crimestopper post opinion about them.

I do remote start installs on the side and have used Crimestoppper only.. I have done around 30 or so installs..

Lately, I have had nothing but issues.. I've had to send back maybe 4 out of my last 8 for various problems. Most of them have been RS1704 TWII's.. Some of the issues have been:

* Intermittent range (sometimes would work 500 feet away, sometimes only like 10 feet away, sometimes not even right on top of it)

* No 2 way feedback.. Customer wouldn't get confirmation that car had started (even when right from inside house, next day from same spot it would work)

* Just flat out not work.. I recently had a customer where neither keyfobs would do ANYTHING.. The next day they would work.. (ground and antenna were fine)..

Once I send the units back in (brain, antenna, and remotes) and get a new one back, all is good..

I'm tired of it and feel like a total idiot having so many customer returns.. Has anyone else had such bad luck with Crimestopper or am I just cursed? Is the RS1704TWII just a bad unit?? Is there a more reliable company!?

Thanks for any replies..

its crapola man.

Ha! So are you saving you've had issues with them too?

What do you use?

i use DEI and Audiovox prestige. and i do alot of omega too, but its bottom on my list.

installed compustar, dei stuff, scytek, bulldog and no name china stuff as well. no problems, but have used a crimestopper and meh, not the greatest build of units i must say

I've installed quite a few brands over the years, crimestopper was never the worst ,or the best. I can tell you that I installed crimestopper units (cs-2011) on both of my parents vehicles about 5 years ago, and both units have worked flawlessly. Keep in mind, every brand has build issues every now and then. A while back, I didn't touch DEI stuff for a couple of years because 1 out of every 4 units was bad. Audiovox, at one time also had this reputation. Now, their stuff is rock solid. Being that you are not a shop, and doing this on the side, I would probably switch brands. I have a Compustar on my truck, and brag about their stuff everyday. I've installed a ton of their product, and I think I've only had one unit go bad. If you can't get Compustar, I would go with Audiovox/Code Alarm stuff.
If you can find a way to buy DEI stuff, and get it warrantied out when there is a problem, I would also check their stuff out.


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I learned on crimestopper. Glad I did because I got to troubleshoot A LOT of vehicles. I've probably put in over 1000 crimestopper starters and they were for the most part worthless.

I install Autostart and Astrostart primarily now. LOVE the astros. Most dependable starter I've installed yet.

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Shaun, we are the same height, that is neat!

12V Installation Technician for Honda, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota and Jeep.

I try to stay with Omega, out of about 200 I may have had 2 that had issues.

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Ed

i do a ton of DEI avital starters i think 1 antenna out of 100-150 kits and ford/ code systems 3-5 modules kit 3 and kit 4 PATS bypasses maybe 10-15 out of 200-300 kits

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If i Can't Install it    I Don't need it   Joe

tedmond wrote:

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installed compustar, dei stuff, scytek, bulldog and no name china stuff as well. no problems, but have used a crimestopper and meh, not the greatest build of units i must say

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ha, you put bulldog above crimestopper. i don't care for either

So has anyone had bad experiences with Crimestopper like I have or do you just not prefer them because you've heard horror stories? They've been in business for I think around 25 years so you'd think that means they are a quality product..

I understand that ALL product lines will have an issue here and there but I feel the amount of issues I've had is well over the acceptable amount..

I to install on the side and only used Crimestopper for a long time,then I started to get a lot of comebacks,remotes,brains,etc.I decided to try some different brands so I purchased 2 autopages:2 omega's and 2 compustars.I installed one autopage in my car and it has been working fine for 9 months now,I installed the other autopage and it never worked from day one so I put the omega in and it has been working fine to.I installed a compustar in my wifes car and no problems yet.I didn't really like the quality of the omega remotes.

The one thing I do like about Crimestopper is that I've never had trouble returning and getting a unit replaced.. I just read on another post that if you use DEI products you have to be an authorized installer for the warranty to be valid..

Is this true for Omega, Autopage, etc?

This is important since I just do it on the side, I'm not an "authorized" installer I guess..

The dealer I get my Omega stuff from just replaced the bad module without a problem. Like you, I only do as a sideline. Here's a tip someone gave me; if you buy locally try to see what's sitting around behind counter. If you see a lot of a certain item or brand being returned it's a good bet you shouldn't buy one.

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Ed

Do you get yours from a local install shop?

I went on Omega's website last week and emailed them asking how I could become a dealer or where I could purchase their product..

I got NO reply. Nice customer service, eh?

I know a local audio shop installs them and I believe can sell them too.. Just not sure if they would have a large markup.

Still trying to decide which type to give a shot.. I mainly just install two options.. A standard 4 button 1 way, and a 2 way (starters only, no alarms)..

I want to try one out in my truck to give one a shot.. I'll take out the Crimestopper RS1704TWII I have in it now as I'm not really happy with the range I've been getting with it..

Can anyone give me me a make and model number of a good 2 way unit with some solid range so I can see if I can get it off eBay or somewhere else?

Thanks!

I too learned to install alarms with crimestopper...honestly though,,i think crimestopper is a good alarm for just your basic alarming needs...but they suck when you need it for remote start or anything else. i think bicron alarms are better than the crimestopper..just my thoughts,...

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AuDiO ViDeO CoNcEpTs Installer
12125 Day St. Moreno Vallley California