Hello!
The local Vectrix dealer did not agree with the idea of installing an anti-theft alarm in my Vectrix.
I guess he has two reasons:
1- Avoiding of drawing current from the batteries
2- The lack of experience of local technicians dealing with an electric bike.
In the meantime, I put an brake disk lock with alarm- which sounds if the lock is moved or even touched- and a grip lock.
At nigthtime, I also use a chain to a fixed point over the covered bike.
My questions to the forum are:
1- What is your experience or comments regarding alarms
2- What to do you do to protect your vectrix.
Thanks!
Claudio
I Have been using a brake disk lock for about 6 months now. Just make sure you get one of those bright cords which attach to your handles to remind you its on. If you forget to remove it and take off, you can really damage your bike.
I use Xena disk-lock alarm. It's a disc-lock and has motion sensors which sound an alarm, when the bike is moved in a locked position.
http://www.xenasecurity.com/home/current/lock/
In addition to a disk-lock, I want to use an alarm system with a two-way remote. I searched "two-way remote motorcycle alarm system" on Google. There seem to be two in the under-$200 range.
1: Gorilla #7017
2: (I forget ?) ...
Over $200:
3. Scorpio SR-i600
(and others I missed?)
But, they expect 12 volts (not sure what they actually need). There seem to be 4 options:
1. Leave the existing DC-to-DC converter running.
2. Add a DC-to-DC converter that is just switched on to power the alarm system.
3. Add a "12-volt" battery.
4. Tap off a cell (or cells) in the primary battery Pack.
Ideas?
Cheers, Gary
XM-5000Li, wired for cell voltage measuring and logging.
They stop honest people from stealing your bike.
Keep it insured.
Agree 100% with the above
If someone wants your bike or car that badly, they will simply dump it in the back of a van. would only take 3 large blokes and a boltcutter if its secured to something less than 5 minutes to do.
Thankfully the vectrix would not have a high resale value for a theif as they are so specialised, the parts are not in demand and they are very unique, and as they are no good for anything but a joyride, its more worth their time to nick the sportsbike hopefully parked next to it.
I would hazard a guess that if my fazer and vectrix were parked next to each other without much security, they would go for the fazer for parts.
The 12V outlet in the glove box only puts out 11.8V and 300mA to 400mA, at least on the Vectux. Turning the headlight off changes this only marginally.
A battery connected to the 12V outlet discharges into the outlet when the Vectrix is not charging or turned on. A 4s AA pack (about 6V) pushed 0.7A into the 12V outlet when it's turned off. I don't know where that goes, but it might fry something.
So a diode is needed to stop current going into the 12V outlet, and that drops the voltage further.
This information may be used entirely at your own risk.
There is always a way if there is no other way!
Oh yeah, I forgot to add "Park it next to a Harley." ! HAHA!! ;-)
I place a hardened-steel cable through the front tire each time I park. I haven't had any problems, but I like the idea of an audible alarm. I think I'll check into that idea.
EUREKA!
Finally, I found the ideal device:
1- Portable, you can take it from bike to bike. No installation or disassembling needed.
2- Cheap, two models 57 $ or 72 $.
3- Quiet (silent alarm)
4- Range, wordlwide?
5- Does not need to be connected to the electric (or any) system.
SO, what it is?
It is a small device attached to a cellphone that you keep in the bike. The device is a motion detector which is able to dial automaticallyto a fixed number.
When the alarm is activated, the cellphone call to your number. You don't need to answer that call, so no payments fees.
Once you get the call, you can also call back putting the cell in 'listening' mode to know what is happening around your bike.
http://www.cell-tech.org/english.asp
A great idea! ;-)
Claudio
That's pretty kewl, Claudio! And cell phones are even trackable when they are pinging a tower! :-) Good find!