Speaking about car alarms, it is impossible to ignore this brand: in many ways, the products were and remain innovative, and the fact that the development and production of products is carried out in Russia cannot but rejoice. It was from the bowels of the Kaluga Experimental Instrument Making Plant that things that are now standard for premium anti-theft systems first came out: alarms with a high-frequency (2.4 GHz) communication channel, systems on 32-bit Cortex ARM processors with the ability to configure via a USB port, here The first samples of central units with integrated alarm sensors appeared.
The development of the brand does not stop, therefore, when purchasing a Pandora anti-theft system, you can be sure that you have chosen a high-quality and modern product. Of course, this also has negative sides - systems of this class are not intended for self-installation, but over the 13 years of its existence, AlarmTrade has managed to deploy a network of authorized installation centers throughout the country, so there will be no problems finding a qualified technician.
Cryptographic strength
Pandora car alarms currently have the highest level of cryptographic resistance to intelligent hacking. The transition to powerful 32-bit processors allowed the company to be one of the first in the world to switch to using dialog code with 128-bit encryption, since such computing tasks are too resource-intensive for energy-efficient low-bit microcontrollers. Further development of Pandora anti-theft systems has made it possible to further increase the systems' resistance to hacking:
- Refusal to use the 433 MHz frequency not only makes the code grabbers designed for it physically useless, but also allows for improved communication by removing the channel from the overloaded range. Modern Pandora systems either use 868 MHz/2.4 GHz frequencies or have completely abandoned key fobs in favor of wearable tags and telematics control.
- The transition to 256-bit encryption can even be called an excessive measure, since a brute-force attack on a key of such a length, even with a distributed computer network, is unrealistic in our time.
- Additional validation with a wearable active tag was also an innovation introduced by the company at the time: here, scanning the radio range is even more difficult due to the fact that the range of the tag is extremely small, it is interrogated in the immediate vicinity of the car and, just like a full-fledged radio key fob, communicates in interactive mode.
Circuit design
The level of electronic “stuffing” has always been the trump card of Pandora systems. Some of the characteristic features of these anti-theft alarms at one time became a kind of revolution:
Video: Car alarm test 2016
- The abandonment of an external shock sensor and the transition to a built-in one in the central unit freed the installer from the need to lay out unnecessary wiring, and allowed the user to adjust the sensitivity directly from the key fob, rather than using a screwdriver in a hard-to-reach place.
- Instead of conventional miniature relays, semiconductor switches are used to switch high-current loads - the central alarm unit has become very compact, which facilitates installation in the most unexpected places. In addition, transistor switches are silent - it is impossible to detect the approximate location of the alarm by clicks.
- The radio module of many alarms allows them to be paired not only with the usual radio interlock relays, but also with a unique quick-release alarm sensor, which, for example, can be placed on a trailer. Let's add to this support for autonomous under-hood radio modules that block the hood and injection ECU circuits.
- Possibility of keyless bypass of the standard immobilizer: on a number of cars, Pandora alarms can simulate the presence of a standard key in the car directly via the CAN bus, without requiring the purchase of an external bypass module, much less disassembling the standard keys in order to remove the chip. This is both convenient and beneficial for the user: in many insurance companies, the absence of one of the working keys significantly increases CASCO rates.
- Wireless software update leaves the manufacturer with the opportunity to repeatedly upgrade already released alarms, which makes them more attractive for the end user - after all, the capabilities currently built into the hardware platform are enough for several major updates.
- The fashion for wearable gadgets has received an unexpected development - the owner of a Pandora alarm system can purchase a smart watch, which also serves as a vehicle security control tool (control display, RFID validation tag). This technical solution elegantly implements the basic safety rule - the control panel should not be stored together with the car keys, and if 99% of drivers still attach a radio key fob or tag to a bunch of keys, they will in any case wear a smart watch separately.
Video: Instructions for working with the Pandora alarm key fob.
general characteristics
Considering the review of the Pandora alarm system, a few words should be said about its manufacturer. This is a domestic brand that has been operating on the market for more than 11 years. During its existence, the manufacturer has significantly improved the technologies used in the manufacture of car alarms.
engages in the production, sale and installation of various security electronics. It includes special complexes, alarms, and immobilizers. There is also a large selection of accessories. The buyer can easily select an additional key fob, a cover, an immobilizer bypass, as well as a locking relay. This significantly increases the comfort during operation of the equipment.
The Pandora system is complex electronic equipment. It includes high sensitivity sensors. They can recognize various changes in the state of vehicle systems. The sensor is able to recognize not only an impact, but also the tilt and movement of the vehicle. All system components work harmoniously. This ensures high system performance.
Installing a Pandora alarm system provides the vehicle owner with a lot of benefits. Electronics differs in a number of features. When creating this security system, manufacturers were able to achieve a high level of communication between the main unit and the key fob. Even over a long distance, high-quality messaging occurs.
In this case, control over the operation of the system can be carried out through a mobile application. This increases operating comfort. Pandora also allows you to monitor the battery status and block the car engine. You can even determine the location of the car; a radio tag is installed in it.
The signal is reliably protected from interception. When creating messaging technology, new technology is used. This ensures that the alarm system is protected from intelligent hacking. One of the most popular functions that a security system has is the presence of auto start.
The best Pandora car alarm models
Budget options
1.Pandora LX 3055
Video: Pandora LX 3055 in review, on the table.
Affordable alarm system optimized for new domestic cars. Keyless bypass of the immobilizer is provided, the power module for controlling the ignition and starter circuits is built into the central unit itself, unlike most current Pandora models.
It is possible to control Wenasto/Eberspraecher devices via a digital bus. The updated series has increased the range of the key fob and the signal encoding/decoding speed, which has reduced the “thoughtfulness” characteristic of budget Pandora alarms.
Pandora LX 3297
The alarm system is notable for its refusal of power connectors - the wiring harness is tightly soldered to the central unit board and secured with a lid. This eliminates the possibility of contact failure due to shaking and vibration.
Otherwise, the functionality is typical for the budget LX series - there is a CAN/LIN module, connecting a GPS/GSM interface is not possible. There is also no option to connect autorun. For owners of cars with turbodiesel engines, it is interesting to have an analog tachometer input, which allows you to implement a turbo timer.
Pandora DX 30
Video: Pandora DX30
A car alarm with a basic set of functions, intended by the manufacturer primarily for new budget cars. However, its characteristics cannot be called outdated: it operates in the 868 MHz band with 128-bit encryption, and the compact central unit has the dimensions of a credit card with minimal thickness.
For owners of domestic cars, it will be interesting to have a full-fledged LIN controller on board, which allows you to integrate the alarm system with the digital buses of pre-KAN Priors and other VAZ cars. The same controller can also control pre-heaters, simulating standard Webasto and Eberspraecher protocols.
The alarm key fob has a low transmitter power, which made it possible to increase the declared service life from one lithium battery to three years. Unfortunately, feedback is sacrificed for this - there is no display on the key fob, and the DX 30 can be described primarily as an alarm for people who need real protection, and not a beautiful shell.
Middle class alarms
Pandora DX 90BT
The top model, the new DX series, boasts an integrated Bluetooth module version 4.2, which allows you to interact with:
- branded radio interlock relays;
- engine compartment modules;
- the owner’s smartphone (it acts as a validation mark).
The alarm system implements the ability to bypass the standard immobilizers on most modern cars without a key (Pandora CLONE technology). Another notable feature is the key fob with an OLED display instead of the usual LCD ones: it is much better readable in the dark, and legibility does not decrease as the angle at which you look at the screen increases.
Pandora DXL 3210i
One of the most affordable alarms in the DXL series. To reduce the cost, the ability to implement autostart and connect GSM/GPS modules has been removed - thus, we have a classic alarm system with two-way communication. However, like other products in the Pandora line, it works with an anti-jam transceiver and a perfect dialogue code with 128-bit encryption, which guarantees long-term cryptographic strength.
A connection to the CAN bus is available; the desired program is selected from a computer via a USB port or using micro-toggle switches on the case according to the corresponding settings table. The shock/tilt/roll sensor is built into the central unit and can be adjusted remotely.
Pandora DX 50b
Video: Review of the Pandora dx50 alarm system
Modernization of the popular 50 series with reduced power consumption and an updated key fob display. The unique feature of the family has been preserved - the transceiver is built directly into the central unit, which, although it complicates the choice of installation location, allows you to avoid cluttering the windshield and not running unnecessary wires.
The alarm system has a built-in CAN/LIN module and can implement keyless bypass of the immobilizer, also on domestic cars. Control of preheaters via a digital bus is provided. Information from the built-in three-dimensional accelerometer, used as a shock/tilt/roll sensor, is processed using an adaptive algorithm (the computing power of the ARM Cortex is abundant enough for this), as a result, false alarms are practically eliminated in practice.
Luxury alarms
Pandora DXL 5000 S
With its by no means low price (more than 40,000 rubles at the time of the release of version v2), this alarm system has absorbed all the features inherent in the premium class:
- High-frequency key fobs are complemented by wearable validation tags, which also use a conversational protocol with AES encryption.
- The owner can use the car’s standard radio key to control the alarm (validation in Slave mode is carried out using an RFID tag) or his own smartphone.
- Intelligent autostart control provides for monitoring the fuel level, preventing its critical reduction when cyclic or timed autostart is turned on.
- Control of the radio channel and GSM connection is provided - if the connection on one of the channels is lost (probability of jamming), the owner receives a notification via the backup one.
- The kit includes a wireless engine compartment module and a radio locking relay that independently interrogates the radio tags - thus, even if the central unit is completely physically removed, the thief will not be able to start the car.
The built-in GPS/GLONASS receiver allows the owner to control the history of the vehicle's movements without restrictions on the time of data storage on the company's server. A guest authorization function is provided - it makes it possible to allow a number of people to drive a car without giving them full control over the alarm.
Pandora DXL 3970 Pro v2
Car alarm system with increased energy efficiency: energy consumption is reduced not only by the central unit, but also by radio tags and the radio key fob. Instead of the usual replaceable battery, it uses a rechargeable battery that can always be quickly recharged.
The alarm system supports auto-start with keyless immobilizer bypass and a full range of telematics functions. The delivery set includes a radio locking relay. Optionally, it is possible to connect a GPS/GLONASS module.
Popular Features
Before you start using the selected model of security equipment, you need to carefully study the instructions for the Pandora alarm system. Each model has its own subtleties and nuances of control. But for all models there are common functions that are in demand by drivers. In different systems they can be implemented at different technical levels.
The presented systems are equipped with protection against intelligent hacking. The conversational encryption algorithm is quite complex, which makes it impossible to select the appropriate code. In security mode, the electronics consume a small amount of battery power.
The key fob communication channel is controlled automatically. If an emergency situation occurs, the program sends a corresponding notification to the driver. You can set a special mode in which the alarm can be turned on and off exclusively using the standard key.
It is also possible to set a personal PIN code, with which you can disable the security mode if the key fob malfunctions. The firmware is easy to update.
Installation of the Pandora alarm system is carried out in authorized centers of the manufacturer. In this case, the system warranty is valid for 3 years.
The kit may include additional blocks. One of the most interesting additions is the presence of GPS/GLONASS. This allows you to control the location of the car. In some models this module is included in the kit. In new models it is possible to install it additionally. In earlier versions of the equipment, such an addition cannot be performed.
