Devine Concepts

Mobile Electronics Expert in Naples, Florida

Remote Car Starters

Convenience System Accessories

-

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.

DroneMobile Is the Best Car Sharing GPS Tracking Solution

-

Car Sharing GPS

Just as Uber and Lyft have changed the way we move around when we don’t have access to a vehicle, car sharing is changing how we rent vehicles. If you’re sharing your vehicle through Turo, Getaround, HyreCar or Outdoorsy and you’re looking for the best GPS tracking and control solutions, DroneMobile is an excellent choice. Being able to check your vehicle’s location at any time gives you peace of mind, and best of all, the system is reliable, accurate and easy to use. Let’s take a close look at the features and information that make DroneMobile the top choice for people who own car-sharing vehicles.

Precision Vehicle Location Information

DroneMobile can be added to your vehicle as a stand-alone tracking solution or an accessory to a security or remote car starter system. This telematics solution provides state-of-the-art LTE-based communication with a vehicle using the DroneMobile app on your Android or Apple smartphone or tablet, or via the web interface on a laptop or personal computer. One key element is that the hardware is completely invisible and can’t be easily disabled by the end user.

Car Sharing GPS
As soon as you launch the DroneMobile app, the system displays the location of your car or truck.

Locating and tracking your vehicle in case of an emergency is as easy as launching the app on your device or logging in to the website. In a second or two, you’ll know the exact location of your car or truck. You’ll be provided with the address where the vehicle is, and you can check its speed if it’s in motion. You can even use your Apple Watch or a WearOS device to check the vehicle location.

Car Sharing GPS
You can check your vehicle’s location with an Apple Watch or a WearOS device.

Instant Alerts Add Peace of Mind

The DroneMobile system does much more than report a vehicle’s location. You can configure alerts for vehicle speed, operating hours and excessive idling. If you want, you can receive a notification any time the ignition is turned on or off. DroneMobile monitors battery voltage and can send you a warning message if its low, so the person renting your vehicle will never be stranded. If you add DroneMobile to a security system, you’ll know when the alarm is triggered and what caused the alert.

The system pushes instant notifications directly to your smartphone. LTE communication (with 3G fallback) between the vehicle and blazing-fast servers means you get these alerts usually within two seconds, if not faster!

Car Sharing GPS
Alerts are pushed directly to your smartphone, so you’ll always know what’s happening with your vehicle.

Detailed Information Makes Managing Your Rental Easy

If you choose the DroneMobile Premium Plus or Ultimate service package, you can see turn-by-turn details of where the vehicle has been driven. The data includes the total distance traveled and timestamps for stop and start locations and each turn made during the trip. If your car-sharing service uses per-mile billing, this information is perfect for invoicing.

Car Sharing GPS
Details about each drive are available by logging into the DroneMobile website or using the Activity tab in the smartphone app.

Monitor Your Car-Sharing Vehicle with DroneMobile GPS

Renting out your vehicle can be stressful. DroneMobile helps to alleviate this stress by letting you monitor the vehicle usage, its security and location. More than 2,000 dealers across the United States and Canada are available to install DroneMobile in your vehicle. You can find one near you using the Dealer Locator on the DroneMobile website. Learn more about DroneMobile products by following them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter 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.

Why Would I Want A Remote Starter?

-

Remote StarterIf you have never owned a remote starter, you might be asking yourself why they are so popular. The mobile electronics industry switches into “starter season” each fall and, when the weather cooperates, doesn’t stop until spring time. But what is it about having a remote starter that is so great? We’ll explain.

Just What Is a Remote Starter?

A remote starter system includes several components: a primary system “brain” and interface module, an antenna and at least one remote control. The installer will wire the brain into the ignition system of your vehicle, and then the brain replicates the electrical connections or data commands that are used to start your vehicle. When you press the Start button on the included remote control, the brain starts the remote start process. Pressing the Start button again or letting the preset timer run out will stop the car.

What Are the Benefits of a Remote Starter?

The biggest advantage of having a remote starter is that it will give your vehicle and its systems a head start in getting up to operating temperature. While most people think of a remote starter as something that is used exclusively in the middle of winter, many systems in the vehicle are involved.

Remote StarterThe engine has two fluid systems that need a chance to warm up before the vehicle is driven: the cooling and lubrication systems. As your engine runs, both the coolant and the oil will warm up. Engines operate their best at their operating temperature. At these temperatures, the oil flows easily through the engine and properly lubricates everything from the crankshaft and camshaft bearings to the cylinder walls and upper valvetrain. Oil gets thick when it’s cold, so warming it up before you put a heavy load on it (such as accelerating away from being parked or at a stoplight) makes it flow more easily.

The engine’s cooling system has to warm up for the heater core under the dash of your car to warm up. Only once the heater core is warm can the interior of the vehicle start to warm up in the winter.

In the summer, your engine needs to be running for the air conditioning compressor to work and allow it to extract heat from the interior of your vehicle. Even in the summer, your engine oil needs a few minutes to warm up so it can protect your engine properly.

How Long Should My Remote Starter Run?

You want the remote starter system to give your car a head start at warming up. Running the engine for 30 minutes would waste a lot of fuel. Most starters have a default run-time of 10 to 12 minutes. If you start the car 5 to 10 minutes before you want to leave, it will have had a good chance to warm up and start making the interior comfortable.

What Else Can My Remote Starter Do?

Remote StarterIn many vehicles, especially those with computers that control the accessory circuits, you have many options that can enhance the functionality of your remote starter. The most common option is door lock control. Most starters have multiple buttons on the remote control that will allow you to unlock the doors as you approach the vehicle, then lock them again as you walk away after arriving at your destination.

Some starter systems have the option of adding a security system. This upgrade adds a siren, shock sensor and additional wiring to monitor the doors. Other options include controls for the power trunk/tailgate, rear window defroster, heated seat and even power window. Your retailer can help guide you through the specific options for your vehicle.

Is My Car Safe When Remote Started?

Remote StarterA lot of retailers are asked whether someone could just walk up the car once it is remote started, open the door, get in and drive away. The answer is no. Stealing your car while it is remote started is no easier than when it’s parked and turned off.

First, most starters keep the doors locked after starting the car. It would be no easier to get in than when the vehicle isn’t running. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, you almost always have to put your foot on the brake pedal to shift out of park. Most remote starters have a shutdown wire connected to the brake pedal – unless you have put the key in the ignition, the vehicle will shut down as soon as you put your foot on the brake. You have no fear of anyone taking your vehicle just because you are using a remote starter system.

Does the Brand of Remote Starter Matter?

That’s a tough one. Certain brands have excellent reputations for reliability. In most cases, the brand of starters that a store carries is typically the one that they have the most experience with and confidence in installing. No installer wants to troubleshoot faulty equipment, so good retailers will always work with brands they trust.

Being familiar with the brand also means that the installers know the color and function of all the wires coming out of the brain so they spend little or no time is spent on reading the owner’s manual. Installers will also have all the tools required to program the system to your vehicle. Most remote starters in late-model vehicles have to communicate with CAN data network, so proper programming and configuration are essential.

What Else Do I Need to Know about a Remote Starter?

You have a lot of options when it comes to purchasing a remote starter. Other than the accessory circuits we mentioned earlier, the options involve different ways of controlling the starter system.

  • Remote StarterYour first option will involve deciding how much range you need. The range is the distance (in feet or miles) that you will be away from the vehicle and still want it to start when you press the button on the remote control.
  • The second option is how you want to communicate with the remote starter. Are you happy to push the Start button and let the vehicle do its thing? This type of communication is called one-way. The other option is a two-way remote that will blink, beep or vibrate once the system has received a command back from the vehicle to confirm it has started successfully.
  • You can also incorporate cellular-based smartphone interfaces with your starter. With a smartphone interface, as long as your phone and the vehicle can get a cellular data connection, you can be anywhere on the planet and start your car.

Choose Your Retailer Wisely

You also need to ask the retailer how the system will be installed. Installers around the country, and around the world, use many different concepts and methods. Some focus on speed so they can offer low prices. Other installers focus on replication of OEM methods for connectivity and wire management. What matters is that the system is reliable. Wire connections should be secure both mechanically and electrically. The installer should mount components so they do not cause buzzes or rattles. The shop should pay special attention to the safe disassembly and reassembly of your vehicle’s trim panels.

We can’t describe every situation, so ask to see their work and judge for yourself.

Owning a remote starter is a great way to save a few minutes each day. Giving your car even 90 seconds to warm up and get the fluids flowing before you start to drive can have a dramatically positive effect on the longevity of your vehicle and on your comfort.

Remote starter systems are not just for cold climates, so visit your local mobile electronic specialist retailer and see what they have to offer.

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 CSX7905-A Premium Car Alarm System

-

Compustar CSX7905-A

Protecting your car or truck from theft or vandalism requires constant monitoring. While sleeping in your vehicle all night might be one solution, it isn’t really an option. The Compustar CSX7905-A vehicle security system includes a long-range two-way RF remote control and the Drone X1-LTE with the DroneMobile App so that you know what’s going on – whether you’re six blocks or 60 miles away. Let’s delve into the features of Compustar’s flagship car alarm system and why it’s the best way to protect your investment.

Communication Enables Easy Monitoring

With the CSX7905-A, you have two ways of knowing if someone is tampering with your vehicle. The system includes a two-way T9 LCD remote control that offers up to 3,000 feet of range. The remote features an LCD screen that provides details on the security system status. Should the alarm go off, the remote will beep, and an icon will show you what zone triggered the alert.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The two-way T9 remote includes an LCD screen that will let you know when the security system has received and executed commands from the remote.

Even if your apartment is 15 floors up, or you work in a large factory or a building like a hospital, then the included Drone X1-LTE Smartphone Telematics module is the perfect solution. The Drone hardware uses the cell phone data network to relay information to the DroneMobile app on your phone and commands from the app back to your vehicle. If the shock sensor is triggered, a door opens or even something as simple as the ignition turns on, you get a notification on your Apple iOS or Android-based smartphone in a second or two. Based on those alerts, you can decide to check on your vehicle or alert the authorities.

The Drone X1-LTE module includes a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that adds a second level of protection. If someone were to drag your car or truck onto a flatbed, you’d get a tow alert on the DroneMobile app that lets you know your vehicle was moved without authorization. You can track its location and notify the police. In many cases, vehicles stolen this way are returned in a few hours instead of being shipped out of the country, never to be seen again. Your Compustar retailer can help you choose a DroneMobile subscription service that offers the communication and security features to suit your needs.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The DroneMobile system will relay alerts from your CSX7905-A and the optional DAS-II to your smartphone so you can monitor your vehicle from anywhere that you have internet access.

On-Board Security Features

The CM2400 security module at the heart of the CSX7905-A monitors door, hood and truck pins and includes a two-stage analog shock sensor. Compustar includes their E-Lock starter disable relay that prevents hot-wiring of your ignition system. Of course, Compustar includes a dash-mountable warning LED to let would-be thieves know they are up for a challenge. The included 105+ dB siren draws attention to the vehicle should a persistent thief decide he or she wants in.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The CSX7905-A includes one of Compustar’s 105+ dB sirens that will help warn thieves that a high-quality security system protects your vehicle.

The flexibility of the CM2400 allows your installer to add upgraded security features for advanced protection. Perhaps the most popular upgrade is the DAS-II sensor. This four-zone security module includes a two-stage digital shock sensor, a motion and tilt sensor and a microphone calibrated to monitor glass breakage. The optional FT-KP2 keypad works like the number pad many vehicle manufacturers include by the door handle on some vehicles. By entering a user-selected code, you can disarm the security system and unlock the vehicle. The FT-KP2 keypad mounts on the inside of the windshield. Touch the glass on the outside to enter the code and arm or disarm the system.

Compustar CSX7905-A
The optional DAS-II sensor adds digital shock, motion and tilt detection along with glass-breakage monitoring to help protect your vehicle.

Another upgrade option is the Drone X1-MAX. The X1-MAX hardware includes a built-in backup battery. If a thief cuts a battery cable in hopes of disabling your security system, the X1-MAX will continue to send you alerts and allow you to monitor the vehicle location. The X1-MAX also includes a shock, tilt and glass-breakage sensor.

Of course, all Drone solutions let you monitor the temperature inside the vehicle and its battery voltage. You can lock and unlock the doors and pop the trunk or tailgate if your vehicle has an electronic release option.

Compustar CSX7905-A
DroneMobile will let you check the temperature inside your vehicle and ensure that the doors are closed and locked.

Protect Your Vehicle With the Best Car Alarm Available

If you’re worried about theft or vandalism, visit a local authorized Compustar retailer today to learn more about the CSX7905-A and how it can keep your vehicle safe and secure. You can find a retailer near you by using the Dealer Locator on their website. To learn more about Compustar car alarm systems, follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to visit 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.

Product Spotlight: Compustar CS852-A Car Alarm System

-

Compustar CS852-A

A car alarm system like the Compustar CS852-A helps protect the contents of your car or truck and dramatically reduces the chances of vehicle theft. As a step-up solution from the CS697-A, this alarm system offers increased remote-control range and a high-output siren to ward off would-be criminals.

Reliable Vehicle Theft Protection

At the heart of the CS852-A is the Compustar CM2400 Security Control Module. This powerful yet compact microcomputer can monitor the doors, hood and trunk of your car or truck to alert you if someone has tampered with your vehicle. An integrated dual-stage shock sensor monitors the body of the vehicle for impacts. A mild impact will trigger a warning blast from the included high-output 105+dB siren. An impact from car door or an inattentive driver that will cause damage to the vehicle triggers the full siren. The system can also flash the parking lights and sound the horn to attract even more attention and scare off criminals.

Compustar CS852-A
The 105+dB siren included with the CS852-A helps scare away thieves to protect your car or truck.

Thanks to the included E-LOCK starter kill relay, hot-wiring your car by conventional means is nearly impossible. Even if you have unlocked the doors with the key, so long as the alarm is armed, thieves won’t be able to start the engine.

Compustar CS852-A
The included E-LOCK relay helps prevent your vehicle from being stolen when the alarm is armed.

Long-Range Communication

The CS852-A security system includes a pair of PRO-Series G15 one-way long-range remote controls. These easy-to-use key fobs transmit lock, unlock, trunk release and auxiliary output commands from distances as far as 3,000 feet away from your car or truck. If you live in an apartment building or work in an office tower, this extra signal transmission power helps maintain communication with the vehicle through walls and other obstacles.

The CS852-A includes keyless entry functionality to upgrade almost any vehicle with power door locks. You can even opt for power trunk release and power sliding door or power tailgate operation as an option.

The PRO-Series remotes are backed by a three-year warranty, and the control module in the vehicle carries a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident with your purchase.

Compustar CS852-A
The PRO-Series one-way four-button remotes included with the CS852-A offer up to 3,000 feet of range for reliable communication.

Upgrade Your Car Alarm for Added Protection

If you want to receive warnings or alerts from your car alarm, consider upgrading it with the Drone telematics system. DroneMobile combines a cellular communication module that talks to your Compustar car alarm and relays information to the DroneMobile app on your Android or iOS smartphone. You have all the same control features right at your fingertips, and you’ll know instantly if someone is tampering with your vehicle. You can also check the battery voltage and the temperature inside the vehicle. When combined with the Premium service plan, GPS locating functionality and location-based alerts are added for an additional level of confidence.

Compustar CS852-A
Adding the Drone system to your car alarm gives you real-time two-way communication with your vehicle from anywhere that you have access to the Internet.

Another popular upgrade is the DAS-II security sensor. This four-in-one module includes a shock sensor, a digital tilt sensor, vehicle motion monitoring and a glass breakage sensor. If you are worried about someone stealing your wheels or a catalytic converter or smashing a window, adding the DAS-II is wise.

Protect Your Vehicle with Compustar Security Systems

If you’re concerned about automotive theft or vandalism, drop into one of the more than 2,000 Compustar retailers across North America and ask about their vehicle car alarm solutions like the CS852-A. You can find a shop near you by using the Dealer Locator on their website. To learn more about Compustar car alarm systems, follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to visit 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.