#1486874 - 07/09/08 09:23 AM
How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
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chipperoh
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How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...?
I have no idea how to install an alarm. I really want to learn how though. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can learn or books or info that they know of that I can learn from?
I want to install Ptython 680XP into my 1998 chrysler concorde
Any info would be great
lata
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#1486928 - 07/09/08 11:15 AM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: chipperoh]
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IamMurph
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Very
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#1486930 - 07/09/08 11:16 AM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: chipperoh]
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hondaspeedx
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Chipperoh: I just installed my second in my lifetime (w/remote start).
You should be honest with yourself and make sure you have some basic skills such as soldering, using a DMM to test (-) and (+) wires, disassembling car--primarily interior pieces, and patience!
Not too bad but I'll pass along these pointers that helped me:
1. Plan, Plan, Research, Plan, and Research some more.
2. Know where every wire you will need is and test all the wires ahead of time.
3. Read the manuals for the alarm and any additional modules/sensors you plan to add. Make sure you know how they interconnect and where everything goes.
4. Read as much as you can in all forums, especially posts related to your specific and car alarm model. Learning from others' mistakes is an invaluable tool. It also helped me to read about the basics: relays, diode isolating, and the such.
5. (optional depending how your mind works) Diagram out everything. I made a large schematic of my alarm brain and all the modules I added. It took time but paid off in the long run because I made my mistakes on paper and not on my car's electrical system.
That all being said, I've been asked to write a little blog outlining my install. I've been working on it but am not done yet. I'll be happy share it with you when I'm done. Unfortunately I didn't take as many pictures as I normally would, mostly because of security.
That all being said, would I do it again? Absolutely. I like knowing how everything is hooked up and where. However, I would also have loved to drop my car off and have it ready at the end of the day if money allowed. My project took me several weeks, working most just weekends though. If I had had the money I would have gladly researched to find someone that did good work and paid him/her.
(I'm really not trying to pontificate here, but I just want you to be prepared and not cause damage to your car.)
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#1486932 - 07/09/08 11:17 AM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: hondaspeedx]
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hondaspeedx
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Oh, didn't see Murph's post, I will second it though! 
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#1487034 - 07/09/08 06:48 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: chipperoh]
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chipperoh
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I have the Haynes Xtreme Customizing Manual: In-Car Entertainment book and it tells you in the back of the book how to install an alarm could I go off of that? Or does anyone have info on my car or the alarm?
Ptython 680XP
98 chrysler concorde lhs
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#1487037 - 07/09/08 07:01 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: chipperoh]
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chipperoh
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that would be cool if you could send me a copy of your blog on how you hooked up your alarm
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#1487053 - 07/09/08 07:45 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: chipperoh]
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IamMurph
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If you choose to buy the alarm without installation then you will have NO WARRANTY on the product. Directed Electronics sells their alarm with professional installation to protect the consumer.
DIY alarm install is best done on an easy car with a basic alarm. Not a Chrysler vehicle with a multiplexed alarm system that includes remote start.
Make sure you have a good Digital Multimeter and understand how to use it. Plan out a lot of time to do the job right the first time. Do not rush into it and do thousand of dollars worth of damage to your vehicle. That would suck because you wanted to save $200.
I didn't say you can't do it but know your limitations. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
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#1487877 - 09/09/08 08:09 AM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: IamMurph]
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hondaspeedx
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"Multiplex" probably sucks.  I probably wouldn't attempt that unless I did LOTS of research and understood everything completely first.
Murph's right... a couple hundred bucks and you save yourself the headaches and get a warranty to boot!
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#1488276 - 09/09/08 04:46 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: hondaspeedx]
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splaudio
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on that ride you have to use resistors for the door locks and a extra relay for 2nd ign or 2nd acc if memory serves me. if you have a gray key u will need a transponder...
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#1489094 - 10/09/08 07:01 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: chipperoh]
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chipperoh
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The guy who will install my alarm i already know and he said if he did it, that it would cost about $170. In there store they have DEI products. He was telling me about where he went to school to get his MECP and told me he went to mobile dynamics in cananda. I really wanted to get into school for my MECP, to learn how to install alarms and remote starters and such. I would like to go to school, but i find it difficult because majority of the stuff you guys talk about i find confusing and i dont really understand alot of it. What would you recommend for me to learn better and understand more of the stuff you guys are all talking about on here? Is there any magazines, books that you found that really helped?
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#1489585 - 11/09/08 02:56 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: chipperoh]
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Jason-Ewing
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finding an installer local to you, and offer to help him either by sweeping up the shop, bringing him/her smokes or iced tea or coffee, ummmmm hanging out to be an extra set of hands, might get you pretty far. At least it did with me when i found someone who really wanted to learn. Its what i did back in 1988 when i wanted to learn. There were no schools and no internet to help with that (internet was around yes, but not used like today)
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#1490302 - 12/09/08 03:18 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: Jason-Ewing]
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splaudio
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i was a 7th grader in 88 sorry had to say that, and im old my daughter says.
hands on by a good teacher is the BEST way to learn any skilled trade. installing starters/alarm is one of the most under paid jobs out there. a good installer has to know his sh!t and be up on everything.
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#1490318 - 12/09/08 04:14 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: splaudio]
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IamMurph
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In 1988 I was in the 10th grade. The car audio bug hadn't hit me yet. With Crutchfield's help I taught myself car audio. With Best Buy's help I was taught security.
There is no took that can teach you experience.
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#1493973 - 18/09/08 03:04 PM
Re: How hard is it to install an alarm for your very first time...
[Re: IamMurph]
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chipperoh
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I see
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