I just installed a VIP alarm in my FJ and I've got a couple of questions:
Can you buy the VIP window decals anywhere? One of mine hit the ground sticky-side down....
Has anyone tried to "brighten up" the rather dim alarm LED on the dash? I've seen someone post some pics of LEDs they added, but I'm really interested in trying a brighter emitter in the OEM position.
Overall, a surprisingly lengthy install for what I thought was a simple "plug and play" job, but I'm happy with the results.
If you're handy with wiring and small part soldering, get some very thin wire, and add another LED. Just wire it to the little circuit board behind the alarm light, and run the led right into the little light channel that's right behind the display of the little key/car on the panel. Brighter LED's are available from radio shack and others. I'm assuming the blinking is part of the VIP, and not part of the surface mount LED that's on the FJ's circuit board. Should cost you < $5 to try.
Don't know about the stickers - try going to the mfg. directly?
Never advertise that an alarm is installed by applying stickers with the manufacturers name on it. You are giving the bad guys the first step they need to rob your truck, and thats which system you have.
If man can build it, man can counter it!
__________________
07 Sun Fusion
A/T, Roof rack, Conv. package
ATRAC, Rear diff lock
3" Toyotec lift, OME 884's up front
& Toytec customs with OME shocks out back
BFG KM2's 285/70/17
Factory steelies
Scuba mod
AFE CAI
AFE 3" High clearance exhaust
All Pro Sliders
Tundra door handles
Cobra 75 WXST CB, Bandi mount & 3' Firestick
48" Hi-Lift jack
Yellow IMP shifter knobs
2 console mounted 12v power ports
7 circuit auxillary fuse box
Garmin c550 GPS with FJC icon
Trail Team Schwag bag filled with stuff
Never advertise that an alarm is installed by applying stickers with the manufacturers name on it. You are giving the bad guys the first step they need to rob your truck, and thats which system you have.
If man can build it, man can counter it!
Thats why the dealer didnt put them on my car because of this. I also have a VIP Alarm.
__________________
07 Black Diamond
Upgrade Package
3M Clear Bra
Roof Rack
Garmin Quest 2
Vip Security System
TRD CAI
TRD Exhuast System
Tan FJ40 1982... Completely Restored(In Kuwait)
Stock 2F
Toyo Mt's
I just installed a VIP alarm in my FJ and I've got a couple of questions:
Can you buy the VIP window decals anywhere? One of mine hit the ground sticky-side down....
Has anyone tried to "brighten up" the rather dim alarm LED on the dash? I've seen someone post some pics of LEDs they added, but I'm really interested in trying a brighter emitter in the OEM position.
Overall, a surprisingly lengthy install for what I thought was a simple "plug and play" job, but I'm happy with the results.
Thanks,
Joe
I don't know if you have managed to brighten you LED yet, but you could try this:
An LED circuit will always have a current limiting resistor in series with the diode. You could try to switch to a lower value of resistor. I've done this a number of times with other circuits and it usually works well. When you pull out the circuit board with the LED on it, use a mulit meter to try to find the resistor in series with the diode. Measure the impedance of the resistor and try to replace it with one that is 3/4 the vaule of the one that is there. You should notice an increase in brightness. I'm assuming that the LED flashes when the alarm is activated so I wouldn't worry too much about burning it out--you wouldn't be increasing the average current to the diode by too much.
Linear Mode
