cpgoose wrote:
So I guess that bypass module listed above is considered a "vehicle-specific data bypass", right? |
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We are talking vehicle-specific data bypass here, yes.
cpgoose wrote:
Alright, so now I have a better understanding of Data-Link. Depending on which remote starter I pick, is it all the same idea, but with different names? Or do I have to get one that specifically has "Data-Link"? |
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I'll be honest and say I have no experience at all installing any data link system from any manufacturer with a direct data cable connection. I've done installs using bypasses which have that capability; however I've always just connected the individual wires.
I've done some research for this post and figure I'll have to try using a data cable for an install in the near future. Hopefully another contributor can make up for my lack of knowledge here in this regard.
Data link bypass manufacturers include
Bypasskit(owned by Directed Electronics since 2007 sometime),
Idatalink, and
Fortin. To my knowledge that's all of them, and everyone else selling data bypasses simply rebadges one of those 3 manufacturers' products.
As far as the remote start brands which have the data link capability, the following names seem to pop up on bypass manufacturer websites - Audiovox, AutoPage, Compustar, Directed(Viper/Python), Astrostart, Code Alarm, and several others.
Now for what appears to be the key part, and where I hope someone else can clarify.
The interface protocol between the bypass modules and the remote start/alarm host units does NOT appear to be standardized across the industry. All 3 manufacturers appear to use a 4-pin RS232 cable for their data link connections; however RS232 only means that the connection is the same and not necessarily the actual data being transmitted.
In other words, the hardware is compatible; the software may not necessarily be, and anyone looking to use a data link connection for a remote start install needs to be careful to make sure they are buying remote starts and bypasses which can work with each other.
Of course if they don't work data-to-data you always have the option of just connecting the individual wires - but just plugging the cable could definitely save serious time for an installer.
cpgoose wrote:
Are there remote starters now that also have a "data-link" type hookup to the vehicle itself, too? Almost like when you install a headunit and you can use a wire harness so you don't have to make so many connections?
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In answer to your last question, as far as a quick connection to the vehicle itself - Bulldog (and possibly others) made a T-harness a few years ago which was supposed to do that. The basic idea was that you'd disconnect the factory ignition switch plug, put one end of the T-harness into each end, and plug the rest into the Bulldog remote starter.
A neat idea in theory, but in practice it wouldn't plug directly into every remote starter they made, added a god-awful amount of wiring to the underdash area, and didn't include ground, brake, parking lights, hood, tach, doorlocks, and other connections.
Bypasskit, whose bypasses I've used more than others, makes a remote start specifically designed for push-to-start late model Nissans, as well as upgrade kits for GM vehicles with OEM remote starters (these add a 2-way remote and longer range antenna), which are much easier to install(3 wires at the diagnostic plug). It's likely that other vehicles will have remote starts like these available in the near future.
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