my car (95 Civic EX Coupe) was broken into a few months ago, and my Kenwood Excelon head unit and Razo shiftknob were stolen, as well as my dashboard being destroyed to the point where it needed to be completely replaced. A month and a half of repairs (covered by insurance) have left me with a NEW dash, but only $80 towards a new stereo. I have decided to use that money for a new alarm system. I have been looking at different security systems, and I need some advice. I have a friend that installs stereos/alarms at a national chain, so I will be ordering the system and having him help me install it.

the Audiovox Informer APS-996A seems pretty good. I like how it has the LCD keychain and it seems like it does a lot to keep the car secure. I have a friend that installs stereos/alarms at a national chain, so I will be ordering the system and having him help me install it.

There is also a "Crime Guard" system at Crutchfield.com, but I have never heard of it. My overall budget is about $250 for the system and parts (harnesses, glass break sensors, etc...), so is the Audiovox good, or are there any other suggestions? I will eventually be getting Lo-Jack, but it's ridiculously expensive and I can't afford it at the moment. I read the FAQ's for this forum, but it seemed to only cover car audio issues, so hopefully I can get some help through this thread!

thanks!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smores &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my car (95 Civic EX Coupe) was broken into a few months ago, and my Kenwood Excelon head unit and Razo shiftknob were stolen, as well as my dashboard being destroyed to the point where it needed to be completely replaced. A month and a half of repairs (covered by insurance) have left me with a NEW dash, but only $80 towards a new stereo. I have decided to use that money for a new alarm system. I have been looking at different security systems, and I need some advice. I have a friend that installs stereos/alarms at a national chain, so I will be ordering the system and having him help me install it.

the Audiovox Informer APS-996A seems pretty good. I like how it has the LCD keychain and it seems like it does a lot to keep the car secure. I have a friend that installs stereos/alarms at a national chain, so I will be ordering the system and having him help me install it.

There is also a "Crime Guard" system at Crutchfield.com, but I have never heard of it. My overall budget is about $250 for the system and parts (harnesses, glass break sensors, etc...), so is the Audiovox good, or are there any other suggestions? I will eventually be getting Lo-Jack, but it's ridiculously expensive and I can't afford it at the moment. I read the FAQ's for this forum, but it seemed to only cover car audio issues, so hopefully I can get some help through this thread!

thanks!</TD></TR></TABLE> I would get the APS-996A From your friends shop before I'd get the "Crime Guard" off Crutchfield, at my shop we have a lifetime over the counter warranty exchange on Audiovox alarms/alarmstarters, [ no down time] 94


Modified by fcm at 8:41 PM 11/29/2004

 

one word......VIPER!

 

BDTURBO, don't VIPER systems cost around $500? I'm looking for a temporary solution that will at least get me a discount on insurance (I already talked to my agent, and I will get a discount) and afford me a little peace of mind until I can afford Lo-Jack by summer of 05.

Do you know where I can get my hands on a VIPER system for a lower price than they have it for at Best Buy?

 

I feel ya on wanting to get the feeling of some sort of security. Personally I wouldn't go with lowjack, I am not sure of the price but I'm sure it is up there. I just saved up and went with a Viper at Best Buy. Just as long as you get some kind of alarm. I don't think it has to be TOP of the line, but definately don't go with bottom of the barrel stuff. My friend just hooked up a light that flashed so people would think he had an alarm. He was a cheap bastard but it worked.

Yeah so get a decent alarm, I say Viper. I think they have a model for around 3 bills and install is free specially since your friend works there right?

 

If you didn't know, as an alternative to Lowjack, there are now GPS/cellular tracking systems available that can automatically call you on your cell phone if your alarm is tripped and it also tells a "service" where your car is at. The service will then work with cops to locate your car. You can also track the car yourself online. A lot of people are worried about mechanics taking their car for a joyride when they drop it off. You can set up a GPS geo-fence around the car, so if it is taken outside of a certain boundary, it will call you, or if your car exceeds 80 miles per hour, it will call you.
For more info...
http://www.directed.com/security/viper/gps.asp

I only read of this system so I don't know exactly how much they cost. I think it is &gt;$700. Consult a local installer.

Also, here is a list of recommended alarms...
http://forum.sounddomain.com/u...02432

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smores &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">BDTURBO, don't VIPER systems cost around $500? I'm looking for a temporary solution that will at least get me a discount on insurance (I already talked to my agent, and I will get a discount) and afford me a little peace of mind until I can afford Lo-Jack by summer of 05.

Do you know where I can get my hands on a VIPER system for a lower price than they have it for at Best Buy?
</TD></TR></TABLE>You can get a Clifford 100, [DEI just like viper] for under $100, it has dual stage impact, built in startercut, and all the inputs of most alarms, doors, hood/trunk, all you need 94

PS Viper probably has a model like it, [as they are DEI] link http://www.dei.com

 

lo-jack is a rip-off....my Viper only cost about 300-400 installed and if u have a buddy they can get u a discount!

 

yeah, I was reading about that GPS stuff with the "geo-fence". If your car moves out of the 150' perimiter it will call/page you or whatever. I don't want that because then it's already gone. I'd kinda like to catch the person in the act and let them be sorry they fucked with my car, because they will be on the other end of my Mossberg 500 loaded with 12-gauge Knockout slugs (and maybe a Romanian SAR-1 [AK-47] soon ). My house has been broken into twice as well, so I have a couple defense weapons lying around. Lots of gang violence in my neighborhood too... anyway back to the subject.

I was looking on ebay and there are viper systems with the LCD keychain and all the bells and whistles (the V690 looks like the one that fits my situation. More expensive ones have remote start but I drive a 5-spd) for about $100. My friend who works at Circuit City is gonna do the install with me so I can see how it's all set up. I have full covereage, so if the car is gone then it's gone, and I'll get the money for it. When the insurance company saw my car after the break-in, they wrote in the cf hood and 5Zigen exhaust, so they are now covered also . I just want to deter people from taking it, and maybe catch the people next time.

I forgot to mention: 9 other cars on my street were broken into the same night as mine... so I know it's not someone I know just ******* with me... senseless criminals suck ***

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smores &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yeah, I was reading about that GPS stuff with the "geo-fence". If your car moves out of the 150' perimiter it will call/page you or whatever. I don't want that because then it's already gone</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well, I think that the GPS/cellular systems are used in conjunction with "standard" alarms which alert you immediately upon intrusion, either via an audible siren or pager.

 

yeah, I was reading about that GPS stuff with the "geo-fence". If your car moves out of the 150' perimiter it will call/page you or whatever. I don't want that because then it's already gone. I'd kinda like to catch the person in the act and let them be sorry they fucked with my car, because they will be on the other end of my Mossberg 500 loaded with 12-gauge Knockout slugs (and maybe a Romanian SAR-1 [AK-47] soon ). My house has been broken into twice as well, so I have a couple defense weapons lying around. Lots of gang violence in my neighborhood too... anyway back to the subject.
I was looking on ebay and there are viper systems with the LCD keychain and all the bells and whistles (the V690 looks like the one that fits my situation. More expensive ones have remote start but I drive a 5-spd) for about $100. My friend who works at Circuit City is gonna do the install with me so I can see how it's all set up. I have full covereage, so if the car is gone then it's gone, and I'll get the money for it. When the insurance company saw my car after the break-in, they wrote in the cf hood and 5Zigen exhaust, so they are now covered also . I just want to deter people from taking it, and maybe catch the people next time.

sounds like u should move too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

DEI is one of the better companies and makes good alarm systems in your price range. I strongly advise getting a hood pin switch ($5-7) and swapping out the siren for one with an internal built-in battery backup ($55). That will fend off most amateurs.

The next step up would be a piggy-back pager system ($90-130) with 5 amp DEI backup battery and fuse relay ($15-30). This will lock out your system to all types of theives, meaning you'll know if an attempt is made on your car.

I'd suggest considering these or a master alarm/pager system before lojack. Hope that helps.

 

Design, do you know of any systems that have all those features you mentioned? I definitely want one of the LCD pager systems since they can alert you even if you don't hear the alarm, up to 1/4 mile (with Viper at least).

I always thought of making some sort of death trap, like if they push the a/c button poison gas would come out of the airvents or something, but then I realized that's probably illegal and what if it goes off and kills me? anyway...

thanks for the help so far guys!

 

bump

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smores &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Design, do you know of any systems that have all those features you mentioned? I definitely want one of the LCD pager systems since they can alert you even if you don't hear the alarm, up to 1/4 mile (with Viper at least).

I always thought of making some sort of death trap, like if they push the a/c button poison gas would come out of the airvents or something, but then I realized that's probably illegal and what if it goes off and kills me? anyway...

thanks for the help so far guys!</TD></TR></TABLE> Compustar also makes 2way pager alarms alarm/starters, for manual trans. also, with turbo cool down. http://www.compustar.org 94

 

thanks fcm, I'll check it out.

What's the deal with remote start anyway... I have a manual, and it looks like most of the starters are for automatic only. It's obvious why the auto would be easier, and I've read about how the manual remote starters bypass the clutch circuit and will work as long as you don't park in gear. But what are the real advantages of remote start. Isn't there a way to use a scrambler on it to start it, like they do with the el-cheapo keyless entry modules?

I don't know. If there are any advantages to remote start other than "hey man.. check THIS out..." let me know

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smores &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If there are any advantages to remote start other than "hey man.. check THIS out..." let me know </TD></TR></TABLE>

In extremely hot or cold climates, remote start will allow the user to run the car with the heat or A/C on, respectively, for a few minutes to make entering it more comfortable. But like you suggested, it is mainly a "luxury" feature.

Using a descrambler to defeat remote start will be difficult due to the rolling codes that alarm remotes use.

 

ok... I live in Maryland, so it's pretty temperate here. It gets no colder than 25F in the winter (that's the lowest record of all time I think) and it gets up into the 90's with humidity, but it's not unbearable. I have heard that starting your car with the A/C on can blow the compressor or something...

I don't think I want the remote start feature (it will save me money anyway )

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smores &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ok... I live in Maryland, so it's pretty temperate here. It gets no colder than 25F in the winter (that's the lowest record of all time I think) and it gets up into the 90's with humidity, but it's not unbearable. I have heard that starting your car with the A/C on can blow the compressor or something...

I don't think I want the remote start feature (it will save me money anyway )</TD></TR></TABLE>There are remotstarts for manuals, I don't see how it would blow the compressor, and yes, it would be cheaper without starter 94

 

damn..this is the second time my car got broken into. the first time they took my deck and fucked up the ac consol. now they broke in and jacked my vafc. good thing they didnt steal the car though. i need to get a better alarm system because the siren didnt go off.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by meanTheDope &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">damn..this is the second time my car got broken into. the first time they took my deck and fucked up the ac consol. now they broke in and jacked my vafc. good thing they didnt steal the car though. i need to get a better alarm system because the siren didnt go off.</TD></TR></TABLE>Yea... and maybe a backup batt. siren 94

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fcm &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">There are remotstarts for manuals, I don't see how it would blow the compressor, and yes, it would be cheaper without starter 94</TD></TR></TABLE>

Ok... I guess the guy was talking B.S. One time he got in my car in August, and the AC was on full blast when I started the car, and he was like "dude, you have to turn the AC off or you'll blow it..." anyway... yeah... umm...

meanTheDope where was your car when it was messed with? One of my concerns is not being able to hear the alarm, which is why I want the pager thing

 

I'm really partial to stand-alone pager systems, simply because they work with features that don't draw alot of current. They can be set up as closed systems with one external trigger from a separate alarm brain. All you need is a 5 amp backup battery and 25 amp fuse. It keeps the pager active once triggered, even if the main battery is cut.

Remote starts are fun. Until one day you forget you left your car in gear...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Design &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Remote starts are fun. Until one day you forget you left your car in gear... </TD></TR></TABLE> A remote start for a manual CAN NOT be left in gear, to put it in "ready mode" you have to step on the brake, set the E brake, turn ign. off, [car will keep running] open door and get out of car, [remember car is still running, can't be in gear] close the door, the motor will stop running, the doors will lock, [if wired] the alarm will arm, [ if alarm/starter combo]......... car is in ready mode, open a door, starter will not work 94

 

pager system is good if you live in apartment like me.

crimeguard is what I have saved my car many times. I have a backup battery plus pager. I don't need a horn cause they might think I don't have alarm thats when u pop them. The crimeguard pager has pretty good range and its a excellent system. My friend has a viper he had problems with the remote takes forever to lock and unlock. Mine has been rock solid no problems. Also lifetime warranty. If you need more information let me know. The new ones come with remote start for stick shift.