Bad_dude

My friend bought an alarm from Ebay, it was a refurbished Prestige APS596A. It has only 7 days return policy. I am going to help him install it. I really don't want to go through the hassle of running every thing only to find out it doesn't work.
Normally, do you guys bench test your system before installation? I know I do that when I build computers but not sure about alarms.
If you do, how would do it to test the brain and all its components?

Thanks.

fcm

If it was purchased from eBay and it's a "refurb" then yea, I would definatly bench test it.

How, just connect it up on the bench, connect siren, [stuff a sock in it] connect power and ground, plug in sensors and valet/program button and LED, connect a 12V test light or any 12V light to the park light flash output

Test arming and disarming, test door trigger and hood/trunk trigger by grounding the leads.
Test valet/program button by triggering the alarmm [trigger with impact sensor to test it] then supply 12V+ to the ign. input lead and pressing valet/program button for "disarm without remote, your done. 94

Bad_dude

So if the system is bought brand new like in my case, would you recommend testing it or just go ahead and install it? What is the chance of a brand new system failing? The brands that I am considering are: Viper, AutoPage, and AudioVox Prestige.

Thanks.

fcm

Anything can be DOA, but less likely with a new unit then a refurbed one, with a new unit I would go ahead and install it, if you have the time to bench test it, it can't hurt. 94

Bad_dude

What is the most common reason and most common components of an alarm system that could go bad or be defected?
Thanks.

fcm

The brain, then the siren, then offboard sensors.94

wrx-killer-Sti-eater

iTrader: (1)

The only problems I have seen with the ebay alarms is that the units never page the remotes. I have a couple of doa brains from ebay too. Its a hit or miss.

ef_newb

with newer dei stuff, the damn antennas

Bad_dude

It that within any range? My friend said he tested the refurbished unit and it seems to work fine. You save quite a bit. I wonder if I should get one for my Corolla?
Thanks.

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

i know my Vipers door locks didnt work out of the box. and cuz it bought it wholesale, DEI wont do **** even tho its their product. FTL

Bad_dude

I think more people are saving money by doing it themselves. I know for a fact that car mechanics are losing lots of business for over charging and cheating customers. The same way with any business. My friend paid over $700 over 2 years ago for a Viper and it never worked correctly. The installer keep pushing back from fixing the problem. I am no expert but if I unplug the sensors, change all the fuse to new and the car still going off without triggering any lead is a brain issue. But yet the installer won't do a thing without charging. So much for lifetime warranty on products and install. Viper won't do any thing keep telling him to go back to the installer. So he went for a Scytek 4 weeks ago and he's a real happy customer. After he got his car stolen b/c he had to disable the Viper due to false alarms going on all day and the installer won't fix it without charging him another $150.
I know more about my car than the dealer and the mechanic. I'll tell you man, punishing the company by not buying their products is the only way. I might not reach every one but I can do a little damage. After hearing my friend's story yesterday just fuse me up. This is why I am looking at the lesser well known companies for my electronics. I used to just go for AMD processors. Now I just go for AMD video cards. They are just so much better. Most people just know brands and don't have enough experience with the product failures or bad business practices.

fcm

Did you get it from an authorized DEI dealer, how about your friend Bad_dude did he get it from an authorized dealer?

If not, you have nothing to bitch about, DEI protects their dealers by not covering warranty on products purchased from non authorized dealers.

If any alarm is purchased from an unauthorized dealer, then there is no way for the manufacturer, [DEI] to know if the product is stolen, salvaged, or other "gray market" product or even fake, so why would they cover it.

Seems to me the only people bitching and crying are the ones who got their product off eBay or other unauthorized sellers.

Solution, stop buying stuff form unauthorized dealers just because it is cheaper and you will not have a problem.

Remember, you get what you pay for. 94

Bad_dude

I am Bad_dude. Lol. My friend did get it from an authorized dealer. I went there last month with him and there's a big certificate on the wall that says he's a Viper authorized dealer, amongh other certificates. Otherwise, only a fool would put up over $700 for the alarm. Even on his receipt, it says that. It's too late now. The 2nd installer already took out the Viper. But I would not bitch if things were suppose to be taken care of like it should be.
I worked in retail for over 10 years as a manager, and taking care of customers is all that I know whether they are right or wrong. We are obligated by the company and my store's reputation. The last thing I want to do is bitch about some thing without due cause.
I am just tire that too many people blame the economy for the problems that they should take care off and that includes the big company like DEI. The economy is bad b/c of the people not the environment causing it. People caused it, only people can fix it.

On the side note, I do appreciate this forums and the people on it as I gotten lots of answers and help from here. I try to contribute when I can but I am still new to alarm installations but I won't be in the next few months.

Thanks.

wrx-killer-Sti-eater

iTrader: (1)

Take your time. You still have alot to learn and experiance if you choose this field of work. Its a allways changing enviroment. I know shops that wont even do cars over 2011 cause there nervious about them.

Bad_dude

Thanks for the encouragement. I want to go all out to get the 5904 Viper, but without a job, it does not justify. But since the best alarm is base on the installer. I have to save the money for other much more needed issues. I have so many ideas of installing this first alarm. When it comes to electronics and computers, I am in.
Here's a glimpse at my car .
http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=188160

uberEFtuner

A car alarm is like a parachute. It just needs to work, otherwise whats the point of using one?

That said Viper a DEI product is very reliable. I personally have installed around 100 or so after 2years at Best Buy, and 2 years at a smaller shop. I have seen many other brands that where dead or dysfunctional in customers cars. I replaced them with Vipers.

And refurbs are always bad news, like EsotericImage said. Door locks didn't work. Some Vipers you need to use a relay and people don't read directions(no offense). So stuff blows up and gets sent in to be refurbed.

Bad_dude

Hey guys,
I got another question. I was briefly testing my Crime Guard 750i6 yesterday with my cordless drill battery. It has only 10.4V lithium ion. I just connect the constant 12V, ground, antenna, and a shock sensor. I was able to arm and disarm with my pager remote. However, it seems the sensors are not working that none of the LED lights came on. I tested the sensor in both ports and nothing. I also test with the radar sensor which is also new and nothing. Is it b/c the voltage is not 12V to get the sensors working? I'll try testing the system tomorrow with the car battery of 12V. How long do I wait before the sensors to come on? Is it 30 seconds? I am going to try it with the trigger wires tomorrow also.

Thanks.