Hello Guys/Gals:

I've been on this forum for a long time and I've noticed one common thing. Everyone is passionate about their cars and invest a lot of money because of that same passion. I figured this would be the best forum to post this because it made the most sense. The GDD would spam it up pretty quick with BBQWTF's so I was looking for a more educated/knowledgeable crowd on this subject.

I've been working on a product that allows you to locate, track, and even control your vehicle in the event it is stolen. I know there are products out there already, but this one is quite a bit different in that it works...

We've been testing for several months, working on the internet back-end, etc. The unit is credit card sized. You have a couple different install options; Simple connection plugs into your OBDII. To get the unlock option, Engine Kill/Restart, Battery notification, etc is a little more work intensive, but altogether not a difficult project.

My father is my partner in this project and he's a car guy himself, more muscle than import but passionate either way. We are in the works with large automobile magazine publications to start listing our product.

I'm going to be handling the import world and I figured who better to ask. Does this sound like a product you all could get use out of?

I'm fishing for a general consensus, no need for negative comments in this thread. I look forward to reading ya'lls responses. Feel free to shoot me any private messages if you have more questions. We're still probably 2-3 months away from fully launching everything.

TIA.

-Ryan

 

Most of the cars that are getting stolen here are pre obdII

also...It all depends on the install of the system...

 

I had a company contact me asking whether a security device could be made that would plug into an OBD2 port (since they're the same port across many manufacturers). It would be great, but there's no way to kill the engine through the OBD2 port. Are you just using it for power?

IMO, if you have to make connections at the ignition harness and fuse box, why go to the OBD2 port at all?

This forum is highly skeptical, but like many import enthusiasts, we love technological innovation. If your product can deliver, and it does it at a reasonable price, we'll be all over it. But if it ends up being a token security device at best, or worse, if it turns out to be a scam, then we'll not be kind.


Modified by suspendedHatch at 10:16 AM 3/21/2008

 

My car is OB2, however, my OBD port is useless due to an OBD1 engine residing under the hood.

I would say that a good percentage of cars on this site are like mine, or as BPR said, are not OBD2.

I am interested to know how/why you think that this product will be able to compete with big names like DEI & Compustar.


Modified by B18C_EJ8 at 1:06 PM 3/21/2008

 

Hey Guys,

Excellent feedback thusfar, allow me to address a few of your conerns:

The OBDII plug in option is for very basic users. The OBDII users would benefit by the quick and easy install if they have multiple vehicles they care to track. This is more for a concerned parent that wants to keep tabs on their teenager (The unit can be set up to notify you via text message/email if they go over a certain speed limit, go past a certain geofence that you have set up).

For the hardcore users, the install gets a bit more intense. You would need to connect the unit to multiple outlets for the engine kill feature, door lock/unlock, battery gauge read, etc. We are working with local mom and pop audio/video dealers to carry our product so that they can handle the installs. However, I'm not the smartest on everything there is cars and I can do the install myself. This leads me to believe that the product is going to truly innovate.

Also to address the concern about the product not living up to expectations. This will be one of the best, low cost, and most functional products of its kind. I've been on this board waaaay to long to start screwing up my reputation now.

I'll have more information going out once we get closer to launch, pricing, install guides, etc.

Thanks

-Ryan

 

As mentioned, if it does as stated, I would be all over it, I am also sure the owner of the shop would also be interested. 94

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18C_EJ8 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My car is OB2, however, my OBD port is useless due to an OBD1 engine residing under the hood.

I would say that a good percentage of cars on this site are like mine, or as BPR said, are not OBD2.

I am interested to know how/why you think that this product will be able to compete with big names like DEI & Compustar.


Modified by B18C_EJ8 at 1:06 PM 3/21/2008</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good question. The products that are out are great. They do many of the same things that my product does. However, the cost of the competetion is going to be its downfall.

We can offer a solid, consistent, AFFORDABLE product. This is where we differ. Our layout is simple, easy to use, and you're not paying for a namesake.

 

I just wanted to show you guys some screenshots of the user interface. I had to mess with the size of these images so that it didn't wreck the low bandwith users. The full size maps/interface are very clear and super simple to use.






-Ryan

 

Looks promising! I like the interface, too. Nice & clean & simple.

 

You are asking for opinions but do not want any negative ones?


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ForcedAccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I know there are products out there already, but this one is quite a bit different in that it works... </TD></TR></TABLE>

You have not shown us anything that back up this statement. There are MANY GPS/Cellular tracking systems on the market that do everything you have stated yours is capable of. Is your big selling point getting power from a OBD2 port?

 

So. If it just plugs in to the obd2 port, what's to stop it from being unplugged and thrown in the garbage?

 

I have had someone come to my shop trying to distribute this! I thought it was an amazing product. The exact same user interface as the one pictured here, but this was in 2001-2002. My shop was in las vegas called 702 motoring. The obd plug would only be used for something like parental monitoring, not much for theft deterent, the hardwire would give you control like onstar has for gm vehicles, unlock your car from your cell phone, start from your cell phone, shut down fuel or starter from your cell phone etc. If you can offer this at a reasonable price, I will buy one from you!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by White Smoke &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You are asking for opinions but do not want any negative ones?


You have not shown us anything that back up this statement. There are MANY GPS/Cellular tracking systems on the market that do everything you have stated yours is capable of. Is your big selling point getting power from a OBD2 port?</TD></TR></TABLE>


I don't know quite where we got off track here, I never mentioned anything about negative opinions. I welcome all opinions, positive or negative. I think you may misconstrued my comment. I was being slightly sarcastic.

The big selling point is the cost. I will disclose cost in the near future, but when you see what we can offer at the price we do, then you can make up your own mind.

The OBD2 is a nice feature for many consumers. It is an easy install, which in turn would make it an easy "De-install". However, there is a different customer base for each product. The point of the OBD2 is to be easily accessible and transferrable between automobiles. For some this will not be an option, they would need the engine kill function, door lock/unlock, etc.

We are simply fishing for any interest, so everyone is welcome to post what they wish as this is a public forum.

 

Good cuz I refuse to buy an OBD2 car. That's why I don't have an ITR. Well, that's largely irrelevant now that AEM makes the EMS for OBD2. But I'm getting off topic.

Are you going to charge each time you use it? And limit the amount of times you can use it? That's my big problem with other tracking services. I want to be able to show it off to people, mess with people that are using my car, and just play with it while I'm at work. But if each use costs money I will NEVER use it. Then I'll wonder why I even have it.

Is that Google Maps?

Is this going to be one of those threads that just peters out? Or is it really going to happen?

 

sign me up asap, if i had this system a few months ago id stil have my car.

 

Even if the vehicle doesn't have OBDII it can still be used, it wouldn't be that difficult.

Yes, that is google maps interfaced in with the backend program.

Most of the plans are on an annual basis, but for the user who wants unlimited use there will be an option for you, as well.

We will be launching the site hopefully by the end of the week just to gather some feedback from you guys, not only on the product, but the website as well.

A lot of questions will be answered and you will see that this is a good thing. Of course as we all know, good things never fizzle out.

In the meantime, if you guys have questions, feel free to shoot me a PM. I just got registered as a vendor on here so I'm working on banner ads and whatnot so we can advertise here on Honda-tech.

 

If my car were to be stolen then honestly I wouldnt want it back half assed :-/ if my car was stolen I'd be out of the scene instantly but its a garage *****

 

Well this is what are product was designed for. We don't want to just "find" your vehicle already chopped, we want to "recover" it in a timely fashion. If recovered quickly, your car will remain in tact. All of the customization that you have done with your vehicle not only has monetary value, but many hours of personal time invested. We understand this and that's why we have a very special consumer in mind.

 

i'd like to get this for my gixxer more than anything.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 8520 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So. If it just plugs in to the obd2 port, what's to stop it from being unplugged and thrown in the garbage? </TD></TR></TABLE>

That is exactly what I was going to say. I know people who remove their ECU's as a security measure and their cars STILL get stolen. This means that thieves are very well aware of devices around the ECU.

That being said I think it has potential. I need some serious security on my next car, though mainly it will consist of a garage...

 

This will be great for motorcycles. Since there are no external antennas and it's extremely small size, it'll be a winner.

We're working out some kinks with the site so there are a few delays. Keep checking up.

 

im in for the final product and price. im also interested in the locater intended for a motorcycle.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ForcedAccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">there are no external antennas and it's extremely small size</TD></TR></TABLE>

With no external GPS or Cellular antenna how do you expect it to work well? This pertains especially to the GPS antenna. You can't just put it under your dash and expect it to pick up the satellites, it just does not work like that.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by White Smoke &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

With no external GPS or Cellular antenna how do you expect it to work well? This pertains especially to the GPS antenna. You can't just put it under your dash and expect it to pick up the satellites, it just does not work like that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Um, yeah?

I don't get this either?

 

The new internal antenna that is developed within this unit would surprise a lot of people.

It's come a long ways since the day of the external atenna, which we formerly used.

It's easy to talk and say it works, but we've done numerous amount of testing and the internal atenna works just fine if not better than the old setup.

Just wait, it's coming soon.