Review: Clifford Matrix RS III

WR xplosive · 05-09-2003, 11:59 PM

With a range of a quarter mile on an open country, I can't go wrong with that. This alarm, as you all know, features a remote start, timer, and all other high tech functions. This was dubbed as the "Mother of All Remotes" by Time Magazine.

The reason why I wanted to get this is because of its two way functionality. Meaning it will confirm every command I do. A beep or a vibrate to alert me when system is triggered. Another reason why I wanted this is because it has a "TIMER." Reading the specs through Clifford website and some VENDOR, I was under the impression that this is the Turbo-Timer feature. TIMER that CLIFFORD MATRIX RS III has is a TIMER that when extemely cold, the engine will turn on every three hours! This is to keep the engine warm and reducing the chance of hard starts in the morning. I find this function useful to those people who live on the East or where there the weather can get extremely cold. How cold, I dont know.

Bottom Line:

If you think you can save or try to save some money, or expecting to eliminate a need for a separate TT, you are wrong. The TIMER, again, is not a TURBO TIMER. I dont even know why Alarm Installers will charge between $600-$900 for just the install fee. I was lucky to find an installer and paid $250.00 with FULL FEATURES. I was also lucky to find a seller who would sell this for $256.00 shipped, via overnight Fedex.

Overall:
I love this Alarm/Remote Start/Timer (yeah right) system because of its two way functionality.

EDIT: cnk said that the Vallet mode can function as a TT but 12,24,36min intervals only.

http://clifford.com/products/timeArticle.html

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

cnk · 05-10-2003, 12:06 AM

You can set the alarm to function sort of like a turbo timer if you set it the remote start to run before you get out of the car. This is known as valet mode and when the timer runs out, the car will turn off with the alarm armed. The only problem is that you can only use it at the default 12, 24, and 36 minutes IIRC. If your installer has a Bitwriter, he can program any time between 1-60 minutes. To be honest though, you don't need a TT on our cars due to the way the cooling system is designed. Just take it easy on the car the last few miles and you'll be fine. You may end up having more problems trying to get a TT to work without setting off the alarms shock sensor.

Calvin

WR xplosive · 05-10-2003, 12:13 AM

Ahhh, the installer mentioned something about the Bitwriter to have more functions. But 12 mins minimum is for the one's who do travel cross-country.

Yeah, I know about how our cars doesnt need any TT. I have 3K miles right now, how much more miles do I need so I dont have to take it easy ?!

I was gonna install the Blitz TT myself if I didnt put any alarm system on my car. But now that my installer started working on the electronics, I'll have him deal with the TT 'problems' (if any should arise)

YoSmiley · 05-10-2003, 12:15 AM

You may want look at Compustar alarm as well. I have it in both my auto and swear by it. Just a food for thought as an option.

cnk · 05-10-2003, 12:19 AM

I've got 24k miles on my car and no problems. Never had nor plan to use a TT. I just leave the engine running while I'm gathering all my things in the car and it's usually enough time for the turbo to cool.

As for the alarm, how do you like it? I picked up a Viper 790xv, which is the same as the Clifford. . .just different LED and shock sensor. I'm going to be installing it myself next weekend along with some extras. Did your installer try to put the antenna up in the headliner? I don't know if I want the antenna to be on the windshield like that.

Calvin

WR xplosive · 05-10-2003, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cnk
I've got 24k miles on my car and no problems. Never had nor plan to use a TT. I just leave the engine running while I'm gathering all my things in the car and it's usually enough time for the turbo to cool.

As for the alarm, how do you like it? I picked up a Viper 790xv, which is the same as the Clifford. . .just different LED and shock sensor. I'm going to be installing it myself next weekend along with some extras. Did your installer try to put the antenna up in the headliner? I don't know if I want the antenna to be on the windshield like that.

Calvin

Calvin! hahaha, I do the same strategy for 'human TT'

I drive wearing my flip-flops and while puttin on my shoes, I let the car run

Afterall, my installer said 30secs is enough time to cool off. He asked me where do I want the antenna. Out of excitement, I guess, I told him to install it on top of my rear-view mirror. Where do you have yours? As far as my own feedback, I LOVE THIS ALARM!

YoSmiley, the reason for my REVIEW is because I just had it done today

Thanks for your suggestion tho'

cnk · 05-10-2003, 12:33 AM

I haven't decided yet on the placement of the antenna. The installation manual recommends the location where your installer put it, but I may try to fit it up in the headliner. Guess it depends on how long I've been working on the install by that time.

This will be my first alarm install, but I've done stereo installs before so it shouldn't be too tough.

Calvin

WR xplosive · 05-10-2003, 12:41 AM

I was thinking on putting it on the little flap right next to the map lights, but I thought it would look weird.

DIY alarm install, I'm not capable of that.

The installer took 3 1/2 hours to finish it. The only Stereo I've installed was an OEM plug-n-play. I've never tried splicing...Im really bad at it.

Also, I love it when you dont have to push lock and unlock buttons at the same time to 'silent' the alarm when arming. All you do with the Matrix III is...

AUX, then lock to arm silently/disarm silently.

This is my first 'hi-tech' alarm, I'm just so excited

nick robinson · 05-11-2003, 09:34 PM

Will this work on a 5spd? Can it be rigged up to do all that starting stuff? If those functions dont work, is it worth it, or should I look at different alarms? Also - is this a good ALARM? What kind of sensors does it have? Im very interested.

netZ · 05-11-2003, 10:20 PM

1) yes
2) yes, hook up the ecu's neutral wire to the rs3's hood pin input wire
3) only if you want to spend more
4) decent alarm
5) external shock sensor, detects illegal ignition attempts, door trigger, hood pin input, trunk pin input etc etc...

netZ

Quote:

Originally posted by nick robinson
Will this work on a 5spd? Can it be rigged up to do all that starting stuff? If those functions dont work, is it worth it, or should I look at different alarms? Also - is this a good ALARM? What kind of sensors does it have? Im very interested.

nick robinson · 05-11-2003, 10:31 PM

So its got all the same stuff as most alarms? And what about the install cost?

netZ · 05-11-2003, 11:36 PM

for the 790xv or rs3... most installers will charge $250. retail is $499 including parts and install. buying the 790xv or rs3 for $260 something is only a bargain if you end up installing it yourself!

netZ

Quote:

Originally posted by nick robinson
So its got all the same stuff as most alarms? And what about the install cost?

nick robinson · 05-12-2003, 07:22 AM

Oh ok. Thanks for telling me that. I dont think id be able to install my self so ill go retail. Thanks

WR xplosive · 05-12-2003, 11:17 AM

$499 including parts and install all features, I love NY

You can never find a price like that in CALI. Well, as far as I know. One member was quoted $600.00 just for the install. The installer thought "why not charge him with that price, he didnt even buy the alarm from me, I make less money for just installing" He looked around and found a $250.00 install fee.

netZ is pretty good at electronics (based on what I read on his/her posts) and I bet he saved a lot of money.

nick, this is a great alarm and here's some example of what I can do with it (i.e. Vallet Mode)

Picked-up my glasses, took the key off, armed the system, kept the motor running, came back out from the store, unarmed the system, put the key to ignition ('ON') and drove off. Then I needed to drop off the DVD that I rented, did the same thing.

If you wanna use this as a TT, you can. But you have to turn it off manually because the default time is 12, 24,36mins. You can use a Bitwriter if you want an interval of one minutes (1-60mins)

I love this....

netZ · 05-12-2003, 02:18 PM

hehe...

best buy has it for $499 including parts and install. this is just for the basic 790xv with alarm/remote start. they probably won't install it on a 5 speed manual and may charge and additional fee for the dome light supervision feature.

if you've got some electrical skills... it's not hard to install the 790xv. there's a sticky for the ultimate alarm thread that will help you greatly!

netZ

Quote:

Originally posted by WR xplosive
$499 including parts and install all features, I love NY You can never find a price like that in CALI. Well, as far as I know. One member was quoted $600.00 just for the install. The installer thought "why not charge him with that price, he didnt even buy the alarm from me, I make less money for just installing" He looked around and found a $250.00 install fee.

netZ is pretty good at electronics (based on what I read on his/her posts) and I bet he saved a lot of money.

nick, this is a great alarm and here's some example of what I can do with it (i.e. Vallet Mode)

Picked-up my glasses, took the key off, armed the system, kept the motor running, came back out from the store, unarmed the system, put the key to ignition ('ON') and drove off. Then I needed to drop off the DVD that I rented, did the same thing.

If you wanna use this as a TT, you can. But you have to turn it off manually because the default time is 12, 24,36mins. You can use a Bitwriter if you want an interval of one minutes (1-60mins)

I love this....

ImportVenom · 05-12-2003, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WR xplosive
$499 including parts and install all features, I love NY You can never find a price like that in CALI. Well, as far as I know. One member was quoted $600.00 just for the install. The installer thought "why not charge him with that price, he didnt even buy the alarm from me, I make less money for just installing" He looked around and found a $250.00 install fee.

Actually I found several places that would install the viper 790xv or clifford matrix rsIII for $499 installed in Socal. PM if you need to know where. In fact, the most expensive price I found was 600 installed. I think they're right when they say suggested retail is 499 for parts and installation.

secretaznboy · 05-12-2003, 10:04 PM

this one sounds okay...but the features dont impress me. have u guys heard of aladin 2000? it came out as a different name in the states i believe.

anway, that alarm was released over a year ago, and i still think it is way more advanced. it has the same range or so, but in addition, it does have the turbo timer feature that works with manual cars, as well as a sensor that detects how close you are to your car. if ur close enough, the doors will unlock and lock without you evening pushing the button.

also, with this clifford alarm, can one hook it up to pop the trunk?

thanks
alex

ImportVenom · 05-13-2003, 12:20 AM

Clifford is one of the best well-established brands out there. It has a lot of functionality you can add to it. Aladdin is one of the cheapest alarms out there - heard many problems with it, as well as it being cheaply made. I wouldn't go with Aladdin. Look at how cheap it is. My friends have also had problems with the Delta pager alarms. I stick with DEI products like Viper or Clifford.

netZ · 05-13-2003, 12:34 AM

almost all the dei alarms have an aux channel that can send out a pulse out for trunk pop but you need to install a trunk solenoid to do this.

netZ

Quote:

Originally posted by secretaznboy
this one sounds okay...but the features dont impress me. have u guys heard of aladin 2000? it came out as a different name in the states i believe.

anway, that alarm was released over a year ago, and i still think it is way more advanced. it has the same range or so, but in addition, it does have the turbo timer feature that works with manual cars, as well as a sensor that detects how close you are to your car. if ur close enough, the doors will unlock and lock without you evening pushing the button.

also, with this clifford alarm, can one hook it up to pop the trunk?

thanks
alex

bleuquila · 05-13-2003, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ImportVenom
Aladdin is one of the cheapest alarms out there - heard many problems with it, as well as it being cheaply made. I wouldn't go with Aladdin. Look at how cheap it is.

Do you have actual sources for these so called problems you claim to hear? I'm thinking about buying this alarm, and most of the reviews are positive, especially the value for what you pay. I read every thread out there, and in all of them there was one guy who was displeased with it, and it sounded like it was just a bad install.

Or are you just hating because it doesn't cost as much as other systems? Not all of us can just throw money around like there's no tomorrow, you know...

netZ · 05-13-2003, 02:19 PM

check:

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...813&KW=alladin

most alarms do the same thing... check the warranty information and see which fits you best.

netZ

Quote:

Originally posted by bleuquila

Do you have actual sources for these so called problems you claim to hear? I'm thinking about buying this alarm, and most of the reviews are positive, especially the value for what you pay. I read every thread out there, and in all of them there was one guy who was displeased with it, and it sounded like it was just a bad install.

Or are you just hating because it doesn't cost as much as other systems? Not all of us can just throw money around like there's no tomorrow, you know...

armand1 · 05-13-2003, 02:54 PM

Quote:

I dont even know why Alarm Installers will charge between $600-$900 for just the install fee.

The reason is that 90% of the *security* effectiveness of the alarm is determined by how well (usually = how time-consuming) the install was done. For example, the inexpensive installs will mount the brain under the driver's side dash, where all the thieves will look for it. Also, they won't try to disguise the alarm wiring to look like standard OEM wiring. They won't install battery backup for alarm and siren, and so forth. For a decent paging alarm install, I would expect a full day's labor charge.

bleuquila · 05-13-2003, 03:11 PM

thanks for that link. Found someone selling, getting the alarm fedex'ed to me tomorrow : ) I wanted remote paging, mostly because of my love affair with gadgets that are also functional, and the remote start is just icing.

ImportVenom · 05-13-2003, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bleuquila

Do you have actual sources for these so called problems you claim to hear? I'm thinking about buying this alarm, and most of the reviews are positive, especially the value for what you pay. I read every thread out there, and in all of them there was one guy who was displeased with it, and it sounded like it was just a bad install.

Or are you just hating because it doesn't cost as much as other systems? Not all of us can just throw money around like there's no tomorrow, you know...

Congrats on buying the alarm. The comments I made were based on research I did a while ago when I was looking for a 2-way paging alarm. I remember someone took it apart and commented on very poor construction inside the brain. I believe it was made in Mexico too. Not all people had bad experiences, but it was those several people (not just wrx owners) that commented on problems etc that made me realize that it was not worth it. You can get the aladdin 2000 for a little under 200, but you would pay at least 250 for a decent installation, unless you do it yourself. I don't trust myself since the effectiveness of an alarm is all in the installation, so I'm going to go with a clifford matrix rsIII for 500 installed. That's only slightly more than what I would pay for the aladdin 2000 installed, and I have never heard major complaints about DEI products like Clifford. That was my reasoning for staying away from the Aladdin.

BTW, car audio sites like http://www.sounddomain.com and others also have a lot of good info on alarms.

WR xplosive · 05-14-2003, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by armand1

The reason is that 90% of the *security* effectiveness of the alarm is determined by how well (usually = how time-consuming) the install was done. For example, the inexpensive installs will mount the brain under the driver's side dash, where all the thieves will look for it. Also, they won't try to disguise the alarm wiring to look like standard OEM wiring. They won't install battery backup for alarm and siren, and so forth. For a decent paging alarm install, I would expect a full day's labor charge.

Well then how come ImportVenom knows a place to have it and installed for $500.00? I would assume when Time Magazine gave a range of $600-$900, having the $600.00 range be the "the inexpensive installs will mount the brain under the driver's side dash, where all the thieves will look for it. Also, they won't try to disguise the alarm wiring to look like standard OEM wiring. They won't install battery backup for alarm and siren, and so forth." and $900 would be the opposite, right? Still, very unreasonable price to charge. And my main concern is when you buy it from somebody else's, and have it installed by another shop. That shop will, definitely, gouge you with the price. Well, unless you know someone, like ImportVenom and myself does, to install it or even buy it from the same shop for less. Less than what Time Magazine advertised.

Got it installed for cheap and those thieves best hope that they have enough tools to get to my alarm's brain

05-09-2003, 11:59 PM	#1
WR xplosive Scooby Specialist Member#: 33031 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: 34.13514,-118.08109 Vehicle: 2008 4B11T P26 MZ314000	Review: Clifford Matrix RS III With a range of a quarter mile on an open country, I can't go wrong with that. This alarm, as you all know, features a remote start, timer, and all other high tech functions. This was dubbed as the "Mother of All Remotes" by Time Magazine. The reason why I wanted to get this is because of its two way functionality. Meaning it will confirm every command I do. A beep or a vibrate to alert me when system is triggered. Another reason why I wanted this is because it has a "TIMER." Reading the specs through Clifford website and some VENDOR, I was under the impression that this is the Turbo-Timer feature. TIMER that CLIFFORD MATRIX RS III has is a TIMER that when extemely cold, the engine will turn on every three hours! This is to keep the engine warm and reducing the chance of hard starts in the morning. I find this function useful to those people who live on the East or where there the weather can get extremely cold. How cold, I dont know. Bottom Line: If you think you can save or try to save some money, or expecting to eliminate a need for a separate TT, you are wrong. The TIMER, again, is not a TURBO TIMER. I dont even know why Alarm Installers will charge between $600-$900 for just the install fee. I was lucky to find an installer and paid $250.00 with FULL FEATURES. I was also lucky to find a seller who would sell this for $256.00 shipped, via overnight Fedex. Overall: I love this Alarm/Remote Start/Timer (yeah right) system because of its two way functionality. EDIT: cnk said that the Vallet mode can function as a TT but 12,24,36min intervals only. http://clifford.com/products/timeArticle.html * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by WR xplosive; 05-10-2003 at 12:44 AM.

05-13-2003, 03:11 PM	#23
bleuquila Scooby Specialist Member#: 31922 Join Date: Jan 2003 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: new mehico Vehicle: 03 wrx wagon 78 brat	going for it thanks for that link. Found someone selling, getting the alarm fedex'ed to me tomorrow : ) I wanted remote paging, mostly because of my love affair with gadgets that are also functional, and the remote start is just icing.

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05-10-2003, 12:06 AM	#2
cnk Scooby Guru Member#: 10757 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2013 BRZ Limited 6MT DGM	You can set the alarm to function sort of like a turbo timer if you set it the remote start to run before you get out of the car. This is known as valet mode and when the timer runs out, the car will turn off with the alarm armed. The only problem is that you can only use it at the default 12, 24, and 36 minutes IIRC. If your installer has a Bitwriter, he can program any time between 1-60 minutes. To be honest though, you don't need a TT on our cars due to the way the cooling system is designed. Just take it easy on the car the last few miles and you'll be fine. You may end up having more problems trying to get a TT to work without setting off the alarms shock sensor. Calvin

05-10-2003, 12:13 AM	#3
WR xplosive Scooby Specialist Member#: 33031 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: 34.13514,-118.08109 Vehicle: 2008 4B11T P26 MZ314000	Ahhh, the installer mentioned something about the Bitwriter to have more functions. But 12 mins minimum is for the one's who do travel cross-country. Yeah, I know about how our cars doesnt need any TT. I have 3K miles right now, how much more miles do I need so I dont have to take it easy ?! I was gonna install the Blitz TT myself if I didnt put any alarm system on my car. But now that my installer started working on the electronics, I'll have him deal with the TT 'problems' (if any should arise)

05-10-2003, 12:15 AM	#4
YoSmiley Scooby Newbie Member#: 21252 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Paul, MN Vehicle: 04 WRX	You may want look at Compustar alarm as well. I have it in both my auto and swear by it. Just a food for thought as an option.

05-10-2003, 12:19 AM	#5
cnk Scooby Guru Member#: 10757 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2013 BRZ Limited 6MT DGM	I've got 24k miles on my car and no problems. Never had nor plan to use a TT. I just leave the engine running while I'm gathering all my things in the car and it's usually enough time for the turbo to cool. As for the alarm, how do you like it? I picked up a Viper 790xv, which is the same as the Clifford. . .just different LED and shock sensor. I'm going to be installing it myself next weekend along with some extras. Did your installer try to put the antenna up in the headliner? I don't know if I want the antenna to be on the windshield like that. Calvin

05-10-2003, 12:33 AM	#7
cnk Scooby Guru Member#: 10757 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2013 BRZ Limited 6MT DGM	I haven't decided yet on the placement of the antenna. The installation manual recommends the location where your installer put it, but I may try to fit it up in the headliner. Guess it depends on how long I've been working on the install by that time. This will be my first alarm install, but I've done stereo installs before so it shouldn't be too tough. Calvin

05-10-2003, 12:41 AM	#8
WR xplosive Scooby Specialist Member#: 33031 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: 34.13514,-118.08109 Vehicle: 2008 4B11T P26 MZ314000	I was thinking on putting it on the little flap right next to the map lights, but I thought it would look weird. DIY alarm install, I'm not capable of that. The installer took 3 1/2 hours to finish it. The only Stereo I've installed was an OEM plug-n-play. I've never tried splicing...Im really bad at it. Also, I love it when you dont have to push lock and unlock buttons at the same time to 'silent' the alarm when arming. All you do with the Matrix III is... AUX, then lock to arm silently/disarm silently. This is my first 'hi-tech' alarm, I'm just so excited

05-11-2003, 09:34 PM	#9
nick robinson Scooby Newbie Member#: 25959 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles Vehicle: 02 WRX Black	Will this work on a 5spd? Can it be rigged up to do all that starting stuff? If those functions dont work, is it worth it, or should I look at different alarms? Also - is this a good ALARM? What kind of sensors does it have? Im very interested.

05-11-2003, 10:31 PM	#11
nick robinson Scooby Newbie Member#: 25959 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles Vehicle: 02 WRX Black	So its got all the same stuff as most alarms? And what about the install cost?

05-12-2003, 07:22 AM	#13
nick robinson Scooby Newbie Member#: 25959 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles Vehicle: 02 WRX Black	Oh ok. Thanks for telling me that. I dont think id be able to install my self so ill go retail. Thanks

05-12-2003, 11:17 AM	#14
WR xplosive Scooby Specialist Member#: 33031 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: 34.13514,-118.08109 Vehicle: 2008 4B11T P26 MZ314000	$499 including parts and install all features, I love NY You can never find a price like that in CALI. Well, as far as I know. One member was quoted $600.00 just for the install. The installer thought "why not charge him with that price, he didnt even buy the alarm from me, I make less money for just installing" He looked around and found a $250.00 install fee. netZ is pretty good at electronics (based on what I read on his/her posts) and I bet he saved a lot of money. nick, this is a great alarm and here's some example of what I can do with it (i.e. Vallet Mode) Picked-up my glasses, took the key off, armed the system, kept the motor running, came back out from the store, unarmed the system, put the key to ignition ('ON') and drove off. Then I needed to drop off the DVD that I rented, did the same thing. If you wanna use this as a TT, you can. But you have to turn it off manually because the default time is 12, 24,36mins. You can use a Bitwriter if you want an interval of one minutes (1-60mins) I love this....

05-12-2003, 10:04 PM	#17
secretaznboy Scooby Newbie Member#: 16666 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: 2002 WRX! MidNiGhT bLaCk	this one sounds okay...but the features dont impress me. have u guys heard of aladin 2000? it came out as a different name in the states i believe. anway, that alarm was released over a year ago, and i still think it is way more advanced. it has the same range or so, but in addition, it does have the turbo timer feature that works with manual cars, as well as a sensor that detects how close you are to your car. if ur close enough, the doors will unlock and lock without you evening pushing the button. also, with this clifford alarm, can one hook it up to pop the trunk? thanks alex

05-13-2003, 12:20 AM	#18
ImportVenom Scooby Specialist Member#: 34204 Join Date: Mar 2003 Vehicle: 2004 WRX WR Blue	Clifford is one of the best well-established brands out there. It has a lot of functionality you can add to it. Aladdin is one of the cheapest alarms out there - heard many problems with it, as well as it being cheaply made. I wouldn't go with Aladdin. Look at how cheap it is. My friends have also had problems with the Delta pager alarms. I stick with DEI products like Viper or Clifford.