I'm looking at adding a security system to my 2014 SV and am intrigued by the Viper SmartStart.
For those with the system, how does the Android phone app work for you? The user reviews on the Google Play Store aren't exactly stellar, with quite a few people saying it doesn't work all the time.
Also, since the SmartStart uses a special module that works with cellular signals, does this system drain the battery more then a conventional remote start/security system? I'm a little concerned since the sub par stock Nissan battery seems to be something that quite a few members are complaining about...

 

I can say that I had this put in last year before winter so I could start my car from in my work before I leave, at first it worked great but then a few months later viper made an update and it didn't work worth crap after that. I was even standing by my car on a clear sunny day with full bars on my phone 4G LTE and it took 5 mins then said could not communicate with the car. I was very upset I couldn't start my car or do anything anymore. I also didn't know that there is a 75$ dollar a year service fee. I went a head and canceled it as it didn't work.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I wouldn't mind paying the yearly service charge if it was reliable and worked all the time. The SmartStatrt module is like a $150 add-on to a regular Viper system so I'd be pretty p*ssed to pay that and have it not work. I never understand how companies put out a product that doesn't work-- they must not care about trashing the Viper name...

 

not a problem, I use to have a viper alarm several years ago and I have always loved viper so I was really happy when this became available. But like I said it did work great before they did there update and I figured they would fix it but after 2 months it still didn't work and I was going to waste my money anymore, Maybe they fixed it by now but I don't know its 50/50 lol. if you do get it I would like to know if it is working again because I still have it installed in my car its just deactivated.

 

Thinking of holding off on the SmartStart option until it gets better. A lot of the most negative comments on the Android version of the app are recent. Part of the problem might be that it says that the app has not had an update since December 18, 2012-- really??!!
My guess is that there has been no improvement in quality since you used the service...

 

I have it on a few of my 4th gens. Works 90% of the time. When it works, it works great and quickly. Cool gadget IMO.

 

Thanks for the input!

 

I've just installed mine and let me say it is awesome. It works about 99% of the time. Sometimes the app has some glitches where notification texts don't show up but it always seems to work. I have an HTC ONE M8 and I'm using the latest android app. The app itself isn't the greatest interface but it is simple and gets the job done. Works with wifi and 3G and LTE service. About a 5-10 second delay between the app and the car running the commands. The direct DSM200 smart start unit I have ties into my DBALL2Pro and barely uses any battery when the car is off. It does use a cellular signal so you have to pay monthly. A lot of DSM200s are coming with a free year of service. You also have the option of upgrading to the DSM250 which provides GPS and other upgrades at a higher initial and monthly cost.


Here are the plan prices:
http://www.directed.com/smartstart/Pricing.aspx

I have a complete installation tutorial in my signature. One thing I can say about remote starts is stay away from Viper. Directed is phasing the Viper line completely out of production. They don't even support it anymore on the website. Almost all of the remotes start companies (Viper, Directed, Xpresskit, etc.) are owned by the company Directed and let me tell you, they are the worst. They will not provide any technical support if you didn't have your stuff professionally installed. I don't like people touching my car so I went ahead and did the research and got it installed my self with zero help from the company.

In summary, GO WITH DIRECTED AND NOT VIPER BRANDS. Let me know if you have any questions as I am very familiar with the smart start option on our car.

 

2 phones ago, Smartstart sucked i had to keep force closing the app to get it to work and it'd work only work. got a new phone and realized it was my phone that sucked..

it works perfect since ditching the POS phone. works every time. slight delay obviously since you hit the button and it relays the command to a tower then some servers then back to the car.

 

Wow! Looks like a world of difference between the Directed version of SmartStart & the version marketed under the Viper name. I believe you when you say that they might eventually dump the Viper brand-- like I said, their Android version hadn't been updated since 2012... Thanks for the tips!

 

Just out of curiosity, do you ave the SmartStart module marketed under the Viper brand or do you have the Directed SmartStart module?
http://www.directed.com/smartstart/GetSmartStart.aspx

 

The parts I have are the:
Directed DBALL2Pro which has been re-branded as the Directed 4x10/5x10
Directed DSM200 smart start module
Xpresskit THNISS3C harness

I have the SmartStart module marketed under Directed. They are technically the same things but model # is different.
Directed DSM200 = Viper VSM200
Directed DSM250 = Viper VSM250

My buddy got the viper stuff installed and they made him download the viper app. I don't know if the apps can cross reference meaning you can use the directed app with the Viper VSM series but I don't see why not. Within the directed app under your car, you have the option to select you system brand under Cars - > My Vehicles and Viper isn't even listed as an option.

 

I'm afraid that the so-so performance reviews that I'm reading about might be due to the Viper-branded phone app. It sounds like the Directed phone app might be more reliable and up to date. Would hate to get the Viper Smart Start version then them stop supporting it or it not being usable with the directed app. Will have to research this a little more.
Thanks for all your info!

 

Running the Viper app here. No issues.

It's not the App that is the problem. IMO, it's all about connectivity with the satellite out in space and the user's phone.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience. Everyone's comments have me swinging back and forth on getting the SmartStart...

 

If you live anywhere near a major city you should be perfectly fine. The SmartSmart systems uses some GSM network that I'm a little pissed Directed doesn't come out with a coverage map. Also, the statement about it not working in covered parking areas is horse hockey. It works about as well as an ATT 3G signal which is pretty expansive across the United States. The only other option you have is buy a range extender and carry around another keyfob. Those use RF signals and can work up to a mile. They also don't require a monthly service charge. I was considering this route but I am extremely OCD about what is on my keychain and I really didn't want another keyfob.

 

So I ended up just getting the regular Viper 5706 remote start/security system. It has a 2-way remote with an advertised 1 mile range. Yeah, I knew that I was probably not going to see anything close to a 1 mile range, but at least I can step out on my condo balcony and remote start my car even though it is parked some distance away and not even in view of my balcony.
Good enough for me...
Thanks everyone!