The domestic alarm complex Pandora DX-50 offers the optimal set of security and service modules to protect mid-range cars. The system cannot be compared with premium telematics solutions, however, by the standards of its class, it has quite effective functionality. And reviews of the Pandora DX-50 in general confirm this, at least emphasizing the reliability of basic protection equipment.
Opportunities of the complex
The system focuses on ensuring the stability of mechanical protective devices against electronic hacking with support for remote control. Through the radio channel, the owner can control the status of the alarm, as well as its individual functional blocks. Interaction is implemented using a new generation key fob with an extended range. It includes an on-line programming button, status indicators, and an updated 868 MHz receiver.
In addition, reviews of the Pandora DX-50 car alarm highly appreciate the quality of the implementation of the physical control mechanisms of the machine, which work through a wide range of adaptive sensors. Both at a close and at a remote distance, through a key fob or smartphone, you can receive information about the movement, inclination and status of the doors with the windows of the car. The alarm controls 10 zones separately, not including a special device for tracking the position of the wheels.
Pandora DX-50 L modification features
This is a more modern version of the DX-50 alarm with some changes. Emphasis was placed on optimization, as a result of which the system lost the start relay module and motor thermometer. Actually, the changes negatively affected the operation of remote start with the traditional functions of a programmable engine start, but there were also advantages. Understanding the influence of new limiting factors, the developers have improved the ability to integrate the heating mechanisms of the power unit, which in principle eliminates the need to use autorun. For example, reviews of the Pandora DX-50 L indicate optimal compatibility with Eberspacher and Webasto pre-start heating systems. Moreover, their control after installation is also carried out remotely using a key fob or smartphone.
Of course, you will have to pay extra for adding boilers to the motor, but the DX-50 L modification in the basic kit is cheaper than the standard version.
Instructions forinstallation of the complex
Installation is carried out according to the traditional scheme of distribution of the functional components of the system. The central unit (controller) is fixed in a niche behind the dashboard. It is desirable to provide the unit with a secure position with maximum protection against vibrations and physical shocks. The antenna is installed as high as possible in the windshield area, but without direct contact with metal surfaces or other electrical equipment - a distance of 10-15 cm is maintained.
As the reviews show, the installation of Pandora DX-50 in the electrical part is best done with the connection of the proprietary Alarm Studio program. It will allow you to correctly enter the digital CAN bus into the network through the controller and a key fob with a USB connector, and then install sensors and protection modules in turn at the destinations.
Double-sided tape, mounting ties, rubber switches and grounding pins are provided for physical cable routing and fixation.
Setting instructions
At the first stage, the system is assigned basic operating parameters with a choice of settings mode. By default, it is recommended to use the automatic programming status for the first time. Individual user settings are manually set by connecting the key fob and smartphone to the central controller.
Further, through a computer or the same smartphone, you can set the target protection zones of the Pandora DX-50. Reviews in this part, for example, praise the non-volatilememory that can store settings for more than 10 protected points. These include limit switches for the ignition, doors, hood, shock sensors, sensors, etc. The sensitivity and operation parameters of each protection mechanism are set through the CAN bus, as well as emergency disarm events and communication methods are indicated - again, manually, via key fob, controller or smartphone.
Operating instructions
The basic control tool will still be a keychain or a branded application in a mobile device. By programming the control buttons to certain commands for disarming and arming the car, you can fully control the alarm remotely. The ALARM and SEND LED indicators, depending on the operating mode, will notify you of the current security status and possible changes in operation.
But in terms of engine start operation, reviews of the Pandora DX-50 alarm are ambiguous. In normal mode, when autostart is set for a certain time, an appropriate reverse shock signal should be sent to the key fob. It may be missing due to blocking by the immobilizer. In this case, the actual operation of the motor will not occur. This problem is solved with the help of an immobilizer crawler in the form of a special key that will deactivate the unit right in the cabin, after which it will become possible to start the power plant.
Positive feedback about the system
With verylimited capabilities (taking into account the price tag of about 10 thousand rubles), the developers were able to adequately implement the initial level of signaling telematics without significant failures in management. The indisputable advantages of the system include the support of the digital CAN network, a stable radio channel, high-quality electrical fittings with a blocking radio relay and wireless communication. With regard to the correctness of the sensor readings, the reviews of the Pandora DX-50 are also mostly positive - in any case, with correctly performed settings, you can get a very wide set of data on the condition of the car.
Negative reviews
Obviously, the creators sacrificed many opportunities. Partly because of the modest budget, but do not forget about the very concept of the device. At a minimum, GPS/GLONASS systems will have to be abandoned. Moreover, the owners in the reviews of the Pandora DX-50 criticize not the exclusion of satellite instruments in itself, but the lack of the possibility of integrating such modules. The possibility of such an addition, for example, is present in many budget StarLine systems. There is also criticism of certain stylistic nuances in the execution of the key fob and the control unit, but these factors do not affect the performance.
Conclusion
The developers of the Pandora line of products from the company "AlarmTrade" for a long time could not find a balance between acceptable functionality and affordable cost. The assortment equally successfully presented both premium versions from the DXL series and frankstate employees with severe restrictions on the ability to manage elementary means of protection. But, reviews of the Pandora DX-50 showed that the middle segment is quite amenable to this manufacturer. The model confidently discourages customers from competitive systems due to the inclusion of new technologies and by getting rid of the characteristic problems of many alarms of this level. It is enough to note the support of a remote signal at a distance of up to 3000 m, the use of high-quality plastic in the cases and the correct readings of the measuring equipment.
