Remote Start - DEI (Autopage), Compustar, or ???....

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GregLCA

GregLCA

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Did a quick search in the 100-series forum and most of the stuff I found was back in 2009 or 2010.

I'm looking for a 2-way system so that I will get "confirmation" of a remote start. They really aren't too expensive anymore, so I don't see much reason to go with a dumber "broadcast only" 1-way remote.

A reputable installer recommended Compustar. I like their "Slice JR" version due to the small remote fob, and the fact that I only want basic functionality (start/stop, lock/unlock doors)

SLICE Jr. (2-Way) – Remote Start | Compustar


Another shop recommended AutoMate, which I believe is a subsidiary of DEI (Directed Electronics). They also sell 2-way remotes, but the fobs seem a bit large and clunky compared to the Compustar, and their website is really clunky and doesn't work well..... which makes me wonder if how good the actual product actually is??? Maybe AutoMate is just a low-end product line from DEI??



Anyway, a few of the important questions I'm trying to figure out are:

  1. The steering column is normally “locked” (when the key is removed) to prevent someone from turning the wheels. I assume that since this is a mechanical lock, I will still have to insert the regular keys into the ignition (and turn the ignition to the run position) to unlock the steering wheel?

  2. Do any remote starters allow me to leave the car running and just insert the key to start driving, or do I have to shut the truck off with the remote…then use my keys to start the car in the regular way?

  3. I assume that the doors will lock (or stay locked) when the remote start is activated? Can I unlock them using the regular Toyota key/fob or does the remote starter now serve this function exclusively? Does unlocking the doors cause the engine to shut off (security feature) or is it possible to unlock the doors with the engine running to get inside?


Thanks for any tips or leads on other brands that might be worth checking out!

-G
 
Last edited:
TwiceWithHair said:
Winter is coming. I want these answers toooooo =) Bump.


...via IH8MUD app
Click to expand...


Yep.

Played the game last year with clearing snow off a frozen truck, and spending the entire commute on an icy seat waiting for it to get warm. Never again. :)


The basic research shows that the remote starters are either 1-way or 2-way. Obviously, with a 1-way transmitter there is no way to confirm if the truck actually started unless you can see it from your window, etc. The system has no way to communicate back to you whether it succeeded or not. With the 2-Way systems you get an LED / audible confirmation that the vehicle is actually started and running.

The systems seem to also come as plain vanilla (remote start only) or bundled with a security system. I don't really see the need for an extra security system, so I've been focusing on the "remote start only" type systems. This keeps costs down and probably makes them easier to install (fewer wires to splice in to)

The higher-end systems will also offer smartphone starting, which is fancy but then is turning over your vehicle to the control of a 3rd party "App".... and with all the recent news stories about cars being "hacked" through the OnStar (or similar) systems. I'd prefer to just use a traditional remote and keep the rest of the world away from my vehicle and it's engine controls.


-G
 
I would choose DEI alarms any day of the week.

From my personal and professional experience. (installed these for a few years in a shop and have been doing side jobs since)

Compustar was a pain in the A$$ because the alarm can be put into programming mode with certain remote button sequence and settings can be changed resulting in pissed off customers and ending up taking the unit out and replacing it with a DEI unit.
(DEI can only be put into programming mode via a sequence of a button installed under the dash, remote and ignition switch)

Auto Page is NOT part of DEI, I haven't dealt with an autopage alarm in years and I do not know if their unreliability has changed.

I have installed hundreds of DEI remote starts and alarms, I have complete confidence in their product and they are fairly standard across the whole product line mostly differences in remote color and some available features (If you go with the Auto Mate they are basic but the work very well.

ALL alarm or remote start installs hinge on the competency of the installer. My recommendation is to find a trustworthy shop and installer who understands your vehicle, your expectations and can achieve the quality level you expect.

I would recommend all of these brands, I have worked extensively with Clifford, Python, Auto Mate and Viper.

TP
 
tractorpole said:
I would choose DEI alarms any day of the week.

From my personal and professional experience. (installed these for a few years in a shop and have been doing side jobs since)

Compustar was a pain in the A$$ because the alarm can be put into programming mode with certain remote button sequence and settings can be changed resulting in pissed off customers and ending up taking the unit out and replacing it with a DEI unit.
(DEI can only be put into programming mode via a sequence of a button installed under the dash, remote and ignition switch)

Auto Page is NOT part of DEI, I haven't dealt with an autopage alarm in years and I do not know if their unreliability has changed.

I have installed hundreds of DEI remote starts and alarms, I have complete confidence in their product and they are fairly standard across the whole product line mostly differences in remote color and some available features (If you go with the Auto Mate they are basic but the work very well.

ALL alarm or remote start installs hinge on the competency of the installer. My recommendation is to find a trustworthy shop and installer who understands your vehicle, your expectations and can achieve the quality level you expect.

I would recommend all of these brands, I have worked extensively with Clifford, Python, Auto Mate and Viper.

TP
Click to expand...


Oops.

I need to correct the first post.

I meant to say "AutoMate" was part of DEI... Not AutoPage. I was not considering anything from AutoPage


-G
 
I had a Viper 790XV installed in my '98 LC back in 2004. I no longer have it hooked up, but it worked perfectly for 5-6 years. I hated the big clunky 2-way remote that came with it, the AAA batteries would only last a month or so. The system required you to sacrifice a key for their immobilizer bypass box installed under the dash in order for the alarm to start the vehicle. This meant you could have a smaller non-chip key cut, if you were willing to always use the remote start. With the smaller key and a smaller 1-way "dumb" remote (with better battery life), it didn't chew up too much pocket real estate and I didn't miss the 2-way feature, as I got pretty familiar with the range and it was very reliable. I would assume DEI has improved battery life, clunkiness and increased the already-decent range over the past decade.

Re: your questions above...mine was set up so that you start the vehicle by holding both the lock and unlock buttons down for ~1 second, then I could unlock the truck with the Viper remote, insert key, turn to run, tap brake and drive off. The truck stayed locked after remote start was activated and it stayed running, there was no turn off/restart step. My Toyota key fob would still unlock the doors, but I think the alarm sounded when I tried to open the door, if I remember correctly. Probably not the case if you go with an alarm-less system.

Ditto on what tractorpole said about the installer. I've attempted to change settings, reprogram remotes and troubleshoot issues myself with little success. Much of DEI's documentation is only available to dealers and/or confusing, cryptic, wrong. You want a shop that'll do a clean install that doesn't permanently change anything under the dash, and will fix the little stuff whenever you swing through.

Dean
 
catz said:
Have a look here:
Car Alarm, Car Security, Remote Car Starters, Car Start Button, Manufacturer / Easycar > DESIGN EASYCAR SYSTEM OF YOUR OWN
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That seems like the exact OPPOSITE of what I want to do!!! :)

Simple is best. I don't want alarm features or a fancy, multi-button key fob... One button is fine.

As many have already said here (and I agree 100%) the installer is the most critical part of the equation. Once you find an installer who is competent and trustworthy, they will probably have a few preferred manufacturers based on their own experiences (good and bad). I'm very certain that most shops would refuse to install an "offbrand" starter package that a customer bought themselves.... and in this particular case, I have no interest in making this a DIY project. I'm going to drop off my LC with the pros, sip a nice cup of coffee for a couple of hours while they work... and then drive home with a perfect, trouble-free installation!!! :smokin:


-G
 
RS is a bit of a dice roll. As DIY you save yourself maybe $150 versus paying a pro. If you go DIY I would use crimp connectors until you know you have it wired correctly then replace with solder. That way if you can't figure it out you can at least put it back to factory easily. The DEI 556uw should work for all 100 series as a bypass, it does need a key. RS itself depends on how fancy you want to get. If you go smartphone check for encryption on the transmission, I would not install an unencrypted RS smartphone setup. Buy some shrink tubing online way cheaper than radio shack or home depot and quicker and easier than tape.
 
The shop I just set up my installation with said that there is no need to "hide a key" with the CompuStar Slice Jr.

The new systems can apparently be programmed from the existing key, so you still have both ignition keys for your own use.

My system goes in next Wednesday, so if anyone wants an update afterwards I'll post up about how it went and my impressions of how it works.


-G
 
Bomar said:
I do. What cost are you looking at? So I can see if I am getting close to same price. Thanks for the info and help on this.
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I was quoted $445 installed (with tax)

The installation takes a few hours, and I think the unit itself is around $150 - $200... so it seemed like the right ballpark pricing.


-G
 
Bomar said:
I was quoted double that. So I can't wait to hear about it. They wanted to push me to a Viper at the $400 range. I like the remote of the Slice Jr and it being 2 way.
Click to expand...


I'm at the installer right now....! He offered to take a few photos of the install as he does it.

Pretty excited! :)

-G
 
Bomar said:
Well?
Click to expand...

IT WORKS!!!! :D

Just got back a few minutes ago. The installation went great, and it seems to do everything I expected. The installer (Kevin) sent me about 15 photos of the actual installation, so I'll go through all of those and do a little write-up on the process / features, etc.

Running out of time today, so that will probably be tomorrow AM.


-G
 
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