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Mobile Enhancement Experts in Milford CT

55 Woodmont Rd., Milford, CT 203-954-0066
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Product Spotlight: DroneMobile XC Connected Dashcam Security System

DroneMobile XC

Thieves frequently target vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, RAM, Chevrolet, and Honda. These vehicles are often stolen for their parts or exported overseas. Well-integrated anti-theft systems like those from Compustar greatly reduce the chances that a thief will drive off in your vehicle. However, vehicle owners have long sought the ability to monitor their vehicle and its surroundings using their smartphone. The DroneMobile XC connected dash cam is the perfect solution. Let’s check it out!

What is DroneMobile?

DroneMobile is a smartphone interface created by Firstech, the parent company of Compustar and Arctic Start. DroneMobile allows you to use an app on your smartphone to communicate with, monitor and control your vehicle from almost anywhere on the planet. If the shock sensor on your Compustar alarm is triggered, the DroneMobile app will notify you within seconds. If someone opens a door, you’ll get an alert. If a thief is trying to cut off a catalytic converter, you’ll know about it.

DroneMobile hardware works with a remote car starter or security system to add smartphone control. Door lock, trunk release, and, when applicable, remote starter activation are as simple as tapping the screen of your Android-based smartphone or iPhone. The communication is bidirectional, so you’ll be advised when the command is executed. This feedback lets you know the car is locked and safe in your driveway for the evening.

DroneMobile XC is the only dash cam we’ve reviewed that offers this level of functionality and integration with aftermarket remote start or alarm systems.

DroneMobile XC
With a DroneMobile and a Compustar remote car starter, you can lock, unlock, or remote start your car or truck from anywhere your phone has cellular or Internet service.

GPS Locating Services

The DroneMobile system offers services at various feature levels. The basic package provides door lock and remote start control. You also get security alerts from an optional (but highly recommended) DAS-II security sensor. This means that impact, motion, or tilting will result in a nearly instant phone notification. You can also monitor the temperature inside the vehicle and keep an eye on battery voltage.

Upgrading to one of the Premium plans adds location-based alerts and monitoring. If the system reports that your vehicle has moved from where you parked it without authorization, you can tap the map screen to view its current location. You can set Geofences around specific areas to monitor usage. Several of the top programs include full breadcrumb trail tracking with turn-by-turn updates.

DroneMobile XC
GPS-based locating services allow you to monitor the location of your vehicle at any time.

High-Speed Communication

One of DroneMobile’s best features is its speed. Factory-installed smartphone control systems, such as MyMazda, can take more than 30 seconds to relay a command to the vehicle. It’s incredibly frustrating to have to wait that long. DroneMobile uses the fastest LTE services and Amazon cloud servers to execute a command in a second or two. Often, they can be faster than a key fob remote control. That’s truly impressive.

Live Video Feed

What makes the DroneMobile XC so special is its integrated camera system. It includes a Sony Starvis 2K QHD camera that monitors everything in front of the vehicle while you are driving. Videos are stored on an included 64GB microSD memory card.

What sets the XC apart from other dashcams is that it can use the onboard LTE modem to transmit video to the DroneMobile app on your smartphone. Using artificial intelligence, your phone can warn you when someone walks in front of your vehicle. You can turn on the video feed to see who is lurking around your vehicle. You can even speak with them. If it’s the neighbor kids, you can ask them to be careful around your pride and joy. If it’s someone more nefarious, you can alert them that the police have been notified and that the vehicle is being tracked.

The DroneMobile XC features many of the same capabilities as the DAS-II security sensor. So, impact, tilt, motion or glass breakage will immediately trigger an alert.

DroneMobile XC
The DroneMobile XC allows you to see what the camera sees in real time.

DroneMobile XC Installation

The DroneMobile XC mounts to the front windshield and can be mostly hidden behind the rearview mirror. It starts recording video as soon as the vehicle is started. Your DroneMobile retailer can add the optional RC1 rear camera to capture what’s happening behind your car or truck as you drive. Another option is the IR1 interior camera. A second camera capturing what’s happening inside the vehicle is a wise investment if you drive a taxi, limousine, Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service. The IR1 includes infrared LEDs, so it can see in the dark without lighting up the interior. Only one additional camera can be added to the DroneMobile XC.

For the DroneMobile XC to control your vehicle, you need a remote car starter or security system from Compustar or one of its sister products. This system must be integrated into your car or truck to monitor door locks, the hood, trunk and ignition. If you want remote starter features, then a controller with remote start functionality and a vehicle data interface will be required.

A local authorized DroneMobile and Compustar retailer can tell you the total cost of the system, including professional installation and configuration. Likewise, they can review the prices for the DroneMobile XC service plans to help you choose an option that provides the features you desire.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Backup Safety, Driver Safety, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: DroneMobile

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit

Compustar 2WG17 Remote KitCompustar 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.

Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit
The companion remote in the 2WG17 kit offers the same 3000 feet of range.

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.

Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit
The 2WG17 kit includes a Drone smartphone interface for your remote car starter.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, PRODUCTS, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: CompuStar

To Get Better Sound, Do I Need to Replace My Factory Source Unit?

Factory Source UnitNot all that long ago, upgrading the performance of your car audio system required that you replace the factory source unit. The industry had dozens of premium CD receivers with state-of-the-art signal processing and high-end digital-to-analog converters. The popularity of these source units and the audio systems that could be built around them was not lost on automakers.

Slowly, technologies like Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, USB support for digital audio files, and direct smartphone control have become the norm when you purchase a new vehicle. On the audio side of things, automakers have partnered with companies like Panasonic, Bose and Harman to provide expertise in configuration and tuning to elevate the performance of factory-installed systems dramatically.

If you go shopping for a new vehicle, you may notice that the radio is no longer a single component in the vehicle. Some manufacturers spread audio control and information display across three locations in the vehicle. Replacing the radio simply isn’t an option in many applications.

For those of us who want to upgrade our sound systems, the philosophy and process have changed a great deal. If we can’t replace the radio, can we get great sound? Thanks to ongoing research and innovation, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.” Let’s look at how this is accomplished.

Fix What’s Broken

Factory Source Unit
Factory speakers are a weak link in an automotive audio system.

The source unit in a modern vehicle usually has most of the features and functionality we need. Smartphone integration solutions like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, well-tuned Bluetooth hands-free, and a backup camera are very common. Where most audio systems suffer is in the amount of power they have available and the speakers.

Not having enough power means that when you turn the volume up past a certain point, the signal begins to distort. Not only does this sound bad, but it delivers additional energy to the speakers and can damage them. It has been said that you can never have too much power. In terms of ensuring the signal going to the speaker is clean and undistorted, this statement is perfectly true.

The second issue is the speakers that automakers use. Even in premium branded systems with names like Lexicon, Bose, Boston Acoustics or JBL, the speakers are, at best, mediocre. Sure, there are some exceptions, but on average, they lack the accuracy, detail, excursion capabilities and power handling of a quality aftermarket speaker.

If you want to improve the performance of your factory sound system, add more power and have better speakers installed. The recipe is really just that simple.

The Steps to Success

Factory Source Unit
The line of JL Audio FiX processors specialize in signal integration.

The first step your local mobile electronics retailer will take is to determine how best to integrate with the factory radio. In some cases, this is as simple as connecting the speaker wires from the back of the radio to speaker-level inputs on a new amplifier. If the factory stereo system includes an amplifier, then a line level converter may be required to reduce the voltage to something that the new amp can use properly.

If you have a more-advanced factory audio system that includes equalization, crossovers and signal delay, the integration process requires hardware between the factory amp and your new high-power amplifier. Several companies have developed processors that will undo much of the tuning built into these amps and provide a full-bandwidth signal that your installer can use to build the new system.

Another option is to use a factory amplifier replacement module. These devices accept the audio signal from the radio and, in most cases, capture volume control information from the vehicle’s CAN bus. The output of these replacement modules works just like an aftermarket radio – we have a full-bandwidth signal that can be used to drive new amplifiers.

Advanced System Integration

Factory Source Unit
A DSP give your installer control over your audio signal.

At the highest levels of factory audio system integration are systems that include upmixers. An upmixer is a device that takes the stereo audio signal from your radio, iPhone or CD and converts it to multiple channels. In most cases, this includes left, center, right, left rear, right rear and subwoofer signals. Why do automakers implement upmixers? When tuned properly, your music will sound great from every seat in the vehicle. Both the driver and passenger will hear a performer recorded at the center of the stage from the middle of the dash.

To integrate with these systems, it’s often best if we keep the factory signal processing in place, then add a digital signal processor (DSP) between the factory amp and the new high-power amplifiers. The DSP lets us fine-tune the frequency response of the system so the new speakers can produce an amazingly accurate and lifelike listening experience.

Speaker Upgrades

Factory Source Unit
Car Audio display boards don’t always give an accurate representation of what you will hear in your car.

As we mentioned, it is important to upgrade the speakers in your vehicle to achieve an overall improvement in sound quality. Premium speakers provide smoother frequency response, extended bandwidth (they play lower and higher in the frequency spectrum), increased power handling and louder volume. If you are going to add amplifiers, then it only makes sense to ensure your speakers will be able to make use of that newfound power.

Speaker shopping can be somewhat difficult. Listening to speakers on display boards doesn’t always provide a sense of what those speakers will sound like in the vehicle. A close look at the speaker design, research into the brand’s reputation and a thorough understanding of speaker technologies may prove to be a better way to shop.

One problem with this approach is marketing. No matter the quality of a new speaker, every manufacturer wants people to think that their products are the best. Filtering the genuine features from the marketing fluff can be difficult. Work with your retailer to find a solution that sounds great, fits your budget and works with your application.

System Installation

Factory Source Unit
Using high quality cables can help ensure great sound and reliability.

If only installing mobile electronics equipment were as easy as setting up a new microwave. We can’t simply plug it in and turn it on. Wires have to be run, connections have to be made and equipment has to be mounted. Budget for these requirements before you go shopping. The performance of a new speaker in your vehicle depends as much as on how it is installed as on its design.

If you are changing speaker sizes, you will want plastic adapters instead of wood to eliminate the chance of damage due to water infiltration. You will want high-quality interconnects to ensure noise can’t creep into the system. You will need large-gauge power wire to deliver current to your new amplifiers efficiently. Talk to your retailer about the products and processes he uses.

It’s Not Over Yet

Factory Source UnitThe last step of the installation process is to tune the system. Even the addition of a subwoofer requires proper tuning. The installer should confirm that the output of the sub is combining acoustically with the rest of the speakers in the vehicle. The sensitivity of the amplifier should be set so the systems have excellent overall balance and won’t distort when the volume is turned up.

At the top end of the spectrum, systems with new DSP units require that each channel of the sound system be tuned to provide smooth frequency response. Having the right channel a little brighter or more laid back than the left will cause the location of a performer or an instrument to seem to move around the vehicle as its frequency content changes. We want everything to be stable and naturally balanced. Budget for at least an hour or two of tuning to ensure you are getting everything you can from your upgrade.

Enjoy Better Sound

Upgrading your sound system with new amplifiers and speakers is a great way to increase maximum volume, reduce distortion, and improve imaging and staging. The process most certainly doesn’t require a new source unit, but it does take some planning. Work with your local mobile electronics retailer to design an upgrade for your sound system. The experience will truly let you enjoy your music in a way you have never heard before.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: Compustar EZGO-II

Compustar EZGO-II

Hands-free proximity unlocking is a feature found on many new cars and trucks fresh off the showroom floor. The Compustar EZGO-II adds this convenience to your remote car starter or security system. Let’s take a close look at this unique keyless entry solution.

What are Keyless Entry and Proximity Unlocking?

A typical keyless entry system uses a key fob to unlock the doors of your car or truck. The key fob communicates with the electronics in the vehicle using radio frequency signals. In most cases, you need to press the unlock button on the fob to disarm the security system and unlock the doors. This keyless entry technology was a major upgrade from manually inserting a key into a door lock, as was common in the ’90s.

Compustar developed a fully hands-free unlocking solution when it launched the Compustar PRO T13 and R5 remote controls for its starters and alarms in 2021. That same technology is now available in the EZGO-II proximity unlocking system.

Proximity unlocking refers to the automated process of unlocking the doors of your car or truck as you approach the vehicle. As we found when testing the T13 and R5 remotes, when you are about four or five feet from the door, the system will automatically detect the remote in your pocket and unlock the vehicle. In most cases, the tailgate of an SUV or truck will also unlock to provide full access to the vehicle.

Once the last door is closed, the system will search for the EZGO-II remote. When it doesn’t detect the remote, it automatically locks the doors. If you remain around the vehicle for five minutes or more after turning off the engine, the proximity locking feature is disabled until a door is opened or the vehicle is started.

With a Compustar remote starter or alarm and the EZGO-II, looking for car keys is a thing of the past.

The EZGO-II Remote

The EZGO-II system includes a small antenna and a compact, square remote with a single button. In terms of features, it’s surprisingly similar to the T5 remote we mentioned earlier. First and foremost, the remote will automatically unlock your vehicle as you approach. This is a godsend if you are carrying groceries or have one of your kids in your arms. Sure, you still have to pull the door handle to open it, but that’s always been the case.

Next, the remote’s single button allows you to lock or unlock the doors from up to 150 feet away from the vehicle. A single tap sends a lock command, and double-tapping the button sends the unlock command.

Finally, if you hold the button for 2.5 seconds, the remote will transmit a start command to your car starter. Pressing and holding the button again for 2.5 seconds will transmit a stop command. So, if you are in your home and the vehicle is in the driveway, the EZGO-II remote provides enough range to start the vehicle remotely.

The EZGO-II remote has a small LED that indicates when it is within range of the remote car starter or security system controller.

If you need additional range, then upgrading your car starter or security system with the Drone smartphone-based control system is a perfect solution. So long as you have access to the Internet, you can lock, unlock or remote start the vehicle. With a premium service plan, you can also use GPS-based tracking to monitor the vehicle’s location and how it’s being used.

Compustar EZGO-II
If you need more range to control your vehicle, add the Drone smartphone control system.

How Does Proximity Unlocking Work?

If you are like us, then knowing how something works is as interesting as the features it offers. The EZGO-II system uses a communication system called Bluetooth Low Energy, or Bluetooth LE. The key fob transmits a low-power signal that can be picked up by the EZGO-II antenna mounted to the dash. If the signal matches the security pattern, the antenna sends a digital command to the remote start or security system controller in the vehicle. That module then sends an unlock command to the vehicle’s door locks or, in some cases, the body control module (BCM).

When you close the last door, the antenna starts communicating with the EZGO-II remote again. Once the communication stops, as would happen when you walk away from the vehicle, the antenna sends a lock command to the controller.

Bluetooth LE was designed specifically for applications like what we’ve described above. These systems can consume as little as one microamp of current when in standby mode. As such, a typical CR2032 coin cell can last for more than a year. Even when communicating, the current draw is well under five milliamps. This communication is brief, however – lasting only as long as the remote is near the vehicle and the engine isn’t running. Put another way, the remote only consumes relatively high amounts of current while you are approaching or walking away from your car or truck. Honestly, that’s pretty cool!

Compustar EZGO-II
The EZGO-II remote control is incredibly small, measuring 1.5 inches square and only 0.25-inches thick.

Upgrade Your Convenience System Today

If you have a Compustar, NuStart, or FTX-branded remote car starter, the EZGO-II should be a compatible upgrade. Your Firstech (the parent company of the above brands) retailer can provide up to two additional remotes—whether they’re the EZGO-II or a more conventional one-button or four-button unit.

If you want to unlock your car, truck or SUV by simply walking up to it, you can find an authorized Compustar retailer near you using the dealer locator tool on their website. Be sure to follow Compustar on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube to stay up to date with all the new products and technologies available from this award-winning company.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Driver Safety, PRODUCTS, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: CompuStar

How to Buy a Remote Start System For Your Vehicle

Remote Start SystemMobile electronics require a much different purchasing process than something you are buying for home use. A piece of furniture, a new toaster or a new lawnmower may require similar levels of research before making the purchase, but once you have them, you can take them home, unpack them, and start using them right away. Mobile electronic products like a new radio, an amplifier or a remote start system are more akin to buying a new electrical panel for your home or pump for your pool or hot tub. None of these products will do anything unless they are installed properly. Importantly, if these products are not installed properly, significant and serious problems could arise.

One of the more complex purchases you can make in terms of an automotive accessory is a remote car starter. These fantastic products will let you start your car by pressing a button on a remote. Your car can idle safely and securely in your driveway or parking lot so that it will be more comfortable when you get to it. In the summer, a few minutes running your air conditioning can cool the interior of your vehicle significantly. In the winter, letting the engine build up heat and the rear defroster start melting ice, frost or snow can make heading to work much more pleasant.

What Comes With a Remote Start System?

If you walk into your local mobile electronics retailer and look inside a remote starter box, you will see a black plastic case with as many as 20 different wire connectors and perhaps 100 individual electrical connections. There are usually three to six wire harnesses in the box, as well as a pair of remote controls, an antenna and the antenna data cable. If the system includes security features, then there will be a siren and a shock or motion sensor of some kind.

What’s with all the Wires?

Remote Start SystemYou might wonder why there are so many harnesses and wires on the remote starter. Most remote starter systems are designed as universal platforms. They need inputs and outputs in order to work with thousands of different vehicles. Power, ground, ignition, start, door lock, door unlock, door trigger, key sense, and brake input are some of the simple-to-understand connections. There are dozens more. The system also needs to be able to communicate with vehicle interface modules, telematics devices and system programming devices during the installation process. Safety switches, LED’s, antennae, temperature probes and security sensors often have their own dedicated connectors.

What You Need to Know to Buy a Remote Starter System

Remote Start SystemAs the consumer, you should prepare yourself with some information for the retailer before you go shopping. You don’t need to know what make or model of remote starter you want to purchase, but you do need a clear understanding of how you will use the system. You’ll need to know how much remote range is required based on where you park your car at home or work. Will you want 1-Way or 2-Way remotes? If you opt for a 2-Way remote, are you OK with LED indicators, or do you want an LCD display? Are you interested in adding security (car alarm) functions to the remote starter? If you have a minivan with power sliding doors, do you want the remote starter to be able to open and close them? Many remote starters can automatically activate heated seats, heated steering wheels and the rear window defroster if the temperature inside the vehicle is below a preset level. Are those features you may want?

At the same time, you are describing what you want your new remote starter to do, the salesperson will be honing in on the best system they have to give you those functions while working with your vehicle. He or she will need to know if your vehicle has a manual or automatic transmission. Does your vehicle have keyless entry? Does it have apush-to-start ignition system? You need to know the exact year, make, model and trim level of the vehicle in order to complete the quotation process. Different applications can often require significantly different interface hardware.

What Does a Remote Starter Cost?

Remote Start SystemAs you can see, creating an accurate quote requires significant research on the part of the retailer. Without the proper information, asking “what does a remote starter cost?” is like asking how much a new house or car costs. There are simply too many options and variables to provide an all-encompassing answer.

The answer to the question of what a remote starter costs is based on the features and performance you want from the system. If you have a common vehicle and don’t need much range, you can get a quality remote starter for $300 or $400. If you want as much range as possible, want the heated seats and rear defroster to activate automatically, have a manual transmission, choose an LCD remote and want security features like a siren and shock sensor, the bill could be well over $1000.

Remote Starter System Quality

As with any product, there are good quality products and inexpensive products. We can’t tell you which to buy and which to avoid, but a general rule of thumb is to stick to the brands you have heard of. Premium products often provide better vehicle compatibility and more reliability in terms of their remotes. Some brands include remotes that are water resistant or even waterproof. Better quality systems often carry longer warranties.

How consumers perceive the performance of a remote starter is not in whether or not the vehicle starts, but often how quickly the system responds to commands from the remote and how easy it is to use. Premium products offer a better overall user experience.

Questions for the Retailer

Remote Start SystemAfter you and the salesperson are homing in on the perfect remote starter solution for your vehicle and your requirements, it is time to turn the interview process around and ask a few questions. Ask about the warranty on the remote starter. Most carry a long warranty on the control module and between one and three years on the remotes and accessories. Ask if you need to register with the manufacturer in order for the warranty to be valid. Some brands require this step. Ask about their warranty on the installation. Many premiere shops back their labor with a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own your vehicle.

Are they Worthy?

Remote Start SystemHere is where your gut instinct kicks in. Ask them about how they install the remote starter into your vehicle. There is no right answer here, but there are certainly wrong answers. A few key words to listen for are “soldering” or specific connection types such as a “Western Union”. If they mention “3M” or “tesa tape”, those are very good signs. We can’t really say that one method or term is better than another, but you will get a sense of their attention to detail in how they integrate the starter with your vehicle.

Many shops start every installation with a vehicle pre-inspection, just like when you rent a car. This process will identify any abnormalities in the physical condition of the vehicle or issues with the electrical system. For example, if the vehicle Check Engine light is on, that should be addressed before the remote starter installation begins. Some shops will use heavy-duty seat covers, floor mats and even steering wheel covers to protect the interior while they are working on it.

Have a look at the shop itself. Does it seem organized? Is the store relatively tidy? Ultimately, If you aren’t getting a warm and fuzzy feeling, ask more questions. If you aren’t comfortable, keep shopping.

Why Installation Matters

Remote Start SystemLet’s go back to our analogy of buying a new electrical panel for your home. Perhaps you want to add a few circuits to your workshop or the garage and the original panel has run out of room. Maybe you have a home with screw-in fuses and you want to upgrade to circuit breakers with an integrated GFCI for the kitchen and bathrooms? You should seek out a licensed electrician to perform the retrofit. He will know the local building code guidelines and understand how to route and secure the wiring safely to ensure maximum performance and reliability.

A single loose electrical connection, be it in the home or in your vehicle can be very dangerous. Poor connections can heat up or act intermittently. When working on the electrical system of your vehicle, every connection is equally important and should be treated as such. A quality electrical connection must be electrically conductive, mechanically secure and properly protected.

If you decided to look in a remote starter box, you will find instructions for the starter. This guide explains the function of each wire and connector on the starter brain. It does not explain which wires need to be used in your specific vehicle. Installing a remote car starter requires the technician to understand which wires need to be used to communicate with your vehicle in order to make it start. It takes years of experience and constant education to be a good remote start installer.

Who you choose to integrate the remote starter system you want into your vehicle is more important than any of the features on the remote starter itself. A mediocre quality remote starter that is installed properly can outperform a premium starter that has a questionable installation. We recommend looking for the best possible starter and installation for long-term enjoyment of the system.

Add Comfort and Convenience Today

Purchasing a remote starter for yourself, for a friend or a family member is a great idea for birthdays and holidays. When it is the middle of the summer, coming out of work after a long day to a car that is already cooling off can be refreshing. Likewise, heading out the door on a cold winter morning to toasty warm seats and windows that are easy to brush off can not only save you time but significantly reduce your stress level. Visit your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about the remote start options available for your car, truck or SUV. You’ll be glad you did.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY

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Very friendly staff, knowledgeable group . Needed help on my remote starter, they got me back up and running in no time . They also do amazing tint jobs!!

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