As you guys know, I just lost my 95, and also I just saw the thread about the crazy story happend on a forum member. If I count it right, I think it's the 4th member whose 7 got stolen in this month, (damn) so I think it might be helpful for us and other guys who are just cruising here to hav a discuss on the alarm system.

I pretty much searched around, seems there's not really a good way to avoid this ****, except one of my friend told me there's a crazy one in euro, which is illegal here in North american, can hurt the car thief really bad if he/she tries to hot wire it or whatever.

I don't know, maybe GPS is a good way to go?
comments guys.

Let's top this.

 

there are not any aftermarket security systems that currently report with a GPS based location with the exception of the Onstar systems.

Even Lojack is local radio based.

 

Are there any others?

 

Sorry, all I can add is that I have the top of the line Alpine alarm (8063???) and I still have my 3rd Gen. Notes is that I live a block away from Philly so I frequent the inner city and ghetto constantly and have a full custom system with 2-10" that pound. (knock on wood). One person told me to mount cameras in the car. I've been told Lojack won't work if the theif drives the car into a wharehouse, etc. Full coverage ins...

 

I was thinking of getting Lojack, but now I'm not too sure. I guess I have to do more research to find out which is the best alarm system out there.

 

The Wolf 3D has a feature that allows you to require a security code to be entered before you can start the car. Pulling your EGI fuse is also a good idea. If you want to PREVENT theft and not worry about trying to recover your car I would say to make something yourself. That's the best way because all of the aftermarket systems are easy to beat.

 

That is not correct. It is only correct if the aftermarket system has been improperly installed.

A correctly installed aftermarket alarm, will provide increased security against theft of the vehicle. Anything you can add, will increase the time needed to steal the vehicle making it less desirable to a theft.

Lojack only works if the police in the are are equiped to track a lojack system and the car has not left the area.

I recommed the DEI security systems (like the Viper/Python/Sidewinder), and the better (read more expensive) Alpine alarms.

But you get what you pay for. Don't expect a $300 installed alarm to protect your car like a $3000 alarm. I typically tell people that they should spend 5% to 10% of the cars value as a min for a decent alarm installed.

BUT (and I am sure others who are installers and sales people will back me on this) it doesn't really matter what alarm you get, DEI, Alpine, Clifford, even the lowly CodeAlarm, all make good systems, the most important thing about a security system is the installer! That is what you should be asking for... who is a good installer in your driving area.

Consumer reports did a test of 27 alarm systems a few years back. Both the DEI and Cliffords rated very high, but consumer reports found that in 70% of the installs, (each done at different shops) 70% of the installs had something wrong with either the car or the security system after the install.

Sobering number that 70%. So again you should be asking what shop does better work in my area, what shop knows security, so they can tell me what I need, and what shop has worked on my car before?

 

the problem i've had when searching for alarms is that every shop i go to says every brand they don't carry is crap. it's hard to figure out which alarms are good.

the only alarm i've heard anything good about from someone who doesn't carry it is Code. can anyone confirm this.

 

I found out some info about the aladdin 2000 weeks ago.

here are some detail of this system, what do you think?

When an intrusion is attempted to your armed vehicle by opening a door or applying impact, your Remote Control quickly illuminates its wide LCD screen automatically, flashed graphic icon indicating the triggered point, emits a continuous loud warning beep sound or even vibrates itself intensely to call your immediate attention while the vehicle gives off a blast of alarm sound and flashes its turn signal lights.
You can command the Aladdin 2000® system what you intend it to do or to identify the system's status, with a click of button, while confirming each graphic icon displayed on the LCD screen or hearing each unique melody sound from the Remote Control.

What's more, you can easily program most of the features to your preference on the Remote Control, by verifying the icons or figures displayed on the LCD screen, with a couple of button press.

With Aladdin 2000® you can also safely start the engine, pre-heat or pre-cool your vehicle remotely even from inside your home or at your programmed time for your comfortable drive in simmering summer days or frigid winter mornings.

Different from other similar bi-directional alarm system, Aladdin 2000® is designed so that the Remote Control actually does more than 'Two-Way' communication with the System Module in the vehicle. They make prior exchange of information on the system's current status, incredibly enough, before actual transmission of command signal, at the press of a button, to minimize any operational error and, at the same time, to provide a surest way of protection against any illegal attempt of code grabbing.


Main Features & Advantages
PROGRAMMABLE STARTING :
You can program the engine to automatically start at any time during the day or night and changing the programmed start time is easy.
ALARM SYSTEM CODE PROTECTION :
The Aladdin's alarm system is designed with a random frequency transmitter and receiver to prevent "code grabbing" , the illegal copying of your alarm system's security codes.
HIGH TECHNOLOGY ANTENNA :
The system is equipped with an extremely efficient antenna, a ceramic antenna. The same type used for satellite communications and in many other types sophisticated communications equipment.
HIGHLY READABLE DISPLAY :
The LCD display has three color icon graphics and alphanumeric characters. Additionally, the display's Indigo back light is very visible in darkness.
ONE TOUCH ETIQUETTE MODE :
The remote control has a mini vibration motor integrated into it and is activated instead of the audible sound when the vehicle is tampered with. This feature is useful in important meetings or loud environments where the alarm sound would be disturbing or not heard.
SUMMARY :
1. Clock on remote
2. Personal alarm clock on remote
3. Programmable remote start time. Example: You can set it to start
at 6:30 AM. 4. User functions selectable via remote.
5. Remote lock out. Stops possible tampering with settings or remote
6. 3 different settings for the cold start feature.
7. Auto re-arm. Automatically re-arms after disarming if no entry
points are opened within 15 seconds.
8. Quick Stop feature can be set for as little as 3 minutes for turbo
timer application
9. 5 selectable siren patterns. Including silent option.
10.Vehicle finding feature (NOT PANIC)
11. Coded Valet switches. User may change code.
12. Selectable siren duration for 2nd stage of shock sensor and may be set to OFF. Example: 1st stage is 5 seconds for warn away. 2nd stage is selectable 10, 20, 30 and 60 seconds or may be set to OFF.
13. Aux input for other programmable remote start timers.

Engine Start Features
Remote engine start.
Programmable engine-start.
Cold weather start.
Turbo timer function.

Alarm Features
Arming and disarming.
Door open sensing.
Start disable in arming status.
Auto-rearming.
Passive arming.
Hidden Alarm™.
Vibration of the Remote Control when the system is triggered.
Beep sound and icon flash on the LCD screen when the system is
triggered.
LCD screen illumination when the system is triggered. Emergency
panic alarm.

Personal system set-up
Cold weather starter
By punctually running the engine for the set time at your
programmed interval, the system prevents the engine's cranking
failure in the frigid cold weather.
Ignition auto door lock
In a certain time after starting the engine and turning the
starter key to On position, the doors shall be automatically
locked. When you turn off engine, the doors are unlocked
immediately.
Engine running time duration
You can select the engine running time duration out of 5 min and
25 min.
Personal alarm call On/off
With On mode, the alarm call sound beeps from the Remote Control
at the same set time every day and with Off mode, the alarm call
sound beeps one set time only.
Passive arming On/Off
With On mode, the vehicle will be re-armed automatically when
left disarmed.
Passive door lock On/Off
With On mode, doors of the vehicle will be locked automatically
even when the doors are left unlocked.
Shock sensing delay time selection
To prevent from shock sensor trigger while the cooling fan is
running after shutting down the engine, you can select the delay
time to the arming mode out of 20 sec., 30sec., 60sec.
Alarm sound mode selection
You can select your own sound from the 5 different alarm sound
modes.
Mute chirp On/Off
With Off mode, you can silence the confirmation chirps emitted
from the vehicle when operating each function.
Turbo timer mode
The feature helps efficient shut down of the engine of the
vehicles with turbo engine.
Alarm sound duration time selection
With On mode, the alarm sound duration time triggered by second
stage shock sensing can be set to 10set., 20sec., 30sec., 60sec
or off.
Melody / Vibration / Illumination
The Remote Control of the Aladdin provides every possible way of
warning signal to make you keep an eye on the status of your
remotely parked vehicle around the clock

Price Terms 1. Aladdin Alarm kit-includes pager, module, siren, brain, and all
wires $245
2. Roll Up Window Module $40
3. Up and Down Windows Module $70
4. Hood Lock $35
5. Extra Shock Sensors $30
6. Interior Radar Sensors $30
7. Glass Sensor $30
8. Backup Battery $50
9. Trunk Solenoid $35
10. Door Solenoid-(need two of them for shaved door handles) $35
11. Door Springs-(need two of them for shaved door handles) $30

Please add Shipping & Handling $15

 

Well again, refering to consumer reports, The DEI alarms and Clifford alarms were the only alarms in the top 5 choices for better protection.

I personally currently use the DEI (Viper/Python/Sidewinder) alarms in all my cars. They are the most stable, but I have used the Alpine alarms and Clifford alarms in the past with great success. I define sucess as the alarm does not false, need fixing, or adjustments (after the orginal install) or replacing, protects the car, and is easy to use.

I mention Code Alarm as well, as they up until a couple of years ago supplied to GM, and just to meet GM standards you must make a good product. TRW and DEI are making all the GM alarms now BTW (too bad the cars are not built as well as the alarms going in them :p )

BUT they (all the ones I mention) are all very simular. You cant go wrong really picking any of the better alarms from these companies. BUT you must have them installed correctly by a professional who knows what he is doing!!! I personally would stay away from a shop that was bad mouthing one of those 4 companies, as they don't really know what they are talking about.

Ask the installers (not the sales person, ask the installers) what alarms they have on thier cars... they can buy anything at a quarter of the price that you will, they will pick something that is easy to put in, and doesn't screw up.

 

You know I have been in the alarm biz for over 17 years, and I havn't heard of that company before. Not saying that they are not good... I just prefer to stick with a company that has been building their product for 20 years... like the ones I mention.

 

Icemark, man. I agree with ya, I always buy stuff from those big brands.

But wait, this one is pretty instereting, it's just like you bought another cell phone. when there's anything wrong with yur car, then the remote will ring. Due to usually I am always in a most 5km range from my car, so I think it might work.

But, I don't know the installation of the unit, assuming if the guy can make the system dead, then you won't get signal then.

 

If the remote is receiving on Cell phone technology yes, I can see that being a cool thing, but it would seem like you would have to pay a service charge for that function, since no phone co I know of lets people use their cell towers for free. I would also be skeptical that the alarm system was only $245 USD for that many features and level of technology

If it is not on cell phone, or pager technology then you would be rather limited on reception range as both the FCC and Canadian equivalent limit transmitting power to less than 4 watts.

 

if you are not afraid of snakes, get in as a pet to protect your car, simple.

 

check out the "PageTrack 2" on this site.
http://www.selfdefence.com/index.cgi?ID=goto

Don't know much about it, just found it while poking around.

You need something that prevents your car from starting, all the bells and whistles in the world are not going to stop someone who REALLY wants your car.

I remember this thing that used to go between your steering wheel and the steering column, you could unlock it and the wheel would just spin, can't steal the car if you can't steer it. i guess that didn't work too well when airbags started going into every car.

Try a fuel pump cut switch, or a battery disconnect with a good hood lock etc etc .

They nabbed my friends Rustang with a tow truck one night and didn't make a ******* sound! His neighbour saw them hooking it up at 2AM but the guy is always coming home late and waking up the whole street so nobody said or did anything about it! Just goes to show if they are REAL theives and not just kids messing around they will find a way.

 

how are alpines compared to all the others

icemark, any experience on alpine. What do you think of them.
overpriced? any flaws? anything better than the rest.

And whats the best alarm system

Cause w/ my car I plan on going mostly Alpine for my stereo (expensive yes, but very high qual) and I guess the alarm would be nice and I believe some features are compatible


http://ecominet2.alpine-usa.com:7777...ory=&p_main=40
$400

 

Yes, I should have added a little more detail to my statement. Most installers suck, and they even make the good systems easy to beat. I had 2 Cliffords before, and they were easy to beat.

Just about every shop puts the brain right under the dash, and the fuses are usually in the same area. That's why I always recommend people install it themself. I really believe that no matter how much you spend--unless you just leave a blank check--you're not going to get a top notch job. I spent close to $700 on a Clifford 7 years ago, and the installation was pretty sloppy and easy to defeat.

 

Alpine (like most companies) has their good product and bad product. IMHO and experience, the Alarms that are built in Japan are very very good, I personally have had a 8126 alpine alarm that lasted 15+ years with never a problem. Alpine was all I ever used up until about 7 years ago, when DEI started to build really first class quality equipment.

But the chinese built Alpine alarms have a tendency to have cold solder joints on the boards. (perfect for an FC owner eh) Now they may have fixed that since I last worked with them (almost 2 years ago now), but generally the cheaper models did have problems, that a brain replacement fixed. Now the cheaper units never had above a 5% failure rate, but a single failure is a lost sale next time, in my book.

Now Alpine Radio/CDs are wonderful. Although I don't care for the motorized, robotech units, they do sound great, even the cheaper mexican and chinese built units seem very reliable. As a plus in my book they are easy to use, you don't have to read the manual just to figure out how to change the balance (unlike some of the newer disco style Pioneer, Kenmore and clarion units I have played with recently).

I would also consider one of the top line Alpine alarms if I was running the Alpine audio AiNet stuff in my car. That way the alarm can interface with the stereo, for some of the remote functions.

 

I almost never put the alarm brain in the drivers dash area. Nor did I allow any installer working for me to do so. Under the drivers seat or behind the glovebox, even in the trunk was a better location than the dash.

Yeah one of the problems with the older Cliffords was that you could crush the LED (indicator light) on the alarm and it would blow the fuse and kill the alarm.

Luckly they fixed that about 5 years ago.

 

Will insurance cover damage done to a car while it's in the hands of theives? Someone should just load some expensive cars with explosives and a remote. Leave the remote somewhere near where the car is parked, but not in the car. When the car gets a mile from the remote, BOOM! Take out some car theives, do the world some good.

Next time a car theif wants to break into a car he'd think twice.

"Hey man, Lets jack this! We could get a whole lotta money for it cuz nobody sells these rotary engines."

"I dunno dude, Billy tried to get into a car two states over and the car ended up taking him apart."

 

hehe, all well in theory pele but you'd probably never see the outside of a prison agian. forensics would find trace amounts of explosive chemicals on you and your house.

i think you can get flame throwers for your car in johannessburg. but that would probably only work if someone tried jacking it while you were in it.

my opinion is, there is no car alarm in the world that will stop car thieves from getting your car. if they want it, they'll get it. even the penguin got into the batmobile.

the way i see it is, buy a decent alarm. something with the features you know you'll need. there's no point spending extra on options you never intend on using and as icemark said, find a reputable installer. or if you think you've got the stuff, try it yourself. *note* (just because you took electronices in high school and fiddle with car stereos doesn't mean you have the stuff ) it took me 2 weeks to do what would have probably taken a professional a few hours.

the next step after you have an alarm installed is, secondary and tertiary systems. (fancy talk for making it a bitch for the would be car thief) i take no responsibility if you decide to try these and they fail.

first off, relocate the hood release. zip tie it up in the dash somewhere or just tuck it behind the kick panel. remember every extra second a thief has to spend trying to find it works in your favour.

next step, home depot sells a very nice cable that's light and tough to cut with bolt cutters. it's perfect if you don't mind having to crouch down to unlock your hood. coupled with a master lock and your all set.

remove the lock and unlock ****. that way if they break your window they still won't be able to unlock your car. if you've ever seen the inside of your door then you'll know it's a major pita to slim jim. there's also the ol' screw driver in the door to pop the lock out. but you can even go as far as shaving the locks on the outside off.

also adding a fuel pump kill switch is also good theft preventive measure. the average car thief won't have a flat bed handy.

i have also been toying with the idea of using line locks or some sort of device for the e brake. but they only look good on paper.

as i said before, if someone wants your car bad enough, they'll get it. and there's nothing you or any of the stuff i've mention above and whatever i haven't thought of can do to stop them. i blame the recent rise in rx7 thefts on the f&f. although i could be wrong, that's just my $ 0.02

 

I hear they've been stealing 1st gens as they are a prized antique in Japan.

I'm no car theif, but I can spot a weak alarm. What I wanna prevent is having my car towed off. I don't think it's possible though.

 

Its tough to prvent the car from being towed, because even if the set the alarm off, (and better alarms will go off when being towed), all your neightbors are thinking that you are having alarm problems, and that's why you need a tow.

Again the more things you can do to make your car less desirable, such as a good alarm, the working stock alarm, a club, a car cover, a brake pedal lock... all those things together start making the car not worth the effort.

 

Icemark, all your replies are extremely helpful. I would just like to say thanks for posting up all the information that you have provided us with. If I lived by you, I would take my FD to your shop to have an alarm done the right way.

Does anyone know who sells the club thing that are used to lock up your brakes? It's a pretty new product out and they also had it on TV a little while ago.

 

Alladin is a reputable name.. I know where the company is based and its been there for 5+ years!

I think in the majority of alarms its more important to to have it installed properly then to spend the extra $$ to get one with better features!