Frequently asked questions

Answers

When it comes to hands free for mobile phones, we're presented with an array of products, features and options. From cradles to wireless Bluetooth to fully integrated systems.

• Personal hands free - usually an earpiece , wired or wireless Bluetooth. These can be used anywhere and are not typically considered a car kit..
• Portable or Plug-in - these include cigarette lighter or sun-visor clip-on types. These are standalone units, usually Bluetooth, and can be moved from car-to-car. They are battery powered and have to be charged (either in or out of the car).
  Microphones and speakers are built-in. They do not offer features like radio mute or stereo integration. They also do not charge the phone.
• Bluetooth car kits (hard-wired) - The most common type of car kit today. These kits are fully installed with external microphone, radio mute and external speaker or stereo input. Connecting via wireless Bluetooth to your mobile phone means that the kit won't charge your phone, but you will enjoy the freedom and the universal ability to use multiple phones. Bluetooth kits are available from all the popular manufacturers and offer a range of options, from simple buttons to LCD screens to integrated systems that use your car's steering wheel buttons.
• Cradles can be added to a Bluetooth system should you want to hold and charge the phone while in the car. Some cradles also offer antenna connections.
• All-in-one kits with cradles (wired car kits) - The "hard'wired" type of hands free system we have used for so many years but is now being phased out by most manufacturers in favour of Bluetooth. These kits offer a cabled connection to the cradle and most provide a facility for an external antenna. An external microphone, fitted speaker or stereo integration / radio mute are all available with this type of system. The phone is also charged while in the cradle.

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About using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range radio technology which allows devices to communicate over a wireless connection. Found in most devices today, it has become a radio standard which is convenient, reliable and secure. using Bluetooth in the car offers a wealth of benefits

• To use Bluetooth – You will need to initiate a search from your device and you will be displayed with a list of other Bluetooth devices within range. Select the one you want to connect to and enter the password. This is called “pairing” and is done only once.
• Trusted devices – Once connected, you can authorise this connection to take place automatically whenever the devices are within range. It wont ask you again, it will just connect.
• Disconnecting – Your devices will disconnect either when you tell it to or when your car is shut down.
• R2DP is the latest from Bluetooth. This new technology allows the high-speed transfer of MP3 audio from your mobile phone or PDA.

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What is stereo integration?

The factory-fitted stereo systems in most vehicles make provision for mobile phone kits. Usually designed for their own dealer-branded parts, these features can also be available to you with a range of aftermarket products and options.

• Tele-mute - Found in most stereo systems, the tele-mute feature allows your hands free car kit to automatically mute the stereo during a call. Some will display "phone" or "tel" on the screen, some will simply switch off. When your call is ended, the stereo system resumes as previous.
  If your stereo does not support a Tele-mute feature, we can fit an additional part (a mute relay) which will cut off the power to the stereo in a call and return it once the call is completed.
• Audio-Input - If your stereo supports a telephone input, then you can enjoy loud, clear conversation with the call audio playing via your car speakers. Thanks to the hands free car kit being able to feed the audio into the stereo system, with the volume being adjustable on the radio or steering wheel.
• Adaptors and Interfaces - Should you not be so lucky as to have an audio-input, don't despair, as there are products designed to overcome these limitations. Using vehicle-specific adaptors and interfaces, we can route the call audio from the car kit directly through to your speakers. Volume will not adjustable from the stereo system or steering wheel but from the phone or car kit itself.

When you book your hands free installation, be sure to ask us what's available for your car.

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Cradles. Do I need one?

A cradles basic function is to hold the phone or PDA, usually mounted to the dash or console with a no-holes bracket, keeping it secure and well-positioned for safe and convenient use.

Some phones require a cradle, connecting to the brain of the system via a cable.
These cradles will be phone-specific, charge the phone and may also have the ability to connect to an external antenna. Most kits nowdays offer the convenience of upgradeable cradles.

If your phone has Bluetooth, you do not necessarily need a cradle, as your phone connects wirelessly with the car kit. Adding a cradle is optional and would be independent of the Bluetooth system. These are available as passive holders or active holders which will charge the phone.

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Using your steering wheel buttons.

Thanks to a range of aftermarket integration products, you can now enjoy all the features of a factory-fitted phone system at a fraction of the cost.

Experience true hands free convenience by using the buttons right there on your steering wheel to control your mobile phone. -- Answer, hang up, redial, voice dial and volume adjustment without taking your hands off the wheel.

For the cleanest looking installation and the freedom of wireless Bluetooth, these systems really are the ultimate in hands free. No wires, no buttons, no cradles (unless you want one).

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What about antennas?

Choosing the right kit

Selecting a kit for your portable music player can be just as confusing as choosing the player itself. There are numerous brands, each with various models, all offering a wealth of features, functions and connection options. What’s right for you will depend on what type of portable audio device you want to use and the type of stereo system in your car.

Firstly, lets look at the different connection options.

• iPod only – The most common of all the portable audio kits and designed specifically for the Apple iPod, using Apple's proprietery plug for a high-quality digital connection.
  Most are vehicle-specific systems that connect into the CD stacker port at the back of your stereo and allow you to control the iPod as though it were a large CD changer, using the functions on your stereo system or steering wheel. These kits will also charge the iPod when connected and some will also display song, artist info etc on your cars radio..
• Aux Input - Provides an auxiliary input as RCA or 3.5mm stereo socket. This can be used for any audio source with a headphone jack but will not allow you to control the device, nor will it charge it. This can be used for non-Apple MP3 players, portable DVD players, handheld game consoles, GPS navigation units.
• USB - Turn any mass storage device with a USB connection into an MP3 player. This includes USB keys, hard drives, mobile phones, SD or CF memory cards. These kits are also vehicle-specific, connecting into the Cd changer port and allowing you to change tracks via the car’s CD functions. The USB device is powered and charged when connected
• Bluetooth – Connect your mobile phone, PDA or any other audio device with a Bluetooth dongle. Using the latest Bluetooth technology known as R2DP, these kits allow you to stream your music wirelessly to the stereo system and let you change tracks using the car's CD functions. These systems are also vehicle-specific and will connect into the CD changer port. You device will not be charged.

Now, the type of vehicle and the make or model of stereo system you have will also determine the type of kit you can use and the features available to you.

• CD Changer input – The most common connection option and available in most cars, these kits are vehicle specific and allow you full control over your music while providing a direct digital input for better sound quality.
  Using the port at the back of the stereo, these kits will replace an EXTERNAL CD changer should you have one. Some kits do offer a CD retention feature, but most don't.
  Note: Your in-dash CD will not be affected in any way
• FM input – For vehicles without compatible CD changer inputs, the car’s antenna input is used. Commonly known as an in-line modulator, these kits can be used on any vehicle, but do not allow you to control your device from the car’s controls.
• Fibre-Optics – Found in many of today’s luxury cars like Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and Audi, fibre-optic kits allow you to get the best possible sound quality and the highest level of integration of your portable music. Enjoy full on-screen browsing and complete control over your tracks from your factory fitted screen and audio controls.

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Where do I put my iPod?

Where you keep your iPod is up to you....

Some people prefer to leave it in the glovebox or console, concealed and out-of-sight, leaving you with that unspoilt look of your dashboard. We can fit a dock connection anywhere in the vehicle you wish. Even in the boot.

Others like having their iPod in a cradle up on the dash - close at hand and within easy reach. These are always fitted using a no-holes solution to ensure no damage to your car.

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What is an FM modulator?

• FM Transmitter : Usually an over-the-counter product that plugs into the iPod's headphone socket and transmits an FM signal out into the air. The car's antennna receives this signal and it runs down the cable and into the back of the radio.
  Now this would be fine if you were sitting outside the car, next to the antenna. Instead, you're inside the car, surrounded by metal and electronics that cause interference.
  In the instance that an external source, say a community radio station, was broadcasting on the same frequency you had your transmitter set to, then there is no way that your little transmitter inside the car can compete with the more powerful radio station - You will be listening to that radio station instead of your portable music player.

• FM modulator: (also called an inline modulator ) A fully-fitted kit that connects directly into the antenna-in port at the back of the stereo system. The car’s antenna plug is removed and plugged into the kit. So you now have a cabled connection from the iPod straight into the radio. When the kit is in use, the car's antenna is automatically " disconnected" from the system, so no external source can be received by the stereo, eliminating any interference or static. When you do want to listen to the radio, simply unplug your iPod and the antenna is automatically "reconnected" and your radio plays as normal.
  
  These kits will charge the iPod, deliver outstanding sound quality, but will not allow you to control the iPod from the headunit or steering wheel. You will have to use the iPod itself.

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I want to play video from my iPod

Ok, so you've downloaded your favourite music videos. You've also got Podcasts and full-length feature films stored on your iPod and you want to watch them in the car. While we don't encourage you to watch them while driving, there are many ways to enjoy high quality video from your portable collection.

• On your factory-fitted screen - If your car has a colour monitor, usually designed for TV, DVD or SatNav, we can supply & fit a multimedia adaptor that allows you to push your iPod (or any other video signal) into the system. Your existing video sorces and original functionality of your car will not be affected. You will simply have additional inputs.
• On aftermarket screens - Don't have a built-in screen? Add one! There are a variety of options to choose from for all needs and budgets. (see the multimedia catagory for more). From in-dash units to headrest and retro-fitted screens.

So now that we've identified where you're going to watch the video, you need to get the video out of your ipod.

• Using A/V specific kits - most iPod car kit manufacturers offers systems that include a Video-out connection or have add-on modules that will let you upgrade your kit to display Video. Some offer an A/V cradle.
  Either way, you will be provided with a standard video-out plug that can be connected to any of the above integration systems or standalone screens.
  These solutions would be the neatest and often invisible as everything would be connected behind the dash.
• Using a simple A/V lead - plugging a 3.5mm A/V to RCA adaptor lead into the top of your iPod gives you a cheap and easy video-out option. This can be plugged into any A/V input or screen.

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Using your phone as a MP3 player

Most people don’t realise it, but many of today’s mobile phones have multimedia capabilities only limited by the capacity of it’s memory card. Now available in sizes over 8Gb, this is a great option if you don’t want to carry both a phone and a portable music player.

So lets now explore the available options and find a solution to getting the music out of your phone and into your car.

• Auxillary inputs – These provide a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
• Bluetoooth -
• USB connections -
  
  
  

How parking sensors work

Parking sensors commonly consist of 2, 4 or 8 sensor heads fitted to the front and/or rear of the vehicle. Usually drilled into the bumper or surface-mounted on utes or trucks.

• Engaging automatically when selecting reverse gear, an ultrasonic radio wave is emitted, creating a “detection zone” around the sensors. Usually up to a distance of 2m.
• Object alert – Should the system detect an object, you are warned by an audible tone.
• Distance to the object is measured in the “beep beep “frequency of this tone. Becoming faster as the object gets closer until a solid “beeeep” indicating the driver to stop.

Some systems offer a visual display as well as an audible tone, which shows the actual distance to the object on an LCD display.

Front sensors are usually in an “alway-on” mode, but with shorter detection distance. They can also be manually turned off by a switch if desired.

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What colour are the sensors?

Sensors are usually black but can be colour matched to suite your car's paint finish.

Just provide us with your car's Colour Name as well as Colour Code and we will have the sensor heads prepared, sprayed and finished by a professional service before we come out to fit them .

This code can be found in your owner’s handbook, on the compliance plate in your vehicle or from your dealer.

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Types of camera systems

Camera systems are available in a variety of types and sizes. Depending on the vehicle and the application. With these systems you will have a full-colour image of what's behind the vehicle, but will not have an audible alert or distance display as you get with a sensor system

Camera types:

• Bumper-fit are barrel-shaped and drilled into the bumber
• Mini cameras are attached either under the boot latch or number plate light
• Commercial cameras are larger and can be fitted at the top / bottom of the vehicle

When selecting a camera, there are different technologies available:

• CMOS - Basic imaging technology, lower resolution.
• CCD - More advanced, digital technology, higher resolution
• The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture will be on your display.

Selecting a camera for night use:

• the LUX value of the camera represents how well the camera will perform at night.
  The LOWER the LUX value the better.
• InfraRed is available on some cameras which is designed for night vision. usually available only in larger cameras.

Now that you understand cameras, there are options for displaying the image:

• Factory-fitted screen - if your vehicle has a built-in colour monitor, there are ways of connecting the camera directly into the system so that you get the rear image up on the display. Some vehicles offer a video input, others will require 3rd party interfaces or adaptors
• Aftermarket screens - Available in a multitude of shapes, sizes and types. Typically these consist of:
  Window / dash-mount
  Rear-view-mirror replacement or clip-on screens
  Sun-visor mount

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Can I have sensors & camera?

Yes. Fitting both sensors and a camara gives you the ultimate parking assistant.

Both types of systems have their strengths and their downfalls. Combining the two together gives you complete piece-of-mind.

See whats behind you with a full colour image, be alerted to objects and know how far they are.
 

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Can I use my existing screen?

If you have a colour screen factory-fitted in your car, chances are you will be able to add a reverse camera and have the image displayed in full colour up on your in-dash display.
These will activate automatically when selecting reverse gear.

Some car's have an input available for cameras, most dont. Aftermarket interfaces and Video input adaptors are available for those that don't. Just ask us what's available for your car.

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How does GPS work?

(GPS) Global Positioning System is a network of 24 satellites that orbit the earth. Your GPS receiver communicates with these satellites and calculates it’s coordinates in longitude and latitudinal data.

This data can then be plotted manually on a map or used with navigation software to indicate your exact location and offer a wealth of information like driving directions, points of interest, speed limits etc.

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Types of GPS systems

When it comes to choosing a GPS system, we are presented with literally 100's of options. What's right for you will depend on your needs, your budget and the make / model of car you have.

• Portable GPS units are all-in-one systems that can be purchased over the counter and be used straight out of the box. These are usually supplied with cigarette lighter adaptors and window suckers, allowing you to use them in any vehicle.
  The GPS receiver is built into the unit annd no further hardware or software is required.
• GPS Software is available for most PDA’s as well as an increasing number of mobile phones. These have the benfit of being handy and portable. Having GPS on your mobile phone is convenient, but not ideal for heavy users.
  Some phones & PDAs now include GPS hardware built-in. External Bluetooth GPS receivers are also available.
• Fixed GPS systems are either integrated into factory screens or used with retro-fitted displays. These systems cannot be used outside of the car. Your options here vary from vehicle-specific systems to custom installations. Ask one of our sale staff what we can do for you.

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Can you install my portable GPS?

Tired of those ghastly cables running across your dash? Had enough of fumbling around with plugs and window suction attachments? We can get your GPS system looking neat, perfectly positioned and securely mounted with a range of aftermarket accessories.

• Cradles are available for most popular brands. Replace your windows-sucker attachment with a device-specific cradle that can be mounted securely to the dash or console. Ensures easy insert/removal of your GPS.
• Hard-wiring the power supply frees up your cigarette lighter plug. All cables are hidden and run behind the dash.
• External antennas can be added for optimum reception with the satelites.

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Do I pay a monthly subscription?

Once you have bought your GPS system, you do not have to pay any ongoing licenses or subscription fees. The use of the satelite system is free and there are no airtime/usage costs.

The only cost you may incur is the upgrade for new maps (should you wish to update them in the future) or any in-vehicle installation that you may decide to have done.

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Can I use my factory screen?

Most car’s with built-in colour displays have video inputs. Using vehicle-specific adaptor harnesses or interface kits, we can utilise those inputs and share them with multiple video sources. What you add is up to you...

• TV Tuner– Watch your favourite shows in high quality with a digital TV tuner.
• Reverse cameras - see exactly what’s behind you when backing up.
• iPod’s - play your iPod vieo on your factory screen
• GPS systems - fully integrated with your in-dash system and in clear display for hassle-free navigation

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