I am currently in the process of installing a remote starter on my 2011 Prius and have a bit of a dilemma. The simplified remote starter that I am installing (RSR setup using a DB-ALL and a plug-and-play t-harness) will allow me to remote start the vehicle by clicking the "lock" button three times.
However, by only utilizing the OEM remote, I am limited to the range of the factory remote. This makes it a bit inconvenient if I am parked faraway from the office.
Fortunately, Directed (DEI) has two options for extending the range of the remote starter: 1) a bulky remote which advertises a 1-mi range, 2) DEI Smartstart, which is a subscription based service that allows you to start the car from your mobile phone. I am having some difficulty deciding which option is better, and would like the board's suggestions and/or personal experiences.
Without getting into discussions about the security aspects of the smartstart, these are the pros/cons that I have thought of for each option.
1) Viper 9752vl (comprised of Viper 7752v remote, XL202 transmitter, 6711t antenna).
Pros: No long-term subscription fee, faster response time for lock/unlock (no 5-10 sec delay for signal to travel thru cell towers).
Cons: Antenna must be mounted in dot-matrix area of windshield (potential target), bulky remote, range may be inadequate if I am parked in a distant parking lot.
2) Directed Smartstart
Pros: No range limitation (able to start car from anywhere with cell service), no antenna mounted, no need to carry additional remote.
Cons: $60/yr service plan, slower response time of lock/unlock from phone (signal has to travel to cell towers).
The upfront cost is the same - for either the Smartstart module or the long-range remote.
Thoughts?
However, by only utilizing the OEM remote, I am limited to the range of the factory remote. This makes it a bit inconvenient if I am parked faraway from the office.
Fortunately, Directed (DEI) has two options for extending the range of the remote starter: 1) a bulky remote which advertises a 1-mi range, 2) DEI Smartstart, which is a subscription based service that allows you to start the car from your mobile phone. I am having some difficulty deciding which option is better, and would like the board's suggestions and/or personal experiences.
Without getting into discussions about the security aspects of the smartstart, these are the pros/cons that I have thought of for each option.
1) Viper 9752vl (comprised of Viper 7752v remote, XL202 transmitter, 6711t antenna).
Pros: No long-term subscription fee, faster response time for lock/unlock (no 5-10 sec delay for signal to travel thru cell towers).
Cons: Antenna must be mounted in dot-matrix area of windshield (potential target), bulky remote, range may be inadequate if I am parked in a distant parking lot.
2) Directed Smartstart
Pros: No range limitation (able to start car from anywhere with cell service), no antenna mounted, no need to carry additional remote.
Cons: $60/yr service plan, slower response time of lock/unlock from phone (signal has to travel to cell towers).
The upfront cost is the same - for either the Smartstart module or the long-range remote.
Thoughts?
