NOT another ***alarm/beep***!!

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:19 pm

[img][img]http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r286 ... talarm.jpg[/img][/img]
This alarm which works in exactly the same way as the one we all know and love has been developed for those amongst us who have been reluctant to cut into the Bongo wireing.
There is only one wire involved and that runs from the unit to the top expansion tank sensor.
The advantages are that there is no "cutting" into the electrics of the vehicle and by fitting a bullet connector in the sensor wire near the unit ,it can be transfered to any other vehicle in your "fleet" which you have fitted a sensor in.
Disadvantages are that it uses up your ciggy lighter socket unless you fit a double/triple adapter and secondly you could possibly not have it plugged in at the very time you need it.
On balance, If you are happy to fit the Mk 1 then I think thats best but if not this is a good solution. Also if you fit a alarm to a new vehicle there would be no warranty issues with the Mk 2.
Costs will be about the same for either unit and it should be available around Xmas.

heatherpetch · Post by **heatherpetch** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:00 pm

ermm does this do the same job as your coolant alarm Haydn it looks alot less complicated.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:11 pm

Exactly the same but note the advantages/disadvantages as above.
150 Mk 1's have been fitted now and no one has reported any problems with the wiring in. However a few peeps have been put off by the thought of cutting into the Bongo electrics and this is for them.
The Mk 1 is fit and forget... The Mk 2 "could" be left at home or not plugged in at the moment of crisis.
My advice ...fit a Mk1 if you feel able or a Mk2 if you are not confidant or wish to use one unit in more than one car

heatherpetch · Post by **heatherpetch** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:19 pm

has it been tested yet or is it still in the making

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:27 pm

There are 3 undergoing trials and all are working perfectly. Production is now underway. All the same componants are being used as in the Mk1. Its just that they have been encapsulated within a ciggy plug.

heatherpetch · Post by **heatherpetch** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:30 pm

it sounds more like our cup of tea

not daring enough for the other keep me posted please

NeilT · Post by **NeilT** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:38 pm

Well done, also more of my cuppa, we would have one.

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:58 pm

I'm sure I'm not the only one to say that the mk1 is a great piece of kit.

If you've come up with an easier to fit unit that does the same job just as well, you're onto a winner!!

Top man

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:40 pm

If you can face it, fit a Mk1. I didn't find it all all hard despite my trepidation and having stuff taking up your ciggie sockets is not nearly as tidy or as elegant. And it will only be a matter of time before you become inconsistent about putting it in. In all my years, I've never had a car boil up and wreck its engine. The Bongo is different as it is known to be tricky in this area, so its good to fit one, but I'm not going to start becoming generally paranoid about car engines. So I'm not sure it bothers me that I may want to move the unit from car to car.

Anyway, that's my halfpence worth

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:44 pm

NeilT....I have pm'd you

NeilT · Post by **NeilT** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:10 pm

Cheers Haydn

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:25 pm

I echo exactly what mike says... How long would it be before you start to forget to plug the unit in?

Mk1 was spot on, i can see the point in this device,but sod's law dictates that the moment the alarm will be needed,you will have your mobile charger or whatever plugged in instead...

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:35 pm

I did point out this possibility at the start of this topic and again further down.
I agree, fit the "fit and forget" Mk1 if you feel able and if not then the Mk2. A ciggy socket double adapter should be the answer to the not having it plugged in argument. However that is always a possibility.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:11 pm

Yip, i noticed the warning Haydn...I guess i'm trying to say that if one was contemplating fitting one of your excellent alarms, then i would personally go for the mk1 version ,as if all the connections are good and tight,then there is little chance of the unit accidentally being knocked,causing the connections coming adrift.

Even with the double adapter set up,it's quite possible to "bump" the socket...meaning the alarm has no power.

Do you still get the system check beep with the ciggy lighter version Haydn?

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:01 pm

BDC has beaten me to it on another v important point. Ciggie connections can come loose and the circuit get broken. My coolbox plug is a b*gger for this. Other plugs, like my Garmin SatNav one, are well made and stay put. With this device, you absolutely must have 100% connection reliability (or alarm failsafe so it goes off when connection broken but, without battery backup I can't see how that could work given it takes its power from the ciggie lighter). I would still urge people to go for the Mk.1 if they can hack it - neat, tidy, does what it says on the tin with best chance of 100% reliabiliy and without risk of human oversight.

Sorry if I'm appearing to caste a downer on the Mk.2 - I'm not trying to and, in my defence, I take every opportunity to sing the praise of the Mk.1 (all credit to Haydn and colleagues for getting it out there and it's at this point that you'll want honest and frank comments back from us). I think Mk.2 is a great idea if you are confident the problem areas have been addressed, although I still prefer a tidy cockpit myself.

NOT another alarm/beep!!

NOT another alarm/beep!!