Im in the market for a new alarm. I know if someone wants to steal something, they can...I just want it as a little extra deterrant if thats relevant these days.

What type of alarm are you running and is it an easy install without any conflicts?

Any other alarm options you recommend looking into (affordable) to add while Im having my new system and alarm installed?

Ill post some pics when completed...

Getting the following done:

- Install Kenwood DDX-7017 with DV4100 Navigation
- Sirius Satellite Module
- iPod Module
- Infinity Kappa 6x8 Components (Front)
- Infinity Kappa 6x8 2-ways (Rear)
- Reverse Camera
- Alarm (Remote Start, Auto Windows)
- Possible amp to power the speakers...not sure, but thats the only thing Id have to buy from the stereo shop other than the alarm.

 

I had a reputable Car Alarm/Stereo company install the Viper 350HV (still available) in July 2004. I wanted the alarm system to keep the bad guys from breaking into my '04 XLT.

I had the alarm company do it as there are many, many wires under the dash that need correct splicing. Here, I agree, the installer is only human like the rest of us, but he had the experience plus any schematics.

This was my 4th alarm system install with this company. Each time I order extra Remotes as you never know when the original will crap out and leave you stranded. If the alarm company does not have ready stock of your particular Remote, which is expected for economic reasons, then Remotes must be ordered from Viper, or whatever parent alarm company you choose. This takes from a couple to several weeks.

Be sure to have the little alarm decals placed in your windows. If the bad buy can read these decals may save you a broken window and a negotiation with your insurance company and a day at the glass shop.

Yes, I like my Viper. I chose it myself. Cost, $149.95 plus tax and labor. Extra Remotes go for $39.95.

FYI: Having some background in the Security Field I advise you to purchase at least a middle of the road system as far as cost is concerned. Low priced and High priced systems do the same thing, beep when a bad guy attempts a vilotation. However, it is the lower cost systems that are prone to false alarms which leads to those who hear repititious false alarms to not give attention when attention is needed.

 

I agree...just need something to deter (at least more than a factory alarm). I will get something around the $400.00 range...we'll see. All I care is that starter disable and keyless entry. Who knows...I might want more options when I see the alarm specs and options.

 

Where you at in cali ?

 

An alarm that is set wrong will give you false signals.

An alarm that is set correctly will seldom 'false'.

Even the 50 buck systems are fully adjustable.

I have installed 50-250-400 dollar systems. This is the cost of the system, not labor, and all worked roughly the same.

Alarms going off are caused by kids shaking cars to see if they will go off, people becoming confused about how the alarm works (everyone with a wife knows what I mean...) or by things outside of the norm.

Around here you can watch cars light up in the parking lots when a dust devil shakes all the cars...
When the ground shakes (California...) every alarm in the parking lot goes off, from Ferrari to Falcon.

When a kid shakes every car in the parking garage, every alarm goes off.
What I have found is people will NOT read the directions that come with their alarms.
If they have some half minimum wage kid put it in, they will have problems.

If you put it in yourself you will do it correctly, and will understand how to set the two levels of shock, the entry reactions, etc.

Setting the fine tuning on an alarm can take several days to get it right, no matter the cost of the alarm.

The generic settings used by the shops may work, may not. They can't waste days following you around and seeing if you park your truck in the wind, or where people brush against it all the time.

You are supposed to do the fine settings yourself, but again, few do.

The main value of an alarm is the chirp when you lock it, the flashing light, and the warning chirp it sounds when the truck is touched.

There is some value to the starter kill, but that's mostly the discount on your insurance.

A real car thief knows far more about the top of the line alarms that the guy installing it at a small shop.

As to quality, it's sorta like quality on a pocket calculator. Even the cheap ones work fine to do simple math. If you want a lot of functions, you pay more.

Even the cheapest setups are solid state, and are as reliable as anything else electronic. It works or it doesn't, pretty quickly.
Chris