CAT 1 Alarm/Immobiliser and DAB Radio Recommendations

[PinkPanther]

Hi All - I am new to all this and couldn't find anything specific via the search so apologies if this has been asked and answered already. I am due to take delivery of a Bongo conversion newly imported into the UK and want to get a a good CAT 1 Motorhome alarm/immobiliser fitted along with dab radio with Apple device support. The guy who has imported and is doing the conversion has said he may be able to advise someone but he hasn't seemed keen on fitting an alarm and I am concerned he will try and reduce my choice of units based on what he can supply and fit easily. For the alarm/immobiliser I am after deterent/security of possessions when away from home as well as flexibility to have internal sensors off when sleeping/dog in the car? On the radio front the vehicle is fitted with the original Japanese unit which includes cd/md and rear reversing camera so I plan to leave that in and just add the new dab unit.
Does anyone have experience of fitment into a Bongo or make any recommendations on units or fitters (I am in Coventry)? I have been looking at the following:
TOAD Motorhome alarm (I think you need a separate immobiliser)
PURE Highway 300Di In-Car Digital Radio Adaptor
Any advice appreciated - thanks Mark

[gasace]

We have a Hornet cat 1 alarm immobiliser it operates the central locking and the inside sensors can be shut off, also we leave the ignition key in the lock when camping so we can operate the blinds but the bongo cannot be started without the fob. Had it over 2 years and it has been fine.

[alimey]

I've also just had a Cat 1 fitted (Cobra?) - I'm delighted with it. The fob operates the central locking & if I blip it twice it turns off the inside microwave sensor so the dog doesn't set it off. I got microwave as apparently it's better if you want to alarm the van with the AFT up. The immobilizer arms automatically once the car is off for about a minute.

The only small issue I must solve is that the blue flashing light needs to have a little cover made for it or anyone sleeping inside will think the police are coming for them.

In terms of DAB, I had a Pure Highway in my last car & I wouldn't do it again - all the leads were a faff & the reception was poor. For this one I put a Phillips CEM 3000 in - DAB reception is excellent (and the machine does DAB+ so maybe it's a bit future-proof). The plus points are that you can plug in your iphone and have your Tom Tom (if you use that app) come through the speakers, also play music from your iphone etc. Also it comes with a remote control which is very handy - and it actually powers the unit off unlike some others, so you can use it from the AFT for example.

If I were doing it again I would probably get one which I can link my iphone to via Bluetooth.

[Simon Jones]

Just googled the CEM3000 and it's a conventional FM tuner. The one you want is CEM3000B which is about £300 from the likes of Halfords. I used to have a Sony DAB radio which did pretty much all the same stuff, although didn't have USB or iPod / iPhone support. Seem to remember it was about £120 but was very pleased with it. Bought a second remote control from eBay so could keep one in the front and the other in the rear of the van.

[alimey]

Oh well done Simon - yes, you're absolutely right. Bit daft to make the codes so similar. I think I paid less than £200 from Halfords. I had my Bongo garage fit it (Discount Trucks). They did a lovely job & said it was pretty simple. I bought a cubby hole from ebay for the other Din.

[PinkPanther]

Thanks guys..........really appreciate the advice and have been put in contact with a Stafford outfit who fit the TOAD alarms, but will look at these others as options.
Have seen some reviews on the latest Pure Highway indicating it is much better than the original. Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience as I really fancied this option if it performs. It is really neat and as I mentioned I can just leave in the existing unit, because the rear camera works great. Will have a look at the alternatives but it is going to be a less neat fitting arrangement me thinks. I will attach a pic when I can figure it out.....

[dave_aber]

If your Jap head unit has an Aux Video / Audio in, then you could use a CKO "Gold Box" unit. I've got one and it's pretty good. My home area has pretty poor DAB coverage, and I'd say the performance is 50/50 with an amplified antenna, when on the move. Parked up it's 100%.

In areas where there is reasonable DAB coverage, then on the move with an amplified antenna, and it's perfect.

The unit itself fits above the glovebox, and all you see is the remote sensor peeking out from the corner of the dash.

http://www.parkmyauto.co.uk/best-in-car ... -181-c.asp

[jaylee]

I've also just had a Cat 1 fitted (Cobra?) - I'm delighted with it.

The only small issue I must solve is that the blue flashing light needs to have a little cover made for it or anyone sleeping inside will think the police are coming for them.

What about an in-line switch on one of the two wires to the led to disable the flashing....?

[gasace]

have been put in contact with a Stafford outfit who fit the TOAD alarms,


Had a Toad cat 2 on a previous car it was good too!

[BongoBonkers]

Item number: 190701823395

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Philips-CEM-3 ... 1646wt_932

Might do you a turn.....don't blame me if it doesn't work though! Good luck

[PinkPanther]

Spoke to the guy at Halfords this morning and he has owned a Japanese import and is confident that I will no problems with the Pure Highway fitment. Also says he has had very good feedback from several customers, who travel around the Uk, who he fitted them for so I am really tempted to go for this option.........let you know how it goes.

Spoke to Secureacar in Stafford about getting a TOAD fitted and they were very helpful. All entry points covered with central locking feature for around £330 so when the vehicle is ready for me I will also let you know how I get on with them if that's what I go for