Car Security

This is my first car security posting.

The original X20 car alarm module is pretty decent. These are some of its specs:
- Arm (lock), disarm (unlock)
- Trunk release (some X20s takes about 4 seconds, mine is immediate)
- Auto lock when car speed reaches 20km/h or when brake is pressed
- Signal lights blink when the car door or boot is opened

What I don't like about the alarm:
- The trunk release button can be accidentally pressed, which triggers the alarm
- There is no panic button
- Silent disarm
- No vibration/shock sensor
- No engine auto-start

Today, Steven Chen from THM organized a TT with Kelvin Chia from Global Autotech, at Racing Fit, Sunway. Kelvin is the Sales and Technical Manager, based in Singapore. The purpose of the TT is to demo their 2-way alarm system called Signca. The product is made in Korea, using Samsung electronics, and is marketed in the US as Zenesis Electronics Group ZN-502. Global Autotech (formerly known as Mod My Ride) is the exclusive distributor in Singapore.




The product has loads of features, where the ones I like are:
- Remote start with Timer (eg. Start at 7.30 am)
- Windscreen Security Touchpad:


This nifty touchpad is stuck on the inside of the windscreen. Its touch sensitive, and by entering a code, you can Arm (lock), disarm (unlock) your alarm (car). The blue LEDs just adds to the cool factor.

Other features are:
* Bright backlit liquid crystal display (LCD)
* Starter Kill - disabled the starter when the alarm has been activated. It also disables the starter if you have already started your car (remotely or manually). This is to prevent user from accidentally cranking their engine again. Runs on Alternator / Tachcometer Sensing Technology. This Feature is not found in other competitors.
* Alarm clock feature on remote.
* Panic mode - activates alarm, kills engine, prevents cranking.
* Remote Start Engine run time - Remote start can be programmed to run from 5 mins – 25 mins.
* Valet mode - useful if your vehicle is sent for servicing / washing which you do not want the alarm to trigger off. Valet mode can be enabled by Remote and Keys.
* 2 x Aux outputs - control window or mirror module once activated.
* Dual Shock Sensor - option to set the warning sensitivity and alarm trigger sensitivity seperately.
* 1 x Additional Input module - for microwave / ultrasonic sensor. Once activated it will trigger the alarm. The Dual Shock Sensor is an example of an input module. A motion sensor is also a common optional input.
* Active / Passive Arming - the vehicle may autolock the door when the Remote is accidentally pressed while no doors are opened and autolook the door when the last door is closed but user did not arm the vehicle in 25 secs. The vehicle will beep with flashing parking lights every 5 secs and on the 5th occurrence, the system will auto lock the vehicle and arm it.
* Remote Lock - "Hold" all buttons to prevent any accidentally pressed command. Its like handphone's keypad lock.
* Built in turbo timer - Variable running time.
* Long/Dual Pulse of Lock/Unlock - door lock and unlocking time pulse can be set ranging from 0.3 secs to 3.5 secs when Remote is pressed.
* Temperature Display indicator (Fahrenheit/Celsius)
* 6000 ft. (open range)
* RS232 data port – FORTIN / CANbus Module
- The system is fully compatible with Fortin CAN and Immobilizer bypass module. More Information HERE.
* Clock Display indicator
* Transmitter battery level indicator - uses 1 x AAA battery
* Alarm notification - chime or vibrated mode
* Comes with a 1-way remote:


Now, the PRICING is very attractive. The introductory price is lower than the Zenesis price of USD$350. The lowest I saw online is USD$250 at a group buy.

So far, 3 buyers, with 2 installations done today. DrD will be installing it on Monday. I'm still considering this purchase and may install it on Monday. My concerns are:
- reliability, dun play play with car security
- touchpad may not work with V-cool elite tinting. May require to cut front windscreen tinting to install the Security Touchpad.

Pics from our TT today here, courtesy of Kumar and Steven Chen.

UPDATE:
This is from the Zenesis User Manual. Assume that its the same with Signca: