GSM
The presence of a
GSM mobile communication module in the alarm design.
Such equipment gives the alarm the ability to send notifications and various data (for example, about the location of the car) to the user's mobile phone and receive commands from this phone via the cellular network. GSM modules, by definition, provide two-way communication, however they can be found in both "pure two-way" and
keyless alarms (see "Type of communication"). The main advantage of GSM over direct communication over a radio channel (through a key fob) is its practically unlimited range: the car can be at least on the opposite side of the globe, the main thing is that it stays in the GSM coverage area. In addition, such a signal cannot be scanned. On the other hand, the use of mobile communications is associated with additional costs — payment for data transfer services, and when the funds on the account are exhausted, this function may become useless. In addition, in close proximity to the car, a key fob or other device with a direct connection is more convenient than a mobile phone: it takes a certain time for commands to pass through the cellular network, while the alarm responds instantly to the key fob. Therefore, this function is used mainly as an auxiliary one, supplementing the main control tool (key fob, label, etc.).
The way of working through GSM networks can be different: some alarm models use vo
...ice communication (usually with control of tone signals from the phone buttons), others work through special mobile applications. The first option is less convenient, but very versatile: it allows you to work from any mobile device, even the simplest one. The second method provides more advanced features, but requires a smartphone with a suitable operating system.GPS
The presence of a
GPS satellite navigation module in the alarm design.
By itself, such a module is only responsible for determining the current geographical coordinates of the alarm (and, accordingly, the car in which it is installed), but the further use of such data depends on the alarm model and the capabilities that it provides. GPS data can be used, in particular, for classic navigation (via the on-board computer, advanced radio, etc.), as well as for searching for a stolen car (in beacon mode).
Autorun
Features for automatic start and shutdown of the engine, provided in the alarm. In some cases, using automation is much easier, more convenient, and even more reliable than starting and stopping the engine manually.
— Autostart
by timer. Alarms with this function are able to automatically start the car engine at a certain time set by the driver. This feature allows, in particular, to provide additional comfort and save time on warming up: since the owner does not need to be in the car to start the engine, he can come later, get into an already warmed up car and drive right away.
— Autostart
by temperature. The ability to use an alarm to automatically start the engine for warming up — in the event that its temperature drops below certain values. This function is intended for the cold season, when the machine has to stand outdoors for a long time (for example, all night). Starting a cold, and even more “frozen” engine is associated with a number of problems: the oil becomes thicker, and the battery can “sit down” and produce a weaker current than expected. To avoid such problems, some car alarms are equipped with an auto start function based on temperature: when the engine temperature drops below a certain level, the system automatically starts it to warm up. This ensures that the temperature is maintained sufficient for a comfortable start of the engine at any time. On the other hand, fuel
...is spent on regular warming up of the engine, and in enclosed spaces and other places where exhaust gases are undesirable (and even dangerous), this function is poorly applicable. Thus, most alarms with this feature have limitations related to fuel economy — for example, starting less than a certain number of times during one idle time, or the maximum engine warm-up time.
— According to the voltage of the on-board network. Automatic start of the car engine in the event of a voltage drop on the on-board network (in fact, the car battery) to a certain level. By using this function, you can avoid a decrease in battery charge and related troubles — including not only starting “with a pusher” or “lighting up”, but also completely turning off the alarm (if it does not have an autonomous power supply). Of course, the operation of autorun requires additional fuel costs, but usually such alarms have a number of restrictions aimed at minimizing such costs. But when parking a car in a closed room, this function should be used with caution — it requires good ventilation, otherwise the periodic engine start will lead to the accumulation of exhaust gases.
— Turbo timer mode. Possibility of operation of the alarm as a shutdown timer for an engine equipped with a turbocharging system. During driving, the turbocharger can reach high temperatures, and the oil circulation necessary for effective cooling is ensured by the operation of the engine. If you immediately turn off the car after driving, the heated compressor will actually lose the main cooling system, which can lead to damage and even failure. Therefore, the rules for operating turbocharged engines prescribe, after stopping, to allow the engine to idle for a while to cool the turbocharging system. However, the driver does not always have time to wait for the compressor to cool down. The turbo timer "simplifies life" for drivers of turbocharged cars: it keeps the engine running for some time after the ignition key is removed, after which it automatically turns off the engine. This eliminates the need to wait without removing the key from the ignition and manually control the idling time.
— Webasto support. Car alarm support for Webasto equipment, more precisely, the proprietary W-bus protocol. Webasto is known primarily as a manufacturer of starting heaters for cars, however, in addition to this, the company produces many other components, mainly for “climatic” purposes — air conditioners, sunroofs, etc. Accordingly, Webasto support allows you to connect an alarm to equipment under the W-bus and control this equipment through it. Note that W-bus controllers are also available separately, but it is usually easier and more reliable to buy a compatible signaling right away. — Support of the signaling of the Start/Stop function. This function is mainly intended to give the driver the ability to start the engine without using a key, simply by pressing a special button. At the same time, some models are designed for installation in a car where such a button was originally provided, and we are only talking about compatibility with a keyless start system; others are equipped with their own button and can even be installed in cars that were initially started only with a key.
In addition, models with the "Start / Stop" function can have the function of remote engine start on command from the key fob. This can be useful, for example, to save time on warming up the car before driving in cold weather: you can start the engine without leaving your home, and then get into an already warm car.
— Automatic transmission support. Signaling compatibility with automatic transmissions.
Such systems are structurally more complex than traditional mechanical boxes, they are closely related to the electronics and controls of the car. Therefore, for the correct operation of the autorun functions on a car with automatic transmission, it is necessary that this type of transmission is initially supported by the alarm system. If the “signaling” covers only locks and other functions that are not actually related to the engine, this feature is not mandatory.
— Support for diesel engines. This feature is indicated for car alarms that have a specialized mode for starting diesel engines. One of the differences between such engines and gasoline engines is that they use the so-called. glow plugs. For normal operation of the diesel engine, it is necessary that such candles warm up to operating temperature; heating starts immediately when the ignition is switched on, but it takes time. These moments are taken into account in the "diesel" mode: the alarm first turns on the ignition, and gives the start command only after the candle warm-up indicator goes out.
