New 2-Way Alarm Installed

['_']

I decided to swap out my keyless entry with the Python 902 2-Way system. The range is a 1/4 mile and I got it installed for $275 without tax. Good deal? My neighborhood is pretty safe for the most part, but around my school there are a lot of break ins, robberies, assaults, etc.

Anyways, what are realistic ranges for these alarms? What factors come into play besides obstructions, other radio signals, weather, etc? I wanted to get the 1 mile range but the price jumped up to $450 and had extra features that I didn't want (ie. remote start). I'm concerned about parking in a covered structure or around a mall and not being able to get a signal with the 1/4 range. I was thinking about swapping out the 548T antenna with the 1 mile range 6701T antenna for $90. These come standard on some of the more expensive 1 range alarms so I'm wondering if they would still be compatible with mine (ie. my current alarm may not have the extra technology like SST or whatever). Would this solution work? Would that get me the extra range I need? If so, how hard would it be to install the antenna myself?

Here's a link to the antenna. Are there any places where I could pick one up for a cheaper price?
http://www.autotechs.com/items/item1900.htm

Also, I can add 2 more sensors to my alarm. I already have the shock sensor set to the highest sensitivity so I don't think I would need a Glass Breakage Sensor. I was thinking about a Tilt Sensor, Proximity Sensor, or the GBS if needed. Any thoughts? I was told I could only add 2 more sensors to this alarm.

['_']

No feedback? I mainly want to know if the antennas can be swapped while keeping everything compatible.

[maddtony]

if i remember correctly just switching the antenna wont work. The remotes are different internally. I haven't tried it though. if need be you can call Directed Electronics and they will tell you if you can do it or not.

[islandboy57]

First off, good choice on getting a DEI product. They really know how to make a good alarm. 1/4 mile is in "ideal" conditions like your car being parked in the middle of a grassy field so you probably won't get very good range. That's enough for home but I doubt you'll get a signal from it while at school and at the mall or wherever.

The remotes with 1 mile range have SST technology, whatever that is, so you'll need new remotes and a new antenna at the very least - that's assuming that the brain is even capable. In other words, it's probably not worth it.

I got my alarm when the Viper x002 series first came out so it was pricey. The 2-way system with the options I wanted was going to be $600. I ended up with a cheaper 1-way system configured exactly how I wanted it. I figure, what am I gonna do if I get alerted someone is trying to break into my car? I'd probably just call the police and wait - might be different if you're a really big guy with a gun but in most instances it's not worth the confrontation IMO.

As far as the add-ons, Amazon seems to have the best deal. My sensitivity is set pretty high too so I don't think I need a GBS. My car is stock so I don't think anyone would be so desperate as to tow my car away either which is why I passed on the tilt sensor. The proximity sensor sounds cool but would probably get annoying. The only additions I'd get is probably a backup battery system...and maybe the GBS only because it's less than $14

['_']

Thanks for the feedback maddtony and islandboy57

I'm not too impressed with the range. I figured that even if I did have 1 mile range at a mall or something, I wouldn't have the time to sprint back to the car to confront the burglar. By that time, they would have already smashed a window and taken whatever they found. That's assuming that the signal would be able to go through the structure, concrete walls, and bypass the hundreds of radio signals. Maybe the SST does a good job of overcoming that, but what do I know? That's part of the reason why I decided on the 1/4 mile.

I tried calling DEI earlier today but couldn't get through. I'll try again tomorrow I guess. I'm pretty disappointed that I don't have the option to upgrade to the 1 mile range, even if it means a new antenna and remote. Anyways, I think I'll still get those 3 sensors, backup battery, and 1 more siren since the neighborhood is bad here. I don't have a wheel locks and sometimes I have the bike mounted on top of the car (tilt and proximity sensor would be nice to have).

Also, I'm going to have the brain relocated in a hard to reach place (stealth install) . Even if the burglar did know where to look, it would take a lot of time to trace the wires back and disable the alarm. I'm planning on have the wires wrapped in plastic loom as well.