There’s nothing quite like stepping out on a frigid winter morning or into a blistering summer afternoon and knowing your car is already at a comfortable temperature. I remember dreading those first few minutes in a car that felt like a freezer or an oven. It wasn’t just uncomfortable; it felt like an unnecessary shock to the system every single day. Finding a way to mitigate this daily discomfort, to have the interior climate just right before I even opened the door, became a real priority. A system like the Compustar CS920-S (920S) would have been a game-changer, promising that welcome warmth or cool air right from the start.
- Compustar CS920-S (920S) 1-way Remote Start and Keyless Entry System with 1500-ft Range (BLADE-AL Ready)
- 1500-ft max range remote start bundle with two 1-way remotes. Includes CM900 control module.
- All-in-One Remote Start Bundle - 1-Way Keyless Entry Remote Start System -2 x 1-Way 4-Button LED Remotes - Trunk pop output
Factors to Weigh Before Purchasing a Car Remote Starter
Before diving into the specifics of any particular system, it’s crucial to understand what a remote car starter does and who it’s really for. At its core, a remote starter offers convenience, allowing you to pre-condition your vehicle’s interior before you get in, whether that’s warming it up in winter or cooling it down in summer. It solves the problem of enduring extreme temperatures the moment you enter your car. Anyone who regularly faces harsh weather conditions and desires this comfort is a potential candidate for a remote start system.
However, this category isn’t for everyone. If you have a manual transmission vehicle, many remote start systems, including the one we’re focusing on, are designed *only* for automatic transmissions due to safety reasons. People who aren’t bothered by waiting a few minutes for their car’s climate control to kick in, or those who park in garages where temperature isn’t an issue, might not see the value. Also, if you’re looking for a comprehensive car alarm system with features like shock sensors and siren output, a basic remote start and keyless entry system like the Compustar CS920-S (920S) might not suffice on its own; you’d likely need a more advanced security model or additional components.
When considering a purchase, think about your vehicle’s year and model – many modern cars require a bypass module to integrate the remote start with the factory immobilizer system, which is an additional cost and often necessary for the system to function. Installation complexity is another major factor. While some experienced DIYers can tackle this, it often requires significant knowledge of vehicle wiring and potentially specialized tools or programming interfaces. Professional installation is highly recommended for these systems and can add substantially to the overall cost. Finally, consider the desired range and whether you need confirmation that your command was received (1-way vs. 2-way communication).
- REMOTE START - Start your car remotely from the comfort of your home. Warm your vehicle remotely for fast and convenient windshield defrosting during winters. During hot summers, cool down your...
- Some vehicles may require extra parts which are sold separately and not included. Wiring diagrams and installation instructions NOT included. Professional installation required.
- REMOTE START - Start your car remotely from the comfort of your home. Warm your vehicle remotely for fast and convenient windshield defrosting. Use your existing key fob. Extend your range with a long...
Introducing the Compustar CS920-S (920S) System
The Compustar CS920-S (920S) is positioned as a reliable, entry-level solution for adding remote start and keyless entry capabilities to your automatic transmission vehicle. It promises the convenience of starting your car from up to 1500 feet away and the ability to lock/unlock doors and pop the trunk with the included remote controls. The package comes complete with the CM900 control module, two 1-way four-button remotes (model 900R), an antenna (ANT-AP), and the necessary harness. It’s presented as an all-in-one bundle, though crucially, it is “BLADE-AL Ready,” meaning a bypass module is typically required for most vehicles and is sold separately. Compared to more advanced systems, it’s a simpler, more budget-conscious option within the reputable Compustar lineup, offering a good balance of performance and value. The updated remotes and antenna give it a bit more range than previous basic 1-way offerings.
This system is ideally suited for someone with an automatic vehicle who primarily wants the convenience of remote start and keyless entry and understands that it’s a 1-way system without command confirmation. It’s also a good starting point for users who might want to upgrade to 2-way remotes or DroneMobile smartphone control later, as the CM900 module supports these. It is NOT for manual transmission vehicles (as per the product description) or someone who needs a full-fledged car alarm system right out of the box without adding extra components.
Pros:
* Trusted Compustar brand known for reliability.
* Decent 1500-ft range for a 1-way system.
* Includes essential features: remote start, keyless entry, trunk pop.
* CM900 module is upgradable (supports 2-way remotes and DroneMobile).
* Diesel-engine safe.
* Relatively affordable entry into the Compustar ecosystem.
Cons:
* 1-way communication means no confirmation on the remote that commands were received.
* Professional installation is highly recommended and adds cost.
* Bypass module (often required) is sold separately.
* Not a security/alarm system on its own.
* Requires a programming tool (sold separately) to change advanced settings like Tach mode.
* Designed for automatic transmission vehicles only (according to the product description).
Breaking Down the Features and Benefits
Delving deeper into what the Compustar CS920-S (920S) 1-Way Remote Start and Keyless Entry System offers reveals how its core components work together to provide the promised convenience.
Extended 1500-ft Range
One of the standout features of this Compustar system is its advertised 1500-foot maximum range. In practice, this means you can start your car from a significant distance away – from inside your office building, across a large parking lot, or while still getting ready inside your house. The range is often affected by environmental factors like buildings, trees, and electronic interference, but having a strong stated range like 1500 feet means you have a good buffer for real-world use.
The benefit here is simple: convenience from afar. You don’t need to be standing right next to your car for the system to work. This allows you to get a head start on warming up your engine and cabin in the winter or cooling it down in the summer long before you plan to leave. It eliminates the rush of needing to be close to your vehicle, giving you flexibility and comfort on demand, even when you’re not in sight of your car.
Reliable Remote Start Functionality
The primary purpose of the CS920-S is, of course, remote starting your vehicle. This is initiated by pressing and holding the asterisk button on the remote for 2.5 seconds. The system is designed to work seamlessly with compatible vehicles, including those with diesel engines, which sometimes require special considerations for remote start (like glow plug delay). It supports automatic and CVT transmissions, which are the most common vehicle types this kind of system is installed in.
The benefit of this functionality is significant daily comfort. Imagine waking up on a cold morning and starting your car from the warmth of your kitchen. By the time you’re ready to leave, the windows are defrosted, and the cabin is already warm. Conversely, on a scorching hot day, you can start the air conditioning and cool the interior down to a bearable temperature before you ever open the door. This preserves your car’s resale value by reducing wear and tear from extreme temperature fluctuations and, more importantly, drastically improves your daily driving experience by removing the discomfort of entering an unconditioned vehicle. The diesel compatibility is a notable plus for owners of these types of vehicles, ensuring they can enjoy the same convenience.
Integrated Keyless Entry and Trunk Access
Beyond just starting the engine, the Compustar CS920-S (920S) includes keyless entry and trunk pop capabilities. The included four-button remotes have dedicated lock and unlock buttons, requiring just a single press to operate your door locks. Accessing the trunk is also straightforward, typically involving pressing and holding the dedicated trunk button for a few seconds (specified as 2.5 seconds in the product details, assuming the trunk is wired to the system).
The benefit here is enhanced convenience and accessibility. You no longer need to fumble for your keys to unlock the doors when approaching your vehicle, which is especially helpful when your hands are full. Similarly, being able to pop the trunk remotely is incredibly useful when loading groceries or luggage. This integration of keyless entry and trunk release into the same remote used for starting the car streamlines daily interactions with your vehicle, providing a comprehensive remote control experience for basic functions.
Understanding the 1-Way Communication
The Compustar CS920-S is explicitly a 1-way system. This means the remote sends a command to the car, but the car does not send a confirmation back to the remote. When you press a button, an LED on the remote lights up (solid blue, according to one user review), indicating the remote *sent* the signal, but it doesn’t tell you if the signal was received or if the car actually started, locked, or unlocked.
While this is a limitation compared to 2-way systems which provide audible or visual feedback (often on an LCD screen), the 1-way design contributes to the system’s affordability and simplicity. For many users, simply sending the command from a known range is sufficient. The benefit lies in its straightforward operation and lower cost barrier to entry for remote start and keyless entry. It provides the core functionality without the added complexity and expense of a 2-way system. Furthermore, knowing that the included CM900 module is compatible with 2-way remotes means users have an upgrade path if they decide they need the confirmation feature later without replacing the entire system.
The Heart of the System: The CM900 Control Module
The Compustar CS920-S (920S) relies on the CM900 control module as its central processing unit. This module is the ‘brain’ that receives signals from the remote and interfaces with your vehicle’s electronics to execute commands like remote start, locking/unlocking, and trunk release. It’s described as being small in size, which can aid in installation. A key feature of the CM900 is its built-in slot for Idatalink BLADE-AL or BLADE-TB bypass modules. It also has additional ports for other types of bypass modules like the iDatalink AL-CA or Fortin modules.
The benefit of this module is its capability and flexibility. Its compact size makes it easier to find a suitable mounting location during installation. The integrated slot and additional ports for bypass modules are crucial because, as noted, most vehicles manufactured after 2000 with a transponder key will require a bypass module for remote start functionality. This readiness means the system is designed to integrate cleanly with the necessary bypass technology. However, it’s important to reiterate that the bypass module itself is sold separately.
Another technical aspect worth noting, mentioned in user reviews, is the module’s default “Tachless Mode” for monitoring engine status during remote start. While this mode works for many vehicles, “Tach Mode” (monitoring the actual engine RPM) is often considered more reliable, especially in cold weather conditions when the engine might require more cranking. Changing this setting and other programmable outputs (POCs) typically requires a separate programming tool like the Compustar OP-500 or the iDatalink ADS-USB interface. This adds another potential cost or hurdle for users who want to customize or optimize their system’s performance. The benefit of the CM900 is its underlying power and configurability, even if accessing that configuration requires additional tools. Its primary limitation, as noted in reviews, is that it lacks the necessary ports (like siren or shock sensor inputs) to easily upgrade to a full security alarm system.
Real User Feedback
Having spent time understanding the Compustar CS920-S (920S) and its features, I looked online to see what others who have used it are saying. Many users report positive experiences, highlighting the convenience it adds to their daily routine, particularly in harsh weather. People appreciate that it comes from a reputable brand like Compustar, which instills confidence in its reliability. Several reviews specifically mention the system’s good range, confirming that it performs well in real-world scenarios. For those with experience in car audio or alarm installations, some found the installation process manageable, even comparing the main module favorably to more expensive Compustar units. However, a common theme is the necessity of purchasing a separate bypass module for most modern vehicles and the added complexity or cost this entails, whether finding the module or needing a programming tool for certain settings. Users generally find the basic remote start and keyless entry functions straightforward and effective.
Wrapping Things Up
Stepping into a car that’s either freezing cold or stifling hot is simply unpleasant and, frankly, unnecessary in this day and age. The daily discomfort and the potential strain on both you and your vehicle from rapid temperature changes are problems easily solved by pre-conditioning the cabin. The Compustar CS920-S (920S) 1-Way Remote Start and Keyless Entry System offers a solid solution to this common issue.
Why might this remote start system be a great fit for you? First, it comes from Compustar, a respected name in the industry known for producing reliable products. Second, it provides a practical 1500-ft range, allowing you to start your car from a considerable distance. Finally, it bundles remote start with keyless entry and trunk pop, covering the essential convenience features most drivers desire in one package, with the added benefit of being built on an upgradable platform if you ever decide you want more features like 2-way confirmation or smartphone control.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to uncomfortable car temperatures and hello to daily convenience, this system is definitely worth considering. Click here to check the product out and see if it’s the right solution for your vehicle.
Last update on 2025-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API