Vehicle security

[Colin]

Hi all,
I hope this is of value in the discussion of vehicle security systems.

I believe that there are several criteria that should be considered before you
entrust your baby to a vss.
Some of these are
design criteria
standard certification
reputation/credibility
features/override
service and backup
roadside assist
price/value

It is worth remembering that as with all things involving electronics the
price has come down relative to the quality/features available, while the
sophistication and inclusion of computer chip technology has seen rapid
improvements and innovation. Some older units are still of good quality and
very reliable even though they may not be current or leading edge technology.

The design criteria must include an immobiliser. Preferably two circuits. This
is what stops the car being stolen. I'll say that again The immobilser
circuits are the part that stops the car being stolen. The alarm makes a
noise. So the start of any good vss must have excellent immobilisation.

Credibility is a thorny one. There is I suspect no system that doesn't have a
horror story or two. In our case we are always looking to set the standard as
high as we can and the result is that we have had the odd moment when we
haven't reached our own standard. We have been importing and distributing vss
for 12 years now and have a close relationship with the largest manufacturer
in Australasia. All our products are independently tested and certified. We
very probably have the highest level of expertise in Australasia and maintain
an incredible database of vehicles for installation and service.

Standard certification. The standards are an easy way to set the minimum
level that a vss should reach. I am sure you realise the importance of the
standard certification process and the reliance that we have on knowing that a
product has been designed and built with some integrity.
An example of this is the seatbelt standard. It is inconceivable to me that
anyone would consider using seatbelts that are not up to scratch. Every
electrical appliance we use in our homes has to pass the relevant standard.
Again why would we want it any other way. The car itself is an example of
thousands of certified standards at work.
The immobiliser standard is AS/NZS 4601.1999 My advice is If a system doesn't
have that then don't go near it. Each product that is certified has a unique
certification number. If your supplier can't show you the certificate, maybe
you should look elsewhere.
The alarm standard is AS/NZS 3749.1.1997. This standard does mention
immobilisers although it doesn't go anywhere near the level of 4601. It
concerns itself with setting a minimum level of design, build and operation
for the alarm.
The installation standard is AS/NZS 3749.2.1997. This is very important. It
makes no difference how good the system is if it is installed in a bad way.
This is why all of our installers have to be trained and approved by us before
we let them loose on a clients car. It is also the reason that our systems
cannot be purchased at a Repco outlet or any other deka type stores. You
cannot walk out with one of our systems. What that means is that the next door
neighbour or the 'bloke I know' installs don't happen with our systems. And
what that means is the would be thief knows it is installed properly and walks
on looking for an easy mark.

oops it has turned into another epistle...

I'll end here by saying that we have a 24hr 7 day technical roadside assist
program that is the envy of every other vss supplier in NZ.
I have a price program that benefits mx5 club members greatly as well as an
insurance assist and benefit program. more on those if you would like.
I am available on 021 363948 or double@paradise.net.nz or via this list if you
have any questions or concern .

Thanks
Colin