Saturday, July 25, 2009

Added Enhanced Security To My Toyota Alphard

After my misforture last weekend, I improved the security of my giant by installing an IES GSM alarm system. In this post, I will briefly cover it functions but I wouldn't go into the details on how to operate it nor will I show any photos.

Since the communications is based on GSM, it provide the capability for me to interact with the car alarm system remotely.

With this alarm system, now I will be warned (via SMS) if the door is open/unlocked due to unauthorized access. I can arm and disarm the alarm remotely. If the battery is removed from the car such that power is cut off to the alarm (there is a small battery pack to backup the alarm system), I will also be warned of such intrusion. If there is a break-in and I will be warn via SMS, I can choose to use my phone to listen to any conversation or sounds in the car and I can speak to my phone and send verbal warning to the thief inside the car to bugger off.

In the event that the thief successfully stolen the car (hopefully not) I can remotely do an emergency override and stop the engine. That way the thief cannot continue to drive the car. After that I can use the Friend Finder feature to locate the current position of the car so that I can retrieve it. I know of one case where another giant owner actually use this feature to disable his giant engine and then located it 40 minutes after he discovered his car was stolen in broad day light.

In the event while I am in the car and there is an attempt by anyone to try a force break-in to hijack my car I can press a panic button that will send an SMS to my wife to warn her that I am in trouble. She can use the Friend Finder feature to locate my whereabout.

Let hope this alarm system will truly deter any future attempts.

9 comments:

  1. Thanks for your insite. I to had to install an alarm / security system in my giant, although not with so much of your up to date features. I do have an imobilizer that will automatically shut off the engine and inform me of the event.

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  2. Nice to know that you have your car protected. An alarm that work is the most important part of security protection. Also with a GSM-based alarmed install, I was told that in the worst case scenario that your car is stolen, the insurance company will have less of a reason to pay reimburse you.

    Cheers

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  3. How much you paid for this stuff?? Is it expensive??

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  4. I got it for less than RM1500.

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, my uncle also told me something about this GSM alarm. Where can I get this IES GSM alarm system?

    Cheers
    Ans

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  6. Hi Ans,

    I think most major shops that sell alarm system would carry one form of IES Alarm system or another.

    The features for IES Alarm are listed on this page http://www.caralarm.com.my/feature_table.asp.

    I bought mine from Dynasty at Sunway.

    Cheers

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  7. Just called Dynasty Sunway and they quoted RM2,200 incl installation. Wow... what a huge different from yours. The salesman said the reason was they need to get a 'special' technician since I want to re-use my original Toyota remote and they are many variant of IES GSM alarm. Thus far, I've been to many shops and have only seen 1 type of IES Alarm that has GSM function.

    Any comment?

    Cheers
    Fakri

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  8. Hi Fakri,

    Yes, there are a few model of IES GSM alarm system as shown in this table.
    http://www.caralarm.com.my/feature_table.asp.
    Depending on whether you need GSM or GPS and GSM functionalities, there are price differences to these models. If you need just GSM alone, then model GM50MS or GM60MS should be sufficient.

    Dynasty actually outsource the installation of the IES GSM alarm to another supplier. The installer will come over to Dynasty workshop and install the IES Alarm for you. The installer will also shows you how to use the alarm after the installation.

    If you have problem with the alarm system, you will call that installer directly after that.

    Hope this help.

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  9. FYI, Celcom subscribers will enjoy the full features from the IES GSM since Celcom does not have the Friend Finder feature. This means that you are unable to trace your car in the of the unfortunate things happen.

    I finally have to settle down with a different security package.

    So, lets pray and hope that the unfortunate things won't happen to us.

    Cheers.
    Fakri

    ReplyDelete