Mobile Electronics News Dec 2012

DECEMBER 2012

IN THIS ISSUE Portable satnav The best revealed Tech help Install guide and Q&A Latest news Products and industry gossip

ICE AWARDS SPECIAL All the winners and photos inside

PLUS! SEE PARKSAFE’S LATEST PRODUCTS ON page 55 ALSO INSIDE

HIGH-END AMPS

Stocking fillers

Big power round-up

Christmas selling ideas

Digital radio

Full conference report

Pioneer van With 30,000W!

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\\\ CONTENTS \\\ ED SPEAK

CONTENTS 12/12

EDITOR’S COMMENT The year that was…

So that was 2012… or pretty much. As my last Ed’s Letter of the year, it’s a chance to look back at the previous 12 months. Were there highs, lows, cheers, tears? In short, how was it for you?

Well, it certainly ended on a high, or that’s how it felt with the MEN Awards.

Setting up at a new venue, the Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, central London, there was certainly a jovial atmosphere, with gongs dished out to all who deserved them. For a full rundown of all of this year’s shenanigans, plus a list of the winners, turn to page 22.

And remember that the awards can still carry you into 2013 and beyond, or at least using some of the relevant marketing material to help sell a product. As a customer, it’s a sign of reassurance to see something with a ‘Best head unit’ or ‘Best amplifier’ sticker next to it, and could very well be the extra push needed to part with your hard-earned.

For many, of course, this will be remembered as the year of sport – with England performing well at the Olympics, not getting past the quarter final stages at the Euros, Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France, and Andy Murray getting oh-so-close at Wimbledon. A quick look at which sports stars’ autobiographies are currently on sale at your local supermarket – and whose aren’t – is an easy reminder of who did what.

But was it a year when your sales went for gold? Dedicated coverage on digital radio for the Olympics was a sell that some retailers used to help push DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) on customers. And it’s one to make a note of, even if you didn’t try that tactic, as with the announcement of a switchover date at the end of 2013, digital radio could become more of a selling tool in the not too distant future. See page 10 for the latest details.

More predictions for 2013? How about a few anniversaries… it’ll be 150 years since the launch of the London Underground, and 50 years since the release of the first Beatles album. But the most important thing is of course to make sure you’re at the MEN Expo in March – get the dates in your diary now. Until then, all of us at MEN wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Chris Anderson Managing editor, chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

JAGUAR EXHIBITION HALL, RICOH ARENA

Christmas offers

4

Industry news

6

Items to push in the run-up to the festive season

Big announcements, plus movers and shakers

How spending a little more will benefit customers

44

Digital radio news 10 Full coverage of this year’s Drive 2 Digital Conference

Meet the dealers We check in with the family-run team at Huets

Q&A

Got a business or install query? Write to us and maybe our experts can help

Pioneer demo van

How much Pioneer kit can you squeeze into a Mercedes Vito Sport-X van?

ICE awards

All the winners! All the pics!

It’s the full lowdown on this year’s MEN Awards

14 16

18

22

34

Portable satnav

38

Why you need to be at next year’s event

Opinion

48

Product review

50

iO latest

52

Business focus

54

Product news

56

Installer guide

60

MEN directory

62

Andy Mills asks if enough of the industry is reaching him Adam Rayner tests a new double DIN from Clarion, the NX302E Armour technical director Shaun Findley on the iO brand How will the future shape the industry?

MEN Expo preview

For use inside and outside of the car JAGUAR EXHIBITION HALL, RICOH ARENA

High-end amplifiers 44

The latest aftermarket kit, including high-end speakers, head units and more How to fit a double DIN unit into a BMW E90 3-Series

38

Numbers and websites for manufacturers and suppliers

THE MEN TEAM

Contact all the team on: Tel: 01268 754897 Fax: 01268 754429 Charlotte Body PUBLISHER Tel: 01268 754897/07903 944666 charlotte@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Peter Johnson ART DIRECTOR Tel: 01268 754897 peter.johnson@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Chris Anderson MANAGING EDITOR Tel: 07553 564998 email: chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

Sophie Belcher Production/Events Tel: 01268 754897/07530 876727 sophie.belcher@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Kevin Hogg PUBLICATION MANAGER Tel: 01268 754897/07538 332171 kevin.hogg@creativemedialtd.co.uk Sean Rice SENIOR DESIGNER Tel: 01268 754897 sean.rice@creativemedialtd.co.uk

18

Contributors: Adam Rayner: adam@talkaudio.net Martyn Williams: edunit@edunit.plus.com Andy Mills (Millsy): millsy-max@hotmail.com Creative Media Ltd. 318c High Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 5HB. www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Stock images, unless otherwise stated, are obtained via Shutterstock.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.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 3

PRODUCT FOCUS /// CHRISTMAS GIFTS ///

s r k c e i n o g thrill St These items could be easy sells to customers on the lookout for Christmas gifts – or maybe even ideas on what to ask Santa for yourself

RRP £69 Bubblescope

D

eck the counter tops with Bluetooth headsets, keyrings and mini speakers – you’ve got customers in serious ‘gift mode’ headed your way, looking to spend in the run-up to the festive season. This could mean making certain products already in your store more visible, or perhaps ordering in other items, all of which could make potential gifts.

You’re in the automotive and mobile electronics trade, so people thinking they want something car- or gadget-related might be dropping in, even if they wouldn’t normally.

Perhaps they want something for a nephew who has just passed his driving test, or an uncle who always gets lost in the car on his way over for Christmas dinner. Each is hoping you will have something suitable – so show them that you do! Our elves have been busy with the following Christmas ideas.

RRP £34 Blaupunkt Drive Free 112 Autosound is supplying Blaupunkt handsfree kits at a very attractive price. The Drive Free 112 promises impressive sound quality, plus advanced noise cancellation and suppression, as well as reliability. It could be the perfect gift for busy professionals, making and taking those important calls on the road. Multi-pairing support enables users to connect two mobile phones at the same time, adding to the convenience of the device.

Autosound 01274 685411, www.blaupunktdirect.co.uk RRP

RRP £TBC Carspünk Clever branding and marketing is half the battle with selling products, but the name alone of this new high-end car wax is sure to be a talking point. Available in three sizes – a 30g or 100g tin, and 170g jar – the wax is said to bring professional results without the need to get overly wrapped up in the technicalities of ‘detailing’. A special limited edition smell and colour variant is available during the launch period, with clothing on the way too. www.carspunk.com 4 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

This device may look a little like a periscope, attaching to the side of an iPhone, which in a way it is. Just install the app from makers BubblePix, connect the Bubblescope, and 360-degree photos and videos can be yours (or your customers) with a single click. The app then allows easy uploading to social networking sites. At the moment, only the iPhone 4 and 4S versions are available, but other devices and the iPhone 5 will soon be catered for.

BubblePix 0844 887 0913, www.bubblepix.com

£99 SunnyCam Notice anything unusual about these sunglasses? It may be hard to spot at first, but that is a tiny camera mounted between the lenses – a HD 720p camera, to be exact, perfect for shooting video as well as pics. This is true POV (Point of View) footage too, and great for extreme sports enthusiasts. A 16GB memory card is included, with a rechargeable battery built-in. The lenses, meanwhile, offer 100% UV protection and 99% polarised efficiency.

Nemesis 0870 777 5530, www.nemesisgb.com

RRP £179 Heatshot The perfect gift for car owners dreading the early morning windscreen scrape this winter? The Heatshot is a 12V heated fluid windscreen wash system that operates via the car’s existing controls. It even promises to clear snow and ice faster than a heated windscreen, and with a puff of steam will unblock frozen washer nozzles. Use it in the summer too, as the heated fluid is more effective at cleaning, eliminating glare by removing haze and streaks. A 24V version is available too.

Heatshot 0800 612 4993, www.heatshotuk.com

RRP £10 CD Slot Mount This product actually took top honours at the British Invention Show in London last year, winning the Most Innovative Design award. So what is it? Basically, it’s a plastic shelf with an adhesive pad that fits into the CD player slot (the CD still plays, by the way), and can be used to hold iPods, satnav screens, phones and more. Different colours are available, as is the option of having a personalised design featured on the pad – just send it via email.

Mountmore Ltd 01255 422522, www.cdslotmount.com

RRP £10 Kitsound Mini Buddies Could be something for the counter top – these Mini Buddy speakers from Kitsound come in all kinds of designs, from pigs and penguins to footballs and Union Jacks. Their size and keyring attachment makes them easily portable, and ready for plugging into a 3.5mm headphone socket. Each has a built-in Li-ion battery, with a USB cable for recharging. A Buddy Jack is also available, for connecting two or more of the speakers to a device for extra impact. www.kitsound.co.uk

RRP £199 iPixi V300HD This new in-car camera system fits discreetly behind the rear-view mirror and records HDquality footage of your journey. Fitted with a G-sensor and smartphone compatibility, with GPS an option, it will capture real-time footage with a date and time stamp, so should an accident occur there is an accurate account of it to present to the insurance company – avoiding crash-for-cash crimes.

The 8GB unit with GPS at £199 is said to be the core product, with 16GB also available. iPixi Ltd 01276 33411, www.ipixi.com

RRP £350 Parrot Zik Do you already stock Parrot handsfree kits? If so, ask about getting some Zik headphones in for the festive season. Billed as the world’s most advanced Bluetooth headphones, the aesthetics are by legendary French designer Philippe Starck, with not a screw in sight, and touch-sensitive ear cups to control the volume and skip tracks. A phone app handles the more advanced settings, while motion sensors pause the music when removed. Use them to take phone calls too.

Parrot UK 0844 472 2360, www.parrot.com

RRP £20 Rockford Fosgate grilles For the car audio enthusiast who doesn’t quite have everything, and could perhaps do with a little extra protection for their subwoofers. Available in 8, 10 and 12 inch sizes, these grilles are made from stamped metal, and can be installed easily simply be replacing the existing trim ring of certain Rockford subs. The grilles even come with a one-year standard warranty, and are worth the effort to stop items like golf clubs or baby strollers slicing through the speaker cone.

Vestatec 0208 867 2340, www.vestatec.co.uk

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 5

NEWS /// INDUSTRY ///

REGISTER FOR YOUR MEN EXPO TICKETS VISIT WWW.MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.EU

Bazooka returns The brand known for the Bass Tube is now available from Vestatec Bass in the car in time for Christmas? With a Bazooka Bass Tube, it’s quick and easy – and these are now available in the UK and Ireland once again through Vestatec. There are many combinations available, both passive and active, with sizes ranging from 6 up to 12 inches, that for many years have been an alternative to the traditional bass box. The 6 inch tube is considered the most popular, due to its small size and outstanding performance, and Vestatec expects similar for the UK. The patented and compact Tube design is also said to maximise the sonic production of the woofer fitted within. Plus the tubes can be dropped in or taken out quickly, without

the need for modification or complicated installation – perfect for customers worried about their warranties. Creator SAS (Southern Audio Systems) has a network of over 1,000 Bazooka dealers within the United States, and outside sells in 47 countries, proving that the brand has a big and loyal following.

Pricing was still being put together at time of press, but should now be available.

In the meantime, Jon Jordan, president of SAS, says: “We are extremely pleased to announce the immediate appointment of Vestatec as the new distributor of Bazooka in England. There is a great history between our two companies – the president of Vestatec,

Dean Beha, is the nephew of the first ever Bazooka distributor in England, Mike Wells, and sales manager Steve Tookey helped establish the brand in the UK during the ’90s.

This will be an exciting venture for us both.”

Vestatec 0208 867 2340, www.vestatec.co.uk

VIBE

VESTAEC

Vibe enters US market

Rosen passes crash tests

Car audio speaker and amplifier brand Vibe, made in the UK, is now offering its products via direct distribution in the US for the first time. The company has opened an office in Arizona, and hired Brad Fair as general manager, who previously held positions at Soundstream, PowerBass and Blackmore.

The plan is for Vibe to make a big splash at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, using the event to launch three new direct US lines – most likely Slick, Black Air and Black Death.

In addition to car audio, Vibe will also launch its headphone and gaming ranges in the US, along with selected home

audio products.

The company aims to offer as much to the American customer as it can, from entry level to the high end, with subwoofer prices ranging from an RRP of US$79 up to US$1,200. “This is our first time in the US without a master distributor, which will help the pricing and margins greatly,” says Fair. “All we need is the right marketing and pricing, and we will have a huge impact on the market.”

Midbass 0121 311 9090, www.vibeaudio.co.uk

AUTOSOUND

Changes at Autosound It’s been a busy month for UK distributors Autosound, with the company improving its satellite lines from Travel Vision and Megasat. Fully automatic tripod-mounted portable satellites are now on offer to those who enjoy watching visibly high quality TV from anywhere across Europe, while a range of monitors from

6 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Avtex is now in stock (W164DRS model pictured) – these include Freeview, DVD and recording technology. Autosound has also hired a marketing assistant to maintain the quality of its websites, ensuring product listings and news are up to date.

Autosound 01274 685411, www.autosound.co.uk

Chatting with UK distributors Vestatec this month, we discovered that the company had sent the signature headrest rear seat entertainment system from its Rosen brand to a leading UK crash test laboratory. The AV7900 was put through its paces in order to validate the safety of the complete ‘headrest assembly’ in all its different forms.

Vestatec is pleased to announce that the unit is now compliant with ECE R25.04 – uniform provision concerning the approval of head restraints. It also means that customers can be assured that this particular Rosen item meets the most stringent safety requirements of vehicle manufacturers. “This is probably the safest replacement headrest entertainment system in the world,” says Vestatec managing director Dean Beha.

Vestatec 0208 867 2340, www.vestatec.co.uk

Solid Gold Success VizualogicTM from Cobra triumphs at the ICE Awards.

Cobra UK are delighted to win Gold in the “Best Headrest” category at the recent ICE Awards, and would like to thank all dealers who voted for our VizualogicTM A-1260 headrest solution.

As well as offering more than 900 PerfectMatch leather headrest options, VizualogicTM offers class leading technology and feature content, complete with games, wireless headphones and iPod® compatibility, all backed by a 2 year parts warranty.

The perfect DVD solution for premium brand vehicles.

Call our sales team now to arrange a personal product demonstration and become a VizualogicTM stockist.

Vizualogic™ Exclusively from Cobra

Call Cobra Sales Support now on 01932 772400 * iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc

www.vizualogic.co.uk

NEWS /// INDUSTRY ///

DIARY ///

PURE

December

Pure meets its Nemesis At the Drive 2 Digital Conference in November (see p10 for a full report), makers of digital radio solutions Pure announced that it has appointed Nemesis as its automotive partner.

Pure already makes a number of wireless music and radio systems for the home, and has had some success in-car with its simplefit Highway system, mainly through Halfords.

For its latest model, the Highway 300Di, the brand is looking at a more integrated solution, which is where Nemesis comes in.

“It’s not just about automotive knowledge, it’s about vehicle-specific knowledge,” explains Chris Chance, managing director of Nemesis. “We’ll have a live database where information on how to fit the device can be obtained for a specific make, model and year of car. We’ll make all the looms too, so it’s a trusted solution and a better installation.”

Colin Crawford, marketing director at Pure, seems pleased with the arrangement. “This is just the start,” he says. “Next year will see us building our range. It’s a critical area for Pure, and Nemesis is a critical building block to getting the products fitted well.”

Pure 0845 148 9001, www.pure.com

FOUR

Who is Nug? Often we will include details of staff changes at various companies in these pages, but the new employee we’ve been informed about at Four has an air of mystery, and could perhaps be a distant relative of Top Gear’s Stig.

Apparently the new addition will help keep up with demand following a great year. “The new employee goes by the name of Nug,” reads the email, “and he has already made a significant impact, introducing some useful time-saving processes. Founder Brian Parton said: ‘Although keen to remain as compact as

Until Sun 2 Gadget Show Live Christmas Excel London Packed with glorious gadget gift ideas, games and toys perfect for anybody’s Christmas list. www.gadgetshowlive.net Thu 6 BENher North West Ladies’ Lunch (NWLL) Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Cheshire Open to all ladies, the event will comprise a three-course lunch and fashion show, with stalls selling Christmas gifts. BEN is the automotive industry’s only dedicated charity.

More info on 01344 294720, www.ben.org.uk

January Tue 8-Fri 11 Consumer Electronics Show Las Vegas Convention Center The world’s biggest consumer electronics event, where manufacturers preview their products and prototypes for the upcoming year. www.cesweb.org

February possible with regard to our core staff, it was essential that we brought in someone who could focus 100% on our warehousing and distribution functions. For a relatively small outfit, we stock as many lines as we are able, providing our customers with product on demand rather than asking them to hold huge amounts of stock. We have recently increased our stock holding due to distribution agreements with Pioneer and InCarTec.’” If you know who Nug really is, why not drop us a line – perhaps his tell-all autobiography is out soon.

Four 0800 652 5125, info@fourcaraudio.co.uk

Tue 19-Sun 24 The Spring Caravan & Camping Show NEC Birmingham See what’s new in the leisure market. www.springcaravanandcampingshow.co.uk

March Tue 5-Wed 6 MEN Expo 2013 Ricoh Arena, Coventry The industry trade event of the year.

Manufacturers gather under one roof to showcase new products, with presentations and workshops. Register for your free ticket!

For more info or to book a stand, call 01268 754897

April

celsus hits 10,000 November saw distributors Celsus reach 10,000 web orders – a milestone that could not be ignored. It was Gary Hallwood at AudiofileInCar in Bishops Stortford that actually placed the 10,000th order, resulting in him receiving a call from Celsus marketing director Mark Baker. Gary was quickly informed that he had won a top of the range JL Audio XD200/2 amplifier and a set of JL Audio C3-650 speakers, 8 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

as well as 5,000 ICE Points – part of the loyalty scheme Celsus has with its dealer base, and redeemable against future purchases.

A very happy Gary said: “We’ve used Celsus for around three years. Its range, reliability, back-up and knowledge are big pluses. The website is really useful for afternoon orders for next day delivery. We use it almost daily, and the flexibility to order what we need for jobs and get it fast is great.”

Celsus 01202 664390, www.celsusice.co.uk

Wed 3-Sun 7 Gadget Show Live NEC Birmingham Everything from home theatre and car audio to games and simulators – all under one roof. www.gadgetshowlive.net

May Fri 24-Sun 26 Modified Nationals Peterborough Arena & Showground One of the first major modified car shows of the year, with club stands, manufacturers and a sound-off. Early bird tickets already on sale. www.modifiednationals.co.uk

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NEWS /// DRIVE TO DIGITAL ///

Digital day out The Drive 2 Digital Conference took place at the BBC’s New Broadcasting House last month, with guest speakers, updates and announcements.

Chris Anderson reports

S

ome interesting facts about our venue, the BBC’s New Broadcasting House in Portland Place, central London, emerged during the course of this year’s Drive 2 Digital Conference. Thanks to a redesign and expansion, it now houses the biggest newsroom in Europe, and while the original building has been there since the 1930s, during the Second World War the conference hall in which we were gathered saw broadcasters sleeping through the night, unable to venture home, yet upholding their responsibility of keeping the nation informed.

The perfect setting for news surrounding the next evolution in broadcasting – digital radio.

In a day introduced and chaired by BBC News correspondent Nick Higham, various guest speakers and celebrities took to the stage to discuss, announce and generally champion the emergence of digital radio, and what it could mean to the automotive industry.

And a short distance away, in the Media Café, a number of manufacturers had gathered to showcase the latest digital radio products, with demo cars outside amusing passers-by.

The day began with a video interview with Ed Vaizey, the minister for culture, communications and the creative industries. Through this and the initial panel discussions, we were reminded

10 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

that the government hopes to set a date for a switchover at the end of 2013. Coverage, content and the number of digital radio listeners were said to have all increased since the last conference a year ago – with BBC Radio 6 Music, a digital-only station, even winning the Sony Radio Station of the Year award, seen as a huge breakthrough – but there is still much work to be done to meet the criteria required for the government to commit to a switchover date.

Anthony Ireson, marketing director at Ford of Britain, expressed some of the current views of car manufacturers. While Ford Motor Company was the first manufacturer to offer digital radio as an option in 2003, it can be something far down the list when a customer is faced with a better interior or alloy wheels.

The price can also be deemed an issue, with more promotion on the benefits of digital radio required, so that customers are aware of what they will be getting for the money.

The CEO of Digital Radio UK, Ford Ennals, then announced the arrival of D Love – a 15 inch puppet described as a “smooth soul man”, complete with beard and medallion – who will now front the industry’s efforts to push digital radio in print, TV and on

Introducing D Love – the new face of digital radio

the

airwaves. The audience were treated to a short D Love clip made especially for the conference, and also two of the forthcoming radio adverts. Ennals then highlighted some of the content and coverage issues, but said that the momentum is bigger than ever.

After an appearance by Absolute Radio’s Christian O’Connell and Top Gear presenter James May (who admitted that while owning five digital radios at home, he didn’t have one in his car), it was time for a debate on consumer concerns. Nick King, new media director at Auto Trader, said that from a recent survey conducted by the magazine he felt that the awareness of digital radio was higher

H

ty

h e s t Qu a l i ig

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 11

NEWS /// DRIVE TO DIGITAL /// than expected, but the group stressed their concerns over the installation of digital radio, with consumers unsure if it affected the value or warranty of their car. Esther Jackson, brand director or Age UK, also pointed out that most radio listeners are over 55, and this should be taken into account.

Sarah Sillars, executive chair at the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry), then announced the launch of a Digital Radio Installer Scheme. This is something retailers and installers can complete in order to prove they meet certain requirements, building confidence with consumers.

After lunch, Tim Davie, who at the time of the conference was the BBC’s director of audio and music, expressed the BBC’s continued commitment to digital radio, providing the funding for building out coverage to the necessary levels, while Clive West, director of multi-channel at Halfords, talked about digital radio sales in the aftermarket. This then became a panel discussion about the

It does seem that digital radio is moving forward, although it could be argued there is still a way to go aftermarket in general, and how much of a surge in interest there might be if a switchover date were to be given. This was followed by an update on digital radio in Europe.

Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley also dropped by, expressing her own love of radio and how it’s a medium people will always value, considering the presenters as old friends. The conference then closed with several presentations on the future possibilities of the medium – Clive Taylor of Garmin revealed how the company’s latest products could send more detailed and frequent traffic updates via the expanded bandwidth, while the BBC’s Mark Friend talked about radio apps, and the way consumers interact with and use digital radio.

From everything that emerged on the day, it does seem that digital radio is moving forward, although it could be argued there is still a way to go. The IMI installer scheme and D Love branding are certainly useful tools for any car audio retailer in the aftermarket, and should be taken advantage of. In the meantime, we’ll have to wait and see if the government thinks enough has been done by this time next year to announce a switchover date. www.getdigitalradio.com

12 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Manufacturer demo cars were positioned outside

Digital Radio UK’s Laurence Harrison took to the stage

BBC News correspondent Tim Higham

Celsus were among the exhibitors, and even launched new products

Radio 2’s Jo Whiley hosted a music quiz with Tim Davie

The conference sparked debate on the best aerials

Christian O’Connell and James May showed their support

An unusual demo car was on the Celsus stand

Kenwood showed its latest digital radio head units

Alpine’s stand featured products like the recent EZI-DAB

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 13

MEET THE DEALERS /// HUETS ///

Family matters

Huets has two branches in Sussex, in Worthing and Shoreham

Peter Huet updates us on the latest goings on at the family-owned Huets in Sussex

How would you sum up business over the last couple of months?

Unpredictable, really. We seem to go from having too much to too little. But overall it’s okay.

Which products are you selling a lot of at the moment?

We’re not selling a lot of one thing in particular, but lots of different things. In the workshop today, for example, we have a double DIN screen and a camera to go into a Volvo, rear sensors on a Golf, and a few other bits.

Are you planning to develop or expand your business?

There are opportunities out there. Retro-fitting OE equipment is getting more popular, as is repairing OE product. As the factory stereos are becoming more integrated, the dealers either don’t want to get involved or quote horrendous money. Case in point, a Volvo with no AM for a local car dealer, who quoted it at £800 plus VAT, and yet we sorted it for £320 plus VAT. We suggested digital radio as well.

What are the growth markets?

I wish I knew. Digital radio isn’t going to get interesting until the switchover is announced, then it’ll be off the scale (hopefully), assuming MirrorLink or similar doesn’t overtake it.

Camera business is definitely increasing, mainly the commercial/van market. We’ve also done some taxi work with recording systems recently. Audio-wise, adding to OE head units is getting more common, from a simple active sub to some quite involved systems.

What is the key to success in the current environment?

It looks like product prices have got to be towards internet money, or you’re not going to sell much at all. I think selling at a substantial premium regularly doesn’t look feasible any more. The majority of customers have a good idea of the price they can get something for on the ’net, but at least they’ve made contact and you’ve got a chance. But managing customer expectation is getting harder, as they demand more for less.

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Fuel-Smart The Fuel-Smart unit is a vehicle specific, digital, plug & play common rail diesel tuning module. It uses OEM plugs to fit simply in line under the bonnet usually in 5-15 minutes.

SAVING THE OWNER BETWEEN 15-25% For more information, call PPS Distribution on: 0208 309 8888 or www.fuel-smart.com

What’s the toughest job you’ve had in recently?

A lot of installs have their own glitches to catch you out – the Volvo I mentioned earlier had an unusual software version and the interface didn’t work. Ultimately we sorted it, but it took another couple of hours. Then a Merc interface didn’t work on the display, why? It turned out the dash cluster had been replaced at some point and not coded correctly. Fortunately we’ve got a tame Mercedes-Benz independent with all the programming gear who sorted it out, but it was a lot of grief. Even relatively simple installs have gotten harder – matching fascia colours accurately, steering wheel controls, iPod interfaces… the list goes on.

Contact Huets in Worthing (01903 237707) or Shoreham (01273 441845), or visit www.huets.com

Get featured!

If you would like to give an update on your business, drop an email to chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

CALL: 0870 240 2554

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 15

EXPERT HELP /// Q&A ///

& A Q

Got a problem?

For any technical, product or business queries, drop us a line.

Our panel of experts will offer their advice, based on years in the industry. Email chris@chrisandersonmedia.com Standard swap I have been asked if I can upgrade a 2011 Mondeo’s front speakers. Can you advise on which ones are best just for a straight swap?

It’ll be running the standard head unit still.

Steve Just this very thing was discussed recently on Ifitstuff.com. As Ian Mays pointed out, these should be 6x8s.“You get what you pay for,” he says. “If it’s running off the standard head unit, then there is no point putting a really good set in, as the standard head unit won’t have enough power to drive them. Just go for a £60 pair, like those from Kenwood or Alpine.”

But as ever, don’t just settle for the low sale.

“Explain to the customer that even though the speakers will be better quality, he won’t necessarily get any more volume,” says Ian. “This is because it’s down to the power of the head unit – just look at the sensitivity of the speakers, as the higher the dB figure the louder they will play for what is put into them.”

James Patterson also advises pushing your skills as well as your speakers. “Don’t forget to sell yourself too,” he says. “Push for solid MDF baffles and Rivnut fixings as opposed to plastic adaptors and screws if you have time – the stronger you can get them on the door, the better.”

Fifty shades I’m having trouble finding some carpet for an install, as it needs to be dark grey, not speckled. All my usual suppliers’ ‘dark grey’ is far too light. Anyone know a good source?

Martin A couple of solutions here from Ifitstuff. com. Steve Dill-Russell suggests Rainbow Conversions (www.rainbowconversions.co.uk), which supplies camper van converters and are said to offer a really good range of carpet.

Then AS Essentials (www.as-essentials. co.uk) is another suggestion, with some retailers sending James there a sample to match. “He has recently done me a great, very 16 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

stretchy carpet to match the standard interior on a VW Golf,” another forum member writes.

Finally, Car Sound Supplies (www.carsoundsupplies.com) apparently has a wide and very affordable selection. Or there is Autotex (www.autotex.com), with large uncut lengths of material.

In-car digital TV With the TV switchover earlier this year, it made me think about getting a TV-tuner for the car. I have a Clarion double DIN head unit fitted, so a behind-the-dash unit is the one for me. Any recommendations for which one to get? Also having a heated front screen, would this mean an external mast will be required?

Robbie Mike Norton shared a few thoughts on this on Ifitstuff.com. “We steered away from digital TV in the past due to the poor signal strength, but since the switchover it is much better, and we would happily sell it now,” he says. “With most of the tuner boxes there isn’t a lot in it, to be honest – it’s the aerials that really count. Amour Auto’s Veba range offers a screen-mounted solution (via M3 sticky pads), and comes with separate power wires for the internal amplifiers, which I find are much better than the ones powered down the core of the coax. Part number is AVDTVA-1 and they come supplied single, so you will need to order two.

“For all third party solutions, you will have to use a separate remote aimed at a remote eye, but if you go for the Clarion one, it should be fully intergrated and controlled via the unit – just be aware these are typically around three times more expensive, though.”

Ian Mays also posted some advice on the best makes. “The best I’ve seen is the Alpine TUE-T150DV,” he says. “Second would be the C-KO model, and the Beat version from Connects2 is good also. In the area where I live, SW20 Surrey, the digital signal is good, but I’m not sure how it compares in other places.”

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Get digital-only stations* plus your AM/FM favourites Digital radio solutions from Alpine let you enjoy radio with excellent digital sound quality via DAB, DAB+ and DMB. Digital radio gives you more listening choice. There are many unique digital stations such as Amazing, BBC 6 Music, BFBS, Planet Rock and Jazz FM, that you can’t hear on analogue radio. Also, you will receive dramatically improved digital sound quality for other AM stations such as BBC 5 Live and TalkSPORT.

*Stations vary by location and platform

www.alpine.co.uk

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 17

FEATURE /// PIONEER MERCEDES VAN ///

X rated

Martyn Williams takes a ride in Pioneer’s latest demo vehicle – a van dubbed Project X, and built with a little help from Mercedes-Benz UK and Brabus

G

uaranteed to draw the crowds at any event, this Mercedes Vito Sport-X luxury wagon is packed with £25,000-worth of audio kit.

Other punter-pleasers include Brabus bolt-on extras, including £5,000-worth of limited edition 20 inch rims.

Apart from over 30,000W of power packed into the Vito, Pioneer has expanded its event horizon by incorporating another of its specialist products – fully operational DJ decks. It features two Pioneer CDJ-350 multi-format scratchable CD players, which also handle popular music file formats.

These can be managed and loaded via a USB port or from a CD. The DJ kit, which includes a DJM-350 mixer and HDJ-500 closed-back headphones, allows any experienced DJ to show off his or her skills and ‘play’ the van to create extra interest.

The DJ package including headphones retails for around £1,500.

It also gives Pioneer a chance to show off the extreme volume created by its worldrecord-holding SPL products. The big noise in the engine room starts with a pair of its seriously chunky and powerful competitiongrade 15 inch subwoofers – these are each mounted in a 100-litre box and tuned to 35-40Hz, individually-powered by 4,000W Competition Series digital amplifiers, the PRS-D2000SPL. Both of these amps fire into 1 ohm for maximum power, along with two 2,400W PRS-D1200SPL models each firing into a pair of Champion Series 10 inch dual voice coil subs, also configured to present a 1 ohm parallel loading.

The full-range speakers in the front, middle and back are also powered by Class D amplifiers, the four-channel GM-D9500F

capable of 800W total power. Four of these amps are used, with a pair of them bridged into two channels and the other pair in full four-channel mode. The actual maximum power figure of the eight amplifiers is 30,050W! Pioneer product executive Girish Janday was happy to give an insight into the intricacies of the build, and how the van – dubbed Project X – is used to promote the brand. He said: “The whole system was designed in-house, and installer Paul Richardson used his creative magic to bring it to life. An ‘OE’ look was essential to match Mercedes’ brief, but the end result impressed the manufacturer so much that it decided to promote Pioneer as its head unit of choice, and has even built its own website dedicated to everything you’d want to know about Project X – check it out at www.vitosport. co.uk/projectx.

“The technical wizardry that has gone into the vehicle has produced an exceptional result, from the custom-made fascia panel for the head unit to details such as the

The details l Pioneer AVIC-F30BT head unit with iPod lead l 2x Pioneer TS-W8102SPL 15 inch subs (8,000W peak input) l 4x Pioneer TS-W2501-D4 10 inch subs (2,500W peak input) l 2x Pioneer PRS-D2000SPL Class-D amps (4,000W peak) l 2x Pioneer PRS-D1200SPL Class-D amps (2,400W peak) l 4x Pioneer TS-A171CI 17 cm speaker sets (350W peak input) l 2x Pioneer TS-A2013i 20cm three-way speaker sets (500W peak input) l 4x Pioneer GM-D9500F amps (4 x 150W and 2 x 200W) l 2x Pioneer CDJ-350 DJ decks, plus DJM-350 DJ mixer l 4x 12V 95AH AGM batteries l 23 inch LCD monitor l 300A power supply unit

shape and angle of the port for the heavyweight Competition Series SPL subs.

As a manufacturer demo vehicle, the Project X van has been very successful and has even been to the Team Pioneer European Finals in Germany. It was a big hit with the crowds and was presented on the main EMMA international stage.”

Project X has had a busy year touring the shows, including Trax and EMMA UK events.

It has also attended many dealer open days, including Car Audio & Security’s famous weekender at its Hayes HQ. Pioneer also has another unique DJ-based car available, a Smart bulging with equipment.

If you would like one of the Pioneer vehicles to attend your event in 2013, contact Aled Gamble at aled_gamble@pgb.pioneer.co.uk or on 01753 789746

The vehicle Project X is based around a Mercedes-Benz Vito 122CDi Sport-X Dualiner model, powered by its range-topping turbocharged 3-litre V6 diesel engine, producing 224 bhp and 440 Nm, reaching 60 mph in just 8.3 seconds and with a maximum speed of 122 mph. This special edition model includes a Brabus sport steering wheel, gearlever in black leather with Brabus emblem, chrome sidebars, metallic paint, tinted glass, colour-coded bumpers with chrome grille and tailgate trim. To prepare for the installation, the van was equipped with five Dynamat Xtreme bulk packs, six Dynaliner door liner packs, 15 metres of zero gauge power cable, 10 metres of AGM2 cable, 12 metres of 4/8AGM cable, 40 metres of speaker cable, 10 sheets of 12/25 mm MDF, 10 metres of grey carpet and eight metres of leather – taking 140 hours to install.

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EVENT /// ICE AWARDS 2012 ///

LONDON Early November saw the mobile electronics industry descend on London for the most prestigious night of the year – the annual MEN Awards

F

rank Sinatra once said: “I’m for whatever gets you through the night – be it prayer, tranquilisers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.”

Sat waiting nervously for the results of this year’s Mobile Electronics News Awards to be announced, there were no doubt a number of people thinking the same thing. As ever, this is the only awards dedicated to our industry, with recognition from everyone involved, as it is the dealers, manufacturers and distributors who cast their votes online to help us reach our results. Awards success can also become a vital selling tool over the coming months, using the logo and acknowledgement on advertising. The pressure was definitely on, but luckily the spirit of Frank was there in a more comforting fashion too, with the night aided by a Rat Pack theme.

This was also the first time the event had taken place at a new venue – the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, central London. Industry figures, from sales managers to company directors, gathered inside for the champagne reception at 7pm.

This was followed by a lavish three-course dinner, while the awards themselves were hosted as ever by Adam Rayner.

The categories covered everything, from audio and security, to tracking solutions and innovations. Once the products were out of the way, it was then time to concentrate on the people, with installers, distributors and advertising campaigns all getting the attention they deserved. There were even awards for the Editor’s Choice and Lifetime

22 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Dave fereday, connects2 “I was surprised, but very honoured,” said Connects2’s managing director Dave Fereday on winning the biggest award of the night. “I started my career as an accountant before moving on to more commercial companies, and I’m very lucky to have worked with some great colleagues.

I’d also like to point out that I’m only 50, and hope to continue my career for many years to come.”

We would like to say a big thank you to everybody who took part in the voting process online Achievement – but we won’t spoil those here, so flick through the pages to see who won.

With the ceremony compete, it was time to listen to the songs of Sinatra and co, and a chance to either celebrate or commiserate. But generally, a good night was had by all, and we would like to say a big thank you to everybody who took part in the voting process online – it helps to bring us these results and recognise the best of the industry, which is both encouraging and aspiring to all. So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, here are the winners from the evening…

Our sponsors We couldn’t have held such a great night for the industry if it wasn’t for our sponsors – and among them were Digital Radio UK (DRUK), Scorpion Automotive, MESF and the FCS. Laurence Harrison, DRUK’s technology and market development director, said: “We’ve had a presence at the last two MEN Expos, and found them very useful for building our network with the installation aftermarket, so we felt it was important, given our position, to be supporting the preeminent industry awards.”

Gary Kirby, head of sales and marketing at Scorpion, added: “We were very proud to be a sponsor of the evening, as this is the only opportunity to get together as an industry and celebrate the personnel and products.”

For the full set of photos from the evening, visit the Mobile Electronics News Facebook page

CALLING

AUDIO AWARDS CLARION NZ502E The Clarion NZ502E took the first award of the evening – a single DIN unit with a slideout 7 inch screen that also includes a brilliant navigation system, Parrot Bluetooth handsfree, iPod/iPhone control, and a whole load of video and music functions, operated via the intuitive Graphic User Interface (GUI).

The Alpine IVA-800R and Pioneer AVH6300BT took silver and bronze here.

(without navigation) Pioneer AVH-8400BT There is a lot to get excited about with the Pioneer AVH-8400BT, which takes top honours here. The 7 inch touchscreen, for example, will show movies from a DVD or SD card, or via Aux in and USB, and there is Parrot Bluetooth for handsfree calls. You can even access apps on your smartphone via the Advanced App Mode.

The Kenwood DDX-6021BT and Alpine IVA-W530BT came second and third.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 23

EVENT /// ICE AWARDS 2012 ///

(with navigation) Alpine INE-W925R While items in the previous category can be expanded with a navigation system, these units have one included, and the Alpine INE-W925R really excelled. The 6.1 inch display shows colourful maps and is operated by touch, with 50/50 splitscreen also bringing up info from an iPod, Bluetooth phone or the built-in digital radio tuner. Kenwood’s DNX4210DAB and Pioneer’s AVIC-F940BT also impressed.

AUDIO AWARDS JVC KD-R90BT For those simply wanting great sounds, the JVC KD-R90BT delivers, with a high quality digital processor, five-band EQ and time alignment. It has a number of other great features too, such as Bluetooth handsfree and two USB ports, and it will surrender control back to an iPod touchscreen if one is connected, offering more flexibility when accessing your music library. Taking silver and bronze were the Alpine CDA-137BTi and Sony MEX-BT4000 respectively.

Sony CDX-GT260MP At under £100, the Sony CDX-GT260MP still manages to be a decent step up from a basic factory head unit. It has a front Aux in for plugging in an MP3 player, a Digital Clarity Tuner to get more out of the radio, plus a 2V preout rear/sub switchable jack for adding amplifiers and subwoofers.

The Pioneer DEH-1400MP and Kenwood KDC-3054U are also great value.

Vibe Slick Channel 5 Get five channels for less with the Vibe Slick Channel 5 – it even has efficient Class D circuitry, a total output of 800W, plus a Slick Remote Control for fine-tuning the system from the dash. Active crossovers are built-in, and by pairing the amp with an AutoSense High Level Convertor, it can be added to an OE system. Alpine’s PMX-F640 and Kenwood’s KAC-5205 impressed also.

JL AUDIO CP108LG-W3v3 With the expertise of JL Audio regarding speakers and subwoofers well known, it was no surprise that the brand excelled in this category, first with its CP108LG-W3v3. This features a 10 inch sub in a slimline ported enclosure, rated at 250W, finished with black carpet and a steel mesh grille. The Pioneer TSW77A and Rockford Fosgate Punch P3S-1X12 took silver and bronze.

24 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

JL Audio HD900/5 The JL Audio HD900/5 was the first win of the night for UK distributor Celsus.

This five-channel Class D amp is small, yet will comfortably run an entire sytem, with an impressive 4 x 100W + 1 x 500W. Plus it has all of JL Audio’s clever tech designed to regulate the power supply, minimise distortion and boost the sound.

Also check out the Kenwood KAC-X5D and Rockford Fosgate T2500-bdCP.

It doesn’t make the toast But we’re working on that.

“In-car tech that does it all via your smartphone”

AppRadio won’t make your breakfast, but it does pretty much everything else.

Using Advanced App Mode, this multi-touch in-car entertainment system simply connects to your smartphone so you can control your snaps, maps, music and more via a whole host of compatible apps.

Search ‘AppRadio’

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EVENT /// ICE AWARDS 2012 ///

AUDIO AWARDS Kenwood DNX4210DAB

JL Audio CS112-WXv2 Distributors Celsus didn’t even get the chance to sit down, as it was back up to the stage to collect another award for JL Audio. The CS112-WXv2 features a 12 inch sub, rated at 200W, fitted to a sealed enclosure and finished in grey carpet.

Those after big bass for less can also look to the Kenwood KSC-SW01 and Fusion EN-AW1121, which performed well here.

Kenwood’s DNX4210DAB scooped an EISA Award earlier this year for Best In-Car Head Unit, and has taken gold here for services to digital radio. Kenwood has fitted a navigation system, Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone control and a DSP into the unit along with the DAB-tuner, all controllable via the 6.1 inch touchscreen.

Alpine’s single DIN CDE-136BT and JVC’s double DIN KW-DB60ATE fared well too.

Focal Utopia N7

JBL’s GTO Series For this category, the online voters looked to JBL’s GTO Series, and felt it should be honoured in its entirety for its continued commitment to developing robust, very capable speakers at low prices. Models for improving a factory system or bassheavy 6x9s can all be found in this range. The Fusion CS-FR Series and Alpine SPG-17C2 models were also honoured.

Who wouldn’t want a three-way speaker system in the car that came with its own separate crossover for extra tweaking? Granted, the price tag for the Focal Utopia N7 set of around £2,500 might not be for everyone, but have a listen and you may well reconsider. If not, the JL Audio C5-650 and Alpine SPR-60C systems also come highly recommended, taking second and third place on the night.

Connects2 AutoDAB There are other ways to get digital radio into the car – and the Connects2 AutoDAB means it can be an add-on to a factory head unit, controllable via the steering wheel controls, easily fitted with no unsightly boxes on display. The Paser MediaDAB distributed by Celsus is a similar interface product, which won silver, as is the Alpine EZi-DAB, with separate controls and display, which took bronze.

JL audio C3-650

Kicker ES652 It’s a bit of a jump from the winners of the high-end category to these Kicker ES652 speakers at £69, but there is still a lot for the money. For a start, these 6.5 inch components have 180W maximum handling, plus a shallow mounting depth to fit most cars no problem. The Alpine SPG-17CS and Kenwood KFC-S703P systems were the worthy silver and bronze winners.

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It definitely seemed to be JL Audio’s night, with this category marking a fourth win for the brand. Its C3-650 speakers feature 6.5 inch cones, rated at 225W peak, optimised for use in convertibles.

Silk dome tweeters are provided, and the crossovers have an impressive degree of flexibility. The voters also liked the Focal IC165 and Kenwood KFC-X712 systems.

Drive Connected

Parrot presents the first range of multimedia “all in one� car kit systems: Connect to the web in your car and access a range of driving assistance Apps, navigation and music on demand in addition to voice recognition, internet radio and hands-free phone calls. Driving has never been so enjoyable!

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The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Parrot S.A. is under license. The Parrot Trademarks appearing on this document are the sole and exclusive property of Parrot S.A. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights reserved. Visual, description and specifications are not contractual. Product specifications may change without prior notice. Parrot S.A. - RCS PARIS 394 149 496.www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 27

EVENT /// ICE AWARDS 2012 ///

SECURITY AWARDS COBRATrak 5

Cobra AK4615 The Cobra AK4615 is a clever little system, and a worthy winner in this category. The key is in its flexibility, as it can work as a CAN-Bus or conventional upgrade, using a car’s factory remote or a Cobra version, and it even has a wireless alarm to make installation easier. The Clifford Concept 650 G6 and Meta Easy Can were the runners-up here.

Cobra wins again with the CobraTrak 5 – its top of the range vehicle tracking system with Thatcham Category 5 approval, which is the highest accreditation possible. Features include Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR), remote engine immobilising, GPS and GSM jamming detection, and more. The SmarTrak 5 took away the silver award, with the Tracker Horizon clinching bronze.

Scorpion Track Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Scorpion Track is a top end GPS vehicle tracking and recovery system, yet offers very reasonable subscription charges, with a five-year warranty and European coverage thrown in free of charge.

It was these factors that helped it edge just ahead of the SmarTrack and CobraTrak Plus, giving them silver and bronze.

SmarTrack Fleet In a tough economic climate, businesses want to keep close tabs on fuel expenses, delivery times and so on, and that’s where fleet tracking comes in. SmarTrack Fleet took the gold here, offering 24-hour monitoring on PC, Mac and Android platforms, alerts for battery disconnect, movement or low battery, and insurance discounts. Scorpion Track and Trackitnow Motion Tracking were runners-up.

ACCESSORY AWARDS

PARROT MKi9200

Scorpion Track We sang its praises as the Best Consumer Tracking System, but clearly the Scorpion Track is so darn good it was the clear winner in this category too. Features not mentioned so far include lower insurance costs, a battery tamper alarm, low battery alert via text, and location on demand via a dedicated website. The ideal solution for ensuring peace of mind.

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Bluetooth is featured in an increasing number of in-car products these days, but there are still few that impress as much as those from Parrot. The MKi9200 system features its own 2.4 inch screen, boosts the quality of calls with a dual microphone, and can stream music wirelessly. Just enough to put the Bury CC9068 and iO Play2 in second and third place respectively.

ACCESSORY AWARDS Steelmate range vizualogic a1260 The Vizualogic A1260 entertainment system enables DVDs to be slotted in through the top of the headrest, and watched on the 7 inch LCD screen. Headphones, a wireless remote, USB sockets and an FM modulator are all included, with inputs for other sources. The Rosen AV7900 and Alpine TME-M780 also won awards.

C-KO HR-DVD-750 It may be affordable, but C-KO HR-DVD-750 can still get a 7 inch screen into the car with this replacement headrest. It has an FM modulator too, with built-in games, controllers and USB sockets. Just one runner-up in this category, the Veba 70HR.

This year’s winner also topped the same category last year, making consistency another string to its bow. But Steelmate continues to impress, with products like the PTSD4 representing great value for money, with its traffic-light dashboard display a nice alternative to the usual beep tones. Cobra’s Park Master 0358 system took silver, and Parksafe’s Automotive range bronze.

Parrot MKi9200 Another win for Parrot, and another for the MKi9200 – making this a great night for the brand, and proving that it really does know its stuff when it comes to handsfree and Bluetooth.

The MKi9200 system allows the easy operation of phone calls and music, topped off by a brilliant colourful display.

The Bury CC9058 and Kenwood KDCBT92SD finished second and third.

Sony DSX-S300BTX It may be a single DIN head unit, but the Sony DSX-S300BTX lets you know it is serious about its compatibility with iPod and iPhone by not featuring a CD deck – housing a ‘Tune Tray’ behind the front panel for the Apple device instead. There is Bluetooth and a host of sound functions too, with the Kenwood KIV-700 and Parrot MKi9200 finishing just behind it.

Connects2 interface KITS Anyone who has used Connects2’s interface kits will know just how capable they are, and it is clearly those people who have voted. The device connects to the back of a factory head unit, allowing an iPod, USB or SD card to then be used with the system.

The Autoleads SOT-1000 Series lead came second, with Media in Motion third.

Road Angel Gem

PARROT CK3100 LCD Parrot calls its CK3100 LCD kit the most renowned handsfree system on the market, and winning the category of Best Cellular Accessory is sure to reinforce this. Consisting of a small LCD screen, it uses voice recognition to enable the user to make calls when driving. The Bury CC9060+ and Novero Rockaway performed well here too, earning silver and bronze.

What makes the Road Angel Gem so popular, and a worthy winner in this category? One reason might be the built-in GPRS/GSM technology, enabling the wireless download of speed camera updates as you drive around, or eAssist, connecting you instantly with the emergency services. The Pogo Alert+ and Blinder Compact HP905 took the second and third spots.

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EVENT /// ICE AWARDS 2012 ///

ACCESSORY AWARDS Kenwood KDC-BT92SD

Connects2 UNI-SWC The Connects2 UNI-SWC helps installers overcome that trickiest of problems – making an aftermarket head unit work with the factory steering wheel controls of a particular vehicle. Multiply makes and model of car by that of a head unit, and the combination is staggering, but this device handles them all. Autoleads’ CAN-Bus stalk controls came second, and Paser’s Slim Key 2 third.

From the outside, the Kenwood KDC-BT92SD looks just like an ordinary head unit. It has Bluetooth and iPod/iPhone control, but it also caters for Android devices. Just download the Kenwood Music Control App, connect the phone via USB, and access all folders and music from the head unit. The Parrot Asteroid and Pioneer SPH-DA100 were the other standouts here.

TOMTOM StART 25 europe A navigation system is now one of the most desirable products to purchase for a car, and TomTom can make that happen for under £140. The Start 25 Europe has a 5 inch touchscreen, with fixed speed camera alerts pre-installed, instant access to emergency services and mapping for 45 countries in Europe. Then Garmin scored both silver and bronze with the nuvi 1300 and 2300 systems.

Garmin nuvi 3590LMT Pay a little more for the Garmin nuvi 3590LMT system, and real-time updates can be all yours, as the device downloads information via a connected smartphone. It consists of a 5 inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, 3D mapping, ‘photo real’ junction views, and the option to subscribe to a number of add-on services.

TomTom got both runners-up prizes with its Go 1005 World and VIA 130EU products.

SPECIAL AWARDS iO PLAY2 Kenwood DNX4210DAB The Kenwood DNX4210DAB had already cropped up earlier in the evening, as Best Digital Radio Product – but it wasn’t just the DAB side of things that impressed. The fact that it squeezes digital radio, navigation, music, movies, Bluetooth and iPod/iPhone control into the same double DIN touchscreen unit is genius. You really couldn’t ask for anything else.

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There was no shortlist for this category, and no voting, with the results announced on the night. And there would be no silver or bronze either – just one winner, chosen by the editor of Mobile Electronics News. And his choice? The iO Play2 Bluetooth-enabled music and phone handsfree system from Armour – truly a fantastic product.

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EVENT /// ICE AWARDS 2012 ///

SpECIAL AWARDS

Connects2 AutoDAB

KENWOOD One of the biggest awards of the evening, revealing the brand that dealers feel most confident with, that they believe has one of the best product ranges to show to customers, can supply brilliant marketing tools, and above all has a great service and support team. The people have spoken, and this year their brand of choice is…

Kenwood. Not an easy award to win, that one.

Chameleon Chameleon took top honours here, providing both an excellent service and impressive product range to its loyal dealer base – just head to the company website (www.chameleondirect.co.uk) to discover all manner of smartphone cradles and Bluetooth kits. In second place was CEL Trade, who also offer a wide expertise in this field, with Daltec scooping the bronze.

Another item that received a mention earlier, and another with ties to digital radio – showing just how vital it is becoming. The Connects2 AutoDAB is a truly wondrous product, bringing vast improvements in radio listening, through content and quality, to any factory system.

But what makes us very proud is that all of the research and development takes place here in the UK.

INDUSTRY AWARDS CEL Trade Toby Norton of Pioneer, Rino Rosato OF CAR AUDIO & SECURITY Last year saw a first in this category when Tim Kay of Alpine scooped the award for the second time, and in 2012 we have another – the first every joint award. It seems that Toby Norton of Pioneer and Rino Rosato of Car Audio & Security are both doing such a sterling job, tirelessly meeting the needs of their dealers, that they received the same number of votes. Well done, sirs.

of the year DYNAMIC SOUNDS And the award for Best Car Electronics Retailer goes to... Dynamic Sounds, off Garratt Lane in south-west London.

Dynamic Sounds has kept audio as the core of its business, with digital radio and OE compatbility being sold alongside the usual head units and speakers. A modern and well stocked showroom and a bevy of satisfied customers sealed the deal.

32 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

CEL TRADE CEL Trade is clearly a force to be reckoned with in this industry, and as well as the brilliant work it has been doing with Fusion and Sony – noted by its Best Distributor win – it is also performing well with the other brands it supplies, such as Garmin or TomTom. Support, service and knowledge here are second to none, so it’s no surprise that its dealer base all voted.

There is a small feeling of déjà vu with this category, as the same names as last year have all cropped up again. That means another gold for CEL Trade as the overall winner, achieving fantastic things with Sony and Fusion.

Then once again, we find Armour Automotive grabbing the second place award, with Celsus following very closely behind in third. All great companies to work with.

KENWOOD When a brand has already taken home wins in such prestigious categories as Best Manufacturer and Best Product Innovation – to name just two – backing all of that up must be some kind of educational and support ethos, so retailers are reassured and that they know from talking to you why your product is so good. So yes, it’s Kenwood again taking the big win.

Adam Handley, Kenwood KENWOOD

Adam Handley, general manager at Kenwood, is clearly a good man to have around when times are tough. “He recognises that to survive, we need to adapt,” says Kenwood product manager Mike Edwards. “An example is digital radio, where he has done everything he can to push this as an industry saver. He is very proactive in promoting in-car, and wants all of our trade customers to make money selling our products. He’ll find solutions to obstacles to help them do that, and he’s just a nice bloke.”

Kenwood has been very active on the advertising front, delivering a clear and concise message for different products almost on a monthly basis. Highlights include the ad for its Android-compatible head units, complete with USB icons and connection diagram, and its digital radio double DIN, with the station logos featured on the screen.

Clear and educational are tools the industry needs.

DEALER AWARDS (less than five installers) John Kleis Car Audio Coming up trumps in this category is John Kleis Car Audio in Reading, around since 1977. Suppliers of in-car entertainment and navigation systems to both private owners and the trade, the store also offers security, key cutting and programming services. The mission statement on its website sums up the winning attitude: “Your car is your pride and joy, so why trust just anyone with it?”

SAFE & SOUND Car Audio & Security Taking the big win here is Hayes-based installer Car Audio & Security. Set up in 2006, not only does the company have attractive and spacious showrooms and work bays, it is very active in terms of demo cars and open days. And it even distributes, supporting its own dealer network with JBL, Infinity, Clifford and Viper.

Safe and Sound in Benfleet, Essex, only opened its showroom a year ago, but it is already making waves, and has been voted top in this category. “We sell audio, security and anything electrical for the car, including tracking, diagnostics, air conditioning, you name it,” says company owner Lee Glover.

“To be recognised at this stage shows everything is moving in the right direction.”

of the year CATERHAM In-Car Systems

bob DRAKE, HUETS This year’s award went to a very modest Bob Drake, who has worked at Huets for 26 years. “While it’s nice that people have voted for me, I am part of a team here, and none of this would be possible without them,” he says. Bob has worked on many manufacturer demo cars over the years, and recent projects have included a promo vehicle for Asahi beer, complete with a keg and taps as well as the screens and audio. “We like getting the things that are a bit different,” Bob says.

Established in 1992, Caterham InCar Systems works with many local franchise dealerships in and around Surrey, such as Aston Martin, BMW and Jaguar. Audio, security, Bluetooth and window tinting are all offered, but the main push currently seems to be for vehicle tracking – with the company a certified Cobra Car Alarm and CobraTrak specialist.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 33

EVENT /// MEN EXPO ///

JAGUAR EXHIBITION HALL, RICOH ARENA

SPONSORED BY

M

ark the dates in your diary now – the next MEN Expo takes place from Tuesday, March 5-Wednesday, March 6 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. This is the 11th time that the UK’s largest in-car technology trade show will take place, where you can meet, greet, see the newest products and learn new ways to improve your business.

Here’s why you need to be there:

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS

The MEN Expo, sponsored by Kenwood, takes place in March – the biggest industry event of the year, you cannot afford to miss out!

34 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

It’s free!

That’s right, to attend the show and take full advantage of everything on offer won’t cost you a penny – just request your free of charge Expo ticket online at www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu. Or call the ticket hotline on 01268 754897.

Fantastic after party In addition to the free entry, how about a night of free beer, food, a DJ and show girls as part of a Las-Vegas-themed after party? This will be taking place at one of the UK’s largest casinos, and we’ll be

Book you! r standthe show?

at Want to exhibit lling fast! se is e Spac ll To book yours, ca on Kevin Hogg 01268 754897

Conference programme Education and training are also a key aspect of every MEN Expo, with a conference programme allowing delegates to gather, enhance and develop their knowledge on essential industry topics – these are organised and presented by key players in the industry, and are free to attend during the Expo. To keep your business at the forefront and learn the best ways to promote, publicise and gain maximum exposure, we will be hosting sales and marketing workshops, permitting visitors the chance to improve their skills, learning from the best in the industry.

Some of the topics to be addressed at the next show will include:

Digital radio update A switchover date is expected to be announced in 2013 – will that mean an increase in cars requiring digital radio installation? Here’s what you need to know. products, gather information right from the source, and compare with whoever is on the next stand. For the best market overview, can you really afford to miss out?

How to add to your business What are the best ways to supplement your current product range? How to maximise your profit and expand every sale.

Recharge your enthusiasm

providing free gaming – or if you’re wanting to gamble with real money, then take advantage of the many games tables on offer!

All-new products Want to know what will be hitting the market in the months following the Expo? Discover the hottest, most profitable products, from the latest car audio to parking sensors and phone kits. By the time the competition reads about these new items or sees them somewhere else, you may have already cornered the market.

The most exhibitors The MEN Expo is the biggest gathering of all the big names in the industry under one roof. It’s the only opportunity to sample new

Rediscover why you got into this industry in the first place. As well as companies and suppliers, you can meet up with colleagues and old friends, swapping numerous tips and insider information over a cold beer.

It is sure to leave you enthused for when you head back to work.

Education and training are also a key aspect of every MEN Expo

HR issues Ways to create a more professional and determined sales force. Also, how should you go about training and developing staff?

Going mobile Need to take your workshop on the road? Will this help you assist more customers? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY What are the emerging trends and what should you be investing in? How to find out more and prepare your business.

The industry’s favourite Many companies who have attended previous shows have said it’s an essential tool to enhancing their business. In fact, some businesses attribute many of their success stories for the rest of the year to MEN Expo – forging essential relationships, meeting new suppliers and developing knowledge. www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 35

AVH 8400BT

Award winning Double DIN ► 7" VGA touchscreen ► Radio/CD/DVD/MP3/WMA/AAC ► Bluetooth handsfree ► Bluetooth music streaming ►iPod / iPhone App control mode ►2 rear USB & rear Aux in ►SD card playback ► Variable illumination ► 2 video in / out

9949

£336.92

Award winning Single DIN CDX GT260/264MP

DEH 1400 / 1420 UB

KDC 3054 UR/G

► Front Aux in ► Red or green illumination ► Pre-out

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9888 / 9772

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CDX DAB700 U

KIV 700

► iPod / iPhone ► Bluetooth music streaming ► Front USB & Aux in

36 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

9747 / 9749

► Mechless ► iPod / iPhone ► Bluetooth music streaming ► iPod tray ► EQ7 ► USB front & rear

► iPod / iPhone control ► Front USB & Aux in ► DAB antenna inc.

10028

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 37

PRODUCT FOCUS /// PORTABLE SATNAV ///

Take it with you

Portable satnav products, whether advantages, and could be the very

RRP9 £29

RRP9 £16

RRP £79 Snooper

Bury

Mio

The new Snooper ProSound DB8500 is being hailed as an industry first. Featuring a 7 inch touchscreen, the device offers Navteq mapping, multi-route technology, My Speed speed limitation, and can even be loaded up with truck- or camper-and-caravan-specific navigation. UK mapping is £299, or with EU mapping it’s £329. But what makes this product a little different is that it has Bluetooth, a DVB-T TV-tuner, and a built-in digital radio, as well as FM. Navigation is given a boost by TMC traffic info, with a New Map guarantee ensuring you always have the latest version.

CEL Trade 0116 244 9846, www.celtrade.com

Bury Technologies’ System 8 handsfree car kit (£79) and System 9 active charging system (£47) both offer universal cradles, which are the perfect solution for making the most of your smartphone applications. In addition to intelligent charging (using interchangeable charging leads), external antenna connection and holding the device securely in the vehicle, the cradles can be rotated through 180 degrees, allowing smartphones to be displayed in either portrait or landscape mode – perfect for running your satnav application.

Bury UK 01489 881118, www.bury.uk.com

Mio announced six new in-car satnav products back in August – two new Mio Spirit models, and four for Mio Moov. The Mio Spirit 697 LM (£169) and 695 LM (£119) both have a 5 inch display, with Lifetime Map Updates all free of charge, and a new ‘Find My Car’ feature, to help look for a vehicle in a busy car park. Choose the fastest, shortest, easiest or most economical route, and the 697 LM features Bluetooth handsfree and voice entry. The Moov 410 (£69), 413 LM (£89), 610 (£79) and 613 LM (£99) are budget options, with either 4.3 or 5 inch screens, while the ‘LM’ tag denotes Lifetime Maps, so users can update here for free a maximum of four times a year. www.eu.mio.com

A

ccording to research carried out by manufacturer TomTom, the Portable Navigation Device (PND) is the preferred form of navigation for British drivers. It’s perhaps not something the installer wants to hear – after all, a portable device leaves little to actually install, while some may tell you that the margins available on such products are too low.

But if you’re not stocking these items, are you dissuading potential customers from entering your shop? TomTom puts the appeal down to two main things. First, it claims a growing replacement market, with customers who first purchase three-four years ago coming back for a newer model.

Then there is growing innovation from manufacturers, which speeds up that replacement purchase, and the brand also points out that when people first pass their driving test it is one of the things they look for – so a product to aim at younger drivers perhaps.

Pushing this last point is the fact that there is a growing number of these devices with social networking facilities – allowing you to Tweet your destination to your followers with an estimated arrival time, for example, or you can compare hotel prices or access restaurant reviews.

38 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Features like Bluetooth and voice commands are also becoming available lower down the price bracket, while at the higher end we are starting to see DVB-T tuners or digital radio. And while there is a growing number of smartphone users looking to load mapping software to their device and use this as their navigation system, there is no beating the larger screen of a dedicated product. These systems are relatively cheaper than smartphones too, meaning customers can potentially own a navigation system for less than £100.

There are advantages. And retailers can find many reasons to push the sale – some customers will not want an integrated system, and others will want to be able to move a device from one car to another.

But while this is the core sale, remember to keep pushing the potential add-ons, such as handsfree kits, mounting brackets, or devices that could send the audio through the car’s speakers, even if the device itself does not become an integrated solution. Or if they come into to look at a PND, show them what can be done with an in-dash set-up instead. In terms of using this to your advantage and making a sale, it’s simply about finding your way.

dedicated or smartphone-based, allow users a number of solution they are looking for

RRP9 £16

RRP9 £18

RRP9 £16

Garmin

TomTom

Navigon

Garmin had something of a line revamp a while back – splitting its range into three distinct tiers called Essential, Advanced and Prestige.

The Essential bracket comprises the nuvi 30, 40 and 50 models, priced from £79-£99, and featuring 3.5, 4.3 and 5 inch screens. This is navigation at its most basic, with turn-by-turn instructions, spoken street names and so on.

The Advanced bracket ranges from £129£259, and offers nuvi models with 4.3 or 5 inch touchscreens. These benefit from features like Lane Assist, PhotoReal junction view, and ecoRoute fuel saver technology.

Bluetooth handsfree calling is available on some models, and what makes the price vary further is the mapping package you opt for. The £259 nuvi 2585TV model adds TV, video, music and recording capabilities.

Also look for the nuvi LIVE 2390 and 2430 models, with either Western European or full Europe maps, Bluetooth, and a ‘live’ function, whereby it’s possible to receive traffic updates by connecting a smartphone.

The Premium models, from £239-£279, have 4.3 or 5 inch touchscreens, then traffic alerts, 3D mapping info updates and more via a smartphone connection.

Prices will vary according to the option chosen for map updates. www.garmin.com

The big releases for TomTom recently kicked off with the Start 60 (£169), with a 6 inch screen – the biggest yet from the brand.

Features such as Parking Assist help users to find a car park at their destination, and the device is pre-loaded with maps for 45 countries across Europe. Or the Via 130 (£129) has a ‘Speak & Go’ function, allowing users to say an address out loud, or a command like “Take me home.” It also has Bluetooth to enable handsfree phone calls.

But if you would rather use a smartphone instead of a dedicated device, TomTom has solutions here too, with navigation software now available for both Apple and Android devices (prices vary). Pair either with the TomTom Hands Free Car Kit (£79) for a more integrated solution.

The TomTom Go for Camper and Caravan was also launched this year, with a 5 inch screen, that takes into account the size, weight and speed of the vehicle. It also offers ‘live’ traffic updates across Europe, as well as hotel and shopping info via Google. www.tomtom.com

Navigon was purchased by Garmin recently, so it will be interesting to see if any of the former’s products are influenced by the know-how of its new owners. Kicking things off is Navigon Easy, which is the most basic product range, with either 3.5 or 4.3 inch screens. The models that fall under Navigon

RRP9 £12

Navigon Premium adds Bluetooth and 3D mapping, with traffic and weather updates, and more Plus add features like an interactive Motion Sensor, allowing users to navigate almost contact free, while Reality View Pro and Active Lane Assistant will also prove useful. This series bumps the screen size up to 5 inches.

Navigon Premium adds Bluetooth and 3D mapping, with traffic and weather updates, and more (Navigon 70 Plus Live model shown). And if users would like to use Navigon software and features on their phone, this is available for Windows Mobile, iPhone and Android systems. www.navigon.com

RRP £30

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 39

PRODUCT FOCUS /// HIGH-END AMPS ///

Absolute power Time to pull out the big guns – Chris Anderson looks at the more expensive end of the amplifier market

N

ot so long ago, we looked at the budget end of the market for amplifiers, with some surprising results. Around £100 is all a customer needs these days to get a simple fourchannel to run their system, and while it may not be the true audiophile experience that some of the models in this feature are capable of, it is definitely a cut above what the car will have as standard. And highly efficient Class A/B circuitry, once preserved for the high-end models, has also started to filter down.

But naturally, those aren’t the products you would ideally like your customers to leave the showroom or workshop with.

If they can be encouraged, spending more is going to get lots more power, potentially a five-channel amp to run all of their speakers and a subwoofer, plus plenty of technical wizardry to ensure that every scrap of that power is going to deliver clean, punchy and interferencefree sound at every possible moment.

Some manufacturers tend to combine different types of circuitry for the best performance, while other new features add greater flexibility.

Like the budget amplifiers, these higher end models are also getting smaller, so are a lot easier to install. So if your customers are after the biggest and best possible gains in power, this is what the market is currently offering.

40 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

RRP9 £79

Blaupunkt Blaupunkt’s solution when it comes to high-end amplifiers is the new GTA DSP series (GTA 470 DSP four-channel pictured).

This product line is built with a newly developed and sophisticated circuit board layout, while the housing has been reduced by 25% compared to previous models, making for an easier installation. There are individual gain controls, with a subsonic filter for front, rear and subwoofer, plus 840W total output in two-channel mode.

Autosound 01274 685411, www.blaupunktdirect.co.uk

RRP9 £23

Clarion This XC6410 features a sleek, simple design, but promises 600W of total output. A four-channel model, bridgeable into two channels, it features a MOSFET power supply and Class D circuitry. Easy subwoofer system configuration is possible thanks to the embedded high- and low-pass filters. Other features include 2 ohm stability, independent front and rear bass extender controls, and soft turn-on and turn-off circuitry. It looks pretty rugged too in that metal casing.

Clarion 01793 859560, www.clarion.com/gb

Audison The amplifier shown here is a 2012/13 EISA Award winner – voted by technology buffs from across Europe as the best on the market. In fact, the four-channel Quattro is from Italian manufacturer Audison’s Voce range, which features a number of other models, originally built to complement its Voce speakers. This can work in four-, three- and two-channel mode, offering 800W RMS total. Designed to handle complex configurations, it features onboard 24 dB per octave crossovers.

Four 0800 652 5125, www.fourcars.co.uk

RRP9 £34

Reacts to your voice

NEW now: Unlimited music enjoyment – thanks to the direct playback of music1 and an integrated 30 Watt digital amplifier Battery charging function for your mobile phone – guarantees unlimited talk time in your car

CC 9068 Voice-controlled Bluetooth® hands-free device with Touchscreen and battery charge function for your mobile phone DialogPlus voice control – extremely accurate, rapid reaction word recognition without voice training and with visual and acoustic user support Multipoint function – connect two mobile phones with the system simultaneously Text-to-speech2 – reads out text messages, Blackberry e-mails and phone book entries aloud Voice Dialling Magic word – activation of the voice control with a single voice command

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

1 2

www.bury.com/uk www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 41

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42CAS www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu Prices for Trade Account Holders only. Delivery charges extra. Prices Valid until 31/08/2012. All prices exclude VAT @20%. E.& O.E. Car Audio & Security Ltd, Units 6A-6B Bilton Way, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 3NF.

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 43

PRODUCT FOCUS /// HIGH-END AMPS ///

JL Audio

RRP9 £49

JL Audio is celebrating the arrival of its latest amplifiers by housing them in a fetching black heatsink. This 600/1v3 model is a monoblock rated at 600W, with efficient Class D circuitry, patented control circuit, and JL Audio’s patented RIPS (Regulated Intelligent Power Supply) technology. There are a number of signal processing features too, including a parametric bass EQ and a fully variable infrasonic filter. The jagged casing and end caps complete the aggressive looks.

Celsus 01202 664390, www.celsusice.co.uk

Focal Known for its high-end speakers, Focal’s Power Symmetric amplifier range is just as impressive, featuring monoblock, two-channel and four-channel models. Each has some clever design features, such as embedded double-sided PCBs to help reduce amplifier size, controlled air flow, anti-vibration pads and more. The FPS 4160 shown has Class A/B circuitry, 2 ohm stability, high-, low- and bandpass crossovers, with 4 x 120W RMS output and a separate bass remote.

Armour Auto 01420 487110, www.armourauto.com

RRP9 £54

RRP9 £54 Kicker

Hertz Hertz has pushed up the power and decreased the size, with this HDP 5 five-channel amplifier more compact than might initially be expected, considering what it can do. Offering a total output of 950W, and with Class D circuitry, the amp features a thermally optimised heatsink, it will accept direct inputs from the speaker outputs of a factory system, has automatic remote turn-on/turn-off, and onboard filters/crossovers with selectable 12dB or 24dB per octave slopes.

Four 0800 652 5125, www.fourcars.co.uk

44 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

The IX range of amps are said to be Kicker’s best-sounding and best-designed models, with high-efficiency Class D circuitry and a choice of five variations. Incredibly, they have a heatsink less than 10 inches long, making them not only powerful, clear and dependable, but versatile enough to fit almost anywhere. This IX500.4 model tops the series with 1 x 500W + 4 x 125W, KickEQ Boost, variable high- and low-pass crossovers, and advanced protection circuitry.

Armour Auto 01420 487110, www.armourauto.com

RRP9 £45

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Prices exclude VAT and delivery Errors and Omissions excepted www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 45

PRODUCT FOCUS /// HIGH-END AMPS ///

RRP9 £87

Pioneer Pioneer’s Reference Series was in the news last month, when it was announced that Four would be taking over the distribution of the brand’s high-end gear. The RS-A99 amplifier is one to look out for, offering 4 x 100W or 2 x 300W maximum output, with such features as a Super High Voltage signal input, reducing noise, Total Vibration Control, to prevent interference from moving parts, and a high-performance circuit allowing for a stable power supply. Very impressive stuff.

Four 0800 652 5125, www.fourcars.co.uk

Phoenix Gold Phoenix Gold has spent years creating amplifiers, and its Ti models are the showcase for everything its engineers have learned. There are five models – the Ti600.4, Ti800.4, Ti1500.1, Ti1600.5 and Ti2500.1 – and each is very generous in terms of power. The Ti1600.5, pictured, for example, is a five-channel rated at 1,600W total. It also has Class A/B circuitry for front/rear speakers, with Class D for the subwoofer, plus bass boost and adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers.

Celsus 01202 664390, www.celsusice.co.uk

RRP9 £71

Rockford Fosgate US brand Rockford has a number of options when looking to spend obscene amounts on an amp. In the Punch range is the P1000X5D (£719), a full-range Class D five-channel rated at 1,000W, perfect for running an entire system. Or try the P1000X1D, for the same power and price, but this time as a full-range mono amp, with on-board Punch Bass for low-frequency ‘boom’. Or the T1000-4ad fourchannel at £999 offers the sound quality of Class A and efficiency of Class D for amazing results, again with a total output of 1,000W. Vestatec 0208 867 2340, www.vestatec.co.uk

46 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

RRP £TBC

Vibe The Vibe Space amplifiers are small, but built with an audiophile sound quality in mind. The range consists of monoblock amps, each with Class D circuitry, and an all-new heatsink that is said to deliver twice the power of previous Space models from a much smaller size. With a classic piano black finish, adjustable 12dB per octave high-pass, low-pass and subsonic filters, the Space Bass 1 is typical of the line, with 1,000W maximum output and a remote gain control.

Midbass 0121 311 9090, www.vibeaudio.co.uk

RRP9 £34

EVENT /// ICE AWARDS 2012 ///

The annual MEN Awards

barte d boys cele The Kenwoo outfit’ id ro nd an ‘A not wearing

Chris Anders look relieve on and Chorlotte Bod y d to be at th e bar

Laurence Harrison shares ‘D Love’...

ur to the evening

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Gary Kirby proud sponsors of the ICE Awards

The girls from

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A good night for Pionee

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 47

OPINION /// ANDY MILLS ///

Did you talk to me?

How well did mobile electronics companies do in telling Andy Mills about their products over the last few months?

Andy MIlls is a former editor of MEN and industry journalist

In case you didn’t read, or don’t remember, a few issues back, I raised the point that this industry isn’t particularly great at reaching potential customers.

And I mean people like me – a dedicated thirtysomething car enthusiast who might be persuaded to part with money for auto-related goodies. Surely, I wagered, people like me, and those that may know even less about mobile electronics, are a sector of the population worth targeting.

Over the past month or so I’ve gone about my business as normal, noting down any time that mobile electronics have entered my world via whatever media source, and the results have been interesting. First of all there was Facebook, and here at least there are plenty of companies who appear to be on the ball – Huets posted a digital radio offer, there was an MTX sub power video, a Liverpool-FC-admiring dealer from Skipton posting its recent installations… I even ended up following a link from Alpine to try and win a double DIN head unit in a movie tie-in competition.

Clearly there’s one big problem, though. Unless

Manufacturers expect dealers to communicate with the public, while dealers expect manufacturers to do it

Contact Andy on millsymax@hotmail.com 48 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

I have made a company a ‘friend’ or hit the ‘like’ button on its page, then none of this would have reached me… unless other friends have shared it and it’s appeared in my news feed that way.

I’ve liked or befriended mobile electronics companies because I’ve worked in the arena and am interested in it, plus some of the people behind them are mates. Unless it’s a cool enough post for me or others to ‘share’, then you’re only really reaching the same people as always, a bit like advertising car stereos in car magazines. How would my mate who bought an M5 and wanted to know about rear screen entertainment options see it?

I’m pretty sure he’s never liked a mobile electronics page, and he’s not even on Facebook much.

Putting a picture of a rear screen up and hoping people will share it wouldn’t be enough.

A funny or cool video with that rear screen in might have ended up on his news feed, though… because I would have shared it.

Outside of social media, the only time car audio companies have reached my world was when a free local paper was put through my door. I hadn’t seen this one before and had a scan through it, noticing RDS Autos in Basildon promoting air conditioning re-gassing. Pretty cool stuff, and perhaps proof that old school advertising still works.

But after two months, that was about all that stumbled into my path. Other promotions or companies within the industry may have entered my world, but I didn’t notice them and actually, being hard-headed, it’s not my place as a potential consumer to have to work trying to notice stuff. It’s your job as an industry to make me notice.

And here lies a problem. A person from this industry whom I have great respect for pointed out the continued conflict that bubbles under the surface between dealers and manufacturers.

His 20-years-plus experience has shown time and again that there’s a discord; manufacturers expect dealers to communicate with the public, while dealers expect manufacturers to do it. So nothing happens.

Both manufacturers and dealers may find it easy to talk with existing customers, or as this person suggested, the perceived customers, so the young lads into big audio that helped the industry boom in the halcyon days of the ’90s and ’00s. That market has all but gone now, so why would dealers or manufacturers still concentrate on it?

With so many ways to target who your message reaches now, it’s probably easier than ever to experiment with new things or use non-automotiverelated channels and that’s what needs to happen.

What isn’t so easy is guaranteeing success. Ten years ago you could have put an advert for a new subwoofer in Max Power (whether a manufacturer or dealer) and that probably was enough. Now, you could put an advert in every car magazine on the market, and it wouldn’t have the same effect. And who’s going to pay for the adverts anyway?

Dealers and manufacturers need to work together to figure out where their combined target markets are now, and thrash out ways of reaching them… and decide who pays for it. Sometimes it won’t cost anything, relying more on creative thinking.

So, people like me might be an audience you want to target and turn into a customer. If we’re not calling you up or walking into your store though, the likelihood is we either don’t know or don’t care enough about what you do. And that’s not going to change unless you take action – either working with manufacturers or doing it alone.

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Live pricing and online ordering at www.celtrade.com Prices exclude VAT and delivery Credit card payments will be subject to a 2% surcharge Errors and Omissions excepted www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 49

REVIEW /// CLARION NX302E ///

T

here have been all sorts of products for cars playing all kinds of music formats over the years, from cassette and CD to MiniDisc and DAT. And now we are seeing the rise of the ‘mechless’ head unit, sold on its usage with iPods and USB drives, as well as its full fat, super-potent navigation skills. Enter Clarion’s NX302E…

What’s it like?

A double DIN head unit, it weighs less than many similar items, for there is no DVD or

50 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

EN

EN RECOMM

N R EC O M M • ME

This issue, Adam Rayner looks at the newest big player in the no-mechanism double DIN market from Clarion

T• M

DED PRODUCT EN

No moving parts!

DED PRODUC

How well does it work?

CD disc-spinning platter inside. The chassis is the same as the units that still have one though, and so has the cut-outs in the chassis panel at the back where a fan might be fitted, whirring away. But no fan here – just space!

It’s solid state electronics, and looks like a smooth double DIN TV screen in the dash – just a single knob and very few switches.

Almost everything is done via the touchscreen, which while not being all whizzy and capacitive like an Apple one is still fast and responds quickly.

The Graphic User Interface (GUI) is typically Clarion. It’s beautiful, clear, easy to understand and far more idiot-proof than some other big Japanese makers’ systems. You’ll still have to teach the owner a couple of things about how to use it, mind.

But the NX302E is a doozy for the extra sale.

You can add an external microphone for better clarity on calls; you can add a reversing camera; and there is a single RCA output that does have a nice clean full range signal meant for use as a subwoofer feed to augment the top-power chip amp on board. Mind you, with a dedicated fatter power wire, the sheer space inside the NX302E, coupled with the new bonkers Class G and H amplifiers around, means that one day we could see a true 4 x 100W head unit.

You get a GPS antenna on a long wire and you get a red/white/yellow RCA to 3.5mm jack plug included with the unit – so you can fit, say, a video camera’s analogue output into it via the Aux in on the front. You’ll need a separate adaptor lead to play video from the iPod though, but if you have readable video files on a simple USB stick, it’ll just play these. And since the viewing angle of the screen is excellent, a front seat passenger can happily enjoy a film.

I played both iPod and a Sandisk 8GB USB ‘bean’ in turn via the USB cord and plugged an amplifier into the RCA out. I stuck the GPS aerial in the window of the office and it grabbed the sky in seconds flat, showing me maps that are Navteq in origin, and has a monster Points of Interest (POI) database associated. The GIGO law is at work though, as it proudly tells me of the McDonalds I apparently have closer than the chippy at the top of my street. It isn’t at number 43 Acacia Avenue, honest!

But the NX302E is fast and runs rings around any unit you will stick to a dash top. The micro SD slot in the front has an 8GB slice in it, which holds the maps, and I gather you can buy into all sorts of extras for your nav system by going to clarion.naviextras.com.

Why stock it?

It has all the luxury real estate feel of the far more expensive machines, but for a slice less, and if you were the sort who never ever changed your CDs in the changer, this is just the device. It gives all the power and more of the very best OE navigation, but for around a third of the price. I would sell it based on that. The magic purple wire… it has a genuine speed pulse as well as GPS. This makes it a brute versus any add-on ciggy lighter power device, and the POI list is in the millions, with easy updates for a few Euros.

By the time you have sold the customer a reversing camera or added an underseat subwoofer, the unit can serve as a delicious extras-for-later sale opportunity. It would have been nice to see the socket for the new digital radio add-on from the brand, but then the price has been kept down.

Of course, a top brand with the longest history in in-car multimedia, the Clarion NX302E is going to be an easier sale than many. Bang up to the minute with upgradeability too.

Clarion 01793 859560, RRP £499, plus fitting (varies according to vehicle) www.clarion.com/gb

Ratings Ease of use Installation Performance Value Overall A large touchy-feely screen on a potent better-than-OE navigator, also with movie and iPod/iPhone compatibility

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 51

ADVERTORIAL /// ARMOUR AUTOMOTIVE ///

Inside

Shaun Findley, technical director at Armour Automotive, reveals the secrets behind the company’s award-winning iO brand

I

t was fantastic, and very gratefully received,” says Shaun Findley, technical director of Armour Automotive, of the iO Play2 winning the Editor’s Choice category at the MEN Awards last month. “Hopefully this will be the first of many awards for the iO G2 products.”

The history of the iO brand – which stands for ‘innovation onboard’ – dates back to 2006, starting with a simple integration amplifier called the iO Connect, which developed into a Bluetooth music streaming and handsfree solution called iO Play.

Alongside this, Armour had developed an entry-level solution called iO Talk, which satisfied the basic market demand as a two-speaker Bluetooth car kit. “Both products were very successful and firmly established the brand,” Shaun recalls. “However, we did recognise a demand from our customers for the products to have enhanced functionality, increased audio quality and a display.”

As a result, Armour took the decision to create from the ground up – in the UK – the iO G2 (Generation 2) product lines, with iO Play2 and iO Talk2. Keeping all of the research and development in-house for these lines was important to Armour, and Shaun reveals that there has been an investment of £1.5 million in iO’s development so far.

In order to achieve their high level of design and development goals in sound quality and functionality, Shaun explains how Armour selected two key partners – CSR (Cambridge Silicone Radio, the manufacturer of the Bluecore 5 chip) and CCL (Cambridge Consultants) – who both offer valuable experience. “We have a dedicated R&D team

52 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

behind these products,” he says, “and each is an expert in their field. Having them all here means we can react quickly in terms of development or software updates.”

With the design, research and development process firmly grounded in the UK, and hands-

For future products, we’ll look at Wi-Fi, digital radio, and better integration for smartphones on production management in the Far East, the new iO Play2 and iO Talk2 are truly Armour products. “Many of the advanced features of the G2 products are common between both models,” says Shaun. “They both include the high contrast OLED display, A2DP music streaming capability, powerful Class D amplifiers, and can pair and control two phones simultaneously.”

Shaun’s team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the audio quality is of the highest possible

standard using CVC Echo cancellation and the ability to tailor audio to various vehicle body types.

And with iO Play2 geared around music listening, it takes everything common to both products and adds a number of unique and useful features, such as Made for iPod/iPhone wired connectivity and a clever way to navigate music libraries. “It’s called iO Zoom,” says Shaun, “and basically it breaks your album or song lists into easier to find chunks, skipping to whatever you want in one click. If you have a very big music collection, it makes accessing things much faster.”

With 180W of power, the amplification on the iO Play2 caters perfectly for music playing needs. Shaun describes it as at least as powerful as the amp in a head unit, and extremely efficient due to the heatsink used.

There are other features that Shaun is particularly proud of too. “Play2 has a reverse input to reinstate parking sensor tones without the need for external interfaces,” he says. “Both products have also been developed with the installer in mind, so there are cable tie loops on the casing, icons to show what goes where, and we’ve got latching terminals, so the microphone and controller cables don’t fall out, as well as over-moulded harnesses. The whole thing is USB updateable too. In fact, we have just released our first software update, adding more menu shortcuts and greater smartphone compatibility.”

But the iO story does not stop there, and since its launch Armour has created a range of stalk/steering wheel control adaptors specifically designed to control both products.

The fact that one of iO’s sister brands under Armour is Autoleads – providing the largest range of SOT leads for the handsfree market – means development is even easier.

It all makes Shaun very confident about the future. “We are embracing wireless technology,” he says, “so for future products we’ll be looking at Wi-Fi, digital radio, NFC (Near Field Communication), and better integration for smartphones or tablet PCs, maybe using one as the display. We have lots of ideas.”

For now though, Shaun and the rest of Armour have a chance to reflect on their good work and enjoy their awards success. It’s nice to think the term ‘Made in UK’ is alive and well, and all down to a company from Bordon, Hampshire.

More info from Armour Auto on 01420 487110, www.armourauto.com.

Also see www.my-io.com

The iO Play2 and Talk2 make up the current range

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 53

FEATURE /// SOLVING PROBLEMS ///

No problems, only solutions The mobile electronics aftermarket has always been about offering solutions to problems, but do you know what the problems are?

H

ave you ever wondered what you’ll be selling in 10 years’ time? Or maybe 20 years’ time? Digital radio is very much a talking point and source of hope for many in the industry at the moment, but is that really going to be what will keep your business going in 2020?

Offering aftermarket head units was big business in the ’80s and ’90s thanks to the problem of manufacturers either not fitting them or fitting units with low functionality and quality. In the more recent past, Bluetooth phone kits, parking sensors and navigation devices have been successful, again because they were often not standard OE equipment yet were highly desirable and useful.

Digital radio solutions may take off if or when the switchover comes, but there are other issues likely to give car drivers grief in the future. And these problems could provide opportunities for the aftermarket.

Globally, the number of cars in the world is expected to treble by 2050 to around 2.2 billion, with an increasing number of people living in cities. The problem this brings is traffic and increased pollution – and depending on who you talk to, the solutions to this imminent threat of congestion will vary. One thing is common to all, however, and that’s the use of electric-powered vehicles.

54 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Perhaps the opportunity here will lie in dealing with the small, lightweight electric scooters or micro cars that are envisioned in European Commission white papers for the year 2050 (where incidentally they aim to make all European cities clear of any fossil-fuelled vehicles). Or perhaps it will be around the carto-car and car-to-infrastructure electronics that many car makers and organisations believe will be the key to free-flowing traffic in the European

Solutions to problems, whether people realise it’s a problem or not, are the backbone of all the best businesses cities of the future. Either way, these are areas that could enter the remit of the mobile electronics aftermarket.

But 2050 is a long way away, so what can be done before that? Systems that automatically apply hard braking if they detect an imminent collision, nudge steering if they detect the car drifting across lanes or help cars to park themselves could be opportunities.

These technologies exist already and are essentially based on sensors and sophisticated

computing, things that mobile electronics fitters are in the best position to get to grips with should aftermarket kits become available.

It’s worth noting that these features are also considered to be part of the solution to future congestion, helping to reduce the amount of traffic caused through incidents, so may end up being standard equipment for all new cars one day – making them more desirable in the aftermarket as a result.

But another problem facing the country is the ageing population. It may seem a little unfair to call this a problem, but one thing to consider is that many may need to work for longer yet will suffer from decreased mobility.

There isn’t a ‘plug and play’ solution to this, but as dealers in the automotive world it’s worth keeping an eye out for aftermarket developments that can help older drivers.

Perhaps electric telescopic seat cushions that ease the entrance and exit to the vehicle will appear, or even something as simple as large font updates for vehicle interfaces. And even if it’s not electronic, it’s still a potential moneymaker for your store.

Then there are the problems now that people may not even realise they’re suffering from. Smartphones are something that nearly everyone is familiar with, and the ease of use and functionality of Apple products is no doubt the envy of many an electronics manufacturer. Users are so familiar with these products, and they’re willing to spend good money on them, so it makes sense that the ability to mirror smartphones on a car’s dashboard would be appealing.

MirrorLink, a technology from the Car Connectivity Consortium that was established in February 2011, does just that and already the likes of Alpine, Sony and JVC have looked to introduce head units with this feature included. Certainly this is a technology worth keeping tabs on, and a potential ‘problem solver’ for smartphone-obsessed drivers.

By no means is this a comprehensive overview of the problems facing drivers now and in the future, but it could serve as an example of how looking at the bigger picture can put your business in the position to be a source of solutions. And solutions to problems, whether people realise it’s a problem or not, are fundamentally what form the backbone of all the best businesses.

Not easy to trawl through books for the right information? Enter the internet and Google searches. Want to travel further in less time?

Enter the automobile. Want to see what your friends are up to without having to talk to them? Enter Facebook. And who knew they wanted to be able to buy £3 cups of coffee at every street corner until Starbucks pointed it out? Here’s to the future...

Parksafe Automotive would like to wish all Exisiting & New Customers

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NEWS /// PRODUCT /// PIONEER

Champion Pioneer Brand launches new lightweight, powerful speakers and subs This month Pioneer launches its TS-A Series speakers and the Champion Series subwoofers, matching powerful sounds with a solid build. The speaker range includes two two-way component systems, two sets of three-way coaxials, and three variations of 6x9s, each using a lightweight woofer cone and diaphragm. The cones are said to be very rigid too, while a revised magnetic circuit in the 6x9s is designed to give more power and volume than previous models. The subwoofers, meanwhile, come in single and dual voice coil configurations, and 10 and 12 inch sizes. The cones are made from an IMPP composite reinforced with Abaca fibre, said to offer lightness and volume.

Pioneer 01753 789789, www.pioneer.co.uk

BLAUPUNKT

C-KO

City slicker

Sell more sensors

Blaupunkt has just launched the Detroit 2024 CD-tuner head unit, rated at 24V and set to become a niche product in this category. This single DIN item has a CD drive with dust protection and shockproof memory, plus Bluetooth and a built-in mic for handsfree phone calls. There is also a connection at the back for an additional mic if needed. Other features include slots for USB and SD cards, also Aux in. Said to be perfect for trucks or farm vehicles, the unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggested retail price is ÂŁ199.

Autosound 01274 685411, www.blaupunktdirect.co.uk

New point of sale material is now available from C-KO to help retailers sell more of its parking sensor kits. The company is supplying counter-top stands, which can house leaflets spelling out the benefits of its parking sensors and rear view cameras, with an accurate depiction of the sensor size, to give customers a better idea of what will be fitted to their car. To find out more, and get some of this material, contact C-KO. C-KO 0208 863 8333, www.c-ko.co.uk

ARMOUR AUTOMOTIVE

Autoleads arrivals TELL US YOUR NEWS!

If you have company developments or product news, email information and hi-res images (300dpi) to: chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

56 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

These new accessories from Autoleads will help solve a few tricky installation issues. The TechConnect range, for example, has been created for the simple connection of two devices, whether they be USB, 30-pin iPod/iPhone, 3.5mm, mini USB or phono. Variants come as straight leads, coiled cable or retractable, and this month sees the straight and retractable solutions for micro USB released. The latter has a dual function, also catering for iPod/iPhone. Then there is the AL-PHONECK charging kit (shown), which will

charge almost any device on the move. Installed via an ISO connection, this 3A smartphone/tablet charger kit suits most phones, and also iPads (2.1A), iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3.

Armour Automotive 01420 487110, www.armourauto.com

PPA

LASERLINE

Perfect fit PPA Distribution is now stocking MB Quart’s range of vehicle-specific speakers for BMW and VW owners.

As ever, the idea here is the ability to upgrade the sounds in the car without making changes to the interior. For car audio installers it can also represent a new line of business, and the ability to work with their local VW or BMW dealer. MB Quart has always been recognised as a high quality speaker brand, and the VW and BMW lines include compact coaxials, two- and three-

Laserline launches way component systems, subwoofers, and custom-made, model-specific active subs.

PPA Distribution 0207 993 8889, info@proplusaudio.co.uk

ANTENNENSYSTEM

New DAB products Coming soon from Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg, through its UK authorised distributor AntennenSystem UK, are three new exciting DAB products – an interior active-amplified-on-glass antenna, an exterior active-through-glass antenna, and, following the successful DAB splitter/ amplifier (dubbed ‘matchbox’ by the trade), a new separate splitter with remote amplifier.

This will enable the installer to split the

AM/FM and DAB at the antenna end, and amplify at the head unit end, effectively negating cable losses for maximum performance. Nigel Moore, managing director of AntennenSystem UK, said: “We expect these new products to launch in December or January, enhancing the antenna solutions that the company offers.”

AntennenSystem UK 01299 406078, www.antennensystem.com

TRACKER

Rural campaign targets car thieves Tracker and Crimestoppers have teamed up to launch a new campaign targeting the theft of plant and agricultural machinery in rural areas. Apparently, £50-£70 millionworth of this machinery is stolen every year, with thieves taking advantage of poor lighting and limited surveillance, and only 5% is ever recovered. Both Crimestoppers and Tracker will be touring agricultural shows, and spreading the word on how to prevent such theft and also a potential

loss in earnings. Part of the recommended precautions is the fitting of a Tracker SVR (Stolen Vehicle Recovery) device, with insurance discounts available for those who have them. Stuart Chapman, head of Tracker’s police relationship team, said: “Installing a tracking unit is a highly effective way for farmers to safeguard their investment and livelihood.” www.tracker.co.uk, www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Laserline has just launched a trio of new Can-Bus products, including the 691T Thatcham-approved 2-1 Can-Bus upgrade alarm, replacing the 670T, with an all-new simple format, up to date vehiclespecific technical sheets and the option of a Can-Bus indicator pulse arm and disarm, and also analogue arm and disarm inputs.

The AP900C/SL900C Drive by Wire cruise unit and speed limiters, meanwhile, are unique Can-Bus systems, with simple installation, full technical support and fantastic profit opportunities, and also look for the Can-Bus wireless parking sensor kits (EPS 4009FCB and EPS 8009CB). These four-sensor front and eight-sensor front and rear kits are easy to fit, with no need to run wires throughout the car, and both feature the CANM8 Can adaptor built into the speaker/visual display, for a simple, fully integrated solution with a factory look.

Laserline 0845 2712890 or 01925 851164, www.laserlinespa.com

THATCHAM

more courses Following our look at the various industry courses available to installers last month, we have some more info for you. Thatcham, the indepedent research and data provider for the car industry, is hosting more of its New Model Awareness Courses at its Automotive Academy, mainly aimed at repairers and insurance assessors, but arguably still of use to the mobile electronics trade and those looking to expand their knowledge.

The most recent course was held at the end of November, looking at the Vauxhall Mokka and Toyota GT86. Each one-day event costs £135 plus VAT, with all attendees given a CPD certificate. Academy business manager Clare Ballard said: “As the only automotive skills provider linked to a world leading research centre, Thatcham Academy continues to support the repair community by providing unique insight into the technology which will bring challenges to bodyshops and engineers.”

Call Thatcham on the number below to find out the dates of the next courses and which vehicles will be covered.

Thatcham 01635 293174, www.thatcham.org

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 57

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 59

INSTALL GUIDE /// BMW E90 ///

HEAD UNIT SWAP Conversion of the 3-Series to double DIN is a simple task for any installer, as Martyn Williams discovers

4 The sub panel can then be removed in preparation for the larger head unit.

The new fascia kit is supplied with adaptor brackets for the new unit which allow it to be screwed into place 5 Work on the bench includes unclipping the climate control module from its original panel along with the switches. The clips tend to be rather tight here 6 The switches clip into a new subassembly within the new panel shown, replacing the original lidded tray in the centre console

T

he BMW E90 is the fifth generation of the BMW 3-Series range of compact executive cars. The car is also available as a touring (designated as E91), coupé (E92) and coupé cabriolet (E93). A high-performance BMW M3 version of the E90, E92 and E93 are also available. It is the successor to the E46 model, and was launched in March 2005.

We have concentrated on the standard audio set-up in the 3 Series, as owners with the builtin satnav unit will be less likely to change. Mounting an AV head unit in the standard audio slot is an excellent upgrade, and if the owner has a head unit with satnav, the performance can be excellent, with some units on the market including the availability of TomTom’s Live HD Traffic. If the fascia is converted on OE satnav cars, the switch panel relocation kit is not required.

GETTING STARTED The whole audio and climate control section in the dash can be removed in just a few minutes to make way for the double DIN adaption. The install is only slightly complicated by the removal of the ash/trinket tray, replaced by a new panel complete with storage space and a mounting aperture for the OE switch panel.

Both the fascia panel and the interface box and harnesses were supplied by Connects2, and it should be noted that this kit is only compatible with cars with automatic climate control. Shown here (above right) are the Antenna Adaptor CT27AA06, BMW E90 double DIN Fascia Adaptor CT23BM01 and Combined Steering Wheel Control with Reverse Sensor Interface CT23BM01, plus the CAM-BM2 reversing camera.

Also shown is the Steering Wheel Control Interface Patch lead for the Kenwood head unit CTKENWOODLEAD2.

Last but not least, the panel for adapting models with heated seats or parking sensors is the switch relocation pocket kit CT23BM01ASH. This is the kit you’ll need for the job.

60 www.mobileelectronicsnews.e

1 Head unit/fascia removal starts with levering up the top of the centre console and the gearlever boot. Both are clipped in with the boot. Only one connector plug/harness runs to the console top panel 2 Only two screws retain the OE head unit, these can be seen after removing the panel below housing the climate control and a switch assembly. Again, this is a simple levering job. Only two connectors going to the back of the climate control need to be unplugged – the switch panel wiring is integrated via a ribbon cable from the back of the climate control 3 Four black cross-head screws retain the mounting sub-panel, plus two bolts shown in the accompanying picture

7 Aftermarket head units require a permanent live feed.

Connects2 recommends direct wiring to the battery, but as it’s boot-mounted on the BMW, the easiest place to pick this up is from the fuse box behind the glovebox 8 A small diagonal cut into the top corner of each ‘ear’ of the climate control integral bracket allows the new panel to fit properly. This will not interfere with returning the car to its standard panel, and if polished it is hard to spot that anything has been changed 9 The switch panel being mounted further away from the main panel area where it used to live requires fitment of the longer ribbon cable supplied with the fascia conversion kit 10 With an AV head unit, a logical addition is Connects2’s CAM-BM2 reversing camera which neatly replaces a numberplate light.

Thanks to the Connects2 technical team for images and info.

Go to www.connects2.co.uk

www.mobileelectronicsnews.co.uk THE DIRECTORY

For as little as £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754897 or e-mail kevin.hogg@creativemedialtd.co.uk

A

Cobra UK Contact: Cobra sales T: 01932 772400 E: salesuk@cobra-at.com W: www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk Brands: Cobra has been providing tried and tested vehicle security, safety and electronic systems since the 1970s.

Our products include: Cobra Alarms and Immobilisers, Cobra ParkMaster Parking Sensors, CobraTrak Stolen Vehicle Tracking, NSV Bluetooth® Handsfree Systems (compatible with all Bluetooth® enabled handsets), VizualogicTM In-car DVD Systems, Rear View Reversing Cameras and Monitors, Cruise Control and Speed Limiters

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

Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd Contact: Keith Holness T: +44 (0) 2476 719623 E: keith.holness@alpine-electronics.co.uk W: www.alpine-electronics.co.uk Brands: Alpine

Commercial Electronics Contact: Salim Ali T: +44 208 404 7105 F: +44 208 404 7104 E: sales@hawkcaralarm.com W: www.hawkcaralarm.com, www.demonalarm.com Brands: Designed & Engineered in UK, Est. over 25 years.

OEM service available. Hawk Car Alarm, Hawk Reversing Angel, Hawk Motorcycle Alarm, Hawk GPS, Demon Car Alarm, Demon Motorcycle Alarm, Demon Reversing Angle, Demon Tracking, Cyclone Car Alarm, Cyclone Motorcycle Alarm, Cyclone Parking Sensors Kit, Cyclone Central Locking Kit, Cyclone GPS and much more...

Armour Automotive Limited Contact: Sales T: 01420 487110 E: sales@armourauto.com W: www.armourauto.com Brands: Autoleads, CTi, iO, Mutant, Radiomobile, Veba, VI, Avital, Clifford, Focal, Hornet, Kicker, Orion, Viper, Oxygen, Dension, Kinetik, Hushmat, Sony Antennentechnik Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg AG, Hermann – Petersilge – Srasse 10, 07422 Bad Blankenburg, Germany T: +49 (36741) 3690 F: +49 (36741) 36963 Email: liane.marter@antenne-ag.de

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

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

Audiovox Incaar Systems GmbH Contact: Damian Trybuszewski T: 01483 722531 E: info@audiovoxincaarsystems.com W: www.audiovoxincaarsystems.com Brands: Audiovox, Audiovox Incaar Systems, AIS Automonitor Mobile Multimedia Ltd Contact: Hugh J McTernan T: +44 (0) 116 275 2020 E: hugh@automonitor.co.uk W: www.automonitor.co.uk Brands: Automonitor, SAVV, Necvox, Baton, Rosen, Visteon, Britax and Westfalia

D

Autosound Limited Contact: Lee Fergus T: 01274 688990 E: lee.fergus@autosound.co.uk W: www.autosound.co.uk, www.blaupunktdirect.co.uk Brands: Blaupunkt, Bosch Car Multimedia, Funkwerk, Funtoro Mod Systems

C

Canm8 Ltd Contact: Colin Palmer T: 0845 226 6283 E: sales@canm8.com Brands: Canm8 range of can bus interfaces can bus custom design Celsus UK Limited Contact: Sales T: +44 (0) 1202 664390 E: sales@celsusice.co.uk W: www.celsusice.co.uk Brands: Celsus Accessories, Calearo, Antennas, Caliber, Dynamat Europe, iSimple, Jehnert, JL Audio, MediaDAB, MTX, PAC Audio, Paser, Phoenix Gold and Stinger

Dashmount Contact: Steve Taylor T: 01883 741460 E: sales@dashmount.co.uk W: www.dashmount.co.uk Brands: Dashmount, Bury, Nokia, Parrot, Adapt, Brodit, Autoleads, Elan, Kram, Park Control, Steelmate

F

CKO International Limited Contact: Tony Rook T: 020 88638333 M: 07751 726598 E: enquiries@c-ko.co.uk W: www.c-ko.co.uk Brands: C-KO, Eurologics, Nesa/VST, Necvox, Rosen Area of business: In Car Multimedia, Interfaces, Rear View Camera Systems, Parking Sensors, Heated Seats, HID/Day Running Lights, Digital Video Recorders, Digital TV, Digital Radio Clarion (GB) Limited Contact: Sales at Clarion T: +44 (0) 1793 859563 F: +44 (0) 1793 859598 E: info@clarion.co.uk W: www.clarion.co.uk Brands: Clarion

Daltec AI Ltd Contact: Jiten Patel T: 0208 515 7820 F: 0208 515 7820 E: sales@dal-tec.com W: www.dal-tec.com Brands: Distributors for Dice Ipod, Dension, Fiscon, Steelmate, Bluetooth Car Kits Including novero, THB, Bury and Nokia, Brodit, Tow-Trust, and many more. Get your full range of workshop supplies and lighting

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

Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Jeep, Subaru, Toyota, Vauxhall, VW iGRIP® / Herbert Richter GmbH Contact: Scott Bouquet Email: s.b@igrip.eu T: +44 (0) 208 144 7413 E: www.igrip.eu Brands: iGRIP, Herbet Richter.

Exclusively Available at Strax (UK) LTD

I

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

K

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

N

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

P

Panorama Antennas Ltd Contact: John Thomson T: +44 (0) 208 877 4444 E: sales@panorama-antennas.com W: www.panorama-antennas.com Brands: Manufacturer of antennas for DAB, Mobile Radio, Tetra, 3G Broadband and other wireless technologies Parksafe UK Contact: Mick Barber T: 01773 746591 F: 01773 743251 E: sales@park-safe.co.uk W: www.park-safe.co.uk Brands: Parking and Rear View camera systems Parrot UK Limited T: 0844 472 2360 E: sales.uk@parrot.com W: www.parrot.com Brands: Parrot

R

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

S

Sailes Marketing Ltd Contact: Matthew Sailes T: +44 (0) 1386 554210 E: info@sailesmarketing.com W: www.sailesmarketing.com Brands: Manufacturer and Distributor of CAN-Bus interfaces, Electronic Interfaces, Parking Sensors, Speed Pulse Generators & Installation tools Scorpion Automotive Ltd Contact: Dianne or Philly T: 01257 249928 E: info@scorpionauto.com W: www.scorpionauto.com Brands: Scorpion Security, Toad Security, Sigma Security, Stirling Security, Scorpion Parking sensors, Scorpion Track Stolen vehicle and fleet management tracking Soundmasterscotland Contact: Gordon Ballantyne T: 0141 876 1819 or 876 1919 F: 0141 881 1515 E: gordonb@soundmasterscotland.com W: soundmasterscotland.com Brands: All original OE fit car audio. Ford, BMW, Nissan-Merc. Sat Nav discs, Auto Electrics. Repairs, Decodes, Faces, Looms, Sat Nav, DVD, Amps, Subs, iPod, USB, Alarms, Alloys, Installs. Parrot approved installer. Mobile service Steelmate Automotive (UK) Ltd Contact: Kevin Kay T: 01582 475677 E: sales@steel-mate.co.uk W: www.steel-mate.co.uk Brands: TPMS, DVR. Promata – DRL, High level brake light warning device, Reverse Alarm

For less than £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754897 or email kevin.hogg@creativemedialtd.co.uk 62 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

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