10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do with a Remote Car Starter

With summer coming to an end and frost in the forecast, there’s no better time to add a remote starter to your car, truck or SUV. Most of us know that our remote starter systems can also control the power locks in our vehicles, but many systems are full of additional advanced features that add convenience and improved comfort to our vehicles. Let’s look at 10 things you may not know your remote starter can do.

Before we dive in, we should let you know that the functions we are going to describe are dependent on the model of remote starter you choose, the remote you choose and the vehicle you own. Talk to your local mobile enhancement retailer about these options and any associated costs.

1. Rear Window Defroster Activation

You may know about this one, since it is probably the number-one option people add to their remote starter systems. If the interior of your vehicle is below a certain predetermined temperature when the car is remote started, the remote starter system can automatically activate the rear window defroster to help you see clearly when it is time to go. Even a few minutes of warm-up time can make clearing the rear window quick and easy before you get in the car. Likewise, some cars have sideview mirror defrosters tied to the rear window heating system for added convenience.

2. Trunk/Hatch Release

Trunk or hatch release from a multi-button remote isn’t all that exciting, but it sure is convenient. If your vehicle doesn’t happen to have a trunk release button, ask your retailer about adding a solenoid. Yep, they can add the power trunk function to most vehicles.

3. Remote Start Your Car from Your Phone or Apple Watch

Several different options for telematics systems use an application on your iPhone or Android phone to lock, unlock and remote start your vehicle. Several of these apps are compatible with the Apple Watch, so you can press a button on your wrist to warm up your vehicle.

4. Start Automatically When the Weather is Cold or Hot

Many remote starter systems can be programmed to start automatically when the internal vehicle temperature drops below or rises above a predetermined temperature. Temperature start will ensure the temperature does not get too extreme.

5. Start Every Few Hours or Daily

Some systems offer the ability to start every few hours. When the temperature outside is frigidly cold, keeping some warmth in the engine, fuel system and coolant is useful. You can toggle this function from most remote controls.

6. Protect Your Vehicle

A remote starter system can often be upgraded with security system functions. Starter kill, a siren and a multi-stage shock sensor help to ensure that would-be thieves are sent packing if they start messing with your vehicle. If you have a two-way remote control or a smartphone telematics system, you will be alerted as soon as the alarm goes off.

7. Control Power Sliding Doors

If you drive a van with motorized sliding side doors, your mobile enhancement retailed can often add control for those into your remote started. Most system includes one or two auxiliary outputs that can be used to open or close doors or power tailgates.

8. Control Power Windows and Sunroof

Remote starters are just as useful when the weather is hot as they are when it’s cold. In many applications, we can add a module that allows you to roll your windows up or down, and open or close your sunroof. Imagine arriving at your destination with your windows down and sunroof open. You get out of the vehicle and start walking away. When you press the lock button on your remote, all the windows roll up, and the sunroof closes automatically. It’s not only a convenient feature, but it’s kinda cool, too!

9. Control Multiple Vehicles

If there are two vehicles in your family with similar remote starter systems, you can often control both from a single remote control. Depending on your remote, you can toggle between vehicles, or control the second vehicle using an extra button press before the function you want to activate.

10. Extend the Life of Your Engine

Perhaps this should be the first item, because it’s one of the most important features a remote starter offers. Most people think they are buying a remote starter to make the vehicle more comfortable for them. While this is true, letting your engine warm up before you start driving can extend its life dramatically.

The oil in your engine is responsible for preventing metal-on-metal contact. When the engine is cold, the oil is thicker and has a harder time flowing. If you start your car and start driving right away, the oil may not be able to protect the engine. Even 2 minutes of warm-up time when it’s 40 degrees out can help warm up the oil and get it flowing. (Always be gentle on the gas until the engine has warmed up fully – remote started or not.)

Remote Car Starters Add Convenience

Even if you just want a head start on warming up your vehicle, a remote car starter is an excellent way to save time and improve your comfort. Talk to your local mobile enhancement retailer about the options that are available for your vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile GPS-Based Features

DroneMobile is not only a great way to control your remote starter, it also includes valuable GPS-based features and alerts. Signing up for the DroneMobile Premium service plan gives you access to GPS Tracking, Points of Interest notifications, Curfew Alerts and Maintenance Reminders, as well as door lock, trunk release and remote start functions. If you are a parent or a business owner, being able to monitor how your vehicle is used can reduce your stress level by several notches. Let’s take a close look at how each of these location-based features work and their benefits.

How Do GPS-based Features Work?

Built into each DroneMobile module is a compact GPS receiver. The system microcontroller can ask the GPS receiver for location information. The GPS receiver not only provides the current longitude and latitude (within a few meters), but also the current time, the vehicle heading, vehicle speed, the elevation and the number of GPS satellites it is receiving signals from. The module communicates this information back to the DroneMobile server, which forwards it to your phone.

GPS Locating Function

If you want to know where your vehicle is, swipe the main screen of the DroneMobile app on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone to the right, then press the Maps button. As soon as you select Maps, the app sends a location request to your vehicle, and in seconds, you will see the vehicle location on Google or Bing maps. If you want an update on the vehicle location, press the reload icon on the top of the screen and the process repeats.

The DroneMobile app will let you simultaneously locate all the vehicles you have linked to your account. Tap the Eye icon at the top of the DroneMobile screen and switch on the vehicles you want to see. You can also switch between map view and satellite mode from the same menu.

Points of Interest Notifications

The Premium service plan provides users with 10 programmable Points of Interest alert locations. Using the web interface, you can choose a location such as home or a school. The system will send you an alert when the vehicle stops at or leaves from any of these locations. If your son or daughter has borrowed your car to go to work, you can set up an alert to you know when they arrive and when they leave. How’s that for peace of mind?

Custom Location and Over-Speed Alerts

Curfew Alerts can be configured in a similar fashion to let you know if the vehicle is used after hours. Say you have a company-owned van that an employee takes home each evening. You can set the system to send you an alert to let you know if the van moves between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The system will also let you set speed alerts. You can configure the system to send you a message if the vehicle exceeds 70 miles per hour – or whatever speed you want.

Vehicle Maintenance Reminders

That little DroneMobile module is smart. It not only handles all of the communication with the DroneMobile server and the remote starter, but it keeps track of how far the vehicle has traveled. You can set maintenance alerts for your vehicles based on this distance. If you or your company have a small fleet of vehicles, letting DroneMobile help everyone stay on top of maintenance can help prevent break-downs and save your company money.

Business Service Plans

If you are a business owner, the DroneMobile Business service plan adds Trip Reporting with the ability to export information in a CSV file format. You can also monitor Idle Time to help reduce fuel expenses. Depending on the Business plan you choose, the vehicle location update frequency is every two or five minutes. This valuable information lets you optimize delivery routes and cut down on wasted time. It has been proven that employee behavior changes when they know their location is being logged.

DroneMobile Hardware

The latest version of DroneMobile hardware is called the DR-3400. The system is compatible with all Compustar, Arctic Start, FTX and iDataStart convenience systems. If you are only interested in the vehicle tracking features for your company fleet, an optional power cable is available to allow the system to operate independently. Your installer can even set up a hidden alarm button that will send an alert to any phone connected to that vehicle account.

If you are looking for the ultimate remote control and information accessory for your remote starter or security system, contact your local authorized DroneMobile dealer.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile Smartphone Car Control

If you are looking for that ultimate remote control solution for your Compustar remote car starter, then DroneMobile is it. By combining the convenience of your smartphone with an interface module in your vehicle, the DroneMobile system allows you to control door locks, remote starter functions and even accessories like trunk release from almost anywhere. As long as you and your vehicle are in an area with cellular coverage, you are in control.

How does DroneMobile Work?

DroneMobile is a remote control solution for your car starter that combines hardware in your vehicle with software on your smartphone. The hardware is based on a compact cellular radio module. Think of this module as a smartphone, but without the microphone, speaker and display. The module is installed in your vehicle and communicates with your remote car starter digitally to relay commands and information.

The second part of the DroneMobile system is a software app on your smartphone. Apps are available for Apple iPhones and Android-based phones. The app lets you send commands to, and receive information back from, the remote starter in your vehicle using the phone’s Internet connection.

That’s right. As long as you and your vehicle have cellular data service, you can start your car. You can be anywhere in the world and have complete control. DroneMobile gives you virtually unlimited range.

Why would I want to use my Smartphone?

The most common application for DroneMobile is in situations where a handheld remote fob doesn’t have enough range to control your vehicle. You can be on the other side of a warehouse or factory, or on the other side of town, and still be able to remote start your vehicle. Letting the engine of your car or truck warm up for as little as 3 or 4 minutes on a cold winter day can save a lot of wear and tear, and make it much more comfortable when it’s time to drive away.

Here’s another scenario: What if you lock your keys in your vehicle? If you happen to have your phone in your pocket, you can unlock the vehicle from the app in just a few seconds. Let’s say you left your phone in the car? You can borrow a friend’s smartphone, download the app, log in and tap the Unlock button. A third option is to log into the DroneMobile desktop app from any web browser and send the unlock command from there. No computer nearby? Pick up one of those old-fashioned landline telephones and call a family member; they can log into the desktop app for you.

Start the Car with a Smartphone?

Using DroneMobile is easy. Let’s say you want to remote start your car while sitting at your desk in a large office building. Launch the DroneMobile app on your phone and tap the Engine Start/Stop button. The app will send that request to the DroneMobile server using your phone’s Internet connection. The server relays that command to your vehicle over the cellular data network. The vehicle will start, then report back to the app that it’s running. The whole process takes only a few seconds, making DroneMobile the fastest connected car solution on the market.

Stay Informed and Connected

The DroneMobile application offers complete two-way communication with your vehicle. If you want to know if your car is locked or the engine is running, an icon on the screen will show you. Additionally, your vehicle’s battery voltage and internal temperature can be displayed within the application. If you have opted for a security system, you will get instant alerts if the DAS sensor is triggered or if a door is opened.

Control Options

The App includes a sub-menu that is accessible by swiping up on the car icon. This menu includes the Aux 1, Aux 2, Trunk Release and Panic Mode control buttons. Your installer can configure the auxiliary outputs to control vehicle options like a power sliding door or rear hatch glass release.

If you have a DroneMobile system in more than one vehicle, the app will let you choose which one you want to control from a list. The DroneMobile app is compatible with Apple Watch and Android Wear, so you can start your car from your wrist and see notifications from the system. You can also integrate locking, unlocking and vehicle-locating functions into Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Your Car, Connected

If you are looking for the ultimate solution to control the remote starter or security system in your vehicle, then visit your local authorized Compustar retailer and ask about DroneMobile. They will work with you to design a remote car starter solution for your vehicle and explain the cost of the system, the installation and the service plan options to you in detail. Eliminate range anxiety forever – have a DroneMobile system installed today.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Car Starter Remote Control Options

It’s fall, and for the mobile electronics industry, the focus shifts directly to the sales and installation of remote car starters. The size of the remote start industry is inconceivably vast. Some retailers sell and install more than a thousand of these handy little gadgets in a single season! Best Car Audio wants to help you make the purchasing process easier. Here is our introduction to remote car starter remote control options.

What Does the Remote Do?

The remote control provided with your car starter allows you to start your vehicle without having to go outside or put your key in the ignition. The philosophy is that on a cold winter morning or scorching hot summer day, you can start your vehicle a few minutes before you go outside, giving the heating or cooling system a head start on making the vehicle more comfortable.

Starter Remote — Remote range is affected by a number of things

Remote controls communicate with your vehicle using radio frequency transmission. There are two different types of communication – Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM). The methodology of communication alone does not determine the performance of the remote regarding range, and range is a key point in choosing a remote control. Range is the distance between you and your vehicle when the remote starter will execute commands from the remote. If you are out of range and you press the Start button on your remote, nothing happens.

Typical Range Performance

Last year, we tested a few systems that claimed to offer one-mile range. We installed both systems in the same vehicle, one after the other. We parked the vehicle in the same location to test each system. Both systems offered performance that was nearly identical and worked reliably up to about 1,600 feet away – not close to a mile. We contacted some industry peers about the performance of other systems. We saw a test of another brand, rated to provide 1 mile of range and capable of starting the vehicle from as far as 1.25 miles away. As expected, the performance of your system may vary dramatically.

Why didn’t the systems we tested work as advertised? Most manufacturers advertise “maximum range.” This distance would be under ideal conditions: no buildings, no foliage, no radio frequency interference. Imagine being in the middle of a desert and everyone else turned off all their radios, cellphone systems, TV broadcasts, satellite communications and so forth. In this impossible scenario, you’d get about a mile of range.

Why did the other system exceed the manufacturer’s ratings? Maybe this manufacturer under-rated the range. Maybe there was a lack of interference in the area. The purpose of this discussion is to clarify that performance differs based on the system you choose and where you use it.

When you go shopping for remotes, you will see a few options for range. Manufacturers advertise the shortest-range remotes as working as far away as 800 feet. Next up are the 1/4-mile or about 1,300- to 1,500-foot range units. Different companies offer different intermediate range solutions, increasing to 2,500 or 3,000 feet, then to 1 mile. One manufacturer offers a remote that claims to work at up to 3 miles. That is very cool!

Remote Feature Overview

The next consideration in selecting a car remote starter revolves around the number of buttons on the remote. The product specialist at your mobile electronics retailer will advise you about what the remote starter can control for vehicle options. These options include door locks, factory alarm control, trunk/hatch release, sliding door control, rear window defroster activation and more. Once you decide which, if any, of these features will be part of your system, you can decide which remote you need.

One-button remotes are, of course, the simplest. The single button can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle, as well as activate the remote car starter. Some remotes have four or five buttons. These remotes have dedicated buttons for locking/arming, unlocking/disarming, trunk release and remote starting. Most five-button remotes include a Function key to access additional features like auxiliary outputs and vehicle information display. Multi-button remotes are required when the system includes features like trunk or hatch release. Single-button remotes can’t activate those features.

Communication Options

Separate from the range and button configuration of a remote are options for how the remote communicates with the vehicle. A one-way remote is like your TV remote – it only sends commands to the vehicle. You have no way of knowing whether the command was received or executed unless you can physically see the vehicle. A two-way remote can send commands to the vehicle and receive information back from the vehicle. Every two-way remote has some method of letting you know what is happening. This information can be presented via LEDs, on an LCD screen, with beeps and vibrations, or a combination of many of these.

Let’s look at a real-world example of how a two-way remote control can be beneficial. The simplest of functions is locking your car. You press the button on your remote control, and the car should lock. But what if you didn’t lock the car before you went into a shopping mall, office building or home? If you have a one-way remote, you can only hope that pressing the lock button at this longer distance will secure your vehicle. If you have a two-way remote and the vehicle is in range, the vehicle will send a confirmation to the remote to let you know it worked – that it received and executed the command. No guessing is required.

Several manufacturers offer additional vehicle information display on remotes with LCD screens. You can query the vehicle to display battery voltage or vehicle temperature.

Other Communication Options

System control options use different technologies. These include Bluetooth interfaces that allow you to control the system from an app on your phone. Smartphone interfaces use the cellular network and an app to let you manage and monitor your vehicle from anywhere in the world – as long as you have a data connection. Proximity keys that unlock the vehicle when you approach it are another option. There are also small keypads that mount to the inside of the windshield so you can type in a code to lock or unlock the vehicle.

Whatever remote control solution you pick for your remote starter, be sure to deal with a reputable retailer to install the system. You want to choose someone who will take their time to perform the installation as reliably as possible. They should be cautious and gentle with your vehicle as they disassemble it to access wiring. They must stand behind the work they do. In many cases, the quality and reliability of the installation are proportional to the price for the system. If the price seems too good to be true, you may want to do some additional research. Online reviews are a great source of information.

Enjoy your remote car starter – it really will make a big difference in the comfort of your vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Compustar PRO T11 Remote Control

Anyone who has researched remote starters or car alarms will have undoubtedly seen several solutions from Compustar. Compustar serves its remotes and control modules a la carte to its dealers, who can create perfect solutions for every client. The PRO T11 two-way LCD remote control is the top model in the Compustar PRO series. This 5.5-button remote offers performance and durability features that are unmatched in the industry.

DSST 3-Mile Range

Range capabilities determine the performance of a remote control. The range is the distance you can be away from your vehicle while still being able to control it. Using Digital Spread Spectrum Technology for signal transmission, the PRO T11 provides up to 3 miles of range. The combination of advanced signal transmission technology and efficient use of power helps to ensure that you’ll be able to remote start your vehicle long before you get to it, even if you are inside a shopping mall, movie theatre, your favorite restaurant or an office building.

Take-It-Anywhere Design

Knowing that dropping a remote and water damage are the most common causes of failure, Compustar has taken extraordinary measures to make the PRO T11 as durable as possible. The T11 features a high-strength injection-molded body to withstand impact. The remote buttons are made from high-quality rubber and feature steel reinforcements to increase longevity. The remote features an IPX7 water-resistance rating. This rating means the remote can be submerged in water up to 3.3 feet deep for 30 minutes without damage. Puddles, a jump in a pool or a slushy snow bank are no match for the PRO T11.

Compustar PRO T11 Two-Way Communication

Whether you have chosen a remote car starter, a security system or both for your vehicle, the PRO T11 remote will display a confirmation that the system has responded to any button you press. When you lock your vehicle, a padlock icon on the LCD screen shows as closed. Confirmation of a remote start request happens in two stages. First, the remote confirms it has received the request. After the vehicle starts, the remote displays an engine icon and counts down the remaining runtime. If for some reason the vehicle doesn’t start, the remote will let you know why.

If you have a security system, the remote will alert you when the alarm is sounding and let you know what zone was triggered. A high-output speaker on the back of the remote and a built-in transducer to vibrate the remote ensure you get notifications, even if the remote is in your pocket.

Industry Reference Convenience

One of the most common complaints about two-way remotes with LCD screens is their ability to drain batteries quickly. Compustar has included a lithium-ion power cell in the T11 remote that lasts for several months on a single charge. A micro USB port makes charging the remote from your computer, car radio or the included wall adapter quick and easy. Two hours is typically adequate to bring the remote to full capacity.

With the 5.5 button design of the T11, it’s easy to lock, unlock, release the trunk and remote start your vehicle. Easily accessed sub-menus provide control for auxiliary outputs, panic mode, vehicle internal temperature display and more. Before they begin the installation, your Compustar PRO dealer can explain the options that are available for your vehicle and their cost.

Vehicle and System Compatibility

If you are browsing the Compustar website, you’ll see the T11 remote bundled with a remote starter, vehicle security system or a starter and security system. Compustar remote starters are compatible with complex installations on vehicles with manual transmissions, push-to-start ignition systems, diesel engines and hybrid drivetrains.

As an add-on upgrade, the PRO T11 is compatible with all Compustar and Arctic Start systems from 2013 and newer, as well as all iDatastart systems from ADS to dramatically increase range and make controlling your system easier. You can upgrade a short-range, one-button one-way system to 3 miles of range and two-way communication by simply visiting your local Compustar PRO dealer.

The Best Remote Control Available

Compustar backs the PRO T11 with a three-year warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer. Be sure to register your purchase at www.compustar.com to activate this warranty.

The performance and durability of this remote are truly impressive. We have seen a T11 that was run over by a car and remained fully functional. When it’s time to choose the ultimate remote for your remote starter or security system, visit your local Compustar PRO retailer and ask about the T11. You won’t be disappointed.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

1. Rear Window Defroster Activation

2. Trunk/Hatch Release

3. Remote Start Your Car from Your Phone or Apple Watch

4. Start Automatically When the Weather is Cold or Hot

5. Start Every Few Hours or Daily

6. Protect Your Vehicle

7. Control Power Sliding Doors

8. Control Power Windows and Sunroof

9. Control Multiple Vehicles

10. Extend the Life of Your Engine

Remote Car Starters Add Convenience

How Do GPS-based Features Work?

GPS Locating Function

Points of Interest Notifications

Custom Location and Over-Speed Alerts

Vehicle Maintenance Reminders

Business Service Plans

DroneMobile Hardware

How does DroneMobile Work?

Why would I want to use my Smartphone?

Start the Car with a Smartphone?

Stay Informed and Connected

Control Options

Your Car, Connected

What Does the Remote Do?

Typical Range Performance

Remote Feature Overview

Communication Options

Other Communication Options

DSST 3-Mile Range

Take-It-Anywhere Design

Compustar PRO T11 Two-Way Communication

Industry Reference Convenience

Vehicle and System Compatibility

The Best Remote Control Available

Customer Reviews

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