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Mobile Electronics Expert in Naples, Florida

Remote Car Starters

Enhance Vehicle Security with a DroneMobile Smartphone Interface

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Vehicle Security

When it comes to protecting your vehicle from damage or theft, a Compustar security system with a DroneMobile interface ensures that you are always in constant communication. Whether you’re on the sofa watching TV or across the city at your desk, DroneMobile will let you know if someone is tampering with or trying to steal your car or truck.

What Is DroneMobile?

Known as a telematics solution, the DroneMobile app is a remote-control option for your remote car starter or security system. Unlike the keychain fobs that use direct radio-frequency communication with the vehicle, DroneMobile uses the cellular phone network to relay commands from the app on your smartphone to your car or truck. More importantly, a Compustar or Arctic Start security system can send security alerts to your phone to let you know if someone is tampering with your vehicle.

DroneMobile Security Warnings

When it comes to keeping your car or truck safe, combining DroneMobile connectivity with a car starter or security system that includes the DAS-II security module is a fantastic combination. The DAS-II includes four sensors in one compact package. The integrated shock sensor monitors the vehicle for impacts. The tilt sensor will warn you if someone is lifting your car or truck to steal your wheels. The motion sensor will provide warnings if someone is trying to tow it away. Finally, the glass-breakage sensor will let you know if someone is trying to break a window.

Vehicle Security
The DAS-II 4-in-1 security sensor monitors your vehicle for movement or damage.
Vehicle Security
Another option for protecting your vehicle is the Drone X1MAX. This stand-alone system includes door lock control and all the security sensors in the DAS-II.

In a conventional installation without DroneMobile, the vehicle’s siren or horn would be the only warning that something is happening. If you’ve chosen a two-way remote control like the PRO T13 or PRO T9 (which both include the Drone hardware), then the remote will beep when a protection zone is violated as long as you are close enough to the car or truck.

If you have equipped the vehicle with DroneMobile and subscribed to at least the Basic subscription package, warnings from the DAS-II sensor, along with the door, hood and truck monitoring information, are displayed on your smartphone almost instantly. So long as you and your vehicle have access to the cellular data network, you are connected.

Vehicle Security
Alerts from a Compustar security system are forwarded to your smartphone through the DroneMobile smartphone interface.

Improved Car Security with DroneMobile Location Alerts

If you opt for the Premium, Premium Plus or Ultimate service plan for your DroneMobile system, the GPS receiver integrated into the Drone hardware can provide additional warnings. The Premium plan includes Driver Monitoring features like Speeding and Curfew alerts. The Curfew alert allows you to configure a time period when the vehicle shouldn’t be in use. If someone starts the engine, you’ll get a notification right away. Aside from the obvious security benefits, this is a great feature for monitoring fleet vehicles. Curfew alerts remain functional even if the car or truck starts with the key, so you’ll still receive notifications, even if a thief has stolen your keys.

Vehicle Security
The DroneMobile system will send alert notifications to your smartphone if the alarm system is triggered.
Vehicle Security
You can configure the DroneMobile system from the website to alert you if the vehicle is used outside of Curfew hours.
Vehicle Security
If your car goes missing, the GPS Car Finder feature will let you pinpoint its location and alert local law enforcement agencies.

Protect Your Vehicle with a Security System that includes DroneMobile

Protecting your vehicle and its contents with a Compustar or Arctic Start security system that includes a telematics interface like DroneMobile is one of the best options for maintaining the security of your vehicle and its contents. To find an authorized Compustar or Drone retailer in your area, you can use the dealer locator on their website. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for updates on the latest vehicle security and convenience solutions.

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.

Car Alarms Do More than Help Prevent Vehicle Theft

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Car Alarm

Whenever the media focus on vehicle theft statistics, it’s a clear reminder that there’s always the potential for someone to steal something from or vandalize or steal your vehicle. Let’s take a look at why an aftermarket vehicle security system is a wise investment.

Preventing Vehicle Content Theft

Most crimes are based on an easy opportunity. If someone walks past your car and notices a laptop bag in the back seat, they’re far more likely to check to see if the doors are locked or consider smashing a window than if nothing was visible. Thieves will watch parking lots to see who is hiding belongings in the trunk before leaving the vehicle. Your best protection is not to leave anything in the car.

If a thief decides they want to break into your car, one of the first things they’ll look for is an LED from a security system like the Compustar CS697-A. This LED is typically installed on the dash or in the center console and lets a thief know that you’ve invested in added precautions to safeguard your belongings. They don’t know whether the alarm has a shock sensor or a two-way paging system that will alert you to their tampering. Seeing this LED is a significant deterrent.

Choosing a security system with a shock sensor is a wise investment. If the thief decides the LED isn’t enough of a deterrent, they might tap on or attempt to break a window. If your car is in a parking lot or your driveway, the impact required to get into the car is enough to set off the alarm and attract attention the thief won’t want.

A multifunction sensor like the Compustar DAS-II includes dedicated glass-breakage protection that will let you know if someone tries to break a window.

Car Alarm
The DAS-II from Compustar monitors vehicle impacts, motion, tilting and glass breakage.

Protecting Your Vehicle Components

There’s a constant stream of used wheels and tires for sale on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Thieves can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars selling a full set. To steal your wheels, a thief will need to jack up the vehicle. The Compustar DAS-II has an integrated tilt sensor that will trigger the alarm when one corner of the vehicle is raised. Best of all, the sensor recalibrates itself each time the system is armed. This process ensures that you are protected when parking on a hill or a steeply angled driveway. We always recommend adding a set of wheel locks to make stealing your wheels more difficult. This warning applies especially to Jeeps with a spare tire mounted on the back of the vehicle.

As the value of rare metals has increased, so too has the scrap value of catalytic converters. Removing a catalytic converter from a car or truck requires the use of a saw, and most thieves use a cordless hacksaw or reciprocating saw. If they didn’t have to jack up your vehicle to access the converter, the vibrations would trigger a properly calibrated shock sensor.

Car Alarm
Thieves are stealing catalytic converters from cars and trucks for their scrap value. Thanks to Seth Stewart from Burlington, Ontario, for the photo of this vehicle.

Ensure that You Have Communication

If the flashing LED and siren aren’t enough to scare away a thief, then investing in a car alarm with a two-way remote control or a telematics system is a good idea. Two-way remote controls like the Compustar Prime T9 included in the CSX7905-A can beep when the alarm is triggered at distances up to 3,000 feet from the vehicle. You can check the LCD screen to know what zone set off the alarm and respond appropriately.

Another option is the Drone telematics system. The Drone uses a cellular-based communication system to send security alerts to your smartphone without any concern about range. You could be at your desk on the 20th floor of an office building, sitting on your couch in an apartment or working in the middle of a large factory complex – so long as your iPhone or Android smartphone has access to the internet, you’ll receive notifications in a matter of seconds.

Car Alarm
The Prime T9 remote from Compustar provides two-way communication between your vehicle and the remote to let you know if the alarm has been triggered.

Did I Lock the Doors?

Have you ever noticed that even the smallest of distractions can derail an otherwise foolproof routine? What if you’ve arrived at home or work and someone is waiting there to talk to you? Hours later, you may wonder if you remembered to lock your vehicle. If you have a car alarm that’s integrated with the vehicle locking system, all you have to do is press the lock button on your remote or tap the lock icon in the DroneMobile app and you’re safe. The Drone system is particularly convenient when the thought of whether or not your car doors are locked arrives while you are cuddled up in bed.

Top Tips To Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Here are few things to remember if you want to keep your vehicle and its contents as safe as possible:

  • Always lock your vehicle.
  • Always set the parking brake.
  • Park in a well-illuminated area.
  • Never leave belongings, company access cards or loose change in your vehicle.
  • Invest in a high-quality car alarm with a shock sensor and LED.

Aftermarket car alarms like the Compustar CS582-A offer significantly more protection than the factory-installed security systems that come with most vehicles. Aside from all the security features, the long-range Prime G15 remotes that will let you lock the vehicle from inside your home are worth the upgrade. Think of all the hassle you can avoid with an insurance claim with this simple upgrade.

For more information about the vehicle security options available for your car or truck, visit your local Compustar dealer. You can find a shop near you using the Dealer Locator on the Compustar website.

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 CS697-A Vehicle Security System

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Compustar Security

Though best known for its class-leading remote car starters, Compustar is rolling out a new line of vehicle security systems that includes the affordable CS697-A to protect your car or truck. While many vehicle owners believe the security system that comes with their vehicle is adequate, the reality is that those solutions are limited in their capabilities. An aftermarket alarm is the only way to completely protect your vehicle.

Features of the Compustar CS697-A Vehicle Security System

The CS697-A car alarm includes a dual-stage shock sensor, starter disable circuitry and two remote controls. The shock sensor monitors the body of the car or truck for sudden impacts from door dings in a parking lot or an attempt to break a window. Moderate impacts will result in the system honking the vehicle horn and flashing the parking lights. Significant impacts set off the full alarm, flashing the lights and honking the horn for 30 seconds. The system also includes dedicated door monitoring inputs and the ability to monitor the hood and trunk or hatch of your car or SUV. Additional sensors and door switches can be added for commercial vehicles or heavy-equipment applications.

Compustar Security
The CS697-A is based on the easily expandable Compustar CM2400 control module.

The system includes keyless entry functionality that will let you lock or unlock your doors remotely. Your installer can integrate the 697-A system with the remote trunk or hatch release function to make loading or unloading easier. The system activates the interior dome light for 45 seconds after receiving the unlock command so you can make sure everything inside is safe before you get in. Finally, two auxiliary outputs are provided to control options like a power sliding door or power window control module for added convenience.

Compustar Security
The CS697-A includes a pair of four-button remotes that control the alarm and keyless entry functions.

According to the FBI, almost 250,000 vehicles are stolen in the United States every year. To help combat this, Compustar includes its E-LOCK relay in the 697-A. When properly integrated into your vehicle, this relay functions as a stand-alone starter-kill to further complicate the efforts of thieves hoping to steal your vehicle.

Vehicle Protection Upgrade Options

While this vehicle security system provides a solid set of features, just like Compustar’s remote car starters, it’s based around a control unit that’s easily upgradable. A high-output siren can be added to attract additional attention to the vehicle. Likewise, the DAS-II four-in-one sensor is another popular upgrade as it adds a digital tilt/motion sensor with glass breakage detection. If you’re concerned about wheel or catalytic converter theft, DAS-II is a great option.

You can also add the KP2 touchpad that mounts to the inside of your windshield. You can enter a user-defined code by touching the glass to disarm and unlock the vehicle. You can also choose to upgrade to a two-way remote control that will alert you when the alarm is triggered. If you choose a remote upgrade package like the PRO R5 or PRO T13, the proximity unlock function will unlock the doors automatically when you are within about 6 feet of the vehicle.

Compustar Security
The optional DAS-II sensor adds tilt, motion and glass-breakage monitoring to the CS697-A.

The ultimate upgrade is the Drone telematics system. You can be anywhere on the planet and still receive security warning notifications from your car or truck, so long as your smartphone can access the Internet. Better yet, Drone includes options to add GPS-based features that will send alerts if the car or truck moves while the system is armed or during user-programmable curfew hours. Impact, motion, tilt and glass breakage alerts from the DAS-II sensor are also relayed to your smartphone using the DroneMobile app.

Compustar Security
The DroneMobile app on your smartphone will display alerts from the CS697-A, including those from the optional DAS-II sensor.

Protect Your Investment with an Aftermarket Car Alarm

In 2019, Ford and Ram pickup trucks were the top two most stolen vehicles in the U.S. While these trucks came with factory-installed security, their popularity made them key targets for thieves. An aftermarket security system adds valuable damage and vandalism protection and a second starter-kill circuit that, when appropriately integrated, makes unauthorized starting of the vehicle nearly impossible.

Drop by your local Compustar retailer today to learn more about the CS697-A and its security and convenience options. You can learn more about Compustar car alarm and remote starter solutions by visiting their website, Facebook Page, Instagram Page or their YouTube channel.

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.

Convenience System Accessories

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Convenience System Accessories

A remote starter, keyless entry or security system is a great way to enhance the functionality of your vehicle. A remote starter can make dealing with weather extremes much more comfortable. A properly installed security system can let you know if someone damages your vehicle or tries to steal it. If your car didn’t come with a remote control to unlock the doors, a keyless entry system can speed up the process of getting into your vehicle and locking it when you leave. An entire list of convenience options can be added to these systems to make them even more convenient and further improve the security of your vehicle.

Cellular Interface

ConvenienceMany companies sell smartphone interfaces for remote start and security systems. These systems work by interfacing between an app on your smartphone and the convenience system in your vehicle. Yes, you have to pay for a monthly (or yearly) service plan, so don’t be surprised by that aspect. These systems will allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, start it remotely (if you have a remote starter installed), and pop the trunk if that is hooked up.

The best part is that if you have a security system, your phone will alert you with a message if your alarm goes off. Anywhere your car and your smartphone have access to a cellular connection, you can control the system.

Many smartphone interfaces include GPS receivers. Such a receiver can send the longitude and latitude of your vehicle to the app on your smartphone. This information will let you know exactly where your vehicle is and how fast it is traveling. The app also can let you know right away if the vehicle moves when it’s not supposed to.

Some of these systems include the ability to monitor battery voltage, advise you of vehicle diagnostic codes and tell you the temperature of the vehicle interior. A few of these systems include a built-in backup battery and will alert you if the unit is disconnected.

Power Window Control Interfaces

One of the “classic” convenience accessories is the power window interface. This module lets your convenience system roll your windows up and down with the press of a button on your remote. The system can be programmed to roll the windows up when the doors are locked. Many of these window control systems have the option of venting a window an inch or two with a short press of the button on your remote, then rolling the window down completely when you hold the button for a second or two.

Power window modules also can be used to control sliding doors or sun roofs.

Tilt and Motion Sensors

ConvenienceIf you are worried about someone stealing your wheels or towing your vehicle, then a tilt and motion sensor would be a great addition. These sensors calibrate themselves each time the alarm is armed, then trigger the system when the vehicle angle changes by more than a couple degrees. These sensors should not trigger the alarm under normal wind conditions, thanks to integrated software that recognizes when the vehicle is rocking.

Backup Battery Siren

If you are concerned about someone cutting you the wire to your siren so they can work on bypassing the rest of a security system, ask your mobile electronics retailer about a battery backup siren. These sirens will go off if someone cuts the wiring to it. A key on the siren will turn it off.

Radar Sensors Boost Protection

If you have a convertible-top vehicle or like to leave your windows down, a radar or field disturbance sensor is a great way to keep your vehicle protected. These sensors Convenienceusually have two stages of protection. The first will provide a warning to an intruder when something or someone enters the field. The second triggers the alarm right away. Your installer can fine-tune the size of the fields for a given sensor mounting location and vehicle type.

Keypads Add Convenience

Several companies offer convenience keypads that attach to the inside of your windshield. You can type in a code of your choice to arm or Conveniencedisarm the system.

Some keypads have the option of acting as a pager for an owner who has a two-way remote or smartphone interface. These systems use technology similar to what a smartphone uses with a glass screen uses to detect your finger presses.

Proximity Remote

Many new cars have proximity keys that unlock the doors when you walk up to the vehicle. Your installer can add similar technology to an aftermarket keyless entry system. You simply keep a fob in your pocket. When you walk up to the vehicle, it will disarm the alarm without your having to press a button.

High-output Sirens

ConvenienceIf you want to get people’s attention when your alarm goes off, then the addition of a high-output siren is just for you. Some of these sirens are extremely loud, while others offer a sound that is truly ear-piercing! These high-frequency sirens are often called pain generators and are typically installed in the vehicle.

Protecting your vehicle from theft or vandalism is an art. Some installers take great pride in their security system installations. They conceal wiring in the dash very carefully and use wire protection that matches the factory look and feel. Split-loom, flexible-conduit, Tesa tape and vinyl tape are just some of the wire protection options. Installers route wires with factory wiring to further conceal their work.

Adding features and functionality to a security or convenience system is a great way to enhance its performance and usefulness. These are just a few of the possible additions available. Be sure to ask your local mobile electronics specialist retailer about the options they have available.

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.

Two Stories about how the Drone Smartphone System Saved the Day

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Drone Smartphone

While the convenience of being able to remote start your car from your smartphone with the Drone system is obvious, this easy-to-use system has been able to get clients out of a jam on more than one occasion. Let’s take a look at two examples where DroneMobile users have used their telematics systems when they got into a bind.

Keys and Phone Locked in Your Car?

Our friend Bob was on his way to work when he realized his truck was almost out of gas. As is normal on most mornings, he didn’t leave much extra time for stops on his way to the office. Not wanting to run out of fuel, he pulled into a Shell station to fill up his truck. In a rush to get the truck fueled and back on the road, he managed to lock his keys, phone and wallet in the vehicle.

In cases like this, there are usually two options. First, call someone at home to bring an extra set of keys. Option two is to call a tow truck in hopes that the driver can unlock the doors with a lockout kit. As luck would have it for poor coffee-deprived Bob, nobody was home.

Thankfully, he’d equipped his truck with a remote car starter that includes a Drone smartphone interface. He asked a fellow patron at the gas station if they would let him download the DroneMobile app so that he could unlock his vehicle. With the app installed in a few seconds, he entered his username and password to log in, then sent an unlock command to the truck. The doors were open three seconds later. After uninstalling the app on the phone, he bought his helpful friend a coffee for their trouble.

Drone Smartphone
DroneMobile provides nearly instant access to lock, unlock and remote start functionality from anywhere you have Internet access.

Log in to Drone on a Computer

Using another phone with the DroneMobile App was a great idea. Given the speed of most cellular data connections, it took less then two minutes to complete the entire process. Bob could have logged into the www.dronemobile.com website using the smartphone’s web browser and sent the unlock command. Another option would have been to call a family member and have them unlock the vehicle from their phone, or have them log in on the website and send the unlock command. With Drone on-board, there’s a lot of options to get out of a headache scenario like this.

Drone Smartphone
Drone users have access to all the remote-control commands by logging into the DroneMobile website.

You Won’t Get Lost in a Big City

It seems inevitable that even when we think we know where we’re going, circumstances lead to us getting lost. We recently heard of a case where a friend’s wife had to go into Buffalo for a meeting. They live just outside of Niagara Falls, so this wasn’t a long trip. Kelly did the best she could, having looked up her destination on Google, but after a few detours caused by construction and one-way streets, she quickly found herself somewhere she didn’t recognize. She didn’t have a navigation system in her car and didn’t want to risk getting a ticket by using her phone. She called her husband using her Bluetooth system for help.

The trick to getting un-lost is to know where you are. Her husband logged into the Drone website and used the GPS-based vehicle locating function to find her location. As it turned out, Kelly was just a few blocks from where she wanted to go. Her husband gave her directions to the parking lot she was looking for, and she made it to her meeting right on time.

Drone Smartphone
Drone telematics systems include GPS receivers that can pinpoint your location on the DroneMobile app or the website interface.

Add the Convenience of Drone to Your Car or Truck Today

These stories are just two examples of how the features of Drone extend well beyond remote starting your vehicle on a cold winter morning. If you’re interested in adding a remote car starter with the Drone telematics system to your vehicle, drop by your local authorized Firstech retailer. You can find one using the dealer locator on their website. For more information about Drone, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can learn more about the amazing features of the Drone system with the videos on their YouTube channel.

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.