| carlink Code Alarm Unit alarm Unit
Last month, we assessed the many features of GM's OnStar. While we praised it overall, it was the "magical" remote-door-unlock convenience feature that lofted our impression-a day saver if you ever happen to lock your keys in your car. This month, we explore two aftermarket applications for unlocking your vehicle and for starting it via remote.
We got a hold of an Audiovox CarLink telematic accessory and a Code Alarm CA520A remote start with keyless entry. Finding these products not only gave us another look at the satellite-based automotive approach to unlocking doors and stolen-vehicle GPS tracking by a touch-tone telephone, it also integrated our product evaluation in the safety and security segment with telematics used for the aftermarket.
CarLink
The CarLink ASCL100 telematics system is a simple plug-in accessory, from Audiovox, that utilizes a data-port interface to connect to various models of alarms and remote-start systems. Our Code Alarm unit is compatible with CarLink, so it was a simple connection of plugging in the two units to each other.
So, what is CarLink? It is a satellite-based telematics device with paging capabilities that are used to interact with the Code Alarm remote-start unit. If you have a chronic problem with locking your keys in your truck, or have had your favorite ride permanently borrowed from your driveway, this product was designed for you. The CarLink not only unlocks doors and offers GPS tracking, but you can also activate the remote start on your vehicle with the interface.
How does it work? All you have to do is call a toll-free phone number from any phone and you can lock, unlock, remote start, or activate the carjack feature and immobilize the vehicle. The toll-free access number uses a voice-prompt system and is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year. While the OnStar service requires a subscription and is only available on equipped GM vehicles, CarLink has no startup fees and comes with an included 36-month service, and is an aftermarket product that is compatible with newer Audiovox, Prestige, and Code Alarm vehicle security or remote-start systems that can be installed on virtually any make or model of vehicle.
Trying to lock or unlock your car doors from inside a building or remote start from far away is no longer an impossible task. Even though the antenna range of our Code Alarm CA520A was 1,000 feet, distance was no longer a barrier with Carlink-you can use the service from virtually anywhere. On trips, as your plane lands and the Captain allows you to turn on your cell phone, simply dial up the toll-free number, enter your pass code, and remote start your vehicle; thus allowing you to warm up your vehicle before you get to the parking lot.
Another convenient feature is the Car Finder, and it does just as implied. If you have ever been lost in a sea of trucks, but can't find yours among the hundreds of other white trucks, this feature is the closest thing to having your truck flag you down. A quick call and a few prompts later, your vehicle lights are commanded to flash every 5 seconds, for 3 minutes. If your vehicle is actually missing from the lot, then you can access the CarLink number to immobilize the vehicle.
Remote Start
We mentioned how CarLink can activate a vehicle's remote-start system. The CA520A remote start from Code Alarm, a brand that is part of the Audiovox family, integrates well with CarLink. The benefits of a remote start unit, such as the CA520A are remarkable. Especially if you live in the desert or mountains. Say your climate drops to a frigid 20-degrees Fahrenheit in the winter-with a touch of a button, you can start your vehicle remotely, get the engine to a good operating temperature, and if the heater has been left on, you can warm the interior to a tolerable degree. Or, if you live in the hot desert, cooling the interior of your vehicle is just as easy. Trust us, nobody likes the smell of burning flesh on leather seats. Plus, by starting the vehicle a few minutes before slamming it in gear, you can get the lubricants circulating before you step up the RPM. These reasons, alone, are enough to have a remote start for your truck.
Press the button twice and it magically starts! All you have to do is jump in the vehicle, place the key in the ignition, and turn it to the "on" position, and go! However, if you stomp on the brakes before placing the key in the ignition, then it will kill the motor as a preventative measure. This keeps the hoodlums from hopping in your truck and driving off with your vehicle.
There are several failsafe features to ensure your vehicle is safe to start. If the hood is open, the gear shift is not in park, the brake pedal is depressed, and/or the safety control switch is positioned "off," then the remote start system will not engage. While these features keep the Code Alarm legal team out of court, it also assures no one is at risk of bodily harm and that your garage door does not have the imprint of your truck's tailgate on it.
Once the remote start is activated, it will remain running for a predetermined time, as selected by the user or installer. Run times vary in 5-minute increments, topping out at a maximum of 20 minutes. The countdown begins the moment you trigger the remote start with the engine stopping automatically once the chosen duration has lapsed. This essentially keeps the tank from being drained, in case you don't end up driving somewhere, but forgot you remotely started your vehicle, or your 2-year old triggers the system while playing with your keys. If you choose to cancel the remote start manually, pressing the button on the remote two more times stops the engine.
There is an optional turbo-timer mode to be used on turbo-equipped vehicles that allows the turbocharger to cool appropriately. This option requires additional measures to be taken during installation of the system, and will activate anytime the engine runs for more than 15 seconds. The turbo time enables the vehicle to continue to run for a programmed amount of time, every time the engine is turned off. This feature helps lower the temperature of the turbo at an appropriate rate, and is especially valuable to the longevity of a heat-sensitive turbo on load-hauling diesel trucks.
There are both good and bad factors when you have to call a live person to understand your request with OnStar, but CarLink's voice prompts guide you through its features, which allows you to easily activate the requested paging device on your vehicle. The only misunderstanding that can occur is if you don't direct it to do the correct option. And once you have a remote-start system, how can you live without one? Having the ability to warm or cool down the vehicle-before you get in and freeze or burn your body parts-is an invaluable feature. The combined features of the Code Alarm CA520A remote-start system and the ASCL100 CarLink accessory proved to be an extremely desirable product that can be installed.
