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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.
The Ultimate In Ford Mustang Upgrades - The Ford 8" Multimedia Navigation System
This navigation kit is the perfect upgrade for the factory audio system found in select 2015 and up Ford Mustang vehicles. The complete upgrade kit provides a significantly larger 8-inch TOUCHSCREEN LCD screen, double the size of the OE factory display. The system also includes the latest in navigation technology utilizing the iGO NEXTGEN platform for onboard turn-by-turn route guidance, HDMI connectivity for smartphone mirroring, and a back-up camera input for safety and convenience. When professionally installed, this navigation kit is designed for to blend seamlessly with your factory system and is compatible with the built-in Ford SYNC system.
Price: U.S. $1299.99
Professionally Installed 3 Year Warranty
8-INCH DISPLAY – The system’s high resolution 8-inch LCD screen (800 X 480) to provide a bigger picture, accommodate more information, and make it faster and easier to see video and mapping information.
iGO NEXT-GEN NAVIGATION – Harness the power of navigation and always know exactly where you’re at with the iGO NEXTGEN navigation platform. The included software provides mapping and turn-by-turn directions to any destination in the country. It offers more than 17 million points of interest (US/Canada), 3D building and topography view modes, and 2D/3D/Smart zoom features for easy to follow graphics.
USER UPDATEABLE MAPPING – Quickly update to the latest map information available by simply going to www.naviextras.com.
HDMI CONNECTIVITY – The built-in HDMI input opens up a world of entertainment capabilities allowing you to connect any portable device with an HDMI output such as an Android smartphone device for mirroring content directly on its display (while parked). The module also includes the MHL to HDMI cable that is compatible with today’s most popular smartphones.
REVERSE CAMERA INPUT – Designed with safety in mind, the system lets you add the convenience of a reverse camera to see what’s directly behind you when the car is shifted into reverse.
FORD SYNC SYSTEM RETENTION – Retains the factory SYNC options including voice control, Bluetooth capabilities, factory SYNC controls, and USB connectivity.
FACTORY LOOK AND FIT – The system replacement provides the same factory appearance utilizing the factory controls for all the HVAC as well as added integration onto the screen for more control.
OBD2 INFO SCREEN – The system includes a built-in OBD2 information screen for key status of tire pressure, door and trunk, and parking brake.
EXTENDED WARRANTY - 3 year/36,000 mile warranty included when installed by Access 1 Alarm.
Alpine 8-Inch Screen Now with Bigger Features.
The record-breaking 8-Inch AVN System is back better than ever to suit your needs with an enhanced My Favorites feature, Dual Zone Video Control, retained factory controls, 3D navigation and built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology.
The KTX-GM8K2 is designed specifically for the Alpine 8-inch AVN head unit to give it a factory finished look matching the shape, color and texture of your dash. This Perfect F.I.T. (Factory Integration Technology) kit is for 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. 2007-2014 Vehicles
Price: U.S. $1999.99 Kit includes all parts needed to complete installation. Not including Maestro unit
Quality Accessories For Your Porsche Panamera Luxury Vehicle
We don't just don't add parts, we provide you with a quality integration as if they were installed by the factory. From backup cameras to remote starts, we hand select the parts that we know will hold up to daily use and provide years of reliable service. Not only do we provide you with quality parts, we provide you with a quality installation from our highly trained and capable technicians.
Below are some of the products and services that we provide with more information and owners manuals.

Mercedes-Benz E Class HID and LED Lighting Upgrades
Upgrade your Mercedes-Benz halogen headlights to HID lighting giving you the look and feel of the factory installed Bi-Xenon headlights. Our Mercedes-Benz kits are not the same as the cheap "too good too be true" kits found on Amazon or eBay.
Originating in Germany and designed to work with the complicated factory CAN BUS electronics of the Mercedes-Benz, our installed kits come with a 2-year "no hassle" replacement warranty. We do not use resistors that will eventually fail to "trick" the factory system into thinking that the halogen bulbs are installed as the other kits that do not work after one of our infamous winters.
Access 1 Alarm & Audio has "peace of mind solutions" for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles and can upgrade the headlight marker lights with optional LED bulbs as viewed in the before and after images located in our Photo Gallery. CLICK HERE
Available Kits for:
- A Class
- C Class
- E Class
- GL Class
- GLK Class
- GLE Class
- ML Class
- R Class
- S Class
- SL Class
- SLK Class
- Sprinter Vehicles
$299.99 Professionally Installed
$49.99 white LED headlight markers at the time of HID installation

Remote start now available for your Porsche Macan Luxury SUV
Regardless of the outside environment you can now enter your Porsche to a climate you are more accustomed to, from cooling off the interior in the warm weather to heating it during the cold winter days. Access 1 Alarm and Audio, Cleveland Ohio's leading Viper dealer, can professionally install a remote start systems that will allow you to start your vehicle 15 minutes prior to entering the vehicle.
Offering multiple solutions from the basic system that utilizes the factory key fob to the SmartStart 2-way system that includes communication to and from the vehicle to your smartphone with virtually unlimited global range.
Radar Detectors and Laser Jammers For Your Ford

Add a backup camera to your Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Outfit your Mercedes-Benz with a backup camera while maintaining the factory look. Access 1 Alarm & Audio specializes in quality aftermarket backup camera integration's and offers multiple solutions to fit within your budget or requirements.
Utilizing the factory navigation screen, our camera interfaces allow for multiple style backup cameras to be displayed. From the appearance of the factory looking stealth mounted cameras to the license plate frame camera with its wide view, each camera displays an outstanding high resolution color image even in low light conditions at night.
On newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles the camera integration module will display Rear Dynamic Parking Assistance Lines that move along with the steering wheel position. Further, a second video input can be used for any other composite video source, such as a FLIR Night Vision or front view camera that is activated automatically when you place the vehicle in drive or can be turned on by pressing a the "Return" button of the steering wheel controls for 3 seconds.
We have a solution for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, unfortunately some are more expensive than others when trying to maintain a factory look due to the design of the factory radio. Some factory systems it is recommended to replace the complete radio/display with an aftermarket system due to cost considerations. Remember, not all Mercedes-Benz's are created equally.
As with all of our OEM integration's, the camera and interface come complete with a 3yr/36,000 mile warranty both parts and labor. Most installations are "Plug-n-Play" and use factory connectors to make the connections ensuring there is no need to worry about the quality of the equipment being added to your vehicle and when paired with a professional installation by our qualified technicians, the new system will provide many years of quality trouble-free use.
We support the efforts of Kids and Cars, please visit their website for more information and to offer your supportkidsandcars.org

Backup Camera Solutions for all Porsche vehicles.
Outfit your Porsche with a backup camera while maintaining the factory look. Access 1 Alarm & Audio specializes in quality aftermarket backup camera integration's and offers multiple solutions to fit within your budget or requirements.
Utilizing the factory navigation screen, our camera interfaces allow for multiple style backup cameras to be displayed. From the appearance of the factory looking stealth mounted cameras to the license plate frame camera with its wide view, each camera displays an outstanding high resolution color image even in low light conditions at night.
Most camera integrations will display Rear Dynamic Parking Assistance Lines that move along with the steering wheel position. Further, a second video input can be used for any other composite video source, such as a FLIR Night Vision or front view camera that is activated automatically when you place the vehicle in drive or can be turned on by pressing the a button on the steering wheel controls for 3 seconds.
As with all of our OEM integrations, the camera and interface come complete with a 3yr/36,000 mile warranty both parts and labor. Most installations are "Plug-n-Play" and use factory connectors to make the connections ensuring there is no need to worry about the quality of the equipment being added to your vehicle and when paired with a professional installation by our qualified technicians, the new system will provide many years of quality trouble-free use.