Review of an alarm made in the last century
The Cobra AK3198 was a Thatcham CAT 2-1 remote upgrade alarm. It was sold from 1995 to 2008 when it was replaced by the AK4198.
The AK3198 was also known as the Globe 3198.
Here in New Zealand it was also sold as a 3193 which had a standard siren instead of the battery back-up siren required for Thatcham cerification.
Cobra AK3198 modular alarm system
The alarm consists of the following:
- Digital battery back up siren (Part # 3310)
- Alarm ECU (Part # 3195)
- 2 remote controls (Part # 4T7777)
- LED Control Panel
- Ultrasonic sensors
- Wiring harness
How the 4T-7777 remote functions
The big oval button arms/disarms the alarm.
The second smaller round button will turn off the ultrasonic sensors and any additional sensors which have been fitted. To do this the button must be pressed during the settle period when the alarm is first armed (40 seconds).
You know the alarm is in the settle phase as the LED on the control panel will be on solid.
Once the alarm is fully armed (LED will be flashing) pressing the round button will trigger the panic alarm function.
Replacement remotes and cases are still available. More details about the 4T7777 remote can be found here.
Control panel LED over-ride
The AK3198 was the first Cobra alarm to feature the control panel with built-in LED.
It is a quick and simple way to enter your alarms PIN Code over-ride should you ever need to disarm it without a working remote.
If it’s not broken don’t fix it
30 years later the same and it’s still in use with the latest generation of alarms. It simply works well.
3310 battery back-up siren
Even back in 1995 Cobra offered a digital battery back-up siren.
It is worth noting the the 4310 siren that cam with later Cobra alarms is not compatible with the AK3198, despite having the same shell and plug.
Paperclip ultrasonic sensors
The ultrasonic sensors tucked into the top of the “A pillars” which worked, but they did have a tendency to get knocked and misaligned. The newer pod style sensors released with the AK4198 were a big improvement.
OVERVIEW
Features:
- Digital Battery Back-up Siren
- Ultrasonic Sensors
- Two 2 Button Remotes
- Door Open Warning Tones
- Immobiliser
- Dash Mount LED Over-ride
- Panic Via Remote
I'd still recommend this over most other NZ brands
There is a good reason why I like these alarms. They are quality and last well beyond the warranty period. That’s good for you (the customer), me (the installer), and the planet (less electronic waste).
Even if the AK3198 had not evolved (It is now 4 generations old) I’d still have one in my car over a new AVS or Mongoose alarm.
But that would be silly because the Vodafone Automotive/Cobra alarms systems get updated and keep improving.
History of the Cobra alarm range:
- Cobra AK3198 – year released 1995
- Cobra AK4198 – year released 2008
- Cobra AK4698 – year released 2015
- Vodafone Automotive 4822 – year released 2025
AK3198 replacement parts
If you need replacement remote controls then these are still available from Vodafone Automotive. You can visit their website here.
I keep the remotes in stock and also have some spare ultrasonic sensors and LED control panels boxed up if I ever need them for a repair. I’ve also got an old alarm ECU and siren kicking about.
