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 ensure a high degree of machine safety, in the formation of which it is not at all necessary to resort to expensive equipment. High-quality and inexpensive car alarms will help eliminate the most common threats and at the same time make driving more convenient and efficient.
Varieties of alarms
Today, 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 for providing protection against theft. An inexpensive car alarm of this type operates on the principle of a conventional siren, supplemented by a light indication. At the moment of detecting a hijacking attempt, the devices give a signal with a certain radius.
The second option is a continuation of this concept, but it also has an essentialdifference. 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 long-range warning. The composition of such devices includes key fobs of car alarms that receive a signal through radio channels. The third category does not have any restrictions on the warning range at all. These are GPS-systems operating on the basis of global satellite navigation, which practically removes barriers to the possibility of signal propagation.
Main Functions
As already noted, most alarms of this type perform the function of notifying the owner. Another thing is that the principle may be different - either the launch of a conventional siren, or the sending of an alarm signal via a radio channel or other wireless communication systems. The inclusion of additional features in the system significantly increases the cost. However, in the budget category, there are more and more models with an extended functional range. In particular, cheap car alarms that support connection with 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 function of auto-starting the engine from the key fob, and this feature applies to power plants that work with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Programming Features
Extensions inThe functionality of signaling systems is also enhanced by programming possibilities. Advanced filling allows users, for example, to set 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 features directly, an inexpensive car alarm with programmable settings will allow you to set the doors to automatically lock when the car reaches a certain speed.
The optimal set of such functions for those who focus on the budget segment can be a combination of notification and blocking windows with doors. If it is possible to pay a little more money for the alarm, then the most reasonable solution would be to supplement the car with mechanical anti-theft devices, which can also be controlled using purchased electronics. The most popular mechanisms of this type are blockers. In particular, inexpensive car alarms with radio transmitters can interact with the stoppers and lockers of the gearbox, steering wheel and hood.
Optimal car alarm performance
The main operating parameter of any car alarm is its range. Traditional one-way systems propagate sound and light signals to 200-300 m. These are the simplest inexpensive devices that are advisable to use if the car remains close to home. More reliable systemswhich send a signal through the radio channel. The range of such a device reaches 3-4 km. And the most attractive option in terms of coverage radius is a GPS alarm that has no boundaries. The only thing that should be foreseen is the possible drops in signal reception through a mobile device in a problem area. It is for such cases that the car alarm instruction recommends providing several channels for communication. Communication directly with the owner can become basic, and the nearest security post is usually assigned as a fallback.
You should also take into account the characteristics of the sensors that will respond to external influences. Inexpensive devices are equipped with intelligent 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 car alarm with feedback has a key fob 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.
Reviews about Tamarack models
Under the Tamarack brand, you can find low-cost systems on the market with autorun support and feedback. The advantages of such devices, car owners include a stable communication channel - on average, the frequency of the radio signal is about 433 MHz. The budget segment in this case does not include global satellite navigation, thereforethe alert radius will be limited. The owners indicate a confident 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.
Reviews of Sheriff models
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 suppressing the signal with a jammer. On the other hand, the programming tools that provide Sheriff car alarms expand the possibilities of controlling the machine. So, the owner receives the function of controlling the side lights through an integrated relay, remote control of the central locking of the power windows, etc.
Reviews of Alligator models
Alligator systems can be classified as universal devices that ensure the safety of cars. The middle segment in the family of this brand represents affordable models with two-way communication. Like the Sheriff car alarm, such systems are distinguished by an advanced programmable basis, which provides for compatibility with the electrical equipment of almost all modern cars, regardless of configuration. This is convenient for ordinary motorists, and experts note the high degree of reliability of the protection of the radio signal itself, which is implementedBACS radio message codes.
Conclusion
With all the variety of electronic systems that protect personal vehicles, it is not often that users manage to choose exactly what was required initially. 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 notification functions. As practice shows, there is no need to turn to more expensive systems with satellite navigation support. Moreover, the same models with feedback can interact with the on-board computer, which, in turn, can perform the same notification functions on mobile devices.
