Alarm Standards

I wanted to confirm with all you guys that the wire colors for alarm brains are standard. You know like (-)door trigger is green, (+)door trigger is violet, (+)Parking light output is White etc.

Let me know if there are any alarms out there that you use that have different color wires.

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The colors are not standard. Most of the big names use the colors you are familiar with, but a lot of the no-name cheapo eBay alarms use different colors.

You think wire colors should be standardized? And what brands of cheapo alarms are you talking about? Because I'm testing some alarms from Taiwan. Some don't even work at all, some don't program, some don't have needed wires or are wrong polarity.

Oh and a question for installers outside the USA. What brand of Security do you use?

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Going to give this thread another whirl.

I'm working with some overseas manufacturers on designing some new alarms and remote starts and stuff. I want your guys input plz.

What features do you think would be nice to have?
What features do some alarms have that you think all should have?
Built-in relays or external?
What features would make installation easier for you?
What security systems do you guys use right now? And why?(Price, reliability, looks of TX)

When I look out in the Alarm/Remote start market, I think we have lots of room for innovation and improvement. Plus sky high prices from dominant alarm companies have made the market open for competition. This gives all of us a chance to make some money.

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It may be nice from an installer's standpoint that wire colors are standardized, but unless you get everyone to adopt the standard, it's only a standard if you stick to installing those units exclusively. I wouldn't rely on wire colors alone to do an installation, since I doubt there's any guarantee they wouldn't change things around in mid-production. I'd always go by the schematic provided with the unit, so they can use tutti-fruity colors, as long as they're accurate per the diagram.
There may even be some benefit in using nonstandard wiring colors, just to throw the crooks for a loop. If everyone did everything the same way, it would be both easier for the installers and the would-be thieves.

What features do some alarms have that you think all should have?
Progressive locks, programable outputs

Built-in relays or external?
Doesn't matter, maybe trunk pop and selectable +- lights.

What features would make installation easier for you?
Itegrated led/valet that looks good and isn't outragousely big,

What security systems do you guys use right now? And why?(Price, reliability, looks of TX)
Strictly automate 315,415. Dealer work

Plus sky high prices from dominant alarm companies have made the market open for competition.
Prices aren't really determined by the alarm companies. It is the retailer's who tack the money on. Anyone in the business definately knows this when a company buys an alarm at $30-$60 and turns around selling it for $300+ including basic installation then +$25 per option, +$10 for parts/shop supplies, and whatever else they can tack on. Alarm wholesale prices are not that bad, it is after the retailer in alot of cases.

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Certified Security Specialist
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I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

retailers gotta eat too, plus they have the hardest job by dealing with the customer and taking the responsibility of the vehicle etc. etc... There are a lot of other industries making tons more money for a lot less hassles.

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Never argue with an Idiot, they will bring you down to their level and beat with you with experience.

Just stating the facts from a dealer/retail point of view.
Even if you are manufacturing your own alarms there is still not much that can be done to bring the price down, less you are in control of selling retail as well which may be the case here.

I realize that retailers need to make their money too, but the markup on most alarms is rediculous(especially brand names). I remember when I was working for a company a couple of years of go, buy alarms for $36 cost, sell for $299 installed, charge $20 for locks(whether needed relays or not), $7.50 shop supplies (come on, unless you are using a whole roll of super 33+ there is no way that is anywhere near accurate),pay the installer $24 to install, pay the salesman(don't remember the points to percentage of profit but should be around $15-$20), and pocket the rest.

Now with that being said, I can go to a local wholeseller and buy a basic no name alarm (lights, locks, siren and horn output, 2 outputs, starter kill, and 2 remotes) for $36, and I might add I have never had a problem with this peticular alarm. If I did outside labor, which I don't unless they are a good friend or family, I would sell the alarm for $90 and charge $50 for install (basic). That is a basic comparison, same cost alarm. Good or bad I think retail is outragous when it comes to alarms.

By the way, I love the sig.

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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

great point auex.

Are any of those automates those oem upgrade ones?

I understand the mark up factor. The installation takes a lot of skill and insurance and stuff that should be taken into consideration.

But for some units even the dealer cost has gone tremendously high. Lets face it. We are all working to make money. And when we have to buy something at a higher price, it takes away from our pocket.

As far as on the manufacturing level and not being able to make something cheaper... Competition will always make you figure out a way.

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Cost cutting is fine, as long as it doesn't come at the expense of reliability.
If it came down to a choice between more whiz bang features or reliability, I'd consider reliability to be the number one feature to shoot for.
It'd cost more in the long run if the customer kept coming back because of substandard relays or components burning up (unless it can successfully make it past the warranty period, of course-. Then it's a money maker..

5150azn wrote:

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Are any of those automates those oem upgrade ones?

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Yeah, they are the ones that use the lock motor wires to arm/disarm/panic. They customer uses factory remotes. Still can't figure out why someone would actually want that though.

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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

Well I think factory remotes look more dazzling because they may have factory emblems on them. I think maybe it gives them a sense of pride in the car they drive.

This brings up another idea we've kicked around. Aftermarket remotes with the look of factory transmitter. And maybe some shiney chrome around the sides or something.

I dunno, we're just kicking around ideas. It's easy to stay in our comfort zone and do things the same way we've been doing things. But unless you change things and try different things, things will never change for the better.

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