what other car alarms are similar to compustars? what alarm should i get? thanks

 

I have a compustar and it's has really good range. I would recommend getting one especially the newer model that came out.

 

compustar...i read an article about that alarm...good stuff...maybe the best...

 

If you are really serious about protecting your vehicle, I would stay away from the Compustar stuff. Talking with other installers on various Car Audio forums, the Compustar products are highly unrealiable. There were complaints on shock sensors breaking during installations, relays failing, intermittent problems with remotes, difficulty disarming while the alarm is going off, programming issues and lack of good technical support from First Tech (makers of Compustar).

The best security systems currently available are the G4 Clifford models. These units were designed and built by Clifford before the DEI buyout. The Cliffords can have up to 3 layers of immobilization protection (ignition and starter kill are standard on most models and there's the option for the wireless immobilizer for the fuel-pump cutoff; there's also anti-carjacking protection too). Even if the brain is found, the car still can't be hotwired.

Compustar uses a normally-closed starter kill (this is the weak point of most alarm systems - Viper and other DEI models included). This means the alarm has to have power and be in a triggered-state for it to work. If the thief finds the brain and unplugs it before you get back to your car, it won't matter at that point that you have a 2-way pager remote because your ride will be gone.

The other important factor is installation quality. This makes or breaks the effectiveness of the alarm. You should be able to look underneath the dash and not see any crucial alarm components or wires. The siren should not be easy accessible as well.

 

Thanks, that was very informative.

 

the cliffords have a ton of reliability problems. i have been putting them in for several years. I would have to say go with a DEI product like viper, they offer the best reliability. IMO

 

H22A EG.....do you happen to work for a large chain (i.e. Circuit City)? Most of the independent shop owners I've talk to have been very successful with Clifford over the past 10-15 years. On the other hand, most of the people I've come across that dislike Clifford have been Circuit City installers that never installed any of the high-end models (IntelliGuard, Concept and AvantGuard). Circuit only carried the low-end stuff which is not recommended here.

Pre-G4 and G3 models had some spotty reliability issues (DEI has had their share of problems in the past as well). The issues I saw were due to mostly installer error and not understanding that Clifford alarms have different installation requirements compared to DEI units. By far, the G4 and G3 series has been Clifford's most reliable line to date.




[Modified by HondaDriver4Life, 10:24 AM 3/25/2003]

 

no, I work for a small company with 5 stores in new orleans LA I have been installing for 5 years and I am a mecp first class installer. you have a good point that G3/G4 is more reliable than previous lines, but cannot hold a candle to the reliability of a DEI piece. Clifford does have excelent features and technology in their units but I have found them to be plagued with problems. the new clifford stuff should be great since DEI has bought them out and went through and fixed the problems.

 

I will agree that DEI is more reliable but I haven't seen any problems that you have from the most recent Clifford stuff. I think with any product you'll get a similar debate over reliability - some shops will swear by certain brands some others will hate it. I've even talked to a couple of shop owners that say they have problems with Viper units all the time (I find this very hard to believe).

Hopefully the G5 stuff from Clifford will the s#!t. DEI kept a few of Clifford's key technical people to help in the design process. I've got my fingers crossed for a AvantGuard 4 with 2-way paging.

 

I like my compustar.

It has everything, and a turbo timer....

Go with compustar !

 

after reading all these debate abt which alarm is worst and best... i just had a clifford rs3 installed last week. how reliable is it?

today, my remote was beeping a few times. i thought it was a tamper, but there was no indications on the remote and everything was ok when i went to my car to check. after returning from the car, a friend of mine took my remote to play and pressed a button. it beeped a few times, then stopped. i was thinking that it might be that i;m out of range, so whatever he pressed didn't get sent to my car, so that beep was telling me that i'm out of range. thinking back, before i went to my car, it beeped, but i might have pressed it by mistake. however, it beeped twice (about a minute or less apart), i'm pretty sure i did not press it twice by mistake.

 

compustar I couldn't get any installer to recommend them.

stick with DEI alarms. http://www.directed.com best alarm on the market.

 

Installers/dealers usually recommend what they sell. The proof is in the pudding. I love my Compustar unit, I've had absolutely NO problems with my Spread Spec, 2 of my friends had them put on their cars after they saw/played with mine, it remote starts manual trannys reliably and I haven't run across anyone with any other system that wasn't impressed or who had anything that tops it yet.

Over 1.25 mile range, 12 aux outputs (does trunk/windows/sunroof open & close, amp rack, interior lights, anything I wanted) my remote functions just fine, it's never failed to remote start or disarm, and I've got the anti-carjacking protection.

Here's another debate I ran across awhile ago when I was shopping for an alarm:https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=338565

 

How does the Compustar anti-carjacking work (in general) ? I used to have a Clifford with the BlackJax and it required you to input a code to disarm it before driving off.

 

I've had my Clifford alarm for 1.5 years. No problems. Except when they were installing it they said the first brain they used was bad.

The older compustar unit had problems, but it seems the newer ones are much better.

 

anyone know of a good/cheap place to get a compustar alarm from? and if you take an alarm somewhere, will they install it? or do they only install what they sell?

 

Thanks FINAL FLASH for posting that LINK. I didnt want to repeat myself. You are so right about installers/dealers usually recommending what they sell. I didnt want to make that thread a "sales pitch", but rather a comparison of what I have found to be true.

Thanks MachAF for clarifying your statement in this thread. Yes, the CompuStar keeps getting better and better over time. You have to expect "some bugs" when you are at the forefront of technology. Its easier for a company to follow........than lead. CompuStar stays ahead with innovative ideas.


If there is anyone else out there who has had any ACTUAL experience with the CompuStar and has compared it to the DEI/Clifford.....I would like to hear your Findings or opinions

 

Does Compustar give you a 3-point immobilizer that's pratically undefeatable? NO
Does Compustar offer an effective anit-carjacking protection? NO
Does Compustar offer a secure valet override? NO

These are the security features that matter in REAL WORLD theft situations.

What innovative ideas is FirstTech incorporating with their alarms? Nothing that I can see. Spread Spectrum is nothing new - my cordless phone has that! Besides, the Compustar units are NOT FCC-approved. They state that the technology is FCC-approved and that they comply with those standards but list no FCC ID# in their manual. They did the same thing with earlier models to confuse the customer. This is why they can enjoy better range than the other 2-way units out there. Firstech has had years to get the approval. They're hesitant because they know that FCC approval will mean the end to their range capabilites and the advantage they now enjoy.

BTW....I do HAVE installation experience with Compustar, Clifford, DEI brands, Prestige, Alpine, Crimestopper, Code Alarm, Excalibur and AutoPage. My statements are generated from 15 years of experience and consultation with other skilled techs. Also, I am a former Master MECP Certified installer (CEA doesn't let you renew the cert unless you currently work in the industry).

If Compustar works for you - more power to you. As a shop owner, you have to do what's best for the business. If Compustar makes your customers happy then that's all that matters. However, from a security standpoint you know that Compustar doesn't hold water compared to Clifford. The 2-way remote is more of novelty/toy. People like it for the "cool" factor just like they did with voice modules back in the day. These kind of features have nothing to do with securing the vehicle.


[Modified by HondaDriver4Life, 5:30 AM 3/29/2003]

 

The 2 security features you mentioned can be done with the CompuStar. The 3rd one you mentioned is a joke and I personally dont care for it. Its not really more "secure" anyway. All it does is just confuse the customer or valet person more. I've seen many owners of Cliffords wish they never had the "secure valet switch". Its complicated for the average owner to use and a hole must be drilled into their interior for the switch and L.E.D.

With the CompuStar, the owner can engage VALET mode by the transmitter or by using the vehicle's key. No buttons to push, no switches to flick, no code to remember. There is no switch to have to be found or holes to be drilled. Their interior remains intact.

Let's say you lost your remote or broke it and need to override the CompuStar. You "break in" your car, the alarm goes off, you get in with the vehicle's key and flick it back and forth 5 times to "IGN" until the alarm shuts off and goes into Valet mode. You can only do this with the vehicle's key. (a theif is not going to have your key) If he does, you are screwed no matter what type of alarm you have.

Like you, HONDADRIVER-4-Life, I've had experience with all of the brands you have mentioned. I've installed for about a decade. Alarms havent changed much over the years as compared to the cars that we put them in. Its becoming more challenging to INTEGRATE aftermarket accessories into todays vehicles.

Your comment about Spread Sprectrum is nothing new because your cordless phone has it is like saying the camera on the rear of the new Infiniti Q45 is no big deal because cameras have been around forever. Its all about WHERE the technology is being used.

About the CompuStar units being FCC approved. Honestly, as a consumer would you even care about that? You just want to be Paged from FAR Away if someone breaks into your vehicle. You want to be able to remotely start your car when you are inside a building and your car is far away. I dont think the customer is going to care about all that FCC crap. They want a 2WAY system that has great range.

FYI, the FCC ID# is the back of the Spread Spectrum remote is : N99SSTR
Im looking at one right now as I type.

As for your 3-point immobilizer, any knowledgeable installer can do that with any type of alarm. I see no need for that, especially since newer cars already have one built in ( example: transponder in the key ). Heck, on some of the newer cars with factory immobilizer's, I dont even bother cutting up the starter wires to install starter kill. Why? There is no need to. Its better to leave the cars wiring UNCUT and intact. Some dealerships are notorious for blaming wiring issues with aftermarket stuff. If you can tell them that nothing was CUT and show them, they cant use you as a scapegoat if they cant figure it out.

"Does Compustar offer an effective anit-carjacking protection? NO"

What does the term "effective" mean to you? The CompuStar DOES offer anti-carjacking protection. Being "effective" is purely one's opinion.

If you read the link that FINAL FLASH posted, you can see that I didnt sit there and BASH every other brand besides CompuStar. I was merely stating my findings and wanted to know why MACHAF disliked the CompuStar. Thats all. I wanted him to back up his statements and not just post a one or two liner and then leave. I wanted to CLEAR UP any misconceptions people may have that havent used the CompuStar personally.

I've gotten a lot of IM's and direct email from people who have read the thread and have inquired about the CompuStar. Sorry if I have not replied to everyone. I try to answer all the questions here for everyone to see.

 

The point is that you have to add more parts to get starter and ignition kill - it's not built-in with Compustar. Also, last time I checked Compustar doesn't have the wireless immobilizer feature. This is the main feature that keeps Clifford alarms different from others. As fas as secured valet being a joke - it's a high end feature that is really not that hard to use. I never had issues with my customers as long as the procedure was explained the right way. Disregarding its worth is just like saying hi-end speakers are a waste of money because average consumers can't hear the difference. Did I sell Clifford to every single customer - no way. I made sure the customer was qualified properly and was able to use the product in the manner it was intended. If I felt Clifford was going to be an issue I would sell them a DEI or Alpine product.

With most Hondas (Accords, Civics and Integras), a jammed screwdriver in the ignition will act as a key. If the thief knows what type of alarm you have (in this case Compustar) he can disable the alarm and be off with the car in no time without your keys. Thieves are a lot smarter these days. They study the habits of their prey and do their homework ahead of time.

Your analogy about cameras was too general. A better comparison on my comment about Spread Spectrum would be more like comparing various types of lenses (UD or ED glass) or camera technologies (CCD,CMOS, etc.). Besides, the camera on the new Q45 has been used in RVs for a long time. Again this is another example of how cleaver marketing can be used to make something old look new and innovative. However, I will give props to Infiniti for integrating a parking distance meter. That's pretty cool.

The key to effective security is to keep the thief guessing and frustrated. The more layers you have, the better the chance your car will be there when you get back to it. Factory immoblizer units are nice but remember, they're installed in the same location in every car of that particular model. With Hondas, access to service manuals is very easy. Like I said before, a smart thief will do their homework. This is why I don't agree with your practice of not putting in additional starter and/or ignition kill relays. Cutting and integrating wires should not be a concern for a skilled installer. All of my installs look factory. The only devices you'll see in plain sight underneath the dash are non-security units (window roll-up modules, non-essential relays, etc.). Besides, under the Magnusson-Moss Warranty act, a dealer has to prove the aftermarket equipment caused the damage. Otherwise they can't refuse service. If the install or product caused the damage, the customer still isn't responsible. The shop or manufacturer will cover the damages. Over the years, I've never had this kind of issue to deal with.

An effective anti-carjacking device is one that minmizes the conflict between the victim and the thief. It means that you can hand your keys and remote to the thief with no struggle, walk or run to safe place, and have the police find your car a few blocks away from where it was stolen. All of this because the thief couldn't figure out why the car stopped running even though he had the keys and your remote.

To some, FCC approval doesn't mean much. Personally I do care because I don't want unregulated transmissions affecting my wireless LAN, TV reception, radio reception, etc. The FCC keeps everyone in line to minimize interference. However, I WILL STAND CORRECTED. It looks like Compustar does have FCC approval for their remote (based on the ID you gave). They deserve all the recognition on their remote technology. I will admit - I'm impressed with their range capabilities. It looks like the other companies need to get on the ball with their 2-way technology.

Not to nit-pick but you are BASHING other brands when you call certain features "a joke" or that it's a bunch of "crap." Like I said earlier, if Compustar works for you as a business - that's great but I'm still standing behind the current Clifford G4 units until a company combines the range of the Compustar 2-way remote with the security feautres of Clifford.


[Modified by HondaDriver4Life, 8:15 PM 3/29/2003]

 

This is becoming a GREAT discussion!! Your last comment basically sums it up. The CompuStar has one of the best 2way range out there now. Yes, you can make the CompuStar as secure as the Clifford G4 by having a knowledgeable installer add to the system. I agree totally that the Clifford G4 line has some nice security properties as standard equipment, but it does NOT offer 2way communication like the CompuStar. Its all about where you want the inital price of the system to go towards.......the latest 2way technology from CompuStar or multi-point immobilizers from Clifford.

I think it would be easier for a consumer to add more immobilizers to their CompuStar, than to add integrated 2way Long distance paging technology or Turbo Timer to their Clifford.

I have owned the Clifford Concept series and Avantguard in my previous vehicles. I still have till this day, a Viper Ultra 900 with all the goodies ( 506T glass break, 508D radar, 795T pager, 450T channel expander, etc.) in my Prelude. I still feel more secure with the CompuStar in my other vehicles. I had a 1st gen CompuStar in a B16 CRX I sold to a customer years ago and the thing works flawlessly. I still talk to the new owner on occasion. When I have my son, I still use the 2nd gen CompuStar ( model 2000AS) in my Lexus that I installed years ago. Again, still works like a charm.

All my other cars are stick shifts. I really like the idea of being able to remotely start my stick shift vehicle safely. Especially here in Minnesota. Even in the summer, I like to pre-cool my vehicle, especially for my son.

I always remotely start my vehicles first before driving off. Even if its for just a few minutes. I like to have the oil and engine a little warmed up before i start driving no matter how hot or cold the weather may be. For my Honda Race cars, VTEC will not engage unless the ECU sees the engine reach normal operatiing temperature .

I dont argue that Clifford or DEI are great alarms. I never said they werent. If I didnt think they were worthy enough to do a comparison, I wouldnt have wasted my time using the Viper Responder or Clifford RS3 for the test.

Remember, no one is twisting my arm, forcing me to use a certain brand of alarm. For my company, I want to know what is the best there is out there for a 2way security/convience system offered. For what my customers get for the money, I have found the CompuStar to more than satisfy their needs.

I think there are many CompuStar systems out there that are not being installed or demostrated correctly. This causes a few misconceptions about CompuStar and its product.

Maybe someday some company will combine the High end security features of the Clifford G4 systems with the CompuStar's Spread Sprectrum 2way technology.....its all about how much you are willing to spend.

I feel secure with the CompuStar protecting my own vehicles. I practice what I preach. If I didnt believe in it, how could I feel confident installing them into my customer's vehicles?

Im not looking for a war between Brand X and brand Y. All Im looking for is some feedback from someone who has done a side by side comparision of the units and Im just curious to see their results.

Great Disscussion HondaDriver4life!! By the way, did you see the moving power / reclining REAR seats in the Infiniti Q45? Very nice!!!!

 

can anyone in MD install Compustar alarms? and can a proximity sensor be added to the compustars?

 

Even Better than a Clifford? How about Price?

 

Dei alarms

Compustar = crap

Dei doesn't eat the market like the way it does without being the best of the best. Heck, they even bought out Clifford, which tells a lot about Dei. I suspect Compustar is going to be the next Clifford. Everyone use to say how "much better" clifford was but when it came down to reliability and components, DEI couldn't be beat, thats why they are #1 and by far the best in the market.

Every shop I went to laughed when I ask them about the Compustar alarms. Some shops told me they wouldn't even install them because they were crap. It tells a lot when you can't get no alarm technician or shop to recommend. You guys would say it's the shop, they are out to make money and of course would recommend their brand. But heck, if a shop won't even install the alarm, it sure tells a lot about it.

 

Oh boy, am I going to have fun responding to this one.......

Did I ever once say DEI or Clifford was "crap"? Did you even take the time to read the entire thread and link? It amazes me sometimes how people still reply with remarks like yours even after the thread has gotten this deep. Certainly, you must have not paid closer attention to the disscussion.

How many times do I have to tell you that this thread is not about "mine is better than yours"? I simply stated my findings when comparing the 2way systems and I wanted to clear up some confusion that people may have had. I had drawn my conclusion after testing the systems myself. I also wanted to hear from others that may have conducted the same test to see their findings. I wanted to find out for myself, instead of just jumping on the bandwagon and agreeing with the first person I see rooting for Brand X or Brand Y.

Let me guess, the shops you visited probably were not authorized dealers of CompuStar were they? That's like you saying you walked into FORD Motor Company asking what they thought of Chevrolet.

At least if you are going to respond, respond with something worthwhile and informative. Did you ever ask "them" specifically what was so "crappy" about the CompuStar? Why dont you list the details. It would benefit everyone who reads this.

Please be prepared to support and back up your statements. Its comments like yours that tend to lead people to misconceptions. Try re-reading the entire thread. You will see that the comments made by me ( or others) that are supported.......tend to hold more water, than just open-ended slanderous comments.

People who take the time to discuss and support their case no matter which side they are on

People who missed the point and say this is GREAT, and that is CRAP, with little explanation.....

I think you need to re-read the entire thread again. Please point out anything that was not clear to you. I would be happy to explain in further detail if you need me to.