2-Way Alarm Installed (Few Questions)

['_']

I have a Camry but I figured this would get more views in this section. Anywho, I decided to swap out my keyless entry with the Python 902 2-Way system. The range is a 1/4 mile and I got it installed for $275 without tax. Good deal? My neighborhood is pretty safe for the most part, but around my school there are a lot of break ins, robberies, assaults, etc.

Anyways, what are realistic ranges for these alarms? What factors come into play besides obstructions, other radio signals, weather, etc? I wanted to get the 1 mile range but the price jumped up to $450 and had extra features that I didn't want (ie. remote start). I'm concerned about parking in a covered structure or around a mall and not being able to get a signal with the 1/4 range. I was thinking about swapping out the 548T antenna with the 1 mile range 6701T antenna for $90. These come standard on some of the more expensive 1 range alarms so I'm wondering if they would still be compatible with mine (ie. my current alarm may not have the extra technology like SST or whatever). Would this solution work? Would that get me the extra range I need? If so, how hard would it be to install the antenna myself?

Here's a link to the antenna. Are there any places where I could pick one up for a cheaper price?
http://www.autotechs.com/items/item1900.htm

Also, I can add 2 more sensors to my alarm. I already have the shock sensor set to the highest sensitivity so I don't think I would need a Glass Breakage Sensor. I was thinking about a Tilt Sensor, Proximity Sensor, or the GBS if needed. Any thoughts? I was told I could only add 2 more sensors to this alarm.

[dudutzu]

I think that for a better range you need to buy a different antenna AND a different remote(compatible with the new antenna), I could be wrong though

[wkbrdr91]

Does the remote set off an alarm of some type if your car is messed with??

Ive got a friend with an F150 with about 300,000 dollars worth of stuff + labor in it, and hes got LoJack in it... and if someone touches his car, it sets off an alarm on his remote, and tells him where they touched it, and if they touch it again, the car honks once, and remote beeps again, and police are notified, if its touched a third time, the remote sets off an alarm, car sets off an alarm, and police will be at the truck shortly. His remote works off satellites, so he could be in another state and it still works haha

['_']

I think that for a better range you need to buy a different antenna AND a different remote(compatible with the new antenna), I could be wrong though

I was hoping I wouldn't need to replace the remote too because that's expensive as well. I'm not sure. If the technology (like SST for instance) is different, I may need a new remote.

Does the remote set off an alarm of some type if your car is messed with??

Ive got a friend with an F150 with about 300,000 dollars worth of stuff + labor in it, and hes got LoJack in it... and if someone touches his car, it sets off an alarm on his remote, and tells him where they touched it, and if they touch it again, the car honks once, and remote beeps again, and police are notified, if its touched a third time, the remote sets off an alarm, car sets off an alarm, and police will be at the truck shortly. His remote works off satellites, so he could be in another state and it still works haha

That sounds like a good setup, but I'd like to see that in action. However, no alarm will guarantee you complete protection against break ins. There are ways to slow down and make the entire process difficult and that's what I'm trying to achieve. Some people may think an alarmed car is too much trouble and may often look for an easier target.

As far as notification/paging goes, that all depends on the sensors. I was thinking about adding a proximity, glass breaking, and tilt sensors. If the alarm detects movement, shock, tilt, etc. then it will send a signal to the remote if it's within range. If it's not within range, it will continue to send out a page until the remote is within the distance. You can have the remote beep, vibrate, both, or silent.

I also found out that the alarm is only as good as the install job. Most alarms can be found right underneath the steering column which can be quickly and easily disabled by the thief. I was planning on doing a stealth install so that the entire alarm is completely hidden and hard to get to. The antenna and flashing LED would be the only components visible. Even then, it would take some time to "trail" the wires back to the alarm since I would have the wires wrapped in plastic loom.

[t3chnique]

Well there are also other anti theft things like kill switches that work. My friend has a kill switch for his fuel pump and ignition. Both work well if they are placed in hard to find areas.

The last paragraph you wrote is very true. I read once that it's best to have an alarm installed by a shop that hires ex-car thieves. It's actually very clever when you think about it, for this reason, Id consider having an aftermarket alarm installed by a shop let's say in La Puente or downtown LA rather than Fullerton. Just my $0.01.

If I were you, I'd get a better remote and antenna before adding sensors. No use in having more sensors if your system can't page you due to proximity issues.

['_']

That makes sense, but I'd want the people to be skilled with installing the alarms. I wouldn't want them to be careless or hook things up the wrong way. If I was knowledgeable in hooking up electronics, I would have done the "stealth install" job myself.

I'll get the upgraded antenna for sure, if it's compatible with what I've got. I'll do that, add the sensors, and relocate the brain the next time I take my car to the shop.

[Aotoyota]

for a few extra bucks get a backup battery and a secondary horn inside, yes inside the car. that way even if they cut the main cables off the battery, the alarm will keep going..

and the horn inside the car, thats to make sure the burglar doesnt
try and look for the brain under the dash.

['_']

Sounds like a good idea if I have some extra money. I actually hear a lot of people carry out this same method. I will have the brain relocated (stealth installed) so it will be difficult and time consuming to get to; that's if the burglar already knows where it's located.