Contributed
Car alarms are one of the many anti-theft measures employed by motorists.
Paul Messam, Gleaner Writer
Electronic devices are designed to thwart virtually any type of aggressive action against a motor vehicle. Apart from being expensive, they require equally expensive professional installation. Here are 13 anti-theft devices (ATD) from which to choose for your vehicle's safety:
ATD 1: Alarm and tracking system: This can be used with a standard alarm system. The AP/4000 Plus shadow is also a stand-alone system that alerts you when the break-in is under way. One can carry a pager or a beeper that is triggered when the doors, trunk or hood is violated, or if the shock-breakage sensor is disturbed. It is designed to discriminate between harmless disturbance and genuine intrusion, even when the car is parked on a grade. Experts suggest that the sensor can tell the difference between wind rocking the car and a tap on the window.
ATD 2: The master cut-off switch: This battery kill can be mounted on the firewall, the floor or some hidden spot inside the car. The switch is activated by a spring loaded removable key.
ATD 3: Battery terminal disconnects: These shut off the car's electrical system with the turn of a knob. It is installed beside the battery, which may make it inconvenient if the battery on your car is in a 'hard to reach' spot. Otherwise, it is simple to both utilise and install.
ADT 4: The keypad ignition immobiliser: To start the car with the ignition immobiliser attached, you have to punch in the correct sequence, a 4-digit code. If a thief tries to sabotage the unit by cutting the wires, the engine's starter motor will still be immobilised. A red light comes on when the unit is operated, acting as a visible deterrent.
ADT 5: The kryptonite car-lock: This is a thick, high carbon alloy steel bar that attaches to the brake pedal at one end and the steering wheel at the other end. According to auto sources, it can withstand bolt cutters, freezing agents and bolt cutters.
ADT 6: The teddy bear alarm: He sits on the seat and can sense a change in air pressure inside the car. If someone opens the door, the alarm goes off. A steel security cable secures the Teddy bear to the seat so the thief cannot easily toss it out the window and drive away. It is armed and disarmed with a key ring remote transmitter. It uses four 'D' cell batteries as its power supply.
ADT 7: The fuel shut off: This is a solid device which is operated with a removable key. It is installed at some point in the fuel system, more popularly in a fuel line somewhere under the bonnet. When this is engaged, the engine will starve from lack of fuel.
ADT 8: The Lasso Lock: Don't worry about your expensive steering being ripped out and the car being stolen. Try the Lasso Lock. This 'handcuffs' the cassette player to the steering wheel. A steel locking pie engages inside the cassette chamber. To remove it without the key a thief would have to destroy the player. However, as long the cable is wrapped around the steering wheel, the car cannot be driven away.
ADT 9: The hoodwinker: Deception is the name of the game. Many alarm systems have a dash-mounted LED that lights up when the system is armed. The lights not only let the car owner know the status of the system, but is also a possible deterrent to a thief who looks through the window and sees it flashing. With the hoodwinker, you cannot forget the micro-processor, the siren, the wiring, the transmitter and the sensors.
Visual and aural signals
ADT 10: The Black Window Series 2000: This alarm is made and armed with a key chain remote transmitter. The hidden siren chirps once and a dash-mounted LED blinks to let you know the system is on. The Black Window automatically arms itself after you close the door, to eliminate the risk of your forgetting to. It gives visual and aural signals if the alarm has gone off after the system has been armed. Options include a module to operate door locks by remote control and one to disable the starter.
ADT 11: The Derringer 2: This system monitors zones around the car; the glass, the hood, the trunk, the door and the ignition, as well as the car's motion. Should one zone trigger the alarm three times, that zone goes to sleep leaving the others functioning. This device uses a remote key-chain transmitter to arm and disarm the system, or it automatically arms itself. Other features include a starter bypass circuit that prevents the engine from starting when the system is armed, even if the keys are in the ignition and a remote panic function.
ADT 12: The Star Guard 500: If you do not want your car to be torn apart to install a sophisticated alarm system, the Star Guard 500 is built for you. The manufacturers have skilfully packaged a micro-processor, glass breakage and shock detector and a miniature wireless receiver into the 120 decibel siren's casing. The 500's installation involves finding a spot under the hood for the siren and then connecting a positive and a negative wire to the car's electrical system. The unit comes with two push buttons and a key chain-sized transmitter to arm and disarm the system. It also has a built in 'panic mode' that allows you to set the siren from outside of your car.
ADT 13: The PAA - 1: It is a portable self-contained alarm that eliminates the hassle of installation. It is also easily transferred form one car to another. For example, a rented car in which you are carrying valuables, or to a friend's car. The PAA - 1 attaches to the car's window and senses any unusual vibration. It has a 115 decibel alarm operated by a 9-volt battery that sounds for 40 seconds and then automatically resets and rearms.
