Viper 690XV alarm?

go_noles · #1 05-27-2004, 02:18 PM

i am thinking about putting one on my pathfinder. it is the 2-way remote alarm without the auto starter, etc. anyone have any experience with this particular model or viper 2-way systems in general? thanks!

SickVette · #2 05-29-2004, 05:25 PM

15 years experience with DEI (Viper) alarms and have installed several of the new 2 ways...what is you would like to know?

ponchonutty · #3 05-30-2004, 08:56 AM

Yep, I sell Directed Electronics stuff too and have been in the bizz for over 10 years too. I love it. I can't stand to work on almost anything else anymore. I have either sold, installed, or serviced just about everything out there.

Yes, that Viper alarm or it's twins from Python, Sidewinder, or Valet are pretty stout pieces. The only weak link to them is the remotes. They chew up batteries and sometimes the LCD screen can break. But, that's the same for all 2-way systems and not just DEI's.

You know, there is another setup comming out later this month that uses LED screens instead!!!!

go_noles · #4 05-30-2004, 09:39 PM

sickvette - thanks so much for the reply. much appreciated. i like what i have researched and heard from satisfied customers on the 690/791. i have a manual transmission so that is why i favor the 690 over the 791. here is my dilemma: my prefered place to do business does not carry the 690, only the 791. i could, however, have it installed at a different store for a decent price. on the other hand for only $20 more than what it would cost for the 690 at the other location i could potentially get the 791 installed at my prefered store. the main reason i am even considering having the 791 installed minus the start feature is is that i will be having a significant amount of audio installation done at the prefered location. the sales rep at the prefered store would have the installer not hook up the start feature on the 791. i have heard conflicting reports as to whether or not that is a good idea. first, what is your take on hooking up the 791 minus the starter? would it be as effective as the 690? any potential technical problems? second, is it smarter to have the alarm installed at the same prefered place i purchased and had the audio equipment installed (assuming the installation job at both stores are comparable)? thanks in advance for your feedback and sorry if it is a little confusing.

ponchonutty - thanks for the reply. please feel free to weigh in on the dilemma above. also, is it a DEI model with the LED screen coming out soon? did you mean end of june or end of may? thanks again.

go_noles · #5 05-30-2004, 09:42 PM

ponchonutty - one last thought: regarding your comment about the remote, i have definitely heard that about the old remote. as i understand it the new blue remote has been a significant upgrade from the old white remote...are the blue ones still tending to act up?

SickVette · #6 05-31-2004, 12:35 AM

noles...I don't understand why your prefered shop does not carry the 690. I would verify that they are an authorized DEI dealer. If they are they can get you any alarm you like. Another thing part of the 791 remote start will have to be hooked up to activate the starter kill...well he could use the negative armed output also. BUT if you are careful with your car you can hook up the remote start. I have installed dozens of remote starts on manual transmission cars. You will have to leave it in neutral and I recomend putting it on a channel that requires two buttons to be pushed. But it is totally doable. If you do have the 791 installed and do not hook up the remote start there will be no problems with the alarm. The remote start is a convience feature not a security feature.
As for the install...it really does not matter which shop does the install of the audio and or the alarm as long as you are comfortable with both stores.But if you are buying audio equipment and having installed at one try to hit them on a discount for the alarm since your car will already be there.

go_noles · #7 05-31-2004, 08:42 AM

good stuff. thanks for the insight, sickvette.

ponchonutty · #8 05-31-2004, 10:09 AM

I 2nd all what Sick says. If the place is an authorized DEI dealer, they can sell you ANYTHING within the Viper line. Maybe they are trying to get you to upgrade or something? Personally, I wouldn't go the remote start way unless you plan on using it. Like Sike said, that is a totally separate part of the alarm so you'd never notice anything. Again, manual cars CAN have a remote starter on them. I usually install a motion sensor set to pick up the car jerking if left in gear as a safety and tell the person to check that set up OFTEN!

I sell the Python versions and haven't seen any problems from either of the LCD screen models so I can't say much on that. The LED 2-way remotes should be out very soon if not already out. I looked around on DEI's site and found this http://directed.com/guides/manuals/o...567V_05-04.pdf

THat's the owner's manual for that set-up. Goto page 5 and you can see the remote.

No matter where you go, I would make sure to do a few things to your ride after it is done. First thing is have the shop teach you how to get into programming for the alarm and insist on having the install manual. That manual will tell you how to change things in the alarm so you can make sure only the remotes you have work on the car and also to personallise things like how many time to press the valet button to disarm. Not that any of that would really keep the installer away from lifting your loot but it's cheap piece of mind. DON"T FORGET TO TIP THE INSTALLER. They will be your best friends.

BTW, you say you are going to get some audio stuff. Have you every listened to DEI's Directed Audio line or even their Xtreme line? It's really worth a look.

go_noles · #9 06-01-2004, 07:18 AM

ponchonutty - thanks for the advice and reply. you know, i have honestly thought about tipping the installer on several occaisions but never did it because i was not sure it would be appropriate. i will be sure to do it this time. also, i was unaware that DEI made audio equipment...i just thought they protected it! what have you heard/seen regarding the products?

SickVette · #10 06-01-2004, 02:05 PM

DEI has made audio products for a few years now. Since they started they have done nothing but improved. Also DEI owns PPI, Ads,and Orion. Check out http://www.directed.com/ for more info.

Personally I have been a huge fan of DEI for 15 years. Awesome product, excellent service, and they really take care of their retailers/installers. I was offered a job at DEI and regret turning it down. I just could not leave Florida.

ponchonutty · #11 06-01-2004, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SickVette

DEI has made audio products for a few years now. Since they started they have done nothing but improved. Also DEI owns PPI, Ads,and Orion. Check out http://www.directed.com/ for more info.

Personally I have been a huge fan of DEI for 15 years. Awesome product, excellent service, and they really take care of their retailers/installers. I was offered a job at DEI and regret turning it down. I just could not leave Florida.

I couldn't have said it better myself. I would drop about everything to go to DEI at this moment. I mean, I love by bizz but would like to have a more secure paycheck!

The audio line is awesome. I wish you were here in Ohio. I'd let you sample this simple system in my Liberty. You'd really crap yourself. I love teaching the area punks what a real system should sound. Then they duck their tails when I tell them how much money they could have saved to boot!

go_noles · #12 06-02-2004, 07:41 AM

wow. i did not realize they were the makers of orion, etc. that's interesting. FYI - i am going to have the 690 installed at the originally less prefered shop tomorrow. turns out my prefered shop - while they are completely legit with jl, mb quart, clarion, etc. - is not an authorized viper dealer and the place i have decided to get it installed is not only authorized...they have been doing viper for over 8 years. thanks for the advice, guys.

ponchonutty - i WILL be tipping my installer. does $40 sound like i will make a new best friend? please respond.

sickvette - where exactly are you in florida? i will be moving down there in a month. can't wait to get back (i'm an fsu alum...hence the "go_noles" screen name!)

SickVette · #13 06-02-2004, 09:31 AM

I figured that ...go noles part...lol. I live in Wesley Chapel...a little North of Tampa off of I 75

ponchonutty · #14 06-02-2004, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go_noles

wow. i did not realize they were the makers of orion, etc. that's interesting. FYI - i am going to have the 690 installed at the originally less prefered shop tomorrow. turns out my prefered shop - while they are completely legit with jl, mb quart, clarion, etc. - is not an authorized viper dealer and the place i have decided to get it installed is not only authorized...they have been doing viper for over 8 years. thanks for the advice, guys.

ponchonutty - i WILL be tipping my installer. does $40 sound like i will make a new best friend? please respond.

sickvette - where exactly are you in florida? i will be moving down there in a month. can't wait to get back (i'm an fsu alum...hence the "go_noles" screen name!)

Yep, that's plenty. I always tip the installer of anything I do even if it's a little. That way when you have a problem or need something else, he'll remember you and be eager to do another job. Also, they tend to be more carefull and such just like if you're there friend or something.

go_noles · #15 06-13-2004, 04:37 PM

sick and poncho - just wanted to follow up. the 690 is in the vehicle and it is dynamite. thanks a ton for the advice. and, poncho, the tip went a long way. he took my vehicle in first thing and had it done a few hours before the sales rep estimated. the installer told me to ask for him next time i do business there and he'd make sure to take care of me.

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