PSA: Another aftermarket Remote starter/Alarm start thread. This one has videos

[md-lucky]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a remote start/alarm package and I'm trying to decide if I want to get a 2way or drone mobile. I've read a few threads that the Drone Mobile can kill a battery if you don't use the car for a few weeks. Is that true?

Are most people using the factory FOB to start theirs or are you using a 1 or 2 way remote?

Brian:

I can't speak to "weeks" without use, but I do travel frequently for work and the 4runner sits at the airport for 5-6 days at a time.

I have never had an issue with the Drone Mobile draining the battery, and it has started without issue in negative temperatures. I am thrilled that I am able to start the 4runner from baggage claim and I get a confirmation back on the app that it is started.

I also love the ability for me to step off a plane all the way across country and think "Crap. Did I remember to hit the key fob and lock the doors at 3:15am this morning?" No more worry - just pull out the phone and hit the door lock button.

I'm not thrilled that I have to pay a monthly subscription, but that is literally my only complaint about the system.

 

[gshadow325]

Brian:

I can't speak to "weeks" without use, but I do travel frequently for work and the 4runner sits at the airport for 5-6 days at a time.

I have never had an issue with the Drone Mobile draining the battery, and it has started without issue in negative temperatures. I am thrilled that I am able to start the 4runner from baggage claim and I get a confirmation back on the app that it is started.

I also love the ability for me to step off a plane all the way across country and think "Crap. Did I remember to hit the key fob and lock the doors at 3:15am this morning?" No more worry - just pull out the phone and hit the door lock button.

I'm not thrilled that I have to pay a monthly subscription, but that is literally my only complaint about the system.

thank you for chiming in. Didnt want it to be just coming from me, like i was defending the hardware/product.

So let me clear the air about all the misconceptions and hearsay.

Kinda like a Snopes, fact checking:
True or false: Drone mobile kills batteries

both true and false

Why?

Well there were many versions of this drone mobile. Depending on the model and how old it was, DR1000 was on 2g that reached in end of life in 2015 for example. he could have had a verizon unit in alaska that has NO service up there except with Att.

DR1000, DR2000, DR3000, DR3200, DR3300, DR3400 and now

DR5400 thats 4G LTE and the fastest SOB on the market.

Which unit did this person complaining about "kills batteries" have?
Did this person call compustar and express their opinion? Compustar would have probably worked with the client on getting the issue resolved.

So to flat out say, drone mobile kills batteries. the same can be said about the viper smart start, omega carlink, code alarm's carlink etc etc.

I'm not going to go into detail on what things i know they have done for the client. I can tell you, not many companies out there would do what they do for the client.

So i'm going to say, if you feel you have a issue with the drone and you sure its not your 7 year old original battery in your 2010 SR5, you should call compustar. they will help you as long as you are a current subscriber.

 

[gshadow325]

I just had a brain farting moment just now.

Zane asked a simple question: Can i control the defrosters from the drone mobile app?

Not until he asked this question did it occur to me that it can be done.

If anyone has talked to me, you will know i rarely say no to any of your guys requests!!

then another member Matt, wanted the system to turn on some lights when it is running. Now this was after he got the system so i had to put my thinking cap on. Yes we were able to do that too!!

So, this leads up to....If you get the drone mobile unit AND you want to say, throwing ideas out there now! Make a set of lights come on remotely, you can make the train horns blow for 5 seconds like i have.

The remote control of a set of lights is super useful, say you are far from the truck and you have a 50" rigid light bar on top of the truck and want to find it in a crowded parking lot at midnight. you can, plus you will be the cool kid on the block!!!!

I'm sorry i didnt think of this sooner!:wtf:
possibilities are endless!!

 

[007Tacoma]

I just had a brain farting moment just now.

Zane asked a simple question: Can i control the defrosters from the drone mobile app?

Not until he asked this question did it occur to me that it can be done.

If anyone has talked to me, you will know i rarely say no to any of your guys requests!!

then another member Matt, wanted the system to turn on some lights when it is running. Now this was after he got the system so i had to put my thinking cap on. Yes we were able to do that too!!

So, this leads up to....If you get the drone mobile unit AND you want to say, throwing ideas out there now! Make a set of lights come on remotely, you can make the train horns blow for 5 seconds like i have.

The remote control of a set of lights is super useful, say you are far from the truck and you have a 50" rigid light bar on top of the truck and want to find it in a crowded parking lot at midnight. you can, plus you will be the cool kid on the block!!!!

I'm sorry i didnt think of this sooner!:wtf:
possibilities are endless!!

...hmmm... I may need to upgrade my system to include the Drone Mobile then.. :bravo::lever:

 

[Slowgoat]

Another satisfied customer here!

Steve gave me a great deal back in 2014 on an amp and speakers when I first got my 4runner, so I knew he was great to work with.

I’d say I’m a novice at electronics but I’m not afraid to learn.

This was intimidating for my skill level, but Steve was there to lend a guiding hand.

I soldered everything in on New Year’s Eve. I got it all perfect and . . . . Nothing!

I sent Steve a message. He responded. I couldn’t believe it. On New Year’s Eve!

We worked diligently through the problem. He had an infinite amount of patience. I did not. He kept messaging me until 10 pm on New Year’s Eve. That was when I called it quits and went to a good party.

He was so great throughout the troubleshooting process.

He sent me a second unit since my first one wouldn’t start the vehicle.

It ended up being installer error. I had two wires mixed up. There is a green/red and a red/green next to each other on the ignition. BIG DIFFERENCE!!

This was due to my inexperience. Like I said, Steve taught me a LOT!

Steve tried to tell me there must be a wiring issue with my install, but I was sure I had carefully checked everything. He had infinite patience even when I didn’t!!

Steve also patiently talked me through my options.

I originally got a remote with a relatively short range. I wanted to go through buildings, etc. but my concern was that my house is on a block in a city with no Verizon cell reception (fun stuff right there!). So I have to use a signal extender. That is the only reason I didn’t just pull the trigger on the Drone Mobile at first.

Steve explained that the unit uses ATT texts to function. He said if it didn’t work or if I didn’t like it that I could just return it. It works!!!

I’m so happy and I learned a lot. My confidence with projects like this has really improved.

This is the absolute best upgrade that I’ve ever done to any vehicle! (It is cold up here in Green Bay!)

Thanks so much Steve for all the help and your patience, buddy!!

 

[SKUDZUKI]

I just installed a system in my 17 LE that I ordered from Steve. Here is a narrative of my experience:

I emailed Steve after coming across this thread. I had all of the questions that everyone had. Steve answered the questions promptly. I emailed some more questions. Steve promptly answered the questions. I emailed some more questions. Steve CALLED me and we had a conversation about my expectations and what the Compustar system would do. Long story short, I ordered the system from Steve and paid through PAYPal.

I received the system in the mail. When I opened the package, I noticed that the instructions and pictures that other patrons talked about were nowhere to be found. I emailed Steve and he said that he provides the instructions electronically. He sent me links to his Google drive to download the information. These links included a Word file, several pictures and video files. Heck, there were even videos on how to properly splice and solder the connections!

After studying the information for a few hours, it was time to jump in. Like others have said, if you can wire in a head unit, you can do this. I ran into some question during the install, and had to call Steve. He answered the questions and stayed with me until we were both satisfied that I had a handle on things. After about two and half hours of time under the dash, with Steve on the phone with me, the truck started after three lock pushes to the lock button on the factory remote. Success, and the truck didn't erupt into flames!


I ordered the system with the Pro 901 two-2way remote with the 1 mile range. I was considering the Drone setup, but rationalized that carrying two remotes was more palatable than the monthly charge for the Drone. I haven't been able to test the range yet, but so far it works as expected.

The weather hasn't been cool enough to test the defroster a yet, but Steve included the sensor, wiring and instructions with the purchase.

If you are thinking of I buying a remote start system, buy it from Steve. You could go to the big box store and have one installed, but you will not get the satisfaction of doing this yourself and know that it is done correctly and neatly.

Steve is very knowledgable, courteous, and prompt with his support. I highly recommend Steve's expertise and Comustar.

 

[jstack2]

To further ad to the praise of STEVE!!!! I got my setup wired up from him with drone Mobile, needless to say I couldn't be happier. He is a stellar human being to say the least. He's a class act to give out his personal cell number and to always take a call when you need a hand!!!

 

[jbjones85]

I need to get mine installed, every time I Read this thread or wake up to a cold morning it reminds me but tend to forget on the nice days. It has been sitting in my shed since the fall.

 

[Jbranham]

I have a 2018 4runner trd pro and I am looking into this system.... I hate the factory remote start.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

 

[gshadow325]

I have a 2018 4runner trd pro and I am looking into this system.... I hate the factory remote start.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

^^^^^^^ from reading this signature, you cant see my email address in my signature shoot me a email at gshadow325 at gmail. we can discuss it there

 

[gshadow325]

thank you guys for your support!

it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside reading these reviews.

I can not say i did it myself, you guys are the ones that should be thanked for a job well done! You guys did it, you got it installed and over came your fears on working on the truck!

Every success story starts with a plan.
Your beliefs trumps fear. Belief determines your success

Now

Your Belief is based on truth, YOU DID IT.

Congrats to everyone of you guys!

 

[ROBSCOOL]

I just wanted to leave some more positive feedback for Steve and some additional reassurance for those who are on the fence. Bottom line, do yourself a favor and buy one of his kits immediately. You'll be happy you did!

I bought a kit from Steve that included the alarm and drone mobile setup. He shipped it right away and I had it within a couple days! After about an hour of reading the guide frontwards, backwards, side to side, and studying the pictures, I mustered up the courage to dive in. I don't have a lot of experience with soldering or electrical systems in general, so needless to say I was super nervous to cut/splice/solder very important wires. But once I started going, it was basically color by numbers. His kit and guide couldn't have made things easier! If I can do it, you most definitely can. The best part... everything worked with no issues the first time I tried it! It's been working awesome ever since, and I even have Alexa hooked up so she can start the 4Runner for my wife every morning. Definitely some browny points from her on that one

Thanks, Steve! You're the man!

How were you able to get Alexa to start the car? From everything I read it says that Alexa will only lock/unlock?

 

[gshadow325]

How were you able to get Alexa to start the car? From everything I read it says that Alexa will only lock/unlock?

i dont think it will start the truck. only lock and unlock. maybe shes mad at me and it doesnt work for me either

 

[smorris252]

Remote start issue

I am new and if this question has been asked before I apologize. I own a 2016 4Runner TRD Pro. This vehicle does not have the push start. I have called several dealers in my area and they have all told me the same thing. I can not get the factory remote start installed on my vehicle. They have told me that my vehicle needs to have the push start and or smart pass, but I have seen posts on here and other sites with 4Runner TRD Pros that have the factory remote start. Is there something that I am missing here. Please help.

 

[gshadow325]

What is happening to you is the reason why this thread exists. Please email me at gshadow325 at gmail dot com

 

[sammcrown]

Thank you!

Hello fellow Runners!

I wanted to just take a moment and provide my own feedback to Steve and his work supporting the T4R community. I'm a new member and joined to get some feedback on different modification options including an alarm.

I have a 2016 Trail Premium with some mods including suspension, wheels/tires, air bag springs, sliders and bumper and emblem blackouts that I got the ideas off this forum to name a few. I was in the market for purchasing an alarm and originally was leaning towards the Viper until I came across the threads here talking about Compustar and Steve. Honestly, I had never heard of the brand since I hadn't dabbled with alarms since I was in high school but with the additional investment into the truck, it was going to just be an added piece of mind around its security.

My 4Runner came with the Toyota remote start option and I have a standard key for it vs a push button start/fob. After reading some feedback I decided to email Steve and get some input based on what my needs were. I wanted to keep things pretty simple, including retaining my stock key to lock/arm and unlock/disarm the vehicle. We exchanged a couple emails then had a conversation over the phone. I was thoroughly pleased in Steve hearing my needs out and in turn providing me with what options were possible. After some conversation and watching some video examples of how the different features operate, I decided on a system that was right for me. Within a week, I had my customized alarm/remote start system shipped to me from Steve and ready to install. Now I hadn't installed an alarm since I was a teen back when UngoBox was the brand to have so I was a little hesitant in doing the work but after seeing the instructions and videos Steve provides, I had my stock remote starter and new system installed in a couple afternoons. Steve was very eager to assist in answering questions along the way as I worked on the removal of my old system and installation of my new one. Everything worked the first time too! I was so relieved! The only visible differences are the addition of the LED alarm light
mounted in one of the open button bays next to the windshield defroster button, and I also had the EZGO proximity lock/arm, unlock/disarm option and Drone added. There is a small RFID receiver mounted on the windshield behind the mirror for the EZGO. Hard to see in the pic below but my finger gives you the idea ;-)

So if you're on the fence, hop over and reach out to Steve. He'll take care of you!

Thanks Steve!

Here's a few pics...

DK :guitar3:


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wMh1p37m3zT90kVPjGyBkgHo2OMr_ppX/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhJTQ6QEv9FordRfdv-B6Y3dqP7ilt7I/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A7iBd59pZP63I_Da7c5pXWW54jsWh-Lu/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15xqaX5PDG5wA8-jrNJ7vOjRHNw6ulq14/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iBuOP7sPf8rGEeivU5HXdIlxYnB-LWbw/view?usp=sharing

 

[3s1kill]

According to your original post my 2015 Limited with smart key will always shutoff when I open the door. I'm using a Compustar Pro T11 autostart.

"With aftermarket vs OEM.

Aftermarket can add in Smart phone and desktop control capabilities. No shut down after the door opens on regular bladed key vehicles, this is called take over. It will still shut down on Limited Models with the smart key."

I didn't get a chance to read all 15 pages so it may have changed since the thread had started.

 

[snitz427]

I got the Viper DS4 and smart start installed so that I can start from my GKey (didnt want to carry an extra fob), or my smartphone. Starting from key is a little tricky as you have to have the timing right, but I love the app. Didnt think I’d want it, but I love starting my car from my office 21 floors up on a 10 degree day!

It also lets you know if your car moves /gps location - which is nice for security purposes.


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[snitz427]

Oh and there are lots of developers that are making alexa apps (not amazon approved) to use her to start the car - including my system


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[jbjones85]

Knocked my install out today after sitting on the kit since September. Should have done it in September, took a couple of hours to complete and was super easy. The instructions are well put together with what color goes where, pictures of the connectors, ext. The hardest part was getting the larger wires hot enough to actually solder them with my cheap soldering gun. Steve was available by phone for the couple of questions I had. Very Very well put together kit with only the wires you need supplied.