Turn your alarm system into a security system!

Well what does that mean? You just spent a few hundred dollars on an alarm system to protect your vehicle and you go to bed at night feeling easy knowing that your vehicle has an alarm system, but is your vehicle really protected? Time and time again we hear from many people across the nation or read the stories online in forums that the vehicle was broken into or worse, stolen and had an aftermarket security system installed on it. So what to do?

First by definition an alarm is a signal that warns or alerts while security is the state of being protected or safe from harm. Two different terms each describing an aftermarket or factory system, but which one would you prefer for your vehicle?

Now we do write alarm system throughout our website but that is because the term is loosely used in the world and makes it easier for Google to search the term when people do not distinguish between the two. However, we hope that more people read this and armed with this knowledge understand the difference.

Access 1 Alarm & Audio's basic alarm systems come with door trigger monitoring, siren, shock sensor, flashing parking lights, keyless entry, starter interrupt/kill and a flashing light indicating the status of the alarm system in which all are professionally installed by one of our highly skilled and trained technicians. Currently this is an alarm system as it will warn or alert anyone within ear shot of the vehicle. Now there is some limitations to the basic system as it does not monitor the trunk or hatch depending on the vehicle and the hood leaving them vulnerable to thieves. A pin switch at a minimal reasonable price can be added to ensure that they are integrated into the alarm system. 

Layers!

Layers is what turns an alarm system into a security system and the more layers the better protected the vehicle is. For instance there are several add on sensors that will activate the alarm like a proximity sensor, tilt sensor or glass break sensor and will be discussed further in this article.

2-way security systems are the first reasonable route to go with which are like the basic alarm systems listed above but have the capability to page your remote control from 1000 ft to a mile away depending on the system which will inform you that the alarm system is going off. The draw back to the 2-way systems is that the max range is limited to a mile maximum on the premium 2-way systems and you have to be carrying the 2-way remote control fob with you. Now you can add SmartStart which will increase the range globally if you are within cell/Wi-Fi service and will provide you with text, push notifications and email to your smartphone. 

View a list of available security sensors by CLICKING HERE

Turning the alarm into a security system

The first step is to add the hood and trunk/hatch pin triggers, this allows the alarm system to monitor those areas and inform you if they are opened while the alarm system is active. The trunk is where we store valuables or is an entry point into the vehicle. The hood trigger monitors the hood area as it states and is an excellent option to add as this is where your battery, horn, and siren are located. With the battery disconnected your alarm system will not sound, and if your siren and horn wires are cut nothing will be heard.

Next would be to hook up the horn to the security system, this provides an audible warning that when combined with the siren is louder and draws more attention to the vehicle when the system is triggered.

Now it's time to add the layers of protection with additional sensors. A field disturbance sensor or perimeter sensor is an accessory that will monitor the perimeter of the vehicle and chirp if someone was to be within approximately 2' of the vehicle informing them that you have a security system. This sensor has a dual zone capability and if someone was to reach into your vehicle with the convertible top or the windows down it will set the security system off. If you have a 2-way system or SmartStart you will be notified.

Another sensor is the glass break sensor. The glass break sensor sets the security system off when it detects the frequency of broken glass. Yes you will have a broken window, but your vehicle and most likely the contents will still be there.

What about your rims or towing? The digital tilt sensor is a great addition to the security system and will monitor the vehicles angle regardless if you parked on a hill or a level surface. This sensor will trigger your security system if the vehicles angle has been tilted 1 or 3 degrees.

The shock and impact sensor, this sensor is included in all of our basic alarm packages but it deserves some explanation on what it does and does not do. The shock sensor will generate a warn away signal for minor impact or vibrations picked up on the vehicle and will set the security/alarm system off when it detects a heavy blow to the vehicle such as someone hitting it. This sensor is completely adjustable however it will not set the alarm off or trigger a warn away when the vehicle is simply touched.

SURPRISE the thief!

Here is a few additional items to turn your alarm system into a security system and will make the thief's attempt to drive away with your vehicle much harder.

Our favorite is the backup battery siren, this siren will sound if the thief cuts the wires to the siren or removes power to the battery and will continue to sound until turned off with a security key or power is restored to the vehicle.

How about a backup battery for the alarm system? This accessory powers the alarm and triggers the security system when power is removed. Surprise! The system still works.

The interior pain generator mini piezo sirens are great for placing in the interior of the vehicle and activate when the security system is triggered causing the thief to not want to be inside the vehicle.

Convenience

After all you go through great lengths and a financial burden to keep your vehicle and its contents protected, what can it do for you? How about adding remote start, power trunk actuator, window automaton, power door locks or power windows if not equipped or even headlight automation that will light the way to your vehicle at night upon disarming the security system.

Cool features

How about a security system with the talking voice module? "Protected by Viper stand back" yes, the voice module can interface with your security system and besides Viper specific messages, it can do it in Spanish or English. The addition of extra LED flashing security lights or the blue high visibility electro-luminescent "Protected by Viper" flashing warning panel lets the thief know you are serious about the security of your vehicle. 

Guarantee

What is the guarantee after you do all this or add additional sensors that your vehicle will still be there when you get back to it? Well besides our lifetime guarantee on all alarm systems parts and labor, Viper backs it up with Viper's one-year Guaranteed Protection Plan and is the most generous in the industry. GPP refunds your comprehensive insurance deductible up to $2,500 if your car is stolen with a Viper security system installed and armed – whether your vehicle is recovered or not! Click HERE for more details.

Nissan and Infiniti Touchscreen Garmin Navigation Integration

Add Garmin touchscreen navigation to select Nissan and Infiniti vehicles utilizing the factory color screen.

How does it work?

You initiate the navigation system by touching the new factory touchscreen display which will switch the system from the factory information over to the Garmin navigation system.

Once the navigation appears enter your destination as you would any other navigation system and you are off.

All voice prompts will be through the audio systems front speakers or if you have the Bose Audio system, they will be heard through the center channel.

Want to go back to the factory screen, then simply touch the bottom left corner for 2 seconds and you will be back to the factory.

Want to add backup camera?

Not a problem, this unit will allow you to add any camera you want. It even allows for another video input that can be used for a front camera, FLIR thermal imaging camera, or any video source you want such as Bluray, DVD, iPhone screen, Android Screen, or a gaming system.

So what separates this from other people copying it? Quite simply the utilization of a factory replacement touchscreen. This is a certified Nissan/Infiniti OEM part, there is no overlay added to it, or modifying the existing non touchscreen. the extra mile was taken by the NAVTV design engineers to provide you with the highest quality products.

Watch the video to the right to view the system in use. Navigation system is shown with the optional Live Nav Traffic system activated, which monitors the traffic flow patterns of your route.

Pricing Starts at $1499.99 Professionally Installed

Applications:

Just when you thought your dash had it all, the X110-SRA raises the bar. With its groundbreaking 10-inch touchscreen, the X110-SRA is truly the largest factory radio replacement for the 2014-up GMC Sierra available, period. Don’t judge the X110-SRA just by its screen, though. The X110-SRA is packed with new features and controls befitting of its revolutionary size. There’s no doubt the X110-SRA will make a statement in your GMC Sierra and upgrade your driving experience.

The 10-inch X110-SRA is Alpine engineered specially for the GMC Sierra. The X110-SRA comes with a stunning dash bezel that houses the 10-inch screen and provides a matching fit and finish, as if it came that way from the factory. The rotary volume knob and big crystal buttons for music and navigation sources are backlit to match the Sierra’s factory gauges. Other hard keys provide direct access to the main menu and My Favorites feature.

Wherever Life Takes You, You’re Covered

The X110-SRA offers reliable navigation to wherever work or play takes you with preloaded HERE® map data of the United States and Canada, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which translates to maps galore. With turn-by-turn instructions delivered by Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, street names, freeway numbers and freeway exit names are announced clearly through your vehicle’s audio system.

Choose from different intuitive map view options, such as 3D mapping, split map, and turn-by-turn arrow view. This unit also features Alpine's exclusive Graphical User Interface with intuitive screen graphics, so it's easy for you to find your way. Thanks to the included free lifetime traffic service, see the congestion ahead of time so you can choose an alternate route. Get quick and easy directions from start to finish.

Before and After

The obvious choice

Factory System

Alpine System

Take the Command Center Beyond the Dash

Have you upgraded your Chevrolet Silverado with accessories like a winch, lights, air suspension and a motorized tonneau cover? No need to add switches that clutter your dash. Now you can conveniently control these accessories directly from the X110-SRA's touchscreen!

The KAC-001 Truck Accessory Controller (sold separately) turns the X110-SRA into a hub to connect and control these accessories. Eight individual outputs are available to control eight relay-connected accessories, and the accessories can be configured as Pulsed, Latched or Momentary Outputs. Graphical icons can be assigned to each accessory for quick identification on the screen.