alarm DIY install... possible?

[SiKiD_01]

theoretically, if i were to buy a basic alarm system and central locking (for 2 doors) (maybe off ebay), could or would i be able to install it myself?

i have a suzuki vitara soft top, and plan on putting a descent stereo in it, so maybe i should look at alarms first?

i figured it doesn't have to be a top of the range $1000 viper alarm system, cos all i want it to do is deter people (theives) and make a hella lot of noise, so they run away.

i have been looking at some basic alarms, which have the standard siren, control module, starter cut (immobiliser), and shock sensor, panic, locator.... and of course that all important LED light that flashes. some other have auto window wind up etc, but its gonna cost more.

and another thing i have noticed, most of them use coloured wires, so its easy to identify for both installer and theif. maybe if i get some black conduit etc, may look like battery power cables, or spotlight wiring????

so, would i be able to do it myself? i know they all have instructions, but how hard would it be? my vit is a bush car, so there is a lot of bumping around, and water and mud and stuff, so is this a good idea?

what about the central locking? is it hard to install???? apparently most basic alarm systems come with a central locking actuator line.

any help will be appreciated, and thanks.

[Top Cat]

The answer to your problem depends on whether you are good with your hands or not.

If you struggle to be certain about which way a nut turns to tighten or undo then I wouldnt if I was u..........but if you feel confident then go for it..............its certainly not rocket science but u will need a bit of grey matter between the ears.

I would offer to help but ur a long way away.............happy to help via the net though.

good luck.

[chimpboy]

I you can install your stereo yourself, then you can install an alarm yourself.

But if you have a soft top, that cuts out some of the lower end alarm systems since you need one with the doodads that detect movement in the cabin and/or vibration of the car. Otherwise they are basically just triggered by the door switches, and with a soft-top, well, you get the idea.

I know you're aware of that, just mentioning that a shock sensor is not a basic inclusion with all the cheaper systems.

An alarm that meets Australian Standards must, I believe, have all-black wiring. The wires come numbered, but by the time you've installed it you'll have cut the numbers off.

You might want one of these:

http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LA9000

Plus one of these:

http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LR8810

Jason

[SiKiD_01]

thanks top cat and chimpboy, i may need ur help some time soon.

i installed my stereo head unit ok, but i've done a couple of these, so its easy now.

with the alarm system, i think it may rely on some existing wiring? yes no? i saw one which had a current drop sensor (for interior light/door opening) but my vit has almost no electrical stuff on it, except for stereo and spotlights and normal lights.

oh well, when i do get an alarm, and i have any dramas, i'll be back here. hopefully this week end i get one.

[murcod]

Have a look at the Dynamco range of alarms www.dynamco.com.au they manufacture Cyclops and a few other brands. All their alarms comply with the Aust Standards (BTW there are multiple Aust Standards for alarms just to confuse things further!?) and have black wiring, independant auto arming immobilisation etc etc.

Plus, they are a lot cheaper than Viper and a hell of a lot better at stopping thieves. Viper have lots of bells and whistles but their ignition disabling is crap and they use colour coded wiring! You should be able to pick up the P385 for well under $200 complete with battery back up siren.

[Utemad]

Installed it yet?

Wiring an alarm is similar to a car stereo. You need some powers and earths. All the sensors are just plug and play. However you will also need to indentify your door switch wire, perhaps your interior light wire, ign wire, starter wire, electric fuel pump wire. This will enable three cuts. The more the better.

For it to reduce your insurance you need it to be a something or other approved alarm. This means it has black wiring and will arm at least the immobilser when you turn off the ign. Plus probably some other things.

Central locking is easy enough. A Vitara would have had optional central locking so it would have factory positions for door lock motors. This makes life easy. The rest is just wiring.

Try it yourself and if your $%@#$% it up then get a mate who knows to finish it off. Everyone has a mate that knows this stuff. I have lost count the amount of stereos, alarms, CDL etc that I have installed for mates (I used to do it for a living).

[RB zook]

i done the same thing installed the alarm system in my sierra with the centeral locking

only problem i had was wiring the center locking to the alarm system

2 wires from the centeral locking had to go to 7 on the alarm

btw just a tip i didnt wire the imobiliser to it as you know alarms can play games at times and dont want to be stuck with no go

i just put a well hidden kill switch just need to remember when you activated the switch