red clip

[8sum8]

Originally Posted by CJ_Boxster

Is the red clip a porsche part? if so whats the part numb
er?

Also try EagleDay.

http://www.eagleday.com/inpr1.html

Silly me bought mine on ebay and paid something like $12 for it.

[pauldee]

Yes, I can confirm that holding the microswitch shut with your finger (little finger) while locking the car does turn on the internal infrared system. The trick is that you have to hold the micro switch in, until after the car checks for anything open. If you watch the red LED on the dash top, you'll see that it flashes rapidly for about 10 seconds when you first lock the car, then slows down to about a flash per second. Hold the switch until the flash slows, then the car is armed, and you can walk away. If you want to test the infrared, keep in mind that it doesn't sound the alarm for about 2 or 3 seconds after you break the beam. So, toss a jacket or something on to a seat, then wait for a few seconds - the alarm should then sound.

[denverpete]

Originally Posted by pauldee

Yes, I can confirm that holding the microswitch shut with your finger (little finger) while locking the car does turn on the internal infrared system. The trick is that you have to hold the micro switch in, until after the car checks for anything open. If you watch the red LED on the dash top, you'll see that it flashes rapidly for about 10 seconds when you first lock the car, then slows down to about a flash per second. Hold the switch until the flash slows, then the car is armed, and you can walk away. If you want to test the infrared, keep in mind that it doesn't sound the alarm for about 2 or 3 seconds after you break the beam. So, toss a jacket or something on to a seat, then wait for a few seconds - the alarm should then sound.

Yes, but I can also confirm that someone breaking your window (with glass flying everywhere) won't activate the infared alarm. With the red clip you can still reach inside and drop a parking meter pre-pay ticket on the dash without the alarm going off. I think the infared is pretty worthless.....

[mwh98]

I believe the IR sensors are only pointed over the console to protect the radio, junk bin, CD storage, and shift knob. When you sit down inside the car, you legs will enter the IR field, so there may be some benefit to sound the alarm if someone attempts to roll the car away in neutral.

Is it of value? To me sure, anything I may do to deter a theif, makes me feel better. You can't prevent crime, but you can make it a little tougher to go unnoticed. I'm always hoping they choose an easier target, but with a Boxster, you always draw attention.

To me the thing that does not make sense, is why is the IR alarm enabled with the top up, but not down. One would think exactly the opposite. Someone is more likely to reach into the car with the top down, than break into or cut the top when up.

Mark Hudson
2001 Seal Gray
San Antonio, Texas

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by mwh98

...To me the thing that does not make sense, is why is the IR alarm enabled with the top up, but not down. One would think exactly the opposite. Someone is more likely to reach into the car with the top down, than break into or cut the top when up....

Mark Hudson
2001 Seal Gray
San Antonio, Texas

Hi,

This is because with the Top Down, there is a great potential for many false alarms. A Leaf falling in the car or an insect passing through would trigger it.

Interestingly, I know the ROW cars have a different alarm system and this IR system activates independent of Top position - I don't know why the USA Cars are different, not aware of any regulations governing it...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[denverpete]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

This is because with the Top Down, there is a great potential for many false alarms. A Leaf falling in the car or an insect passing through would trigger it.

Interestingly, I know the ROW cars have a different alarm system and this IR system activates independent of Top position - I don't know why the USA Cars are different, not aware of any regulations governing it...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Personally I have to disagree with the sensitivity of the sensor. I've found that it has to be major movement of generally large objects. I've tested the sensor with the red clip and it does work. However, I recently had my side window smashed in with glass flying everywhere inside the car and.... Nothing. Not a peep! I once set the alarm and then reached in to grab something off the seat.... Nothing. It only went off when I waved my arm around the center of the car.

[TVC15]

I agree, Pete. I just bought the red clip and it's pretty much worthless on my 987. I put it on, activated the alarm, then reached in and touched the steering wheel, radio facia, and opened the center storage bin, without triggering the alarm. It wasn't until i reached under the dashboard that the alarm went off.

When i take the car in for its service, I'm gogin to ask about the sensitivity of the infrared .

[CJ_Boxster]

According to the Dealer, The Red Clips purpose is not to enable the IR sensors for security, It comes with the Speedhumps, When you put your speedhump on while the top is down, your suppose to place the red clip on as a reminder to remove the humps prior to raising the top...plus you cannot raise your top if the clip is on...its a prevenative measure to keep you from breaking something.

Originally Posted by mwh98

To me the thing that does not make sense, is why is the IR alarm enabled with the top up, but not down. One would think exactly the opposite. Someone is more likely to reach into the car with the top down, than break into or cut the top when up.

Mark Hudson
2001 Seal Gray
San Antonio, Texas