Alarm advise
 

I am in the market for an alarm for my Mazda 6.

I think I have narrowed my choices down to:

Viper 5900 with remote start

or

CompuStar 2W9000FMAS

Which one is better in your opinions? Why?

Is there another alarm that you would recommend above and beyond these two choices?

I want a 2 way alarm, and also want a remote starter (if possible with a 5 speed).

Help?



Jason

I've got the 2w90000fmas in my car and am very satisfied with it... range and functionality are solid - Can't say I've tried the viper though. Remote start is definitely possible on a 5 speed, you just need to bypass the clutch and go through the procedure to activate reservation mode every time you get out of the car.

Can you describe activating reservation mode?

Thank you for your feedback.


Jason

Funny ****ING story. My car got broken into last night and about $1500 of was stolen from me. Alarm went off though! Unfortunately my car is on the bottom floor of an 18 floor parkade and I'm all the way up on the 11th floor of the apartment building so needless to say, I wasn't paged.

Can you ****ing believe that?

Oh and to get into reservation mode, you pull the ebrake up, take your key out of the ignition (the brain will keep the car running though even with the key out), then get out of the car and close the door. When it senses the door has closed, the car will shut off and it will be in reservation mode. The reason for this is that you MUST have left the car in neutral in order for you to get out while its running, so this assures that you don't leave it in gear.

Hey Worldind - I am soo sorry to hear about your loss.

The more people I talk to - the more I am leaning towards the CompuStar.

Thanks for your feedback!


Jason

I would say Compustar for standard vehicles and Viper if your car is auto. The range on the Viper is better but the Compustar is more user friendly for standard vehicles.

Thanks Selective Sound.

Now if I were to go with CompuStar, would you recommend the Pro or the Standard for the 2W9000FMAS model?


JB

I would say the pro is a better system.

true however I have noticed better range on the compustars! It may be I'm biased as I own a compustar but have installed many vipers. The reserve mode for the compustars is much easier as well.

Great feedback everyone.

Now for installation and price.

Does anyone havean deals on East of the GTA (Whitby) for the CompuStar Pro with manual and Mazda bypass modules?

Shoot me a PM.

Thanks,


JB

I have to say that when it comes to security, any system is only as good as the installer. And if the installer has forethought in mind, than even an inexpensive alarm will protect your investment.
Bells and whistles are one thing, but protection is why you are here, so concentrate on proper installation procedures.
This is where an installer has to think like a thief, and figure out how to prevent the thief from compromising the alarm.
How many movies have you seen where a thief is stealing a car? Where are his hands?
Proper location of sensors will prevent "hot spots" from causing false alarms. Such as placement of certain type shock sensor, should be mounted in the center of the car and preferably on the chassis, for maximum protection.
Such a proper installation can vary between a minimum 3 hours for a "bare bones" alarm to 8+ hours depending on features added.
Don't skimp on the installer, look around, and ask questions, not just from sales people, but clients too.

Excellent point - I have narrowed down a few local shops that come highly recommended in the local car clubs.

One last Compustar question is the P2WSSR better than the P2W9000FMR? I know it is extended range, and spectrum... would it be worth looking into the P2WSSR?


Jason

Well the extended range is the main difference, and depending on the terrain.., how fast can you run to your car if it goes off?
One more point.., the Police department, don't want you to confront the thief, you never know if he's alone, or armed, is your life worth the contents of the car?
If you see them at work call 911 and describe everything as it happens.

As a past installer, I provided my clients with a map of sensor locations in the car, wiring colour codes, as well as connection points. This was in case one of us moved, it would save time and money to anyone trying to add or troubleshoot the system in the future. (one copy was at the store.)
Also noted was the transmitter code for the remote in case it got lost.

Does spectrum offer better penitration of buildings and obsticales, as compared to standard FM signal?

JB

spectrum is the technology used to the transmitter signal as wide as possible in different frequencies to ensure reception.
Obstacles to radio waves are just that.., obstacles including moisture in leaves.
Proper placement of antenna, and terrain will decide on range.

I just spoke with Dean at CompuStar and he said that on the SS model sometimes you have to press the buttons more than once as the system is hunting channels. He also mentioned that the SS fob is larger... all other features remain the same.

3000 feet is a pretty good distance to me.

I just want to confirm that the SS will better penetrate obsticles (trees and buildings) giving me better coverage if I sit in my office on the opposite side of the building to our parking lot.

Is it really worth it in the end?

Thanks!



Jason

Sounds like it may give you better peace of mind, so go for it if it's within your budget. Spare no expense on security.

Agreed.

I am also looking to get an install done. I live in the West end though, Brampton/Vaughan. If you can get a hookup on the Pro series P2WSS, then let me know. Cheers.

I'm getting the P2W9000FMAS installed today.

There was too much negative feedback about the P2WSS, and the P2W9000FMAS seems to be tried and true. Everyone that has one raves about it.

Now I just need to decide if I want the tilt sensor, backup siren and piezo siren installed in the interior....


JB

Where and how much are you getting it installed for? The complete package if you will?

I bought and installed the new Viper 5701 and totally love it.

Viper 5701 LE 2 way Car Alarm/Remote Start System

Look it up. I did not buy it from that link and you may not be able to buy it over the counter, but a dealer will sell and install it for you.