Shopping for new alarm
18 July 2005, 10:03 PM
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Shopping for new alarm
I`m thinking of getting a new alarm. Only got factory fit standard at mo on a my03 wrx.
My budget should be around £300-£350ish
Any tips on make/features that I should be looking for.
My budget should be around £300-£350ish
Any tips on make/features that I should be looking for.
21 July 2005, 11:40 AM
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You say you only have the standard fit system.....I might be biased, but don't write the standard system off just because it came with the vehicle.
The standard system isn't your 90's manufacturer's cheap "perimeter only" alarm system built into an existing ECU, but a Sigma M30 Category 1 Alarm system that has been developed in conjunction with Sigma in the UK and Subaru in Japan.
The security systems are bespoke for each vehicle model and specifically meet the insurance requirements of the UK and all current legislation.
There are a number of accessory outputs and features built into the alarm system that are not utilised on the standard installation, but could be used if required. Additional outputs for interior light illumination on disarm, a pager/additional siren output when triggered, window closer output (although an AC22M module would be required for each pair of windows), boot release output etc, etc. The system cannot switch a remote start unit however, although the fitment of such a unit may have other implications.
It's entirely up to you if you wish to replace the standard system, but just to give you an insight into its development...
1. The ultrasonic sensor housings were specifically designed to meet VCA crash test requirements for "Standard Fit" factory alarm systems.
2. The location of these on the A-pillar provides optimum protection of the vehicle's interior, whilst co-operation with Subaru ensured that these would not interfere with air-bags fiited in the A-pillars.
3 The sensor housings are coloured to match the vehicles interior trim
4. A water resistant bonnet switch is used and mounted on a bespoke bracket for each model to ensure correct positioning each time (minimising the potential of false alarms) and to prevent drilling of the vehicle;'s panels
5. The bonnet switch location is carefully considered to prevent tampering as the requirements for a "Standard Fit" system are stricter than those for an "After Market" installed Category 1 system.
6. The siren location is also carefully considered and again must be postioned to withstand a 60 second attack test on "Standard Fit" systems (this is also mounted using a bespoke bracket to prevent drilling of the body)
7. The alarm system's wiring loom is part of the vehicle's dashboard harness and is installed on the production line in Japan.
8. The alarm ECU is mounted and protected with bespoke metal work for each model.
The following points are also worth considering before purchasing another alarm system:
8.The Sigma Category 1 system's transmitter is housed within the vehicles existing Ignition Key. A bespoke single button transmitter circuit board and "top case" are manufactured to replace the original two-button "top case" and Subaru transmitter which would not meet Thatcham approval for swutching a Category 1 alarm system. If you are told that the existing two-button ignition key (as found on imports) can be used to switch a Thatcham alarm system you have been mis-informed.
9. The Sigma system works in conjunction with the vehicle's standard transponder immobiliser and was submitted to Thatcham for testing as a complete system/vehicle. Should the standard Sigma system be removed the standard immobiliser is not Thatcham Category 2 approved and so cannot be upgraded with a Thatcham Category 2 to 1 alarm upgrade (A full Cat 1 must be fitted - with separate remote controls)
As a result you have the security benefits of a specialist alarm system with the reliability of a factory installed system and the convenience of a remote built into the existing ignition key. Additionally the system can be serviced and parts supplied by the nationwide Subaru dealer network.
This is of course only my opinion and the decision is up to you, but you could easily spend £300+ and yet lose any one, or all of these benefits.
Sigma Sam
The standard system isn't your 90's manufacturer's cheap "perimeter only" alarm system built into an existing ECU, but a Sigma M30 Category 1 Alarm system that has been developed in conjunction with Sigma in the UK and Subaru in Japan.
The security systems are bespoke for each vehicle model and specifically meet the insurance requirements of the UK and all current legislation.
There are a number of accessory outputs and features built into the alarm system that are not utilised on the standard installation, but could be used if required. Additional outputs for interior light illumination on disarm, a pager/additional siren output when triggered, window closer output (although an AC22M module would be required for each pair of windows), boot release output etc, etc. The system cannot switch a remote start unit however, although the fitment of such a unit may have other implications.
It's entirely up to you if you wish to replace the standard system, but just to give you an insight into its development...
1. The ultrasonic sensor housings were specifically designed to meet VCA crash test requirements for "Standard Fit" factory alarm systems.
2. The location of these on the A-pillar provides optimum protection of the vehicle's interior, whilst co-operation with Subaru ensured that these would not interfere with air-bags fiited in the A-pillars.
3 The sensor housings are coloured to match the vehicles interior trim
4. A water resistant bonnet switch is used and mounted on a bespoke bracket for each model to ensure correct positioning each time (minimising the potential of false alarms) and to prevent drilling of the vehicle;'s panels
5. The bonnet switch location is carefully considered to prevent tampering as the requirements for a "Standard Fit" system are stricter than those for an "After Market" installed Category 1 system.
6. The siren location is also carefully considered and again must be postioned to withstand a 60 second attack test on "Standard Fit" systems (this is also mounted using a bespoke bracket to prevent drilling of the body)
7. The alarm system's wiring loom is part of the vehicle's dashboard harness and is installed on the production line in Japan.
8. The alarm ECU is mounted and protected with bespoke metal work for each model.
The following points are also worth considering before purchasing another alarm system:
8.The Sigma Category 1 system's transmitter is housed within the vehicles existing Ignition Key. A bespoke single button transmitter circuit board and "top case" are manufactured to replace the original two-button "top case" and Subaru transmitter which would not meet Thatcham approval for swutching a Category 1 alarm system. If you are told that the existing two-button ignition key (as found on imports) can be used to switch a Thatcham alarm system you have been mis-informed.
9. The Sigma system works in conjunction with the vehicle's standard transponder immobiliser and was submitted to Thatcham for testing as a complete system/vehicle. Should the standard Sigma system be removed the standard immobiliser is not Thatcham Category 2 approved and so cannot be upgraded with a Thatcham Category 2 to 1 alarm upgrade (A full Cat 1 must be fitted - with separate remote controls)
As a result you have the security benefits of a specialist alarm system with the reliability of a factory installed system and the convenience of a remote built into the existing ignition key. Additionally the system can be serviced and parts supplied by the nationwide Subaru dealer network.
This is of course only my opinion and the decision is up to you, but you could easily spend £300+ and yet lose any one, or all of these benefits.
Sigma Sam
Last edited by Sigma Sam; 21 July 2005 at 04:02 PM.
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