Alarms/immobilisers

[TimH]

What systems would you guys recommend installing?

I've seen systems offering microwave interior sensors that are recommended for use with convertibles - do these work or just a gimmick?

Also is it better to have a seperate immobiliser and alarm, or a combined system?

With the immobiliser, what device(s) is it best to disable, i.e. starter motor, iginition etc?

Also would you recommend having it professionally installed as it appears that my insurance policy does not require a professionally installed thatcham device, which adds a few hundred quid onto the price?

Thanks.

Tim.

[Chris Jones]

I have an immobiliser/alarm fitted which does give a great deal of peace of mind

I do have microwave interior sensors which activate the alarm if a hand (or something else) is put into the interior of the car. What is also handy is that warning beeps are emitted if you get too close to the car. Hopefully this warns kids off with sticky jam covered fingers before they get any ideas about dropping the top half of a 99 ice cream into the car

Immobilisers are normally activated once the ignition has been turned off for a set period of time whereas the alarm is only activated when you turn it on. This is probably the best solution as otherwise if you are anything like me you would set the alarm off every time you get back to your car after filling it up with gas

I had this Toad system fitted by Sextons which offered great advice but did manage to break my clock and slash my carpet unnecessarily when they installed it so wouldn't recommend them again to be honest

Happy to give more details if you are interested ..

Chris

[agwebsites]

For even more piece of mind you might want to fit the Tracker system as well. If you are going to keep the car for a long period of time it can work out as excellent value for money considering the service they offer.

www.thankstotracker.co.uk

Andy

http://www.agsite.co.uk/ag/andy-win.gif

[TimH]

Thanks for your input guys. I hadn't actually thought of installing a tracker system, but the basic setup isn't as expensive as I thought.

Thanks.

Tim.

[pgoodrum]

Tim

I think most if not all stolen cars with trackers are recovered so good in that respect, but at the same time a Cob is more likely stolen by a 'joy rider' who will dump it before being caught anyway making alarm/immobiliser just as important

Pete

[Dan]

I have Fitted a Cobra alarm system. In my case I choose to fit the alarm myself because at the time I couldn't easily drive the car around to the dealer. It also meant I could hide the cut cuircuits for the immobilser alot better. Although I do forfeit the cheaper insurance for going DIY. Must say I'm very impressed with the results. My setup cost £250 which inludes the alarm/immobiliser with door, boot bonnet switches as well as ultrasonic and level sensors (The level sensor is good as the ultrasonic may not be activated when the car is being jacked and your wheels being removed )

Cobra do have a microwave sensor as well but I'm told the ultrasonic is far more reliable.

The system was easy to install - The only problem I have had with it is when the battery ran low on me due to a short cuircuit in one of the lights. Caused the alarm to trip because it thought the power had been cut. Woke up half the house - and probably half the neighbourhood as well }>



Dan 'Were all these nuts used before' Man
www.cobra.kitcar.btinternet.co.uk

[TimH]

Dan,

I thought microwave sensors were necessary if you want to protect the interior with the hood down and that ultrasonics only work in a closed environment?

Also regarding professional installation, a friend told me that his self installed (but thatcham approved) alarm was "certified" by taking it to a car audio/alarm shop who gave it the once over and issued a certificate for about £20-£30. Not sure if this is strictly legit, but they are the ones issuing the certificate!

Tim.