Car Security Features Advance In 2001 Lineups

By Amy gilroy On Dec 18 2000 - 8:00am

Car security companies will continue in 2001 to bring their products into the new age of car computing and telematics, as well as forge advances in FM two-way paging.

Code-Alarm will debut at CES a new computer-based Power Elite security system that will offer telematics services in the future. In addition, the company announced this month an alliance with @Road, Madison Heights, Mich., to deliver telematics service to the new Power Elite series and other future products. (See story at right.)

Suppliers at CES, including Crime-stopper and Ungo, are also pushing FM two-way paging next year, and they are adding new LCD displays on their remote transmitters to deliver return messages from the security system.

Noted Crimestopper president Howard Miller, "The remotes have gone from strictly button control with LED to LCDs, and the remotes are getting smaller. Now some companies have gone to color or dot matrix with moving-sign technology. We're going in that direction.

"Also where you had alarm and two-way paging you now have alarm, remote start and two-way paging."

New at CES from Code-Alarm will be the first computer-based security system to accept floppy-disk-sized cartridges that can be swapped to change features.

Called the Power Elite series, it includes a basic security system installed with all necessary sensors and a computer brain-center mounted under the dash.

The computer accepts proprietary cartridges that program the system for various feature packages. A basic cartridge includes keyless entry and security, while a step-up cartridge adds remote start and enhanced security.

Code-Alarm marketing manager Dennis McDermott explained that the consumer might buy the basic initial package, and then "as it gets closer to winter, the dealer might send out fliers and the customer could come back for a remote-start cartridge. Part of the beauty of this system is that the dealer can resell the old cartridge."

There are approximately 10 Power Elite cartridges, starting with the basic system plus keyless entry/security card at an estimated retail price of $269. An upgrade that offers deluxe remote car-start with keyless entry and vehicle security has an estimated retail price of $300.

Code-Alarm claims the system will be able to tie into telematics functions in the future but did not give details. "We're promoting this as the never-ending sale," McDermott added. "In the past, once you sold a customer a security system, he never came back."

Code-Alarm developed Power Elite with an eye toward telematics, he said, and also because it reduces the number of parts in a system, thereby cutting down on manufacturing costs. In addition, it enables the dealer to carry less inventory, and it dramatically reduces installation time.

By way of two way pagers, Crimestopper, is beefing up its selection at CES with a new top-of-the-line two-way FM paging unit. The company will also debut a new midpriced line called SecurCar.

Crimestopper's new premier model is the CS2015FM, which integrates FM paging (with LCD readout) for real-time two-way confirmation of functions up to 1 mile way.

The unit comes with an improved dot-matrix display and has full remote engine start and full vehicle security system that includes dual-stage shock protection, two auxiliary outputs and keyless entry. It also offers a vibration-alert setting.

The CS2015FM is expected to ship in January at a suggested retail price of $349.95 with one transmitter or $399.95 with two transmitters.

Crimestopper's new SecurCar series offers three models, including a top-end model that comes with a SecurWatch waterproof sports watch with built-in transmitter/remote control for the alarm, as well as a standard SecurGlow remote to give users an option of "wearing" or carrying their remote.

The model CS2004WDC system includes anti-code-grabbing protection, remote auxiliary outputs and driver's priority unlock control. It comes with a new high-current onboard starter disable relay that can be configured for two different levels of security, as well as a dual-stage shock sensor with dual adjustment zones. Suggested retail price for the CS2004WDC is $249.95.

It is joined by the CS2004FM two-way system, which is similar to the 2004 but comes with a palm-sized FM LCD pager/remote. It offers real-time audible and visual confirmation of security functions up to 1 mile from the vehicle at a suggested retail price of $299.

Also new from Crimestopper is the CS2004DC SecurGlow alarm system, which that comes with the same security system as the CS2004FM but uses two four-button SecurGlow remote transmitters. Its suggested retail price is $219.

Ungo is offering a new line with redesigned transmitters and its most aggressive pricing to date. It includes a new MS2007 FM two-way pager and remote start/security combination package at $449. The new FM transmitter has an aluminum look with a large LCD with an alarm clock readout. The transmitter allows users to set times for the remote start.

The MS2005 is a remote start/security package without two-way paging at a suggested retail price of $299. Both new models ship early in January.

They are joined by Ungo's new entry-level system, the MS2000, which comes with two remote transmitters, door lock outputs, starter disable and dual-zone impact sensor at $189.

Also new is a midline unit, model MS2004, with trunk release, starter disable with extended range antenna, and a coded override switch. It also has an optional armed output for a second point of immobilization for added security. Suggested retail price for the MS2004 is $229.

Also at CES, Audiovox is debuting a line featuring designer-styled carbon-fiber transmitters.

The step-up model APS-875 comes with an extended-range remote start that operates up to 1,000 feet away. It provides selectable running times of five, 10, 15 and 20 minutes, and has timed starts of two or four hours.

The APS-875 allows users to lock or unlock either the driver's door or all doors. Other features include starter disable, additional engine immobilizer output and defective zone confirmation. Suggested retail price for the APS-875 is $450.

It is joined by the APS-800, a security system with four-mode shock sensor (without remote start). It comes with two four-button transmitters with code-learning and anti-code-grabbing ability at a suggested retail price of $400.

JTI is introducing a new entry-level keyless entry system called the A-9. It has three channels, including two-step door unlock, and will flash the parking lights and honk the vehicle's horn. Its four-button remote has a dedicated panic button for personal safety and can be used for multiple car operation.

The A-9 can actively or passively lock the vehicle's doors. It comes with a starter-kill relay and socket, along with a fused wiring harness. The JTI unit began shipping in November at a suggested retail price of $79.99 installed.

New from Essex Electronics (distributed by Mito Corp., Elkhart, Ind.) is the KE-1601 Keypad Entry System that has a one-piece integrated keypad and controller to simplify installation and uses solid-state switch technology to withstand environmental extremes. Its suggested retail price is $200.