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

[Nicko <nervous.nick@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Sep 17, 1:52=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.

I don't think any kind of alarm will stop a determined and experienced
thief.

You should disconnect the coil and/or battery every time you park the
car.  You can do this by simply pulling the coil wire and taking it
with you, or by installing a toggle switch either somewhere hidden
inside the car or under the hood.  That, and a big ole visible club on
the steering wheel will provide a lot more theft deterrence than an
alarm, though it might not stop a potential thief from breaking into
your car.

Also, as someone else has posted, stop leaving stuff in your car, for
gawd's sake!