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

3


LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1: rise in vehicle theft in Malaysia………………………………….………………… 9

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

4


LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-0: Gannt Chart…………………………………………………………………….........11

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

6


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

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.

7


1-2 Objectives

According to the record from PDRM, car stolen case has been increased from day to day.

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.

8


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.

Figure 1-1: Rise in vehicle theft in Malaysia

9


Figure 1-2: Number of stolen private cars in Malaysia

1-3 Project Scope & Concept

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.

10


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

11


.Table 1-1: Gantt Chart

12


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 circuitX

Circuit components

preparationX

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

13


Part II:

Background Study

14


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

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

15


Figure 2-2: higher grade, more expensive, more function car alarm.

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

16


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.

17


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

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,

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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

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.

19


Part III:

Proposed Solution

20


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

4) Vibration sensor to prevent your car from being hijacked

Thus, in this project, all weaknesses mentioned above are to be improved.

21


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.

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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:- 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.

23


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.

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:

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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.

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

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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

Figure 3-2: all tools needed for prototype fabrication

Description: general tools used for prototype fabrication

26


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

Figure 3-5: file-tools

Description: generally used for smoother finishing

27


Figure 3-6: plastic/ acrylic

Description: main material for the whole prototype fabrication

3-5 Design Specification (Block Diagram/Circuit Diagram/Flow

Chart/Algorithm)

-

28Enhance add-on module

Auto lighting system(with light sensor)

Auto-folding side mirror

Brake compressorWheel sensor(Infrared)Vibration sensor

Ordinary 4-door + boot + bonnet sensors

SirenHorn/buzzer


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.

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.

29

Original car alarm


Figure 3-8: PCB board design

3-6 Step-by-step Instruction Manual to use the Prototype

Firstly, arm the alarm system by using the controller. In this 1 st 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.

30


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.

.

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

31


hijacker. By fixing in a hidden place, can reduce the damage of the sensor and yet, the

protective purpose is ensured.

32


Part IV:

Discussion

4-1 Discussion on Findings

33


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

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.

34


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

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.

35


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

36


Part V:

Conclusion

37


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.

38


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

39

http://electronics-diy.com/electronic_schematic.php?id=582

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/LM555.html

http://www.eleccircuit.com/power-on-delay-circuits-by-555/

http://www.electronics-project-design.com/timedelaycircuit.html

http://www.the12volt.com/

http://kereta.info/auto-car-wiring-diagram-basic-circuit-for-installation-relay-connection-spot-light-fog-lamp-installation/

http://kereta.info/auto-car-wiring-diagram-basic-circuit-for-installation-relay-connection-spot-light-fog-lamp-installation/

http://www.wikihow.com/Brake-and-Stop-a-Car-in-the-Shortest-Distance

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/brake.htm

http://www.electronicsinfoline.com/?gclid=CJuO27C00agCFQZ66wodJHGVfA

http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/Circuits/Alarm/5zalm.html

http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/Circuits/Alarm/secur.htm

http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/re-club-malaysia/251695-car-security-systems-a-review.html

http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/re-club-malaysia/251695-car-security-systems-a-review.html

http://www.maxaudio.com.my/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=61


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.

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5. universal alarm system for cars

Automotive

car alarm trimester

functions car alarm

inexpensive car alarm

list of figures figure

existing car alarm system

car braking system

car alarms

mirror module