How to become a installer

I have no knoledge on how to install alarms. What can I do if I want to learn? Norris04

1st rule - don't be afraid to screw something up.  Just get in there, be brave, and DO IT!

I disagree, be VERY afraid of screwing something up. One wrong connection and your wiring harness is up in smoke. I would try to get in with a few good installers and get them to help you install an alarm on YOUR own vehicle. Don't stand there and watch, you actually need to do the work. Ask them to explain EVERYTHING. The thing about alarms is that there are so many differences between installing them from one car to the next. You need to understand relays, wiring diagrams, positive and negetive triggers and quite a few other things. It takes practice. But the good news is, once you get the swing of things, they are pretty easy and straight forward.   

I would recommend reading as many sources as you can to start.  This site is full excellent information.  Also you may get your hands on an MECP study guide.  They just started printing a new one in 2004 and it has  a great security section.  I agree that it is a good idea to get with an installer who has experience.  Thats how I started and then started doing more and more on my own.  It is also good to start learning through doing, but I would say only work on your vehicles to start with.  The best thing you can do is try to learn as much about it as you can before attempting.  Convience systems are so much more involved with the vehicle than audio systems.  Good Luck!

Addition to all the advise above: Like most of us we started installing alarm in vehicle for free for family and friends. What I would advise is have someone who knows a thing or two about installation and have them guide you just a bit to get you on the right track. Listen, and ask questions! Read, study and understand what you are reading. Start charging when you can no longer do it for free anymore. When you start charging. Charging only for butt connector, screws, tapes, coffee, and a soda pop. Don't charge $17 for the install. You are not quite there yet! The cars that you have done an install on. Mark them down somewhere. Any First try at a car you have never work on it's should be free. (Even till today my colleague and I still hold this principal!) Second attempt will cost no more then a coffee, a soda pop, two butt connector and a roll of electrical tape. Third attempt. $12 which will cover you for a roll of tape, a terminal, and a drink at the peeler pub.    When you can not remember how many of these same cars you have done then you charge them for a fair price to help you cover your daily expenses. Finally, remember one thing when you have aquired the knowledge and skill to put in an alarm, you in the end will be accountable for your work. It's more than just taping up a few wires and making it work. Workmanship, ethic, and most of all resposibilty is something that has to come FIRST when you accept payment for your work. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.

I learned most of what i know from personal experience. I picked up some good information here on this site, but there is nothing like experience. I pretty much disagree with not charging for your first installations. Don't charge too much right away since your first ones should be for people you know, but also don't whore yourself out for nothing. Your providing a service that most people are not willing to do and these things are a pain in the neck, back, hands and knees. If you burn their car down, i would recommend not charging them, but if it works, then you deserve to get paid. This has already been said, but knowledge of how relays work is invaluable. Also you need to know how to test wires and know how different types of systems work like door locks, dorr triggers, and anti-theft systems (for remote start installs). Diodes are essential knowledge also. Use the search feature on this site before doing each vehicle and read all you can about each vehicle before installing in it. Also get a good wire diagram and understand each connection. Good luck.J Rilla

Owner/Installer