Will Start-Stop Technology Affect Aftermarket Electronic Upgrades?

Many new cars and trucks come with a feature called stop-start technology. This system senses when the car is stopped at a red light or stop sign and shuts down the engine to save fuel. As soon as you release the brake pedal, the engine starts up again, and you’re on your way. The question for those of us who are interested in upgrading our vehicles is, does this technology work with our new electronics? Read on to find out if your new high-power amplifier, dash camera or radar detector will get upset when your car stops and starts.

How Does Stop-Start Technology Work?

Almost all new cars are controlled by computers. As such, the act of turning off your engine at a stop light is as simple as cutting spark to the ignition system and fuel injectors. To restart the car again, the vehicle initiates the start-up sequence as though you pressed the start button on the dash. The radio keeps playing, the climate control system keeps running and all the lights stay on while the engine is off. Other than an eerie silence and a split-second hesitation when it’s time to drive off, you don’t really notice anything.

In the background, the computer in your car is monitoring several systems to determine when it should stop the engine and when it needs to start it again. If it’s summer and you’re running the air conditioning, the computer will monitor the temperature in the vehicle. If it starts to warm up, it starts the engine so the compressor can run. If it’s winter and you have the heated seats and rear window defroster running, the system pays close attention to the current draw on the battery and its voltage. Brake pedal pressure, the position of the clutch (if you have one), engine coolant temperature, a buckled seat belt and many other conditions determine whether the engine will stop at a light and when it will restart.

What’s the Problem with Stop-Start Systems?

While saving fuel seems like a great idea, there is a drawback to this system in terms of aftermarket electronics in your car. When the engine starts, there is a large draw from the vehicle battery. In some cases, the battery voltage can drop well below 9 volts. For many years, electronic devices designed for use in cars had a low-voltage cutoff around 10.8 volts. In cases where the voltage drops into the 9V or less region, your amplifier, signal processors, source unit, dash camera or radar detector may shut down, then restart once the voltage increases. If the voltage drop is extreme, problems with the microcontrollers in your devices may occur.

Stop-Start Technology — The maximum and minimum voltage readings from a three-month-old 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe with Idle Stop-Start technology.

Dealing with Stop-Start Vehicles

If you own a vehicle equipped with one of these fuel-saving technologies and are interested in adding aftermarket electronics, search for a specialist mobile enhancement retailer who is familiar with how they operate.

For low-power devices like signal processors, radar detectors, laser jammer and dashcams, voltage stabilization modules are available to help keep everything happy. Companies like ARC Audio design their new amplifiers and processors to handle these low-voltage conditions. Audison offers a product called the ES3 that will help maintain voltage to certain low-power devices. Work with your salesperson to choose products that list stop-start compatibility in their feature list.

You will also want to make sure that the battery or batteries in your vehicle are in good condition. Even after a few years of regular use or in even harsher conditions involving multiple short trips, batteries can build up a layer of sulfate on their lead plates that can dramatically reduce their current delivery efficiency. A high-quality battery charger with maintenance capabilities can be a great investment in maintaining the life of your batteries and, of course, will ensure that your vehicle is ready to go whenever you are. Some companies offer maintenance chargers specifically for start-stop batteries.

Choose Your Technology Upgrades Wisely

If you’re thinking about upgrading the technology in your new car or truck that has stop-start technology, visit your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer and ask them about the solutions they have available.

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

How Does DragonEye ECCM Lidar Work?

Over the past few months, we’ve talked about how radar detectors and laser defense systems work. Now it’s time to talk about the dreaded and often controversial DragonEye ECCM-equipped lidar guns and why they’re so difficult to jam.

What Is DragonEye ECCM?

Let’s break this down a bit. Based in Norcross, Georgia, DragonEye Technology is a company that develops electro-optical systems for the law enforcement industry. What does this mean? They make police lidar guns. They have two basic product categories: lidar speed measurement guns with and without a built-in camera.

Aside from the quality, accuracy and reliability of their products, DragonEye’s claim to fame is their anti-jamming technology called the Electronic Counter-Counter Measure (ECCM) system. ECCM was designed to prevent a conventional laser defense system from being able to disable DragonEye’s measurement system.

What Is ECCM?

In a conventional lidar gun, the emitting laser produces pulses of light and measures the time it takes for those pulses to be reflected back to the gun. Knowing the speed of light, the gun can calculate the speed of an object by analyzing the changes in reflection time for each pulse. For our discussion, let’s say that the gun sends out 150 pulses per second and expects to see that same frequency of pulses returned.

DragonEye ECCM — Conventional lidar guns emit a series of evenly spaced light pulses.

Laser defense systems on our cars and trucks are designed to detect these pulses of light and transmit additional pulses and varying timing patterns to prevent a lidar gun from being able to make a calculation.

When ECCM is in use, the spacing between the light pulses is somewhat random. We specify that is it only “somewhat” random because the gun needs to know when it emitted a pulse and be able to measure its reflection time. As such, there is a pattern, even though it’s complicated.

Again, purely as an example, a DragonEye Gun may start transmitting at 150 Hz (pulses per second), then ramp up to 1,500 Hz and back down.

Defending Against Variable Pulse Rate Lidar

A simpler name for lidar guns like the DragonEye Compact and DragonEye Speed LIDAR with ECCM enabled is Variable Pulse Rate (VPR) radar. Other guns like the Stalker X-Series, the Laser Ally lidar and the LTI TruSpeed also offer VPR anti-jamming modes.

It’s worth clarifying: It’s the frequency of the pulses that is changed, not the frequency or wavelength of the beam being transmitted. For most lidar guns, that beam remains in the 905 nanometer/331.26 terahertz range.

In order for your laser defense system to prevent a reading, the system needs to detect the algorithm used to modulate the laser pulse frequency and transmit a compatible yet scrambled pattern. The transmitted pulses can’t simply be random.

The Cat-and-Mouse Game

Manufacturers of laser defense systems such as Escort, AL Priority, Stinger and K40 are constantly working on updating their firmware to maintain compatibility with new firmware from the lidar gun manufacturers. Statements about which defense systems defend against which guns should be qualified with confirmation of the firmware on the gun. A four-year-old DragonEye gun that has never had an update is going to be easier to jam than one that just came off the assembly line or has just returned from recertification and updates.

If you are shopping for a laser defense system, visit your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer and talk with them about where and how you drive. If they are truly experienced in the laser defense market, they will be able to tell you what radar and lidar guns are in use in your area and help you select a solution that will meet your needs. As always, we want to remind our readers that the performance of a laser defense system depends significantly on the installation. A reliable and accurate installation isn’t cheap but it can be the difference between getting a speeding ticket and arriving at your destination without delays.

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

Product Spotlight: Compustar PRO T13 Remote Kit

Car or truck owners looking for a remote start solution with the most features and longest range will want to check out the new PRO T13 remote kit from Compustar. Considered the new benchmark for performance, the T13 combines an amazing 3 miles of range with a color LCD screen and the new Proximity Unlock feature. If that isn’t enough, the T13 includes a built-in rechargeable battery, water-resistant case and reliability that has made Compustar the quality leader in the car starter industry.

Compustar PRO T13 Design and Features

The first thing you’ll notice is a bright color LCD screen that includes graphics that show when your vehicle is locked, unlocked or remote started. You can also see the voltage of the vehicle battery as well as the interior temperature. Of course, because it features 2-way communication, you’ll always know if the commands you’ve sent have been received and executed at the vehicle. Lastly, the screen shows the remote’s battery level and whether audible or vibration alerts are active.

Though the remote only has three buttons, the intuitive design allows you to access a variety of secondary options like trunk release, car finder and auxiliary outputs. In all, more than 50 commands and setting options are available to give you complete, personalized control over your vehicle. You can even change the language from English to Spanish or French.

A built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers the T13. A micro-USB connection on the top of the remote makes charging easy. You can recharge the remote using a powered USB port in your vehicle while you drive. The battery lasts about 45 days on a full charge with systems that don’t include security features.

Finally, the T13 remote is waterproof and is built with reinforced high-strength materials to withstand the abuse that comes with being sat on or occasionally dropped in a puddle or snowbank. Compustar backs all PRO-Series remotes with a three-year warranty.

Proximity Unlock Feature

A new and unique capability of the PRO T13 is the Proximity Unlock feature. If you’re leaving a store with your arms full of groceries or supplies, the vehicle will unlock automatically when you are within 3 to 6 feet of the Compustar antenna on the windshield. The antenna’s centralized placement allows the system to work just as efficiently from the vehicle’s passenger side. Fumbling with keys in your hands while you carry the kids or digging at the bottom of your purse will be an afterthought.

You can disable the Proximity Unlock feature with just a few quick button-presses on the remote if you are working nearby and want to keep your vehicle locked.

Industry-Leading Range Performance

If you’ve ever tried to use a remote start system from inside a large building, then you’ll know how important it is to have as much range as possible. The PRO T13 remote uses spread-spectrum technology to provide up 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of range. This incredible transmitting power means that you’re more likely to be able to start your car from the depths of a warehouse, office tower or apartment than when using a remote that only offers 1 mile of range.

Companion Remote and Drone Telematics Included

Known formally as the RFX-P2WT13-SF (in the United States), the kit includes the amazing color LCD PRO T13 remote, a one-button long-range PRO R5 remote, a Drone X1-LTE interface, an antenna and all the cables your installer will require to complete a new installation or upgrade an existing one.

This PRO R5 remote offers up to 2 miles (3.2 km) of range to make it easy for someone else in your home or for a co-worker to use your vehicle. The remote also features the same easy-to-charge lithium-ion battery as the T13. Even though it has the most intuitive interface available, the Proximity Unlock feature makes it easy to get into your car or truck without having to search for the keys.

If you’re shopping in the United States, then your PRO T13 remote system will include one of the Drone X1-LTE telematics interfaces. When combined with an app on your smartphone, Drone lets you control and monitor your vehicle from anywhere you have cellular data access. You could be on the other side of the city or vacationing in another state – you’ll still be able to monitor the vehicle. Your local authorized Drone retailer can help you choose the right Drone service plan for your needs.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Compustar Convenience Today

Whether you’re shopping for a new remote car starter or already have a Compustar, Arctic Start, RTX or iDatastart system in your vehicle, your local authorized Compustar PRO retailer can get you set up with the new PRO T13 remote system today! You can find a shop near you by visiting the Find a Dealer page on the Compustar website. Be sure to visit Compustar’s Facebook and Instagram pages and their YouTube Channel to learn more about their amazing products.

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

Product Spotlight: Compustar PRO R5 Remote Start

Compustar, the world-leader in high-performance remote start and security systems, recently introduced the new PRO R5 remote. This one-button remote boasts up to 2 miles of range and includes a proximity unlocking feature that makes it easier than ever to use. If convenience and reliability are at the top of your vehicle convenience upgrade shopping list, then you’re looking at the perfect solution.

Long-Range RF Performance Improves Connectivity

The PRO R5 remote uses spread-spectrum technology to deliver up to 2 miles of range. If you live in an apartment or work in a large store, this impressive transmitting power helps ensure that you can remote start your vehicle a few minutes before it’s time to leave.

The R5 includes four LED-illuminated pictographic icons that let you know when the lock, unlock and remote start commands have been received and executed. Tapping the button once will send the lock command. Tapping the button twice sends the unlock command. Pressing and holding the button for about three seconds initiates the remote start sequence. If the vehicle has already been remote-started, you can shut it down by pressing and holding the button for three seconds.

Another cool feature of the PRO R5 is its ability to alert the owner if the security system is triggered. This type of notification is a new feature for a one-button remote.

Proximity Unlocking Adds Convenience

The new PRO R5, just like its big brother, the PRO T13, includes a feature called proximity unlocking. When you are within 3 to 6 feet of the Compustar antenna on the windshield of your vehicle, the system will automatically unlock the doors. If you’re carrying groceries, tools or perhaps a child, not having to dig through your pockets or purse to unlock the vehicle is incredibly handy. Once unlocked, pull the door handle to open the door, and you can load everything or everyone into the vehicle.

Compustar has included a customization option in the R5 programming to let you turn off the proximity feature remotely. You can also toggle silent arming/disarming through the same configuration process. Finally, you can turn the remote off completely to save the battery if you are going on vacation or will be away from the vehicle for an extended period of time.

Industry Reference Reliability

Compustar remote start and security systems are widely recognized as the benchmark for performance and reliability in the mobile enhancement industry. The R5 features the same robust construction and water-resistant design that have earned the company its much-lauded reputation. If you’re prone to dropping your keys when exiting your vehicle, this remote should be able to handle the abuse. Compustar backs their PRO-Series remotes with a three-year warranty.

The PRO R5 remote is powered by a lithium-ion battery, so you don’t have to worry about buying coin cells. A micro-USB port makes it as easy to recharge the remote as it is to charge a smartphone. You can even use a powered USB port in your vehicle to top up the battery on the way to or home from work.

Drone Telematics Ensures Unlimited Connectivity

When you purchase the RF-P2WR5-SF kit, you will get a pair of the PRO R5 remote controls and one of the Drone X1-LTE interfaces. When connected to your remote starter or security system, Drone allows you to control your vehicle from an app on your smartphone. All you have to do is tap an icon on your phone and you can lock, unlock or remote start your vehicle from anywhere you have access to an internet connection. You can choose from several Drone service plans that include GPS-based alerts to further enhance your ability to monitor your vehicle.

Compustar Is the Leader in Remote Start Technology

If you want to upgrade an existing Compustar, RTX, Arctic Start or iDatastart system, or are shopping for a new solution for your vehicle, drop by your local Compustar dealer and ask about the new PRO R5 remotes. You can find a dealer using the Compustar website. For updates on the latest product and feature introductions from Compustar, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages and their YouTube channel.

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

Don’t Put All Your Songs in One Folder on Your USB Drive

With the rise in popularity of digital media files over the last decade, car audio enthusiasts find themselves being more likely to carry a USB memory stick than a stack of compact disks. When it comes to organizing all those MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC files, most manufacturers suggest that you don’t put all the songs in one folder. Read on to find out why.

How Car Radios Understand USB File Structure

Unlike a computer, your car radio is very limited in its ability to interpret different USB drive formats and the subsequent file structure. Most systems require that the USB drive be formatted using the FAT or FAT32 file format. Some new multimedia receivers can understand NTFS and exFAT file formats, so larger storage devices can be used.

Songs Folder — You have several formatting options. Be sure to choose one that works with the capabilities of your receiver.

Next, you need to maintain a standard long file name format that allows for a total of 255 characters, including the file extension (.mp3, .wma or .flac). An important part of the standard is avoiding command characters such as /, \, *, :, ?, “, <, > and|. These characters may be misinterpreted by the system and result in a file being unreadable, or on extreme cases, cause the system to stop reading subsequent filenames.

Folder Structure and File Limits

In most cases, you are limited to no more than eight folder layers. So, beyond the root folder, you may have subfolders by genre of music, artist name and album name. This configuration is fine as the music is stored four layers deep. It is worth noting that extremely long folder names may, depending on the radio and its available memory, cause problems. We recommend keeping everything as short and efficient as possible.

Different source units have significantly different limits on the total number of tracks they can play and the number of files or subfolders they can interpret. Many radios have a limit of 255 or 999 files or folders per directory and can only detect up to 999 files. Some radios increase this to 5,000 or 9,999 tracks. A few units on the market can read an impressive 65,535 files per folder, and there are a couple with supposedly no limits at all.

Don’t Put All Your Files in One Folder

When you are planning on buying a new radio, it’s worth spending a few minutes to find out whether it will play your music as you have it organized on your USB stick. Some radios won’t randomize songs in different folders, and others are extremely finicky about the total number of files. If you need help choosing a receiver that will sound great and play your digital media collection, drop by your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer and give the radio you have in mind a try!

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

Will Start-Stop Technology Affect Aftermarket Electronic Upgrades?

How Does Stop-Start Technology Work?

What’s the Problem with Stop-Start Systems?

Dealing with Stop-Start Vehicles

Choose Your Technology Upgrades Wisely

How Does DragonEye ECCM Lidar Work?

What Is DragonEye ECCM?

What Is ECCM?

Defending Against Variable Pulse Rate Lidar

The Cat-and-Mouse Game

Product Spotlight: Compustar PRO T13 Remote Kit

Compustar PRO T13 Design and Features

Proximity Unlock Feature

Industry-Leading Range Performance

Companion Remote and Drone Telematics Included

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Compustar Convenience Today

Product Spotlight: Compustar PRO R5 Remote Start

Long-Range RF Performance Improves Connectivity

Proximity Unlocking Adds Convenience

Industry Reference Reliability

Drone Telematics Ensures Unlimited Connectivity

Compustar Is the Leader in Remote Start Technology

Don’t Put All Your Songs in One Folder on Your USB Drive

How Car Radios Understand USB File Structure

Folder Structure and File Limits

Don’t Put All Your Files in One Folder

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