FEATURE SECURITY
NZ PERFORMANCE CAR’S GUIDE TO
SECURITY
FEATURE SECURITY
DUDE, WHERE’S MY
CAR?
WE CHECK OUT THE LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN VEHICLE TRACKING, AND PUT A COUPLE OF PRODUCTS TO THE TEST wo kinds of people will be interested in your pride and joy — fellow enthusiasts with a keen interest in simply admiring your hard work, and those who want to take it from you for either a joy ride or financial gain. Unfortunately, if they are professional thieves, it’s very hard to stop them from taking your vehicle. However, there are plenty of advancements in security that make it easier to deter them, track them, or stop them in their tracks. Jason Smith, associate director of the international branch of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) assures us that chop shops are alive and well within New Zealand. It’s a multimillion-dollar industry, and, sadly, there just aren’t the expertise, finances, or resources to tackle the problem to the level he’d like.
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He also confirmed our fears that exportation of stolen cars and parts is a huge problem, due to the lack of resources available to Police and Customs. “It takes around four days to empty, check, and repack a container, so there’s a huge cost along with huge man-hours to do it,” he told us. This is why Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking is by far the best advancement in car security in recent times, and we feel it’s the best option to increase chances of getting your car back and securing a conviction. So how do the trackers work? A GPS can be used almost anywhere in the world, thanks to up to 32 satellites orbiting more than 2000km above Earth’s surface. A GPS device receives signals from the satellites and calculates its position using the distance from each satellite signal. It can also be used to measure travel speed, which comes in very handy.
SNITCH TESTS TEST ONE
The first test was to put our GPS-fitted test vehicle inside a fully enclosed box trailer. To make the test a little tougher, it was an insulated trailer — the satellite signal would have to pass through two layers of aluminium and polystyrene to reach the GPS device. Jeremy McLean, one of the founders of Snitch, was unsure how the test would go, as were we. Before the vehicle was put in the trailer, the signal strength was tested. Sitting in the middle of West Auckland, the car was locating no fewer than eight satellites. We were interested to find that inside the trailer, with all doors closed, the signal was almost as strong as out it had been outside. “I really wasn’t too sure what to expect before we put it into the trailer,” Jeremy said, “so I was pleasantly surprised to find that the signal strength hardly changed between its being outside and inside.” Test one: passed with flying colours “You can’t get a location with only one satellite; it requires at least three to pinpoint the location accurately. Anything more than that increases the signal’s strength,” explained Andy from ITS Intelligent Tracking Solutions. GPS devices do not send a signal — they only receive them. In order for this to happen, the devices have a SIM card that, for the more common models we are dealing with, works on the same General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network as your cellphone. Each device has its own SIM card and mobile number, which allows you and your GPS unit to be in constant communication whenever needed, through the corresponding website or smartphone app.
TEST TWO
Test two was to track the vehicle’s signal inside a large parking building. Thanks to the wonders of technology, we had a laptop in the car that was connected to the internet and Snitch’s tracking programme. As we headed to the car park, the real-time tracking showed us exactly where we were to within five metres — impressive, to say the least. However, we lost satellite reception when entering the car park, proving that GPS tracking will struggle to work in such an environment. The real-time tracking showed us entering the building, but any movement inside was untraceable. “I was aware the GPS would struggle in the car-parking building, but at least you can easily determine the entry and exit points, so finding the vehicle wouldn’t be a problem,” Jeremy said.
MONGOOSE TEST
To test the latest and greatest Mongoose PT890, the team at Mongoose installed it in the editor’s BMW M3. This time, we were interested in testing Mongoose’s free smartphone app. The PT890 is a single, small black box, about the size of a matchbox, with only four wires and a relay for the immobilizer. It took the Mongoose team less than 30 minutes to get it all up and running, and the box was so well hidden up under the dash that nobody in our office managed to find it. The reason it’s placed under the dash is because the GPS signal transfers through plastic and glass, but the signal is weakened under metal. The other side of the operation, the app, is easily downloadable through
the App Store to your smartphone. Alternatively, you can simply log onto the website — but we much prefer the app, as it sent us alerts for different things, which we will cover off below.
PUTTING IT TO WORK
The app not only allowed us to view the M3’s real-time location, but also enabled us to check out past trips taken, including the speed at which the vehicle was travelling at any given location during the route. We then went ahead and set up what are called ‘geofences’ at the three most common places the M3 spends time — at home, and at either owner’s workplace. The size of the geofence is adjustable, anywhere down to 100m, as this accounts for the satellite movements. With the Ed’s partner using the car, we were alerted any time the M3 left her car park and returned to any of our active geofences. We also used the ‘move alert’ function, which is like a geofence but better suited when the car is stopping at places like the supermarket. When on, it will activate any time the car is stationary for more than three minutes — as we found out in Auckland motorway traffic. Sometimes we played a few jokes by cutting the ignition, all done with a few swipes in the app, but this didn’t go down so well when the car refused to turn over, resulting in an angry phone call — hey, we needed to test it! We even got into the habit of disabling the ignition each night and while the car was in the car park at work. You can also set an alarm that alerts you when the ignition is turned on, or when the unit picks up any vibration. All of this meant we had a real handle on where the car was, and, while no thief attempted to steal the M3, we have no doubt that if one did, the police would have little trouble in tracking it. It is also an advantage that the car can be disabled remotely, so that once it stops, it will not start again. One thing that surprised us were the laws around cutting a car’s ignition while it’s flying down the motorway. David Harley of Mongoose explained their reasons for setting up the PT890 the way it is: it comes down to the fact that you are legally liable if you cut the ignition while the vehicle is being driven. While we know that some of you will be thinking that the thief deserves to crash, having a manslaughter charge hanging over your head is no fun. David put it in a clear and rational way, though — if you cut the ignition or fuel during a getaway, it’s more likely the thief will burn the car to cover their tracks, or simply because they are pissed off that you killed the fun. We don’t know about you, but, for us, getting a complete car back is much more of a positive outcome. In summary, for the relatively low investment to set up and run a GPS, we feel any car could benefit. Turn the page to check out a few deals from local suppliers and get your ride protected today.
FEATURE SECURITY
MONGOOSE PT800/PT880/PT860 These waterproof, personal GPS trackers from Mongoose make locating, monitoring and tracking anything — from your dog, person, luggage, transit goods, bike, or car — easy and convenient. The free mobile app and online website allow you to see the tracker’s current location and location history over the past year, with no ongoing fees (just GSM SIM charges) — plus you can get automatic text alerts if your tracker moves out of your pre-set ‘geo-fence’ perimeter. These PT800, PT880, and PT860 trackers are available now from Mongoose and dealers nationwide for an RRP of $249, plus SIM. For more information and to order, freephone 0800 MONGOOSE or visit mongoose.co.nz.
GPS TRACKING FROM $199 ITS Intelligent Tracking Solutions provides top-quality GPS tracking solutions at affordable prices. ITS can deliver options ranging from self-track units for your performance vehicle, to full fleet management (with driver behaviour) for your company vehicles. All ITS tracking solutions include advanced software, a smartphone app, and alert notifications, so you can protect your assets with ease. ITS’ comprehensive range of GPS options are available from just $199 excl. GST (per unit). For more information visit gpsworld.co.nz, or contact the team at sales@gpsworld.co.nz.
EASY GUIDANCE
Want to protect your car but are a bit strapped for cash? Luckily, we have a Mongoose prize pack to give away to one NZPC reader. It includes the PT890 vehicle tracker, the M80G security system, and free installation! To enter, just go to themotorhood.com and tell us what car you have that needs protecting.
MONGOOSE M80G
The ultimate Mongoose security system, the five-star M80G is equipped with three automatic engine immobilizers to protect your car from being compromised by intrusions via the bonnet, boot, or any door. With full alarm functions including a two-stage impact/shock sensor, microphone glass-break sensor, a battery backup siren, ‘Standards’ black wiring, and a concealed main plug, it is a discreet yet effective security solution. The M80G comes with two water-resistant remote controls, a programmable built-in turbo timer, and a unique four digit pin-code provides override. Available now from Mongoose dealers nationwide, the M80G has an RRP of $299, plus fitting. For more information, freephone 0800 MONGOOSE, or visit mongoose.co.nz.
We don’t like to ask for directions, and the Logitech +drive mount makes sure we don’t have to. The mount works in sync with the Logitech case+ — a slim, metal case for your iPhone 5/5s. It snaps securely to the magnetic mount suctioned onto your windshield or dashboard. An included universal adaptor allows any smartphone to be attached to the mount. The case+drive set is available from leading electronic retailers for $99.90. The +drive mount by itself costs $69.90. To find out more, visit www.logitech.com.
GET A YEAR’S FREE TRACKING WITH AVS
Effectively secure your car with an alarm and GPS tracking combination from AVS Car Security that allows you to track your vehicle in real time, check your alarm is armed, and get a text alert if the alarm triggers. Plus for a limited time only, AVS is offering NZPC readers the top-of-the-line AVS S5 alarm and AVS tracker installed for only $1198, including one year’s free tracking (worth $300). Check out the full list of features on avscarsecurity.com, or call the AVS team on 0800 287 477 for more information.
MONGOOSE PT890 About the size of a matchbox, this Mongoose PT890 GPS vehicle tracker with engine immobilizer is waterproof and suitable for use on your car, van, ute, truck, motorbike, quadbike, jet ski, or anything with 12 to 32 volts. The free mobile app and online website allow you to easily find, track, immobilize, or arm and disarm your GPS tracker from anywhere — only GSM SIM card charges apply. The PT890 is packed with features — check out mongoose.co.nz, or freephone 0800 MONGOOSE for full details. Available from Mongoose and dealers nationwide, it has an RRP of $289, plus fitting and SIM.
NAKAMICHI 2-DIN IN-CAR NAVIGATION UNIT This 6.2-inch touchscreen navigation and mobile media centre from Nakamichi features a 2-DIN LCD display with built-in Bluetooth and GPS navigation (using iGO mapping). The unit pumps out four channels of 50-watt power, offers playback for DVD, VCD, MP3, MP4, WMA, and RMVB, is reversing-camera ready, plus you can stream music via A2DP Bluetooth while your factory-ready steering wheel controls can be programmed internally for easy fingertip control. With an RRP of $799, this Nakamichi navigation unit (product code: NA1610N) is distributed in New Zealand by DLG International, visit nakamichicaraudio.co.nz for more information.
SNITCH INC. FREE VEHICLE TRACKING PLATFORM From December, 2015, Snitch Inc. will offer a free vehicle-tracking platform to help you track your pride and joy at all times. This state-ofthe-art system allows you to track up to five of your vehicles in real time, or view their entire travel history for the past seven days. Simply purchase a tracking device from Snitch Inc. — prices start from $345 — and provide your own data SIM card (or ask Snitch Inc. and it can supply you with one) to use the platform, with no ongoing monthly fees. To pre-order your hardware for December now, visit snitchinc.com/FreeVehicleTracking, or call 0508 764 824.