Car alarm "Starline A94": reviews, owner manuals

Signaling systems for carsare complicated each year, replenished with new functions, protection systems and communication systems. As they improve, so do prices. As a result, intermediate segments arise, in which compromise solutions with new opportunities appear, but at affordable prices. Such offers include the car alarm "Starline A94", which can be purchased on average for 11-12 thousand rubles. Despite the modest price tag, it is a security-telematics complex with a full range of popular functions.

General Alarm Information

The system is a balancedtechnical and optional parameters security module designed to protect the car from theft. However, the functions of the package extend far beyond the strictly protective value. Unlike most budget telematics systems, StarLine A94 includes a wide range of comfort facilities, including the following:

• Regulation of preheating parameters.
• Automatic control of the seats.
• Automatic return to the original position.
• Operation of the low and high beam.

In this case, the basic set of functions is stillis focused on the management of access systems in the car. At the disposal of the user is a GPS system, a GSM signal transmitter, alarm management and a standard set of control mechanisms for locking doors, hoods, windows, etc.

"Starlight A94" installation

The basis of the kit is the central unitcontrol of signaling functionality. It is recommended to fix it under the dashboard with complete screeds or screws. When installing, it is important to consider that the unit should not be affected by high temperatures, vibrations and physical shocks. Then the radio receiver module is installed, which will allow to transmit signals to the user's key ring. It should be placed on the surface of the windshield or under the same instrument panel - but in this case, the effectiveness of the interaction over remote communications will be lower. Further, a light indicator is placed, which will provide external visual information for the "Starline A94" car alarm. Installation of this component is carried out in the most visible place of the salon. Fastening is also carried out with complete accessories. Sound information will provide a horn siren. Optimal for her place - in the engine compartment. But it should be placed by a mouthpiece downwards - this eliminates the risk of water getting into the electromechanical stuffing.

Connecting Protection Channels

Mechanical locking is implemented usingchannels of the CAN bus. Blocking devices are connected to the relay through the appropriate communication channels. In this way, you can put on the guard hood, trunk, door locks and a starter. In accordance with the typical wiring diagram, the CAN interface is connected to the central control unit, the on-board network and programmed to a specific lock control mode with the ability to control through the key chain. But not all car models support the possibility of putting a CAN bus into an electrical grid. As an alternative to controlling the blocking devices, the "Starline A94" car alarm allows the use of an additional channel for connecting the 18-pin connector to the central unit relay. In this case, it will be necessary to completely disconnect the CAN bus at the software level.

Activating the Slave mode

This mode is relevant for security systems, inwhich focuses on the management of standard protection systems. In other words, in addition to the complete Starlight A94 keyfob, the user will be able to control the system using a standard remote control tool and other devices introduced into the infrastructure of the complex through the GSM module.

You can connect the mode in two ways: fromusing the computer or via the service button. In the first variant, it is necessary to connect to the central control unit via the USB cable and, having entered the programmer, activate the Slave option. In the second case, you can directly enter via the CAN interface into the same programmer and in the section with additional functionality to enable the mode. But it is important to take into account certain risks in this format of operation "Starline A94". The instruction notes that access to the car in this case can be controlled not only by the connected remote devices. For the convenience of expanding the range of control tools allowed to control, it is necessary to pay and the probability of entering into the infrastructure of third-party devices that could be accessed with the help of a code-grabber.

Instructions for managing the autorun

Autorun allows you to control the inclusion anddisconnecting the engine with the heating system at designated time intervals. You can use the keychain to regulate the equipment operation schedule. It sets the time and the parameters of the engine. This can be done directly through the interface of the central unit "Starline A94". The operating instructions also indicate that remote startup of the autorun will make it impossible to open the door lock without the keyfob with the radio tag. This is an additional measure of protection, due to the risks of theft, which increase with the engine running.

Maintenance Instructions

Manufacturer recommends periodicallyTest the operation of sound and light alarms, which must trigger in the alarm mode. Even in the process of setting it is important to determine the situations in which the "Starline A94" complex will send out the alarm signal. The default instruction is to program the alarm to activate the alarm when the doors are opened, the ignition is switched on, the brake is pressed, the handbrake is disengaged, etc.

Channels of electrical wiring are separately checked. This applies to power supply lines and signal transmission circuits to the central unit from the functional components. They must be provided with isolation and protected from external negative influences, which can affect the operation of the Starline A94 system. The operating instructions also recommend that when arming with a remote device, check the performance of adjacent electrical devices in the cabin, on which the alarm functions depend.

Positive feedback on Starline A94

The complex by the standards of its class offersquite a modern solution to protect the car. Signaling is highly valued for a wide range of functions, reliability and versatility in terms of combining with different models of cars. The advantages of the system include a variety of sensors. This applies not only to sensitive elements that are responsible for access control, but also to auxiliary devices. To such, for example, the temperature sensor "Starline A94" refers. Reviews about ergonomics are also positive. Many point to the extensive possibilities of communication with the system, including through the channels of the GSM module.

Negative feedback

If the nominal characteristics of the systemlooks quite dignified, the practice of exploitation reveals certain difficulties in the process of working with individual functions. One of the unpleasant surprises for many was the reduction in the distance of the radio module "Starline A94". Reviews indicate this defect in a variety of conditions, which excludes the possibility of the impact of the problem area on the quality of the signal.

Frequent problem of telematic securitycomplexes with auto start is the conflict of the ignition system with the immobilizer. This system is not spared from this shortcoming. The crux of the problem lies in the fact that the immobilizer as an additional blocker does not allow the activation function of the engine to be remotely activated. As a result, it is necessary to supplement the Starline A94 complex with an immobilizer. To do this, special transponders are used, in the connector of which a key label imitator is introduced. At the time of sending the signal for autostart, the keychain first communicates with the transponder, and the one, in turn, performs the unlocking of the immobilizer.

Conclusion

Mechanical anti-theft means graduallyThey lose demand under the onslaught of more sophisticated and convenient electronic alarms. Nevertheless, the practice of using security-telematic systems shows that they are far from ideal. They have problems in ergonomics, mechanisms and electrotechnical communications. In this respect, the signaling of "Starline A94" is also not spared from weak points, but experienced owners of such systems also note that it is possible to get used to the shortcomings and minimize their influence on the effectiveness of the protective function. The main problem that alarms the owners of this module is the risks of the theft of the radio tag using the code-grabber. Although the manufacturer assures that the radio sensor used advanced shielding and protection from remote scanning, experts, in turn, declare that it is impossible to completely exclude such actions by intruders. However, this applies not only to the Starline system, but also to other similar complexes, which can only be completely protected with the integrated use of traditional anti-theft devices.