Vodafone Automotive AK4698 | Cobra 4600 Series Alarm

The Vodafone Automotive AK4698 is the replacement for the soon to be discontinued Cobra AK4198 which set the bench mark for Remote Upgrade Alarms back in 2008.

It is a car alarm that I would rate as being the best by a significant margin, both in terms of features and reliability.

I have installed hundreds of them over the years. Given this the AK4698 has very high standards to meet.

AK4698 Remote Car Alarm

Like it’s predecessor, the Vodafone Automotive AK4698 comes with two remote controls and is designed for vehicles with an existing immobiliser, yet lack remote central locking.

Cobra 4600 Series Alarm

The AK4698 part of the Cobra 4600 series of alarms. It is basically a remote version of the excellent AK4615 but without the CAN-BUS integration. The AK4698 can be programmed using the Cobra Andromeda software which allows the installer to custom program the alarm to suit the vehicle simply by plugging into a laptop.

AK4698 remote controls - Options and functions

The AK4698 comes with either 2 G Series remotes with the dongle to attach to your keyring, or a couple of 2 button padlock remote that with the clear lock and unlock buttons.

There is also the option of a 3 button padlock remote for those who require an additional boot pop button.

Silent or Audible Arming.

The AK4698 can be programmed for silent arming or for audible arm/disarm. The Volume of the arm chirps can be customised to taste too.

If alarm arm/disarm chirps are selected then the following procedure explains how so silent arm the alarm for a single cycle:

Selective Unlocking Option

The unlock button disarms the alarm and unlocks all the doors. For vehicles that feature selective unlocking the first press of the unlock button will unlock the drivers door and a second press will unlock the other doors.

Advanced ultrasonic sensor control

Like the AK4615 the AK4698 allows the ultrasonic sensors to be adjusted for small cabins. It can also turn the sensors down to 70% sensitivity via an external input. This can be really useful on courier vans where the alarm is armed with the engine running with the fan heater left on. When the alarm detects that the fan is on it will turn the sensors down so the air movement generated by the fan does not cause a false alarm.

Turning off the ultrasonic sensors when arming the alarm

Pressing Button A a second time when after arming the alarm will disable the Ultrasonic Sensors for a single arm cycle.

Built-in starter immobiliser

The AK4698 will automatically immobilise the starter motor when armed. It can be programmed to Passive immobilise the starter 115 seconds after the ignition has been turned off. For vehicles that require additional immobiliser cuts the 8509 Immobiliser pack can be added for additional security.

Optional window closure

Automatic window closure (windows roll up automatically when armed) or controlled comfort closure (Windows roll up whilst the button “A” /remote lock is held down) are both an possible with the AK4698, but this will require an additional module and cost with most cars.

For cars that close the windows when the key is held in the lock position of the drivers door (common with BMW, Audi, VW and Skoda) this can normally be included for no extra cost.

Cobra 5365 Wireless Siren

The 5365 Wireless Siren comes as standard.

More siren options

If the wireless siren is not enough (it will be for most people) then there is the option of adding both horn honk and the 4310 waterproof siren.

The outgoing AK4198 only allowed for either the horn or an additional siren to be added whereas the AK4698 allows for both on top of the standard wireless battery back-up siren.

The volume level of the siren can be adjusted if audible arm/disarming is selected. As with all Cobra systems you can be confident that the sirens battery pack will last for years.

RRP: $750.00

Insurance Approved:

Thatcham Cat 2-1 Remote Upgrade alarm

Obsessive Rating:
Top of the line security that comes highly recommended

Other then the remote case (which is a taste thing and can be changed) the AK4698 is a significant improvement on the AK4198 which takes some beating!