Pinnacle Autosound

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Radios

Apple CarPlay Enhances Safety for Lake City Honda Civic Owner

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Honda Civic CarPlayRecently we were contacted via email by a mother looking to upgrade the radio in her daughter’s Honda Civic.  In our email we outlined different radio options for the Civic.  To enhance the safety of the daughter’s driving we suggested a Sony radio with Apple CarPlay for the Honda Civic.  The mother liked the idea of the handsfree control of the radio so we set up an appointment for the installation.

Honda Civic CarPlay Radio

Many different audio apps can be streamed to the radio now.
Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze can be used with Apple CarPlay.
Safe use of the smartphone while driving is now available in this Honda.

The generation of Honda Civic the client owns requires a fairly large dash kit for installation.  We have used a number of different kits over the years and now use the one pictured in the photos.  It offers the best paint match and positioning of the radio.  Our technicians installed the radio using the kit and mounted the handsfree microphone and routed the USB cable to the lower console.  The Sony radio works great with Apple CarPlay.  The client’s daughter can now use navigation, audio streaming and handsfree texting, all from her phone and all without taking her hands off the steering wheel.

Infinity Speaker Upgrade

Honda Civic CarPlay
The foam surround on the front speakers was falling apart.

As with any radio installation after the radio is mounted and wired up we go through and setup all of the radio adjustments.  We typically set the clock, save local radio presets and turn off any demo mode settings.  While we were checking the sound of the radio and speakers we noticed that the front door speakers sounded like they were in bad shape.  We let the client know and she requested we upgrade them while we were working on the car.  After removing the door panels we found that the foam surrounds that support the speaker cone were disintegrating.  We replaced both front speakers with new Infinity speakers.  The Infinity speakers made a big improvement in sound for the front of the Civic.

Backup Camera

One of the options we presented the mother with was a backup camera.  The Sony radio can accept a backup camera and will automatically display the output of the camera on the screen when the car is put into reverse.  The mother declined the camera for the initial installation but is interested in one for a future upgrade.  For more information on Apple CarPlay and how to get it in your vehicle, call or contact us here.

Repeat Client Comes to Pinnacle for Square Body Chevy Radio

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Chevy RadioA local repeat client recently came to Pinnacle Autosound to get a new radio for his square body Chevy truck.  We reviewed the client’s needs for a new radio and taking into account his happiness with Sony radios in the past, we recommended a Sony radio for his new truck.  The client liked the plan and we scheduled him a time to drop the truck off.

Chevy Radio Installation

Chevy RadioThe radio location in the C10 Chevy dash is in the lower bottom corner.  The factory radio was a shaft-mounted style radio.  To install the new DIN size radio requires a bit of fabrication.  The opening for the factory radio has to be enlarged to make room for the new radio.  Once the hole is enlarged there is a bit of plastic missing on the top and bottom of the opening.  To cover those extra holes, our technicians created a plastic trim ring that covered over the extra holes.  The radio mounting frame is mounted through the trim ring, and attached to the dash.

Future Upgrades

The client was happy with his new radio installation, and really liked the trick cover for the USB port.  We hope to  have the truck back in the near future to add new speakers and some bass to round out the system.  If you are looking to upgrade the audio in your classic truck or car, stop by today or contact us here for more information.

Flats Boat Audio System for Local Marine Repair Business Owner

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Boat AudioThe owner of a Lake City marine repair business recently stopped by to talk about upgrading the audio system in his flats boat.  He currently had a radio and speakers in the boat, but their performance was anemic.  We talked about possible speaker upgrades, a new radio and adding and amplifier.  We always like to mention the benefits of adding a subwoofer too, which the client seemed open to.  Happy with the discussion, the client setup a time to drop his boat off.

Radio Replacement

The Kenwood radio provides the clients with numerous audio sources.
The addition of the waterproof cover will ensure the radio lasts for years.

The first step to building a great audio system in this boat was to upgrade the radio.  For this project we used a Kenwood marine radio.  The radio will give the client the ability to not only play CD’s, listen to the radio, play audio from a USB drive but also to stream audio from his phone via Bluetooth.  While the radio is a marine radio and designed to survive life on a boat, we added an additional bit of protection with installation of a waterproof radio cover.

Speaker Upgrades

The rings were machined in our fabrication room.
The stepped adapter rings look great and help fit the speakers into the larger holes.
A pair of JL speaker was installed in the rear of the boat.
The front of the boat receive a pair of speakers and a single subwoofer.
This boat is going to look and sound great day and night.

The most important part of this job was providing the client with crystal clear music and high volume levels.  Our go-to speaker for this sort of project is the JL Audio MX marine coaxial speaker.  Fulfilling a request for some lighting from the client’s wife was easy with the addition of the LED illuminated series of JL Audio MX speakers.  These speakers have the great JL Audio sound and also feature blue LED lighting.  Adding the lighting required a bit more work because we also have to run not only speaker wires, but also lighting wires, to each speaker.  The lighting for the speakers was powered by an unused rocker switch that we repurposed for the lighting.

After the speaker and lighting wiring was done it was time to install the speakers.  Unfortunately we found that the off-brand speakers the client previously had in the boat were a bit larger than the new JL Audio speakers.  To fit the new speakers in the old holes we made custom adapters out of marine-grade HDPE plastic.  The rings were machined to give the JL Audio speakers a larger lip.  The center of the ring was recessed to allow for the speaker to fit down in it, for a cleaner look.  Finally the outer edge of the ring was chamfered for a more finished shape.  We mounted the speakers into the adapter rings using stainless steel hardware.

Subwoofer Addition

Boat Audio
The center of the front of the boat was the perfect location for the subwoofer.

When the client dropped off the boat with us it was with the understanding that we would research options for a subwoofer.  After looking around the boat while we were working on it, we found that a single 10″ JL Audio marine subwoofer would fit in the very center of the front storage area.  The client agreed to this spot, so we began the work to mount it.  Normally if the fiberglass is thin in the areas we plan on mounting subwoofers, we will make an additional support baffle.  The fiberglass in this area of the boat, though, was plenty thick for mounting the subwoofer.

JL Audio Amplifier

Boat Audio
We mounted the amplifier on a custom-fabricated mounting plate and tucked it up under the console.

Powering the whole system is a JL Audio MX series 4 channel amplifier.  This little amp offers an impressive amount of power in a small package.  We fabricated a mounting plate for the amplifier using the HDPE.  This plate was attached to the side of the console using existing mounting holes for another piece.

Great-Sounding Boat Audio

Once the equipment was mounted and all the wiring was tidied up, it was time to set the level adjustments and crossovers on the amplifier.  When we first powered on the system we were blown away.  For the modest amount of equipment this boat had, it sounded incredible!  When the client’s wife picked it up, she too thought it sounded great.  If it is time to get that boat of yours ready for the water, give us here at Pinnacle Autosound a call or contact us here.

Toyota Corolla Audio System Upgrade for Lake City Client

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Corolla AudioA 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

Toyota Corolla
The JL Audio speakers easily fit behind the factory grilles.

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!

Nissan Altima Android Auto Upgrade for Lake City Car Audio Client

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Nissan Altima Android AutoA 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

Nissan Altima Android Auto
The client will now be able to backup safely thanks to the camera integration.

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

Nissan Altima Android Auto
100’s of apps are available for Android Auto.

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

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Apple CarPlayIt 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 CarPlayApple 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

Apple CarPlayAlmost 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

Apple CarPlayOne 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.