There are many different styles of remote starters in the world. One way to help categorize them is one-way versus two-way. We are happy to explain the differences to you, and if you still have any questions after reading this feel free to email us or stop by the store! Now let’s get to it!
All of our standard systems are considered “one way.” What we mean by this, is the data is only being sent in one direction; to the vehicle. Your remote will send a signal to the car, the car will acknowledge the signal and flash the parking lights (as long as you are within range). These one-way systems come in several different range options, typically sweeping from 300 feet all the way to a whopping 1 mile. These systems typically also allow for several additional options such as wiper-motor cut, rear defrost activation, and MORE.
Above one-way, we also offer TWO-way systems. The data is now being sent to and from the vehicle. What this means is that whatever you ask the vehicle to do (whether it is unlock, start, etc.) it will send a signal back to the remote indicating what it did, and notifying you that the vehicle was in range and did in fact complete the task you asked of the system. This is a really great feature. If you walk all the way to the entrance of the mall and you can’t remember if you locked your doors, just look at your remote! Whether it has illuminating LED’s or a full LCD screen, the system will inform you of whether or not you locked your doors. If you live in an apartment complex and can’t see your vehicle from your window, you can now rest assured that you will know for a fact that your remote start reached the vehicle. You won’t go out to the car and then realize it never started and is still freezing!
While two-way systems can get incredible range, there is one other type of remote start system that is miles apart… And that is a remote start controlled by a smartphone. Our go-to product in this category is the Drone by Compustar. This relatively new technology is pretty remarkable! Imagine being able to start your Toyota Camry while you are still in the shuttle from the airport to the parking lot. The roads are snow covered, so your car will be too. You pull up, you get in your warm car with a clear windshield, and you smile as you drive off and leave those around you scraping ice off their cars while trying to avoid frost-bitten fingers. Or here’s another scenario: Your son calls. He borrowed your Chevy Tahoe while you were vacationing in Lake Tahoe. He locked the keys in the car by accident… No problem! Start the app on your smartphone and hit the unlock symbol. Voila! No need to call a tow company and pay to have the vehicle unlocked.
One major advantage to the Drone systems is it’s GPS capabilities. Not only can you start the vehicle from literally anywhere that has cell phone service, you can also sign up for the premium package and experience everything the Drone remote start system has to offer. This is especially interesting for parents so listen up! A Drone with the premium package will allow the vehicle to be tracked using real-time GPS technology. You can also set up boundaries as a “geo-fence” and you will receive a push notification if the vehicle travels outside the perimeter. Another added bonus is the ability to set a curfew. If the car is moved after the given time you will again receive a notification on your phone. It can even tell you when the key is turned on and off! These are also useful features for fleet vehicles that you need to monitor. The Drone can actually be installed even without a remote starter, if you only care about the tracking services.
One more good source for information on remote start systems can be found HERE. It is an unbiased buyers guide to remote starters!