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Performance Electronics and Cability Introduce the OBDII BLOCKER: A Hidden, App-Controlled Lock for the OBDII Port
Earns Runner-Up Honors at 2026 SEMA New Product Awards
Performance Electronics, Ltd. (PE) and Cability, Inc. is previewing the OBDII BLOCKER at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3–6 in Las Vegas, ahead of its scheduled production launch in 2027. The OBDII BLOCKER installs out of sight behind the dash, between the vehicle harness and the existing OBD2 port, and lets owners lock and unlock the port from a free, Bluetooth-connected mobile app. It earned Runner-Up Honors at the New Product Awards!
The OBDII BLOCKER grew out of a long-standing working relationship between PE and Cability. PE led the electronics, firmware and app development, while Cability contributed its cable and harness design and manufacturing.
Thieves don’t need your keys anymore. They just need your OBD2 port. A thief who gets into the cabin can plug a commercially available key programmer into an unprotected OBD2 port and program a new key fob in minutes, then drive away as if the vehicle had been legitimately keyed. U.S. law enforcement is increasingly reporting this method as an active theft technique.
The OBDII BLOCKER closes that door. When the port is locked, the OBD2 connector is cut off from the vehicle network, so a key programmer plugged into it has nothing to talk to. Because the unit uses a standard OBD2 connector, nothing in the cabin indicates that a blocker is installed.
What sets the OBDII BLOCKER apart
Most OBD2 port locks are either a mechanical cover or a simple on/off switch or come with a hefty price tag and a monthly subscription fee. The OBDII BLOCKER is built around PE’s embedded-electronics and mobile-app expertise, giving it capabilities other port locks don’t have:
- Reads the CAN bus without sharing it. The blocker continues to read data on the vehicle side of the electronics without making that data available at the cabin port.
- Locks and unlocks automatically. Owners can configure the blocker in the app to lock and unlock the port based on CAN data, such as when a certain RPM is reached, so there’s no need to remember to lock or unlock it. It also means the phone and app don’t have to be present to unlock the port, which helps in an emergency when a phone isn’t available or isn’t charged, or when the vehicle is in for service.
- Configurable 12V accessory port. The port can be configured to provide constant power for accessories that require it, such as a GPS tracker; key-on power, so accessories such as a radar detector or backup camera don’t have to be unplugged to keep from draining the battery; or power based on a parameter from the CAN bus.
- Smart accessory switching. Accessories can be switched on and off with key-on power and engine parameters from the CAN bus, making additional aftermarket electronics, such as TPS switches or window switches, unnecessary.
- No additional costs. The OBDII BLOCKER is controlled through a free mobile app, with no subscription necessary.
“Car thieves have figured out that the OBD2 port is the easiest way into a modern vehicle, and most of the products that protect it are a cover or an on/off switch,” said Brian Lewis, Owner of Performance Electronics. “Working with Cability, we built a blocker that not only protects against this type of theft but also offers some electronic intelligence by continuing to read the CAN bus.”
“Pairing PE’s electronics expertise with our cable manufacturing capabilities was a good blending of our strengths,” said Bret Gann, President, Cability, Inc. “Together we’ve created a better mousetrap, and we’re hoping to get some good feedback on it at SEMA.”
Who it’s for
The OBDII BLOCKER is designed for a wide range of customers, including:
- Individuals who want to protect their investment from car theft and/or power additional aftermarket accessories
- Dealerships and companies with fleets that need theft protection
- Upfitters that want to offer it as an aftermarket option
- Companies that need fleet data from accessories such as GPS and radar
- Automotive accessory companies that want to pair it with their own product as a key-on power option
See it at SEMA. SEMA Show attendees can see the OBDII BLOCKER and share feedback with the development team at Performance Electronics, Booth #23829 in the Central Hall, and at Cability, Inc., Booth #10560 in the North Hall. It will also be part of the New Product Showcase. The 2026 SEMA Show takes place November 3–6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
ABOUT PERFORMANCE ELECTRONICS
Performance Electronics, Ltd. is a Cincinnati, Ohio-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in embedded electronic control systems and custom electronic solutions. PE supports customers through concept development, electronic and mechanical design, software and firmware development, mobile-app development, testing, manufacturing and product lifecycle management.
ABOUT CABILITY, INC.
Cability, Inc., based in Vista, California, has more than 40 years of experience in custom wire, cable and harness manufacturing for automotive, off-road aftermarket, marine, telecom and communications applications.
MEDIA CONTACT
Julie Lewis
Director of Business Operations
Performance Electronics, Ltd.
513-777-5233 ext. 101
julie.lewis@pe-ltd.com
www.PE-ltd.com
YOUR NEXT PRODUCT IS ALREADY 80% DONE: PERFORMANCE ELECTRONICS HIGHLIGHTS CUSTOM DESIGN SOLUTIONS AT SEMA
Electronics-centered engineering, configurable platforms, and full-service development help companies bring differentiated products to market faster.
CINCINNATI, Ohio — Performance Electronics, Ltd. (PE) will showcase its Custom Design Solutions at the 2026 SEMA Show, helping automotive aftermarket companies, OEMs, and specialty-equipment manufacturers turn product ideas into scalable, production-ready electronic products.
Many companies recognize a market opportunity but lack the in-house electronics expertise needed to develop and manufacture a sophisticated product. PE helps fill that gap through custom embedded control systems, electronic hardware, firmware, software, mobile-app development, data acquisition, testing, and manufacturing support.
The message behind the program is simple: “Your Next Product Is Already 80% Done.” Rather than beginning every electronic product from a blank page, PE applies proven, configurable architecture and reusable engineering building blocks to help customers move faster while retaining the flexibility to create a differentiated solution.
“Companies often have a strong product idea and a clear understanding of the market they want to serve, but they may not have the electronics background, embedded-systems experience, or development resources needed to bring that idea to life. Our Custom Design Solutions provide a practical path forward. We combine proven electronic platforms with the hardware, firmware, software, mobile-app development, testing, and manufacturing expertise needed to configure a reliable product around the customer’s requirements.”
— Brian Lewis, Owner, Performance Electronics
At the SEMA Show, PE will be discussing custom development opportunities including:
- Private-label electronic product opportunities
- Proven, configurable electronic platforms for faster development
- Electronic hardware, embedded software, firmware, mobile-app development, and connectivity
- Custom embedded controls, data acquisition, testing, manufacturing, and lifecycle support
- Production programs ranging from hundreds to thousands—or tens of thousands—of units
- PE’s Motor Servo Control, a custom design solution and configurable platform that will be displayed in Booth #23829
PE provides an electronics-centered, full-service development path from concept through production. Mechanical design is incorporated as needed to support an electronic product’s enclosure, wiring, packaging, mounting, and application requirements. SEMA Show attendees are invited to visit Performance Electronics at Booth #23829 in the Central Hall to see the Motor Servo Control platform and discuss their next custom electronic product.
Learn more at www.pe-cds.com.
About Performance Electronics
Performance Electronics, Ltd. is a Cincinnati, Ohio-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in embedded electronic control systems and custom electronic solutions. PE supports customers through concept development, electronic and mechanical design, software and firmware development, mobile-app development, testing, manufacturing, and product lifecycle management.
Media Contact
Julie Lewis
Director of Business Operations
Performance Electronics, Ltd.
513-777-5233 ext. 101
julie.lewis@pe-ltd.com
PE Dealer, JAM Co Ltd… Big in Japan!
A Performance Electronics dealer in Japan, JAM Co., Ltd., has been upgrading carbureted engines with new technology using the PE3-IG2 ignition controller. Kiyoyuke Naruke, JAM Co’s president, has been getting attention from a popular magazine in Japan, Mr. Bike BG, featuring a Kawasaki Z1000J and the PE3-IG2.
A translation of the article can be found here.
Performance Electronics 600cc Non-Wing World Championship Update!
The 3rd Annual Performance Electronics 600cc Non-Wing World Championship has been rescheduled for July 15-18, 2020. Circus City Speedway will operate at full capacity, allowing them to lift the cap of 120 entries.
The Performance Electronics 600cc Non-Wing World Championship has become a marquee event among micro sprint racers in just a short time. Over 100 drivers competed in both the inaugural event as well the 2nd edition. The 2nd Annual Performance Electronics Non-Wing World Championship was the largest single class outdoor micro sprint event of 2019. Over 100 drivers are expected to compete again in 2020.
A grueling 50 lap main event against the treacherous curb made for an exciting event in 2019. Delaware’s Kyle Spence was able to capitalize on a mistake made by Oklahoma’s Trey Robb and drive to a convincing victory over Pennsylvania’s Brian Carber, the 2018 champion. Rounding out the top 3 with an incredible drive was Oklahoma’s Chris Cochran, who worked his way from a D-Qualifier all the way to the podium in the World Championship Main Event.
SPEED SPORT will capture all of the action as the world’s best micro sprint drivers battle for the $10,000 top prize on the 1/8 bullring located at the Miami County Fairgrounds in Peru, Indiana. A one hour tape delayed broadcast of the event will air mid-summer (date TBA) on primetime television via the MAVTV Motorsports Network.
For more information on the 3rd Annual Performance Electronics 600cc Non-Wing World championship visit Circus City Speedway online at www.CircusCitySpeedway.org
Performance Electronics’ PE3 fuel injection and ignition engine control unit has been adopted by SCCA Enterprises for their new Spec Racer® Ford GEN3 engine.
Performance Electronics’ PE3 fuel injection and ignition engine control unit (ECU), has been adopted by SCCA Enterprises for their new Spec Racer® Ford GEN3 engine. The GEN3 engine is the newest development for the historic Spec Racer® Ford (SRF) vehicle. Manufactured by SCCA Enterprises, the SRF is an enclosed wheel, open cockpit, purpose-built race car. With almost 900 cars delivered over the last 30 years, the SRF is the largest purpose-built racing car class in the United States. Slated for full adoption this year, the new GEN3 engine package boasts many performance enhancements including the PE3 ECU.
While racers are often looking to gain a competitive edge using stand-alone ECUs to realize peak performance, this new relationship with SCCA Enterprises uses the PE3 technology to actually level the playing field. The SRF rules dictate that no performance enhancing modifications, other than suspension adjustments within described parameters, can be made to the car. Therefore all tuning with the PE3 ECU is performed by the factory. All GEN3 engines are tuned for optimal performance using the PE3, and are then sealed to prevent any future modifications, ensuring all cars are the same. With this standardization, what keeps a team competitive in the SRF class is their driver’s ability during a competition, not the ability of the team to fund investments in never-ending design enhancements.
Brian Lewis, co-founder of Performance Electronics, is excited about the relationship with SCCA Enterprises. “This relationship has been beneficial to both companies. The PE3 series of high performance, budget-minded control units is a particularly good fit for Spec Racing. Our ability to support and customize control units means Performance Electronics is
well suited to supply to both sanctioning bodies and individuals alike. We’re anxious to see the first GEN3 National Champion crowned later this year.”
Erik Skirmants, President and CEO of SCCA Enterprises, echoes that sentiment. “We considered many ECU options for our critical GEN3 program. In the end, Performance Electronics was the only partner who met product requirements, was able to work with us for optimization of the system, and also met cost targets. PE’s tendencies towards high quality, quick
response and aggressive development, matched our style perfectly.”
Founded in 1999, and based in West Chester, Ohio, Performance Electronics, Ltd (PE) is an engineering firm specializing in the design and manufacture of embedded electronic control systems for racing and a broad range of other applications and industries.
Contact: Julie Lewis
Performance Electronics, Lltd.
www.pe-ltd.com
Phone (513) 777-5233, Fax (513) 777-2042
8162 Regal Lane, Unit 3, West Chester, OH 45069
julie.lewis@pe-ltd.com
Performance Electronics becomes Title Sponsor of the Inaugural 600cc Non-Wing World Championship.
Peru, Indiana (March 5, 2018) – Performance Electronics, an engineering company specializing in the design and manufacture of embedded electronic control systems for use in various industries will serve as the title sponsor of the Inaugural 600cc Non-Wing World Championship. The Performance Electronics 600cc Non-Wing World Championship boasts and incredible $40,000 purse to be spread
amongst the four-day event being held at Circus City Speedway in Peru, Indiana.
Performance Electronics’ involvement will play a significant role in increasing awareness of the event to a wide audience of performance enthusiasts. In addition, participants and patrons of the event will benefit from the Performance Electronics team, who will be on hand highlighting new products and offering tech support to new and existing customers.
“We are excited to partner with Performance Electronics and their entire team,” said Circus City Speedway track promoter Curt Bullick. “The opportunity to elevate this event to the next level with a
company who designs, builds, and offers technical support right here in the USA is an exact fit for us.” “We are truly honored to be working with such a great company.”
The Performance Electronics 600cc Non-Wing World Championship takes place May 23-26 at Circus City Speedway in Peru, Indiana. Additional information on the Performance Electronics 600cc Non-Wing World Championship is available online at www.CircusCitySpeedway.com. Additional information on Performance Electronics, Ltd is available online at www.pe-ltd.com
Performance Electronics’ PE3 named new engine control unit for the Formula 2000 Championship Racing Series.
Performance Electronics’ PE3 fuel injection and ignition engine control unit (ECU), has been adopted by the Formula 2000 (F2000) SCCA Pro Racing series. The F2000 Championship Series is a North American-based open wheel road racing series. Most F2000 series cars are powered by a 2.0L Ford Zetec engine capable of 155 horsepower and speeds up to 145 mph. The series boasts distinguished alumni including Dan Weldon, Paul Tracy and Sam Hornish Jr.
While racers are often looking to gain a competitive edge using stand-alone ECUs to realize peak performance, this new relationship with the F2000 series uses the PE3 technology to actually level the playing field, at least as far as engine performance is concerned. Although F2000 is a formula, not spec series, and some modifications are permitted, the engine tune is not one of them. All F2000 engines are tuned for optimal performance using the PE3 by the engine builder and then provided to the competitors. All competitors must use the ECU map provided by the
Series. This type of standardization helps to keep costs in check. Teams are encouraged to try and build a better race car, but can save their design enhancement dollars for elsewhere.
Performance Electronics is now the vendor of choice for a few different racing series. Brian Lewis, co-founder of Performance Electronics, is excited about this new opportunity for his company. “The PE3 series of high performance, budget-minded control units is a particularly good fit for series racing. Our ability to support and customize control units means Performance Electronics is well suited to supply to both sanctioning bodies and individuals alike. We’re anxious to complete the roll out and get all F2000 Championship Series cars running the PE3.” The PE3 which is proudly designed, manufactured and supported in the USA, is replacing the Pectel T2 ECU, which is no longer supported by its United Kingdom based manufacturer.
Founded in 1999, and based in West Chester, Ohio, Performance Electronics, Ltd (PE) is an engineering firm specializing in the design and manufacture of embedded electronic control systems for racing and a broad range of other applications and industries.
Contact: Julie Lewis
Performance Electronics, ltd.
www.pe-ltd.com
Phone (513) 777-5233, Fax (513) 777-2042
11529 Goldcoast Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45249
julie.lewis@pe-ltd.com
Please contact us!
Performance Electronics, Ltd. would be happy to answer any questions regarding our current products or how we may be of assistance in the design and development of a custom system.
