5. universal alarm system for cars

DPR5028 ENHANCED ADD-ON MODULE UNIVERSAL FOR ALL CAR ALARM Trimester 1 2011/2012
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
At the very beginning, before this booklet is to be started, I would like to thank many people who
had given their most valuable opinions and suggestions to me in order for me to be able to
complete this project on time.
Firstly I would like to thank the university which gives us a stage involves in new knowledge
researches and development. From this FYP programme, I involve myself in the new product
study.
Secondly, the two most important persons who I wish to thank are Mdm.Nurul Iza and Mr.
Noorhisham, who are the coordinator of the final year project course, and my supervisor
respectively. Mdm, Iza had contributed in giving the speech and talk to students who are going to
construct their FYP.
However, Mr Noorhisham is my supervisor, who allowed me to construct my FYP under his
guidance. He had given me a lots of his valued suggestions and opinions, he pointed out many of
the circumstances which I’ve never considered into my FYP project.
Also, I feel thankful to all of the lecturers who ever gave me his/her lecture in the past semester,
so that I learnt many of the theories in their class, which are very useful in my designing of the
project.
Friends and family is another force to keep me moving forward, I thank my family for their
giving and support whenever I need their help; my friends who are engineering based graduates,
had also given me their support, knowledge, and experience sharing with me.
With the helps, aids coming from surrounding by my coordinator, supervisor, lecturers, family
and friends, I learn things and able to construct independently.
1

ABSTRACT
The circuit had been designed, and it is a research from the website and based on my electronics
knowledge. This is related to car alarm, one of the functions is to lock wheel to avoid the car
from being moved, so car braking system is also another critical factor to research.
After the circuit was finished, then the electronic components were purchased, and the
development was constructed. The circuit was tested by fixing all of the components on
breadboard and constructs the testing of the circuit.
Somehow, it is not one time succeed matter, the circuit need to be redesigned, and redo the
testing by using breadboard. It needs to be repeated from times to times until the desired
outcome obtained.
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of contents No. of page
Acknowledgements 1
Abstract 2
List of figures 4
List of tables 5
Part 1: Introduction
1-1: Overview
1-2: Objectives
1-3: Project scope and concept
1-4: Gantt Chart
1-5: Division of work
6
7
8
10
11
12
Part 2: Background study
2-1: Primary study
2-2: Research/study on existing system
13
14
17
Part 3: Proposed solution
3-1: Problem statement
3-2: Procedures and methodologies
3-3: Basic features of project
3-4: List of components used
3-5: Design specification
3-6: Step-by-step instruction manual to use the prototype
3-7: Suggestion from supervisor/ moderator
19
20
21
22
24
27
29
30
Part 4: Discussion
4-1: Discussion on findings
31
32
Part 5: conclusion
5-1: Conclusion
35
36
Reference 37
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: rise in vehicle theft in Malaysia………………………………….………………… 9
3

Figure 1-2: no. of stolen private car in Malaysia……………………………………………… 9
Figure 2-1: normal, inexpensive car alarm…………………………………………………….. 14
Figure 2-2: higher grade, more expensive, more functions car alarm……….…………….. 15
Figure 2-3: car braking system………………………………………………………………….. 15
Figure 3-1: messy wiring under dashboard……………………………………………………. 22
Figure 3-2: all tools needed for prototype fabrication……………………………………….. 25
Figure 3-3: U-shape saw…………………………………………………………………………. 25
Figure 3-4: plastic cutter…………………………………………………………………………. 25
Figure 3-5: file-tools………………………………………………………………………………. 26
Figure 3-6: plastic/acrylic………………………………………………………………………... 26
Figure 3-7: block diagram………………………………………………………………………... 27
Figure 3-8: PCB board design………………………………………………………………….... 28
Figure 4-1: the whole system prototype……………………………………………………….... 32
Figure 4-2: braking prototype……………………………………………………………………. 33
Figure 4-3: braking prototype mechanism……………………………………………………… 33
Figure 4-4: the real side mirror module…………………………………..…………..………… 34
Figure 4-5: self fabricated side mirror………………………………………………………...… 34
Figure 4-6: side mirror manual controller………………………………………………………. 34
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-0: Gannt Chart…………………………………………………………………….........11
4

Table 1-1: Division of task...…………………………………………….……………………………… 12
Table 3-0: list of components used……………………............…………………………………24
Table 3-1: list of hardware and tools involved.............................................................................24
5

Part I:
Introduction
1.1 Overview
The project title is named as Enhanced Add-On Module Universal for All Car Alarms.
Obviously, from the title, it tells us this is a security system specific for vehicles. This
6

module with the term “add-on” means this system is to be integrated with existing car
alarm system for higher secure purpose, which also means this module will not perform
independently. This module meant to provide a higher security performance while
eliminates the need of reinstalling a brand new alarm system.
This concept is from the scene when I was in an accessories shop, a car owner intended to
install a better and higher security purpose alarm system on his Proton Waja, but then he
gave up his idea, reasoned to the cost is extremely high, including the labor fee and the
price of the alarm system. It is not worth to install a thousand ringgit product to protect an
old car, but yet, we have to do so since car stolen cases have been raised from day to day,
cars security are not assured.
This is a logic-gate and transistor based control module, it drags signal from car existing
alarm system. When the original alarm system is armed, one of the input-BJT from this
module will be triggered by the signal from the alarm; the triggered BJT will operate with
other logic-gate to perform high end security performance, which prior to the car
security. With this module, no more messy wiring or modification is needed by the wire
man, all integrated in one module. With less messy wiring, the human error reduced, the
short circuit can be prevented, thus, the risk of car firing is lowered, and more assured.
Yet, the car is well protected.
1.2 Objectives
According to the record from PDRM, car stolen case has been increased from day to day.
7

From the PDRM report in the year 2009, shows that average one stolen every 24 minutes.
This data shows that, the normal alarm system can no longer holds cars from being
hijacked. Somehow, Malaysians government has just announced used automotive spare
parts are going to be banned from entering into Malaysia, means no more used
automotive spare parts can be imported into Malaysia in the future. Thus, spare part
shortage causes the crime.
With this, a higher performance alarm system is needed to protect car from being
hijacked. However, a branded alarm with good secure purpose is not price friendly. And
also, install new alarm have to sacrifice old function-able alarm, which is not eco
friendly.
So, with this add-on module, old existing alarm can still remain, no more extra cost is
needed to install a better function alarm. This module is an assistant device which works
together with the existing alarm to perform better function as well as those European and
Japanese high end cars, such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Lexus and etc.
With the philosophy, all cars are cars, no matter how much is the price of the car, how
luxury it is, how well is the car, where is the car originated; a car should always be
protected. Thus, this product is created. A car owner spent a huge amount of money to
purchase his car, for his convenient in travelling from a place to another place, so car lost
must not be happened. So, the opportunity of a car to be aimed by hijacker which
equipped with this system is much more reduced.
Below are the statistics to show the number of cases happened in the past few years.
The statistic is originated from the record of PDRM.
8

Figure 1-1: Rise in vehicle theft in Malaysia
Figure 1-2: Number of stolen private cars in Malaysia
1.3 Project Scope & Concept
9

The concept is to use low cost electronics componets to perform higher protective
features for car security purpose. So, high cost electronic components are not considered
into the project designation. The costly components such as PIC, ATMEL and other
microcontrollers. This is because the module is designed to be user friendly and pricy-
friendly to consumers who intended to install in their car.
The electronics components used are low cost components such as resistors, diodes,
relays, transistors, logic gates, and some of the simple components. With this module
which designed at lower price, its targeted on low to medium income consumers. The
consumers at this stage is considered as moderate level, who own inexpensive cars says
Kancil, Wira, Waja up level to medium priced japanese cars such as Toyota Altis, Honda
Civic, Kia Forte and etc. Those cars at this price will not equipp with high end alarm.
However, these cars are still need to be protected, the car was purchased with lots of
money, its an asset of the car owner, it should not be stolen. It is sad that car missing, and
troublesome, owner needs to do police report to claim insurance and wait for a long
period for the compensation by insurance company. It is troublesome, so, no matter wat
car it is, it should be protected. Its great, and with a low price module.
1.4 Gantt Chart
10

.Table 1-1: Gantt Chart
11

1.5 Division of Work
This is a self proposed title project, and I self construct the whole project. Thus, I alone
finish up all of the process throughout the whole FYP.
Ong Yong Sien
Preparing project proposal X
Background study X
Meeting minutes
Design/Selecting/Identifying
used circuit
X
Circuit components
preparation
X
Soldering work X
PCB layout preparation X
Gantt chart X
Progress Report X
Final Report X
Presentation and Demo X
Table 1-2: Division of tasks
12

Part II:
Background Study
2.1 Primary Study
The primary study is definitely knowledge for electronics components. As a developer, to
create this system, must have very good foundation in electronics components, the very
13

basic electronics knowledge must have. Secondly is automotive theory, such as brake
system, car alarm system, and car wiring.
Below are some of the diagrams for car alarm systems.
Figure 2-1: normal, inexpensive car alarm
Figure 2-2: higher grade, more expensive, more function car alarm.
14

Since this system works under instruction given by original alarm system, and also works
with car brake system. Thus, braking system is also another knowledge that we must
know very well.
Figure 2-3: Car braking system
After studying the car wiring, and my knowledge about electronic circuit, I designed the
schematics by using logic gate and transistors to perform my desire outcome. After the
circuit is designed, I will test by using breadboard. Once unwanted factors were found,
the debug work must be performed for desired outcomes, if debug failed, then the whole
circuit needs to be redesigned and test again, repeat this until the desired outcome
obtained. These are the process of designing a new circuit, and also one of my primary
studies about the components and realize my mistake from it.
15

2.2 Research/Study On Existing System
There are varies types of car alarm available in the market, from the lowest price of
RM68 up to the most expensive priced at RM3000. No matter what is the price, they are
alarm, but with different functions, and different features. The inexpensive alarm has
only basic feature, which is lock and unlock doors and sounds siren when any door is
opened; while costly alarm is designed with more features and for higher protective
purpose. Such as immobilizer system, anti-hijacking, RFID to prevent from duplicate,
etc.
The alarm for normal car says wira, waja, kancil for example, the alarm system is very
normal feature, only used to lock and unlock door by using a remote control, and siren
16

will sound if any door is opened. That’s it, no more any other function. Well, it cost u
only RM68, surely will not give u high protective feature.
Whereas, the alarm system which installed on a Mercedes-Benz, Audi or other high end
cars are surely come with higher security feature and also safety feature. Take Audi as
example, the Audi equipped with high end branded alarm system which brand is Cobra
Automotive Security System. The Cobra system will lights up hazard lamp and room
lamp when the car owner approaches toward car, this feature is to bright up the
surrounding of the car, this is to attract the eyesight from other pedestrian, means while,
this is a safety feature towards the Audi owner when the car is parked at dark place.
As we know, Audi spare part is very expensive. Imagine that if the outer part of the car,
says side rear view mirror damaged by other reckless public user or pedestrian, then it
will be a loss of the owner to repair the side mirror. Therefore, the cobra alarm system
has been designed to have another function, which is to fold the side mirror when alarm
system is armed. With this, the exposed area of the side mirror is less, so the damage
possibility is much reduced.
There are still lots of feature designed in this type high end alarm, such as cabin motion
detector, anti-hijacked sensor, RFID anti duplication, immobilizer anti theft, and many
more. However, all these high end alarms are quite costly, the price ups to few thousand,
which the price is very unfriendly to most of the users who intended to install to protect
their car.
Thus, this system has been designed to be more price-friendly to consumers. The
installation is easy, and the old alarm system can remain be used, only add-on this
module to the car, and can have the protective action just like Audi, Mercedes and those
high end cars.
I also noticed, the existing alarm system, no matter low end, medium, or high end, all are
only designed in the ignition circuit, which is to prevent the car to be ignited from
starting up the engine. Means, if a professional or experienced hijacker aims the car and
this hijacker is familiar with the ignition circuit, and then the car will be trouble.
Thus, this add-on module is designed have a unique function, which is currently not
available in the market. The unique feature is to stop the car from moving by locking up
four of the wheels even the car is success ignited. The wheel locking action is performed
17

by the car braking system, this module will pump up the brake compressor once the alarm
is armed and remained until disarmed. So, if the car is forced ignited trough inappropriate
way, the brake compressor will remained compressed, wheels remained locked. With
this, the theft will not be able to move the car.
This add-on system uses no microcontroller, and no software is used. This is a transistor-
logic based system, uses only transistor, and also logic gate. The reason of giving up the
usage of microcontroller is due to the cost, design error, and future maintenance. Most of
the alarm protective area does not cover tire part, this module do protect rim and tire also,
as rim and tire are also very important, it’s a part of the car, it should be protected.
Part III:
18

Proposed Solution
3.1 Problem Statement
From the research about car alarm, most of the types are using immobilizer to prevent car
from being hijacked. This method is only stop intruder from ignite the car, if the hijacker
able to break down the immobilizer, then the car is gone. And, most of the alarm only
protect 4 doors from being forced opened, but doesn’t protect the wheel. So if someone
tries to take out the wheel, the alarm will not be triggered, this is not the only weakness.
Here to see some of the weaknesses. Normal alarm system does not give you:
1) Brightness when you taking your car at the night time
2) Brake your car to prevent your car from being moved even ignition is forced start
successful.
3) Auto folding side mirror when you leave your car
19

4) Vibration sensor to prevent your car from being hijacked
Thus, in this project, all weaknesses mentioned above are to be improved.
3.2 Procedures & Methodologies
First, we need to have the foundation of electronics basic knowledge. Able to design
electronics circuit, seek aids from lecturers or friends, if necessary can also seek advice
from experienced electronics technicians or engineers. I gained some of the knowledge in
my project designing from internet, and also from my internship superior who is also an
experienced electronics engineer.
20

3.3 Basic Features of Project
Firstly, introduce from beginning, this is not an alarm system, it will not work
independently. It is an add-on module which works together with any type of car alarm. It
is universal for any type of car alarm; in fact, car owner doesn’t need to take off the old
alarm, this module just designed to plug-and-play with the existence alarm. This add-on
module will be activated and function its duty when receive signal from car alarm.
As we know, ordinary car alarm only protects car cabin by locking up four of the doors,
boot, and bonnet. Only those high end cars (luxury car) equipped with advanced alarm
system. This module helps car owners to have reliable protection over their cars just like
Mercedes-Benz do, but at inexpensive price.
Advantages:
21

- This is a logic gate based designed product. It is a combination of different kinds of logic
control and transistor, to aid with the original alarm system to achieve higher protection
over the car. So, low defects, low maintenance.
- The need to change the whole alarm system is not required, save money. Somehow, it is
a messy job.
- The car’s wiring will not be affected. This is a plug and play module. The worries of car
wiring will be messed by the technician no longer exist.
Figure 3-1: messy wiring under dashboard
Standard Main Protections:
1) 4-wheel brakes lock
- Brake compressor will be compressed to lock all wheels when alarm is armed, and
decompressed when disarmed.
- This prevents car from being moved even if car is forced started. The compressor
will not decompress if car is under condition of forcing ignited.
22

2) Wheel sensing function
- 4 Infrared sensors which installed on each of the wheel-chassis firewall will be
turned on when alarm is activated, and this infrared sensor will trigger the original
alarm system when one of the wheel or all of the wheels is removed.
- This avoids wheels from being stolen.
3) Anti high jacking sensor
- This is a vibration sensor, this will be ON when alarm is activated, and this sensor will
trigger alarm system when the car is highly vibrated.
- To prevent car from being high jacked.
Additional Safety Functions/features:
1) Auto-folding side mirror
- Auto fold when alarm is armed, and unfold when disarmed.
- This helps side mirror from being crashed and scratched.
2) Auto-lighting system at night time
- Dim lamps will be lighted at night time when alarm is disarmed, and off when all
doors closed.
- This helps to light up the car surrounding on dark to attract people eyesight, this is
for safety purpose.
23

3.4 List of Hardware/Software and Tools Involved
As this is logic and transistor based system, no software and no source code is to be
presented. Below are the components used and the pricing information.
.
Types of component Estimated quantity Cost/pcs (RM) Total (RM)
Relay 4 4.50 18.00
Transistor, NPN type 7 0.50 3.50
Resistor 15 0.10 1.50
Diode 10 1.00 10.00
Light detect resistor, LDR 1 1.50 1.50
AND logic gate 2 2.00 4.00
NOT logic (inverter) 2 2.00 4.00
Total (RM) 42.5
Table 3-0: list of components used
List of Hardware and Tools Involved
Hardware and tools involved quantity
PCB fabrication clean board x
PCB cutter knife x
Soldering iron x
Soldering gun x
Screw driver x
Sodium chloride x
Electrical driller and drill bit x
Table 3-1: list of hardware and tools involved
24

Figure 3-2: all tools needed for prototype fabrication
Description: general tools used for prototype fabrication
Figure 3-3: U-shape saw
Description: U-shape saw, used to saw plastic/acrylic with desired shape.
Figure 3-4: plastic cutter
Description: used to cut plastic into 2 pieces without shaping
25

Figure 3-5: file-tools
Description: generally used for smoother finishing
Figure 3-6: plastic/ acrylic
Description: main material for the whole prototype fabrication
26

3.5 Design Specification (Block Diagram/Circuit Diagram/Flow
Chart/Algorithm)
-
Figure 3-7: Block diagram
From the block diagram shown above, we can see red colored words and black. The red
words mean the car original existing alarm system, while the black means the add-on
module controller system.
For ordinary alarm system, will activate four doors sensor, boot sensor and bonnet sensor
once armed by remote control, and will sounds siren if either one of the sensors is
actuated.
27
Original car
alarm
Enhance add-on
module
Auto lighting
system
(with light
sensor)
Auto-folding
side mirror
Brake
compressor
Wheel sensor
(Infrared)
Vibration
sensor
Ordinary 4-door
+ boot + bonnet
sensors
Siren
Horn/buzzer

With this add-on module, there are five more features added into the system. When the
alarm is armed, the alarm will send a signal to the module, and the module will turn on
the entire sensor and feature up all of the protective components, such as auto lighting
system, auto folding side mirror, brake compressor, wheel sensor and vibration sensor.
These entire five features enhance the protective function over a car, reduce the chances
of the car to be hijacked.
Figure 3-8: PCB board design
28

3.6 Step-by-step Instruction Manual to use the Prototype
Firstly, arm the alarm system by using the controller. In this 1st
step, let’s observe at the
braking system prototype and side mirror prototype. One should observe that the brake is locked
and the side mirror is folded when the alarm is armed.
Secondly, disarm the alarm system, now observed at the lighting prototype, braking
system prototype, and the side mirror prototype. One should observe that the lighting system is
on, brake pad is released and the side mirror is unfolded back to position upon alarm is disarmed.
Thirdly, arm the alarm system again for the demonstration of the vibrate sensor. After the
alarm is armed, lift up the whole car prototype. This action will trigger the shock sensor, and
then trigger the siren horn to sound loudly in high frequency pitch.
Fourthly, disarm the alarm to stop the siren, and arm again. This step is to reset the alarm.
And now is to observe the wheel sensor. The wheel sensor used is a photo transistor sensor. So
take out the wheel, let the light shines on the photo transistor, and this will trigger the alarm and
sound the siren horn.
.
29

3.7 Suggestions From Supervisor/Moderator
From the valued opinion from my supervisor, he advised me to relocate a hidden but
suitable place to fix the sensor, this is due to an exposed sensor will be easily fooled by
hijacker. By fixing in a hidden place, can reduce the damage of the sensor and yet, the
protective purpose is ensured.
30

Part IV:
Discussion
31

4.1 Discussion on Findings
There was lots of failure and challenges during my FYP construction. This is because I’m
not a mechanical student, but yet, in order to make my presentation and demonstration to
the peak level, I decided to fabricate not only the PCB module, but also the whole car
prototype to match with my project for the full demonstration can be done and be
presented to my audience.
Figure 4-1: the whole system prototype
32

The whole car prototype has many parts. Such as, the braking system, since it is
impossible for me to purchase a real braking system module, so I have to fabricate myself
a braking system prototype for the demo purpose.
I’m so proud that my braking function does work, but braking prototype does not work
properly for the desired result. Below are the reasons,
1) I do not have enough mechanical knowledge in designing such complicated
prototype.
2) The motor’s torque is not sufficient to drive the braking prototype.
Figure 4-2: braking prototype
Figure 4-3: braking prototype mechanism
33

Secondly, the side mirror prototype is another item that I fabricate myself. Since this
prototype is not a real car side mirror, so it cannot directly match with my module, so I
have to modify for the prototype to integrate with my module for the demonstration can
be successfully presented.
After lots of modification, finally the system can work, and can perform with desired
output, but I have to manually unplug the wire in the demonstration, this is because the
self-fabricated prototype doesn’t have controller to limit the position and duration.
Figure 4-4: the real side mirror module
Figure 4-5: self-fabricated side mirror figure 4-6: side mirror manual controller
34

Part V:
Conclusion
35

5.1 Conclusion
Crime, hijacking cases have been raised from time to time, day to day. This is a very
serious scene, this should not be happened.
No doubts, anti-hijacked system, car security system is very advanced. However, there
are numbers of tools o break the alarm system without alerting anybody. So, this is a
challenge for giving higher security purpose to win back customer faith on security
products, at lower price.
Thus, a new generation product called Enhanced Add-On Module is created.
By locking the car braking system to lock car from being hijacked is a new concept, and
this concept can increase the protection but, everything is this world has pros and cons ,
so doesn’t mean it is 100% guaranteed unbreakable.
After a long period in doing researches, I can conclude that the system works, and
functioning, which means, a new security system is not exist in the world and ready to
protect car which installed with this system.
With this system, I am confident to say that, hijacking cases will be highly reduced.
36

References
Researches on existing car alarm system.
1) http://www.maxaudio.com.my/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=61
2) http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/re-club-malaysia/251695-car-security-
systems-a-review.html
Electronic circuits designation reference.
1) http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/Circuits/Alarm/secur.htm
2) http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/Circuits/Alarm/5zalm.html
3) http://www.electronicsinfoline.com/?gclid=CJuO27C00agCFQZ66wodJHGVfA
Car braking system research links.
1) http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/brake.htm
2) http://www.wikihow.com/Brake-and-Stop-a-Car-in-the-Shortest-Distance
Car wiring research links.
1) http://kereta.info/auto-car-wiring-diagram-basic-circuit-for-installation-relay-connection-
spot-light-fog-lamp-installation/
2) http://www.the12volt.com/
Timer delay circuit links.
1) http://www.electronics-project-design.com/timedelaycircuit.html
2) http://www.eleccircuit.com/power-on-delay-circuits-by-555/
3) http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/LM555.html
Light sensor circuit links.
1) http://electronics-diy.com/electronic_schematic.php?id=582
37

Appendix
This section contains lengthy materials which are NOT suitable to be put inside the main
text, for example raw data, equipment and source codes. Times New Roman typeface with font
size 10 shall be used.
Source Code (Include only if applicable)
Paste the complete source code here.
38

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