Re: I need to improve the factory alarm on my car.

[tourman <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Sep 17, 2:52=A0pm, micky <NONONOmis...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I just bought a "new" car which has a factory alarm. =A0Unfortunately, I
> don't think it's as good as the aftermarket alarm I installed on the
> last two cars.
>
> The car alarm is very important to me because I've had my car taken
> twice, and things stolen from a car I owned at least 5 times.
>
> So maybe you can help me make it better. =A0 =A0 It's a 2000 Toyota
> Solara.
>
> In reverse logical order:
>
> 1) =A0It has no siren, just a horn or two that beeps for a half second
> every second, for a minute total. =A0 I don't think that is loud enough
> or long enough. =A0
> =A0 =A0 =A0 I have a regular sirern and a PsychoSiren from prior cars'
> alarms, but I don't think adding either of them will help much if
> there is an interrruption every second. =A0How would I power them
> continuously even though the factory alarm output goes on and off??
>
> 2) =A0Using a key in the doors or trunk disarm the current alarm. =A0For
> some reason, I think there was a little more protection when I had to
> turn off the alarm separately from opening with a key. =A0Anyone feel
> the same way? =A0 Any way to do this while still piggy-backing on the
> factory alarm?
>
> 3) In my last 2 Chrysler Lebarons, lifiting the door handle turned on
> the courtesy lights, which also meant they set off the aftermarket car
> alarm. =A0 Which means they set off the alarm BEFORE they broke a window
> or cut the convertible top. =A0 I don't know how to duplicate this
> except by gluing an extension to the door handle, inside the door, and
> running a nylon string to a micro switch with a long arm, which I
> would glue or if I'm lucky, screw somewhere inide the door. =A0 Do you
> think I can glue these things so they will last for a few years
> without falling off? =A0 Or maybe you have a better idea? =A0 =A0 Because
> I'm not happy with all this gluing.
>
> I would probaly use PC-7 epoxy paste for glue. =A0 And maybe 60?/90?
> second epoxee first, to hold the extension piece in place while the
> PC-7 hardens (for which I usually allow 24 hours)
>
> Thanks for any help.

RHC: Sir, given your troubles with cars, I suggest you might want to
re-think the whole situation. Assuming you live where car theft and
vandalism are common, the simplest solution (if it's possible and
practical) is to find a better place to park. Given that's not
practical, I can only suggest other options, most of which are common
sense and I'm assuming you've probably thought of them already

1- Dont leave things in the car visible which might tempt low life to
break a window to get in
2- Put a Club on your steering wheel and use if faithfully (won't stop
broken windows, but might stop the thief thinking of driving off with
your car....I didn't one night and lost a van myself)
3- Wire up an alarm which blows the car horn intermittently when the
doors open (simple to do with $15 relays) and an on / off switch
hidden in the trunk...saved me once but still lost a window
4- Try to find some decals which indicate the presence of an alarm
(won't stop smash and grab, but might save an expensive window or two
if it makes them hesitate..)

There are no easy solutions but every little thing may help. You cant
stop a pro but luckily most theft is by joyriders or petty thieves
stealing goods.

Good luck ! ...you probably need it