Remote Car Starters

Product Spotlight: Drone XT GPS Tracker

BestCarAudio.com - June 1, 2026

Protecting your vehicles or equipment has never been more important, and a GPS tracking system is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. The new Drone XT from Firstech gives owners a simple and effective way to monitor the location of their car, truck or powersports vehicle in real time. Whether you want added security against theft or want to keep tabs on valuable equipment, a professional-grade tracking solution can improve your chances of quickly recovering your property. Let’s take a closer look at the new Drone XT tracking system.

What is the Drone XT?

Drone XT is a self-contained GPS tracking solution that features an integrated battery for stand-alone operation. Unlike Bluetooth devices like AirTags, the Drone XT operates completely independently from other devices like a smartphone, so you can always check its location from the app or website.

The Drone XT includes a USB-C hardwire power cable that your installer can integrate with the vehicle to power the system and indicate when the ignition is on. There’s also a dual-ended USB-C cable for charging the unit in stand-alone mode. For convenience, four high-strength neodymium magnets are integrated into the base of the unit. If you have heavy equipment to monitor, you can simply attach the Drone XT, and you are good to go.

Full-Time GPS Tracking System

The Drone XT works with the Dronemobile.com website and smartphone app. You can locate your vehicle anytime you want, as long as you have access to the Internet. You don’t need to involve the police or call a phone number. You’ll know the solution is working as soon as you power it up. If you can’t check the location of your GPS tracking system, do you even know if it’s working?

When the unit is moving, the Drone system tracks location with a breadcrumb trail that updates every minute or 30 seconds, depending on the service plan you’ve chosen. Not only can you see where the device is, but where it’s been. This is great as a tracking solution for company-owned service or delivery vehicles.

Low-Power Operation

Firstech engineers have gone to great lengths to maximize the built-in battery’s longevity. The system combines a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with a state-of-the-art LTE Cat M1 cellular radio. Unlike conventional cellular radios, the LTE Cat M1 is designed specifically for low-power IoT devices like the Drone XT.

The Drone XT has power-saving modes to further extend the battery’s life. The unit doesn’t update GPS location or communicate with the DroneMobile server unless it detects motion. The “Wake on Movement” feature has a five-meter buffer, so even shifts in GPS location due to signal strength variations won’t trigger communication. If someone moves the vehicle or piece of equipment, you will be notified immediately.

The 2,200 mAh battery will last up to 3 weeks in Energy-Saving mode and up to 10 months in Deep Sleep mode.

Integrated Environment Monitoring

The Drone XT GPS tracker includes three additional sensors that can be configured to provide alerts to the owner. There’s a temperature sensor that provides notifications for changes by a user-configurable number of degrees. Likewise, a humidity sensor monitors moisture in the air and sends an alert if that changes by a certain percentage. Finally, there’s a light sensor that’ll tell you if someone is snooping around with a flashlight. These alerts show up almost instantly as notifications on your smartphone.

Protection For Unique Applications

The Drone XT GPS tracker is an affordable, convenient way to monitor your car or truck. However, its applications extend much farther. If you have a side-by-side, ATV or motorcycle you want to monitor, the Drone XT is perfect. Your boat, personal watercraft or trailer is also a great application for the compact tracking solution. Did we mention the unit has an IP67 rating for water and dust intrusion?

If you have a service or delivery vehicle and need to monitor its location, Drone XT is a perfect solution. You’ll know when the ignition turns on or off, where it’s located and what stops it has made throughout the day. If the vehicle is used after hours, you’ll be alerted instantly.

Heavy equipment theft is a major issue. Protect your dozers, graders, excavators, compact track loaders and skid steers with this reliable and affordable solution.

For more information on the Drone XT GPS tracker, or to schedule an installation, contact your local authorized Drone retailer by visiting the dealer locator on the Drone website. Be sure to follow the Drone team on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay up-to-date with new product releases.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Choosing the Best Car Starter Remote

BestCarAudio.com - December 8, 2025

Under the hood, most remote car starters are very similar. Most brands offer two or three different controllers and allow the shop you work with to bundle those units with different remotes, providing varying levels of range and features. In this article, we partnered with the industry-leading remote starter manufacturer Compustar to explain the different options available to consumers. Here’s a simple guide to make choosing the best remote car starter easy.

Shopping for a Remote Car Starter

The shop you choose to install a remote starter is just as important as the hardware and remote you select. Working on modern cars and trucks isn’t as easy as it was decades ago. A modern starter needs to communicate with the engine management system, vehicle body control modules, and factory-installed security systems to function correctly. Making the proper connections and executing the correct programming are tasks best handled by an expert.

If you shop for the lowest-priced remote starter, the chances of issues down the road are exponentially higher than if you choose an expert shop that takes pride in professional installation.

Forego the urge to shop over the phone—visit retailers in your area instead. You’ll quickly get a sense of who is professional and who you should avoid.

1. Remote Start Range

The most significant difference between car starter key fobs is their range. Most modern factory-issued key fobs have a range of a few hundred feet. This means you can likely start your car from across a small parking lot, but you might not be able to start it from inside a store.

Aftermarket fobs range from 1,500 feet to three miles under ideal conditions. It’s better to think of these offerings as power levels. For example, the Compustar CS-925S starter system remote is rated to provide up to 1,500 feet of range. This remote provides two to three times as much power as a factory remote, often doubling or tripling the effective range.

Best Car Starter — The affordable Compustar CS925-S remote starter includes remotes rated for up to 1,500 feet of range.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, some remotes are rated for two to three miles. If you work in a large building, you’ll want the added power of these solutions.

2. Number of Buttons

Remote car starter fobs are available in two styles based on the number of buttons: one-button and multi-function.

One-button remotes are a good choice if you will continue to carry a factory remote that includes a trunk release button. The factory remote often serves as the vehicle’s key and is required to start the car or truck.

Multi-function remotes have four or five buttons that provide dedicated access to locking/arming, unlocking/disarming, trunk release, remote start, and auxiliary functions. The number of buttons on a remote doesn’t define its quality or range—only the number of functions you have access to.

3. One-Way and Two-Way Remotes

Another key feature to consider is whether you want a one-way or two-way remote.

With a one-way remote, you send a command to the vehicle by pressing a button. If the car is in range, the command will be executed. If you are too far away, nothing happens.

With a two-way remote, any command sent by the remote and executed by the vehicle is confirmed back to the remote. The remote will beep and flash an LED or icon to notify you. You’ll get confirmations for locking, unlocking, remote starting, and other features.

As a subset of two-way remote options, you can pick from LED or LCD visual indicators. An LED remote will have at least one, often three LEDs that flash to indicate when a command has been executed.

An LCD remote is considered the highest-end option. These remotes use a small LCD screen with icons to show what commands have been executed and the status of your vehicle. For example, a lock symbol on the remote confirms that the vehicle executed a lock/arm command.

4. Battery Type

All remotes require a battery to function. The most common type is the CR2032 coin cell. These three-volt batteries are compact, inexpensive, and typically provide more than a year of service in one-way remotes and many months in two-way remotes. It’s a good idea to purchase an extra battery when you buy the remote so you’re prepared when it wears out.

Many premium remotes have a built-in lithium-polymer or lithium-ion rechargeable battery. These remotes include a Micro-USB or USB-C port for charging. Under normal use, these two-way LCD units last three to five months between charges. Charging only takes a couple of hours and can be done from any powered USB port—even in your vehicle while driving. One tip: it’s best to limit the charge current to these cells. Using a 500 mA wall charger will maximize battery life.

5. Weather-Proof Designs

Some remotes, like Compustar’s flagship models, have a full IPX-7 waterproof rating. Basic remotes are typically water-resistant. If you’re prone to dropping your keys or leaving them in your pocket on laundry day, consider a waterproof solution.

6. Warranty

When shopping for a remote starter, it’s essential to understand the warranty coverage offered by your retailer and the hardware manufacturer. In most cases, the brain or controller is backed by a lifetime warranty. Additionally, these components should be reprogrammable if you plan to use the hardware in another vehicle with a new harness.

Remotes typically come with a one-year warranty, but premium options, such as Compustar’s PRO Series, offer a three-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Finally, don’t forget to ask about the warranty on labor or workmanship. Many reputable shops provide a lifetime warranty on their installation work, ensuring your remote starter continues to function reliably for years to come.

7. Smartphone Control Options

Another option is a smartphone control solution such as Drone. Drone works with an app on your phone that communicates with a small transceiver in the vehicle via the local cellular network. The app allows you to lock, unlock, remote-start, and control auxiliary features, and confirm commands within seconds.

There is a small monthly charge for the cellular service. Retailers can explain available features and service plans, including vehicle tracking and geofencing.

Note: Because Drone and similar services rely on the internet and cellular networks, always carry a regular key fob as a backup in case these services go down. You don’t want to be locked out.

Pick the Best Remote for Your Use Case

When shopping for a remote car starter, your Product Specialist should ask where you park your vehicle relative to where you’ll be when you want to remote start it. If you work in a large manufacturing plant, hospital, or warehouse, you’ll want a long-range remote. If you only start your car in the driveway, range is less critical.

The discussion should also cover features such as trunk/hatch/tailgate releases and power-sliding doors on minivans. Multi-function remotes are ideal for applications that require more than just locking, unlocking, and starting.

Giving your car or truck a few extra minutes to warm up not only makes your commute more comfortable but also allows the engine to operate with warmer coolant and oil, reducing friction and fuel consumption. A remote car starter also makes a great holiday gift—just make sure you pick the best remote for the recipient’s needs.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Remote Starter Smartphone Control Available Just In Time For Winter

BestCarAudio.com - September 7, 2025

With the colder weather upon us, the mobile electronics industry is shifting its focus from audio systems to remote car starters. When it comes to buying a remote car starter, the biggest decision consumers have to make is how much range they need. If you are looking for the ultimate in convenience, a telematics system that uses your smartphone to communicate with the remote starter system is the epitome of control solutions. Let’s look at how smartphone control systems work and some of the options they provide.

How Smartphone Remote Starters Work

Remote Starter Smartphone Control — Unlock the potential of your remote car starter range with a smartphone.

A remote car starter is, in concept, a very simple premise. Pressing a button on a radio-frequency remote control tells a control module (or two) in your car, truck or SUV to start. A limitation of this technology is range – that’s the distance between you and your vehicle where commands from the remote work reliably. If you are farther away than your remote control allows, your vehicle won’t start.

A few years ago, someone came up with the idea to use a cellular radio to transmit information to and from your remote car starter system. This cellular radio uses the same technology as your cell phone but foregoes the ability to transmit audio. Pressing a button on your phone’s screen transmits a command to the system’s network server using your cellular data connection. The server authenticates your user account, then forwards that command to the cellular radio in the car through a cell phone carrier. Once the module in the car receives the signal, it tells the remote car starter to begin the starting sequence. While this sounds complicated, the entire process typically takes less than 20 seconds.

Two-Way Communication

Once the car starts successfully, the control module in the car sends a confirmation back to the server, which relays that message to the app on your phone. The application will display an icon or message that shows the vehicle has started. This bidirectional confirmation lets you know when your vehicle has completed any requested task. Door locking, unlocking, power trunk release and system auxiliary outputs are controllable from within most applications.

Added Features and Functions

Once you have the control module in your vehicle, many additional functions can be performed. While some remote starter systems require additional hardware, you can usually check the temperature of the vehicle interior or request the vehicle’s battery voltage from the app.

Some premium control modules include a compact GPS receiver. Pressing a button on the smartphone app will send a request for the GPS receiver to provide the vehicle location. The app will display the location on a map and will typically include the vehicle’s speed and heading. The location is typically accurate to within a few meters and can be as detailed as letting you know which side of your driveway the car is parked on.

Security Features

Most applications include the ability to configure alerts that use location information. Geofencing will send you an alert if your vehicle enters or exits a preset area. Perhaps one of your kids is supposed to stay within the city limits when he or she borrows a vehicle. Some systems provide automatic alerts if the vehicle changes location without having been unlocked first. This warning is often a sign that someone is trying to tow your vehicle.

Most cellular control modules will work with security systems as well. You can arm or disarm the system using the app. If the alarm is triggered, a warning will be displayed on your phone in seconds. Some systems can be configured to send a text message and an e-mail as well.

Do I Have To Worry About Range?

The beauty of using the cellular communication network is that there is no real limit to how far away you can be from your vehicle. As long as your phone and the vehicle are in an area covered by cell towers, you can be across the street or across the country and still be able to communicate with your remote starter. In fact, your vehicle could be parked at the local airport and you could be sitting poolside in the tropics. As long as you have cell phone access, you are connected.

Is There a Cost Involved?

Manufacturers of these smartphone control modules use third-party cellular networks. As such, they have to pay for that usage. This cost is passed on to the consumer. Most service plans start around $6 a month for basic remote control function coverage. These basic plans include locking, unlocking, remote starting and control of auxiliary outputs. There are typically discounts for yearly or multi-year subscriptions.

For systems with GPS functions, plan pricing starts at about $8 a month. These premium services add vehicle location and speed requests, over-speed alerts and the aforementioned geofencing features.

Are These Tracking Systems?

While any of the GPS systems can certainly provide the vehicle location at a moment’s notice, these systems operate differently than a classic tracking system. Modern tracking systems automatically transmit their location to the host server every few minutes. Depending on how the information will be used, the frequency of these transmissions varies between 1 and 20 minutes while the vehicle is in operation. Tracking solutions designed for corporate applications can track mileage and idle time and can help manage maintenance schedules. A few systems include logic to identify aggressive driving behaviors to assist in driver coaching.

Remote Starter Smartphone Control Is Here Now

Many manufacturers offer integration with smartwatches like the Apple Watch. The app on the watch relays information to the phone, and subsequently, on to your vehicle. Alerts from the vehicle are, of course, displayed on your watch.

Several companies are working to integrate Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa and Echo voice control into their telematics systems. Currently, there are safety issues around appropriate security and authentication processes, but being able to lock and unlock your vehicle is as simple as saying, “OK, Google, unlock my car.”

Visit Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialty Retailer Today

If you are interested in a telematics system for your car, truck or SUV, drop into your local mobile electronics specialty retailer. Ask them about adding a remote car starter or security system with smartphone control to your vehicle. They will be able to explain all the options and let you know what the cost will be. With your smartphone able to control your vehicle, locking keys in the car or not having enough range on your remote starter will never be a concern again.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit

BestCarAudio.com - May 19, 2025

Compustar was one of the first brands to allow consumers to choose a remote control package to accompany their remote start controller. Previously, we looked at flagship-level solutions like the PRO T13 and PRO R5. In this spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at the new and more affordable 2WG17 remote package. Let’s check it out!

What’s Included with the 2WG17:

The Compustar 2WG17 remote bundle includes:
A pair of three-button remote controls
A Drone X2/LTE module
An antenna with cable
A temperature sensor

Your authorized retailer can recommend the most suitable system controller for your vehicle. If you’re looking for full-featured performance, something like the CM-X is a popular and capable choice.

2-Way Remote Control

Taking a closer look, we see that the remotes included in this kit differ from each other. The primary remote, model 2WG17R-FM, is a two-way unit. It features three buttons, and three LED indicators located just above the top button. These LEDs confirm when a command like locking or remote starting is successfully received and executed by the vehicle control module.

The LEDs also indicate the remaining engine runtime when the vehicle is running via remote start:

All three LEDs flash when 100% of runtime remains
Center and right LEDs flash at 50%
Only the right LED (start icon) flashes at 25%

Don’t be fooled by the remote’s simple three-button design. Lock, unlock, and remote start are directly accessible, while advanced functions are handled through intuitive button combinations:

Trunk release: Press and hold the unlock button for 2.5 seconds
Auxiliary output 1: Press start, then double-press the lock button
Auxiliary output 2: Press start, then double-press the unlock button

These outputs can be programmed to control functions like sliding doors, tailgate glass releases, or additional lighting.

Using other button combinations, you can also control features such as siren chirps, shock sensor settings, valet mode, ignition-controlled door locks, passive locking, and turbo timer activation. This makes the remote highly customizable to fit your specific needs.

Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit — The main remote includes LEDs to confirm when commands are executed using 2-way communication with the vehicle controller.

1-Way Remote Control

The secondary remote, model 1WG17-FM, offers similar core control functions but does not include 2-way confirmation LEDs. It’s a great backup remote or a simpler option for another household driver.

Both remotes feature up to 3,000 feet of range thanks to Frequency Modulation (FM) signal transmission. That’s enough to start your vehicle from inside a small apartment, office building, or even across a massive parking lot.

Another standout feature is that both remotes are water-resistant. It should keep functioning without issue if you accidentally drop your key fob in a puddle or snowbank. This durability adds a layer of everyday peace of mind and extends the lifespan of your investment.

Drone Smartphone Control

The 2WG17 package includes a Drone X2/LTE module for smartphone control. When paired with the DroneMobile app, you gain full access to your remote start system from virtually anywhere your phone has internet access.

You can:

Lock or unlock the doors
Start or stop the engine
Release the trunk
Activate auxiliary features

Whether at the office or vacationing in another country, you can easily check the vehicle’s status or control it. On the beach in Mexico and want make sure the doors are locked – it’s as simple a tapping an icon in the DroneMobile app.

GPS tracking is also enabled with a compatible service plan. If your vehicle is moved—say, loaded onto a flatbed—you’ll receive a notification. You can then alert authorities and provide your vehicle’s location in real time.

Retailers can walk you through the available service plans and help you select one that matches your needs.

Ready to Roll in Comfort

The included temperature sensor allows for automatic climate-related activation features. For instance, you can:

Automatically turn on the rear window defroster when starting the vehicle in cold temperatures
Trigger heated seats or a heated steering wheel

The product specialist helping to configure your system can tell you which factory features in your vehicle are compatible with these automatic activations. These small touches add significant comfort and convenience during extreme weather.

Add Comfort with a Compustar 2WG17 Remote Car Starter

Whether you live in Montana or New York and dread frigid winter mornings, or you’re in Florida or Texas and want to avoid stepping into a sweltering vehicle, a remote car starter from Compustar ensures your ride is comfortable every time you get in.

The 2WG17 remote kit offers high-quality, affordable functionality. It combines convenience, rugged durability, and peace of mind thanks to two-way command confirmation. It’s a smart upgrade for any vehicle.

For more information on the Compustar 2WG17 remote kit or any of Compustar’s remote car starter and vehicle security solutions, drop by a local authorized retailer. You can find a shop near you using the dealer locator tool on the Compustar website. Be sure to follow Compustar on Facebook, Instagram, and, of course, on YouTube to learn about the new technologies they bring to the market.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do with a Remote Car Starter

BestCarAudio.com - May 4, 2025

With summer coming to an end and frost in the forecast, there’s no better time to add a remote starter to your car, truck or SUV. Most of us know that our remote starter systems can also control the power locks in our vehicles, but many systems are full of additional advanced features that add convenience and improved comfort to our vehicles. Let’s look at 10 things you may not know your remote starter can do.

Before we dive in, we should let you know that the functions we are going to describe are dependent on the model of remote starter you choose, the remote you choose and the vehicle you own. Talk to your local mobile enhancement retailer about these options and any associated costs.

1. Rear Window Defroster Activation

You may know about this one, since it is probably the number-one option people add to their remote starter systems. If the interior of your vehicle is below a certain predetermined temperature when the car is remote started, the remote starter system can automatically activate the rear window defroster to help you see clearly when it is time to go. Even a few minutes of warm-up time can make clearing the rear window quick and easy before you get in the car. Likewise, some cars have sideview mirror defrosters tied to the rear window heating system for added convenience.

2. Trunk/Hatch Release

Trunk or hatch release from a multi-button remote isn’t all that exciting, but it sure is convenient. If your vehicle doesn’t happen to have a trunk release button, ask your retailer about adding a solenoid. Yep, they can add the power trunk function to most vehicles.

3. Remote Start Your Car from Your Phone or Apple Watch

Several different options for telematics systems use an application on your iPhone or Android phone to lock, unlock and remote start your vehicle. Several of these apps are compatible with the Apple Watch, so you can press a button on your wrist to warm up your vehicle.

4. Start Automatically When the Weather is Cold or Hot

Many remote starter systems can be programmed to start automatically when the internal vehicle temperature drops below or rises above a predetermined temperature. Temperature start will ensure the temperature does not get too extreme.

5. Start Every Few Hours or Daily

Some systems offer the ability to start every few hours. When the temperature outside is frigidly cold, keeping some warmth in the engine, fuel system and coolant is useful. You can toggle this function from most remote controls.

6. Protect Your Vehicle

A remote starter system can often be upgraded with security system functions. Starter kill, a siren and a multi-stage shock sensor help to ensure that would-be thieves are sent packing if they start messing with your vehicle. If you have a two-way remote control or a smartphone telematics system, you will be alerted as soon as the alarm goes off.

7. Control Power Sliding Doors

If you drive a van with motorized sliding side doors, your mobile enhancement retailed can often add control for those into your remote started. Most system includes one or two auxiliary outputs that can be used to open or close doors or power tailgates.

8. Control Power Windows and Sunroof

Remote starters are just as useful when the weather is hot as they are when it’s cold. In many applications, we can add a module that allows you to roll your windows up or down, and open or close your sunroof. Imagine arriving at your destination with your windows down and sunroof open. You get out of the vehicle and start walking away. When you press the lock button on your remote, all the windows roll up, and the sunroof closes automatically. It’s not only a convenient feature, but it’s kinda cool, too!

9. Control Multiple Vehicles

If there are two vehicles in your family with similar remote starter systems, you can often control both from a single remote control. Depending on your remote, you can toggle between vehicles, or control the second vehicle using an extra button press before the function you want to activate.

10. Extend the Life of Your Engine

Perhaps this should be the first item, because it’s one of the most important features a remote starter offers. Most people think they are buying a remote starter to make the vehicle more comfortable for them. While this is true, letting your engine warm up before you start driving can extend its life dramatically.

The oil in your engine is responsible for preventing metal-on-metal contact. When the engine is cold, the oil is thicker and has a harder time flowing. If you start your car and start driving right away, the oil may not be able to protect the engine. Even 2 minutes of warm-up time when it’s 40 degrees out can help warm up the oil and get it flowing. (Always be gentle on the gas until the engine has warmed up fully – remote started or not.)