Issues of protecting the car from theft are still relevant even against the backdrop of the emergence of new security systems. Oddly enough, mechanical means also remain in demand, despite the advent of high-tech car alarms. At the same time, only a well-organized complex will allow to ensure a high degree of machine safety, in the formation of which it is not necessary to resort to expensive equipment. High-quality and low-cost car alarms will help eliminate the most common threats and at the same time make driving more convenient and efficient.
Varieties of alarms
To date, three types of car alarms are common. The first category represents one-way systems. This is the simplest, but at the same time affordable option to provide protection against theft. There is an inexpensive car alarm of this type according to the principle of an ordinary siren, supplemented by a light indication. At the moment of fixation, attempts to hijack the device give a signal with a certain radius.
The second option is a continuation of this concept, but there is a significant difference in it. The fact is that an ordinary siren is not enough if the owner is at a considerable distance from the car. Therefore, such complexes are supplemented by means of early warning. The composition of such devices includes remote control car alarms that receive a signal through radio channels. The third category does not at all have limitations on the range of alerts. These are GPS systems operating on the basis of global satellite navigation, which practically removes the barriers to the distribution of the warning signal.
Main functions
As already noted, most alarms of this type perform the function of alerting the owner. Another thing is that the principle can be different - either the start of an ordinary siren, or the sending of an alarm signal over a radio channel or other wireless communication systems. The inclusion of additional functions in the system significantly increases the cost. However, in the budget category, models with an expanded functional spectrum are increasingly found. In particular, cheap car alarms that support a bunch of car mechanics can be purchased for 5-7 thousand rubles. In this segment, systems are available that block the doors, hood and powertrain. But there are other options for such systems that are not related to car protection. For example, many models support the autostart function of the engine with a key fob, and this feature extends to power plants that work with both mechanical gearboxes and automatic transmissions.
Programming features
Extensions to the functionality of alarm systems are made by programming capabilities. Advanced filling enables users, for example, to configure the trunk opening mode without opening the door. Also, modern systems of this type support options related to monitoring the performance of the engine and battery pack. As for the safety functions directly, an inexpensive car alarm with programmable settings will allow you to set automatic door locks when the machine reaches a certain speed.
The optimal set of such functions for those who focus on the budget segment can be a combination of alerts and blocking windows with doors. If it is possible to give a little more money for an alarm, then the most reasonable solution will be to supplement the car with mechanical anti-theft tools, which can also be controlled using purchased electronics. The most popular mechanisms of this type are blockers. In particular, low-cost car alarms with radio transmitters can interact with stoppers and lockers of the gearbox, steering wheel and hood.
Optimum car alarm performance
The main working parameter of any alarm for a car is its range. Traditional one-way systems distribute sound and light signals to 200-300 m. These are the simplest inexpensive devices that are advisable to use if the car stays close to home. More reliable systems that send a signal through a radio channel. The range of such a device reaches 3-4 km. And the most attractive option for the radius of coverage is a GPS-alarm, which has no boundaries. The only thing that should be foreseen is the possible differences in signal reception through a mobile device in a problem area. It is for such cases that the car alarm instruction recommends providing for several channels for communication. Communication with the owner can become basic, and the nearest security point is usually appointed as a backup option.
You should also take into account the characteristics of sensors that will respond to external influences. Low-cost devices are equipped with smart shock sensors, in which you can configure the main and warning zones of protection. From the point of view of ergonomics, it will not be superfluous to take into account the implementation of the interface. Today, even a budget feedback car alarm has a remote control with a small display. True, such an acquisition justifies itself in cases where the owner plans to receive additional information about the condition of the car.
Tamarack Model Reviews
Under the Tamarack brand, on the market you can find inexpensive systems with support for autostart and feedback. Car owners include a stable working communication channel to the advantages of such devices - on average, the frequency of the radio signal is about 433 MHz. The budget segment in this case does not include global satellite navigation, so the radius of the alert will have limitations. Owners indicate reliable signal reception in pager mode up to 1 km. This distance is halved when it comes to transmitter mode. In addition, cheap car alarms from the Tamarack family are praised for their ability to operate at low temperatures - up to -40 ºC.
Sheriff Model Reviews
Kits of this brand are distinguished by the modern implementation of two principles of protection - on a software and manual basis. Users emphasize high reliability when manually setting the car to control the alarm, which eliminates the risk of jamming the signal suppressor. On the other hand, the programming tools that provide Sheriff car alarms expand the control capabilities of the machine. So, the owner gets the function of controlling the side lights through an integrated relay, remote control of the central power window lock, etc.
Reviews about Alligator models
Alligator systems can be attributed to universal devices that ensure car safety. The middle segment in the family of this brand represents affordable models with two-way communication. Like Sheriff car alarms, such systems are distinguished by an advanced programmable basis, which provides for compatibility with electrical equipment of almost all modern cars, regardless of configuration. This is convenient for ordinary motorists, and experts note a high degree of reliability of the protection of the radio signal itself, which is implemented by the BACS radio sending codes.
Conclusion
With all the variety of electronic systems that protect personal vehicles, it is not so often that users manage to pick up exactly what was originally required. The optimal means of protection of this type is a car alarm with feedback, which maintains a high level of object control and stably performs alert functions. As practice shows, there is no need to turn to more expensive systems that support satellite navigation. Moreover, the same feedback models can interact with the on-board computer, which, in turn, can perform the same notification functions on mobile devices.