Stinger has announced its new 50-Farad PRO Hybrid Capacitor (SPC5050). Featuring a slick “industrial” look, “techno-cool” red LED displays and a black powder-coated finish, these new capacitors are designed look great in any ride, the company said.

Stinger said customers will enjoy louder and clearer bass response, stabilized system voltage and minimized headlight dimming similar in performance to a battery/capacitor combo. To learn more about the SPC5050 PRO Hybrid Capacitor, visit Stingerelectronics.com.

Elevation Audio, a manufacturer of high-end car audio products for independent authorized dealers, has announced that it will be shipping its new 8ga and 4ga Amp Kits that offer true gauge 100-percent copper wire, the company stated. When installing one of these amp kits with an Elevation Audio amplifier, the company said your factory warranty will be extended to 3 years. The new amp kits will include in-line fuse holder, RCAs, power wire, ground wire and everything else you need to get the job done. MSRP for the 8ga is $59, the 4ga $99.

Boston Acoustics introduces its new high-performance SR Series drop-in mobile audio speakers. The six new models, comprising of three coaxial and three component systems, complete the company’s line of drop-in speakers.
SR Series models feature a Type-S1 Kortec tweeter for superb power handling and reliability. The Type-S1 neodymium tweeter magnets provide an extraordinary power-to-size performance ratio.

The coaxial models feature the CATB (Contoured Asymmetrical Tweeter Baffle), which provides dual benefits. First, its asymmetrical shape makes the tweeter baffle acoustically invisible so that it doesn’t alter the response of the woofer, delivering smoother extension. Second, the contour shape benefits the tweeter by allowing it to deliver strong response both on- and off-axis.

All SR Series woofers feature a copolymer cone and durable butyl rubber surround to protect against harsh automotive environments. Boston Acoustics integrates each SR model with a specifically tuned crossover to deliver the best transition between woofer and tweeter. The SR60 and SR50 feature a unique crossover design that can separate and dock together, providing flexibility for tight installations. The compact size of the SR Series models reduces installation clearances and minimizes problems with window regulators and trunk torque rods.
The 6.5-inch SR60 features an MSRP of $399.95; the 6×9-inch SR95 an MSRP of $299.95; the SR80 5×7-inch an MSRP of $299.95; the coaxial SR65 6.5-inch an MSRP of $279.95; the coaxial SR55 5.25-inch an MSRP of $279.95; and the SR50 5.52-inch an MSRP of $399.95. Visit Boston Acoustics’ website for more information.

By Paul Clinton

When NAV-TV Corp. began receiving feedback from customers that its Tooki Bluetooth modules would sometimes fail to start properly at temperatures of about 39 degrees Fahrenheit and colder, the integration company began researching the issue.

The modules that allow owners of Porsche, Mercedes and other luxury models to add an aftermarket hands-free phone kit would usually work properly during the day, even after a cold-start failure, according to the Boca Raton, Fla., company.

Since learning of the issue, the company has developed and released a firmware patch, so aftermarket retailers don’t need to open up a customer’s vehicle to replace the module.

To get the update, follow the link to the software update page of the NAV-TV website here and download the Tooki update, or download it directly from here.

The company has been fielding technical questions about the issue on the forum of its website.

Mobile Electronics just received an e-mail from AAMP of America, parent company of PAC and iSimple, concerning a compatibility issue with iPods and iPhones running Apple’s new OS 3.0 operating system and PAC’s/iSimple’s uPAC and GateWay interfaces. Following is the entire letter from the company:

“Here at PAC/iSimple, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality iPod and iPhone integration kits and accessories available anywhere. As part of this quality control and assurance process, we conduct regular field testing of our products whenever Apple releases a new media player or software upgrade. This ensures that newly released products or software upgrades function properly with our solutions and deliver the quality experience you’ve come to expect.It was during this process of research and testing that we discovered a compatibility issue between our uPAC/GateWay interfaces and iPhone and iPod touch devices running the recently released operating system (OS) 3.0. For an as of yet unidentified reason, iPhone/iPod touch models running OS 3.0 are not being fully recognized by the UPAC/GateWay interface devices. This results in the iPhone/iPod touch flashing back and forth between the messages “iPod connected” and “iPod not connected” while the uPAC/GateWay is in advanced browsing mode.

An unusual symptom of the OS 3.0 issue we identified is that the degree and impact appears to be contingent on the amount of music stored on the iPhone/iPod touch in question. Stated simply, as the amount of music stored on the iPhone/iPod touch increases, so does the severity of the compatibility issue. So, the owner of an 8GB iPhone/iPod touch will not experience the same degree of compatibility issues as someone with a 16GB or 32GB model with greater than 10GB of music loaded.

Please note that these identified issues only manifest while utilizing the advanced iPod/iPhone browsing features of the UPAC/GateWay interface. The product may be used in “AUX” mode for basic operation, playback and battery charging of iPhone & iPod touch models running OS 3.0.

The 3.0 OS was released with the new iPhone 3G-S and new production model of the iPhone 3G and iPod touch (2nd Gen). Additionally, it is available as a free upgrade to existing iPhone 3G owners, and as a $9.99 upgrade for iPod touch owners, via the Apple website. It is our understanding that once a device is upgraded to OS 3.0 it cannot be reverted back to OS 2.0.

To the extent of our knowledge, the issues we identified arose from software changes made by Apple and do not represent a shortfall in our products. Although we do receive some insight into planned changes by Apple, they do not disclose all product, software or firmware changes in full detail for proprietary reasons. Therefore we cannot always contend with compatibility issues in advance and must instead respond to them after launch.

Our product development and engineering professionals are well aware of the situation and are currently working diligently to create a solution. In the short term, we have posted the following note on our website for uPAC/GateWay product:

“This product currently exhibits a negative compatibility issue with iPhone & iPod touch models running the 3.0 Operating System (OS 3.0). This compatibility issue only occurs when using the product’s advanced browsing features. This product may still be used in “AUX” mode for basic operation, playback and battery charging on iPhone & iPod touch running OS 3.0 .”

This message will remain on the site until we have published revised firmware that resolves the identified OS 3.0 issues. Once a resolution to the identified issues is created, we will post the revised firmware to our webpage http://www.pac-audio.com/firmware/index.html.

As of right now, we have reason to believe the OS 3.0 issue only affects our iSimple GateWay and PAC uPAC products due to the advanced browsing features these products offer. The iSimple SoundByte (PXDP)/PAC iPAC kits currently available have been thoroughly tested and are not affected by the OS 3.0 software change.

Please feel free to contact an iSimple/PAC representative for additional details.

Thank you for your time and understanding in this matter.”

The SoundGate iO CONNECT integrates portable audio devices into any existing car stereo system by utilizing the provided 3.5mm minijack plug. The iO CONNECT is perfect for classic-car owners who seek a stealth audio system and no source unit cluttering a dash, according to the company. It is compatible with all iPods and iPhones, all MP3 players and mobile phones with 3.5mm minijack sockets, or any portable media player, DVD player, or laptop with a headphone socket. It also works with navigation units with 3.5mm line-out sockets.
Using the small, 60-watt Class D amplifier installed behind the dash, iO CONNECT helps intensify the audio from any car DVD system as well. It also provides a Ghost Mute feature that allows voice instructions from satellite navigation units through any two speakers while retaining source audio in the other speakers. And it’s all managed with iO AudioSense technology (patent pending) that automatically switches between connected devices and the original audio source.
iO CONNECT includes a ground-loop isolation chip that guarantees no interference and utmost sound quality from the stereo system. Click here for more information.

NAV-TV has announced the release of the MOSTHUR M.O.S.T. fiber optic head unit replacement module for 2004 to 2009 Porsche Cayenne vehicles with amplified sound systems. The MOSTHUR made its debut this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev. and is now available and shipping.
The MOSTHUR allows full integration into the stock amplified sound system, allowing the end-user to replace their factory radio with an aftermarket navigation/DVD head unit while retaining the factory amplifier, speakers and steering wheel controls. Installing into the vehicle with 4 connections and the included antenna adapter and M.O.S.T. fiber optic extension, the MOSTHUR supplies accessory power, illumination, reverse, VSS (vehicle speed pulse), vehicle brake, parking brake and user configured infrared steering wheel commands to the aftermarket radio.
Retail pricing for the MOSTHUR is $649.00 USD. Double-Din Porsche Cayenne radio mounting kits are available for additional purchase. Please call NAV-TV at 1 (866) 477-3336 for further details. Visit NAV-TV here for more information.

Scosche Industries has announced it will ship a new installation kit for all 2009 Ford F-150 Lariat and Platinum edition cars. The FD1442B “Custom Kit, Factory Fit” dash kit offers custom installers a quality choice with automotive-grade components when upgrading a factory radio, according to the company.

The signature Scosche design features no cutting or modification of the dash kit when installing a Double DIN aftermarket head-unit and accommodates an ISO Double DIN mount or an ISO Single DIN mount with pocket. The FD1442B is painted to flat black to match the factory dash, is made of high-strength ABS/PC material, matches factory contour and includes factory style retention clips. The FD1442B also includes all of the necessary hardware and detailed installation instructions.

The FD1442B is now available at specialty retailers across the nation and will retail for $49.95. For a complete aftermarket installation, Scosche also manufactures matching harness, FD23B and matching antenna adapter, CRAB.

Directed Electronics has announced the availability of its all-in-one remote start interface kit designed to save hours of installation time on many 2008+ Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Demonstrated recently at the MRI Expo in Massachusetts, the new Viper Responder LE 2-Way Xpress-Start Kit typically installs in less than 15 minutes with as few as 4 wires. In fact, the winner of the World’s Fastest Remote Start Install Challenge at the MRI Expo added remote start to a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan in just 32 seconds, according to the company.

The new Viper Responder LE 2-Way Xpress-Start Kit (part number 9250V) is intended for professional installation by authorized retailers only, and contains an XPRESSKIT DLPKKICH3 databus interface and XL202 Radio Frequency to Data (RFTD) module, plus a Viper Responder LE 2-Way remote with 2,000 feet range, in-vehicle transceiver/antenna and interconnect cable. MSRP is $299. For more information, please contact your Directed Sales Manager or visit www.xpresskit.com. A demonstration video is also available here.

JL Audio’s design team studied the Honda Pilot and engineered a new Stealthbox solution that directly replaces the factory supplied subwoofer and installs discretely behind the passenger-side cargo area trim panel (completely out of sight). This and all other Stealthbox subwoofer systems are constructed of fiberglass for strength and durability, and are built in JL Audio’s Miramar, Florida factory. The Honda Pilot model features a sealed enclosure design and contains one JL Audio 10W1v2-4 subwoofer and can handle 300 watts of power. Suggested Retail Price is $549.95. For more information, visit JL Audio’s site.