Let's talk Security - Page 4

jage · 12-18-2007, 08:35 PM

Man the powerlock website is terrible! Are they still browsing at 640x480 or something?

I can't tell if the powerlock goes on your starter or replaces your starter. What do you do when the starter fails?

Also if there is no override and if the system fails, you lose your key fab etc, what do you do?

Although I'm with you on not having an extra piece (Ravelco). I'd lose it for sure, then what?

scatter · 12-18-2007, 08:35 PM

I mentioned on a previous post that I had the Power Lock and have used it on previous vehicles. Well, I just removed it from my SMB. It worked great on my other rigs and I really feel it is the best one on the market. But, it only worked on my SMB for a couple of months and then went intermittent and then failed all together. I worked closely with Jessie (the Power Lock tech and a super guy) and we can't figure out what is wrong. I removed the system and they sent me a new one three different times. Same problem happened each time. Worked for a couple of months, went intermittent, and then complete failure. When it quits, it means crawling underneath the rig, pulling the starter and using a hammer and chisel to remove an epoxyed module and then replacing the starter. Not much fun in your garage, and a real pisser in the wilds of Canada and then in the snows of Tioga pass. All three of which happened to me. The last just last week.
Anyway, would love to have you try it and see if you have the same problems. My rig is an '07 with the 6.0 diesel.
I'm getting the Ravelco next. Don't think it's as good, but it will make it really tough to bag the rig.
Good luck and let us know what happens.

sdwindansea · 12-18-2007, 09:10 PM

Sorry to hear about all of your troubles Scatter. I'm not sure that I want to be the new guinea pig with the Power Lock now

. Are there any other systems I should be looking into? It does sound like Ravelco will work fine, although it is definitely not as convenient. I would probably hide the spare Ravelco unit in the van for that time when I lose the primary one (a matter of when, not if). Just when I thought I had it all figured out...

I will do some more research and I will definitely let you know what I end up with.

jage · 12-18-2007, 09:50 PM

It's kind of like computer uptime, 99.9% is relatively easy, 99.999% is expensive, getting the next 9 each time gets way way more expensive.

How much protection do you really need? Would having a good alarm and a seperate relay interrupt sytem fit your needs? How about two differnt alarms (a trick I learned from a buddy of mine in Chicago)?

scatter · 12-19-2007, 05:35 PM

The Power Lock also has a "stinger" that you have to carry with you. It's smaller then the Ravelco unit though. About the size of a pencil and a couple of inches long. Sure wish I could get it to work on my van. I always got three of the Stingers. One for me, one for the wife, and one well hid in the rig. Believe me, it won't start without it. Come to think of it, sometimes it won't start with it....

**BroncoHauler** · 12-19-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdwindansea

Sorry to bump an old topic. However, I'm finally ready to install an anti-theft device on our SMB. I hate alarm systems that make noise. I'm most concerned with someone actually driving away with our van, especially when we are out of the country or someplace else remote where this could cause major problems.

Based on what I've read here, either of these two systems would work perfectly and are similar. The Powerlock seems a little more convenient since it would be attached to my key ring and I wouldn't have to remove the "chip" each time I wanted to disable the van. Yes I'm lazy. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? For example is one better than the other? Thanks as always for the help

www.PowerLock.com
www.ravelco.com

I have a Ravelco unit installed on my SMB. The "key" is a completely mechanical insertion key, so the failure mechanisms are minimized in my opinion. I did not look at the PowerLock system when I was looking to improve the theft resistance of the SMB. The Ravelco key is about the diameter of a half-dollar, and maybe an inch thick. I think it was $400 installed, and they come to your house or office or ....

Feel free to come see it sometime if you're in the Ventura area.

Herb

sdwindansea · 12-19-2007, 06:56 PM

Thanks again everyone for the responses. I emailed both Ravelco and PowerLock. Ravelco responded to me quickly and it sounds like installation is simple from the standpoint that they do come out to your home or office. They quoted me $399 + tax for the product and installation.

My email to PowerLock expressed my concerns that it has failed repeatedly on another SMB. I explained Scatter's experiences with naming names. I still haven't received a reply yet. I'll let you know what they say if I ever get a reply.

At this point I will be going with the Ravelco unit. I may purchase a third chip to hide in the van. Thanks for recommendation and offer to see it Herb, but I think I have a great understanding of how it works. Of course if you are in the San Diego area, please let me know. I have a ton of great hidden gems for food/drinks that I could introduce you to.

I haven't found any comparable products to the Ravelco or PowerLock systems that I would feel comfortable with.

scatter · 12-20-2007, 07:49 AM

I agree that the Ravelco is the way to go. It is a (not so) simple cut into the vehicles start and run wiring and the key just splices it all back together again. Impossible to duplicate without the key unless one has all day, tools, and a wiring diagram. The Power Lock puts a module on the starter motor and the module is "turned on" by inserting the key into a receptacle on the dash. That sends a signal to the "brain" which transmits to the module and engages the starter. Great system as the ONLY way to get around it is to remove the starter and either chip off the module and rewire or replace the starter and rewire. There's just something in my rig (no extra electronics on mine) or all Ford 6.0 vans?? that causes it to crap out after a while.
I'm waiting for Ravelco to get back to me on how to wire it around my BD cool down timer. They say they do it on big rigs so shouldn't be too much of a problem. We'll see.
They won't come to my house for an install. Something about a seven hour drive in the mountains. Go figure.

jage · 12-20-2007, 08:08 AM

Clearly if the vehicle is running the power lock is no protection, what happens if you pull the Ravelco while the vehicle is running?

Jammyauto · 12-20-2007, 09:11 AM

I found an alarm system about a year ago that had a small button that you could push in the event of a carjacking that had a timer built in. It would shut the car down in a preprgramed amount of time. Like say 10 minutes. The idea was to let the criminal get safely away from you but not far enough away that you could not find the vehicle quickly. I'll do some more searching on the net and see if I can't find the company that made the problem.