Ok so i was looking at getting a compustar alarm and I have talked to compustar to clear some things up.

The brain of the system is not the same for all models, for example, models with security and no remote start cannot be modified to use remote start, and the models with just remote start cannot be modified to have the security system.

However, they said that the FM 900 can be upgraded to use the Spread spectrum remotes (change the range from 3000ft to 6000ft) with just the addition of the new remote and the antenna.

They also said that the brand known as "Arctic Start" is also made by them and its supposed to be sold in just canada. This brand is cheaper if you want to do a self install, which they dont recommend and say they will not warranty anything not even the remotes, if you do a self install.

Also they said that the canadian versions of the fm 900 (not the spread spectrum) have better range(comparable to SS) than the american versions, and this is because of FCC regulations and the frequency it uses.

on a confusing note, a localy authorized dealer said that the new 900 system is better than the SS system because it is newer (release date). But when I talked to compustar they said that the SS system has longer range no matter what, the local dealer did not dispute this but said that they prefer the newer one (i suspect because they can charge more)

As far as pricing I got a quote for 375 installed for the SS with no remote start.

Summary:

"Arctic Start"="Compustar"
900 systems can be upgraded to Spread Spectrum.
Remote start systems cannot be made into alarms and vice versa

 

its also about twice as complicated and confusing to install vs a DEI product.

 

what information can you give about DEI systems?

I thought compustar was the best because it has the longest range, upto 6000ft, i have yet to see any other company offer range like that.


edit*

I just looked at DEI , it seems they make viper, clifford, etc None of these alarms offer anything close to what compustar offers. If they do have two way pagers, they either have 1/4 mile range or they dont even bother to mention the range, or frequency or anything.

When you say that compustar is twice as hard to install as DEI, are you considering the additional modules that come standard on compustar alarms , which you need to purchase additionally for the DEI systems? Or are you saying that they are just more difficult to install in general for a similar setup?

It seems to me that if you can find a wiring diagram for both the alarm and the car, installation of different brands of alarms should be the same, after all its just tying into existing sensors or laying the wiring for new ones.