Car alarms: five models to buy

DaVinci PHI-310

Buying a car alarm, even the simplest one, can prevent a thief from stealing a car, or at least scare off thieves who decide to revise things in the cabin. As a rule, even low-cost models have all the necessary functionality for this: the ability to block electrical circuits, loudly alert others about an attempted theft, and report what is happening to the owner. Car alarm DaVinci PHI-310 is one of the typical options in this segment.

Thanks to two-way communication, it can notify the owner about what is happening with the car at a distance of up to 1500 m (control up to 700 m). Even if we take into account that these figures are given for open areas, it is quite possible to count on confident reception even behind several concrete walls. All information is displayed on the LCD display of the key fob-transmitter, in case of its loss, there is also a simple key fob in the kit.

The model has 5 independent security zones, which allow you to find out exactly what is happening with the car. In addition to the basic security functions, it is worth noting the built-in relay for blocking electrical circuits, a remotely controlled turbo timer, central lock control, the ability to search for a car in a parking lot, a silent communication control mode, and even a choice of melodies in the main key fob.

A noteworthy point: the siren for the alarm will have to be purchased separately, since it is not included in the kit.

This security system can be attributed to the average price range, although it boasts the functionality inherent in more expensive models. Among them: calling the owner of the car, disabling the shock sensor in armed mode, two-level disabling of security and two-stage opening of doors. Separate attention deserves remote temperature measurement in the passenger compartment and engine compartment.

Unlike low-cost security systems, KGB FX-3 comes with a siren and everything you need for installation. To control the car alarm, a key fob with an LCD screen and two-way communication is used. The keychain is dressed in a rubberized case, which makes it more comfortable to use, since it does not slip in your hand. It is worth noting that the system allows you to turn on the security mode even without a key fob, and also provides for automatic activation of the security mode when the engine is idling.

The security system has 5 independent zones and a customizable two-level shock sensor, which allows the owner to receive accurate and up-to-date information, even if he is at a distance of up to 1200 m. At the same time, the alarm can be controlled from a distance of up to 600 m.

Another option that can be attributed to the average price range is the Alligator D-950 security system. The model is very “long-range”: messages from the car alarm are received on the control key fob at a distance of up to 2000 m. And it also leads in sending commands: the declared 1000 m is more than enough to drive the car in the nearest parking lot.

It has a standard, as for this class, functionality that provides for three external engine blocking, a programmable immobilizer and a turbo timer that allows the owner to arm the car immediately upon arrival at the parking lot, and not wait until the turbine cools down. The system also has a built-in relay to control the power window module in case the windows were not closed when the security mode was activated.

To expand the functionality of the Alligator D-950, it is possible to connect an engine start module. In case of missed messages about the alarm mode, the system provides the possibility of a reminder by sound or a flashing icon on the key fob.

The Pandora LX 3257 security system is one of the typical representatives of the upper price segment. It boasts advanced functionality, which is more than enough for even the most demanding motorist.

The car alarm can not only protect the car, but also allows you to remotely start the engine at the request of the user or at a certain time. At the same time, it is designed for cars that do not have a CAN bus. A USB interface is provided to update the security system software or read its status and alarm history.

You can control the Pandora LX 3257 security system from a distance of 700 m, and the main key fob will receive messages at a distance of up to 1800 m. Instead of a shock sensor, a digital 3-coordinate accelerometer integrated into the main unit is used, which simultaneously works as a shock, tilt or movement. Such a solution significantly increases the sensitivity of the machine to shocks or shocks and increases the resistance to false positives. In general, this security system has 11 independent control zones, which allows you to most accurately determine the condition of the car.

Even if for some reason the connection between the security system and the key fob is lost, when the connection is restored, it will be possible to view the last 10 events stored in the system memory. So this “guard” can be called not just evil, but even vindictive - in relation to intruders, of course.

The most advanced model in our review today is the StarLine A94 premium security system. This car alarm differs from the options discussed above not only in price: in fact, this is one of the most advanced offers on the market.

The car alarm can protect the car and start its engine to warm up, keep the engine running to cool the turbine and control the windows. The list of available functions can go on and on, but you should also pay attention to the fact that it is possible to connect additional modules to expand the functionality of the device.

For example, the communication range of a standard remote control with an LCD display is 2000 m, and the system can be controlled up to 800 m away. But if you connect an additional GSM module to the central unit, you get an unlimited range of receiving messages and sending commands. And by connecting a GPS module to the system, the owner will be aware of the location of the car with high accuracy. Such a modular approach to the improvement of the device provides the possibility of maximum individualization of the security complex.

Against the background of such functionality, it doesn’t even make sense to talk about three-level shock sensors, shock-resistant key fobs and complex dialog control codes. Although it is definitely worth mentioning the presence of a CAN module, which makes it easy and simple to install a security system in most modern cars.