Basic Concepts of Car Alarm Systems

The increase in vehicle theft cases in recent years has prompted security firms as well as car manufacturers to manufacture specially designed vehicle security systems.

Different security systems offer different forms of protection. Some vehicle alarm systems work by deterring auto theft, others work by tracking down stolen vehicles. 

Most automobiles come with some form of security system that is pre-installed such as central locking or automatic engine lock. The electric components in these devices are capable of detecting a different key that is being inserted into the lock or detecting any unauthorized forceful touch to the exterior of the vehicle. The security systems then set off an audible alarm that alerts any body in the vicinity.

This is just a basic security system and depending on the area you live in and also the model and make of your car, you may wish to install one of many sophisticated vehicle alarm systems available. Newer, hi-tech devices are disguised smartly to look like a component and are virtually invisible to any burglar. Innovative vehicle security systems utilize radio frequency identification tags (RFID) to aid in detecting movements of vehicles that are stolen. Some systems incorporate satellite-tracking devices, which can locate the exact position of the stolen vehicle and inform the cops or the owner through use of radio signals. Vehicle alarm systems are not really as complicated as they look or sound. They are basically simple devices, which consist a siren that is connected to and activated by a set of sensors. 

Typically, a vehicle security alarm would consist of six parts, five of which are sensors for the window, door, shock, tilt, pressure and motion. The sixth part is the siren, which is the noise-making device. The basic vehicle security alarms function mechanically. If excessive force is being used to open the vehicle door, a signal is sent to the siren from the vehicle door sensor. This activates the siren, which then emits a loud beeping or screaming sound. Vehicle door sensors use the same technology as that used in refrigerator doors. The technology used is just a simple circuit system – when the car door is forced open, the button is pushed open by a spring. This closes the circuit and an electric pulse is sent to the siren and the alarm.

Many of the vehicle security alarm systems come with additional accessories that are very useful including a radio receiver that provides wireless control and backup batteries, which enable the alarms to function even in the event of failure in the main power source. Usually sirens of different vehicle security systems emit distinctive sounds that are different from the others. The owner can recognize the sound pattern and know if the alarm has been set off in his car.
Recent innovations in car alarms include tiny computers designed to get the better of burglars. If the intruder tries to prevent the car alarm system from sounding off by cutting the main power source, the computer, which is powered by a battery that is well hidden, triggers the siren and manages to set off the alarm.