Auto Page Alarm/Remote Start

We Review Auto Page's C3-RS730

We live in a gadget crazy world. It used to be that an alarm was nothing more than a system designed to ward off would-be car thieves. But lately the flashy remotes look like miniature phones that do in fact relay two-way information from your car, and the overall system offers a lot more than security. The C3-RS730 from Auto Page is an excellent example of what “alarms” can do currently. It’s a 4-channel alarm (three are dedicated to lock/unlock, trunk and remote start with one auxiliary output) that keeps your car safe and conveniently starts and stops your car’s engine with a press of a button on extremely hot or cold days.





The two-way paging remote has a 7-color LCD screen and it uses AM frequency bands for transmitting and receiving at 433.9 megahertz. We walked off about two thousand feet and were able to arm and disarm the system, as well as start the engine. We were in a hilly area and the vehicle was not even in sight and we had no transmission interference. The range was more than satisfactory. As was the remote start feature. We timed how long it took for our Scion xB to start once we pushed the button on the remote. It was a little over three seconds, about the same as other remote start products we've used.



Some people, mostly those who don’t live in extremely cold areas, aren’t sure they really need remote start on their cars. But after getting into an already cool vehicle on a hot and humid summer day these “skeptics” are converted into true believers. The C3-RS730 LCD even has a temperature indicator that tells you how hot or cold the car’s cabin is and you can use the daily start option to plan when you want use remote start in advance.



In terms of ease of installation, Auto Page addressed this by making a new design of the main unit. It has the wiring harness on one side, hidden door compartment for plug-in shock sensor and V/O switch, plus on-board 30/40 ampere micro relays that contribute to 50% reduction in size of the main unit, allowing it to fit into the tight spaces under the dash of newer cars.

The two-way LCD remote has a 5-button configuration with selectable Button Lock to prevent accidental misuse; and the chrome exterior lends it a very cool, modern look. It uses one AAA battery and has a battery life indicator and power save mode. It does also offer two-car operation from the single remote. You can do a lot on the little screen and we found that with a little help from the owners manual you can navigate through the menus and access the different functions with relative ease. The only issue with the remote was the short battery life. Especially when you’re first getting familiar with the system and playing with all the features, you’ll find that the battery will need replacing in a couple of weeks.



Overall, the C3-RS730 is a terrific alarm/remote start system. And it should be noted it’s compatible with Auto Page’s Innovations Award-winning C3 technology. This is their mobile phone-based vehicle communication system. You can get the optional telematics module that gives the car owner mobile phone command over security, remote start and GPS tracking from wherever you have phone service, regardless of the phone service provider. That makes the C3-RS730 a truly powerful security system. But if you forgo the option, you still have a very complete product that adds convenience to your car while keeping it (and your gear) safe from unwanted admirers.



MSRP: $499

For dealer information go to www.autopageusa.com.



Standard Features



“On-board 2 way Serial Port” for i-Data Link 
Data Bus and Bypass module integration.  
• C3 compatible data port for C3 Telematics 
integration 
• 5-button extended range 433.9 MHz one way 
remote transmitter with sliding cover to prevent 
accidental misuse. XT-33 
• Programmable outputs, plus new starter and 
ignition timing sequence for improved 
compatibility with new 2007-2010 new vehicles. 
• On-board temperature sensor for identifying in- 
cabin temperature from the LCD remote. 5- 
button configuration with selectable “Button 
Lock” to prevent accidental mis-use. 

• XT-74LCD 2-Way remote uses one AAA type 
1.5volt alkaline battery with battery life indicator 
and power save mode. XT33 1-Way uses 2 
lithium ion batteries for extended life. 
• Two-car Operational 
• 24-hour digital clock with count down timer for 
parking meter reminder.  The clock  
• doubles as a temperature indicator for 
monitoring in-car temperature. 
• Multiple audible confirmation tones as well as 
vibrator mode for paging. 

Alarm Features

• 4 Channels of outputs (3 dedicated to 
lock/unlock, trunk and remote start / 1 auxiliary 
output) 
• Dedicated function buttons on LCD remote and 
5-button standard mini-remote transmitter. 
• New Turbo Timer and window “Comfort 
Feature”. 
• Code learning / Anti-scan receiver with 
programmable code hopping. 
• Back-up memory system  
• Dedicated remote panic and car locator 
• Passive arming by-pass from the remote 
• Parking light flash with dual polarity relay on- 
board 
• Starter disable output with relay and socket 
included 
• Dome light illuminated entry output 
• Dual polarity (+/-) door lock outputs with 
optional driver’s door priority two step unlock  
• Additional positive and negative inputs 
• 500 mA grounded outputs for starter disable 
and door lock/unlock 
• Programmable momentary, latched or timer on 
auxiliary channel. 
• Programmable manual / passive arming with 
true last door arming with auto re-arm "on" 
• Programmable Single / Double Pulse Unlock 
• Programmable Parking lights (flash or 
constant) 
• Programmable Pathway Illumination (on / off) 
• Programmable voltage sense for delayed dome 
lights (on / off) 
• Programmable horn and siren chirp delete 
• Programmable ignition control lock and unlock 
• Programmable pulse time for lock and unlock 
(.9 sec. / 3 sec.)

Remote Start Features

• 5 On-Board Relays: 
1. Ignition 1 
2. Ignition 2 
3. Starter 
4. Accessory 
5. Parking Light 
• 3rd Ignition (-) output 
• Ground when start (-) output 
• Selectable one or two push “Safety Start” 
• Programmable gasoline or diesel with 10, 15, 
or 20 second “Wait-to-Start” 
• Hood pin switch safety input (pin switch 
included) 
• Selectable RPM / Voltage Start 
• RPM / Voltage / Hi-Low level check 
• Timer control start option 
• Sensor control output during start 
• Temporary Stop Feature 
• Factory Alarm Disarm and Rearm signal output 
• Programmable factory keyless door locking 
before and after start 
• Programmable start status output with shock 
sensor bypass 
• 45 second door / dome light bypass after 
ignition is turned off. 
• Programmable Ignition 2 (on / off) 
• Programmable 3 hour timer start 
• Programmable 1 / 3 hour timer start 
• Selectable Run Timer (5/10/20/30 minutes) 
• Ignition control by-pass during remote start 
• Selectable Gasoline / diesel 
• Selectable Diesel warm-up time 
• Programmable Ignition control locks bypass (on 
/ off)