ENTRY LEVEL SECURITY: Freedom is all you need.
Written: Aug 23 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Simple to use, inexpensive, dozens of features usually found on more expensive models, initial setup only has to be performed once.
Cons: Initial setup is simple but annoying.
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| hamors's Full Review: Omega Freedom Free-200+P |
NOTHING CAN STOP A DETERMINED PROFESSIONAL THIEF...
Back in April, the Freedom 200+ wasn't available for review, so I wrote an editorial on choosing a security system entitled "CAR SECURITY: Locks only keep the honest people out..." My basic take on security in general is that, if someone wants something, they will take it. No security system is 100% foolproof, regardless of how expensive or advanced it is, and I kept that in mind when shopping for an alarm to protect my Subaru Impreza.
LIKE A KID IN A CANDY STORE...
Instead of installing the factory Subaru alarm and keyless entry system, my dealership recommended going to Allied Alarms in Allentown, PA. I was assured that they would have a much greater selection and the alarms they carried would pack a greater punch for the price. I browsed through a dozen brochures, compared features and finally opted for one of Omega's least expensive models, the Freedom 200+.
At the time, my reasoning was simple...I had a limited budget and I really didn't believe that alarms could truly keep a car safe. I was buying an alarm mainly for the insurance discount, but also to deter impulse thieves that go from car to car flipping door handles to see if they can find an easy target.
INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION...
It took Allied roughly an hour and a half to install the alarm, however they said that it was a fairly simple installation and should take the average person about two and a half to three hours. All electronics and shock sensors were hidden from view deep inside the dashboard and floor and the only visual indication that an alarm is even installed is a small blinking LED mounted beside the steering wheel.
It only took a few minutes for them to show me all features of the alarm. A single valet switch and two buttons on the remote are all that's required to run the entire system. Initial setup and customizing features, however, is simple but extremely annoying. My neighbors were just about ready to strangle me when I got home and started programming the system.
After pressing the proper sequence to get the alarm into programming mode, you must refer to the manual and keep it handy to see the numbers assigned to each of the 25 features. You then have 15 seconds to press the valet switch between 1 and 25 times to select the feature you want to change. The alarm then chirps between 1 and 25 times to confirm your choice, and you press one of the buttons on the remote to select on or off.
At first, this seemed like a very intuitive system. Unfortunately, all advanced features are turned off by default and, around option 10, my neighbors were quite annoyed with me. I opted to wait until the next morning and program the system in the parking lot at work. I got some strange looks from passers by and building security stopped over to see if I was trying to steal the car, so at least I know that a tripped alarm in the parking lot would not go unnoticed.
Once programmed, however, the features will not be lost even if the alarm is disconnected from the battery. Unless you change your mind about a feature, you'll never have to reprogram the alarm again. Unfortunately, if you misplace the manual (like I did), you'll have trouble reprogramming the arcane interface to change a feature. A few days ago when I realized I had lost the manual, I went to Omega's Web site, filled out the questions/comments form and requested a new manual. Amazingly, I got a response the next day saying that the manual was in the mail!
STOP! OR I'LL YELL STOP AGAIN!
To deter theft, placement of the LED warning light is the most important part of the installation. Had I installed the alarm myself, I would have drilled a hole in the top of the dashboard and installed the light in plain view. Allied took a different route, however, and installed the LED beside the steering wheel in the switch cluster so they could drill into an empty switch socket and not damage the dashboard. Unfortunately, the light is barely visible from the outside because of poor placement.
LED placement aside, the Freedom 200+ is absolutely perfect for what I need. The shock sensors are extremely sensitive and pick up the smallest tap or bump on any of the windows or door panels. A light tap (parking lot ding from a shopping cart or car door) will set off the system's "get away from me" warning chirp, while stronger bumps or multiple light taps will set off the system's siren. Once tripped, the LED will flash a pattern to display the zone that was hit. Upon disarming, the system will also chirp an additional two times as a reminder to check the pattern on the LED.
SO MANY CHOICES!
All the features of the Freedom 200+ can be found on the manufacturer's Web site, however the most notable feature is ATV, or Automatic Transmitter Verification. The security system can be programmed to accept multiple remotes and, upon disarming, the number of chirps audibly shows how many remotes have been programmed. Out of the box, the Freedom 200+ has two remotes, so the system should chirp twice. If a thief (or son, daughter or neighbor) manages to get into the car and program a third remote, the third chirp will warn that there is a problem!
Programming a third remote is extremely difficult for a thief, however, because remotes can't be added to the system. Instead, all remotes must be deleted and added again one by one. If a thief manages to program their remote but doesn't have access to the original two remotes, the original two remotes won't be able to disarm the system. Instead, the system must be disarmed with the valet switch and key.
Another feature worth mentioning is remote or door activated anti-carjacking. If a door is opened when the engine is running, the remote must be used within 15 seconds to stop a countdown that will set off the carjack siren and disable the engine. On the other hand, the system can be programmed to lock all doors after 30 or 60 seconds when the engine is turned on or off, so the chances of a carjacker getting into the car are slim.
It is also noteworthy to mention that the engine is cut when the alarm is tripped or the carjack feature is activated. This makes it more difficult for a thief to hotwire the vehicle or use a copied key to start the car. Even if the key is in the ignition, the hidden valet switch needs to be pressed to deactivate the alarm. Unfortunately, professional thieves usually know all the common places where valet switches are usually hidden.
VERY BLAND, BUT A NICE AFTERTASTE...
With features usually found only on more expensive units, the Freedom 200+ is a perfect security system for the minimalist or someone on a tight budget. Some consumers that believe that lots of buttons and little blinky lights determine a product's worth may be turned off by the system's bland look and plain packaging, however anyone who takes the time to read the list of features will quickly see that this system is a wolf in sheep's clothing...
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hamors
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Sean Sosik-Hamor
Location: Pelham, NH USA
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 37 members
About Me:
Sean is a technology and motorsports enthusiast as well as a driver for Trunkmonkey Racing.
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