So this is kind of going to be a mini build thread with a few questions.

Here's an overview of my plans (prices include shipping, these have already been bought):
-Viper 5901 (ebay, $221)
-DEI 507M Digital Tilt Sensor (ebay, $31)
-DEI 620V ELECTRO LUMINESCENT ARMED LIGHT VIPER (ebay, $14)
-DEI 520T Backup Battery System (ebay, $22)
-DEI 506T Glass Break Audio Sensor (ebay, $19)
total so far: $307

DEI=Directed Electronics (same company that owns Viper)

What I am wanting to do is put the tilt sensor inside my toolbox, that way it will go off in the event my toolbox is opened or lifted off the truck (although it stays locked and bolted to the truck...) as well as if the truck as a whole is lifted up. The only issue I see here is if I needed to take off the toolbox, maybe to rock the topper for a while. I just figured I could get some quick disconnect thing in there though, and maybe just velcro the sensor inside the toolbox, or in the event I remove the toolbox I would velcro it into the topper or under the bed rail. Would that be a problem? using heavy duty velcro of course.

I am not installing this. I have a very trusted car audio place in town I have done business with before, and this is not an install I want to screw up. They install viper alarms, so it should not be a problem for them. Thinking I might save the tilt sensor part for myself to do since it's not too hard but still something I want done a certain way. Now I haven't specifically discussed pricing on the install, but in their shop it saids $380 for the alarm, $589 installed, so that would be $200 for the install (assuming my little extras won't cause extra charges)
Does that seem reasonable? I believe that must cover the cost also of the interface unit on the Ranger for the autostart function to allow starting without a key in, which I'll let them provide, but should I expect to pay much extra for my extras installed?

So hopefully my truck will be protected if:
-Glass is broken
-Battery is disconnected
-Truck is tilted/lifted
-Toolbox is opened/lifted out
-Also not sure what normally activates the alarm, just being unlocked like from inside or reaching through window?

Any things to watch out for, let them know when installing, any comments or suggestions? I didn't get the proximity sensor or the voice box because i didn't feel I needed them, the voice box is cool but it's fairly expensive. Also did not get the window roll up/down box haha seems like overkill...

 

i really like the toolbox idea...and if you have to put your topper on it id find a way to put a tilt sensor on the topper door too

 

that's a good idea too. pretty sure an extreme angle like that wouldn't matter because it knows when you park so it calibrates to level every time. I know they both lock but it's all about peace of mind.

 

i came from honda-tech and im gonna say this is a waste of cash. although honda thieves are professionals, and i dont think theres ranger thieves, but not like you have to be a genius or specialize in them to jack them. good that its a 2 way pager so i guess at night you might be able to have some pre warning but i dont think there particularly effective like at the mall or at the movies. tilt sensor is whatever if your flatbedded your flatbedded end of story not gonna stop it. glass break sensor pointless no ones gonna smash a window and not open the door if there trying to get in and gtfo. if you have it and they want it some pretty sounds and flashing parking lightts arent going to stop anybody.

theres only 1 way to protect your **** and thats the sad truth.

 

well, i respectfuly disagree in part, sure if they want it they'll take it, but i think a LOT of would-be thieves ARE turned away if they see a security light, or if an alarm is going off in their ear.
I guess you are right about the glass break sensor though, hadn't thought of that, but oh well. extra line of protection.
Also consider, you're used to California. I'm in Kentucky.

Your one way to protect it though also requires me knowing when it's happening.... If I'm within a mile now I know, and believe me I'll be there in 2-5 minutes.
Anyway, the money has been spent. I want it so I bought it. Appreciate the input though, not completely unreasonable anyway like some response I've seen on forums.

 

I have the alarm to give them warning that i will be out in a moment with a fully loaded gun with it trained right between the eyes.


On a side note. I might be getting a compact one of them with different grips... Only a year old only been fired 50 times for $700... Its a $1300 gun brand new

 

If it was m truck what i would probably do is use some magenetic read switches to activate the alarm if the toolbox is opened, and use a tilt sensor inside the tailgate to activate the alarm if its dropped while armed.

Also since you mentioned the shop will be installing everything, i would really recommend going over all the things you want before the actual install, coming to a decision and let them do it all at once, because if you ever need to go back for any reason for something not working correctly, you are going to be the first one to blame for it not working, even if you had nothing to do with it especially if you didn't buy it from them, i know every place iv worked at if it wasn't bought from us, we cant warranty it, so that's another thing to think about and find out from them before hand.

 

I don’t think it’s a waste of money. I had a previous vehicle broken into twice before. The first time they stole the head unit. The second time they didn’t take anything because of the alarm.

 

...another note, i don't know if you've seen it but some of the new dei alarms are smartphone adaptable, and you can operate the alarm with your phone as the keyfob from anywhere you have a signal.

You will need another module im pretty sure, heres the link to the info if you want to check it out.

Viper SmartStart

 

When they say one mile range they mean, your key fob can receive from a mile away pending nothing is in between you, and that you can transmit from the fob about 150 yards across an open field.

Mine will tell me that my truck is being broken into in class, but when I want to remote start it wont let me until im half way across the parking lot.


The module is $200 and the service cost is $30 a year. Not worth it in my opinion.

 

yeah, i have a razr so not applicable for me anyway... also, there would probably be a limit on starting your car anyway, who would want to start their car from a mile away? doesn't seem like a good idea. I realize i wouldn't probably get a mile range in the city, but it's less than a quarter mile from me now, and like a half mile when i have to park far away.
will definitely test out locking/unlocking capabilites from distance when it's in though.

what kind of alarm do you have KLC?

 

I don’t have an alarm in the Ranger I have now. I don’t really see the need for one since I don’t have a fancy stereo or keep valuables in the cab. The alarm I had in my previous Ranger was Python brand though. It was the top of the line model at that time, although that was about 6 or 7 years ago now.

 

Viper ftw, even though I think some of it is overkill, as long as it gives you peace of mind, that is all that matters. And Viper has to be installed professionally or you void the warranty, I believe that the Hornet line can be user installed. As far as questions for the installer, think about where you want them to put the led and the valet switch and let them know where you want it. Also if that unit has domelight supervision, make sure they hook it up. My installer didn't and then hoped I wouldn't notice. Not a real big deal, but it's nice to have. Make sure they go over all the functions with you too, and before you leave check to make sure all your electrical is working, good installers do all of these things but some get lazy. Good luck

 

Btw, price sounds reasonable, mine was $550 without the extra stuff your getting

 

what is the valet switch and domelight suprvision? i think i saw them mentioned but didn't really know what they were for.

and how do I check if the glass break sensor is working

 

I highly doubt the warranty will be intact since he didn't buy it from a shop. I'd definitely double check on that, thats how it normally works.

 

the valet switch puts your alarm into valet mode so the alarm wont set...use that if you ever let a valet park your truck and the dome light supervision means that the alarm can moniter the dome light and if the light comes on while the alarm is on i.e a door is opened it will go off...idk about the GBS though

 

yea i agree on warranty not coming through for me since I didn't buy it there. I'll certainly ask, but it's something I already considered and accepted.

guess i could play the sound of a window breaking through a radio or something? just probably can't use my car stereo since the truck would have to be on.

 

do i need TWO keys to be able to program this? anyone know, cause that's what I seem to be reading?
also thinking about just doing this myself. since it likely wouldn't be covered anyway by warranty.

 

Get a drawer full of forks and drop them on the ground. That always sets our house off haha

 

If it has a remote start you will, if your just programming the remotes you should only need one.

I installed mine myself, it wasn't too hard. Just time consuming

 

Well I'm thinking more and more of going that route to save some money. so here's what I want to check on.

Are these statements true or false:
I can install and do everything, and it will all work except remote start until I get a second key. right? I can program remote start with my keys AFTER the system is installed with no issues.

The interface module I need is the XK05. The firmware I need for my truck is at the following link and can be installed to the module via USB. (next to XK05 there are several links, "Download" to get the firmware, plus an install guide at another link.
XpressKit.com - Compatibility Search Results

Does that look right? I have also found wiring guides for my accessories online, though I expect they are included anyway, plus I have found a detailed install of this 5901 in an Acura that I can reference in part as well.

This is probably going to turn into a build/install thread at this point. I will hopefully put this in Labor Day monday. In the event I were to have issues, will my truck be grounded, or can i still drive it mid install?

EDIT:
http://cgi.ebay.com/XPRESSKIT-XK05-D...item1e5deb7007 <<--I'm ordering this. it says there, and in places on the xpresskit website I do NOT need a key to program??

 

sorry, but I am again confused. the xpresskit website says I need the xk05. it says it's for ford/toyota/lexus vehicles. several other locations referencing the xk05 mention only lexus/toyota and in referencing the xk04 says it is compatible with ford/PATS all that nonsense.
PKFM DEI XK04 Xpresskit Bypass Platform 4 Transponder - eBay (item 330465171625 end time Sep-24-10 21:57:38 PDT)

What the HECK. I want this ASAP!!!

 

I'm not sure, I used a Code Alarm so I don't want to tell you the wrong thing and you be SOL when it comes time to install.

On that first link it says you need 2 keys required to program. On the ones that say 1 key I believe thats the model where you actually put your spare key in the box.

 

It might be the XK05 is a new model that replaced the XK04 and they both will work. They both require 2 keys to program though

yeah I was right, the XK04 was discontinued. It will work with your truck though

http://xpresskit.com/VehicleCompatib...anger&ps=2&s=0