Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT

Not long ago, we took a look at the impressive PPS4-10 10-inch Punch Pro midrange drivers from Rockford Fosgate. While they are great for keeping up with a trunk full of subwoofers, what works in terms of reproducing those high frequencies? This spotlight focuses on the Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT Punch Pro tweeter. Let’s check it out!

Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT Specifications

The PP4-NT is a one-inch diameter aluminum dome horn tweeter designed for SPL systems. The tweeter is rated to handle 50 watts of power continuously and 100 watts maximum. The driver has a nominal impedance of four ohms and has an incredible efficiency rating of 105 dB SPL when powered with one watt and measured at a distance of one meter.

The Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT tweeters are sold individually. So, if you need a pair, then you have to buy two of them.

Punch Pro Tweeter Features

As mentioned, the PP4-NT is based around an aluminum diaphragm and is powered by a compact neodymium magnet. The voice coil is formed from high-temperature Nomex to help ensure reliability. This is all housed in an aluminum chassis that improves heat extraction from the voice coil assembly. To increase efficiency, the tweeter uses a horn design with a pointed phase plug.

Electrical connections are handled by a pair of spring-loaded chrome terminals on the bottom of the housing. The terminals are designed to allow wires to be inserted from underneath the tweeter, preventing wires from protruding and increasing the overall size.

SPL Tweeter Mounting Options

Rockford Fosgate includes two mounting solutions for the PP4-NT. If space is at a premium, then the compact outer trim ring will screw down into the body and clamp over materials up to 0.35 inches thick. Your installation technician will need access to the back of the mounting location to complete this installation.

Alternatively, the tweeter can be flush mounted through a 2.52-inch hole using the provided removable mounting flange.

With the compact mounting ring, the tweeter body is 2.52 inches in diameter and the ring is 2.09 inches across. The surface mounting ring measures 3.64 inches across.

Crossover Options

The PP4-NT includes a built-in 6dB/octave 4kHz crossover. This is equivalent to using a four-microfarad capacitor wired in series with the voice coil. You can also use the tweeter with the PP4-X Punch Pro passive crossovers. The crossovers are designed to apply a 3 kHz low-pass filter to whatever four-ohm Punch Pro midrange you choose. They also add 0, -3 and -6 dB output attenuation options for the tweeters. If you don’t have a DSP and amplifier channels dedicated to the tweeters, then the PPS-X crossovers are a wise investment.

Louder Than Loud for Music Fanatics

If you are working on building a car audio system designed to play music at rock concert levels, visit a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the PP4-NT tweeters and the rest of the Punch Pro line.

You can find a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer at their Dealer Locator. Be sure to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn about their new products and the amazing events they attend each year.

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.

Apple CarPlay Explained

According to a AAA survey, the average American drives for about 45 minutes each day. If you compare this time to an eight hour work day, that’s 10% of your work day, on top of the hours you are at your desk. This time is not an insignificant number. If your job involves being on the road, then your time spent behind the wheel can represent half of your day. Being able to be productive while in your vehicle is not only convenient, but in some cases, mandatory to get all the work you need to get done in one day completed. Modern smartphone integration comes to the rescue with Apple CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay History

Apple recognized the need to give people the ability to use their phones in a safe fashion while driving back in 2010. The feature was called iPod Out. BMW announced that it would include iPod Out at the WWDC that year. The concept was that BMW would provide a way for its vehicles to ‘host’ specific applications. The information would be displayed on the factory screen while providing button press and knob rotation information back to the radio.

The next evolution was the introduction of Siri Eyes Free in some Honda Accord and the Acura RDX and ILX models in 2013. Siri Eyes Free is a way to make use of the Siri voice recognition function that Apple Introduced with iOS 5 and the iPhone 4S in October 2011. Apple has marketed Siri as a personal assistant. It allows you to talk to your Apple device to make phone calls, send text messages, set reminders and choose the music you want to hear. Using Siri Eyes Free is simple- press and hold a button on your car radio, wait for the tone, and then speak.

Siri will listen to what you said, convert that to a command and execute it, all without you needing to take your eyes off the road.

Between the time that Apple announced iPod Out and the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2014, Apple was working on the next generation of automotive integration under the code name Stark. At the Geneva Motor Show, they announced ‘iOS in the Car.’ Later that year, Ferrari introduced the new FF model with a fully working version of Apple CarPlay. A few months later, Hyundai announced the Sonata would also feature CarPlay. Most automobile manufacturers have CarPlay available on their mid to high trim level vehicles now.

Apple CarPlay Interface Overview

Apple’s current marketing touts CarPlay as ‘The Ultimate Copilot.’ The features are designed to allow you to communicate with family, friends, and coworkers without significant distraction. The basic feature set of CarPlay includes making and receiving phone calls, choosing the music you want to listen to, getting navigation instructions and sending and receiving text messages.

Apple has worked hard to ensure that the above functions are usable without unnecessary distraction. As soon as you plug your phone into the USB port of your radio, CarPlay launches automatically.

CarPlay does not display incoming text messages on the screen of the radio. Messages are read aloud to prevent users from looking at the dash. However, there are no options presented when asking Apple Maps to plan a navigation route.

Selecting music to play is as easy as requesting the track title, artist or even genre of music you want to enjoy. CarPlay will start playing what you want right away. Apple has also included support for Apple Music- a streaming service powered by iTunes. CarPlay also supports Apple Podcast and Audiobooks. You can select the episode you want to listen to via the touchscreen interface, then play, pause or skip 15 seconds forward or back. Apple CarPlay provides support for several third-party applications including Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Audible and MLB At Bat.

Apple has released information to application developers in order to allow for the creation of more third party applications. You will see more and more third-party applications added to the CarPlay interface as time passes. Apple will, of course, be selective in their approval process, so don’t expect to see competing navigation applications any time soon.

The Future of Apple CarPlay

Unveiled by BMW in October of 2016, future iterations of CarPlay will function wirelessly. The 2017 BMW 5-Series sedans, when used with an iPhone 6 or newer, will allow users to use CarPlay without the need to plug in the Lightning connector. Wireless CarPlay communicates over a Bluetooth data connection.

Apple is tight-lipped about future functionality of CarPlay. There have been rumours about vehicle function control like remote door lock control, remote starting and trunk release, but so far nothing is set in stone. Another rumored feature is the ability of your phone to remember where you parked your car once you have arrived at your destination.

Apple has led the industry with safe and convenient integration of your smartphone to your vehicle. The future of ‘connected cars’ promises to allow us to share information and offer better communication while remaining safe. If you are interested in adding CarPlay to your vehicle, visit your local mobile electronics specialist retailer. They can show you what options are available for your vehicle.

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: Rockford Fosgate PPS4-10

What do you do when you need midrange speakers capable of keeping up with a pair of 15-inch Power Series subwoofers in the back of your SUV? The answer is the Rockford Fosgate PPS4-10 Punch Pro 10-inch speaker. These beasts boast a subwoofer-sized voice coil and handle 350 watts of power to ensure every word remains clear and audible over all that bass. Let’s dive into the details!

Rockford Fosgate Punch Pro PPS4-10 Features

The PPS4-10 is a high-efficiency midrange speaker with a massive 10-inch size. Sold individually, these speakers achieve an impressive efficiency of 96 dB SPL with just one watt of power measured at one meter. Each speaker includes a sturdy mesh grille for added protection in indoor installations.

Built on a stamped steel chassis, the PPS4-10 features a large 8.25 by 1-inch ceramic magnet. The basket uses the StampCast design, which provides the structural rigidity and provides the sleek look of a cast-aluminum design. Additionally, the mounting flange includes four slotted holes, allowing precise alignment during installation. Despite its large diameter, the speaker requires only 4.06 inches of mounting depth.

Rockford Fosgate PPS4-10 — The PPS4-10 features a massive 8.25 by 1-inch magnet to maximize efficiency.

Punch Pro Midrange Soft Parts

The speaker’s cone is made from fiber-reinforced pressed paper, keeping the cone mass low to help the speaker’s efficiency. A treated textile W-shaped surround connects the cone to the basket, while a high-temperature 2.58-inch aluminum voice coil sits at the core, topped by a machined aluminum phase plug. Beneath the cone, a poly-cotton spider delivers excellent control and durability.

For electrical connections, the PPS4-10 uses spring-loaded terminals mounted on the basket. Fatigue-resistant tinsel leads, sewn to the spider, prevent noise at high power levels.

Rockford Fosgate PPS3-10 — The lightweight cone is made from pressed paper to deliver excellent efficiency.

PPS4-10 Specifications and Application

The PPS4-10 has a resonant frequency (Fs) of 53.5 Hz, an equivalent compliance (Vas) of 1.24 cubic feet, and a total Q (Qts) of 0.26. With a maximum one-way excursion (Xmax) of 4.6 mm, it offers impressive performance for a midrange speaker.

To explore potential applications, we conducted simulations based on an estimated effective cone area for the PPS4-10. In infinite baffle setups, the mids perform with a -3 dB frequency of around 200 Hz.

Each speaker requires a minimum of 0.2 cubic feet of airspace for sealed enclosures. This setup delivers a -3 dB frequency just above 160 Hz. To bridge the frequency gap between these mids and a subwoofer, consider a woofer like the Prime R2 or Punch P1, which can comfortably play up to 150 Hz.

If you need the mids to handle lower frequencies, your installer can build a vented enclosure with a net volume of 0.25 cubic feet with a vent tuning frequency of 80 Hz. This configuration extends the output to just under 100 Hz. Unless you run massive, heavy subwoofers, you should be able to use a high-pass crossover at 100 Hz and still have the system sound dynamic and punchy.

Rock Out with the Rockford Fosgate Punch Pro Mids!

If you need midrange speakers to keep up with a wall of subwoofers, the Punch Pro series, including the PPS4-10, is an excellent choice. The Punch Pro lineup also features 6.5-inch and 8-inch mids to accommodate different installation spaces. All three sizes are available in four-ohm configurations.

You can find a dealer near you using the locator tool on their website. Be sure to follow our friends from Tempe on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep up with new product releases and the events they attend.

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.

Vehicle Parking Safety Systems

Did you ever wish you had eyes in the back of your head? When you are backing into a parking spot, being able to know where the car behind you is would save a lot of time and nervousness. If your car doesn’t have a backup camera or parking sensors, then it’s time to visit your local mobile electronics specialists. They can add these parking safety systems to almost any vehicle on the road.

Backup Camera Options

The classic backup camera system consists of a compact camera, typically about a 1-inch cube. The image produced by a backup camera covers a wide field of vision in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The image is reversed from that of a normal camera. When the camera is installed pointing rearward, this reversed image shows objects on the right side of the vehicle on the right side of the display screen. This orientation mimics what you would see in a rear view mirror.

Most cameras are water-resistant so rain, snow, mud and dust don’t affect their performance. The wiring for these cameras is also water-resistant, usually up to the first connection unless specified otherwise. That connection should be inside the vehicle.

Most good-quality cameras use wide-aperture shutters that allow the camera to capture a lot of light, even when it’s dark out. The reverse lights of your vehicle are often more than adequate to light up everything behind you. Most of these cameras are rated down to 0.5 or 1 Lux of light sensitivity. If you need to see in the dark, then there are cameras with built-in IR light transmitters. These can be used inside closed areas, like an engine compartment of a boat or the container of a delivery van.

Cameras can be installed at the top of or above your license plate. Some custom camera solutions are built into replacement tailgate, hatch handles and third brake light assemblies for many trucks and SUVs.

Several companies manufacture wireless camera systems. If you have a vehicle that is difficult to run wires in, then a wireless camera system may be a viable option. Just be aware that the quality of wireless cameras systems varies a great deal. The last thing you want is for an image to be full of noise, or not present at all due to interference. Wireless systems also have a small amount of delay inherent to their design. This delay can be as little as 100 mSec for some WiF-based camera systems up to almost 300 mSec for others that use more conventional AM and FM transmission techniques. You will need to work with your retailer to choose the right camera system for your vehicle.

Monitor and Display Options

There are many options for where the camera image can be displayed. Almost all aftermarket multimedia source units have dedicated rear view camera inputs and triggers. If your vehicle has a color display from the factory, several companies manufacture interfaces that allow an aftermarket camera image to be displayed on that screen. The third option is a dedicated display screen. This display can be a stand-alone monitor that is installed on the dash or in the center console, or is built into a new rearview mirror. Rearview mirror displays are a nice, clean option because nothing stands out as having been added to the interior.

Some camera systems designed for larger vehicles offer side and front camera locations as well. The monitors included with these systems can typically show all four cameras at once in a variety of on-screen configurations. The most elaborate of these systems will stitch the images from the four cameras together to provide a bird’s-eye view of what is around the vehicle. These 360-degree systems require careful calibration to work properly. Most of these multi-camera systems include reverse and turn signal triggers to automatically change which camera is being displayed.

How a Camera System Works

When you put your transmission in reverse, a wire connected to your reverse lights or a reverse gear signal from your transmission triggers the camera system to turn on. You don’t need to press any buttons or flick any switches – it happens instantly and automatically. The camera should be installed and aligned so you can see the ground as close to the rear of your vehicle as possible.

Parking Sensor Systems

An alternative to a camera system is a parking sensor system. Instead of a camera, these systems use several ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence of objects. These sensors emit a very high-frequency signal, then measure how long it takes for that signal to bounce off an object and return to a receiving sensor built into the same small unit. These sensors are typically installed on the rear bumper of your vehicle. When installed properly, they do a great job of detecting even small objects like the post of a sign. This method of object detection is the same as what bats use for navigation.

How a parking sensor system works varies by brand. Some systems have a small display that shows you which sensor has detected an object and how far you are from that object. Most systems use a small beeper or buzzer to alert you to the presence of an object. The system will emit a beeping sound when it detects an object. The speed of the beeps increases as you get closer to the object. The warning beeps usually switch to a solid tone once you are within 12 inches of an object.

More-elaborate parking systems also include front-mounted sensors to help when driving forward into parking spot or garage.

Passive versus Active Warning Systems

Ultimately, cameras and parking sensor systems do the same job: They let you know when you are getting close to something.

One significant benefit of a parking sensor system over a camera system is that it is completely active. You don’t have to make a conscious decision to look at a screen or display to be warned of an imminent collision – the system beeps and tells you.

This isn’t to say that one system is better than the other – they simply differ in how they work. If you were trying to back a pickup truck up to a trailer, a backup camera system would be a huge benefit, while the parking sensor system just tells you there is something behind you.

The Importance of Parking Safety Systems

Here’s a chilling fact: More than 50 children are hit each week in the U.S. by a vehicle that is backing up. Sadly, roughly two of these children succumb to their injuries each week. We aren’t trying to scare you or make you paranoid – but accidents happen all the time while backing up.

If your vehicle didn’t come with a parking safety system, then drop by your local mobile electronics specialist retailer. They would be happy to inspect your vehicle and design a parking solution that meets your needs.

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

Product Spotlight: Compustar Pro T13 Remote Starter

Only a handful of reputable companies manufacture remote car starters, but one stands out for its innovative solutions—Compustar. Their flagship Pro T13 is the industry’s longest-range radio-frequency car starter remote. Combine that with features like proximity unlocking, an LCD screen, and intuitive controls, and this is the ultimate remote control solution. Let’s explore why range is vital to making your vehicle more comfortable.

Compustar Pro T13 Remote Control

Compustar makes it easy for mobile enhancement retailers to design a car starter system tailored to your vehicle and needs. The Product Specialist you are working with can choose from several control modules, with the right one depending on your car’s specifications and desired features. For instance, the CM-X controller is ideal if your vehicle has a manual transmission. For consumers, these decisions typically happen behind the scenes as your quote is prepared.

What matters to you is the system interface. The factory remote coded to start the car when you press the lock button three times in short succession might be adequate if the range doesn’t matter much. If you want more range and features, your retailer can pair any of Compustar’s RF remote kits with the control module to meet your needs. If you want a simple one-button solution with two or three times as much range as the factory fob, they have it. Need two-way communication with trunk release? No problem! But if you want maximum range, two-way communication, security alerts, and much more, the Pro T13 remote is the ultimate option.

The Pro T13 is impressively compact at 2.84 inches tall, 1.57 inches wide, and only 0.44 inches deep. It features a vibrant color display that indicates whether your vehicle is locked, unlocked, or running.

Simple and Elegant Interface

The remote includes three buttons to access 50 commands and configuration settings. Locking, unlocking, or remotely starting your car is just a button press away. Double-tapping the lock or unlock buttons activates auxiliary outputs one and two. These outputs can control features like power sliding doors or rear defrost. The latter can even be configured to activate automatically if the interior temperature drops below a specific threshold. Your retailer can provide more details. Car Finder, trunk release, and much more are also easily accessible.

Compustar Pro T13 — The T13 remote includes a charging cable, antenna, and all the wiring your installer needs to integrate with a Compustar remote start control module.

Class-Leading Range and Reliability

The key factor that sets the Pro T13 apart from other remote starters is its range. Range is the maximum distance from which the remote can communicate with your vehicle. Compustar specifies the Pro T13’s range at up to three miles under ideal conditions. We’ve measured the performance in real-world situations, which bested other remotes by more than 20%!

More importantly, the Pro T13’s powerful transceiver works excellently indoors. For instance, you can be at the far end of a shopping mall, in an apartment or office building, or inside a large factory and still communicate with your vehicle. This exceptional range ensures your car or truck has enough time to warm up in winter or cool down in summer long before you arrive at it.

Color Display and Two-Way Communication

The Pro T13’s two-way communication ensures reliability. When you press the lock button, the remote confirms the action with a beep and a visual indicator on the color LCD screen showing that the vehicle is locked. Unlike one-way remotes, which act like TV remotes, this feature gives you peace of mind, as you always know your vehicle’s status.

The color display not only tells you what the car is doing using intuitive icons but also shows the vehicle battery voltage, the temperature in the vehicle, and the battery level of the remote itself.

Proximity Unlocking Adds Convenience

Another standout feature of the Pro T13—and its smaller one-button counterpart, the Pro R5—is proximity unlocking. When you’re within five to six feet of your car or truck, the remote automatically communicates with the vehicle to unlock the doors—no need to press any buttons! Whether carrying groceries, holding a child, or juggling tonight’s pizza, this feature makes life easier.

Rechargeable Battery Pack and Rugged Design

Unlike most remotes, which use disposable coin-cell batteries, the Pro T13 features a built-in rechargeable battery. Connect the provided mini-USB cable to a USB outlet for a few hours to recharge it. You can even charge it while driving your vehicle.

This remote is as durable as possible, with an IPX-7 water resistance rating. This means it can survive being submerged in water, whether it’s a pool, puddle, or snowbank. Compustar backs the Pro T13 and other Pro Series remotes with a three-year warranty, giving you confidence in your investment.

Security System Ready for Added Protection

Are you concerned about theft or vandalism? Most Compustar remote car starters with the Pro T13 can be upgraded with advanced security features. Compustar’s alarm enhancements include a starter kill, a high-output siren, an optional horn-honk output, and a robust digital security sensor.

This sensor monitors impacts, motion, glass breakage, or vehicle tilting. If triggered, the Pro T13 remote alerts you with a loud beep and a display notification. This lets you take immediate action if needed.

Drone Smartphone Control Included

The T13 Remote kit includes the Drone smartphone control interface. Drone allows you to use the DroneMobile app on your smartphone to control your vehicle. You can lock or unlock the doors, remote start the engine, or even pop the trunk with a tap on your phone screen. You can even log into the dronemobile.com website and send commands from your desk at home or work.

The Drone can be upgraded with GPS-based location and geofence alerts. Tracking service plans are ideal if you let your kids drive the family car or want to monitor how your staff uses a company vehicle. Your local authorized Compustar retailer can explain the different service plans available.

Why Is Remote Starter Range Important

Let’s say you work in a large building like a hospital, warehouse, or factory. When you finish your shift, you can remote start your car or truck while packing up to leave. Your vehicle will have several minutes for the climate control to start making the interior more comfortable. In the winter, the rear window defroster can be activated automatically, so cleaning the car off is easier.

If the remotes that come with your car or low-cost car starters don’t have enough signal transmission power, you’ll have to wait until you are at the door or even outside in the parking lot to activate the starter. Now, you’ll have less than a minute for the engine to warm up. Inadequate range negates the benefit of having the starter.

The Ultimate Remote Starter Solution

If these features sound like the ultimate remote car starter recipe, you’re right. With industry-leading range capabilities, two-way communication, a color display, rugged durability, a rechargeable battery, and advanced security options, the Compustar Pro T13 is in a class of its own.

Visit an authorized Compustar Pro retailer today to learn how they can configure a system for maximum comfort and security. Use the Dealer Locator on Compustar’s website to find a retailer near you. Also, follow Compustar on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates on their amazing products.

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

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Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT Specifications

Punch Pro Tweeter Features

SPL Tweeter Mounting Options

Crossover Options

Louder Than Loud for Music Fanatics

Apple CarPlay History

Apple CarPlay Interface Overview

The Future of Apple CarPlay

Rockford Fosgate Punch Pro PPS4-10 Features

Punch Pro Midrange Soft Parts

PPS4-10 Specifications and Application

Rock Out with the Rockford Fosgate Punch Pro Mids!

Backup Camera Options

Monitor and Display Options

How a Camera System Works

Parking Sensor Systems

Passive versus Active Warning Systems

The Importance of Parking Safety Systems

Compustar Pro T13 Remote Control

Simple and Elegant Interface

Class-Leading Range and Reliability

Color Display and Two-Way Communication

Proximity Unlocking Adds Convenience

Rechargeable Battery Pack and Rugged Design

Security System Ready for Added Protection

Drone Smartphone Control Included

Why Is Remote Starter Range Important

The Ultimate Remote Starter Solution

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