So I finally installed a remote starter after all these years. I don't have a regular parking spot at work so sometimes my car will be in line of sight and sometimes it's a quarter mile away so I decided to also get the DEI SmartStart DSM300 module so I could start the car from my phone.

I ended up going with the Fortin EVO-ALL for three main reasons:
1) has an optional T-harness for the infiniti, therefore no wire cutting required.
2) does not require an additional key to bypass the immobilizer.
3) allows you to use the OEM remote to start the car.

I went with the DSM300 specifically because it uses the CDMA/verizon network and has superior coverage compared to the DSM200/250 which use the ATT network but it costs a few dollars more for that reason.

Anyone who knows me on this forum knows I'm not afraid to dig into mechanics or electronics but I wanted a removable, straight-forward option.

That having been said, I did the install myself and other than a few hickups it was fairly straight forward. I'd rate it a 6 out of 10 difficulty level at most. There were some issues with their instructions that I had to figure out. I also received a defective SmartStart unit so I was chasing that around for a few days until I finally returned it and got another. All in all I spent 3-4 hours on the install which includes all my troubleshooting and wiring. You could easily do it in 2-2.5 hours if you had all the materials ready with a good DIY.

The starter works as advertised but you have to remember it's only as good as the distance of the OEM remote unless you add a long range RF remote or telematics (drone mobile or smartstart) which are all compatible with the unit. It has a lot of options to configure which I felt weren't as straightforward as they should have been (or at least I would have liked to have seen a detailed explanation for them). As mentioned there were a few issues with the instructions but I was able to either resolve it on my own or use their online tech support. Their online support is pretty good but you just have to be patient for someone to log on and answer your questions. The smartstart unit is awesome. It costs about $70 a year for the service but I think it's really worth it. It works anywhere you have cell reception.

Overall I give the starter a 10 out of 10 for value and 8 out of 10 for functionality but you have to remember that it's not going to do as much off the bat as higher priced viper or similar starter.

If you're in the market for a starter I recommend you check it out!

https://fortin.ca/en/products/evo-combos/evo-nist1/

 

Wow, this is exactly what I want to do ASAP!

So the viper smart start just plugs into the EVO-ALL? I wish there was a step by step for all of this. I'll keep doing research.

Thanks!!

 

Yes this unit is compatible with smartstart, drone mobile, and a multitude of long range remote systems. I was considering adding the long range remote to my setup as well but with the smartstart I really don't need it unless i'm lending the car to someone else.

 

ok i think i got it after doing a ton of research last night. I have the smart start and EVO-ALL in my amazon basket.

2 Questions if you don't mind...

1. How do you connect the smart start to the EVO ALL? Is there a special harness?
2. Do I need to buy the EVO ALL USB Firmware updater tool?

 

Sorry man I didn't log on last night so I didn't see your questions. There is no special harness needed. The EVO All comes with the connector for the smartstart. Yes, you need the firmware update tool because that's the only you can enable different options in the EVO unit. This allows you to change options like how long the car will run when autostarted, enabling the EVO to communicate with a long range remote/smartstart, etc.

I'll put together a DIY this weekend.