What alarms are for cars. Comprehensive approach to vehicle safety

Long gone are the days when it was possible to protect a car from theft by installing the simplest signaling. Today, attackers approach their business much more thoroughly: in their arsenal, many devices and tricks have appeared that allow hacking even “advanced” versions of security systems.

Fortunately, the protection itself has also changed. One-way car alarms, so popular in the past, are gradually leaving the market. A fatal drawback of such models is the lack of constant feedback from the owner. Supplied by the system sound alert even "in an open field" it spreads only 200-300m, and in a metropolis - only 50-70m.

Bilateral alarms are much more reliable: when triggered security sensors they not only start the buzzer, but also turn on the alarm on the key fob of the owner of the car. Modern models also transmit detailed information about what is happening to the key fob display, which helps to assess the threat and respond appropriately to it. For example, the owner can remotely learn about the operation of a door sensor, a blow to the body, or the appearance of strangers in the cabin. Two-way systems work within a reliable communication radius, that is, 3-4 km in a large city.

Installing a car alarm with satellite communication solves the problem of distance: this security system is able to quickly send an alert to any place where there is a satellite signal reception. In case of theft, such protection will continue to work, transmitting real-time data on the movements of the car and its current location.

What should "be able" car alarm?

Regardless of the type of system, it should have the following standard set of functions:

– Engine control. The ability to block the engine when stolen - necessary minimum, which works well against most intruders. The option to remotely turn on the engine is also useful, which allows you to warm up the car in advance in the cold.

– Operation in case of violation of the perimeter. The alarm should always respond to the opening of the trunk, doors or hood. Many models are also equipped with a pressure sensor - in this case, even if the door sensors are disabled, the alarm will still turn on when the thief tries to take a seat on the seat. If the security system has an accelerometer, the car cannot be jacked up and the wheels removed.

– Constant communication with the owner of the car. To be considered reliable, signaling must be two-way or satellite. In addition, it is convenient: any alarm messages are sent to the key fob, which means that the owner can afford not to respond to the "screams" of other people's car alarms.

– Door control. The function of blocking the doors while driving protects well from the “pursemen” who hunt at traffic lights or in traffic jams. Another useful option against those who like to get hold of other people's property is unlocking the cabin by double pressing the button on the key fob (single at the same time opens only the driver's door).

Additional features not to be missed:

– Increased noise immunity. The absence of this option in budget models does not affect their functionality ... exactly until the moment when the communication channel does not clog with interference. In this case, the machine for some time (several minutes) stops responding to commands given from the key fob.

- The presence of a "turbo timer". In this mode, smart automation does not immediately turn off the engine when the engine is stopped and the alarm is turned on. An extremely convenient feature that allows you not to leave the car unguarded in cases where you need to leave for a couple of minutes to the nearest stall or on business.

– Battery voltage control. A very useful option implemented in most modern rulers. The car alarm itself will, if necessary, turn on the engine to recharge a dead battery.

– Control of the power window unit. If an ordinary security system only notifies the owner about the lowered glass, then the “advanced” model will close the window itself. Nice, albeit optional feature.

Which alarm to choose?

At the time of buying security system it makes sense to pay attention not only to its cost and functionality, but also to the brand. It is reasonable to give preference to solutions from well-known manufacturers: firms with a name invest a lot of money in the development and testing of products, which ultimately affects its reliability.

Do not forget that car alarms alone are unable to protect a car from car thieves. Its purpose is to inform the owner of the car about what is happening, after which other elements of the security system should come into play - mechanical interlocks, gearbox and steering shaft locks.

How much to spend on defense? Reliability is not cheap: for the “correct” signaling, you will have to pay about 10% of the price of the entire car. However, attempts to save on security are even more expensive: according to official statistics, only one of the four stolen vehicles is eventually returned to the owner.

How reliable is this or that signaling?

Comparison of security systems different brands was carried out with the help of a code grabber - an electronic "master key", very popular with hijackers. This simple device reads the signals sent from the owner's key fob and decrypts them. After that, it is enough to reproduce the code for disarming the car in order to “take away” the car without noise and risk.

Testing by the code grabber did not pass a lot of alarms, among which there are relatively famous brands. So, the entire line of 700s and 900s models from Sheriff failed the test, part of Alligator products (mainly additional key rings), Jaguar, KGB and Tiger Evolution systems.

The Scher-Khan, Centurion Xanadu, Cobra and Top Guard brands performed much better. These systems use either a conversational code or KeeLoq floating dynamic encoding for communication between the keyfob and the main device, which makes them almost impossible to hack with a keygrabber.

What about those who have car alarms from the “black list” on their car?

Replacing the system with a more advanced one is the easiest, but also the most costly way to deal with the problem. A reasonable alternative to such a radical solution would be to strengthen the existing protection.

Installing an immobilizer and several mechanical interlocks will greatly complicate the task of intruders who trade in intellectual hacking. Complexes with GSM notification will help against hijackers who do not forget to take scrap and a hacksaw “for work”: even if the car is stolen in time, it will always be possible to determine its location by the signal of the beacon.

A system based on dialogue coding, in which commands are exchanged at different intervals between the remote control located in the driver and the control unit installed in the car, is called a two-way (or feedback) signaling.

The control panel in this case has a small display with the image of the car. If with a car in your absence something will happen, then visual information about the actions performed with it will appear on it (which door is open, impact, its strength, volume sensor, etc.), while a simple car alarm only gives a sound signal. If the signal is lost due to jamming by an intruder or radio interference, the key fob with two-way communication gives an alarm. If the owner moves far from the car, he will receive a message that he is out of range.

Additional options for such an alarm that are important for the owner of the car include locking the doors, passive engine blocking, even a clock and an alarm clock. Car alarm with feedback allows you to block the engine, wheels, lock doors, determine the location of an already stolen car. Thus, it not only provides information about the condition of the car in continuous mode, but also allows you to control some functions remotely.

Car alarms without engine start, with remote or automatic engine start

Conventional car alarms perform security functions and the engine start function is not provided for in them. If your car is always stored in a warm garage, this option will suit you. However, if she, like most Russians, "lives" on the street, then you are probably constantly faced with the problem of having to warm up the engine in winter, sitting in a frozen cabin, or sweating on a hot seat upholstery in summer.

To make life easier for the car owner, many modern models alarms are equipped with such an additional service option as starting the engine, which allows you to prepare the car for the start of movement and create comfortable conditions in the cabin. Its meaning is especially well understood and appreciated on frosty days in winter or hot summers.

Car alarms with engine start differ in the way the engine start command is given from the key fob. It can be remote or automatic. Remote start allows you to turn on the heating or cooling of the cabin directly from the apartment. True, if it is located no further from the car than the range of the key fob signal - on average no more than 400 m. Therefore important criterion selecting an alarm with remote start is a method of encoding a signal between the security system and the car owner's key fob. It is better if it is equipped with a GSM module: the degree of protection of the transmitted signal is higher than that of radio transmitters with dynamic and dialogue coding, therefore the risk of car theft is lower.

The automatic way to turn on the engine is not associated with a signal from the key fob: in this case, the alarm system itself is programmed to start it at a certain time or at a certain temperature outside or inside the cabin. Autorun modes are set by manufacturers.

However, there are obstacles to installing a launcher. These include an immobilizer - a mechanism that prevents the engine from starting, which is often included in the basic package of a car.

So that the option that provides the comfort of use vehicle, did not interfere with the implementation of the basic protective function of the alarm, it is necessary to additionally install a hidden immobilizer bypass block, which is activated only upon receipt of a signal addressed to it. It allows you to start the engine in automatic or remote mode, without conflicting with the basic blocking device and without affecting the performance of the entire machine security system.

Car alarms with GSM module - satellite alarm

The most "serious" car alarms are equipped with security search module, which makes it possible to control the alarm and monitor the state of the car via cellular communication (GSM). The module may include a GPS receiver that transmits data on the current location of the car to the owner's mobile phone. This so-called satellite anti-theft system.

It works like this: when intruders break into a guarded car or any detector is triggered, an SMS message with information about this is sent to the owner's phone number via a GSM channel. advantage GSM alarm is that this signaling can be used at any distance from the city, in another region or even in another country - wherever there is a satellite connection.

Volatile and non-volatile car alarms

If the alarm includes an immobilizer, then a blocking relay is added to it. According to the location of the relay of the main unit, anti-theft systems are divided into two types: volatile and non-volatile.

1. Volatile car alarm- It is based on a closed engine blocking relay. Its main unit is located at the place of regular connection. Then, upon a signal from the control panel, the alarm blocks the engine by opening the relay contacts. The advantage of a volatile system is that even if its electronics fail, the owner will be able to start the car without the help of a specialist: removing the control unit from the block leads to the closing of the contacts of the engine blocking relay and the standard wiring returns to working condition. But a burglar can also take advantage of this circumstance - he just needs to find and remove the block, deal with the ignition lock and the car can be started!

2. Non-volatile car alarm- with the engine blocking relay open. With such an alarm, even when removed system block the engine block relay remains in the open position. Those. you will also need to find and eliminate breaks in standard wiring. And if the number of blockages is at least two, for example, one circuit blocks the ignition, and the second one blocks the fuel pump or starter, then the task for the attacker becomes impossible. A serious disadvantage of a non-volatile car alarm is that if the electronics in the unit fail, it is impossible to start the engine without fixing the broken wiring. Therefore, buy products from a well-known company - in this case, you are unlikely to encounter problems in electronics.

Regular and non-standard car alarms

According to the installation time, all car alarms can be divided into two large groups:

• full-time, included in the basic equipment of the car, performing, as a rule, only security functions;
• installed after the purchase of the vehicle, functionality which are determined by the needs and choice of the car owner, including, for example, remote unlocking of the trunk, "light path", etc.

I hope you agree with me that nowadays car alarm Is it an integral part of it? Installing an alarm on a car is simply necessary, because in cities cars "live" on the streets, rarely does anyone have a garage, and car owners are less and less looking for paid parking lots.

What are car alarms?

Car alarms with one-way communication.

On the market for over 15 years, quite simple and inexpensive. They don't have an LCD screen. It has the following minimum set of protection functions:

- shock sensor

engine lock,

Remote control of the central lock,

The ability to connect functions such as opening and closing the trunk, hood, siren.

The range of the key fob is short. AND main disadvantage, of course, the fact that you do not have the opportunity to find out about the presence of an attempt on the car, since the signal does not go to your key fob.

Feedback car alarm.

This signaling, in addition to the functions that one-way signaling has, also has feedback. That is, the key fob has a color display that notifies the owner of the car about the nature of the problem (opening the trunk or door, hitting the car), and also shows the air temperature in the cabin and the charge of the key fob.

When choosing, always pay attention to the maximum signal propagation range. Choose the maximum. Please note that the signal range may be reduced due to obstructions - various buildings, for example.

Car alarm with auto start.

This is a two-way alarm, which has another function - the function of turning on the engine by setting a timer, setting the exact start time, by voltage or by pressing a button on the key fob.

Dialogue car alarm with auto start.

This car alarm is fully protected from intellectual hacking, as it has an individual encryption code of 128 bits. Resistant to all known code grabbers. It has a built-in dialog coding algorithm and latest method jumping frequencies, so the signal cannot be copied.

It also has the ability to autorun. Keychain menu in Russian, with the ability to select a melody and sound volume. The screen shows the battery charge level. There is a history of anxiety.

Telematic car alarm.

If your car has such an alarm, you can control the alarm using a mobile application.

Car alarm with GSM-module on the car.

This alarm allows you to control the car at any distance using mobile phone or smartphone. You can turn the engine off or on, or sound alarm from any distance. But the best part is that in the event of theft, the location of the car is determined with an accuracy of several meters via a satellite signal.

And finally Car alarm with CAN module.

Unfortunately, it is not installed in all cars. In terms of functionality, this is the highest level among alarms. The car owner receives information about the condition of all parts of the car, faults, the position of the gearbox, speedometer.

In combination with an alarm system with a GSM module, this will be the most advanced anti-theft system for your car.

Nowadays, vehicle owners need to protect their car from break-ins or even theft. To avoid trouble, various alarm devices are used. When choosing, you need to know what types of systems are on sale, what features they have.

On sale are various alarms on the car. To choose the right variety, you should read the opinion of experts. Their advice will help correct solution. What is the difference modern devices signaling, what features they have, should be known to every driver.

Types of alarm

Security alarms for cars are of three types. The properties of each of them should be known to every driver. The alarm may have feedback, be one-way or communicate with the satellite signal. Each of them has a number of features.

The most outdated today is one way system. It can only notify the driver of the theft if he is within 200 m of his car (in an open area). In conditions limited budget many drivers choose this type of alarm.

It is preferable to use car alarms with two-way communication. They alert the driver at a distance of about 4 km about the danger of theft. All information about the state of the car is displayed on the key fob display.

Satellite signaling is characterized by an unlimited range. This is the most modern kind of systems.

Two way alarm

A good car alarm should reliably protect the vehicle from intruders. Bilateral systems are much more efficient than unilateral systems in coping with this task.

The presented systems can have dynamic or conversational coding. The second option is preferable, since the signal encoding of such a device is constantly changing. In the conversational approach, there is a certain chance that the hijacker will be able to write down the standard algorithm.

If desired, the owner of a vehicle with a two-way alarm system can additionally supply a GSM module. It eliminates the limitations of the device. Information is displayed immediately on the driver's phone.

Various car alarms should have a number of functions. Experts recommend that among the variety of proposals, first of all, focus on a few mandatory conditions system operation. This will reliably protect any car.

First of all, the system must have feedback. Moreover, the range of the device is recommended to choose no less than 2 km. Alarm in case of unauthorized opening blocks the engine of the machine.

Shock sensors should also be present in a quality system. All devices included in its composition must be modular. This allows you to prevent mechanical deactivation of the alarm.

Doors open in stages. The system should be sensitive to the opening of doors, trunk or hood. For the convenience of the driver, many modern alarms have the function of auto-starting the engine. There is no need to wait for the car to warm up. At a distance, the driver starts the engine and maintains the required temperature of its operation.

How to choose an alarm?

Expert advice to help you choose best option systems. Some features are characterized by any alarm on the car. Prices for such systems are very diverse. Therefore, before buying, you need to decide which functions are of interest to the driver.

Before buying, experts recommend deciding how much a car owner is willing to spend on purchasing and installing an alarm. How more expensive car, the greater the likelihood of its hijacking and the higher the level of preparedness of intruders. Therefore, experienced motorists recommend spending 5-10% of the cost of the vehicle itself on the security system.

The second important factor when choosing is the place where the car is left for the night. If the machine is located under windows in the yard, the alarms it emits in case of a possible danger can provoke conflict situation with neighbors. There is no signal in the garage. Therefore, in conditions of great distance from the car or the inability to turn on the danger signal, preference should be given to more expensive systems with GSM navigation sensors.

Cheap varieties

Depending on the required functions, an alarm is selected for the car. Prices for the most inexpensive systems fluctuate around 6-6.5 thousand rubles. For such devices, one engine block is standard. Single-sided and some double-sided models fall into this category.

It is desirable that even cheap devices be of a modular type. They may have a passive blocking type. When the main alarm unit is removed, the circuits will not be restored when the alarm is broken.

Such systems may have a two-level shock sensor. Setting the security mode is possible even without turning it on. This helps to avoid false triggering during thunderstorms.

In this category, there may be devices that perform a self-test and show a faulty zone that caused a false alarm. It is preferable for each driver to select the system functions that he will use frequently.

Average system cost

An inexpensive alarm system for a car may be deprived of a row desired functions. Therefore, there are systems that are sold at average cost. It reaches 18 thousand rubles. This protection may have additional service processes. They provide serious protection for the machine.

Among the presented devices, new versions of the dynamic signal code are used. The key fob of such systems most often has an LCD display. Additional relays provide passive and active protection. Also, such systems may have additional protective sensors.

The sensors may be of the adaptive type. They adapt to conditions. environment. For example, during a thunderstorm, their sensitivity is temporarily reduced in order to avoid a false alarm during thunder. Also, devices in the mid-price segment may have additional features which enhance the comfort of use.

Expensive systems

Comfort during operation is added by an alarm system on a car with auto start. Such devices may have a number of serious functions that will reliably protect the car from theft or hacking. The cost of such equipment exceeds 18 thousand rubles.

Expensive security systems have built-in GSM, GPS sensors. The car transmits data about its condition and location to the driver via special equipment or directly to your mobile phone.

Also, such systems have additional sensors. Some devices provide external control using microphones and a video camera. Dispatchers of security agencies monitor the condition of the car around the clock. These are the most modern varieties. It is advisable to use them only for very expensive cars.

Reviews of inexpensive manufacturers

There are several popular types of car security systems. Users and auto mechanics provide their feedback on each of them. With their help right choice will make it easier.

One of the best is the alarm system for the Starline car.

Its advantage is an acceptable price with a sufficiently high level of system organization. The manufacturer is constantly improving its products. This allows you to meet the growing requirements of the modern car market.

The Sheriff system is also relatively inexpensive. Its cost is about 6-7 thousand rubles. The system has an auto-start of the engine, a multi-level principle of protection. However, this system cannot provide a high level of protection against hacking.

Another popular brand among cheap alarms is Tomahawk. Its price does not exceed 7 thousand rubles. The system has big amount options, can control the hood, trunk and doors. But the range of the signal depends on the visibility of the car.

Surely every car owner knows how important car alarm. Choosing from hundreds of proposed models is a very difficult task. Moreover, in Lately many not entirely successful countries (in terms of production) threw devices of dubious quality into the automotive market.

In order to somehow facilitate the choice, let's first try to decide on the class and characteristics of devices, and then present a small rating of car alarms, which will indicate better and more intelligent models. The opinions of experts in this field and reviews of ordinary car owners will be taken into account.

Features

"Pandora" DXL 3910.

StarLine B64 Dialog CAN.

2 CAN GSM/GPS Slaves.

1. "Alligator" C-500.

Pandora DXL 3910

This model compares favorably with all the variety that is presented in the car market. The owner of the car where the Pandora DXL 3910 car alarm is installed does not carry a key fob with him. Ordinary operations are performed using special tags, and the full functionality of the security system is available on a smartphone or tablet. Tags are a modest semblance of a key fob with two buttons without any additional monitors and other devices for displaying information. As a rule, they send only two commands to the main unit - turn the security system on or off.

Extremely flexible settings make the Pandora security system universal and easily adaptable to the requirements of the owner. The alarm showed itself perfectly in such complex modes as remote and pre-start activation of several heaters. Also, it will not be superfluous to note that the system has a fine-tuning of the triggering parameters for 16 main security zones.

The car alarm has excellent synergy with the regular system of any modern car. Thanks to this, you can use the factory immobilizer along with starting the engine from the "native" key, and not every expensive car alarm can boast of this.

Reviews about the Pandora system are mostly positive. Motorists liked the extensive functionality and the ability to use alarms with factory protective systems. But the disadvantage of the model, as usual, was one of its advantages - functionality. A multi-level menu and an abundance of additional settings sometimes confuse even the gurus of automotive electronics.

Estimated cost - 20 000 rubles.

StarLine B64 Dialog CAN

In addition to performing its basic functions, the B64 model can be used as a control center for car services: interior lighting, various indications, temperature control, etc. You can control the security system using the tags or key fob that are included in the kit, as well as from any gadget on the iOS or Android platform.

The Starline kit includes two key fobs - one compact without indication, and the other with an LCD display and more functional. Both have excellent two-way communication and can operate up to 2 kilometers from the central unit.

You can significantly win in price if you take a variable model without a GPS module. In this case, an ordinary “immobilizer” will be used during installation. But if you later decide to install a GPS unit, then the system has a special connector for this.

Opinions of car owners

Reviews about the model are left mostly in a positive way. Car enthusiasts appreciated the availability of the security system, ease of installation and brand quality. The only drawback, which will certainly be critical for fans of additional lotions, is the lack of auto-start of the engine and non-volatile mode, otherwise it is a completely successful and intelligently assembled system.

Estimated cost - 9 500 rubles.

StarLine D94 2CAN GSM/GPS Slave

Unlike the previous version, the StarLine GSM D94 model can be called a full-fledged security complex with a wide range of possibilities. Independent experts especially highlight unparalleled telematics. With amazing accuracy, this module is able to determine the location of the car in theft or search in the parking lot.

Za Rulem magazine awarded the system with the highest score in the category of devices with high level protection against hacking and scanning, and the automotive publication AvtoProbka recognized the complex as the best security system of the past year.

Separately, it is worth noting the three-axis tilt and shock sensor, which is included as standard. It works when trying to lift the car onto a tow truck or during jacking. Significantly expanded (in comparison with analogues) the engine autostart scheme during operation takes into account many factors: the duration of warm-up cycles, ambient temperature, last start, etc.

Owner reviews

Lots of positive feedback on specialized forums they say that the system is worth its money and more than pays for it. Motorists appreciated the wide functionality of the alarm and the reliability of the circuits. The only thing that owners sometimes complain about is the complexity of the initial setup, otherwise it is an excellent system for ensuring the safety of your car.

The average score is 9.9 out of 10.

Estimated cost - 26 000 rubles.

Tomahawk 7.1

Car alarm "Tomahawk" 7.1 was awarded the highest score (magazines "AvtoProbka" and "Behind the wheel") in the category "Best value for money" among all security systems.

Distinctive and good qualities the model has a lot, but it is worth noting separately the possibility of silent arming of the system. Many motorists are ready to purchase a Tomahawk just for this feature. The alarm also has quality system intelligent autorun.

The non-volatile mode is present, but only for the immobilizer. There are also undeniable bonuses - non-volatile memory, that is, at the time of power failure, the chip saves all important data, and after turning on the system, the previously used security mode is restored.

Car alarm "Tomahawk" is equipped with additional system protection provided by a double dialogue code with a constantly changing coding algorithm.

Opinions of motorists

In their reviews, the owners note the convenient and, most importantly, understandable indication on the key fob LCD display, and this applies not only to parameters and settings, but also to the general state of the system, coupled with triggers. The only fly in the ointment for many motorists is the lack of additional channels for controlling external gadgets and other devices in the car. But for the price the brand is asking for, along with the return it gets, some obvious flaws can be overlooked.

The average score is 9.2 out of 10.

Estimated cost - 4 000 rubles.

Alligator C-500

The first thing worth mentioning is the range of the system - 2.5 thousand meters in alert mode. This range is the envy of any premium security device. You can also add six completely independent security zones, the ability to control third-party gadgets and intelligent autorun.

With a relatively modest price and such extensive functionality, the Alligator C-500 becomes the most economical, popular and successful system for protecting your car. It was with such epithets that the Avtopolygon magazine awarded the device, giving the alarm the highest score in all respects.

The system successfully implements the functions of a turbo timer, advanced autorun and the inclusion of security systems when the engine is running. The reliability of the device is determined by the presence of seven security zones and the possibility of installation additional sensors. It's worth noting that the system uses frequency hopping and double-talk code, which will stop most electronic hackers.

Owner rating

Motorists speak very warmly about the Alligator system. Users are attracted by the low price and quality of the model, coupled with extensive functionality. Some complain about the absence, but the problem can be solved with the help of an additional, just for such cases, module (purchased separately).

The average score is 9.6 out of 10.

Estimated cost - 10 000 rubles.

Summarizing

Without a doubt, a modern car cannot do without an intelligent and reliable security system. Of course, you want the coolest and most sophisticated device. But before making a choice, it is wiser to first think about what you need from the system and what your real needs are. Sometimes it’s easier, and it’s more correct to buy inexpensive model, for example, for countryside or a brightly painted company car.

Clearly define your requirements, and only then choose. Special mention should be made of in large numbers fakes in the automotive market, so it's better to buy such important thing, as an alarm, in branded stores or trusted distributors. In any case, once again it will not hurt to check the documents (certificates, dealer list) for the equipment with the seller.