Buying a vehicle is an important process for many. And sooner or later, we think about how to ensure the safe operation of our car. And a modern and reliable GPS / GSM car alarm helps in this, thanks to which constant control over the car will be provided at any time of the day or night.
What are the specifics?
Satellite alarm is a modern device based on two built-in modules: GPS and GSM. The first is needed in order to determine the location of the car relative to the world coordinate system, since this is a global network consisting of 24 satellites in orbit. The module is supplemented by special receivers, through which communication with satellites is established. A good GPS / GSM car alarm recognizes a large number of satellites.
Main components
Satellite alarm consists of basic and additional equipment. Of the basic components, each security system is equipped with:
- processor unit;
- interface support;
- an antenna;
- sensors;
- GPS module.
Each alarm has its own design features and is programmed for a specific operation algorithm. As additional components of a satellite line, a GSM module for car alarms, an immobilizer, a listening device and an alarm button are often used .
Why do we need GSM?
The GSM network is an important element of car alarms, because through this module an alarming text message is sent to the car owner’s mobile phone, which allows him to respond in a timely manner, for example, to an attempted theft. The alarm must necessarily be equipped with an antenna, the task of which is to establish communication with the satellite. It is installed so that there are as few obstacles as possible in the transmission of a signal or data packet.
How does the security system work?
GPS / GSM car alarm consists of two electronic units that are mounted inside the car. The first block is needed to determine the geo-position of the car in relation to satellites, the second - to provide communication with the driver of the car. The advantage of its use is that satellite systems are connected to the control room control panel, and therefore all important information will go directly to the security company. True, these services are paid.
Regardless of who is the manufacturer of the equipment, each system has its own characteristics and functional differences. The effectiveness of its work is ensured by the quality of coverage of the zone by a specific mobile operator. The advantage of satellite security systems is that a multifunctional two-way communication between the car and the owner will be provided. All information is provided to him on a mobile phone.
Types and Features
Modern GSM car alarms are paging, duplicating or carrying out GPS monitoring. Paging is the cheapest and allows you to determine the location of the vehicle at a distance. A feature of GPS monitoring is the ability to determine the exact location of the machine and remote control the main auto systems - ignition or engine. Elite class alarms include duplicate ones, which not only carry out GPS monitoring, but also have a number of additional features. Modern GSM car alarms are characterized by a number of advantages:
- Great network coverage.
- Multifunctionality.
- The ability to track the movement of the car.
- Hidden installation.
But in the reviews it is noted that satellite security lines have disadvantages, the most important of which is the ability to read the GPS code signal. In addition, if the car is underground, it is impossible to pick up the sensor signal.
Selection rules
Modern manufacturers offer a huge selection of car alarms. But experts and owners of equipment of different brands are advised to pay attention to a number of details when choosing:
- if there is an immobilizer, then, if necessary, you can block the engine;
- built-in motion blocking systems provide blocking of fuel supply to the motor in case immobilizers are broken during operation of the power supply circuit;
- remote launch is an important advantage of modern security lines;
- GPS-module - a guarantee that the driver’s key fob will receive information about where the stolen car is.
How to do it yourself?
Of course, there are a huge number of modern car alarm models. But not everyone has the opportunity to purchase products of a particular brand. Note that the simplest GSM do-it-yourself car alarm system from a telephone can be made.
Those who have already made such equipment with their own hands say that this process is simple, the main thing is to choose schemes and descriptions. As components you need to prepare:
- old mobile phone with buttons;
- magnet;
- reed switch;
- wires
- switch.
The assembly process is quite simple. First, the subscriber’s call is set up, that is, the current owner number for one button. Then the front panel of the phone is removed, since access to the board where the contacts are connected is needed. At this stage, it is important to solder the wires correctly. So, if the phone shutdown and hang up functions fall on one button, then one wire is soldered to the button itself, and the second to the key that will be responsible for the call. If the buttons for disconnecting and turning off the mobile device are different, then the wires are soldered to each of them.
After the circuit is completed, a magnet is placed on the door, and then a reed switch is set up. Do-it- yourself GSM car alarm, as you can see, is created simply. But the essence of its operation differs from the principle of operation of conventional signaling systems: when you try to open the door, the contacts of the reed switch close and a call comes from the phone to the number that is programmed. Using an additional switch, the alarm is armed and disarmed. Such a system will promptly warn the car owner about unauthorized access. In addition, the systems are distinguished by the low cost of creation, almost complete autonomy, while the phone will be periodically charged.
Pandora DXL 3910
Consider the most popular security systems that have earned a lot of different reviews. Thus, the Pandora DXL 3910 model attracts attention with its innovativeness, since GPS / GSM car alarms do not require the use of a key fob. The whole system operates on the basis of tags, that is, key fobs with two buttons that do not display any information. Car alarms are controlled via a smartphone, but you can set up a voice GSM interface or install a mobile application.
Thanks to the flexibility of tuning, the system easily adapts to the requirements of a particular owner. And also, as users note, the Pandora DXL 3910 will harmoniously look in the standard system of any car. Among the shortcomings, users note that the system is too complex, it has a huge number of settings, which even experienced owners of automotive electronics can deal with very hard.
StarLine: B64 Dialog CAN and D94 2CAN GSM / GPS Slave
StarLine GSM-module for car alarms is a modern device that provides full control over the car. This brand offers to evaluate a wide selection of security lines with a variety of functional capabilities. Thus, the StarLine B64 Dialog CAN model, in addition to security functions, allows you to control the service functions of the car - interior lighting, temperature control in it and many other important details.
The device comes with two key fobs - one has an LCD display, and the second is simple and compact, but both provide two-way communication with the central unit at a distance of up to 2 km. Fans of compact, but powerful systems note that this car alarm model is distinguished by its affordable cost and additional features. Of the minuses, there is a lack of engine startup.
Car alarm "Starline" A94 GSM GPS, according to many users, is the best in this series. This is a whole security system, the possibilities of which are unlimited. The device is controlled via a smartphone, and the alarm can detect the car with great accuracy when it is stolen. It is no coincidence that this model has been repeatedly recognized as the most reliable in terms of protection against scanning and hacking. The advantage of the device is in the three-axis shock and tilt sensor, which is supplied. It is triggered by any attempt to move the car from a place. Among the minuses, users note the complexity of the setup and the expensive cost, but in terms of operational characteristics and reliability, this car alarm is worthy of attention.
StarLine M 30 (Messenger GPS)
Starline Messenger GSM / GPS modules are devices that allow you to control your car’s security system. A huge number of such modules are supplied in the StarLine series. So, StarLine M21 is a module that is controlled by the phone and allows you to determine the coordinates of the car. A feature of the module is the ability to work with any GSM-communication operators. The car owner can issue commands in several ways:
- via a mobile application on iOS / Android platforms;
- sending a text message with the command code;
- a phone call to the security system number.
This new product can also be used as an independent security system, since there are three line outputs on the housing, through which the module can be connected to limit switches located on the door, hood and trunk. This module is powerful - you will be in touch with your machine, wherever you are.
Pantera Cl-550
There are very different reviews about this GSM car alarm, but among the pluses are the affordable price of the device and the simplicity of its settings. For the middle-class security system, the Pantera Cl-550 can be considered a reliable anti-theft device that, when triggered, emits a siren. The model is equipped with simple, but quite reliable sensors, so the car will be protected from hacking. The advantage of the model is the ability to program and configure, which is a rather rare phenomenon for this price category. Some users note that the level of the security system is not very high.
Jaguar ez-ultra
This is a one-way GPS / GSM car alarm, which at a low price attracts attention with effective anti-jamming and high-speed performance. The system can be configured to use separate radio channels, especially if additional service functions are required. Among the advantages of the model, users note the expanded control of autorun and the ability to arm the alarm when the engine is idling. According to users, the Jaguar Ez-ultra is easy to install and configure, but breaking it is not easy.
Tomahawk 7.1
This GPS / GSM car alarm attracts attention with the silent arming function, which is far from being available in all premium models. An indisputable bonus of the system is non-volatile memory, which, even when the power is turned off, will save all data about the state of the device. A dual dialog code with a modern coding algorithm is the key to high security of the system. But the model also has a drawback - there are no additional channels so that you can control external devices.
Alligator C-500
Of the economical, but high-quality car alarms, this can be noted. It operates at a distance of 2.5 km, has six independent security zones, is equipped with intelligent startup and has the ability to control additional devices. In addition, the two-way Alligator GSM module for car alarms has received many good reviews. Installation of the line in the car is simple and convenient, for this you do not even need to go to the service center. Users say that the missing immobilizer can be replaced with an additional module.
So that the security system on the car is effective and reliable, choose a model in which the driver’s alert rate is higher. It is for this indicator that GSM-systems are in high demand among those who want to protect their car from theft and unauthorized entry.