From: ehawrysh@bnr.ca (Evan Hawrysh)
Subject: Re: Car Alarm Recommendations needed
Reply-To: ehawrysh@bnr.ca
Organization: Bell Northern Research Ltd
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 13:47:03 GMT

In article 22749@bcars6a8.bnr.ca, ptse@bcars65b.bnr.ca (Paul Tse) writes:
> In article <5887@balrog.ctron.com> pauls@ctron.com () writes:
> >So far, I've found the Alpine 8040B to be a pretty good looking
> >system.  Anyone have any (good/bad) experience with this, or
> >found any other systems that out perform it?  
> 
> Take a look at the VIPER alarms.  They have the usual array of
> door, hood, and trunk alarms inputs.  They also have a pretty
> good optional dual-stage shock sensor (small impact results in a warning
> chirp; larger impact results in full alarm), optional microwave
> motion detector, pager, etc.  Most units come with 2 remotes with
> decent range (max about 100 ft).

I've found Viper to be VERY overpriced in Canada. They seem reasonable in
the US though. YMMV.

> 
> I've tried the Alpine 8040 and found that it didn't do what I 
> wanted.  Aside from the door and trunk sensors (installer didn't
> put in a hood sensor!), I found that it's main claim to fame,
> the microwave motion sensor, was not sensitive enough.  Although
> Alpine advertises that it's intelligent, my experience has shown
> that you have to be moving a lot or waving about frantically near
> the car before it decides to warn you away with a few soft chirps.
> Also, I was charged extra for light flasher, hood sensor, extra
> remote (about $100 CDN), etc.  ...I made them take it out.
> 

In defence of the 8040:

I installed an 8040 in my car and the microwave sensor works great. It sounds
like you met up with a poor installer (I know of very few in the Ottawa
area). He obviously set it up incorrectly. For the benefit of those looking
at the 8040, if you do it yourself, or get it installed, make sure that
the wires to the sensor are "spidered" away from the unit for maximum range, 
and don't be surprised if it takes a few cracks at setting up the microwave
perimeters to get a range that you are happy with. If you have to do frantic
arm-waving near the car to set it off, the range wasn't set up properly, or
the sensor was installed in a poor location.

I don't know what an extra remote costs, but one relay for the light flasher
and a pin switch for the hood shouldn't cost you more than $20.

> What you need depends on the car you have and how you want to
> protect it.  If you have a convertible or T-roof, you might
> want to get a microwave sensor (usually an option).  I recommend
> a shock sensor for any car (although some are quite susceptible
> to false alarms due to passing trucks, high winds, etc.).  No
> problems noted with the VIPER (sensitivity is adjustable for your
> application).  

Ditto on the shock sensor. A useful addition is the Alpine 8327
shock sensor. You can adjust it w/o the alarm armed. I'd recommend the
8040 even for cars w/ a hardtop (mine is). Microwave protection is just
another security strength. 

> Regarding the battery backup:  a good installer can take care
> of these "extras" for you.
> 
> Good luck.

No, I don't work for Alpine, nor do they give me money for saying things.

Evan