JOey Knapp

Remote Start Systems from Pinnacle Autosound Make A Great Gift

November 15, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

Many of our clients come to us looking for presents for their loved ones. We are often asked about the possibility of using a remote start system as a gift. Our response is “Remote Start Systems make a GREAT gift!”.

Remote Start System Purchasing Basics

Back in the early days of mobile electronics adding a remote starter was just a matter of cutting and soldering some wires to a remote starter brain. Newer vehicles these days use computer systems to optimize engine performance and efficiency. Adding in a remote start system requires interfacing with the vehicle computers. As a result we often times have to use an interface module. These modules vary depending on the vehicle. Because of the different modules and associated wiring, one of the key questions we will ask for someone purchasing a remote start system is “What is the Make Model and Year of the Vehicle”.

Remote Start System Range

The next important question to purchasing a remote starter is how the system will be used. The important question is “What is the absolute maximum distance the remote start system would ever be used at?”. We offer traditional remote systems that vary in range from 500ft to 2 miles. For those wanting even further range we offer the DroneMobile add-on from Compustar. The DroneMobile system interfaces with your smartphone via an app and gives you full control of locking/unlocking and starting the vehicle from anywhere you and the vehicle have cell service.

Remote Start System Options

After the question of remote range is answered the next step in the qualification process is what sort of options will be needed. We offer systems that can work with push-to-start ignition systems, diesel engines, manual transmissions and more. In addition we can often integrate with heated or cooled seats, trunk open and close and liftgate control. If peace of mind is also desired, our remote start systems can be upgraded with security features, making it an even better gift!

Remote Start Systems as a Gift

Often our clients that are buying a remote start system as a gift are prepared to answer the qualifying questions. If so, we have a number of ways the system can be gifted. The most basic is to purchase the parts and installation. The parts can be wrapped and given as a present and then the recipient can call to schedule an appointment for the installation. For those a bit more adventurous, we have another option. Because all of the remote start system components are hidden, we can pre-install the system if the vehicle is accessible. The remotes can be wrapped for giving and then once opened, the recipient can have full use of the system. The final option is the safest. We offer gift cards for those who are not quite sure what the best remote start gift would be. The cards can be given as the gift and then an appointment can be made to review the options available. The gift recipient can select the system that is perfect for them.

The Best Products And Installation

At Pinnacle Autosound we have partnered with Compustar to offer their Pro line of remote start and security systems. Their top quality products paired with our award-winning installations make a great gift! Stop by, call or email us today to find out about our remote start gift options.

Macclenny Client Comes to Pinnacle for Ford F-150 Audio Upgrade

October 25, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A long-time client of ours recently referred one of his co-workers to us. When the client stopped by, we talked with him about his Ford F-150 audio system and the changes he wanted to make. He previously had an audio system installed by another shop and wasn’t happy with the performance of the system. We gave the client a few different options and price points, highlighting the improvements for each step. We were thrilled when the client decided to go with the best of our proposals.

F-150 Audio Integration

The client had the factory radio in his truck and was happy with how it worked and the aesthetics of the unit. We advised him that with the help of a JL Audio FiX 86 processor he could utilize the factory radio as his source unit. The JL Audio processor removes and time delay and flattens out the response of the factory radio. This gives us a perfectly clean signal to start with, much like if he used an aftermarket radio. We were able to easily find the factory wire colors using our Mitchell1 software subscription.

A Second JL Audio Processor

In-between the time we had the client scheduled to drop his F-150 off and his initial deposit he asked about any additional audio upgrades that were possible for his system. We felt comfortable that we had maximized his budget for the speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers. The one thing we didn’t originally quote him for, however, was a DSP (digital signal processor). We feel that any amplified system can benefit from a DSP. In a system like the one we were building for the client the DSP would allow us to run the front speakers fully active, meaning each speaker would have its own amplifier channel. This gives us much more flexibility in adjusting the sound and let’s us digitally compensate for the different locations of the speakers in the truck.

Since we were already using a JL Audio integration processor, it made perfect sense to go to JL Audio for the DSP as well. We used the JL AudioTwK 88. A benefit of the TwK processor is that it allows the use of the JL Audio DRC-200. The DRC-200 is dual knob control that allows the client to adjust the subwoofer level and system volume from one convenient spot.

JL Audio Amplifiers

One of the goals of this F-150 audio upgrade was increased clarity and volume. That means power, and lots of it. Because we would be mounting the amplifiers behind the rear seat, we needed amps with a small footprint. Consequently, the JL Audio xD amplifiers were the perfect choice. The speakers in the truck would be powered by a XD600/6v2. We configured the amplifier to provide the tweeters and woofers in the front of the truck with 75 watts to each driver. The rear doors were powered by the remaining two channels of 75 watts per side. The subwoofer system was to be comprised of 4 10″ subwoofers. To make sure they had the recommended power we chose a XD1000/1v2. This amp would give each subwoofer the rated 250 watts.

Front Speaker Upgrade

The Focal tweeters were mounted in the factory spot and black soundproofing was used to seal them to the opening.

The installed tweeters retained a factory look.

The factory pillars already had trick-looking grilles that were perfect for our tweeter upgrade.

The front doors were treated with sound deadening material to reduce resonances.

The Focal speakers in the front were installed with custom-fabricated adapter plates.

The Focal speakers were a huge upgrade.

In keeping with the client’s wishes, the doors remained stock-looking.

The front speaker upgrade consisted of the Focal PS165v1 component speakers. These speakers were chosen for their realistic audio reproduction and fit in the F-150 doors. The small size of the tweeter allowed our technicians to install them in the factory location in the pillar. The 6.5″ woofer was installed in the door location. A custom composite adapter plate was fabricated to adapt the round speaker to the factory 6×9″ speaker hole. To reduce any resonances in the doors plenty of sound deadener was used. The final step before installing the door cards back on the truck was to add a set of foam rings around the woofers. These rings help the output of the woofer couple to the cabin of the truck and prevent any sound from being trapped between the door card and the door.

Rear Speaker Upgrade

The wiring for the rear speakers was soldered and neatly secured.

The rear speakers were installed with foam rings to maximize their output.

The upgrades to the rear doors left them looking stock but sounding much better.

The rear doors received a bit more simple upgrade from the front. In the rear we installed a set of Focal Performance 6.5″ coaxial speakers. These speakers are the same series as the front speakers, so we knew they would tonally blend. Similarly, we used the same methods to install the rear speakers as we did the front. Again, the final step was the addition of the foam rings to help seal the speakers.

Subwoofer Upgrade

Braces were added to the enclosure to enhance its rigidity.

A thin layer of body filler was used to smooth the transitions on the enclosure.

1/4′ dowels were used to center and secure the vinyl insert.

The openings on the top plate were cut so the JL Audio woofers would sit flush.

The enclosure gave the client the most possible bass under his rear seat.

Careful measurements were taken to ensure the enclosure fit the underseat area properly.

The previous F-150 subwoofer system the client had installed was lacking in musicality and didn’t quite have as much audio output as he wanted. One of the key parts of this F-150 audio system was the bass upgrade. After taking some careful measurements under the rear seat we came up with a plan for maximizing the bass output within his budget. Our plan was to use 4 JL Audio 10TW1 subwoofers in a custom-fabricated sealed enclosure. The enclosure was built with three braces, equally spaced, to help reduce any bass loss due to panel flexing.

To help make this system look as good as we knew it would sound we added a bit of extra detail to the cosmetics of the enclosure. The corners of the enclosure were formed to precisely follow the contours of the edge of the seat. To keep the enclosure looking good for years to come, the outer edge was covered in black carpet. For a custom look we fabricated a vinyl covered insert for the top of the enclosure. This insert helps to flush in the woofers as well as giving the overall enclosure a cleaner look.

Final Tuning and Delivery

We used a digital laser measuring device to determine the distance to each speaker.

The final overall response curve of the system met our target goals.

With all the gear installed it was time to setup the integration processor and tune the DSP. We started the process by calibrating the JL Audio FiX 88. Once the signal was clean it was time to adjust the sensitivity controls on the amplifiers.

With the sensitivity controls properly adjusted we moved on to the DSP settings. We provided the client with 2 different tunes for the system. The two tunes can be selected by pressing the center knob on the DRC-200. The first tune was a sound quality tune optimized for the driver’s seat. For this tune we set the crossover points, signal delay and individual equalizers for each speaker. The result was an audio experience that placed all the soundstage up on the dash and presented the listener with accurately placed instruments and artists across the dashboard. The second tune was for when the client would be driving with other passengers in the truck. For this tune the crossovers were set and global equalizer adjustments were made. This tune ensured each seat in the truck shared a similar listening experience.

After all the work was done we finally got to listen to the F-150 audio upgrades. They sounded fantastic! We were overjoyed when delivering the truck to the client because we knew how pleased he would be with his new audio system. Thanks to our improvements, the client’s drive to work every day will be much more enjoyable.
If you are interested in an audio upgrade for your vehicle, stop by Pinnacle Autosound, contact us online or call us today!

Toyota Corolla Audio System Upgrade for Lake City Client

September 10, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client recently brought her Toyota to us here at Pinnacle Autosound for a Corolla audio and technology upgrade. She wanted a safer way to interact with her phone while driving and also needed new speakers. We put together a plan for her car and started to work.

Apple CarPlay Radio Upgrade

Apple CarPlay was the star of this Corolla audio upgrade.

The USB port gives the client easy access for plugging in her phone.

The microphone makes sure the client’s conversation are easily heard.

To assist with the client’s driving safety a Sony touch screen radio with Apple CarPlay was installed. This will allow the client to have handsfree control over many functions of her phone. Some of the new features she will gain are: on-screen navigation, speech-to-text messaging, and numerous audio streaming sources. The Sony radio is Bluetooth enabled, so the client can make and receive handsfree calls while driving. Our technicians mounted the microphone for the radio at the top corner of the windshield, for maximum performance. Plugging in her phone to the radio was made easier by a remote USB port that was installed in her console.

Corolla Audio Upgrade by JL Audio

To address the problem of the anemic sounding front door speakers our techs installed a set of JL Audio C1 coaxial speakers in the factory locations. The JL Audio speakers, paired with the new Sony radio, give the client much more output, clarity and response. If she ever decides to add an amplifier to the system, the JL C1 speakers can also handle a bit of power, too!

Backup Camera for Additional Safety

To securely mount the camera the trim panel was removed from the car.

The wiring enters the trunk through a hole protected with a plastic grommet.

The camera wiring was neatly secured to the factory wires.

Once we finished our work on the factory loom it looked completely stock.

Backing up is much safer thanks to the addition of the backup camera.

The final step in the upgrades on this Toyota Corolla was the addition of a backup camera. The camera was mounted just above the license plate on a plastic trim panel. The camera was secured to the plastic with stainless steel bolts to ensure a lifetime of use. The wiring for the camera was neatly routed with the factory wiring. To maintain a factory look in the trunk, the tape on the OEM wire loom was cut and our wires were inserted. Then the OEM wire loom was re-taped, leaving it looking like we were never there. The backup safety system also includes guidelines to help the client judge when she is getting too close to an object.

Audio & Technology from Pinnacle Autosound

If you have a car, truck, boat, golf cart or side-by-side that needs an audio or technology upgrade come see or contact us at Pinnacle Autosound. We offer a wide range of products to fit anyone’s budget. Topped with our award-winning installations, our solutions can’t be beat!

Why We Use Mitchell1 ProDemand Software

September 6, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

The team at Pinnacle Autosound constantly strives to learn as much as possible about the cars we work on. As everyone knows, though, new cars and new technology are arriving at a blinding pace. In order to help us stay on top of all the latest advances in car technology we subscribe to the Mitchell1 ProDemand software.

Mitchell1 ProDemand Wiring Schematics

The area of the ProDemand software we use most are the comprehensive wiring guides. These provide us with an accurate and complete look at the wiring in today’s cars. We do not want to roll the dice on a Google search of vehicle wiring when searching for a particular circuit. With the numerous sensors and computers in modern cars, one wrong wire choice could be costly and disastrous. The Mitchell1 ProDemand software, along with our Fluke test equipment, allow us to make the right choices when interacting with vehicle wiring.

Vehicle Assembly and Parts

Another valuable part of the ProDemand package is the exploded vehicle diagrams. These diagrams reveal the clips and fasteners that secure the interior and exterior vehicle panels. Our technicians have a great feel for the pressure required to remove normal clips, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Many new cars use clips that snap in extremely tight. It can be hard to differentiate the pull of the clip or a screw or bolt. That is where the software comes in handy. A few clicks result in our techs having access to detailed diagrams of the vehicle parts.

We Strive To Be Our Best

Our goal at Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City, Florida is to always do our best. Sometimes doing our best requires the use of specific tools, such as the Mitchell1 ProDemand software. While the software subscription isn’t cheap, we feel it is an important investment. This is just one of the ways that Pinnacle Autosound brings a new level of professionalism to car audio in North Florida. If you are ready to upgrade an aspect of your audio, safety or driving experience, call or contact us today!

Nissan Altima Android Auto Upgrade for Lake City Car Audio Client

February 15, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client recently came to us looking for a way to safely use his phone while driving his 2015 Nissan Altima. We talked with the client about the different ways that could be accomplished. After narrowing down the best radio for the client we scheduled the appointment for his Nissan Altima Android Auto upgrade.

Mitchell1 Software Saves The Day

Nissan Altima Android Auto — The factory radio had a small screen and no ability for Android Auto.

We have recently subscribed to the Mitchell1 ProDemand service for vehicle wiring and repair. This service gives us access to wiring diagrams and exploded views of 100’s of automobiles. For this Altima we were able to use the ProDemand service to determine the proper wiring for the steering wheel controls interface. Typically this wiring information is provided with the steering wheel interface, but this 2015 Altima was not listed. A quick look through the ProDemand software helped us verify the proper wiring.

Backup Camera Interfacing

The client’s small factory screen served as not only the radio for the car but also the display for the factory backup camera. The client had asked us about possibly retaining the factory backup camera. Thanks again to our ProDemand software, we were able to determine the correct wires to us for interfacing the new radio with the factory backup camera. The ProDemand software also alerted us to a changing in voltage for the camera system. The client would now be able to see the view from his camera on the new, larger screen.

Nissan Altima Android Auto Features

The component of this installation that the client was most concerned about was the smartphone integration. Thanks to the new Kenwood radio, the client would now had handsfree control of his phone. And exciting new feature too is the addition of Waze to the Android Auto suite. Now the best smartphone navigation software would be at the control of the client’s voice. In addition to navigation, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify and hundreds of other apps are now available.

Find Out More About Android Auto

If you use and Android smartphone and would like to learn more about integrating it with your vehicle stop by today. We can plug your phone into one of the Android Auto radios on our display and you can see first hand the convenience it offers. If you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us using our online contact form.

Smartphone Integration at its Best with Apple CarPlay

December 27, 2017 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

It seems our lives are getting busier and busier. Thankfully, there is a tool that can help make your time on the road a little more productive. Apple CarPlay can help you knock-out some of your workload while you drive. Is it after hours and time to relax on the drive home? Apple CarPlay has you covered for that as well!

What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is a software developed by Apple in March of 2014. The goal of the project was to integrate popular smartphone apps with the car radio and have them be voice-controlled. Using the powerful Siri voice engine, CarPlay can automate sending text messages, making phone calls, music listening and more.

SAFE Texting While Driving

Almost everyone has been in the situation where they have received potentially important text while driving. Maybe it was a change of plans for a dinner date, or possibly a few more things that need to be picked up from the market. Before CarPlay, your only safe choice was to wait until you got to your destination to read it, or pull over. Thanks to Apple CarPlay, texting while driving is now safe. If you receive a text while you are driving, you will be alerted on the radio screen and have the option of having the text read to you over the car audio system. Want to reply? No problem, you can verbally reply, using Siri as your personal assistant. Siri even reads the text back to you before it is sent, to make sure it is correct.

Integrated Navigation

One of the great things about CarPlay is being able to use the navigation from your phone on your car radio. Now, instead of a little 5″ screen that is unsafe to look at while driving, you have the option for a 6″, 7″ or even 8″ on which to see the maps. Thanks again to the Siri engine, you don’t even have to look at the screen if you don’t want to. Voice controls allow you to input a destination, and audible prompts are given for route guidance. CarPlay seamlessly handles muting your audio sources to let you know of an upcoming turn or lane change.

Numerous Audio Sources

It seems like almost everyone uses their smartphones for listening to music. Whether it is iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, or iHeartRadio, Apple CarPlay has you covered. Just recently, Tidal and SiriusXM were also added to the Apple CarPlay library of sources. We look forward to more and more audio source becoming available on CarPlay as time goes on.

Expert Integration

Apple CarPlay does a great job integrating your phone with your car. Let Pinnacle Autosound do a great job integrating a new Apple CarPlay radio into your car. We sell radios with CarPlay capability from Kenwood and Sony. Stop by today to see Apple CarPlay first hand. If you have other questions or need to make an appointment, feel free to use our online contact form.

Toyota Highlander Radio Upgrade for Lake City Dealership

December 8, 2017 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

Pinnacle Autosound was recently contacted by a local dealership requesting a Toyota Highlander radio upgrade. After finding out the features the vehicle had from the factory we put together a plan to upgrade the Highlander with the latest and greatest Kenwood eXcelon touchscreen navigation radio. The Highlander also had SiriusXM as a source so the dealership wanted to retain it as well as the factory backup camera.

Toyota Highlander Radio Installation

We started the installation by removing the factory radio and preparing the new dash kit for installation. After the radio was secured in the dash kit, we began to wire up the radio harness. The radio harness plugs into the factory radio and allows us to install the new radio without cutting the vehicle wiring. This installation would use an interface to not only keep the OEM steering wheel controls, but also the OEM backup camera as well as the vehicle controls that were available on the factory screen. We accomplished this integration with the help of the iDatalink Maestro interface. The Maestro is an incredible little box that communicates with the factory computer. The information the Maestro gets from the computer is displayed on the screen of the Kenwood radio. Things like tire pressure, battery voltage, vehicle speed and RPM are available for display.

Navigation and Backup Camera Integration

Making sure the vehicle’s owner gets safely to their destination is the job of the Kenwood navigation. The Kenwood radio uses navigation powered by Garmin, the world leader in GPS technology. Making the drive safer in reverse is accomplished by integrating the factory backup camera with the new radio. Our technicians accomplished this through the use of a voltage adapter that powers the factory camera with a specific voltage it requires. Now whenever the Highlander is placed in reverse, the backup camera image is displayed on the Kenwood screen, just like the factory radio.

Find Out More About Radio Upgrade Options

If you are interested in updating your Toyota Highlander radio with the latest technology, stop by Pinnacle Autosound today. Our technology experts will talk with you about your needs and come up with the perfect solution. Give us a call today or contact us using our online contact form.

Lake City Powersports Client Gets Yamaha YXZ Stereo System

July 6, 2017 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A powersports client from Lake City recently came to Pinnacle Autosound looking for a Yamaha YXZ Stereo system. We have worked on a number of side-by-sides so we had a great idea of what would get his rocking.

Rockford Fosgate Radio Provides Lots of Choices

The start of the system was the Rockford Fosgate PMX2 Radio. This radio is purpose-built for the powersports market. It is designed to hold up to the most abusive conditions. As you can tell from the pictures, this side-by-side is no trailer queen, so we knew this was the perfect radio. The client now has almost unlimited audio sources when paired via Bluetooth to his smartphone.

Rugged, Efficient Power by JL Audio

Adding audio power to powersports vehicles can sometimes be a challenge. There are a number of obstacles that aren’t found in regular cars or trucks. The first hurdle is size. There is very little space available in the normal side-by-side. Another concern is the limited charging amperage of the side-by-side charging system. Taking these things into account, we chose the JL Audio MX280/4 amplifier. As you can see, it was small enough to fit in the glove box. The glove box doesn’t provide a waterproof seal, but that was no concern for us, as the JL Audio amplifier is built to withstand the elements.

Yamaha YXZ Stereo Speakers

The final step for the Yamaha YXZ stereo system was to add some great sounding speakers. We started by adding a Wet Sounds Core 10 speaker bar. This is a very low-profile housing that holds a number of smaller speakers. We used two of the JL Audio amplifier channels to power the speaker bar. To fill in the bass that the system needed we used a Bazooka 10″ subwoofer. The tube system was designed for marine audio use, so we knew it would hold up well under the extremes this Yamaha YXZ would see.

Visit Your Local Powersports Audio Experts Today

The completed system sounded great and took up almost no usable space in this vehicle. If you have a side-by-side or other powersports vehicle and need a stereo system added or upgraded, Pinnacle Autosound is the place for you. We are experts in integrating audio systems in all types of vehicle. Call us or use our online contact form to schedule your appointment today.

Top 12 Car Audio Installer from Lake City, Florida

April 29, 2017 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A few years ago, while living in California, Joey Knapp had the honor of being awarded one of the top awards in the mobile electronics industry. Each year Mobile Electronics magazine receives submissions for its top car audio installer of the year awards. The submissions are initiated by manufacturer’s representatives that have seen excellence in people they work with.

Simplicity In Sound

At the time, Joey was living in Santa Clara, California and was a co-owner of Simplicity in Sound. Simplicity in Sound was founded by Bing Xu. Bing formed a name for himself through online automotive forums for years while working out of his personal garage. Bing painstakingly documents all of his builds with detailed photographs and “build logs”. People came to trust his work because of the transparent methods, and his appointment book began to fill up. Soon, he was booked a full year in advance. It was then that Bing reached out to Joey to help expand his business. Bing and Joey were friends on some industry centered car audio forums. The both shared a passion for perfection, and both held themselves to high standards.

Top 100 Selection

The awards are narrowed from a large group down to 100 participants. The first round of elimination is voted on by the public and industry members. This “Top 100” then puts together a video submission that is judged by a panel the magazine selects. The panel narrows down the group to just 12 members. The videos are judged for the applicant’s attention to detail, quality of work on builds and responses to prompted questions.

Victory As A Top 12 Car Audio Installer

Joey was fortunate to make it to the Top 12 round of the competition for 2013. This helped complete a life-long goal for him.

Joey currently owns Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City, Florida. He commutes monthly to California to work at Simplicity in Sound. If you need any assistance in the field of car audio, whether it is a basic radio installation or full-blown custom audio system, call us today or contact us here. For an even more personalized experience stop by our facility.

Pontoon Boat Audio System for Lake City Client

April 27, 2017 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A local client from Lake City recently contacted us about upgrading the failing marine audio system in his pontoon boat. We spoke with him about his goals for the upgrade and ended up booking him an appointment.

Rockford Fosgate Subwoofer Upgrade

The biggest problem with the client’s boat was the old subwoofer had stopped working. We replaced the 10″ marine subwoofer and added an additional 10″ subwoofer. The subwoofers were mounted on each side of the boat in storage cabinets. We choose the Rockford Fosgate Prime 10″ marine subwoofers for this application. To power the subwoofers we used 2 Rockford Fosgate 300 watt amplifiers. These amplifiers are very efficient in both power consumption and size. Their efficiency will allow the client to play the system for a long time when he is out on the water.

Wetsounds Speaker Upgrade

While we were working on the boat the client also wanted us to improve the sound of the speakers. We were able to put together a package consisting of two pair of Wet Sounds coaxial speakers and a Wet Sounds 4-channel amplifier. The Wet Sounds equipment is designed to be in the marine environment so we know the client will enjoy the speakers for a long time.

Pontoon Boat Audio Delivery

Once all the gear was installed we took the time to carefully adjust the amplifiers and radio setting to maximize the performance of the new system. The sound was very impressive. When the client picked the boat up he loved the improved clarity and output of the system. More bass was an added bonus!

If you are interested in upgrading the audio system in your boat, stop by and see us, or contact us HERE for an appointment or questions.