Growler Security Alarm

[BertieBonkers]

Hi all, considering a Growler and great to read everyone’s supporting evidence. Does anyone know if this is a Thatcham Class 1 alarm?

 

[Manic]

Hi all, considering a Growler and great to read everyone’s supporting evidence. Does anyone know if this is a Thatcham Class 1 alarm?

eddievanbitz may know

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Hi all, considering a Growler and great to read everyone’s supporting evidence. Does anyone know if this is a Thatcham Class 1 alarm?

It is Thatcham approved. Growler is an upgraded version. I would very strongly recommend the non starter as well. Hope that helps

 

[PJGWiltshire]

I personally think both the Growler and non starter should be fitted. Both systems are linked so if by chance the van gets broken into it isn't going anywhere. If you decide to have the non starter installed at a later date there is a higher cost, so push on and spend a wee bit more for everything.

 

[gerry mcg]

We had a Strikeback and Metatrack Non Starter (and solar) installed by VanBitz in our Globecar when we got it in 2017 based on recommendations and it has been super. Support has been exceptional.
I travelled from Glasgow to get it done - distance should not be an obstacle

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[Jon B]

Growler & Non Starter fitted last year..... great service, faultless operation so far - worth every penny for the peace of mind the system gives

 

[dulvil]

Oh well- we've got whatever they do fit. My point was that having an alarm and immobilizer etc is the main thing. No-ever posts to say theirs is no good.It's just about price and convenience.

Outsmart is an inferior alarm not much better than a cheap car alarm. Wireless and Anne silenced very easily, I know because I had one fitted and then quickly replaced with a growler

 

[Fontie]

Only time my Growler goes off unintentionally is if I forget to take my mobile phone from the cup holder under the dash board, when I leave the van and arm the alarm it goes off within 30 seconds, the phone interferes with the internal sensor. Other than that it hasn't gone off unintentionally in the 4 years I've had one. Fantastic bit of kit, dont forget the 10% funster discount code you have to give when ordering.

 

[DavieA]

BertieBonkers After researching what alarm/security was available, I got my VanBitz Growler Alarm and a Meta Trak Non Starter fitted back in July '21. It was 430miles for me to get there but with 1 free night on stay on site and a road trip around Cornwall and Devon all was excellent.

Since I got the above fitted by VanBitz, I have stopped worrying about my van being stolen and I feel that I’m sleeping a lot better. Worth every penny to me and definitely the best M/H accessory that I’ve purchased.

PS As Fontie said, don't forget the discount Link Removed

PPS Discount must be requested at time of booking

 

[Crowesnest]

Anyone with a recent non start install worked out how to block , unblock with no wi fi or data ?

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[Phill D]

Anyone with a recent non start install worked out how to block , unblock with no wi fi or data ?

Don't think you get an answer to that on open forum.

 

[Crowesnest]

Vanbitz sent me to meta ,who say yes there's a problem there. Working on it. Watch this space.

 

[Phill D]

If vanbitz and meta can't / wont tell you we on this forum got little chance of knowing.
Good luck getting your answer.

 

[Abacist]

The integrity of the system needs to be preserved!

 

[Crowesnest]

Thanks, was just wondering had any one else with a recent install come across this problem as well , as fobs are no longer supplied .

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[eddie]

Anyone with a recent non start install worked out how to block , unblock with no wi fi or data ?

I have sent you a PM

Out of curiosity who has no data or Wifi?

 

[Abacist]

I was once concerned. I had activated non start in Portugal. When I came to restart I had a helluva job getting the unblock to work due to a very poor signal!

 

[Crowesnest]

Thanks that s my point , if you are in an area with no mobile signal for data or any wi fi access , what happens then ?

 

[eddie]

Thanks that s my point , if you are in an area with no mobile signal for data or any wi fi access , what happens then ?

Is this a hypothetical question or are you experiencing a problem?

Your system is setup with Bluetooth override!

I was once concerned. I had activated non start in Portugal. When I came to restart I had a helluva job getting the unblock to work due to a very poor signal!

Many different versions (we have been installing motorhome security since 1990) but didn't you have the override?

 

[Crowesnest]

You can't access the Bluetooth override with out data ,the app won't unlock. Needs internet access .

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[BertieBonkers]

Just want to thank you all for such interesting feedback When I can persuade the Financial Director we will be off to Taunton tout suite! I was a bit surprised to see its Thatcham 2 I was expecting it to be Class 1 I guess. Thanks again.
Derek

 

[The Dotties]

My phone is on vodaphone. Mrs Dotty is on 3.
Between us never, ever had a problem.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I was once concerned. I had activated non start in Portugal. When I came to restart I had a helluva job getting the unblock to work due to a very poor signal!

Same thing happened to me at CMC site Woburn - I had stopped and turned off to disconnect the toad and it would not start. Being an idiot with the IQ of a duck, I had left the override dongle behind at home, and the wifi would not connect to the phone. After about 15 minutes I eventually got a signal and then when still scratching head, I head a faint click behind the dashboard. Being fairly satisfied that it was not a bomb I tired again and it started on the button. Lesson learned.......

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Just want to thank you all for such interesting feedback When I can persuade the Financial Director we will be off to Taunton tout suite! I was a bit surprised to see its Thatcham 2 I was expecting it to be Class 1 I guess. Thanks again.
Derek

It is class 1 - it says 2 to 1 upgrade, like most retrofit systems

 

[Phill D]

You can't access the Bluetooth override with out data ,the app won't unlock. Needs internet access .

You don't need Internet for Bluetooth connection,

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[DuxDeluxe]

Is this a hypothetical question or are you experiencing a problem?

Your system is setup with Bluetooth override!

Many different versions (we have been installing motorhome security since 1990) but didn't you have the override?

Hi Eddie, how do I get that? Was not aware that it existed - it was explained to me that it worked on the phone - unless you are referring to the dongle thingy, which works irrespective of phone signal...... cheers

 

[eddie]

OK this is the problem with differing versions of a product. We have been fitting GSM SMS controlled immobilisation systems since early 2000's

All are slightly different, and things evolve, and its daft to discuss over ride procedures on an open forum

If anyone wants to know about their system, and what to do if there was a problem email us info@vanbitz.com

Please make sure that you give us the information we need to look you up as, this may come as a surprise to some, our database doesn't recognise "BillyBlueSpot 67" and yes we have fitted thousands of alarms since 2011 so "no, we probably won't remember your motorhome"

As for how do you disable the Non Starter in an area where there is absolutely no service on your phone, you can't but then you probably wouldn't have been able to activate it in the first place as of course there is absolutely no service on your phone

Personally I have the App on my phone and my Ipad which have different network providers and my wife has the same, again different network providers so we have never actually had an issue and we also have our MiFi on board.

I suppose that its a bit like running out of diesel, it can happen and if it did, it would have to be dealt with.

 

[Crowesnest]

You don't need Internet for Bluetooth connection,

Correct , but you can't get to the Bluetooth send signal button with out opening the app , which won't work with out data or wi fi. You will get an error message.

 

[eddie]

Correct , but you can't get to the Bluetooth send signal button with out opening the app , which won't work with out data or wi fi. You will get an error message.

How did you immobilise the motorhome with the App if the App won't open as you have no data, not GSM signal and no MiFi?

Incidentally, if you are concerned that your a solo traveller and you may be in an area where have no signal whatsoever, if you minimise the App it will re-open irrespective of no data. Wifi or network allowing you to use the Bluetooth override if applicable

The next software update will eliminate the need for this, which is a hypothetical situation realistically, but none the less the update will allow the app to open when there is no data or Wifi

 

[Brains]

Out of curiosity who has no data or Wifi?

It happened to me, parked on my Mum's drive in North Cornwall.

The house, two doors down from the pub in the middle of the village, is in a mobile phone blackspot, and always has been.
Just occasionally you may get one bar of signal, outside, which is where it must have been when I set it.

I eventually had to go to the pub to get a mobile signal to then call Metatrac who then, after a dozen security questions, told me about the secret method of stopping the engine blocker. (It also helped that they could see where the van was and also the corresponding lack of signal)

Lesson learnt. Don't use the engine blocker in the many 'non-spots' in Cornwall or Wales.

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