Where parts

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (www.ojp.usdoj.gov) over three quarters of all crimes in the U.S. are made up of property crimes and certainly automobile theft is among the most prevalent. Automobiles are easier targets than homes in many cases as they are high dollar items, in high demand, and can be driven away within seconds leaving behind virtually no clues as to the identity of the thief.

Although manufacturers have continued to provide basic automotive security features, additional measures are needed as thieves continue to adapt to devices on the market.

For first time buyers unfamiliar with the options, the decisions related to purchasing an automotive security system can be daunting. However, there are a core set of features that should be considered which will help consumers select an effective system with less frustration.

• An automotive security system should provide a first line of defense that warns would be intruders that a particular vehicle is protected. Some type of visual reminder such as a flashing light on the dash or stickers that indicate security are simple deterrents.

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It doesn’t seem too long ago that the electrical system in a vehicle was mostly concerned with lights, starter motors, radios and windshield wipers. Those days are long gone. The automotive industry is currently realizing a dramatic increase of electronic equipment for onboard vehicle control. In modern cars, a variety of electronic control units (ECU) delivers sophisticated real-time control functionality.

In the automotive industry, there is little doubt that electronics growth will continue. To remain competitive, it is crucial to seamlessly integrate the new technology. Whether it’s an entertainment system, keyless entry, a back-up camera or touch screen navigation, the role of the automotive manufacturer is increasingly becoming that of a system integrator working closely with its suppliers.

There is a long tradition in the industry of working with suppliers, and a number of suppliers that exist deliver similar systems to vehicle manufacturers. Automotive suppliers are more than happy to fill the needs of manufacturers, and the ever increasing importance of electronics in automobiles brings with it a growing challenge and need for low-cost, reliable electronic systems. These systems are not isolated and must communicate with each other.

Historically, automotive electronics have relied on proprietary, dedicated wire communication schemes (at least for many sensor systems) and directly wired power outputs. This has led to excessive wiring, and wiring consumes space, adds weight and expense, and can be difficult to maintain.  Read more...

GPS or Auto Navigation Systems were developed from technology originally devised for the United States Military. They are a remarkable confluence of design and science and have become almost invaluable to many road users. But remember that they are still developing and improving. So toadays GPS system is likely to be inferior to thos that will be available in a year or two.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are almost invariably problems of some sort with all electronic gadgets. And it’s doubly true when it comes to equipment that is run by software. If you’re not sure about this, check out a computer that is run by Windows? We often find ourselves stymied by the limitations of the software we are using.

And the same is true when it comes to software driven GPS systems and GPS devices. This fact alone makes them a little unreliable. For those times when reliability isn’t at its best keep in mind that for the most part the system works well. And, of course, just like a cell phone, the time when you need it most will be the time when it isn’t working properly. The good news is that the units themselves are often quite resilient and even able to withstand the manhandling a typical rough and tumble two year old can dish out.  Read more...