The principle of operation and advantages of GSM car alarms

Thousands of cars are stolen in Russia every year, so the safety of the vehicle remains one of the most important tasks for every owner. Not all motorists make a choice in favor of paid parking, preferring to leave their car near their home. In such a situation, it is especially important to choose an alarm that will help protect the car from intruders. One of the most modern and reliable options is GSM signaling.

Features of security systems with GSM-module

Car GSM-alarm system appeared on the market relatively recently, but has already managed to compete with other systems.

GSM devices are based on the interaction of the alarm system with the car owner's mobile phone. With the help of the GSM module, all information about the car is transmitted to a mobile device or a special key fob with a touch screen. Thanks to this, the owner of the vehicle can:

• control the location of your car at any time with an accuracy of 100 meters;
• receive information about what is happening in the car;
• after leaving the car in the parking lot, block the engine and exclude illegal use of the vehicle.

In addition to the listed capabilities of the GSM module, the car owner receives an additional set of functions:

• remote engine start;
• remote locking of doors, turning off and turning on of headlights;
• connection to the car via CAN-adapter;
• built-in acoustic sensors;
• Motion Sensor.

The principle of the GSM signaling

The basis of the security system is the GSM module, which is responsible for receiving and transmitting data and interacting with a mobile device. Various sensors are connected to the module that control door opening, engine start, car movement, etc.

It is thanks to the sensors and interaction with the on-board computer that the module receives information about everything that happens to the car, and then transmits it to the owner's phone.

Also, the GPS alarm can be connected to the dispatch service. Then the data about the car will be transferred not only to the owner, but also to the dispatcher. He will also be able to monitor the movement of the car and determine its location in the event of theft.

Types of GSM car alarms

Manufacturers offer a large selection of car GSM alarms, which can be divided into several types according to individual criteria.

1. Price. Motorists can purchase both budget security systems with a GSM module and more expensive devices. The higher the price of the system, the higher its quality, the wider the set of functions, the greater the number of sensors. The most high-tech complexes are quite expensive.
2. Data transfer capabilities. The systems can send information about the car via SMS and voice messages (auto-dialing). However, the most reliable systems are those with combined alerts.
3. The quality of the GSM module. This is the main characteristic to consider when choosing an alarm. The quality of communication and operation of the entire system depends on the reliability of the module.
4. Power supply method. More often on the market there are devices powered by a 12V source. More expensive and technologically advanced systems may have their own battery that can work in an autonomous mode for a long time without requiring recharging.

Pros and cons of security systems with a GSM module

Modern GSM car alarms have many competitive advantages over other anti-theft devices. The advantages include the following possibilities:

• control the car at any time of the day and anywhere;
• remotely receive complete information about the vehicle;
• using a mobile device to control the switching on and off of individual components and assemblies;
• easily and quickly find a car in case of theft.

With all the obvious advantages of security systems, they also have their disadvantages, which include:

• high price;
• the need for regular payments for the services of cellular operators;
• susceptibility to external radio interference, which can reduce the quality of communication;
• poor signal transmission through reinforced concrete structures.

More expensive systems have the best signal quality, making the main technical drawbacks irrelevant.

Choice of operator and tariff

In order for the GSM car alarm to function, the car owner needs to purchase a SIM card from one of the mobile operators. The quality of the anti-theft system depends on the correct choice of the communication service provider and tariff.

Before purchasing a SIM card, it is recommended to consult with the provider's representative about the possibilities of using the services provided in car alarms.

When choosing an operator and a tariff, it is necessary to take into account several important points:

1. Make sure that the GSM model supports the communication protocols and standards of the selected provider. For example, if the security system can only work with the GSM1900 / -1800 or 900 standards, then the motorist will not be able to use Rostelecom's SIM cards. This operator only supports modems based on 3G technology.
2. In some tariffs, there may be restrictions on the work in GPS-modules of car alarms. Such SIM cards work without problems in the phone, but do not function in the anti-theft device. Therefore, this issue should also be clarified with the communication service provider.
3. The high signal level ensures reliable communication with the car owner. If you are not satisfied with the quality of communication services of any operator, you should not choose it for a security system.
4. When choosing a tariff plan, you need to take into account the peculiarities of communication with the driver. If data transfer is carried out using SMS, then tariffs should be considered that provide the ability to send the maximum number of messages at the lowest price.

If the design of the GSM module has slots for two SIM cards, it is best to use the services of two different telecom operators.

Main producers

There are three leading manufacturers in the GSM signaling market. These are StarLine, Pandora and Prizrak.

Starline

The manufacturer StarLine entered the domestic market in 2013 and took a leading position in a short time. Today the company produces several series of devices:

• series "E" - alarms without built-in GSM-module, but with the possibility of its independent installation;
• series "A" - the ability to control from a mobile phone and a more modern key fob;
• series "B" - has a GPS-monitoring function and is distinguished by increased immunity from interference;
• series "D" - similar to category "B", but designed specifically for SUVs.

Communication with the module is carried out via the Telematika 2.0 mobile application.

Prizrak

In the line of car alarms, the Ghost of a device with a GSM-module can be identified by the first digit "8" in the model name (for example, 810, 820, 830 and 840). In addition to standard functions (auto engine start, microphones, remote control), Prizrak GSM devices are equipped with:

• CAN controllers responsible for reliable integration with automotive systems;
• PIN to drive function, which provides additional protection using a special code;
• sensors of external influences (impact, displacement, tilt, etc.).

Pandora

Pandora alarms have been produced since 2004 and meet all modern standards. Interestingly, it was this manufacturer who first introduced the ability to authorize in the anti-theft system using smart watches. The manufacturer provides motorists with a choice of devices with a wide price range.

If the car owner does not want to save money on protecting his car from theft, GSM alarms will be the right choice. The possibility of remote monitoring and control will prevent illegal use of the car in a matter of seconds. If the car is still stolen, the GSM module will allow you to determine its position with maximum accuracy. To ensure reliable operation of the device, it is worth purchasing alarms only at dealerships or specialized stores.