Firstech Archives - Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile X1-MAX

05/28/2020 By BestCarAudio.com

In the summer of 2019, Firstech introduced a new version of its Drone vehicle telematics module called the X1-MAX. This new module took everything great about Drone vehicle tracking and remote control and injected it with a healthy dose of new-feature steroids. The result is a smartphone control solution that is unparalleled in capabilities while remaining easy to use.

The Drone Telematics Platform

Just like the Drone X1-LTE interface included with such Compustar RF kits as the P2WR3, the X1-MAX includes a built-in LTE cellular radio that communicates directly with the DroneMobile servers. The DroneMobile app on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone can control door locking and unlocking, remote start functionality and several auxiliary outputs. Additionally, Drone modules can provide GPS tracking, driver monitoring, security alerts and vehicle health monitoring functions. The unit can also be integrated with a remote start controller like the CM7000 and CM7200 from Compustar for additional features or the inclusion of an RF remote option.

Drone X1-MAX — Complete control over your vehicle is as easy a few taps on the screen of your smartphone using the DroneMobile app.

Both systems include a GPS receiver that can be used with the DroneMobile smartphone app or the web interface to locate your vehicle and provide position-based geofencing alerts. Using the GPS features requires a subscription to the Premium, Premium Plus or Ultimate service plan instead of the Basic subscription.

Of course, both units will communicate directly with Compustar, Arctic Start, FTX, ADS iDatastart and Mid City Engineering car starters to control door locks and starting functionality. Control for optional auxiliary accessories like trunk release, sliding door or power windows may also be available.

Remote start, door locking and trunk release commands can be sent through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also use the DroneMobile app with your Apple Watch or an Android Smartwatch. There’s also an iPhone Widget to make it easy to access commonly-used functions almost instantly.

The DroneMobile app includes provisions for controlling and monitoring multiple vehicles. The Family Sharing feature allows others to control the vehicle from their smartphones. Sharing is also great for businesses that use Drone. Finally, driver monitoring features like curfew alerts, geofencing, trip reporting and speeding alerts are also available.

New Drone Hardware Features

The X1-MAX separates itself from the X1-LTE with the inclusion of a built-in lithium-ion backup battery that will maintain location and control communication if the vehicle battery is disconnected or the wiring is cut. Once you get an alert that the battery is disconnected, you’ll have more than enough time to check the vehicle to see what’s going on or contact local law enforcement.

The X1-MAX includes CAN/OBD network connectivity hardware so that the module can communicate directly with the computer system in your vehicle. For example, should the ECM in the vehicle generate a Diagnostics Trouble Code (DTC), the Drone system will push that information through to your smartphone. Fuel level monitoring will also be available on many vehicles. These features are still in the final testing stages and, according to Firstech, should be available in the fall of 2020.

The X1-MAX system includes onboard security sensors for impact, glass breakage and tilt. If someone tries to jack the car up to steal your wheels, you’ll get a notification on your smartphone. Likewise, if a thief attempts to break a window, or if someone bumps into your vehicle, those conditions will also send an alert. Interestingly and conveniently, users can adjust the shock sensor sensitivity directly from the DroneMobile app. The tilt sensor also functions as an accelerometer so that warnings about abrupt acceleration or braking can be logged or sent to the phone application.

Finally, the X1-MAX includes a Bluetooth 4.2 radio. You can pair your smartphone directly to the system to control all the functions from the DroneMobile app. If you are traveling to a campsite or cottage outside of cellphone coverage range, Bluetooth ensures that you have complete control over the vehicle.

Control Your Vehicle from Almost Anywhere

Firstech recently upgraded the behind-the-scenes control system for Drone to use Amazon Web Services IoT for lightning-fast connectivity and fantastic reliability. Globally recognized companies like Formula 1, Volkswagen Group, and, of course, Amazon trust AWS IoT for their cloud-based services.

The X1-MAX is currently available for purchase exclusively in the United States.

Drone telematics systems have quickly become the industry reference for features and intuitive functionality. If you’re looking for a long-range remote control, vehicle tracking and maintenance logging solution for your car, truck or SUV, visit your local authorized Drone retailer. You can learn more about Drone by visiting their website, Facebook page, YouTube channel or Instagram. You can find a local retailer using their online dealer locator.

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

Product Spotlight: Momento M6 Dash Camera System

07/31/2017 By BestCarAudio.com

Having a dash camera installed in your vehicle is an excellent way to protect yourself from the challenges that driving presents. A video recording of dangerous driving, fraudulent behavior or accidents provides indisputable evidence when something goes wrong. A while back, we took a look at the innovative M5 dash camera system from Momento. This spotlight looks at the M5’s big brother – the Momento M6.

What’s New?

The M6 is Momento’s first dash cam that connects to your smartphone by creating a small and secure Wi-Fi hotspot inside your vehicle that only you can access through the Momento App.

In addition to giving you easy access to your video files, the Momento App also provides additional driving insights such as speed, location and trip data.

An Extra Set of Eyes On the Road

You’re a safe, responsible driver, but accidents happen: Luckily, Momento’s got you covered:

Driving Mode – Continuously records everything at the front and rear of your vehicle while driving.
Impact Sensors – Stores 15 seconds before and after any impact or shock your vehicle experiences
Parking Mode – Even when you’re parked, the M6 has motion sensors that trigger recordings.

Exceptional Low-light Sensitivity
The M6 records in Full HD, giving you crystal clear footage in 1080p. Additionally, the M6 is equipped with a Sony Exmor-R image sensor that is enhanced with STARVIS, the industry-standard for surveillance applications, ensuring low-light performance.

Massively Upgradeable Storage

The M6 includes a 32GB micro-SD card that can be upgraded to any Class 10 micro-SD card up to 256GB. That’s twice as much as our leading competitors! Plus, its easy-to-use file management system best utilizes your storage while ensuring your most important videos stay saved.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
High-capacity SD cards require specific formatting in order to work with the Momento M6.

2-Year Warranty

The M6 is protected by a 2-Year manufacturer’s Warranty. This warranty covers both front and rear cameras, and protects your purchase from defects or malfunctioning parts*.

*Does not cover labor nor installation.

Come in to see our team at Perfectionist and get your vehicle equipped with the new Momento M6 Smart Dash Cam today!

Product Spotlight: Momento M4

06/22/2017 By BestCarAudio.com

Firstech, the well-known manufacturer of the Compustar brand of remote vehicle starters and security systems, recently introduced the new Momento series of dash cameras. Having a dash cam in your vehicle is an inexpensive way to protect yourself against fraud because it can assist in settling disputes in the event of an accident. Read on to delve into the features and functions of the Momento M4.

Platform and Application

The M4 is a high-resolution dash cam system designed to be installed at the top of your windshield, using the included adhesive-backed mounting bracket. The M4 includes a 1 megapixel CMOS image sensor that records at a resolution of 1,280×720 pixels at 30 frames per second. The M4 kit includes a second camera that is suitable for installation on the rear window to monitor driver behavior behind your vehicle, or on the windshield to record movement within the vehicle. Recording the driver if there is an incident can provide evidence to verify you were not talking on the phone, texting or adjusting the radio at the time. The rear camera features a 0.3 megapixel sensor that records at 720×480 resolution at up to 30 fps.

On the rear panel of the M4 is a 3.5-inch TFT LCD touchscreen that displays the camera image and provides an easy interface to set up and configuration the system. The right side of the unit is home to a mechanical on/off switch, a speaker and the microSD card slot. On the top are connections for power, the rear camera and an optional GPS receiver. A microphone on the bottom of the chassis records audio whenever the system is capturing video.

Momento packages the M4 as a complete recording solution. They include both front and rear cameras, all the cables and mounting hardware, and even a 16 GB microSD card. Some companies sell their dash camera systems a la carte. Momento believes that what happens behind the vehicle is as important as what happens in front of it.

Features and Functions

A hard-wire kit that your installer can connect to your choice of constant or switch power points powers the camera system. If connected to a switched power source, the M4 wakes up and starts recording right away when you start your car. When connected to a constant power source and with the parking function activated, the M4 monitors motion within the camera image and only stores information when it senses action. The onboard three-axis accelerometer can also trigger the recording function.

The M4 stores video while you’re driving in a folder on the provided 16 GB microSD card called Driving. It stores motion detected while in parking mode in a folder called Motion. The onboard accelerometer can trigger the M4 to store a video file in the Event folder if motion exceeds a user-selectable threshold. Finally, pressing an icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen will trigger the manual recording mode and store those images in a separate folder. Once the Motion folder is full, the system will overwrite old files.

The M4 stores recordings from 10–15 seconds before any trigger. Even if something has already happened, you can trigger the M4 to store a video of the event. The M4 includes a feature called Forward Vehicle Movement Alert that uses advanced image processing to alert you when the car in front of you drives away.

Parking Mode

As mentioned, the M4 can monitor activity around your vehicle after you stop driving. Once the system detects a lack of activity for about 10 minutes, it stops storing video. Motion within the camera’s field of vision or activity detected by the accelerometer will trigger the system to record video. Parking mode can capture vandalism and the behavior of people or pets around your vehicle. The M4 can be set to turn off parking mode after a preset amount of time, or if the vehicle battery voltage decreases past an adjustable level. The automatic shut-down system will prevent the M4 from killing your battery.

Why You Need a Momento M4

A video recording system like the M4 is inexpensive insurance against someone taking advantage of you. It is not at all uncommon for people to jump on the hoods of cars and fake injuries. Likewise, many scammers will back into stopped vehicles and claim they were rear-ended. The M4 is your indisputable witness to their behavior and can help prevent dramatic insurance rate hikes. Visit your local Momento dealer for more information.

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

Remote Start for ’06 BMW X5 as Holiday Gift

03/11/2016 By John Schwartz

During the holidays, we sell a lot of gift cards for remote starts and audio systems. This particular customer purchased a gift card for his girlfriend and scheduled an appointment for her in advance.

We installed a Compustar RF-2W940-SS remote starter kit on her 2006 BMW X5 a few weeks later. The RF-2W940-SS has silicone covers to help protect the remote and they come in a pack of three, each in a different color: pink, clear and black.

We love installing remote starts on any vehicle. New, old; foreign, domestic; basic, luxury – we’re your remote start experts, no matter what vehicle you drive, as shown by the joy this customer now has with her new remote start on her BMW X5.

Remote Start with Two-Way Communication in ’16 Sorento

02/15/2016 By John Schwartz

We recently installed a two-way remote start on a 2016 Kia Sorento – a CM800 unit with an add-on RF-2WG9 two-way confirmation remote kit. This unit combination gives two-way communication remote starting capabilities with up to a half-mile of range. The two-way remote notifies you with an LED light and an audible tone.

For this installation (and all vehicles we work on), we used a battery charger on the vehicle with fender covers to protect the vehicle’s paint.

We use iPads for our check-in/check-out process. We check all functions of the vehicle and make notes if something is not functioning properly, if a light is out and so on. We also take pictures of the exterior of the vehicle. We do this before our installation for a visual history of the inspection. We also have a separate installer check the work and the vehicle after we complete the install. This is all part of our commitment to quality service.

When you are ready for a remote start for your vehicle, come see your experts at Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security. You can Contact Us Here.