Magnum GSM Car Alarms

In this article we We will conduct a detailed review of the Magnum GSM car alarm model range, which are manufactured by MSS in Ukraine (Dneprodzerzhinsk). For more than ten years, MSS has taken one of the leading places on the Ukrainian market in the production of automotive security GSM systems. The company at a high technological level produces and maintains additional equipment for cars, traffic management systems and related equipment. In 2009–2010, MSS managed to make a serious breakthrough and improve the entire range of car alarms with GSM. In 2008, MCC acquired a completely new line for mounting components on boards of the Korean manufacturer Samsung Electronics. This, in turn, made it possible to achieve a very high build quality and the reject rate was practically reduced to zero.

Updated 2018 GSM Signaling

The main advantages of GSM car alarms have already been clarified in our previous article, so in this article we will try to make a full review with photos and highlight the main technical advantages of each Magnum model. Let's look at the 2010 Magnum GSM model range of car alarms. Conventionally, the entire model range can be divided into two types.

1. Full-fledged GSM car alarms with key fobs for controlling the security system:

- Car Alarm Magnum MH-720;

- Car Alarm Magnum Elite MH-760;

- Car Alarm Magnum Elite MH-780 platform version 4.

2. The so-called GSM car alarms for the "improvement" of regular security systems that are installed in the car directly on the conveyor of the car manufacturer:

- Magnum MH-730;

- Magnum Elite MH-740 platform version 4;

- Magnum Elite MH-740 CAN platform version 4.

Car alarms Magnum with its key fobs is equipped with a powerful unique dynamic code with protection against interception and scanning, which is protected from all methods of intellectual hacking known today. All Magnum GSM car security systems come complete with a six-tone twenty-watt siren. The systems have a built-in three-zone multi-level acoustic shock sensor, which can be adjusted remotely. It is also possible to emergency control the system without remote control keyfobs via GSM communication from an authorized mobile phone.

A key feature of all GSM alarms is the location of the vehicle through the USSD service provided by cellular operators.

Any Magnum system can be programmed through a personal computer, which in turn speeds up installation and eases system setup. “Know-how” of car alarms Magnum-automatic restart of the GSM module in case it does not respond to system requests. Simply put-if “the phone is frozen”, you do not need to “remove the battery.”

You can not ignore the permissible operating characteristics of systems. MSS GSM Magnum car alarms can operate in voltage ranges from 9 to 18 V, at ambient temperatures from –40 to +85 С-impressive, isn't it? It was possible to obtain such values, as shown by a detailed overview of the internal boards of the Magnum blocks, by using special high-quality elements in the assembly. The “central processor” in the systems is the flash microcontroller of the American company Microchip-PIC18F44K20 in Magnum 720 and PIC18LF6527 in the rest.

“Connected” is the industrial tri-band (900/1800/1900 MHz) GSM/GPRS SIM300DZ module, a distinctive feature of which is high build quality, reliability, low power consumption combined with high quality voice, data and SMS.

Built-in locking and central locking relays are used from different manufacturers-NCR and TIANBO. Allowable currents are different-from 10 to 20 A. As experience shows, built-in relays do not always cope with large load currents (especially in winter), therefore, it is better to use a separate relay to block power circuits, such as a fuel pump.

Useful "zest" car alarm Magnum:

- Anti-Hi-Jack function and engine malfunction simulation program;

- two-stage and two-pulse control of the central lock (in versions with keyfobs);

- remote trunk opening;

- the comfort function;

- non-volatile memory of the keyfobs and the processor module;

- diagnostics of all sensors when arming;

- system memory for the entire period of protection;

- intellectual protection against false positives;

- protect all low-current outputs with self-resetting fuses.

The main advantage that distinguishes GSM car alarms from Magnum among all “foreign” competitors is the “white” IMEI code, which is already registered from the factory and entered into the IMEI database of the codes of the Ukrainian State Center of Radio Frequencies (Ukrchastotnadzor). This will save the owner of the car from the possible red tape registration of the car alarm and additional costs in the future. All security systems are certified by the international certificate of quality management system DSTU ISO 9001: 2001.

In early 2010, the top systems acquired a new platform-version 4, which includes features such as:

- connect the GPS module;

- automatic electric heating of the GSM module of the system;

- remote control and diagnostics of the car in the mode and outside the protection mode;

- Improved remote and automatic engine start.

MCC recommends using the national operator Kyivstar's SIM cards in its systems, since it is on this operator that the trouble-free and correct operation of Magnum car alarms is guaranteed. But as shown by the test of car alarms Magnum-they quite successfully work in the networks of MTS, Life and Beeline. The system also seamlessly functions in roaming, the main thing is not to forget to activate the roaming service with the operator and it’s enough to refill the account for possible calls and SMS. To save money on the account, it is recommended to switch the car alarm into SMS alert mode via the voice menu.

In April 2010, a new low-cost automobile security GSM system was released-Magnum MH-720. The new model has inherited all the advantages of the Magnum Elite systems and at the same time pleasantly surprises with its rather low price. Despite its pricing policy, Magnum 720 is not inferior in functionality and quality, more expensive systems and has features such as:

- the same two-way GSM module is integrated as in the more expensive Magnum systems;

- control the system using a mobile phone through a voice menu;

- the ability to program the system using a personal computer using the Magnum programmer.

System management, closing and opening of the car door, as well as security functions are no different from ordinary car alarms. The main key advantage is the availability of a GSM module. Thus, the system has a lot of advantages and becomes a serious competitor among conventional two-way car alarm systems in the middle price range.

"Old-Timers" of the entire model range-Magnum 760. The system has proven itself quite well for more than a year of existence in the market. A key feature and difference from the Magnum 720 is the presence of a backup power source (built-in battery). The system is also equipped with a “turbo timer” function, which makes it possible to extend the service life of the turbine in cars with turbo engines.

Unlike the Magnum 720, the system has a connector for an additional digital three-level motion/volume sensor in the car. The number of programmable key fobs has been increased in the system-now their number has been increased to eight.

This system is an improved analogue of the Magnum 760. The key difference is the presence of a connector for connecting a GPS module and a microphone for listening to the cabin. Also in this model, the function of remote engine start via a mobile phone authorized by the system has been added. The presence of the engine start block allows the engine to start automatically when the temperature in the cabin decreases or rises (a temperature sensor is built into the alarm unit). It is also possible to start the engine automatically when the car’s battery is discharged with an appropriate notification to the owner by SMS message.

Included is a digital three-zone multi-level motion/volume sensor with remote adjustment and automatic adjustment. Summarizing, among Magnum GSM key fobs, this system is positioned as a top one.

This car alarm is similar to the Magnum 780, but lacks control fob. The security system is designed for cars with an existing regular central lock-usually, this is the key with the built-in control buttons for opening and closing the car. Magnum 740 performs all standard functions of reliable car alarm, including multifunctional feedback via GSM channel.

As mentioned above, in systems with platform version 4, it is possible to connect an integrated GPS module to determine the exact coordinates of the location of the vehicle. Magnum MH-740 allows you to remotely start the engine from a mobile phone and guard the car with the engine running.

In early August 2010, MCC launched the Magnum Elite MH-740 car alarm system equipped with a CAN-module into serial production. In general, this is a complete analogue of Magnum 740 with platform version 4, only already with an integrated CAN unit.

It has been known for quite a long time that the presence of a block of coordination with the CAN bus can significantly reduce the time and money to install a security system on modern cars with complex electronics. In such cars, the usual installation method (without a CAN unit) can lead to sad consequences-from a computer error (such as Airbag Error, Check Engine, etc.) to the disabling of the car’s electronic unit. No need to think for long, to understand how much a new ECU will cost the owner of a modern car-as a rule, these are several thousand dollars. Therefore, a slight overpayment for GSM car alarm with a CAN unit on this background is simply nothing.

It is no secret that Tec Electronics, one of the largest Russian manufacturers of car electronics, who has long since earned a big name not only in the Russian and Ukrainian markets, but also abroad, has been a supplier of CAN modules in car alarms Magnum 740 CAN. Today, CAN modules used in the Magnum Elite MH-740 CAN system are almost universal and can be used on most vehicles on the market. The list of compatibility with cars can be downloaded here, but do not forget that this list is constantly updated. If your car is not in the list, it does not mean that it is incompatible with this system. For a more correct installation of the car alarm Magnum with CAN bus, the manufacturer recommends using the Integrator DLQ program.

The latest in our review will be an interesting new product released at the end of the summer of 2010-the Magnum 730. This car alarm is primarily interesting for the buyer with its low price. There is no built-in CAN unit, there is no remote start unit, the volume sensor and microphone are not included, and the number of additional channels has been reduced to three. But for most ordinary users of relatively inexpensive cars equipped with a regular key for opening/closing doors this may not be necessary.

When buying a Magnum 730, the buyer gets a slightly cheaper analogue of the Magnum 740 in function, while the quality of the system remains at the proper level. A pleasant surprise will be the reduced power consumption of the system in standby mode-in this case it is only 16 mA, instead of the usual 20 mA.

Comparison table of GSM Magnum car alarm functions

№	Parameters of security systems Magnum	МН-720	МН-730	МН-740	МН-740СAN	МН-760	МН-780
1	Integrated two-way CAN module (manufactured by TEC)	—	—	—	+	—	—
2	Integrated GSM module two way communication	+	+	+	+	+	+
3	GPS module (optional)	—	+	+	+	+	+
4	PC system programming	+	+	+	+	+	+
5	Максимальное количество поддерживаемых trinketов	4	state. CH	state. CH	state. CH	8	8
6	Location control via USDD service	+	+	+	+	+	+
7	Automatic restart of the GSM module	+	+	+	+	+	+
8	Voice messaging	+	+	+	+	+	+
9	Sending SMS alarms	+	+	+	+	+	+
10	Online shutdown and activation of messages	—	+	+	+	+	+
11	System management via GSM-communication	—	+	+	+	+	+
12	Direct control from registered phones	—	+	+	+	+	+
13	Banning control from unregistered phones	—	+	+	+	+	+
14	Microphone to listen to the salon on the phone	option	option	+	+	option	+
15	Silent system control	+	+	+	+	+	+
16	Protection against intelligent hacking of radio code	+	state. CH	state. CH	state. CH	+	+
17	Protection against unauthorized learning key fobs	+	state. CH	state. CH	state. CH	+	+
18	Sending messages when teaching the system to keyfobs	—	state. CH	state. CH	state. CH	+	+
19	Emergency disarm without charm and phone	+	+	+	+	+	+
20	Emergency arming without charm and phone	+	+	+	+	+	+
21	Service mode of the system	+	+	+	+	+	+
22	Maximum number of independent zones of protection	11	13 (16)	16	14+CAN	11 (14)	14
23	The number of zones of protection disconnected from the charm	4	5 (8)	8	8	5 (8)	8
24	Battery Voltage Monitoring	+	+	+	+	+	+
25	Autostart engine when the battery is low	—	—	+	+	—	+
26	Autostart engine when the temperature drops	—	—	+	+	—	+
27	Automatic electric heating of the GSM module	—	+	+	+	—	+
28	Starting the engine without a special module	—	—	+	+	—	+
29	Starting the engine through the "Start" button	—	—	+	+	—	+
30	Built-in backup battery	—	+	+	+	+	+
31	Shock sensor	2 zones	3 zones	3 zones	3 zones	3 zones	3 zones
32	Motion Sensor / Tilt and Motion Sensor (option)	—	option	3 zones	3 zones	option	3 zones
33	Sensitivity adjustment	trinket	table	table	table	trinket	trinket
34	Automatic adjustment of sensitivity sensors	+	+	+	+	+	+
35	GSM-signal level control	+	+	+	+	+	+
36	Sensor diagnostics during arming	+	+	+	+	+	+
37	Diagnostics of sensors in the protection mode	+	+	+	+	+	+
38	Sensor diagnostics when disarming the system	+	+	+	+	+	+
39	AntiHiJack (number of activation options)	3	3	3	3	3	3
40	Engine fault simulation	+	+	+	+	+	+
41	Motor lock N / C relay	+	+	+	+	+	+
42	Motor lock H / P relay	+	+	+	+	+	+
43	Simultaneous blocking of the motor N / З and Н / Р relays	+	+	+	+	+	+
44	Additional input "Candles glow"	—	—	+	+	—	+
45	Additional exit "Brake"	—	—	+	+	—	+
46	Additional exit "Security"	+	+	+	+	+	+
47	Delayed arming the system	—	+	+	+	+	+
48	Comfort function	+	+	+	+	+	+
49	Light Track function	+	+	+	+	+	+
50	Dual relay for side lights	+	+	+	+	+	+
51	Programmable polarity outputs "Dimensions"	+	—	—	—	+	+
52	Redefining low current outputs	+	+	+	+	+	+
53	Redefinition of power and low current outputs	—	+	+	+	+	+
54	Automatic control of central locking	+	+	+	+	+	+
55	Two-pulse control Ts3	—	+	+	+	+	+
56	Two-stage opening Ts3	—	—	—	—	+	+
57	Remote trunk release	+	+	+	+	+	+
58	Number of additional channels	2	3	6	6	3	6
59	Automatic launch of additional channels	+	+	+	+	+	+
60	Output protection is self-restoring fuses	+	+	+	+	+	+
61	Supply voltage range, V	9...18	9...18	9...18	9...18	9...18	9...18
62	Average current consumption in protection mode, mA	20	16	18	20	20	22

Magnum Car Alarm Option Card Overview

In 2010, MSS developed and launched the GPS module Magnum G700. This device is designed to determine the exact geographical coordinates of vehicles equipped with Magnum Elite automotive GSM security systems with platform version 4 or newer. By purchasing a GPS module for car alarm Magnum, the owner of the car receives the following functions:

- transfer the exact coordinates of the location of the car to a mobile phone via SMS messages at the request of the owner;

- automatic collection of coordinates about the location of the vehicle at a frequency of once per minute;

- automatic transfer of coordinates about the location of the position in the protection mode when the vehicle is moved over a distance of over 500 meters.

By default, the GPS module is powered by the vehicle’s on-board network, and in the absence, the module automatically switches to stand-alone power from the GSM system’s built-in battery. Also in the GPS module there is a non-volatile memory for storing coordinates in the absence of communication. In the future, the manufacturer promises to open a free online service monitoring (tracking) the movement of vehicles.

The programmer is designed to program the functions of the system using a personal computer. A feature of this programmer is its ease of connection to an already installed system. Package includes packaging, unit and cable for connection to a personal computer. The software can be downloaded here.

New Magnum Motion/Tilt Sensor

Since November 2010, the company MCC launched the sale of an updated displacement sensor/tilt. At its core, these are two sensors in one-a tilt sensor and a displacement sensor in one housing. The only requirement is the presence of an updated firmware in the Magnum system-version G6 (all car alarms released after November 2010). Magnum systems will not be equipped with this sensor, but it can be purchased separately.

As it has already become clear, MCC managed to fill almost the entire price segment of car alarm systems with GSM modules-from a simple security system with a GSM module to GSM car alarms with remote engine start, GPS tracking, volume/tilt sensor and the ability to listen to the cabin. Low prices for Magnum are justified by the fact that you don’t have to pay for a “loud” promoted foreign brand, a large distribution chain and import services for goods from abroad. Today, the build quality of car alarms Magnum is at a high enough level and they can be safely recommended for purchase. You can choose and buy GSM car alarm in Kiev, Kharkov, Odessa with delivery in Ukraine, among those presented in our showcase. Buying car alarms Magnum, you get enough quality car security complex GSM for a reasonable price. We also recommend buying additional useful devices, such as a programmer, a GPS module and a displacement/volume/tilt sensor for Magnum car alarms.

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