from hell to shout at people at shows with!

The winners of the 2011 EMMA UK sound off finals

The only real sad thing for me is that the dB Drag thing is so bastard loud that they have to put them right by the entrance, as far from anywhere else as they can. We got some visitors over the other side at the EMMA area and will be forever grateful for Helen Hircock’s naughty fridge cake ration I had delivered from the dB Drag zone where she and her man Daz were looking for in excess of 160dB! All in all, it was a vibrant and busy show, despite the grey weather and even that brightened right up for the end of the day to leave s all with lovely memories and hopes for as good a show next season. The traffic and foot fall is epic in case you are wondering about exhibiting yourself next year… www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

PRODUCT GUIDE

|PHONE ACCESSORIES

PHONE INTERFACE UPDATE One of the booming sectors in mobile electronics are phone accessories – Martyn Williams looks at some of the latest developments and changes in existing technology

ARMOUR PARROT Despite vehicle manufacturers’ everevolving Bluetooth integration there is still plenty of action in this market which outstrips mobile audio by a huge margin. One of the biggest movers in the phone kit market is the Parrot brand with one of the most popular being Parrot’s Minikit Smart offers a Bluetooth handsfree charging holder for Smart phones with voice recognition and speech synthesis. It can be used in portrait or landscape mode and has phonebook downloading, speech synthesis and will support double calls. The rotary button is handy for accessing menus, adjusting volume and sending DTMF signals It has all the features expected from this level of product including activation of any voice commands within the phone, multi-user voice recognition and text-to-speech synthesis confirming a call and stating the caller’s name. Driver safety is further enhanced with speech mode on other functions including the menu. Other renown Parrot features include a high quality internal speaker, full duplex operation and advanced NR2 noise reduction with echo/ residual echo cancellation. Parrot 0844 472 2360 www.parrot.com

The latest phonebased products from Armour Automotive are the Dension MMI and Autoleads interfaces. Other new products include the Dension iPhone Cradle CDip. Dension has developed this easy-to-use solution for the iPhone user making interfacing easy, communications simple and also including an application to give big button operation to the iPhone. Trade prices start at £65 with an SRP of £99.99. Also hot off the press at Dension is a new addition to the fabled Gateway interface. The Dension Gateway system has been wellreceived by dealers for its unique features and installability, and is now available exclusively for the Audi MMI system with the arrival of the model number GWMMI3E interface. A new Autoleads interface is now available and is designed to operate with the iPod Classic 1-6G, Nano 1-6G, Touch 1-3G, iPhone up to 3GS plus interfaces to fit iPhone 4G. It charges any Apple device and interfaces via the 3.5mm stereo jack for an auxiliary input. It’s key features are that no transmitter is required and sound quality claims include no loss of tone, no noise and no interference. Other neat tricks include automatic pausing of the device when switching to OE audio. There are interfaces for the Autoleads across an extremely wide range of popular vehicles including some of the more awkward applications such as Mercedes. Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

CONNECTS2 Connects2 integrate the Motorola TK30 phone kit with a new package to adapt Audi, BMW, Mercedes, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen. It offers a professionally car kit made for Apple devices and Bluetooth phones which delivers rich hi-fi stereo sound and easy-to-use hands-free phone technology. Features include music and phone being operated through steering wheel controls and the phone and music text from phone kit is shown on vehicle dash display when using the appropriate Connects2 display interface. Connects2 0845 2575588 www.connects2.com

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TPEG

|2011

THE NEW TRAFFIC ANNOUNCEMENT SYSTEM Laurence Harrison, Director for Technical and Market Development, Digital Radio UK discusses the Pro’s and Con’s of the digital equivalent of FM radio’s TMC system and the new digital radio stations that are available and soon to be on stream

ne of the strongest reasons for getting digital radio in-vehicle is the additional traffic and travel services as well as other data services, which are only possible to be received via digital radio. TPEG (Transport Protocol Experts Group) defines the set of standards for these traffic and travel transmissions and, since March 2010, has been transmitted nationally, providing traffic flow and incident information over digital radio. As part of the digital radio switchover, TPEG is set to replace TMC (Traffic Message Channel). TPEG offers key benefits over TMC, including faster data speeds and the ability to send increased levels of detail (for example, information on traffic jams is resolved down to 100 metre sections, allowing more granular detail for drivers). Furthermore, the potential for additional data services, such as parking, strengthen the proposition of TPEG. The standards for TPEG transmission have been agreed by industry stakeholders and set by TISA (Traveller Information Services Association). Although the TPEG service is now ready for production use, there are currently no in-vehicle digital radio receivers that are able to utilise these data feeds. This is because until now it has been difficult for receiver and vehicle manufacturers to plan for TPEG while there was no roadmap for transmission. In addition, up until now the fragmentation in the market at a European-wide level has meant that OEM manufacturers have been unsure how to support traffic information across the Continent. The roll out of TPEG will be industry-led. Vehicle manufacturers now have TPEG services on their road-maps and the broadcast industry is looking forward to running further trials once receivers are available. Now is the right time for manufacturers to prepare for TPEG services, as there are strong benefits for going digital and subsequently, a clear roadmap for digital radio in the UK and beyond. At the moment there are many groups working towards a digital radio switchover including broadcasters, the Government, retailers, receiver manufacturers and the wider vehicle industry. The Government launched the Digital Radio Action Plan in July 2010 in order to help create the conditions and develop the necessary actions

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required for a digital radio switchover and as many of you will know, in order for the switchover to happen, two criteria must be met: A 50% threshold of the public listening to radio on a digital platform (including DAB, DTV and internet), and for national DAB coverage to roll out to FM equivalence with local coverage reaching 90% of the population and major roads The benefits of digital radio include greater choice of content, and over the past 12 months the UK has seen BBC Radio 4 Extra, Jazz FM and

The potential for additional data services such as parking, strengthen the proposition of TPEG Smooth Radio launched nationally on digital radio. Other benefits include ease of tuning and in the right conditions, interference-free sound. The BBC has also recently announced that they will be launching their Olympics radio station for London 2012. This temporary digital-only station, called BBC 5Live Olympics Extra, will include live coverage and highlights of Olympic events. TPEG and traffic and travel services are currently being discussed as part of the Digital Radio Action Plan. If you would like to input into this, please email Sam Bonham Technical and Market Development Executive, Digital Radio UK: email sam.bonham@digitalradiouk.com

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ENtry-level AMPLIFIERS

|2011

Amplified Potential in the Entry-level Market M.E.N asks whether entry-level amplifiers are the best hook for building repeat custom and looks at the latest models on offer

ou can’t halt progress, and seemingly you can’t halt the emergence of ever-cheaper options for car audio enthusiasts either. Entry-level products across the spectrum have lower starting price points than ever, which can be viewed in one of two ways. Either it’s great dealers can use the low prices to tempt customers in to upgrading their car audio, or it’s terrible - you need to sell twice as many as before to make the same money. But we all know that in the current climate businesses in all areas have to work twice as hard to make the same money as just a few years ago, so let’s concentrate on the positive aspects of current entry-level products. When it comes to amplifiers in particular, it’s the one product that makes the difference between a good standard audio and starting a great system. It doesn’t mean they’re easy to sell though, to the average person a big subwoofer or a pair of speakers seems like more obvious and desirable ways to spend money. However, having said that, entry-level amplifiers are cheaper than ever, more powerful than ever, smaller than ever, offer more features than ever and surely that makes building a system more accessible and attractive than ever? As Kenwood’s Mike Edwards said about one of their latest entry-level amplifiers, (that sells at considerably less than the corresponding model did a few years ago); “In the past 30W RMS was the norm for entry, this one has 60W RMS, a frequency response of 5-50,000Hz, low and high pass filters, speaker level input and more…I just wish I was young again!” Such thoughts highlight the advancement of car audio and how much customers get for their money now. As a selling point, this is something worth shouting about, especially as the upsell potential after an amp sale is large subs and speakers are a natural follow-up purchase. With this in mind, M.E.N has compiled a guide to the latest quality entry-level amplifiers. Utilise the great benefits of these and you may just start inspiring customers to build systems again, which can only be a good thing.

BLAUPUNKT Blaupunkt’s offerings in the entry-level amp market are the GTA2 and GTA4. As the names suggest, the GTA2 is a 2-channel model while the GTA4 is a 4-channel. The former offers a max power of 380W while the latter is rated at 760W. Both units certainly look stylish with a distinctive light finish and speaker connections at one end and signal inputs at the other. Talk Audio said of the GTA4 that it was “great for more aggressive dance music and ideal for the classical music fan looking for detail with good price”. Additionally, they added it would make a great little system when combined with a pair of speakers and one of Blaupunkt’s wheel well subwoofers – and who are we to argue? Certainly both units are highly capable when you look at their specs, and they offer a different look too. At very affordable prices, these could make small system builders on a budget extremely happy. Contact: Autosound, 01274 688990 or blaupunktdirect.co.uk

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ALPINE Alpine offers the PMX pair of amps; the PMX-T320 2-channel 320W amp and the PMX-F640 4-channel 640W amp. Obviously the low pricing is a key selling point of both, but Alpine claim the other main customer benefits are; the compact design for easy installation, flexible connectivity with speaker-level inputs to allow connection to headunits without preamp outputs and a PreOut for connectivity to an active sub or sub amplifier, plus a cover for the amp terminals for a clean installation. Packing proper power and being stylish yet compact, the attraction to these quality amps should be clear for any dealer. Alpine also wanted to include their KTP-455 headunit power pack in this guide. The power pack boosts a headunit’s typical built-in amplifier and increases it to a 45W RMS x4 output at CEA-2006 Power Ratings. “The Head Unit Power Pack is a unique product that easily improves sound quality,” said Keith Holness, National Sales Manager, Alpine Electronics. “Consumers get a power boost at an attractive price point without sacrificing any boot or storage space.” With a typical selling price of £129.99 it certainly is worth a look. Contact: Alpine, 02476 719620 or alpine-electronics.co.uk

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ENtry-level AMPLIFIERS

|2011

CALIBER The Caliber brand, distributed in the UK by Celsus, is a quality brand that forms the more affordable end of the spectrum in Celsus’ offerings to dealers. Their Racing Series of amps includes the CA502B, CA1252B, CA54B and CA1375B and come with a distinctive style to highlight the ‘racing’ theme. Performance-wise the CA502B 2-channel amp offers a max output of 2x150W (bridged 1x300W), short circuit protection, thermal protection and a PWM regulated power supply. The compact dimensions make it appealing also, but it’s the suggested retail price of £99.99 that is likely to peak the customer’s interest. The rest of the range offers the same type of attractive pricing, making the Caliber Racing Series a potentially good alternative to offer. Contact: Celsus, 01202 664 390 or celsusice.co.uk

CLARION The smart-looking Clarion APX Series gives customers three entry-level options in the form of a high power mono amp, a 2-channel amp or a 4-channel amp. The 2-channel APX2121E gives 200W of maximum music power and comes with a suggested retail price of just a pound over £100. The APX4241E offers 4-channels with a max power of 400W while the compact APX1301E mono amp packs a 420W punch. General features of all three amps include dual LED indicators (Red: protection, and Blue: on) gold-plated RCA connectors and terminal strip power and speaker connectors, plus in-built amplifier protection in the form of a ground loop isolation input circuit, power supply short and ground short for overheating. These Class AB amps certainly pack power and features that would typically be found above their price points and offer customers a clean and minimal style, which is sure to please. Contact: Clarion, 01793 859563 or clarion.co.uk

EDGE With its bright orange aesthetics, the EDGE brand continues to grab attention wherever it goes. When it comes to amplifiers, all EDGE offerings include an anodised extruded aluminium heatsink, active onboard crossovers and both high-level and low-level inputs for maximum compatibility with any headunit. Three different configurations on Class AB stereo amplifiers are available; the 2-channel ED7400, and the 4-channel ED7800 and ED71600. The range also includes two Class D Monoblock amplifiers, the ED71200 and the powerful EDGE 72500, capable of 1250W RMS at 1ohm and 2500W max. Clearly these all follow the EDGE philosophy of allowing extreme power even on a budget…with showy looks an additional bonus. Contact: Midbass, 0870 7658423 or midbass.co.uk

FLI The FLI Loaded amplifiers combine both style and performance in one fantastic package. Available as a 2-channel stereo (450W max), 4-channel stereo (900W max) or a powerful Bass Monoblock (1200W max), micro amplifiers have a future-proof aesthetic design

all FLI with a large

illuminated LED FLI logo, showing power and protection properties. With both high and low level inputs, FLI amplifiers are also compatible with all head units. While bugs and flies are the sort of thing you may normally Hoover out of your car, this good-looking selection of amplifiers could be the sort of thing that will have customers queuing up to fit them in their cars…and they won’t struggle finding the space to do so! Contact: Midbass, 0870 7658423 or midbass.co.uk

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FU FU amplifiers were designed to give consumers a quality product with great affordability, whilst still ensuring a healthy profit margin for dealers. The FU stereo amplifiers are available in 2-channel (FU360.2) and 4-channel (FU720.4) models and each features an extruded aluminium heatsink for excellent heat dissipation, on-board active crossovers and include a high level input convertor to ensure compatibility with any headunit. For those after something affordable, stylish and capable the FU range of amplifiers is exactly the sort of thing that fits the bill. Contact: Midbass, 0870 7658423 or midbass.co.uk

ENtry-level AMPLIFIERS

JL AUDIO JL Audio’s JX Series of amps include the JX-360.4, JX-250.1, JX-360.2, JX-500.1 and JX1000.1D. Rather than shouting about the range of features available on these entry-level offerings, JL Audio is keen to point out the lack of ‘gimmicks’. The philosophy is one of a no-nonsense approach where oversized output transistors and rugged MOSFET power supplies are more important than blue lights or chrome plating. The result is a range of affordable, high quality amps that offer solid bass definition and cleaner, louder high frequency output that gets the most out of speaker systems. They may not be the cheapest of entry-level amplifiers - the 4-channel 360W JX3604 has a suggested retail price of £229.99, but they are built to perform so are perfect for the true enthusiast on a bit of a budget. Contact: Celsus, 01202 664 390 or celsusice.co.uk

|2011

KICKER For 2011, Kicker launched themselves on the entrylevel amplifier market with the EX Series. These give all of the high quality build expected of Kicker but without the price tag. Their recent advertising campaign reemphasised this point with the words: “We just wanna make the world dance, its all about the price tag” The EX Series line-up includes 2-channel, 4-channel and monoblock variants running from 150W RMS through to 2000W RMS. Suggested retail prices start from a lowly £89.99 and still offer dealers attractive margins, making them a fantastic option for both customer and dealer alike. Contact: Armour Auto, 01420 487110 or armourauto.com

KENWOOD Kenwood’s latest KAC-7405 4-channel amplifier is not to be sniffed at, with a huge 720W of clean power on offer. In fact, this is the amp that had Kenwood’s Mike Edwards wishing he was young again - with ears able to withstand the abuse this amp can dish out. Packed with features, the KAC-7405 would be ideal for powering front and rear speakers or front speakers and a subwoofer. Customers will appreciate the aluminium die cast heat sink, power MOS-FET switching power supply and the in-built low-pass and high-pass filters. Considering the power on offer and the attractive pricing, this really is the sort of amplifier that could get your customers building a system…and enjoying a great sound at the end of it. Contact: Kenwood, 01923 816444 or kenwood-electronics.co.uk

MTX The latest addition to the new Road Thunder series of MTX amplifiers is the punchy RT500.1 monoblock amp. This amp was designed to be used with low to medium power subs like the MTX RT, or to be used in pairs to create a high power stereo system running high power speakers (like the T8000s that MTX suggests). For perfect operation the active crossover makes it easy to match to the connected sub or speakers. Coming with full aluminium heatsink and end caps and a PWM MOS-FET power supply, the £229.99 suggested retail price looks very reasonable. Also in the Road Thunder range of amps are the RT250.1, RT60.2, RT60.4 and RT1000.1, all of which offer the same balance of performance and affordability. Contact: Celsus, 01202 664 390 or celsusice.co.uk

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AUTOMOTIVE

ENtry-level AMPLIFIERS

|2011

MUTANT The entry-level range of Mutant amplifiers, which Armour tells us are affectionately known as the ‘Black Series’ internally, provides a high quality and great looking amplifier solution for the consumer with a tight budget. The range consists of a 2-channel and a 4-channel amp, both of which have variable bass boost, high and low filters and end caps. While the range may not be huge, with just the MT80.2 2-channel and MT200.4 4-channel, they provide a big punch for very little money (from SRP of £59.99) and can help customers to start off their audio adventure before upgrading to more powerful Mutant offerings at a later date…if they even need to! Contact: Armour Auto, 01420 487110 or armourauto.com

PHOENIX GOLD According to Phoenix Gold, their R-Series range represents an evolution of entry-level amplifiers, with an emphasis on performance, reliability and styling. All R-Series amps feature a robust, unregulated power supply, over-sized direct input power and speaker terminals, audiophile complimentary bi-polar output transistors and many other prestige features at an amazing value. The R250.1 is one of the latest to the range, a Class AB amp with ultrafast switching MOS-FET output stage, high level input and a 250W output. The other amplifiers in this range are the R300.4, R500.1, R500.1 and R1000.1 which all offer plenty of power, reliability and style for the money. Plus customers get the coveted Phoenix Gold name in their system! Contact: Celsus 01202 664 390 www.celsusice.co.uk

ORION Renowned for the HCCA range of audio excellence, Orion are also very active in the entry-level audio market with the popular Cobalt range. These amps are well spec’d, look good and carry the same high quality build that many who know about car audio already associate with the Orion name. The Cobalt line-up includes 2-channel, 4-channel and monoblock variants running from 150W RMS through to 800W RMS. Impressively, the suggested retail prices start from just £89.99, which for Orion products makes the spec of these amps even more attractive. Contact: Armour Auto, 01420 487110 or armourauto.com

VIBE A long standing dealer favourite, the VIBE Slick amplifiers offer huge performance from an entry-level product. Available as a 2-channel or 4-channel Class AB stereo amplifier, or a Monoblock Class D, Slick Amplifiers are capable of serious power output, stunning sound quality and come at a price most people believe is impossible for such a high powered amplifier. Designed to integrate with the rest of the Slick range, the rubberized matt black finish is not only durable, but adds a touch of quality and originality to any install. Contact: Midbass, 0870 7658423 or midbass.co.uk

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PRODUCT GUIDE

|Cameras and Screens

BEYOND THE INVISIBLE Cameras and displays in vehicles are becoming more common in today’s vehicles taking the guesswork out of manoeuvring for cars and commercials alike. MEN examines the marketplace and its products

eversing cameras and displays is a market of many parts according to Mike Smith, Director at Armour Automotive. Although it’s probably common to associate cams with cars, Mike thinks that it’s a relatively small sector compared with the total business spectrum for this equipment. He said: “We see the car market as being divided roughly between the funky stuff where the car owner wants the style of a double-din screen with a reversing view to impress his friends, and people who want to replicate up-market OEM equipment on their car which is either a little older and before a reversing camera was introduced as standard, or a later lower-spec’ car that the owner would like to improve. A sort of carspecification keeping up with the Jones’ idea.” Customers wanting the OEM look can certainly be catered for, particularly with the ever-increasing range of number plate light replacement units neatly incorporating a reversing camera. Car models that aren’t covered still have plenty of scope for the discreet addition of a camera using a replacement number plate surround type or a flush-fit unit designed to keep a low profile.It’s also possible for a driver to keep a fairly low profile in the car with the selection of monitors available including neat 3.5 inch types and mirror monitors with a shine-through image showing on what is normally the mirrored surface. Another product which is being used in cars to negate the disruption of running wires through to the rear, is an add-on wireless unit available from many distributors. Armour’s latest 3.5 screen incorporates wireless in the package – their wired screen sells quite well but it’s too soon to judge how popular the wireless version might be. One of the most popular applications of wireless video transmission is in the commercial vehicle sector. On and off-road commercial vehicles are by far the biggest market for cameras and displays both of the reversing kind and increasingly for all-round vision. Commenting on this area, Mike said: “It’s an interesting market with lots of potential, particularly in the health and safety aspect and the need for high profile companies to show their responsibility in ethically applying themselves to safety ahead of any possible legislation which currently seems to be moving ahead in the heavy goods and freight vehicle area as a leader in good ‘duty of care’ practice. Human beings are so small in scale against the plant in motion that it’s important to use every modern means to protect them. “Currently we supply several agricultural and off-highway vehicle manufacturers with camera equipment and we see this as a growing market which includes all sorts of vehicles from agricultural to garbage trucks, earth movers and all mobile heavy machinery. “The leisure market is also big and our dealers are certainly seeing some growth in this area. Like most of the market they usually want rugged, waterproof kit with night vision capability. Night vision is one of the most popular developments.” Another section of the reversing camera market that is continuously expanding is the CAN-Bus and MOST adaption of cameras to OE screens. These are offered by many of the specialist interface companies with ever-greater ranges of vehicle models catered for.

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ALPINE There’s got to be a bit of humour applied to Alpine’s technology called ‘ALERT’ (ALpine External Recognition Technology) but there is no doubting the usefulness of the system which genuinely could prevent disaster. The HCE-C300R camera system recognises external movement as the driver reverses, which can be a person or a car. The recognition process triggers a highlight on the screen plus a warning beep. The camera is a bit special with ultra wide angle views. It has adjustable multi-colour distance guides and four viewing modes which include corner, ground and panorama view. The total field of view is 190 deg horizontal and 155 deg vertical. It has an automatic imaging function: metered white balance adjustment and mirror image function (NTSC). The kit includes a control switch, warning sound module and the control box for direct camera connection to an Alpine unit and also for standard RCA connectivity. Alpine 02476 719620 www.alpine-electronics.co.uk

Internet in your car Maps

UK T:01206 500 848

Republic of Ireland T:0161 494 4200

T:01162 449846

T:+353 1 448 1288

T:+353 45 407000

“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.

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Product guide

|Cameras and Screens

CELSUS Celsus offer a wireless reverse camera/monitor kit model PS6100. It has a useful range of 20 metres using the 2.4GHz transmission band. The LCD monitor is dual-standard NTSC/PAL item with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The small cylindrical camera is easy to fit and the system has a useful range display on the screen for extra parking accuracy. Celsus 01202 664 390 www.celsusice.co.uk

BEAT Connects2 Beat brand range consists of universal and OEM parking cameras and it has recently added 18 new OEM cameras to the existing range. The OE series cameras fit into the rear number plate light making them much easier to install being simply plug ‘n’ play. They are colour CMOS units with a waterproof casing and have a resolution of 480 lines and a viewing angle of 170 degrees. The range is comprehensive running from Audi to Vauxhall and includes some Mercedes applications. They can be used with the Beat display which has a 3.5 inch 4:3 colour TFT screen and a two-way video input. It has a resolution of 480 x 240 pixels and works with both NTSC and PAL systems. Connects2 also offer PK wireless transmitter and receiver kit uses 2.4GHz wireless technology and has an effective range of up to 10 metres and is designed to work with all cameras and they also offer a range of CAN-Bus interfaces which include a reverse feed. Connects2 0845 2575588 www.connects2.com

CLARION Of all the big brands, Clarion is by far the most serious about cameras and dedicated monitors with a massive range of more than ten cameras and a seven inch wide screen colour quad-image monitor (CJ7300G). The Clarion CJ7300G has a camera shutter independent control function when switching between CAM1 through CAM4 and has built-in power supplies to individual cams. It also features automatic video switching with reverse gear and turn signal link plus auto dimmer function. A wireless remote control is included and there is a true/ mirror image switching function plus on-screen distance marker settings. The Clarion range of heavy duty colour CCD cameras has almost every known feature on offer individually including IR illuminated colour CCD cameras with and without shutters, wide and narrow angle view, true and mirror image options and in normal and ultracompact sizes. Clarion 01793 859563 www.clarion.co.uk

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CKO International

CKO International has a wide range of reversing camera systems including its latest parking mirror kit with a replacement rear view mirror, four parking sensors and a bumper-fit bullet camera. The mirror shows the rear view image as well as giving the user a visual warning of the distance of any obstacles behind the vehicle, it also has a normal buzzer warning. The kit is universal so the bullet camera can be replaced with a different specification or type of camera. CKO’s range covers options from full towing kits with two cameras and a number of different camera and monitor combinations. Cameras can be discreetly mounted in the bumper, around the number plate or mounted high on the body for great all round vision, there is even a paired camera which will auto switch between reversing and rear vision whilst driving. Wide viewing angles and solid state IR for night vision is also available across the range. The dual camera system with two waterproof cameras mounted within one bracket, can be individually set alternate viewing angles which have 120 and 160 degree fields of view for closeup and rear view images. Both cameras have high quality colour CCD, night vision IR and 20m cables. They are available in black or white finishes. The camera range also includes a miniature unit measuring only 45x45x55mm. It’s waterproof to IP68 standard with eight IR diodes for night vision plus a 130 degree viewing angle and 20m of cable. CKO’s rear view mirror monitors are now available with seven and 4.3 inch screens with two options, either as a clip over the original mirror monitor or complete with it’s own stalk to either replace an existing rear view mirror or to fit onto vans and light commercials that have no mirror from the factory. They both have two video inputs and the screens remain hidden until activated either by switch or reverse gear. C-KO 020 8863 8333 www.c-ko.co.uk

Product guide

|Cameras and Screens

COBRA UK

FLY AUDIO Cobra has a comprehensive range of reversing solutions in its high quality waterproof IR night vision camera range which are shockproof and have a 12/24 voltage range. The cameras have mounted lens angles ranging from 120 to 170 deg., and mounting options include bracket, through-hole and surface fitting. Cobra’s monitor range consists of 3.5, 5 and 7 inch displays with various mounting options. They are dual-standard NTSC/ PAL and operate with 12 or 24 Volts. All products carry a comprehensive warranty. The company also supplies a range of mobile CCTV products with full positional and security linkage and storage options. Cobra UK 01932 772 400 www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk

FlyAudio has a really neat bracket-mounted colour reversing camera which is rated at 3.3 Volts and therefore, depending on application, has no need for the use of an electronic relay patched into the reverse feed to activate 12V. Using 3.3 Volts puts it under the threshold for a ‘light out’ warning on the dash. For non-CANBus applications Fly also sells a 5m RCA lead complete with a trigger wire. Adding to their appeal, all FlyAudio cams show countdown visual markers on a screen. Fly sells two monitors, a 3.5 inch LCD dash-fixed unit ideal for car use and a seven inch unit aimed at commercials. The latest camera product line soon to be introduced from this company is a camera system with interchangeable OEM-style adaptor plates – more news about this as soon as it becomes available. FlyAudio 0333 456 0236 www.flyaudio.co

KENWOOD Definitely at the quality end of the market, the Kenwood universal multi-view camera is designed for front or rear mounting and uses a 0.25 in colour CMOS sensor in a waterproof housing with a flexible mounting base. The user can call up five viewing modes – these are wide, super wide, overhead, P-in-P (picture in picture) and twin corner view. Superimposed guidelines can be adjusted and if not used with a Kenwood head unit offering direct control, there is a remote for universal use. The focal length is an amazingly short 0.82mm offering a 190° horizontal spread with a useful aperture of f2.6. Kenwood 01923 816444 www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk

Electronics Worldwide This company offers a range of popular cams, many of which are available in white to blend in with typical leisure vehicle finishes and are all designed to hook-up to a variety of screens including a rear view mirror monitor. All at the budget end of the market, there is a wide choice of offerings including dual camera systems, expandable portable systems which have three camera inputs, a lowpriced wireless video system and IR cams including some with large sun shields. Monitor range includes types small to large including a three and a half inch screen with its own pop-up casing. Electronics Worldwide, 01928 759239 or electronics-worldwide.com

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Product guide

|Cameras and Screens

Media in Motion Media in Motion are in the process of developing some dedicated camera kits for some of the VAG range of vehicles with more camera kits for various other applications to follow. Adaptation of reversing cameras to OE equipment is available for a vast range of vehicle makes (including Lamborghini Gallardo) using DVB Logic or Control-Logic interfaces. The Control-Logic interface range enables the user to seamlessly integrate two aftermarket AV devices to an OEM system. All of the Control-Logic kits also have a dedicated reverse camera input. With the majority of the kits the camera will only auto-switch whilst in AV mode, but some factory systems can be programmed so that the monitor will auto-switch in all modes. The company also offers OEM reverse camera activation kits for Mercedes models. These interface kits comprise of a simple programming dongle and a harness for the connection of the camera to the factory monitor. The programming dongle activates the Comand systems reverse camera facility so that when reverse gear is selected, the monitor switches to the camera. The Fakra to RCA cables provide the connection of the camera onto the back of the factory monitor. The Mercedes kits are available for a wide range of models including E Class (W211) 2008 - onwards, R Class (W251) 2008 onwards, ML (W164) 2008 - onwards, SL (R230) 2008 - onwards, CLS Coupe (W219) 2008 - onwards, SLK (R171) 2008 – onwards and C Class (W204): 2007 – onwards. Media in Motion 0121 311 9011 www.media-in-motion.co.uk

PARKSAFE CSS Aftermarket has a wide range of Parksafe of cameras and monitors including a dual parking sensor/ camera system. The monitor range includes a PS7006 seven inch mirror unit. This product has two switchable AV inputs with a universal fitting, clip-on or mount-on brackets. Again operating on 12 or 24 Volt and is PAL/NTSC compatible. Also available is a clever item not generally seen on sale, a left and right-turn corner camera in a casing specially shaped for this mounting application. The corner cameras can be configured to turn on automatically in the direction of steering. A Wireless Digital Interface kit PS2473 is offered using the 2.4 GHz band. There are two models with, and without audio. They have a range in excess of 100ft and work with 12 or 24 Volts. Video output is available in NTSC and PAL. CSS Aftermarket 01773 746591 www.cssaftermarket.co.uk

VEBA Veba’s large range of monitors includes their AV70SM seven inch unit with four camera inputs and quad-splitting screen enabling multiple views Over the years the Veba range of rear view cameras has developed into one of the most comprehensive in the marketplace. Variants include colour, infra red, flush-fit, night vision and water-resistant types. Paired with Veba’s unrivalled range of monitors from 3.5 through to seven inch - including split screen and multi-voltage - the offering adds up to over 50 combinations to suit any installation or consumer requirement The Veba range includes wireless camera solutions designed to simplify installation. The cameras are waterproof and work on the usual 2.4Ghz band and operate on 12 and 24V vehicles. They have a wireless range of about 100 metres (unobstructed) and a selectable mirror image. The wireless receiver module is robustly-constructed with a heavy duty aluminium casing. It has a three metre external antenna harness and can automatically switch on a camera with a reverse gear signal. It has four channels selectable with a DIP switch. Trade margins for all Veba equipment are excellent. Armour Auto 01420 487110 www.armourauto.com

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INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

MICK BARBER

|2011

We find out more about the ever-energetic Managing Director of Derbyshire-based company Car Sound Supplies – known as CSS Aftermarket, distributor of Elite consumables and accessories, Ivanhoe installation textiles and Park Safe parking sensors and camera systems. Martyn Williams reports

first met Mick about 10 years ago and was immediately struck by this guy who, if you weren’t wide awake and paying attention as you met him – you soon would be! The firm shake of the hand and the ‘let’s get down to business’ attitude is part of his aura from a man who is bursting with energy – everything you’d expect from a top professional salesman. Also, you wouldn’t know that Mick will be celebrating his fiftieth birthday at the end of this year – a man who thinks nothing of running 26 miles for a bit of exercise and is a Fourth Dan Black belt in Korean Martial arts. He also has experience in Wing Chun Kung fu – Cage fighting and is a participant in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). The depth of Mick’s training includes ABA Boxing Coach, NVQ Personal Trainer, Cycle Spinning Instructor, Boxer-cise Instructor and he is also a keen outdoor cycling enthusiast. Mick has reached lots of other milestones recently, including a 25 year Silver wedding anniversary celebration with his wife Julie and reaching his 20th year in the mobile electronics industry. The building blocks for his career started back in 1977 when Mick started got his first job as a motor mechanic and also attended a related City and Guilds course at the Isle Of Ely College Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. From there he joined Wurth UK in 1987 with its strong links to the motor industry, where he achieved much recognition including being awarded Sales Person of the Year. He was promoted to sales trainer and product trainer roles and finally to area manager before he left in 1991 to set up business in the mobile electronics industry. In this area his career started at Gemini Alarm Systems at this time was distributed by Dublin-based company ICE Security. Commenting on his life then, Mick said: “In those days I was doing the whole of the United Kingdom. I would pack my car with product and if I was doing the North of England and Scotland I would leave around 2.30am so I could be at the customer early morning.” Mick wanted to expand and started Gemini

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Security Direct founded his location near to his home town of Chatteris and started the new business with the help of Gemini Italy. Mick said: “Building a brand was not easy it takes dedication and hard work and you are only as good as your team members around you – we had a good team and we all put a lot of effort into the product. “Selling and running a business is not always easy and I have experienced some difficulties in my time like a lot of people who stick their necks out, but can say that it helps to build character and has helped me get where I am today. I believe that honesty is always the way forward with everybody you deal with and customer service has always been my passion!” Three years ago, Mick joined Car Sound Supplies, a company that has been trading for 30 years in the electronics industry. He redeveloped the structure of the company and rebranded it as CSS Aftermarket – a catchier name which made it easier to build awareness. Even more important, he brought in some competitive and high quality products. Mick said:

are always honest with our customers and, if we do something wrong, we correct it at our expense, not the customer’s! “Other vital principles in business is to understand what is going on in the market place including a comprehensive knowledge of your competitors. The other more obvious things are that you must have a good team that you can totally rely on, and never stop focusing on the future. “We have a brilliant team at CSS, they include Hayley Bradley our Sales Administrator, Alan Platts our Warehouse Manager, Ross Brown our man doing the IT and marketing, and we have recruited Dave Thornber as our Northern agent who does a really good job of keeping our customers happy. We recently appointed Rob Walker as our Southern sales agent – he has a wealth of knowledge and known for his days at Kenwood, I am delighted to have him as part of our team. As mentioned, Mick is a keen runner and has put this talent to special use after the sad death

I believe that honesty is always the way forward with everybody you deal with and customer service has always been my passion! “Branding is important and developing our own range of products was an important step for CSS, having sold direct to the customers at first hand and building their confidence with me helped me to a establish our brands so quickly. The jewel in the crown is Parksafe – I created the name and am passionate about this great product which has so many essential usage and installation features across the range. “We have come a long way with the business because I have applied some rigid principles to the way we do business. We

of family friend over 18 months ago, Bridget Brammer who, aged only 51, was a victim of cancer. After this sad event Mick is now regularly running charity marathons to raise money for Sue Ryder Care Homes who looked after Bridget during her last few months. His next event is the Eastern Great North Run in October. “The Sue Ryder people do a wonderful job,” said Mick, “And I will continue to do my best for them.” Well done chap, I’m sure we all agree with that.

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OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

|2011

SELLING DIGITAL RADIO This year’s EXPO focussed the industry on digital radio sales for the year. With many new digital radio head units and other solutions on show, dealers left excited at the prospect of a growth market. Arthur Deebie was set the task of finding out how sales are going now.

igital radio is a funny fish. Far from being an emerging technology the first digital radio receivers launched some 12 years ago. At the time, digital radio was seen as a potential saviour of broadcast media and a source of healthy sales and installation business for years to come. Digital radio failed to capture the imagination initially as many of the sales arguments were based around sound quality and we all know how hard that is to sell to the average consumer. However, as the industry changed its tack and majored on choice of channels and ease of use and the broadcast fraternity began warning of a probable analogue switch off, drivers became more interested by in-car digital radio. In the home, growth was much easier. Kitchen and bedside radio sales were comparatively easy to come by and radio audiences increased as a result of some great standalone products and the availability of digital stations on Freeview, satellite TV and over the internet. Investment in new stations helped to boost interest but the benefits are still not convincing car drivers to invest, or are they? Industry opinion is surprisingly polarised and I received many bubble bursting comments that indicated that the optimism I experienced at EXPO had vaporised - one dealer claims that digital radio sales were better five years ago! Negatives seemed to revolve around price point with dealers suggesting that consumers do not consider digital radio to be worth anything as an add-on feature to a CD radio. National chains were once again ‘fingered’ as being responsible for leading rapid price erosion, particularly those offering free fitting. One dealer suggested that manufacturers and

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distributors as part of aggressive sell-in strategies were overhyping the technology. However, alongside, I received many comments that suggested to me that digital radio carries enormous potential for the specialist installer. For instance, customers know exactly what they want and it seems to be the ability to listen to their favourite station that isn’t already available on FM (Talk Sport, BBC5 Live, BBC6 Music etc) They do however, often arrive in store or online not realising that their current car antenna is not suitable and generally only want to purchase self adhesive windscreen antenna solution which they can fit themselves. Price at point of sale was not seen as an issue although online customers may expect you to price match. Typical customers are 30+ males interested in Sport or specific genres of music and there are literally millions of these.

pointed to the amount of work that needs to be put in by the specialist in order to capitalise on this opportunity. “Up to date experience of digital radio is a must. Make sure you can demonstrate digital radio in a vehicle and make everyone entering your store listen to it – even the postman!” says Richard. Ultimately, customers are buying access to their favourite station and in order for you to deliver this they will need a receiver and the correct antenna both of which need to be expertly installed. All you have to do is manage cost expectations and help them achieve this end.

Digital radio product sales can become a good source of income with parallel aerial installation work adding extra profit potential

Richard Taylor, the man behind dabonwheels.co.uk tells me that he is seeing a significant increase in sales. As an online reseller, his customers come from all over the UK and he has therefore put a great deal of effort into learning about the digital radio infrastructure and has a great knowledge of where digital radio does or doesn’t work and when significant holes will be filled in. He has also tested every product and antenna available and given them easy to follow star ratings. His website tells consumers exactly what they need to know in order to make the right antenna choice for the areas they drive in. Richard drew direct comparisons between digital radio and FM or CD adoption in-car and

I firmly believe that digital radio product sales can become a good source of income with parallel aerial installation work adding extra profit potential. The receivers and antennas you choose to stock and sell is not the true focus with digital radio it is simply a way of providing your customer access to his/her favourite radio station. If you would like more help in establishing yourself as an expert digital radio installer, drop me a line and I will point you toward people who can help. Contact: arthur.deebie@gmail.com

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ADAM RAYNER

|2011

RAYNER RANTS Pomposity & Ignorance: Adam Rayner marvels at the sheer depth and breadth of the brass necked arrogance that can develop in journalism… It’s bloody tragic to see, with the benefit of inside knowledge, a recent DAB test in a major car magazine, claiming a decade and a half of ‘experience’ in reviewing, seemingly stitching up a perfectly good head unit. The reviewer’s antecedents and qualifications in electronics have never been revealed to me, (never heard of him before this) nor has the reviewer EVER been seen at ANY 12Volt press event I have been to. Simply put, the amount of deep frustration that has arisen from the office of a major brand’s product manager over this one has been more profound than I have witnessed in my entire career so far. And again, if it wasn’t so sad, it would be funny. Now don’t get me wrong, I have royally cocked-up on occasions. The best was being rude late one night on the internet about an amplifier from Italy that had been reviewed by Ben Chandler in Fast Car. I was still smarting from being dumped as Ice editor. (They lost 42% of their readership in one year to the internet and could no longer afford me… but that’s ‘business’ and why I am resolutely freelance.) The Angel on my right shoulder was asleep and the Devil on the other was nagging in my ear… “G’won you tossin wankah! fucking type it…..” So off I went into one, about the over-use of the term ‘cheeky’ in this bloke’s reviews (Incidentally he’s in PR now, so hardly a ‘lifer’ like the rest of us…) and was scathing about the thing I had never heard of. Then, I pressed the button and went off happily to Las Vegas to SEMA with Pioneer the very next morning, which was nice. I pulled out the mobile phone once back on British soil, having landed at Gatwick to call my webmaster. He sounded a little pale and stressed and I completely misunderstood him when he said there’d been a firestorm while I was away. I thought Car Audio Direct had burned down from his voice but ‘Firestorm’ is the collective noun on the internet for an agglomeration of flame-mails. That’s an angry letter…on a computer. Fact is, it was early days on Talk Audio and I didn’t know if anyone was really reading my stuff. I found out.

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It was everyone, and I mean everyone that really matters in the UK trade and with a thick slice of the engineers in Japan and folks across the English-speaking world. It turned out that Talk Audio magazine was slapping a fat slice out of the 110,000 different visitors to the forum boards a month, too (compare and contrast with 60,000 for the paper title in question) and that the Angel should have not gone to sleep. I had really upset the guys at Fast Car, Ben in particular and the suppliers of the item and had to retract like I meant it. In the event, it was a crisp piece of kit, reviewed very well and was used as the reference amplifier for a twenty-strong high end component speaker review. Mind you, the set that came last caused proper grief for the maker and for me but that’s another story. All I am saying is that sometimes, just now and again, you have to admit that you might just have got something a bit wrong. When that happens and it does, to any reviewer, you will get more respect if you do admit you fucked up. Climbing upon your Ivory Pedestal of publishing greatness and standing by your cock up when you are simply, plainly wrong does nothing more than inspire disgust. Let’s face it, the breadth of technical knowledge that you would need to be a proper expert in everything is simply not possible. Ask any real reviewer how he feels about keeping up with the latest

technology in his field and offer him or her three choices – “I am fully up to speed in all technical aspects and fear no gaps in my knowledge.” Or, “I would like to think I know an awful lot about my subject and am always doing my homework.” Or, “I have an inkling of how much I DON’T know and keeping up with everything as it changes, is terrifying.” If their answer is the first one, then either they are a genius or an arrogant fool. If it’s the second, then they exhibit confidence with a good attitude and if it’s the third, well they are at least being honest! I won’t go into the details as it is of course, the publication’s prerogative to form an opinion and they are respected by their readers but there does come a point when a reviewer has to listen to fallout from the opinions and if it’s based upon a profound basic tech principle got wrong, or something as bad as not comparing apples with apples (electric bike versus Hyabusa Turbo, anyone?) then there are times to be able to have an answer to that cry - “I beseech thee, could you consider it possible that you may be mistaken?” And you know what…the trade has a long memory, it never goes away and the tarnish lasts for an entire career. And like I say…take care, now and avoid the old BOOMPH tinkle …

Take care, now and avoid the old BOOMPH tinkle …

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instant expert

|Ariel fit

STICKY BUSINESS

s Once the contact patch on the antenna is revealed it’s a good idea to wipe this and the pillar clean with the tissue supplied

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Antenna kit that comes with Kenwood’s DAB unit – even includes an alcohol wipe

3 s It’s essential to get full contact between the brass tag on the amplifier and the antenna contact patch

4 s Job involves removing the pillar trim if the aerial is to work properly – there’s no way round this

5 s Top of the antenna element should be 150mm from the top edge – glass was marked on the outside to prevent ink being trapped under the plastic!

Fitting a stick-on aerial is sooo easy. That’s what I thought until it became clear that the two pages of instructions in the Kenwood manual doesn’t have any ‘Before you start’ advice.. Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that the Kenwood antenna supplied with the DAB head unit has been carefully developed as a dedicated piece of kit which is so much more than just a conductor on a piece of transparent plastic. It strives to be the best stick-on window aerial that can be made and its two best tricks are a stick-on ground plane (which is stuck to the pillar of a metal-bodied car). The other clever bit is having a built-in amplifier (apparently powered through the aerial wire?). Stick-on aerials have had a poor performance reputation in the past and it’s likely to be something which has rarely been installed by a professional fitter – a good reason for spinning through the fitting process. Due to its small size and the fact that, unlike a fixed roof antenna, it will not be mounted at the best height possible, it’s essential that every aspect of the install is as good as can be. It’s essential that the ground plane tab is stuck onto metal (possibly a strip of metal could be used in vehicles made from composite materials – Kenwood doesn’t give any advice on this.) The other point is that the painted metal only has to be greasefree before sticking, it’s not necessary to remove paint. The other most important thing to note is the contact between the black plastic amplifier’s small brass insert in the sticky pad and the antenna (see picture 2). This should make full contact for optimum performance. Finally – and just as important, are the distances on the glass away from the edge at 70mm horizontal and 150mm between the top of the antenna and the top edge of the glass. The horizontal positioning should offer enough clearance between a pillar trim and the amplifier and also offer enough slack on the ground plane tab on the amplifier so that it will neatly fold into the edge of the glass. If it is stretched in any way, this may prevent the trim being fitted. It’s important to check – and adjust if necessary – this horizontal clearance before sticking it permanently. The same applies to checking where the edge of the trim fits before fixing the antenna.

There’s much more than meets the eye when fitting a Kenwood stick-on DAB antenna as Martyn Williams, frantically trying to look like a professional, points out

s The amplifier can be stuck on making contact,

Glass needs to be clean before removing ‘Tab I’ protector uncovering the sticky surface of the twig. There are distinct Tab II and III stages after this

s The antenna is unobtrusive and in the areas we measurements may have to be adjusted for the tried, performed extremely well amp body to clear trim – this needs to be checked before sticking the antenna!

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Show

SORED BY KENWOOD N O SP 12 20 PO EX .N .E M

MEN EXPO 2012 in the Olympic Year will be extra special as we launch the 10th Mobile Electronics News Exhibition, taking place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th March 2012. Here’s why you should be there… They say the best things in life are free and this is a philosophy that we at Creative Media embrace with our annual exhibition, the M.E.N Expo. Launched in 2002, the M.E.N Exhibition is the UK’s only free of charge trade show for the mobile electronics industry, bigger and better each year, it is event not to be missed.

THE EXHIBITION Sponsored by Kenwood, Midbass and Scorpion, the 2012 Expo will bring together the industry’s key manufactures and distributors. The M.E.N Expo is a must - see for those wishing to catch up with their business contacts all under one roof. The event is also the perfect opportunity to network with your peers, recharge your enthusiasm and of course take advantage of great show deals. It is the perfect opportunity for retailers and buyers to see and hear the very latest news and products in car audio, multimedia, security and navigation for the coming year. Many companies who have attended previous shows have said it’s an essential tool to enhance their business relationships, meet new suppliers and their develop industry knowledge.

If you wish to ng discuss exhibiti po Ex 12 at the 20 a un a contact Sh @ a un Peters via sha ltd or creativemedia 97 call 01268 7548

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