Vehicle Security Systems Explained

Wee-ooh, wee-ooh, honk, honk, honk, beep, beep, beep … Ah, the sweet melody of the modern car alarm. Vehicle security is big business. If you are worried about someone stealing your vehicle, visit your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about a properly designed and installed vehicle security system. Before you head out the door, let’s take a look at the options for security systems and sensors, and talk about the importance of proper installation to ensure your car remains where you left it.

The Classic Car Alarm

In most cases, a handheld remote control, also known as a key fob, will control your car alarm. These remotes use radio frequency signals to communicate with the control module in the vehicle. When you want to arm the alarm, press the Lock button on the remote and the system will respond almost instantly.

Remotes are available in many different styles. The simplest include a single button that toggles arming and disarming functions. A slightly more-elaborate remote may include dedicated locking, unlocking, trunk release and auxiliary output buttons. Many alarms are integrated with a remote car starter or vice versa. In these systems, one of the buttons on the remote is typically dedicated to starting the vehicle.

The Purpose of a Vehicle Security System

Quite simply, the purpose of an alarm is to monitor your vehicle for attempted theft or vandalism. When the system detects a trigger from a particular zone or sensor, it activates a loud siren. Depending on your vehicle, you can opt to have the horn honk and the parking lights flash when the alarm goes off.

That infamous blinking red or blue LED in your dash is an indication to would-be thieves that you have taken measures to protect your vehicle and belongings. The knowledge that there is an alarm in the vehicle may be an adequate deterrent that convinces a thief to move on to a different target.

Remote Car Starter Functions

We mentioned that security systems are a popular option for a remote car starter. Some manufacturers offer a separate remote starter, security and hybrid (remote starter and security) systems. Other companies have designed their remote starters to accept a siren and shock sensor as options. This modular approach allows you to upgrade the system at any time.

Zones of Protection

Modern security systems are capable of monitoring several zones or sensors simultaneously. For example, your alarm will be connected to your door’s pin wires. These same wires signal the dome light to turn on when a door is open. If the system detects a door is open, it will trigger the alarm instantly.

Many security systems include separate inputs for hood and trunk monitoring. Your installer may choose to use a pin switch on the hood or trunk, or a mercury switch. If your vehicle has factory monitoring for the hood or trunk, those connections are often compatible with an aftermarket security system.

Every car alarm includes some form of shock sensor to detect abrupt impacts to the vehicle. There are many different designs for shock sensors. Some shock sensors work by suspending a small metal bead beside an inductor on a spring or rubber strap. Both allow the bead to move independently of the sensor housing. When the bead moves due to a shock or vibration, it induces a current in the inductor. The included circuitry determines the amplitude of the motion and decides if it should trigger the alarm.

Another method of monitoring shock and vibration is a digital accelerometer. The accelerometer communicates with the microcomputer in the shock sensor to provide information about vehicle movement. A benefit of this type of sensor is that it is almost impervious to changes in temperature. Most automotive-grade accelerometers function reliably from -40 to over 220 degrees with no noticeable change in accuracy.

Most security systems provide two levels of notification based on the signal from the shock sensor. A gentle tap on the vehicle will produce a warning that the vehicle is protected by a security system. This warning is usually in the form of a sequence of short chirps from the siren. The intent is for thieves to move on to a vehicle without extra protection. Of course, a sharp impact will trigger the alarm right away.

Optional Security Sensors

Many sensors are available to enhance the performance and coverage capabilities of a car alarm. Tilt-and-motion sensors can detect subtle changes in the angle of the vehicle to trigger the alarm. These are a great option if you want to protect a nice set of wheels or are worried about someone jacking up the vehicle to steal your catalytic converter.

Glass-breakage sensors include a microphone and signal processing that is tuned to listen for the sound of a hard object hitting the glass. A firm tap with a key or coin is often enough to trigger these sensors.

Radar or field disturbance sensors are another popular option. These devices set up a radio-frequency field around the sensor. When an object moves into or out of the field, the alarm will trigger. These sensors are ideal for convertible vehicles and Jeeps where the interior is accessible without setting off a shock or motion sensor. The size of the field is adjustable, so your installer can work with you to decide the appropriate amount of coverage. Keep in mind that false alarms are very annoying.

Convenience Features

The most-popular convenience feature is door lock control. This feature is standard on almost all alarm systems. When you arm the alarm, the doors lock. Not surprisingly, the doors unlock when you disarm the alarm. Remote trunk release is another popular convenience feature. Most security systems have a dedicated trunk release output that automatically disables the shock sensor or disarms the alarm just before the trunk or hatch opens. If you don’t have a power trunk release, a solenoid can be added to most vehicles to mimic the function of the key.

Power window, sunroof and power sliding door control are also options. A great example of power window control would be to roll the windows up as soon as the system is armed. If you have a van with a power tailgate or a car with a motorized trunk, controlling it remotely is also a possibility.

The Importance of Proper Installation

Vehicle Security — Mobile Edge shows us what a securely hidden, expertly wired alarm brain looks like.

Just as with the installation of a remote starter, how a car alarm is integrated into your vehicle can have a dramatic effect on its performance and reliability.

Many new vehicles use computerized data networks to control and monitor functions. Door lock control, door and hood status (open or closed), factory alarm system control, and even horn activation are all done digitally through a vehicle integration module. These modules need to be configured by your installer for the specific make, model, year and trim level of your vehicle before installation.

Any electrical connections required to install your alarm have to be planned and executed carefully. An installer who would simply cut the starter wire under the dash and install a starter-cut relay has effectively labeled one of the connections a thief would need to hotwire a car. Hot-wiring a vehicle is nearly impossible on modern vehicles because most keys include a factory-installed security or immobilizer system. With that said, the placement of modules, sensors and relays shouldn’t attract attention to themselves. If they aren’t concealed properly, a thief has a much easier time bypassing your security system.

All wiring should be neat and tidy. All connections should be both mechanically secure and electrically conductive. Using harness wrapping materials like cloth tape, vinyl tape or split loom tubing that matches the factory wiring is a great way for your installer to conceal the security system.

Factory Security Systems

If you are looking at a new-car brochure, you will see that the wording chosen to describe the factory “alarm” has been picked very judiciously. Let’s look at a few examples. The Ford Focus includes a “Passive Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer System,” the Honda Civic has an “Immobilizer Theft Deterrent System” and, finally, the Toyota Camry has an “Anti-theft System with Alarm.” The Camry brochure goes on to describe how the system works: “When you insert your key into the ignition switch or bring a Smart Key fob into the vehicle, the key transmits an electronic code to the vehicle. The engine will only start if the code in the transponder chip inside the key/fob matches the code in the vehicle’s immobilizer.”

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Sadly, it isn’t hard to duplicate the code from those transponder chips. After all, if you lose your key or fob, there has to be a way to replace it. The hardware to clone a key can be acquired for around $100. You will also note that there is no mention of damage prevention or protection. Very few, if any, factory security systems include a shock sensor.

If your aftermarket security system includes a starter disable system, even with the factory key or fob, the vehicle will not start without disarming the alarm.

Preventing Vehicle Theft

The cold, hard fact is that anyone with a flatbed can pull up in front of your vehicle, throw a hook around the frame and drag it onto the flatbed. In a minute, even with an alarm sounding, your car could be gone. An important aspect of ensuring your vehicle is safe is communication. If you know someone is tampering with your vehicle, you can look out the window to see what’s going on and call the police, if necessary. (Please don’t run out the door yelling and screaming – you don’t know if they have any weapons.)

Remote key fobs that can receive signals from the vehicle are a great option. When your alarm triggers, your key fob will vibrate and buzz to let you know something is going on.

The next level of communication is a two-way cellular communication device. If your alarm triggers, your smartphone will notify you almost instantly. With cellular communication, there are no limits to the distance between you and your vehicle – you will always get alerts when something happens. These telematics systems also include the ability to lock and unlock the vehicle from the application on your phone.

Protect Your Vehicle

We could go on for days talking about the intricacies and details of automotive security systems. If you are concerned about vandalism or theft, visit your local mobile enhancement retailer to talk about adding an alarm system to your vehicle. They can suggest a solution that provides the coverage and features you want to keep your pride and joy safe and secure.

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.

But the Box Power Ratings Say This Subwoofer Will Handle 1,000 Watts!

There is no car audio topic more confusing and inconsistent than speaker power ratings. The fact is, the methods developed to test speakers are quite simple and reliable. If the speaker passes the test, print the number.

A long time ago, some unknown manufacturer felt it was important to tell consumers that their speaker would handle more power than a competitor’s product. We are talking about the Lear Jet, Jensen and Muntz days, not five or 10 years ago. Whoever that company was, printed a bigger number on their packaging and told their customers that their speaker was better because of it. Of course, competitors followed suit and countered this slightly bogus claim with an even more ridiculous rating. On and on this goes. We currently have 6×9 speakers that claim to handle 600 watts but have a tiny little 1-inch voice coil. The math simply doesn’t add up.

In this article, we are going to talk about speaker power ratings. We’ll explain what the ratings mean and how they are tested. When you are done reading this article, you’ll never look at a bogus MAXIMUM POWER specification the same way.

What is Power?

Power is a unit of energy that describes how much work is done over a specific period. We car guys know about horsepower and torque, and since you are reading this, you clearly have an interest in audio systems and have heard of the electrical unit of power known as the watt. By definition, 1 watt of power is equivalent to 1 joule of energy delivered over a period of one second. In terms you may be more familiar with, that’s equivalent to the work done in a circuit powered by 1 volt where 1 amp of current is flowing through the load. Exciting, isn’t it?

In our speakers, the power from our amplifier flows through the voice coil. The flow of electrons through the coil creates a magnetic field around the coil. Depending on the polarity (direction) of the current flow, the magnetic field may cause the coil and the attached cone to move forward or backward in the basket. As the signal coming out of our amplifier is alternating current, the speaker responds by moving back and forth with the changes in polarity.

What Happens When We Have Too Much Power?

The electrical power from our amplifier is no different from the electricity that flows through an electric heating element on a stovetop. The heating element has a resistance, usually between 27 and 40 ohms. As we apply the 120v electrical signal from the wall to this coil of wire, work is done. For a 27 ohm coil, fed with 120 volts of electricity, 533 watts of work is produced. This “work” is the generation of heat.

When we send 100 watts of power to a speaker, almost all of that energy is converted to heat. Maybe 2 or 3 percent of that energy from the amp is converted to sound energy. Hopefully, you can see where this is going. When current flows through the voice coil, it gets hot. More current produces more heat. Eventually, the glue that holds the voice coil winding to the former starts to overheat and fail. At this point, the voice coil winding will likely unravel and usually gets jammed in the magnet gap, causing the speaker to stop playing.

As an aside, we could get into an entire discussion about power handling problems caused by excessive cone travel. For the purposes of this article, let’s assume we are operating the speaker within a frequency range where cone excursion is not an issue. We’ll talk about speaker excursion another time.

The Reference for Power Ratings

The current reference for testing automotive loudspeakers is the CEA-2031 standard. This set of test criteria include how and where the speaker under test is mounted and the content of the signal used to test the speaker. It is this audio signal, and how it is used, that is of interest to this article.

The power handling test track is a modified pink noise signal that is bandwidth limited between 40Hz and 10 kHz. The high-frequency content of the signal simulates the spectral content of a distorted bass or midrange signal. That’s right: If you distort a low-frequency signal, it creates harmonics. As such, you will send lots of extra midrange and high-frequency information to your speaker if the amp is clipping.

The CEA-2031 signal is recorded with very specific amplitude specifications. The test track is prefaced by a reference-level sound recording. In order to quantify the power level of the test, the reference signal is played and the amplitude is measured. On the engineering side, power tests are taken at RMS voltage levels. That voltage is converted to watts, based on the minimum impedance of the driver under test. For example, efficiency measurements are taken using voltages of 2 or 2.83 volts, which translate to 1 or 2 watts respectively on a 4-ohm speaker.

How They Test Power Handling

Once the reference level is set, the test tone is played without making adjustments to the playback amplitude. The test track is designed to provide two simultaneous tests. The RMS voltage level of the track tests the speaker’s continuous power handling capabilities. The peak amplitude of the signal simultaneously tests the peak power handling of the speaker with an additional 3dB of input power.

The device under test (speaker) is placed in a jig in a room with controlled environmental conditions. “The loudspeaker is rated for the power that it can withstand for 2 hours without a permanent change in acoustical, mechanical or electrical characteristics greater than 10%,” according to the specification. To achieve a higher rating, the test is to be repeated at a higher power level for the same time after a two-hour cool-down period.

Many companies test their products for longer. A lot of Japanese companies test their speakers for eight to 10 hours. Some premium speaker companies test their speakers for an awe-inspiring 100 hours. That’s right – more than four days playing this modified pink noise track.

There are variations of this test. For subwoofers, mounting the drivers in a sealed enclosure will increase the difficulty of the test dramatically. The air inside the enclosure will get hot and reduce the ability for the subwoofer to cool itself.

Where Do the Big Numbers Come From?

So, how can the marketing guys sleep at night with their insane power rating claims? We mentioned that physical power handling could be a concern. Of course, playing bass into a tweeter is going to result in disaster, quickly. Would playing a single tone for a period of time determine a power handling rating? What if a speaker can handle a 500 Hz tone for a few hours? Is that a power rating? Most certainly. Does it accurately describe the capabilities of the speaker? Not really.

Choosing Speakers for Your Vehicle

So, now that you know how speaker power ratings are created, you can basically ignore them. The process of choosing a speaker should be based on performance, not specifications. Frequency response, efficiency and distortion performance separate good from run-of-the-mill. A speaker rated for 150 watts is not necessarily better than a speaker rated at 125 watts.

If you are buying subwoofers, power handling specs become a little more important. You won’t want to pair up a subwoofer rated for 200 watts to a 1,000-watt amplifier. If you want to keep things safe, match the subwoofer power rating to the amp rating. If you want to guarantee you’ll never blow the sub, buy a speaker that is rated for twice as much power as your amp.

Your local mobile enhancement retailer can help you design an audio system upgrade that sounds amazing, will play at the volumes you want and will last for years.

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.

Safer Nighttime Driving Tips

Your lighting system remains the most important safety component of your vehicle once the sun sets. If you can’t see objects around you, or far enough ahead of you, the chances of having a serious accident are significant and the outcome could be deadly. Ensuring proper night vision is the most important aspect of driving after sunset. Follow along as we learn about lighting and explore some nighttime driving tips.

Headlight Components and Modifications

There are many options for improving how far you can see at night. Upgraded headlight bulbs and new headlight assemblies are the most popular. If you are fanatical about your lighting, you may want to look into a headlight retrofit. The retrofit process involves taking the headlight assembly apart and installing new projectors, and often new HID bulbs and ballasts.

When it comes to light assembly upgrades, too many times, people choose something that looks good or adds a little style to their vehicle. Halo rings and LED strips look cool, but don’t forget to focus on sheer performance. A proper beam pattern and efficient light production are what keep you safe.

Auxiliary Lighting Upgrades

Choosing a set of auxiliary lights is a great way to increase the distance you can see. Many companies offer high-quality LED lights that your mobile enhancement retailer can integrate into your vehicle.

Be careful, though – not all lighting is legal to use on public roads. Those cool 54-inch curved LED light bars are amazing when you decide to head out on the trails after dark, but they may not be legal for use around town. Check the laws in your area before you purchase. If you want to be sure your upgrade is legal, look for DOT or SAE approval on the light assembly. When installed properly, these lighting systems won’t blind oncoming drivers.

Eight Tips to Improve Night Vision while Driving

Let’s face it: The only time we need our lighting system is after the sun sets. Upgrading bulbs, lenses and light assemblies go a long way to ensuring we are safe. There are several other things you can do to ensure you can see as far as possible. Here are eight things you can do to improve your night vision. Most of them are completely free!

1 – Make sure your lights are perfectly aimed

If you get flashed by oncoming drivers, see the leaves in the trees above your car or can’t see very far, the first step is to ensure your lights are aimed properly. Seek out the expertise of a local mobile enhancement retailer that specializes in lighting upgrades for help with the alignment process.

2 – Turn down the dash lights

When the lights on your dash are bright, the irises of your eyes will contract to reduce the amount of light that enters them. While this works great for balancing the brightness of lighting in the vehicle, it can work against your ability to see for long distances. If you keep the interior dark, you can see farther.

3 – Turn off your fog lights

Your fog lights cause a situation similar to overly bright dash lighting. If the area directly in front of your vehicle is bright, your eyes will adjust to that light level and reduce how far you can see. A properly designed lighting system should provide balanced foreground and long-distance light.

4 – Keep those lenses in good shape

If the plastic lenses on your headlights are yellowing or chalky, they will reduce the amount of light that gets from the bulb to the road. Many high-quality lens restoration kits are available that can restore lens clarity and improve visibility.

5 – Keep your windshield clean

It only makes sense that being able to see out of your vehicle is going to improve your ability to drive safely at night. Use a high-quality glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to keep the interior of the windshield clean. A great trick for getting rid of stubborn, oily film that builds up over time is to use newspaper and your favorite window cleaner to wipe the windows. The newspaper won’t leave any lint.

Keep the outside of your windshield clean as well. If a cloth or cleaner won’t remove everything, you can escalate to a clay bar or even 0000 steel wool. Just keep the steel wool away from the trim.

6 – Be careful where you look

When a car is coming toward you, try not to look into the light. In the same way that bright dash lights cause your irises to close, so too will oncoming headlights. Some advanced driver training courses even suggest closing one eye. We suggest trying to focus ahead of your vehicle.

7 – Be prepared for rain

Few things are worse than trying to drive at night while it’s raining. Ensure your wiper blades are in excellent condition and aren’t leaving streaks. If they are, you can try cleaning the edges with a little isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. The next step is to simply replace your wiper blades – they don’t last forever.

Treating your windshield with a high-quality hydrophobic window treatment like Aquapel, Opti-Glass or Rain-X will help water bead up and roll off your windows without your having to use your wiper blades at all.

8 – Take care of your eyes

Eat your carrots! OK, well, eat whatever you want, but don’t look at the sun or a solar eclipse. Make sure you wear high-quality sunglasses to prevent macular degeneration from UV exposure. Wear “computer glasses” if you are going to be staring at a monitor all day. If you are working with power tools or in risky situations, wear safety glasses or goggles. Most importantly, visit an optometrist regularly to stay on top of your eye health.

Drive Safely

Combining the above tips with a properly aimed, high-quality lighting system can dramatically increase your safety, and the safety of those around you. If you are interested in upgrading your lighting system or adding more lights, drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer and talk to them about your needs.

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.

Everything You Need To Know About SiriusXM Satellite Radio

It seems you can’t go anywhere these days without hearing or seeing evidence of SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Satellite radio is touted as a commercial-free entertainment solution that can be accessed almost anywhere in North America. With more than 175 channels of music, comedy, sports and talk radio available 24 hours a day, there is always something to listen to. Let’s look at the how satellite radio began, how it works and why it has been so popular.

The Early Days of Satellite Radio

XM Satellite Radio evolved from the American Mobile Satellite Corp. AMSC was a consortium of companies that wanted to use satellite technology to broadcast telephone, data and fax information around the country. In 1992, AMSC formed the American Mobile Radio Corp. to develop a satellite-based digital radio service. AMRC was spun off from AMSC in 1998 as XM Satellite Radio. XM Radio was first to broadcast, launching on Sept. 25, 2001.

In 1990, Sirius Satellite Radio set out to attract customers and vehicle manufacturing partners to its proposed music service. After years of planning, development and licensing, Sirius launched three satellites in July 2000 and started broadcasting in January 2002.

Satellite radio was the hot ticket in the early the early 2000s, and partnerships with automakers were crucially important to each company. Sirius gained the support of Ford, BMW and Chrysler, while XM had General Motors, Honda and Toyota on board.

Satellite Radio Company Merger

In January 2005, the New York Post announced that Sirius and XM would merge into a single company on Feb. 19, 2007. The combined companies had about 14 million subscribers, but neither company had posted a profit. The result of the merger was SiriusXM – the brand we have now.

SiriusXM is now integrated into 75 percent of the new car market, with roughly 40 percent of those vehicle owners becoming subscribers. As of late 2017, there are about 32 million subscribers.

How Satellite Radio Works

Satellite radio is actually a very simple broadcasting system. The company has its main studios in Rockefeller Center in New York City and in Washington, D.C. Secondary facilities are in Los Angeles, Nashville and Memphis. The company plays music from its extensive catalog and has live performance spaces to host musicians and performers from all genres.

The information is broadcast to a set of satellites above the Earth that rebroadcast that information back to Earth. The broadcast covers most of North America. The satellite radio receiver in your vehicle (car, truck, boat or aircraft) uses a compact antenna to pick up the signal and extract the channel of audio you want to enjoy.

They Really Have Satellites?

Whether it’s a live performance, your favorite music or a great discussion about religion or politics, all of the information is combined into a complex digital signal that is transmitted to a set of five active satellites that cover North America. XM-2 and XM-5 are in a geostationary position above the Earth. That is to say, they stay in the same relative position all the time. Positioned about 22,370 miles above the Earth, the satellites relay broadcast information from the studio transmitters to all of North America, excluding the left half of Alaska. XM-2 covers the west side of the country while XM-3 covers the east.

The Sirius satellites also operate in geostationary orbits. Sirius FM-6 covers the West Coast while Sirius FM-5 is located south of New Orleans to cover the East. Early Sirius satellites (Sirius 1, Sirius 2 and Sirius 3) crossed the planet in a figure 8 pattern that had two of the three over North America at any time.

As you can see, there have been many satellites over the almost 20 years of satellite radio. In total, nine have been launched, with the most recent being Sirius FM-6 on Oct. 25, 2013. Sirius FM-6 was the first to broadcast both Sirius and XM transmission frequencies.

The Benefit of Satellite Radio

So, what’s the big deal? Why do people gravitate toward satellite radio? The answer comes from its coverage. You can make a road trip from Miami, up to Montreal, across to Vancouver then down to San Diego without having to change the station. If you want to listen to Howard Stern for the entire 90 hours of driving, you most certainly can.

Conventional terrestrial broadcasts (AM and FM radio) are limited in their coverage areas. In fact, the FCC regulates the strength of the signal (to 70 dBu, or decibels relative to one microvolt per meter of signal strength). That way, a station frequency can be re-used again in a relatively nearby location. The actual distance varies because of atmospheric conditions but usually covers 75 to 100 miles from the transmitter. Because each station is responsible for its own content, if spaced perfectly, you’d need to change stations between 60 and 80 times. In reality, you’d need likely a few thousand attempts to find a station that was playing the type of music you wanted.

More Than Just Cars and Trucks

SiriusXM satellite radio services have been synonymous with marine entertainment systems since they launched. Many people have cottages or camps in very remote areas that have few if any radio stations at all, so being able to enjoy their favorite genre of entertainment is fantastic. Likewise, receivers such as the SiriusXM Sound Station let you enjoy music in your home.

Things You Didn’t Know SiriusXM Could Do

Most of us are used to having satellite radio entertainment in the car, but there are several other applications for the system as well. Many aircraft, both small and large, can get weather and location information using a SiriusXM Aviation receiver. In fact, many Garmin aviation-specific products have the SXM receiver built in.

SiriusXM Marine provides weather information including lighting strike locations and radar, fishing information and more. Many Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G and Furuno devices are compatible with SiriusXM Marine.

SiriusXM Music for Business offers entertainment solutions that are tailored to different business types. Serve Happy covers restaurants and bars, and Shop Happy is designed for retail stores. There are channels for waiting rooms, spa and fitness businesses, banks and even music dedicated to use when clients must be put on hold on the phone.

Currently only available on OEM source units, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link provide traffic flow information as well as local weather, fuel prices, sports scores and even movie listings. Traffic information mimics that of terrestrial RDS-TMC services in major urban areas.

The Cost of SiriusXM Satellite Radio

With the need to replace satellites roughly every 15 years, license music, pay hosts and celebrities, SiriusXM requires a subscription to access its services. In the U.S., prices start at $10.99 a month for 80 basic channels. If you want some of the artist-specific channels and MLB, NBA and NHL coverage, that rises to $15.99. To add Howard Stern, NFL and NASCAR coverage, the price is $19.99. Adding the ability to stream Sirius XM to your computer increases any of the above by $4 a month.

Enjoy the Entertainment You Want, Almost Anywhere

Whether you are in downtown New York or venturing to Supai, Arizona (the most remote community in the contiguous U.S.), enjoying your music is easy with SiriusXM satellite radio. If your vehicle doesn’t already have a satellite radio receiver, drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about your options to add SiriusXM.

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.

7 Reasons for Hiring A Mobile Electronics Specialist to Work on Your Car

Let’s face it, not all of us are experts at everything. Maybe you’re an electrician or engineer and love to work on projects around the house. You might even be savvy when it comes to cars. You change your own oil and do your own brake jobs. Hey, if you can, why not, right? So, when do we know we need to look at hiring a mobile electronics specialist to help with a project or repair?

Cars are simple right? Switches, relays, light bulbs and wires aren’t hard to figure out, are they? If you can operate a multimeter, you can figure these things out. The problem is, most new cars don’t work that way anymore. Let’s look at how cars have changed, how audio and remote starter integration has changed and why it might be best to let a pro dive under your dash.

1. Vehicle Data Network Integration

A few decades ago, the electrical systems in our vehicles were completely analog. Devices were turned on, or off. The blower motor for the heater had four speeds. The engine had really simple temperature switches that would turn on the radiator fan. As time progressed, automakers started adding more and more features to new vehicles. Do you remember the first time you had a car with a keyless entry system? What about a car with a push-button start? These technologies were the beginning of the digital age for cars. Different modules around the vehicle talk to each other on a data network. This technology reduces the need to run as many wires through a car. Needing fewer wires saves weight and reduces cost.

In the good old days, if we wanted to see if a door was open, we’d check to see if the door pin was grounded. Now, we need to ask the computer if it’s open. We can’t simply tap into wiring for information — we need to speak the same language and we need a computer to do the talking.

Here’s a simple example that gives you a good idea of how complicated new cars are becoming. Around 2005, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep decided to remove the analog accessory wire from their radios. To turn the radio on, a message from the vehicle computer would be sent to the radio. If you wanted to change the radio, you needed to buy an interface that could intercept that signal, then produce a conventional analog accessory wire output. A radio installation in these vehicles requires a module like the PAC Audio C2R-CHYNA or the Metra CHTO-01 for a new radio to work.

Properly trained and equipped mobile electronics installation technicians have access to the training and reference material to deal with vehicles that use data networks.

2. Equipped with the Proper Tools

As a car owner, did you know that the wiring for your air bag system is, in most instances, protected with yellow wire loom under the dash and in the door sills? Probing the wrong wire within those harnesses can set off an airbag, or the entire airbag system. If you were leaning on the seat when the bag went off, you could be seriously injured.

In the old days, technicians used test lights and analog multimeters to look for the presence of signals on wires. You can easily damage a modern computer using a test light. Technicians have the right tools to gather the information they need without damaging anything in the vehicle.

3. Responsible for Damage

Let’s say you just can’t resist the urge to install a new radio in your car. You take the dash apart, remove the radio and cut off the factory radio plug. You start testing each wire in the harness for voltage and ground, then try to figure out which of the 15 or 20 wires are for speakers. If your vehicle happens to be one with a data network and you let a wire touch the battery wire, you could damage the vehicle computer. Chances are, getting the problem fixed is going to cost you at least several hundred dollars.

By hiring a professional, you are protected from unexpected costs. If they make a mistake, they’ll pay to fix it. It’s just that simple.

4. Module Programming

Most remote car starter installations require some sort of vehicle data network interface. Companies like iDatalink, Fortin and Directed offer several solutions that allow specific remote starter functions to communicate directly with the car computer. Each of these modules needs to be programmed for the year, make, model and specific trim level of vehicle. They are NOT generic.

Only authorized retailers have access to the information and programming tools required to configure these modules. Consumers simply can’t perform these tasks.

5. Manufacturer Warranties

If you read the warranty card included with products like a radio or amplifier, many manufacturers require that the device be installed by an authorized dealer in order for the warranty to be valid. Different companies have different guidelines. Installing something yourself may be covered under a 90-day warranty, but the full year is only available with proof of purchase and installation.

Some companies word their warranty statements in a way that offers an extended warranty when the product is purchased from, and installed by, an authorized retailer. With the complexity of modern devices, having a warranty is important.

6. Tricks of the Trade

In most cases, we hire professionals to perform a task because they can do it faster and better than we can. In the mobile electronics industry, technicians develop processes to save them time and make the work they do more reliable. With that said, they are also trained to maximize the performance of the equipment they are installing.

Let’s look at the installation of a set of component speakers. In most cases, the woofer will be installed in the factory door speaker location. When it comes to the tweeter, there are many options. The three most popular tweeter locations are up high in the door, the sail panel and in the A-pillar. Each offers different benefits and drawbacks in terms of performance. Experienced installers know this information and can work with you to determine which will yield results that match your goals.

7. Saving Time by Hiring A Mobile Electronics Specialist

One of the most common and logical reasons to hire a professional to perform a task is to save time. Most of us work Monday to Friday and want to relax on the weekend. Yes, there are many people who enjoy working on their vehicles in their spare time. By hiring an professional, you can drop your car off at the shop on the way to work, then come back after work and your new radio, subwoofer system or remote starter will be installed and ready to use. Hiring a professional can be a simple matter of convenience.

Visit Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialist

You’d never go to your dentist to have your eyes checked, and you wouldn’t go to the convenience store to buy a new computer. Companies exist to offer their expertise to those that require it. When it comes to upgrading the electronics and convenience systems in your car, truck or SUV – take it to an expert. You’ll save time, get the results you wanted and have someone who can provide training and ongoing support for your purchase.

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.

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The Classic Car Alarm

The Purpose of a Vehicle Security System

Remote Car Starter Functions

Zones of Protection

Optional Security Sensors

Convenience Features

The Importance of Proper Installation

Factory Security Systems

Preventing Vehicle Theft

Protect Your Vehicle

What is Power?

What Happens When We Have Too Much Power?

The Reference for Power Ratings

How They Test Power Handling

Where Do the Big Numbers Come From?

Choosing Speakers for Your Vehicle

Headlight Components and Modifications

Auxiliary Lighting Upgrades

Eight Tips to Improve Night Vision while Driving

1 – Make sure your lights are perfectly aimed

2 – Turn down the dash lights

3 – Turn off your fog lights

4 – Keep those lenses in good shape

5 – Keep your windshield clean

6 – Be careful where you look

7 – Be prepared for rain

8 – Take care of your eyes

Drive Safely

The Early Days of Satellite Radio

Satellite Radio Company Merger

How Satellite Radio Works

They Really Have Satellites?

The Benefit of Satellite Radio

More Than Just Cars and Trucks

Things You Didn’t Know SiriusXM Could Do

The Cost of SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Enjoy the Entertainment You Want, Almost Anywhere

1. Vehicle Data Network Integration

2. Equipped with the Proper Tools

3. Responsible for Damage

4. Module Programming

5. Manufacturer Warranties

6. Tricks of the Trade

7. Saving Time by Hiring A Mobile Electronics Specialist

Visit Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialist

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