Alarm Systems

[profdlp]

Anyone have any experience installing an alarm system?

I'd like to save money by doing it myself. I'd also like it to work.

I do have experience with car audio, so I'm not a total n00b. I've had Viper recommended to me - thanks Hedsic. What do you all like?

 

[profdlp]

Anyone?

I was hoping to do this before I die and I'm not getting any younger. :death:

 

[LibertyTC]

Check out this 2015 review..5901 Viper also has Cloud & remote start= comes out on top.
http://http://car-alarm-review.toptenreviews.com/
Maybe someone can fill me in .. with all the GPS stuff now-a-days why do the alarm systems not come with GPS tracking or am I missing something?
Here is an example that I quickly found. If anyone know more about alarm systems that offer gps tracking..Speak Up please!!
http://www.amazon.ca/Real-Time-Car-GPS-Tracker-Functions/dp/B00HPPUHSI

 

[renegade 04]

I you get a gps tracker it will save you a lot on your insurance I think 15%. Also a gps tracker will give you true piece of mind that you libby is where you left it.

 

[CactusJacked]

I have been researching GPS trackers for my Jeep. If you don't want the camera/fuel shut off bells and whistles, there are some much cheaper ones out there. For what you get though, the one above doesn't seem too bad. You need to get a pay as you go cell plan with a sim card, but shop around as there are some very cheap packages available. About $20 for 3 months is the cheapest I've found, since you only need bare bones coverage for it. The one above misleadingly calls itself real time. "Real time" means it's live and you would be able to track the vehicle on a digital map as it moves along. This type works by you calling or texting it, and the tracker sends you back map coordinates. Not really real time, since by the time you get the coordinates the vehicle would be in a different place unless it's parked. Still, it's effective in helping to track down your "lost" vehicle.

 

[profdlp]

Anyone have any experience installing one themselves? My $175 alarm turns into $350 if I let the auto place do it.

 

[LibertyTC]

I installed one years ago in one of my sedans. The first thing I want to mention (similar to wiring in remote start) is the connections are best made all soldered in. Or using appropriate solder type connectors.
Is it fun NO.
Is is something you can do yourself yes (with conditions)
Condition one- No smoking any funny stuff or beer drinking..or things will get messed up.
Condition Two -familiar yourself completely with the unit wiring diagram..or things can go poorly.
Condition three- if you do not know where the wires go from the unit diagram to get soldered in on the Jeep... take it to a professional !! and ask them if they solder in each wire !
After my last experience working on the older car, I know for a fact for an extra $175 I would rather have a pro deal with it correctly with a warranty.

 

[profdlp]

I'm pretty sure I could do it myself. I'm deliberate about things like this (measure twice, cut once, etc.) and I'm good at following directions. I also don't do any of that fun stuff you mentioned, which might explain why I'm so cranky at times. On the other hand, I suspect that this is one of those jobs like the last time I used a professional paint sprayer. Just about the time I was feeling comfortable with it and getting the hang of using it I had the house done. Then there's always the one or two little things with every job that you don't know about beforehand and have to learn the hard way.

I think I'll follow your advice and let a pro do it. I will also make sure I ask about the soldering. :favorites13:

 

[profdlp]

I am getting the Viper LCD 2-Way Security System installed in a week. They want $100 to add the secondary battery backup (so the alarm can't be disabled by merely popping the hood and disconnecting your Jeep battery). I found one online for $28. Anyone know anything about adding these on? As in, is it easy enough to warrant saving the extra $72 and doing it yourself?