The Pioneer of the 1-way Datalink
In the Fall of 2003 Fortin Electronic Systems began producing the GMDAA, the first of several modules that would include a RS-232 communication port called the 1-way Datalink. The 1-way Datalink allowed the module to receive digital commands instead of the analog signals from traditional multi-loom wiring. This communication protocol was quickly inherited by Firstech LLC. who implemented compatibility in to their Compustar remote-starter/alarms.
The Benefits of 1-way Datalink
The benefits of 1-way Datalink communication were apparent immediately even after its first use. Installers benefited from the reduced number of connections required during an installation. In most cases installation times were reduced by at least 50%. Reducing the number of connections also reduced the number of potential points of failure, which made the installations more robust and reliable. This reduced the number of problems that needed to be addressed under warranty after the point-of-purchase. Although only installation efficiency was noticeable to the customer, shop owners and commissioned installers felt these benefits in their wallets.
The Pioneer of the 2-way Datalink
After more than 4 years of renowned success with the 1-way datalink protocol, Fortin Electronic systems went one step further to create the first 2-way Datalink communication port. The 2-way Datalink protocol was an extension of the original 1-way protocol but included the ability for the module to send vehicle status back to the remote-starter/alarm or other after-market device.
At this time some of our competitors had just realised the benefits of the original 1-way Datalink protocol and they were just starting to implement their own version of the old protocol. During this time some remote-starter/alarm manufacturers were hesitant to move forward since the 1-way Datalink port was so successful, so it was difficult for some to make the change. Since the 1-way protocol was already proven technology that was already several years old, Fortin Electronic Systems decided to disregard the fact that the majority of the industry was still several years behind and decided to discontinue the production of 1-way Datalink modules.
It was time to move forward. Fortin Electronic Systems developed and shared their new 2-way Datalink protocol with any manufacturer that wanted to implement it and was willing to work with them to refine it to make it better than it's predecessor. It was inherited by remote-starter, alarm, telematics and GPS manufacturers alike.
The Benefits of 2-way Datalink
The benefits of 2-way Datalink communication accentuated those seen from the original 1-way protocol. Installation time was reduced even further. In some cases the installer did not even need to open the hood of a vehicle since the module was able to report tachometer, vehicle-speed, and hood-status back to the remote-starter/alarm, telematics, or GPS device. Some full featured remote-starter/alarm installations now take less than 20 minutes to perform. This includes transponder bypass, OE alarm control, door-locks (including dual-driver unlock presets), hood/trunk status, tachometer, parklight control, heated seats, rear-defrost, and foot-brake/emergency-brake status.
There have been reports that in some cases the installation facility has had to let the vehicle sit in the install bay for an extended period of time because the installation was performed so quickly that they could not justify charging the customer several hundred dollars on labor for less than a half hour of work.
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