Cell Phone Add-ON-Unlimited Range

I purchased a Start-X remote starter a week ago for my 2019 Toyota Corolla LE (key start). Installation was easy for that, but after using it a few days, i realized that i was parking a bit out of remote range depending on what time I made it to work. Also, if i was close, i had to goto the window and try to remote start it which was a pain. Needless to say I decided to add the cellular interface.My first thoughts about doing this was that it was going to be really hard. I didn't see any videos out there specific to my car and the instructions were a bit complicated, plus I did not see a Start-X starter listed in their instruction sheet. I pulled out the starter and noticed it was labelled CM-DC3, which seems to be a Compustar CM-DC3 type. I matched up the instructions to that particular unit, but was hesitant as I didn't want to plug in something and mess everything up entirely. I shouldn't have been hesitant as the entire setup process with testing took about 15 minutes. Shout out to reviewer Red as i was more confident after reading his review.So here is what I did:Prior to doing anything I downloaded the application and setup an account.- Note that you will be in a test/installer mode when you activate everything- Write down your password!! Reason below....Using only the long cable (did not need the small multi cable at all)- Plugged in the long cable to theASCL7 (they sent me the latest unit instead of the ASCL6, thank you!!!)- Plugged in the blue end to the grey telematics port on the Start-X- Waited about 30 seconds and then the unit started flashing.- I waited until all the lights were solid on the ASCL7- Added the unit by opening the app on my phone and scanned the serial number to add the unit; there are a few extra labels with the unit so keep them handy- It asked for the make/model/type of car it will be installed on as well as the VIN number to identify the vehicle so I entered that in as well- Once entered, it asked for the start type, i chose ADS protocol- The app stated that it was updating the protocol on the device for the car - took about 3-4 minutes to update and restart (see pictures)- Once finished and the lights were solid again, I put everything back in its place, shut the door and did a test. Doors unlocked and locked. Trunk popped open just like the remote. Start and stopping the engine worked perfectly. GPS was accurate.- Since it was in test mode, i released it. I then re-added the serial number back into the app and it picked it right up.So far so good. I will know better as time goes by and I am at work and need to park farther away.I do have one con at this time - no Apple Watch app. So when I originally placed the order, i had downloaded the CL6 application, and that also installed the app on my watch. When they sent the CL7 model, it directs you to use the CL7 app, however that does not have the watch application even though the pictures depict it. Not a big deal, but if i don't have to pull out my phone to start the car then that is a plus.Also, one other thing, write down your password, use a password manager, whatever. When I installed the CL7 app, i forgot the password to when i setup the CL6 app. If you try to do the 'reset password' option, it never sends the email. Checked junk folders, nothing. I had to sign back up again for the CL7 app.All in all, took me just under 15 minutes to add this to my Start-X controller.Another note, before i started I did email Start-X twice to see if they had any hints, tips, etc... never heard from them, which is kind of strange considering some of the reviews I read where they were quick to respond. Regardless, this worked well for me but all starters are different from my limited research.Hope this helps someone with a similar car/starter combination.***UPDATEWorking fine so far, no issues really, very reliable. Some post notes:- GPS is really accurate, withing a few feet. I placed the device inside the the dash behind the small drivers side panel.- The app showed 2 of the same car initially. It did not hinder anything. I emailed their support via the app. The duplicate disappeared prior to them getting back to me (was there for about 5 or 6 days). When they got back to me, they said they dont see the duplicate in the account. Been fine since.- The app also notifies you of any outages. I only had two notifications, one of which would not signal the car to start. Not a big deal as it was in my driveway at the time. The other notification that happened, the car started normally, so it may have been a region thing.- Start-X did email me back and confirmed how i set it up was correct.- No extra controls available, like rolling the windows down or up, only what is on there. Im sure it could be programmed somehow to do it, but its not something i need to get done.- No issues with countdown clock. Some videos I watched show it starting off at 35 minutes then dropping down to 15 minutes after a few seconds. I don't see that with my setup.- Comes with a free 30 day trial to the Premium Plus plan. It will notify you to try it out after the 1st day.- Apple Watch app still not present with the CL7 version.

Works as intended without any unexpected setup or use issues. Used with a Fortin Evo RSThe downsides:Slightly worse signal than a cell phone, so in an area where I get 1 bar on my phone, it is spotty with this. Not a big deal for me as it is parked right outside so remote start still works with factory remote. Installed in an A pillar which seemed to perform better than under the dash, but YMMV.The upsides:Fast communication on a chrysler 300 between locking with app/factory remote/door button and the app displaying locked. Slightly buggy/slow between a ford fusion but that is likely Fortin related and not the fault of this.Setup went well with no issues when following their instructions. they include an adapter to be used between several different systems which must be used, even though it seems you could plug this straight in and the adapter switches 2 wires around.The cord length is appropriate for the 3 vehicles I installed this in without much extra cord.Trunk opening worked fine with me and it has other options to control side sliding doors/other auxiliary inputs which I did not use.The meh:They include a horn wire to tie into the factory horn which is optional and only works to send a notification to your phone if your alarm is going off. This is a nice feature, but it does not give you much information, just that your alarm went off. There is no history in the app to tell you when it went off so once the notification is cleared on your phone, there is no way to get any information about the alarm.The horn input for this is (+) and most horns output (-) inside the cabin, so a relay is required to wire this in, and on mine, I tried it into the Fortin alarm out signal and enabled the alarm system on the Fortin module as it seemed to communicate the lock and unlock status quite well and when tested worked perfectly.All together I highly recommend this especially for the price. Other brands seem to be much more per year, but maybe they communicate more information like car temps? I have never used the other smart start or similar ones that cost $100/year vs the $40/year for this or $100/3 year.

UPDATE March 2024Randomly stopped working, start x module still works fine using vehicle remote, shows full bars of service and temperature and battery level, will not start the vehicle. 2023 4Runner.I've installed this in every car I own, whether it was with a Start X or an older DEI/Viper and these are the best telematics on the market. Install is caveman simple, most of the folks having complex issues with installation should probably not be allowed around tools. Both StartX and VOXX have outstanding customer service. In most cases it's literally as easy as reading instructions and plugging in connectors, on my '07 F250 I had to splice the power and ground to tie into an old Viper 5301 but that's pretty standard. Still a relative piece of cake. Signal is good on these seemingly no matter where I am and the app for both iPhone and Apple watch is excellent. For the price you absolutely will not regret it.