Compustar has begun a campaign for retailers called "Cash For Car Alams." The program allows retailers to send in up to 40 new, used, broken, or defective alarms to the company. For each unit sent in, the company provides a $15 credit to be used towards one Compustar alarm unit.

In order to maximize the savings, the company sugests retailers purchase an equal or greater number of Compustar alarms to the number of old alarms submitted. For example, if you send in 10 car alarms, you'll get $150 to apply towards 10 or more Compustar alarms. 

For more details, visit https://www.compustar.com/buyback. 

Firstech announces release of DroneMobile Feature for Google Home and Google Assistant

August 25, 2017 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, makers of aftermarket remote start and security solutions, has announced the launch of the new DroneMobile voice control feature for Google Home and Google Assistant.

DroneMobile is a connected car solution that gives drivers the ability to lock/unlock, GPS track, and remote start their vehicles using their smartphone. In 2016, Firstech expanded the DroneMobile app to work on wearable devices such as the Apple Watch and Android Wear.

DroneMobile users that have an active subscription will be able to enable the DroneMobile voice control feature via the Google Assistant app, which is available for Android and iOS. Once enabled, users will be able to use voice commands to lock, unlock, and track the location of their vehicle. For the time being, remote start features have not yet been enabled through voice control as a safety precaution. Firstech plans on releasing updates in the near future to safely implement remote start.

Earlier this summer, Firstech released the DroneMobile skill for Amazon Alexa devices. The company is also currently in development for Apple’s Siri, which would make DroneMobile compatible with the “Big 3” of voice control solutions.  

“Hands-free voice control remains a top priority for Firstech’s development of DroneMobile,” comments Firstech’s managing director, Jason Kaminski. “Working with Alexa and Google Home opens the door for countless opportunities for DroneMobile to integrate with hundreds of other cloud-connected products.”

DroneMobile solutions are available exclusively at authorized retail locations across North America. To request more information, or to find an authorized dealer near you, please visit www.dronemobile.com.

Editorial Correction: On page 34 of the September 2014 issue of Mobile Electronics, one of our writers wrote a comment about Compustar’s lack of contact availability to its customers. Compustar has responded by explaining that direct lines are not available on the website to better help them focus on their vendors and to supply the highest level of customer service. We apologize for the error and will do our best to avoid such wording in future issues.

In response, the company submitted a statement regarding its support for vendors:

“Compustar has launched an easy-to-use support terminal at support.compustar.com that gears towards answering the most basic and most advanced questions regarding our products. The support terminal also features a ticketing system that allows us to receive customer inquiries, even outside of office hours. 

Our toll-free number is (888) 820-3690 and is primarily reserved to supporting our retail and distribution partners. We pride ourselves on providing excellent installer support, and are more than willing to walk our installers through even the most complicated install jobs. 

Dealers who are interested in learning more about Compustar can call us at our Toll-Free number or e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about joining our award-winning team.”

Heading into Remote Start Season, Firstech is excited to revamp over 80% of the company’s lineup of remote kits.

August 11, 2017 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, makers of Compustar, Arctic Start, and DroneMobile, is announcing the launch of the company’s new lineup of remote kits for controlling a remote start or security system. The new lineup of Compustar and Arctic Start remote kits highlights the company’s focus on 2-way remote technologies.

Firstech’s flagship brand, Compustar PRO, will be headlined by the new PRO G15 and PRO R3, both of which feature Firstech’s “Digital Spread Spectrum Technology” and up to 2 miles of range. Each of these remote kits is equipped with 2-way confirmation, a feature that Firstech is committed to adding to every remote start customer’s purchase.

“Since Firstech was founded in 1995, our company’s specialty has been 2-way technologies,” shares Firstech’s Managing Director, Jason Kaminski. “Firstech was the first company to release a 2-way remote with 1 mile of range, and also the first to release an IPX-7 waterproof 2-way remote. Our 2-way technologies have been a critical point of differentiation from our competitors, both aftermarket and OEM, and we look forward to continuing that legacy with our updated lineup.”

In addition to Firstech’s updates to Compustar PRO, new 2-way remote kits have been added to Firstech’s core brand, Compustar PRIME, and also Arctic Start. Details regarding each of these individual kits will be released at Knowledgefest 2017 in Dallas, Texas on August 11th, 2017.

All Firstech remote start and security systems are upgradeable, meaning that customers with legacy hardware will still be able to add these new remote kits to their existing systems.

Firstech’s new lineup of remote kits is scheduled to ship in early September 2017, and those interested can view the company’s corporate catalog at www.firstechllc.com.

SEATTLE, WA, July 24th 2018 - The Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) is partnering with Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, on the launch of “NuStart,” a new brand of remote start solutions reserved exclusively for EDA members.

NuStart will feature a unique lineup of remote starter kits, ranging from traditional, analog systems to digital, web programmable systems. Each remote starter kit will include two close-range remotes, and can be easily upgraded using any one of NuStart’s RF remote kits– all of which offer extended range and water-resistant remotes.

Furthermore, NuStart’s digital remote start systems will support Firstech’s award-winning smartphone control solution, DroneMobile. As part of the NuStart launch, EDA and Firstech are enforcing a strict policy against online sales of NuStart in order to preserve dealers’ profitability in the remote s tart category. “Dealers need to be protected from online predatory pricing; installation services need to be valued; and technology needs to be packaged into remotes that look and feel great,” said EDA Executive Director, Jim Warren.

Early response to NuStart’s launch has already been immensely positive, with one distributor sharing, “NuStart combines state of the art engineering with the smart go-to-market strategy our customers are looking for. NuStart is going to be huge.”

Participating dealers will gain access to NuStart marketing materials and hands-on training by Firstech’s awardwinning technical staff. Additionally, Firstech has developed a 6-foot tall free standing product displays to solidify NuStart’s brand presence in dealers’ stores. Dealers interested in learning more about NuStart can visit www.nustartauto.com/become-a-dealer.

Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. The company was founded in 1995, primarily focusing on aftermarket remote car starters and security systems. Firstech has been voted the “Top Vendor in Security, Safety, and Convenience” products by the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association of America in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. www.firstechllc.com.

EDA is a high integrity, member-owned buying group serving the 12-volt specialists throughout the United States. With over 7,000 active customers, EDA is the largest 12-volt buying group servicing the unique needs of distributors. www.elitedistributoralliance.com.

September 22, 2020 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech is announcing the addition of two new remote kits to its Compustar PRO Series line of remote car starters: the PRO T13 (RFX-P2WT13-SF) and PRO R5 (RFP2WR5-SF). Both remote kits include 2-way, USB rechargeable remotes with super-long range and proximity unlocking capabilities. The Compustar PRO T13 will be Firstech’s flagship model heading into the 2020 remote start and holiday seasons. The PRO T13 remote will be capable of up to 3 miles of 2-way range for remote start, security, and keyless entry commands. All remote commands are confirmed on the remote’s vibrant, color LCD. The PRO T13 also features a water-resistant case design and USB charging port. On a full charge, the maximum battery life is 45 days. For convenient vehicle access, the Compustar PRO T13 and R5 remote kits will offer new proximityunlocking capabilities.

This feature, which is built into the RF antenna, automatically unlocks and disarms the vehicle when the remote is within 3-6 feet. Proximity unlocking makes getting into the vehicle easier for users carrying shopping bags or equipment into their cars. Joining the PRO T13 in the Compustar PRO Series lineup will be the PRO R5. The R5 remote is a compact, onebutton solution that uses LEDs to provide 2-way remote start and keyless entry confirmation. Two special characteristics of the PRO R5 is that it will be USB rechargeable and capable of receiving 2-way alarm alerts.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to release the next-generation of Compustar remotes in time for the 2020/21 remote start season,” said Jason Kaminski, Firstech’s Managing Director. “Both the T13 and R5 are packed with the best Compustar has to offer, including improved durability, extended battery life, elegant case design, and enhanced user experience – just to name a few.” The Compustar PRO T13 and PRO R5 will include two 2-way remotes in each kit along with the Drone X1 LTE telematics module for connecting the system to the DroneMobile app. Upon installation, customers can activate a 30-day free Premium trial to DroneMobile for smartphone control, GPS tracking, and family sharing. Firstech will begin shipping limited quantities of the PRO T13 and R5 in mid-October 2020, with a full release scheduled for early December. These remotes kits will be available exclusively to authorized Compustar Pro retailers. To learn more about Firstech’s products and services, please visit www.firstechllc.com.

Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. Since the company’s founding in Anchorage, Alaska, Firstech has primarily focused on developing solutions to improve the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of drivers on the road. Over the past 6 consecutive years, Firstech has been voted “Top Vendor in Security and Convenience” solutions by the Mobile Electronics Association, demonstrating the company’s commitment to product innovation and customer support.

Firstech Compustar Partners with 12-Volt Retailers Across North America to Bring Warmth to Those in Need

November 1st, 2019 – (SEATTLE, WASH.): Firstech, makers of Compustar and Arctic Start remote start systems, has publicly announced the launch of its annual “Drive for Coats” campaign, a national effort to collect coat donations for those in need.

Despite the improving economy, millions of Americans are still forced to choose between warm clothing and everyday necessities, such as rent and food. For these families, a warm coat is a luxury that is difficult to afford.

In response, Firstech has partnered with retailers of Compustar and Arctic Start products across North America to hold in-store coat drives for collecting new and gently worn coat donations. This season, the number of retailers involved has nearly doubled! All of the locations involved in this coat drive are offering discounts on remote car starters for each customer who donates a new or gently worn coat.

Firstech’s “Drive for Coats” campaign will run from November 1st, 2019 through January 31st, 2020. To ensure proper delivery of all donations, Firstech has partnered with One Warm Coat (onewarmcoat.org), a national coat drive organization responsible for over 5 million coat donations for the past 25 years. Donations will be distributed to local charitable organizations, vetted by One Warm Coat, which will make sure that each coat reaches a child or adult in need. 

“As the weather cools down, our thoughts turn to our friends and neighbors who lack adequate winter clothing,” said Director of Marketing Justin Lee. “Hundreds of Firstech’s retail partners across North America have stepped up to join us in fighting the cold on behalf of those in need.” 

Retailers participating in Firstech’s Drive for Coats campaign will receive in-store and digital marketing materials from Firstech to help promote this cause in local communities. For more information on Firstech’s “Drive for Coats” campaign, please visit www.Compustar.com. On the Compustar website, use the dealer locator to find a “Drive for Coats” participating retailer near you.

About Firstech Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. The company was founded in 1995, primarily focusing on aftermarket remote car starters and security systems. Firstech has been voted the “Top Vendor in Security, Safety, and Convenience” products by the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association of America in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

One Warm Coat is a national non-profit organization that works to provide a free, warm coat to any person in need and raises awareness of the vital need for warm coats. One Warm Coat supports individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country by providing the tools and resources needed to hold a successful coat drive.  Coats are distributed in the communities where they are collected, to any person in need, without charge, discrimination or obligation.

Firstech Compustar Announces Opening of New 61,000 Sq. Feet Facility in Texas

FEB 18, 2022 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, maker of Compustar, Momento, and DroneMobile products, has announced the scheduled opening of its new distribution and training facility in Flower Mound, Texas. The company plans to commence operations at its new Texas facility in April 2022.

At launch, Firstech’s move to Texas will establish another distribution center in the South-Central U.S. where the company can improve its shipping turnaround times for dealer and distribution partners. Approximately half of Firstech’s logistics team will permanently relocate to Texas to make the expansion as seamless as possible. In the near future, the Texas facility will also provide an additional meeting hub for installers, salespeople, and partners to receive hands-on training from Firstech’s award-winning technical support team.

The new location is conveniently located within six miles of Dallas Fort-Worth Airport (DFW). Firstech’s primary headquarters will remain near Seattle, Washington where it has been since the company relocated from Anchorage, Alaska in 2003. “We couldn’t be more excited to open a new branch to better serve Firstech’s growing customer base,” said managing director Jason Kaminski. “In addition to expanding our warehouse space and improving our just-in-time inventory, the Texas location will also open up additional port options for ocean-going cargo to combat congestion.” If you would like to learn more about Firstech, please visit the company’s website at www.firstechllc.com.

Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. Since the company’s founding in Anchorage, Alaska, Firstech has primarily focused on developing solutions to improve the safety, comfort and peace of mind of drivers on the road. Over the past 6 consecutive years, Firstech has been voted “Top Vendor in Security and Convenience” solutions by the Mobile Electronics Association, demonstrating the company’s commitment to product innovation and customer support.