Miata Mailing List: March 1994, Message #65
sponsored by



     


   From: "Michael Simmons" 
Subject: Re: alarms, clutches, etc.
   Date: Fri, 4 Mar 1994 20:31:45 -0500

Jack McCombs writes:

> 1.      Barry Suskind noted that a friend has an alarm which is triggered
> when someone reaches into the interior of the car.  I'd like to know more
> about it.  Not sure that I want to go the alarm route (one more thing to go
> wrong with the car, more expense for a good one than the cost of
> replacement, personal inertia, etc.) - but that particular type sounds like
> the way to go.  Another problem I have with alarms (and I believe it to be

I have that feature on my alaram (installed 12/90).  It's usually
referred to as "radar" or "microwave" or just "motion detector".  It
will detect motion inside the car.  Some points to consider:

1)  Make sure that it doesn't go off with every movement, such as a
leaf falling into an open car.  Mine goes off only after detecting
motion three separate times a second or two apart (I forget the time).

2)  Because of 1) above, the alarm will not sound if someone makes a
quick grab for something on the seat.  In fact, I've set groceries
down in the open car before remembering the alarm -- I froze for a few
seconds and then quickly pulled my arms out without setting off the
alarm.  If someone jumps in or is rifling through your glove box or
console for a few seconds it will go off, though.

3)  This feature is more likely than other sensors to go off with
nothing happening to the car, at least on my car.  I turn it off at
night (motion sensor only).  I have several other ways to foil a thief,
including door, trunk and hood sensors, motion and shock sensors, kill
switch, back-up battery siren in case someone cuts the battery cable
and glass-shatter sound sensor.

4)  The sensor has to be adjusted correctly so that it covers the
passenger compartment without detecting people walking by.

Overall:  I'm glad I have it.  I have the top down all the time,
covering it with a car cover if it's parked for a few hours but
uncovered for short stops.  It works and is worthwhile to me, if for
no other reason than added peace of mind.  BTW, my alarm is a VSE
Derringer II.  Also, I'm protecting some expensive stereo equipment.
The stuff inside the car is mostly hidden from view so no one will
know what's there unless they poke around inside a little.  This
should help prevent that.

Mike Simmons