Got A Compustar Drone DR-2000 Installed Today! Control my car from my iPhone!

[Arturius]

Xmas gift from the lady was a remote starter, I could choose any brand, any config. I immediately started hunting.

After all of my review-scouring and youtube-stalking, I ended up with a Compustar Remote Starter and a Drone DR-2000. This system allows you to fully control your compustar unit (whether it be a remote start and door lock only like mine, or the full unit with sirens and shock sensors) from you smartphone. Let me just say, this thing is pretty awesome. I can start/stop and lock/unlock my car from anywhere in the world (provided I have cell phone signal and my car has cell phone signal) and I don't have to attach another remote to my keychain (which I like to keep as minimalistic as possible).

The app is pretty cool, not the most up-to-date app you'll find but it does the job. I have all of the basic functions (start/stop, lock, unlock, 2 auxilaries), I can pull up a map and see where my car is in the app, I have a status screen that tells me whether all of my doors are locked, my alarm armed, my engine running or not, inside cabin temperature and battery voltage. It can even send me an alert if it sees my battery dip too low.

There's even a web interface that you can access with any browser and log into your drone mobile account. From there, you have all of the same options as on the remote with a few extras. You can set-up geofencing, curfews and points of interest as well - mostly for over-protective parents it seems

All in all, great unit. Was a little pricey. Parts & labour were $550. The unit comes with 1 year free of basic service, which includes everything except GPS tracking and some other smaller features. I like to always have the full package so I opted for the premium plan which is $10/month paid annually @ $120 for the year.

If anyone has questions about this unit, let me know - I'll do my best to answer. Still playing around with it and learning all of the functions.

///7835[/ATTACH]

 

[mishanja]

so does that include some kind of security system (like an alarm, replacement for OEM) or just a remote start/lock functionality?

 

[jdTrader]

just curious why did you choose this over viper smart start from your research. My understanding is viper can do all the things you listed plus much much more all from the smartphone...at least that is what Andrew mentioned when he got it installed a few months back.

 

[Viperi]

where you get it done at? im been thinking about one for a while but not sure who to bring it to

 

[Arturius]

so does that include some kind of security system (like an alarm, replacement for OEM) or just a remote start/lock functionality?

You could do that, but then you'd have to always unlock your doors with either your smartphone or the compustar fob, rendering your door handle buttons + iKey useless. Well iKey would still be needed to get the car going but you know what I mean. So I opted to get just a remote start with lock/unlock and I'll also go back in a few weeks and get the auxilaries hooked into my windows so I can raise them and lower them.

just curious why did you choose this over viper smart start from your research. My understanding is viper can do all the things you listed plus much much more all from the smartphone...at least that is what Andrew mentioned when he got it installed a few months back.

The smartstart was obviously the main competitor in my decision. Reason I went with Compustar is I have experience with their systems on almost all of my previous vehicles and have never had as much as a hiccup. I've scoured online and actually even have a buddy with an 2012 fx35 and a smartstart, there are a few complaints about signal quality and reception. Also, the shop I got it done at is both a licensed installer for compustar and viper, I've been using these guys for years and they told me that the compustar is the way to go. That was the clincher for me. I'm sure the viper is a great unit, the app looks a lot cleaner from a design perspective. I don't know that I'm missing any features specifically, or any truly useful ones at that. But yeah, that's why I went with compustar.

where you get it done at? im been thinking about one for a while but not sure who to bring it to

Bro do it. Don't even think twice, I've been messing with it all day and it's legit. Everyone I show it off to loves it. Already a few of my buddies ready to pull the trigger as well.

I got it done at Auto-Links in Scarborough. (416) 751-8883. Talk to John or Steven - tell them Arthur sent you. You'll get a good deal. I think the shop is closed till Thursday, but if you really wanna book it, send me a PM - I can get in touch with John (owner) and tell him to give you a shout.

Oh and btw, the FX did not scare them at all. I even told them about the stories I heard about shops turning people down because our cars have too much tech. They laughed at me. I witnessed the entire install. Once everything was wired and plugged in. We tested it all out, everything worked flawlessly. This was the first 2nd-gen FX the installer (Cody) ever did. Needless to say, he told me that after the job LOL

 

[Dracula]

how much did the part cost plus labor? also is there a yearly fee? does it have features like lojack?

 

[Viperi]

Thanks. they did the tint on my fx during the summer. I was iffy bout bringing the fx there also cause they look more like a tint shop then electronics. ill do it homefully soon.

\

You could do that, but then you'd have to always unlock your doors with either your smartphone or the compustar fob, rendering your door handle buttons + iKey useless. Well iKey would still be needed to get the car going but you know what I mean. So I opted to get just a remote start with lock/unlock and I'll also go back in a few weeks and get the auxilaries hooked into my windows so I can raise them and lower them.


The smartstart was obviously the main competitor in my decision. Reason I went with Compustar is I have experience with their systems on almost all of my previous vehicles and have never had as much as a hiccup. I've scoured online and actually even have a buddy with an 2012 fx35 and a smartstart, there are a few complaints about signal quality and reception. Also, the shop I got it done at is both a licensed installer for compustar and viper, I've been using these guys for years and they told me that the compustar is the way to go. That was the clincher for me. I'm sure the viper is a great unit, the app looks a lot cleaner from a design perspective. I don't know that I'm missing any features specifically, or any truly useful ones at that. But yeah, that's why I went with compustar.


Bro do it. Don't even think twice, I've been messing with it all day and it's legit. Everyone I show it off to loves it. Already a few of my buddies ready to pull the trigger as well.

I got it done at Auto-Links in Scarborough. (416) 751-8883. Talk to John or Steven - tell them Arthur sent you. You'll get a good deal. I think the shop is closed till Thursday, but if you really wanna book it, send me a PM - I can get in touch with John (owner) and tell him to give you a shout.

Oh and btw, the FX did not scare them at all. I even told them about the stories I heard about shops turning people down because our cars have too much tech. They laughed at me. I witnessed the entire install. Once everything was wired and plugged in. We tested it all out, everything worked flawlessly. This was the first 2nd-gen FX the installer (Cody) ever did. Needless to say, he told me that after the job LOL

 

[Arturius]

how much did the part cost plus labor? also is there a yearly fee? does it have features like lojack?

I got it for $550 installed before tax. The drone module itself is $200. Then whatever series compustar starter module you get. Mine was $200. $150 labour.

---------- Post added at 04:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:41 PM ----------

Thanks. they did the tint on my fx during the summer. I was iffy bout bringing the fx there also cause they look more like a tint shop then electronics. ill do it homefully soon.

\

It's funny because I was actually one if their first customers way back when they were in a single-bay shop on Birchmount.

At that time, he was primarily doing starters, alarms and audio. Tinting was secondary.

But since they moved into their new shop, which is a pretty huge upgrade if you ask me, they started focusing more on tint. Also since they're the only licensed Llumar Formula One installer in the region.

But yeah, I'll trust them with my tech. before anyone else.

 

[FXThreeSeven]

video!!

---------- Post added at 11:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ----------

I've had viper remote starts in all my vehicles until this FX. I've heard from you guys that it was near impossible or not even worth it to get a remote starter. So now that it has been done with a compustar system, I want to see it work if you have time to make a video.

 

[la_fx35]

Here is a video JDTrader made of his Viper remote starter, https://www.infinitiscene.com/searc...-FX50S-updates-and-photos?p=332056#post332056

 

[jdTrader]

video!!

---------- Post added at 11:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ----------

I've had viper remote starts in all my vehicles until this FX. I've heard from you guys that it was near impossible or not even worth it to get a remote starter. So now that it has been done with a compustar system, I want to see it work if you have time to make a video.

I think key is taking it to an installer that has been doing it a very long time and has done it on our 2009+ FXs before. The remote start is as good as the installer. Mine works perfect so it can be done perfect. Below are some details regarding viper. I can't comment on other remote starts because I haven't had personal experience with them.

Range of the viper is really good too but if you got multiple brick walls etc in between then the range drops from like a mile to several blocks. I always start my car just by putting my hands in my pocket or jacket. I don't pull out my keys. If I had the LCD or the smart iPhone version then that would require me to pull out my phone. put my pass code in phone, launch the app, then start it and wait to confirm, close the phone and put it back. I like it being simpler since i use remote start a few times a day. but if u want the ability to start your car from another state lol then u can have smart start for that reason but just use the non LCD fob the times that u don't.

I also really like the blue flashing alarm that lights up the cabin showing thieves there is a viper alarm and on a car like this they can assume its gonna have all the alarm bells and whistles and may leave them to just go on to the next car even though I don't actually have any of the alarm stuff hooked up on purpose. Didn't want to.

Viper works flawless every time and has a lifetime warranty on the product and install from the shop I go to. Just make sure to find an authorized installer that will grant similar warranties.

I don't have any experience with other products. The shop I go to is an authorized dealer for several remote start companies or u can bring your own They recommend viper due to build quality and warranty and their experience in the past 30 years. Keep in mind that viper the company is actually called something else and they make like 3 or so other full name brand remote starters on the market. Viper is just their top brand. It's kind like Dunden restaurants owns olive garden, baha, and like 2 other restaurants.

By the way I called viper right before Christmas because I damaged my remote by accident. They didn't even ask when I bought it. They are sending me a new one. So with the extra cost of viper u also get great customer service.

 

[Cruiser]

Is there an annual fees associated with having the apps functional; i.e. live GPS car tracking?

 

[Arturius]

Is there an annual fees associated with having the apps functional; i.e. live GPS car tracking?

With the compustar version you get 1 year free on the basic plan. That includes everything except GPS. The premium plan adds all the GPS and geo-fencing stuff at $10/month. I believe Viper is similar but cheaper on the monthly fees.

 

[Viperi]

thats good to know they are trustworthy. not sure which way to go with the alarm tho.
I like the fact you can use your phone to control your car and track it
But...
- what if your phone breaks, runs out of power?
- cant use it out of state/ no phone service

key remote
-hows the range. Dont really want to come back and find im out of power cause of power drained from horn.

 

[Arturius]

thats good to know they are trustworthy. not sure which way to go with the alarm tho.
I like the fact you can use your phone to control your car and track it
But...
- what if your phone breaks, runs out of power?
- cant use it out of state/ no phone service

key remote
-hows the range. Dont really want to come back and find im out of power cause of power drained from horn.

Yeah man, there's obviously a few drawbacks from having it on your phone. 1 being dead phone battery and 2 being when you're in a roaming zone. You have a few options:

1. Download the app on someone else's phone and sign in with your account. Use their phone to start your car. The app is free. Just remember to log out once you're done

2. If you have access to a computer, you can log in online and do everything from the compustar website as well.

3. Get a back-up remote when you got it installed and have it handy for situations like this. Primarily the out of data zone scenario.

4. Don't remote start your car and get in the old fashioned way, with your iKey.

I got one of the cheaper remotes to keep as a back-up. So far throughout my random tests, it performs well. I can start my car from my appt on the 19th floor when the car is parked in P2, the lower level of our condo's underground garage. I've also started it downtown when my car was literally parked 3 traffic lights away. I would say it was just under 1km. A 10 minute walk or so.

---------- Post added at 08:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:05 PM ----------

Also just to note, on most carriers 3G or LTE is nationwide. So it's not a matter of whether you're out of state. It's more like out of country.

Unless of course you're referring to remote areas with no cell coverage at all. That's a different story.

 

[lowKut]

So its been a while all who have the*Compustar Drone how has it been treating you?
I came close in getting the viper smart start today until I was told of Compustar.

Which is better features and pricing wise?

Unit is for a 2003 fx35.