Buying a vehicle is an important process for many. And sooner or later we think about how to ensure the safety of the operation of our car. A modern and reliable GPS / GSM car alarm helps in this, thanks to which constant control over the car will be ensured at any time of the day or night.
What is specific?
Satellite signaling 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 with special receivers, through which communication with satellites is established. A good GPS/GSM car alarm recognizes a large number of satellites.
Main Components
Satellite signaling consists of basic and additional equipment. Of the basic components, each security system is equipped with:
- processing unit;
- interface;
- antenna;
- sensors;
- GPS module.
Each alarm system 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 a panic button are often used.
Why do we need GSM?
GSM network is an important element of car alarms, since through this module an alarm text message is sent to the car owner's mobile phone, which allows you to respond in a timely manner, for example, to an attempted theft. The alarm must be equipped with an antenna, the task of which is to establish communication with the satellite. It is set so that there are as few obstacles as possible in the path of signal transmission 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 geoposition of the car in relation to satellites, the second - to ensure communication with the driver of the car. The advantage of using it is that satellite systems are connected to the dispatcher's control panel, and therefore all important information will be sent directly to the security company. True, these services are paid.
No matter who the hardware manufacturer is, every system hastheir own characteristics and functional differences. The efficiency of its work is ensured by the quality of area coverage by a specific mobile operator. The advantage of satellite security systems is that 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 performing GPS monitoring. Paging is the cheapest and allows you to determine the location of the vehicle from a distance. A feature of GPS monitoring is the ability to determine the exact location of the car and remotely control the main auto systems - ignition or engine. Elite-class alarms include duplicating 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:
- Large network coverage.
- Multipurpose.
- The ability to track the movement of the car.
- Hidden installation.
But the reviews note that satellite security lines also 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 signal from the sensor.
Selection rules
Modern manufacturers offer a hugechoice 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 block the fuel supply to the engine if the immobilizers break the power supply circuits during operation;
- remote start is an important advantage of modern security lines;
- GPS-module is a guarantee that the driver's key fob will receive information about the location of the stolen car.
How to do it yourself?
Of course, there are a huge number of modern models of car alarms. But not everyone has the opportunity to purchase products of a particular brand. Note that the simplest do-it-yourself GSM car alarm can be made from a phone.
Those who have already made such equipment with their own hands say that this process is simple, the main thing is to choose diagrams 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 configured, that is, the current number of the owner on one button. Then the front panel of the phone is removed, since you need access to the board where the contacts are connected. At this stage, it is important to solder the wires correctly. So, if the functions of turning off the phone and hanging upfall 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 end and end buttons of 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 the reed switch is adjusted. Such a do-it-yourself GSM car alarm, as you can see, is easy to create. But the essence of its work 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 will come 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 owner of the car about unauthorized access. In addition, the systems are distinguished by low cost of creation, almost complete autonomy, while the phone will be periodically charged.
Pandora DXL 3910
Let's 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 works on the basis of labels, that is, key fobs with two buttons that do not display any information. The car alarm is controlled via a smartphone, but you can set up a GSM voice interface or install a mobile application.
Due to the flexibility of customization, the system can be easily adapted to the requirements of a particular owner. Also, howusers note that the Pandora DXL 3910 will look harmoniously in the standard system of any car. Among the shortcomings, users note that the system is too complicated, it has a huge number of settings, which are very difficult to deal with even for experienced owners of automotive electronics.
StarLine: B64 Dialog CAN and D94 2CAN GSM/GPS Slave
GSM-module for StarLine car alarms is a modern device that provides full control over the car. This brand offers to evaluate a wide range of security lines with a variety of functionalities. So, the StarLine B64 Dialog CAN model, in addition to security functions, allows you to control the service functions of a car - interior lighting, temperature control in it and many other important little things.
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, the lack of auto-start of the engine is distinguished.
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 modelrepeatedly 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 in the kit. It is triggered by any attempt to move the car from its place. Among the minuses, users note the difficulty of setting up and the expensive cost, but in terms of performance and reliability, this car alarm is worthy of attention.
StarLine M 30 (Messenger GPS)
GSM/GPS modules Starline Messenger are devices that allow you to control the 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. The peculiarity of the module is the ability to work with any GSM-communication operators. The owner of the car can give commands in several ways:
- through mobile application on iOS/Android platforms;
- sending a text message with a command code;
- phone call to security system number.
This novelty can also be used as an independent security system, as there are three line outputs on the case, 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 car, wherever you are.
Pantera Cl-550
There are very different reviews about this GSM car alarm, but among the pluses are notedaffordable price of the device and ease of setup. For a mid-range security system, the Pantera Cl-550 can be considered a reliable anti-theft device that emits a siren when triggered. The model is equipped with simple, but quite reliable sensors, so the car will be protected from break-ins. The advantage of the model is the ability to program and configure, which is quite rare 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-interference and high speed. 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 expansion of autorun control and the ability to arm the alarm while the engine is idling. Users say the Jaguar Ez-ultra is easy to install and set up, but hard to hack.
Tomahawk 7.1
This GPS/GSM car alarm attracts attention with the silent arming function, which is not available in all premium models. An undeniable bonus of the system can be considered non-volatile memory, which even when the power is turned off will save all data on the state of the device. Double dialogue code with a modern coding algorithm is the key to high system security. But the model also has a drawback.– no additional channels to control external devices.
Alligator C-500
Of the economical, but high-quality car alarms, this one can be noted. It works at a distance of 2.5 km, has six independent security zones, is equipped with intelligent autorun and has the function of controlling additional devices. In addition, the two-way GSM module for car alarm "Alligator" received a lot of good reviews. Installing the line in the car is simple and convenient, you don’t even need to go to a service center for this. Users say that the missing immobilizer can be filled with an additional module.
Thus, in order for the security system on the car to be effective and reliable, choose a model in which the speed of alerting the driver 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.
