Can An Alarm / Starter Control A Convertible Top?

[Mar]

I want to be able to control the top remotely and there is a device available called SmartTop but I'm curious if something like a Compustar would also give me remote access to the top. Compustar can be hooked up the windows and lots of other accessories so I don't see why the top would be any different.

My second question is whether or not this is dangerous in any way. The manual for Compustar units specifically states how their units should not be installed into any convertiible and I'm curious if anyone here knows why they advise that. The manual does not give a reason.

[Mar]

Is anybody out there?
I can't even find a retailer in the city that has the Compustar 12T for sale. Who installs these?

[rage2]

Back in my SLK days the convertible top has a lot of conditions that needs to be met to operate, and conditions to stop operation when you pull the button. Then there’s the integration into the factory security system to allow it to operate while it’s locked. It’s not as simple as operating a window. Guessing the boxster is no different, and why you need a roof controller to handle it.

edit - looks like smart top is from the same guy that originally developed the SLK units that I had. It’s now expanded to pretty much every convertible available. Good for him. It’s worth every penny, and not really expensive at all. I paid the same price as it sells now back in 2003.

[Mar]

Sounds like it'll only work with Smart Top or a lot of figuring shit out.

[silvercivicsir]

Compustar advises against Convertible/Jeeps with a soft top manual transmission installs because of liability. With no top / soft top /no doors, anybody could put the car in gear without the system knowing. The system only monitors the doors/trunk. ADS had a device in development called M-sense that attached to the gear shifter that would detect movement, but they stopped development and are now 100% manual trans unfriendly for their idatastarts.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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Sounds like it'll only work with Smart Top or a lot of figuring shit out.

This. It would be tricky as Hell otherwise.

[Mar]

I installed SmartTop and it works from the factory key now. I would like phone control but I guess I can't expect that from a 7 year old car.