Bulldog 7002 Pro Security System
Wednesday, January 30th, 2008The first components that I look at from any alarm are the remote transmitters that come with them. The Bulldog requires four-button transmitters (for reasons which I’ll explain later). The operation of the Bulldog transmitter is within the spectrum of expectation (approximately 500 feet depending on the locale). From what I tested, the Bulldog transmitters have more than adequate range to accomplish any task expected of them. I’m a little concerned about the lack of a case screw to hold the transmitter halves together. No other system essential comes into contact with its owner more than the transmitter. The ability to be stuffed into pockets and purses, tossed between drivers, and dropped on the floor are the real test of a transmitter’s longevity. In addition, the key ring that’s attached to the corner of the transmitter is held in place between the click-together case halves. Any help needed from Bulldog is never far away since their 800 number in embossed on the transmitter.
On the other end of the radio link is the receiver. The receiver’s antenna sits at the end of a four-foot, eight-inch wire, which allows for antenna mounting in the upper area of the windshield to provide for maximum range. By the way, the “E” in the model number stands for extended radio range. This is especially handy for all the remote-based functions the 7002PROE performs. Aside from the expected audible arm and disarm operations on button one, pressing and holding button one for three seconds performs the same functions, except silently. On the subject of arming, the 7002PROE can be changed from active to passive arming so that you don’t have to give arming a second thought to security since the alarm will now arm itself after you exit the car. By holding button three for a series of timed and chirped sequences, the system can be programmed to add passive door locking so when the alarm passively arms, the door locks will automatically lock three seconds later. I personally feel that programming the door locks to lock passively will prove to be more of a hassle than a convenience, especially for a quick fill-up.
A rather unique 7002PROE feature is its ability to selectively emit a siren chirp every 30 seconds when armed, presumably to audibly deter thieves in high-crime areas. This function is also turned on and off remotely using the transmitter button.
Of course, it has to be said that I wish I had a detector to confirm if a neighborhood was bad when I park. And what if the neighborhood suddenly changes while you have already parked, how are you supposed to know? A rather novel, and unrivaled, feature is the ability of the driver to reduce the sensitivity of the built-in ceramic shock sensor by 50 percent from, you guessed it, the transmitter. In fact, if the conditions require it, the shock sensor can be turned totally off for a single armed session in a similar fashion. Added to all the functional capabilities is the extra channel to operate an optional remote starter to warm up or cool off your vehicle. When the remote start command is given, the 7002PROE will automatically disable its shock and voltage drop sensors so the alarm doesn’t think someone is trying to steal the car.
The 7002PROE includes the ability to help a driver find their car. With the transmitter in hand, pressing button number three will flash the parking lights and chirp the siren three times as an audible directional finder. The Bulldog 7002PROE has a dedicated panic button that triggers the siren the instant it’s pushed, rather than having to hold it down for three seconds as with many other alarms on the market. Any of the other transmitter buttons will silence the siren when needed. Most alarms should come with a back-up battery, but don’t so that they can maintain starter interrupt integrity. The 7002PROE allows a 9-volt battery to be added inside the control module. I would recommend that the battery clip harness be extended outside the case for easier annual replacement by your installer.
In addition to the two-stage shock sensor, the 7002PROE also includes a two-stage radar sensor that emits microwave frequency radio waves inside the cabin area of the vehicle. Even with the windows open or a convertible top down, the radar sensor will detect the presence and movement of someone reaching or climbing into the vehicle’s interior. The radar sensor is supplied separately so it can be mounted independently to establish accurate aiming for complete interior coverage.
The 7002PROE is also shipped with an anti-carjacking circuit that is selectively engaged by the driver when they feel the need. When the anti-carjacking circuitry is engaged, and the engine is running, if a door is opened and closed, a count down timer circuit will time down from 60 seconds. At the end of this time, the siren will sound and the parking lights will flash. The audible and visual notifications will not cease as with a normally-triggered alarm cycle, but will continue until the proper anti-carjacking disarm procedure is used. If the engine is turned off in an effort to silence the siren, it will be prevented from starting again until the carjacking mode is disarmed.
The Bulldog 7002PROE must be professionally installed and I recommend an installer who is very familiar with adding relays for all the convenience features the 7002PROE offers, including remote trunk release, window roll up, and remote starting — the possibilities are almost endless. So if your budget can’t afford one of the high-priced alarms, the Bulldog 7002PROE is a breed with excellent breeding and show qualities.
Don’t confuse the name Seco-Larm with the watch producer Seiko — one’s on your arm while the other is armed. Although both companies deal with alarms, they do it in entirely different ways. Through their years of development, Seco-Larm have reduced the size of their automotive protection components to the point where they could almost be worn on your wrist, but preferably they should be strapped to a hidden spot in a vehicle. Seco-Larm’s new control module for their Enforcer 630 system is small (3-1/4-inches x 2-1/2-inches), and, in turn, it can do its job much better because it can be mounted in many secluded places — under the dash, cozy in a kick panel spot, hidden behind the glove compartment liner, etc.
The buzzword in the mobile electronics industry these days is “convergence.” It’s when two or more existing technologies conjoin into one product due to the streamlined miniaturization of their respective disciplines. Generally, we hear about convergence with respect to cellular phones, GPS, and navigation devices. In the world of automotive convenience and protection devices, it’s alarms and remote starters like the Magnadyne PL80. Remote starters have constituted the fastest growing element of the 12-volt mobile electronics industry in the past few years.
