New Zealand Product Range
New from Cobra is the AK4615, which is really taking alarm technology to a new level. Not only does the alarm feature a wireless siren (more about that later) it also works as a CAN-BUS, or PLIP (upgrade) alarm, plus has the option of operating from a Cobra remote.
Cobra have just put the alarm though Thatcham testing and the alarm meets the respected CAT 2-1 criteria. Thatcham are also publishing certification dates (Something the AUS/NZ standards really need to take note of and follow).
AK4615 Thatcham Certificate
CAN-BUS or PLIP Alarm
The AK4615 can be configured to work in almost any vehicle as it can be programmed for CAN-BUS software or as a conventional Upgrade alarm. Each unit needs to be programmed before installation and simply plugs into a computer via the USB port to hook up to the Cobra’s Antares software program.
Once plugged in the installer can select Between CAN-BUS and PLIP Alarm then decide which vehicle platform the alarm needs and change most of the features.
Having had a play myself I can say that the alarm is very versatile but does require some technical knowledge to fully understand what it is capable of.
Minor changes such as siren arm/disarm chirp selection and volume can still be adjusted once the alarm is in the vehicle.
CAN-BUS Vehicle List
The number of vehicle now featuring CAN-BUS is rapidly growing. A full list of compatable cars can be found here: http://vehiclesecurity.co.nz/cobra-CAN-BUS.php
Note: If your vehicle is not listed then chances are it can be wired as an upgrade alarm, please contact us for details.
Wireless Siren
The Ak4615 is the first car alarm to feature a wireless siren. Whilst it still needs a power supply to charge the battery back-up siren there is no longer the need to wire the siren up to the alarm ECU which saves the need to run cables between the two.
Only One Way Communication
The Siren has a bonnet switch input which will trigger it into action if opened when armed, so there is no need to run any cables though the firewall. That said because there is only one way wireless communication from the alarm ECU to the siren, the bonnet sense wire only triggers the siren into life and not the main alarm. Having said that many CAN-BUS vehicles already have a factory bonnet switch that the CAN-BUS system will read directly. For cars that don’t, this means that the pager out-put or hazard lights won’t activate if the bonnet is opened. If you do want this feature then it maybe worth asking the installer to hard wire a bonnet switch to the main alarm ECU.
New Features
The AK4615 effectively replaces both the AB3868 and the AK4908. It also has plenty of new features lacking in past models such as Pager out-put and the ability to hook up a second digital siren, or Immobiliser (remember not all CAN-BUS vehicles have a factory immobiliser, for example 2012 Corolla Wagon). The other great option is that of a Cobra remote which may well prove much more cost effective then a visit to the local car dealer for a spare.
Cobra AK4615
RRP: $700.00
Insurance Approved:
Thatcham Cat 2-1 Upgrde
Obsessive Rating:
Class Leading Security
Cobra seems to be the only manufacture who have a active R&D department. The only alternatives seem very outdated!
OVERVIEW
Features:
Pager Output
Wireless Digital Battery Back-up Siren
Ultrasonics
Dash Mount LED Over-ride
Full operation via Factory remote
Options:
Cobra Remote Controls
Tilt Sensor
Additional sensors
8509 Immobiliser
4310 Siren
Drivers Card
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