(I posted this in another newsgroup as well, but figured some Honda
owners might have some advice)

Hello all,

I'm looking at getting the DEI VAlet 561R remote starter / keyless
entry installed into my 2003 Honda Civic:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm /DEI-Valet-561R-Remote-Start-K
eyless-En...

The car didn't come with any type of remote entry, and since I am
absolutely sure I couldn't install one on my own, I checked out the
local Best Buy and Circuit City. The latter has this product,
installed, for $159 which sounds very reasonable.

Unfortunately I can't seem to find any good resources for reviews or
details on this product. For instance, what is the range? It says it
comes with an extended antenna that will give it a 1/4th mile range,
and I believe I'll need about 200 feet (I live in an apartment). Also,
I assume I have to leave my AC (or heat) on when I turn off the car, so
that when I remotely turn it on it kicks in?

>From what I could find searching through the newsgroups DEI sounds like

they make solid products - is that true? I've heard horror stories
about cars randomly starting on their own, and obviously I'd like to
avoid that.

If this particular model isn't good, any other recommendations? Please
keep in mind I have to have some way to have it professional installed
(for a reasonable price). Thanks a lot.

 

"strict9" <jonnyspacecowboy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1124161434.899299.117550@g43g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> (I posted this in another newsgroup as well, but figured some Honda
> owners might have some advice)
>
> Hello all,
>
> I'm looking at getting the DEI VAlet 561R remote starter / keyless
> entry installed into my 2003 Honda Civic:
>
> http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm /DEI-Valet-561R-Remote-Start-K
> eyless-En...
>
> The car didn't come with any type of remote entry, and since I am
> absolutely sure I couldn't install one on my own, I checked out the
> local Best Buy and Circuit City. The latter has this product,
> installed, for $159 which sounds very reasonable.

Yes, that is reasonable. But that is probably a "base" price. Does your
car already have power locks? If not, you will have to pay additional for
actuators.

> Unfortunately I can't seem to find any good resources for reviews or
> details on this product. For instance, what is the range? It says it
> comes with an extended antenna that will give it a 1/4th mile range,
> and I believe I'll need about 200 feet (I live in an apartment). Also,
> I assume I have to leave my AC (or heat) on when I turn off the car, so
> that when I remotely turn it on it kicks in?

Range varies form car to car. 200 feet is near the end of "reasonably
expected" range.

Yes, you will have to leave your heat or A/C on before leaving the vehicle.

>>From what I could find searching through the newsgroups DEI sounds like
> they make solid products - is that true? I've heard horror stories
> about cars randomly starting on their own, and obviously I'd like to
> avoid that.

Very solid. DEI is the company that makes Viper, Python, Hornet, etc...
They also own CLifford (bought a few years back).

> If this particular model isn't good, any other recommendations? Please
> keep in mind I have to have some way to have it professional installed
> (for a reasonable price). Thanks a lot.

It's fine. Most of the DEI line is the same from brand to brand.

 

"strict9" <jonnyspacecowboy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1124161434.899299.117550@g43g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> (I posted this in another newsgroup as well, but figured some Honda
> owners might have some advice)
>
> Hello all,
>
> I'm looking at getting the DEI VAlet 561R remote starter / keyless
> entry installed into my 2003 Honda Civic:
>
> http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm /DEI-Valet-561R-Remote-Start-K
> eyless-En...
>
> The car didn't come with any type of remote entry, and since I am
> absolutely sure I couldn't install one on my own, I checked out the
> local Best Buy and Circuit City. The latter has this product,
> installed, for $159 which sounds very reasonable.

Yes, that is reasonable. But that is probably a "base" price. Does your
car already have power locks? If not, you will have to pay additional for
actuators.

> Unfortunately I can't seem to find any good resources for reviews or
> details on this product. For instance, what is the range? It says it
> comes with an extended antenna that will give it a 1/4th mile range,
> and I believe I'll need about 200 feet (I live in an apartment). Also,
> I assume I have to leave my AC (or heat) on when I turn off the car, so
> that when I remotely turn it on it kicks in?

Range varies form car to car. 200 feet is near the end of "reasonably
expected" range.

Yes, you will have to leave your heat or A/C on before leaving the vehicle.

>>From what I could find searching through the newsgroups DEI sounds like
> they make solid products - is that true? I've heard horror stories
> about cars randomly starting on their own, and obviously I'd like to
> avoid that.

Very solid. DEI is the company that makes Viper, Python, Hornet, etc...
They also own CLifford (bought a few years back).

> If this particular model isn't good, any other recommendations? Please
> keep in mind I have to have some way to have it professional installed
> (for a reasonable price). Thanks a lot.

It's fine. Most of the DEI line is the same from brand to brand.

 

strict9 wrote:
> (I posted this in another newsgroup as well, but figured some Honda
> owners might have some advice)
>
> Hello all,
>
> I'm looking at getting the DEI VAlet 561R remote starter / keyless
> entry installed into my 2003 Honda Civic:
>
> http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm /DEI-Valet-561R-Remote-Start-K
> eyless-En...
>
> The car didn't come with any type of remote entry, and since I am
> absolutely sure I couldn't install one on my own, I checked out the
> local Best Buy and Circuit City. The latter has this product,
> installed, for $159 which sounds very reasonable.
>
> Unfortunately I can't seem to find any good resources for reviews or
> details on this product. For instance, what is the range? It says it
> comes with an extended antenna that will give it a 1/4th mile range,
> and I believe I'll need about 200 feet (I live in an apartment). Also,
> I assume I have to leave my AC (or heat) on when I turn off the car, so
> that when I remotely turn it on it kicks in?
>
>>From what I could find searching through the newsgroups DEI sounds like
>
> they make solid products - is that true? I've heard horror stories
> about cars randomly starting on their own, and obviously I'd like to
> avoid that.
>
> If this particular model isn't good, any other recommendations? Please
> keep in mind I have to have some way to have it professional installed
> (for a reasonable price). Thanks a lot.
>
I don't know about your particular model, but, I have had nothing but
the best of luck with DEI products installed on my former vehicles. My
old car had a Python alarm that doubled as my keyless entry, remote
trunk popper, and it rolled up my power windows. I also tried a couple
of Alpine car alarms, but those were just hype and rarely made it past
the two year mark without serious problems.

On my last truck I had a Viper that emulated factory keyless entry
(press the disarm button, and the Driver's side unlocks, press disarm
again, and the passenger's side unlocked).

Now I am older, married, and just stick with the factory alarm and
keyless entry on my vehicles. If I ever have a vehicle broken into or
ever purchase one without a factory keyless entry system, I would
definitely use a DEI product again!

 

strict9 wrote:
> (I posted this in another newsgroup as well, but figured some Honda
> owners might have some advice)
>
> Hello all,
>
> I'm looking at getting the DEI VAlet 561R remote starter / keyless
> entry installed into my 2003 Honda Civic:
>
> http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm /DEI-Valet-561R-Remote-Start-K
> eyless-En...
>
> The car didn't come with any type of remote entry, and since I am
> absolutely sure I couldn't install one on my own, I checked out the
> local Best Buy and Circuit City. The latter has this product,
> installed, for $159 which sounds very reasonable.
>
> Unfortunately I can't seem to find any good resources for reviews or
> details on this product. For instance, what is the range? It says it
> comes with an extended antenna that will give it a 1/4th mile range,
> and I believe I'll need about 200 feet (I live in an apartment). Also,
> I assume I have to leave my AC (or heat) on when I turn off the car, so
> that when I remotely turn it on it kicks in?
>
>>From what I could find searching through the newsgroups DEI sounds like
>
> they make solid products - is that true? I've heard horror stories
> about cars randomly starting on their own, and obviously I'd like to
> avoid that.
>
> If this particular model isn't good, any other recommendations? Please
> keep in mind I have to have some way to have it professional installed
> (for a reasonable price). Thanks a lot.
>
I don't know about your particular model, but, I have had nothing but
the best of luck with DEI products installed on my former vehicles. My
old car had a Python alarm that doubled as my keyless entry, remote
trunk popper, and it rolled up my power windows. I also tried a couple
of Alpine car alarms, but those were just hype and rarely made it past
the two year mark without serious problems.

On my last truck I had a Viper that emulated factory keyless entry
(press the disarm button, and the Driver's side unlocks, press disarm
again, and the passenger's side unlocked).

Now I am older, married, and just stick with the factory alarm and
keyless entry on my vehicles. If I ever have a vehicle broken into or
ever purchase one without a factory keyless entry system, I would
definitely use a DEI product again!

 

Thanks for the reponses.

My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
sounded a little odd.

It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
point.

I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
reasonable installation.

 

Thanks for the reponses.

My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
sounded a little odd.

It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
point.

I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
reasonable installation.

 

If you already have power locks, no new relays should be required.

t

strict9 wrote:
>Thanks for the reponses.
>
>My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
>installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
>have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
>if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
>sounded a little odd.
>
>It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
>is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
>parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
>further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
>sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
>start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
>though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
>outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
>The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
>it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
>point.
>
>I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
>think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
>reasonable installation.


--
Message posted via http://www.carkb.com

 

If you already have power locks, no new relays should be required.

t

strict9 wrote:
>Thanks for the reponses.
>
>My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
>installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
>have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
>if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
>sounded a little odd.
>
>It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
>is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
>parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
>further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
>sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
>start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
>though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
>outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
>The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
>it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
>point.
>
>I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
>think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
>reasonable installation.


--
Message posted via http://www.carkb.com

 

I start my car from my basement which of course has no line of sight. I
have been able to start it in-line at a grocery store. I have a DEI
product, its a viper that was installed by Best Buy. One thing that matters
the most in all cases with remote devices for your car is interference, the
more of it (IE airports, radio towers, ect...) will affect it and reduce
range. At work I need to be 10 feet away before I can start it (right next
to regan airport), at home I can start it from the back yard.


"strict9" <jonnyspacecowboy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1124287597.362761.243080@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Thanks for the reponses.
>
> My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
> installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
> have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
> if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
> sounded a little odd.
>
> It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
> is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
> parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
> further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
> sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
> start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
> though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
> outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
> The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
> it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
> point.
>
> I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
> think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
> reasonable installation.
>

 

I start my car from my basement which of course has no line of sight. I
have been able to start it in-line at a grocery store. I have a DEI
product, its a viper that was installed by Best Buy. One thing that matters
the most in all cases with remote devices for your car is interference, the
more of it (IE airports, radio towers, ect...) will affect it and reduce
range. At work I need to be 10 feet away before I can start it (right next
to regan airport), at home I can start it from the back yard.


"strict9" <jonnyspacecowboy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1124287597.362761.243080@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Thanks for the reponses.
>
> My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
> installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
> have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
> if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
> sounded a little odd.
>
> It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
> is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
> parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
> further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
> sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
> start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
> though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
> outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
> The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
> it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
> point.
>
> I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
> think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
> reasonable installation.
>

 

"strict9" <jonnyspacecowboy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1124287597.362761.243080@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Thanks for the reponses.
>
> My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
> installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
> have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
> if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
> sounded a little odd.

If they charge for relays, you are getting ripped off. The Honda has
negative activated door locks which the DEI products support directly.

> It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
> is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
> parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
> further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
> sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
> start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
> though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
> outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
> The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
> it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
> point.

Well, it is an RF signal which does bounce some, but line of sight is
better.

> I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
> think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
> reasonable installation.

For the price difference you mention, just get the starter. Even if you can
only take advantage of it most of the time, you're not talking about a big
$$$ difference between the 2.

 

"strict9" <jonnyspacecowboy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1124287597.362761.243080@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Thanks for the reponses.
>
> My car does have power locks so I won't have to pay to have actuators
> installed, which is good. However they said it might cost up to $50 to
> have relays installed - that I have to pay the extra money for them and
> if it turns out my car already has them, then I get a refund. That
> sounded a little odd.

If they charge for relays, you are getting ripped off. The Honda has
negative activated door locks which the DEI products support directly.

> It's good to hear that DEI makes solid products. My only hesitation now
> is with the range. As I mentioned I'm about 100-200 away from the
> parking lot from my apartment, but sometimes I have to park my car
> further up or down the lot, and at that point I would lose any line of
> sight I might have when stepping out my front door. If I wasn't able to
> start the car from my apartment that would be an obvious negative,
> though I could still see the usefulness in the winter of running
> outside in my slippers and reaching around the corner to turn it on.
> The salesman at Circuit City said that line of sight is important and
> it doesn't work around corners well, so I'm really not sure at this
> point.

Well, it is an RF signal which does bounce some, but line of sight is
better.

> I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
> think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
> reasonable installation.

For the price difference you mention, just get the starter. Even if you can
only take advantage of it most of the time, you're not talking about a big
$$$ difference between the 2.

 

strict9 wrote:
>
> Thanks for the reponses.
> <SNIP>
> I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
> think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
> reasonable installation.

-----------------------

Your honda manual says you'd be better off without a remote starter.
Winter, get in, start engine, dust off snow, drive away. Summer, start
car, lower windows start driving. Turn on AC and roll up windows in a
short while. That's what the book says will give best AC performance /
engine life and fuel mileage.

'Curly'

 

strict9 wrote:
>
> Thanks for the reponses.
> <SNIP>
> I may just go with the DEI keyless entry for $109, but I'll have to
> think about it. I also may check Best Buy to see if they have a more
> reasonable installation.

-----------------------

Your honda manual says you'd be better off without a remote starter.
Winter, get in, start engine, dust off snow, drive away. Summer, start
car, lower windows start driving. Turn on AC and roll up windows in a
short while. That's what the book says will give best AC performance /
engine life and fuel mileage.

'Curly'