CarLink Code Alarm Unit

Last month, we assessed the many features of GM's OnStar. While we praised it overall, it was the "magical" remote-door-unlock convenience feature that lofted our impression-a day saver if you ever happen to lock your keys in your car. This month, we explore two aftermarket applications for unlocking your vehicle and for starting it via remote.

We got a hold of an Audiovox CarLink telematic accessory and a Code Alarm CA520A remote start with keyless entry. Finding these products not only gave us another look at the satellite-based automotive approach to unlocking doors and stolen-vehicle GPS tracking by a touch-tone telephone, it also integrated our product evaluation in the safety and security segment with telematics used for the aftermarket.

CarLink
The CarLink ASCL100 telematics system is a simple plug-in accessory, from Audiovox, that utilizes a data-port interface to connect to various models of alarms and remote-start systems. Our Code Alarm unit is compatible with CarLink, so it was a simple connection of plugging in the two units to each other.

So, what is CarLink? It is a satellite-based telematics device with paging capabilities that are used to interact with the Code Alarm remote-start unit. If you have a chronic problem with locking your keys in your truck, or have had your favorite ride permanently borrowed from your driveway, this product was designed for you. The CarLink not only unlocks doors and offers GPS tracking, but you can also activate the remote start on your vehicle with the interface.

How does it work? All you have to do is call a toll-free phone number from any phone and you can lock, unlock, remote start, or activate the carjack feature and immobilize the vehicle. The toll-free access number uses a voice-prompt system and is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year. While the OnStar service requires a subscription and is only available on equipped GM vehicles, CarLink has no startup fees and comes with an included 36-month service, and is an aftermarket product that is compatible with newer Audiovox, Prestige, and Code Alarm vehicle security or remote-start systems that can be installed on virtually any make or model of vehicle.

Trying to lock or unlock your car doors from inside a building or remote start from far away is no longer an impossible task. Even though the antenna range of our Code Alarm CA520A was 1,000 feet, distance was no longer a barrier with Carlink-you can use the service from virtually anywhere. On trips, as your plane lands and the Captain allows you to turn on your cell phone, simply dial up the toll-free number, enter your pass code, and remote start your vehicle; thus allowing you to warm up your vehicle before you get to the parking lot.

Another convenient feature is the Car Finder, and it does just as implied. If you have ever been lost in a sea of trucks, but can't find yours among the hundreds of other white trucks, this feature is the closest thing to having your truck flag you down. A quick call and a few prompts later, your vehicle lights are commanded to flash every 5 seconds, for 3 minutes. If your vehicle is actually missing from the lot, then you can access the CarLink number to immobilize the vehicle.