Two Stories about how the Drone Smartphone System Saved the Day

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why Would I Want A Remote Starter?

If 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.

The 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?

In 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?

A 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.

Your 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 PRO T13 Remote Kit

Car or truck owners looking for a remote start solution with the most features and longest range will want to check out the new PRO T13 remote kit from Compustar. Considered the new benchmark for performance, the T13 combines an amazing 3 miles of range with a color LCD screen and the new Proximity Unlock feature. If that isn’t enough, the T13 includes a built-in rechargeable battery, water-resistant case and reliability that has made Compustar the quality leader in the car starter industry.

Compustar PRO T13 Design and Features

The first thing you’ll notice is a bright color LCD screen that includes graphics that show when your vehicle is locked, unlocked or remote started. You can also see the voltage of the vehicle battery as well as the interior temperature. Of course, because it features 2-way communication, you’ll always know if the commands you’ve sent have been received and executed at the vehicle. Lastly, the screen shows the remote’s battery level and whether audible or vibration alerts are active.

Though the remote only has three buttons, the intuitive design allows you to access a variety of secondary options like trunk release, car finder and auxiliary outputs. In all, more than 50 commands and setting options are available to give you complete, personalized control over your vehicle. You can even change the language from English to Spanish or French.

A built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers the T13. A micro-USB connection on the top of the remote makes charging easy. You can recharge the remote using a powered USB port in your vehicle while you drive. The battery lasts about 45 days on a full charge with systems that don’t include security features.

Finally, the T13 remote is waterproof and is built with reinforced high-strength materials to withstand the abuse that comes with being sat on or occasionally dropped in a puddle or snowbank. Compustar backs all PRO-Series remotes with a three-year warranty.

Proximity Unlock Feature

A new and unique capability of the PRO T13 is the Proximity Unlock feature. If you’re leaving a store with your arms full of groceries or supplies, the vehicle will unlock automatically when you are within 3 to 6 feet of the Compustar antenna on the windshield. The antenna’s centralized placement allows the system to work just as efficiently from the vehicle’s passenger side. Fumbling with keys in your hands while you carry the kids or digging at the bottom of your purse will be an afterthought.

You can disable the Proximity Unlock feature with just a few quick button-presses on the remote if you are working nearby and want to keep your vehicle locked.

Industry-Leading Range Performance

If you’ve ever tried to use a remote start system from inside a large building, then you’ll know how important it is to have as much range as possible. The PRO T13 remote uses spread-spectrum technology to provide up 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of range. This incredible transmitting power means that you’re more likely to be able to start your car from the depths of a warehouse, office tower or apartment than when using a remote that only offers 1 mile of range.

Companion Remote and Drone Telematics Included

Known formally as the RFX-P2WT13-SF (in the United States), the kit includes the amazing color LCD PRO T13 remote, a one-button long-range PRO R5 remote, a Drone X1-LTE interface, an antenna and all the cables your installer will require to complete a new installation or upgrade an existing one.

This PRO R5 remote offers up to 2 miles (3.2 km) of range to make it easy for someone else in your home or for a co-worker to use your vehicle. The remote also features the same easy-to-charge lithium-ion battery as the T13. Even though it has the most intuitive interface available, the Proximity Unlock feature makes it easy to get into your car or truck without having to search for the keys.

If you’re shopping in the United States, then your PRO T13 remote system will include one of the Drone X1-LTE telematics interfaces. When combined with an app on your smartphone, Drone lets you control and monitor your vehicle from anywhere you have cellular data access. You could be on the other side of the city or vacationing in another state – you’ll still be able to monitor the vehicle. Your local authorized Drone retailer can help you choose the right Drone service plan for your needs.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Compustar Convenience Today

Whether you’re shopping for a new remote car starter or already have a Compustar, Arctic Start, RTX or iDatastart system in your vehicle, your local authorized Compustar PRO retailer can get you set up with the new PRO T13 remote system today! You can find a shop near you by visiting the Find a Dealer page on the Compustar website. Be sure to visit Compustar’s Facebook and Instagram pages and their YouTube Channel to learn more about their amazing products.

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 PRO R5 Remote Start

Compustar, the world-leader in high-performance remote start and security systems, recently introduced the new PRO R5 remote. This one-button remote boasts up to 2 miles of range and includes a proximity unlocking feature that makes it easier than ever to use. If convenience and reliability are at the top of your vehicle convenience upgrade shopping list, then you’re looking at the perfect solution.

Long-Range RF Performance Improves Connectivity

The PRO R5 remote uses spread-spectrum technology to deliver up to 2 miles of range. If you live in an apartment or work in a large store, this impressive transmitting power helps ensure that you can remote start your vehicle a few minutes before it’s time to leave.

The R5 includes four LED-illuminated pictographic icons that let you know when the lock, unlock and remote start commands have been received and executed. Tapping the button once will send the lock command. Tapping the button twice sends the unlock command. Pressing and holding the button for about three seconds initiates the remote start sequence. If the vehicle has already been remote-started, you can shut it down by pressing and holding the button for three seconds.

Another cool feature of the PRO R5 is its ability to alert the owner if the security system is triggered. This type of notification is a new feature for a one-button remote.

Proximity Unlocking Adds Convenience

The new PRO R5, just like its big brother, the PRO T13, includes a feature called proximity unlocking. When you are within 3 to 6 feet of the Compustar antenna on the windshield of your vehicle, the system will automatically unlock the doors. If you’re carrying groceries, tools or perhaps a child, not having to dig through your pockets or purse to unlock the vehicle is incredibly handy. Once unlocked, pull the door handle to open the door, and you can load everything or everyone into the vehicle.

Compustar has included a customization option in the R5 programming to let you turn off the proximity feature remotely. You can also toggle silent arming/disarming through the same configuration process. Finally, you can turn the remote off completely to save the battery if you are going on vacation or will be away from the vehicle for an extended period of time.

Industry Reference Reliability

Compustar remote start and security systems are widely recognized as the benchmark for performance and reliability in the mobile enhancement industry. The R5 features the same robust construction and water-resistant design that have earned the company its much-lauded reputation. If you’re prone to dropping your keys when exiting your vehicle, this remote should be able to handle the abuse. Compustar backs their PRO-Series remotes with a three-year warranty.

The PRO R5 remote is powered by a lithium-ion battery, so you don’t have to worry about buying coin cells. A micro-USB port makes it as easy to recharge the remote as it is to charge a smartphone. You can even use a powered USB port in your vehicle to top up the battery on the way to or home from work.

Drone Telematics Ensures Unlimited Connectivity

When you purchase the RF-P2WR5-SF kit, you will get a pair of the PRO R5 remote controls and one of the Drone X1-LTE interfaces. When connected to your remote starter or security system, Drone allows you to control your vehicle from an app on your smartphone. All you have to do is tap an icon on your phone and you can lock, unlock or remote start your vehicle from anywhere you have access to an internet connection. You can choose from several Drone service plans that include GPS-based alerts to further enhance your ability to monitor your vehicle.

Compustar Is the Leader in Remote Start Technology

If you want to upgrade an existing Compustar, RTX, Arctic Start or iDatastart system, or are shopping for a new solution for your vehicle, drop by your local Compustar dealer and ask about the new PRO R5 remotes. You can find a dealer using the Compustar website. For updates on the latest product and feature introductions from Compustar, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages and 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.

Drone Telematics System Minimizes Worry about Vehicle Theft, Vandalism

A high-quality car alarm or security system is a great way to prevent vehicle theft. With that said, what if thieves decide to ignore the siren and drag your car away with a tow truck? Would you even know if your vehicle was gone before you tried to leave for work the next morning? Drone has two solutions to ensure you’ll receive instant notification if someone is tampering with or trying to steal your vehicle. If you’re curious about keeping your pride and joy safe, then keep reading.

X1-MAX Standalone Security Solution

The Drone X1-MAX is a stand-alone security and vehicle control interface. X1-MAX includes an integrated shock, tilt, motion and glass breakage sensor to provide instant warnings when someone is messing with your ride. A built-in lithium-Ion backup battery will keep the system operational even if someone disconnects the battery in your vehicle. Your authorized Drone retailer can integrate the system into your vehicle so that it will control your door locks and trunk release, and the system is capable of remote starting many cars and trucks. Currently, X1-MAX is only available in the United States.

Vehicle Theft — The X1-MAX can operate in a stand-alone mode that provides excellent vehicle protection features.

Drone X1R-LTE Add-On Communication Module

If you have a Compustar or Arctic Start security system in your vehicle and want to receive smartphone notifications, then you want the X1R-LTE add-on module. Just as with the X1-Max, alerts from the door, hood and trunk inputs will produce a notification on your smartphone in about a second. If your security system features the fantastic DAS or DAS-II sensor, the smartphone alerts will include warnings from the tilt, forward motion and, exclusively with the DAS-II, glass breakage sensors. If you’re worried about someone stealing a set of expensive wheels, this is the protection you need.

Because Drone uses cellular data communication, you don’t have to be near your vehicle to get this information. Your car could be parked at home, at the opposite end of a large shopping mall, or in a city lot a few blocks away from a theatre or stadium. LTE communication technology ensures that you know what’s going on in a matter of seconds.

Time-Based Security Warnings

When you subscribe to the Premium, Premium Plus or Ultimate service package, additional features can help protect your car or truck. Curfew Monitoring is an option that allows you to set a period of time where your vehicle shouldn’t be in operation. For most people, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. would be an acceptable window. If your car or truck were started up during this time, you’d receive a notification on your phone right away.

If you’re a business owner, then you may want to set the Curfew notification start time to 6 p.m., so you’ll know that your assets are being used exclusively for work use. If your staff members know that the vehicle includes a locating system, they’ll be much less likely to make detours for personal use during the work day. This improved behavior will improve productivity and reduce vehicle-related expenses.

GPS Location-Based Notifications

You can configure your home or office with a geofence so the Drone system will send a notification any time the vehicle enters or exits that geographic area. Should someone try to tow your car or truck away in the middle of the night, not only will you receive an alert from the tilt sensor, but you’ll know when it moves. You can use the GPS Car Finder feature to track its location and notify the authorities. Best of all, you’ll receive the geofence alert even if the alarm is disarmed, so relay attacks won’t disable the system.

Protect Your Vehicle with Drone

If you’re interested in the vehicle theft and vandalism warning options available from Drone, drop by your local authorized retailer. You can find a shop in your area using the dealer finder on the Drone website. Be sure to follow the updates and new releases from the Drone team on their Facebook Page, Instagram page, Twitter feed 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.

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Keys and Phone Locked in Your Car?

Log in to Drone on a Computer

You Won’t Get Lost in a Big City

Add the Convenience of Drone to Your Car or Truck Today

Just What Is a Remote Starter?

What Are the Benefits of a Remote Starter?

How Long Should My Remote Starter Run?

What Else Can My Remote Starter Do?

Is My Car Safe When Remote Started?

Does the Brand of Remote Starter Matter?

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

Choose Your Retailer Wisely

Compustar PRO T13 Design and Features

Proximity Unlock Feature

Industry-Leading Range Performance

Companion Remote and Drone Telematics Included

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Compustar Convenience Today

Long-Range RF Performance Improves Connectivity

Proximity Unlocking Adds Convenience

Industry Reference Reliability

Drone Telematics Ensures Unlimited Connectivity

Compustar Is the Leader in Remote Start Technology

X1-MAX Standalone Security Solution

Drone X1R-LTE Add-On Communication Module

Time-Based Security Warnings

GPS Location-Based Notifications

Protect Your Vehicle with Drone

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