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.

The new SKSXC Smart Key Starter developed by Mid City Engineering will support all Firstech long-range RF remote kits and DroneMobile telematics for newer Volvo models.

March 28th, 2019 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, maker of Compustar remote start and security solutions, has announced that it will begin shipping the new SKSXC Volvo Smart Key Starter by Mid City Engineering on April 1st, 2019. The SKSXC is the industry’s first ever vehicle-specific remote start solution for newer Volvo vehicles, supporting popular models like the S60 (2019), S90 (2017-19), XC90 (2015-19).  

The SKSXC Smart Key Starter delivers remote start functionality right out of the box and features a streamlined installation process that can take as little as 15 minutes. Once installed, drivers will be able to use a factory or aftermarket remote transmitter to start their Volvo’s engine. 

In developing the SKSXC, Mid City Engineering partnered with Firstech to add full support for Firstech remote kits such as the Compustar PRO T11, the company’s flagship 2-way model. In addition, the SKSXC supports DroneMobile, Firstech’s smartphone app solution for unlimited range remote start and GPS Tracking.

Firstech and Mid City Engineering’s partnership dates back to 2010 when the Smart Key Starter for Mercedes-Benz vehicles first featured support for Compustar remote kits and DroneMobile. “The release of the SKSXC will kick off the next decade of our partnership with Mid City Engineering,” said Justin Lee, Firstech’s marketing director. “We are excited for Compustar dealers to finally tap into the market of Volvo drivers demanding remote start.”

The SKSXC Smart Key Starter carries an MSRP of $199.99 and will be available through Firstech and Firstech Authorized Distributors by April 1st, 2019. Readers interested in learning more about the SKSXC or other remote start solutions should visit www.myfirstech.com to learn more. 

Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. The company was founded in 1998, 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 for five consecutive years from 2014 through 2018.

August 18th, 2016 – (SEATTLE, WASHINGTON): Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile connected car solutions, has announced that in September 2016, the company will be launching “myFirstech Rewards”, a dealer-incentive program aimed at rewarding supporting retailers for the sale of Firstech products. Upon launch, the focus of myFirstech Rewards will be on DroneMobile, Firstech’s smartphone solution for remote start, security, and tracking systems. Participating retailers will each receive a myFirstech Rewards Visa prepaid card that will be loaded with funds for every month that a DroneMobile system they sell stays active.

Monthly payouts per device will vary depending on a DroneMobile customer’s plan type. Firstech offers four plan levels to DroneMobile customers: Basic, Premium, Business, and Business Plus. While many manufacturers have released solutions for remote starting a car from a smartphone, myFirstech Rewards is the first initiative in the industry to reward dealers for activating these systems in the first place.

“Firstech’s goal is to offer our dealers significant value from a variety of angles,” managing director Jason Kaminski explains, “several other industries follow a similar recurring revenue model, and we at Firstech are thrilled to be the first company to introduce it to our dealers for remote start products.”

Firstech retailers will be able to sign up for myFirstech Rewards starting on August 19, 2016. Firstech will begin distributing Visa prepaid cards in September, after which dealers will be able to start collecting rewards for the sale and activation of DroneMobile systems. To begin registration for myFirstech rewards, Firstech requires all entrants to watch a short video and take a short quiz at www.dronemobile.com/myfirstechrewards.

KP2 offers drivers a secure, easy-to-use method for managing vehicle access

JUNE 16, 2021 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, the maker of Compustar and DroneMobile connected car solutions, has announced that it will begin shipping the KP2 Keyless Touchpad (FT-KP2) in July 2021. KP2 is a windshield-mounted touchpad that gives drivers the ability to lock, unlock, and share their vehicles without the use of a key, remote, or smartphone. In daily use, the KP2 Touchpad functions as a convenient replacement for car keys for unlocking and locking the doors.

To lock/arm the vehicle’s doors, the driver simply needs to hold the “Lock” button on the KP2. When the driver is ready to hit the road, they can unlock the doors by entering their 4-6 digit PIN code onto the windshield mounted touchpad. The KP2’s upgraded capacitive touch sensors respond quickly for drivers who are on the go. KP2 now supports two separate PIN codes, one reserved for the vehicle owner (“Master PIN”) and one reserved for shared drivers (“Guest PIN”).

The Guest PIN code is time-sensitive and will expire on the time/date appointed by the vehicle owner via the DroneMobile smartphone app. In order to enable Guest PIN codes, the KP2 must be installed with a KL1 KeyLocker, which Firstech released in Spring 2020. Guest PIN codes make the KP2 an ideal solution for car sharing situations. Whether a vehicle owner is hosting out-of-town guests or using car-sharing services such as Turo or Getaround, he/she could share PIN codes with other drivers without revealing his/her own Master PIN code.

The KP2 will eventually be included with every Drone KL1 KeyLocker, giving car sharers an all-in-one vehicle and key management solution. Installation of the KP2 Keyless Touchpad is simple, requiring only a single connection to a compatible Firstech remote starter, alarm, or KeyLocker. As usual, Firstech offers an array of programming methods via desktop, smartphone, or Firstech’s proprietary “OP-500” option programmer. KP2 is Firstech’s fourth touchpad release.

Previous models include the KP1 and the RPS TOUCH, one of Firstech’s best-selling accessories over the past ten years. In comparison to previous models, the KP2 features a new “OEM”-style interface, unbranded design, and two additional digits for code programming. Internally, the KP2 boasts significant upgrades to its memory and processor, improving the speed, responsiveness and reliability of the touchpad.

As a standalone accessory, KP2 will start at $49.99 MSRP. KL1 KeyLocker systems bundled with the KP2 will retail at $199.99 MSRP. If you are interested in learning more about the KP2 Keyless Touchpad, please visit www.myfirstech.com or email Firstech’s sales team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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.

DroneMobile XC Dash Cam Wins the Award in the Mobile Electronics Category

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV: Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile connected car solutions, was awarded SEMA Best New Product for the upcoming Drone XC Dash Camera. Firstech’s 1st place win was announced at SEMA’s Kickoff Breakfast, along with winners in seventeen other automotive categories.

Firstech will be showing the DroneMobile XC Dash Camera along with the company’s security and remote start product lines at SEMA in the North Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center in booth #10339.

DroneMobile XC is the first-to-market dash camera to integrate with an aftermarket remote start and security system – giving drivers full visibility, control, and monitoring over their vehicle from virtually anywhere in the world. All of these capabilities will be available in a new update to the DroneMobile App for iPhone and Android smartphones. The retail price of the DroneMobile XC (part number: XC-LTE) will be $379.99 MSRP.

While an exact shipping date has not been announced, Firstech shares that DroneMobile XC will be available some time this Winter 2023.

To learn more about DroneMobile XC, please visitwww.dronemobile.com/xc-lte-dash-cam.

For questions, contact Firstech marketing director Justin Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

August 24th, 2016 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, makers of Compustar remote start and security solutions, was recognized as the “Top Vendor of Safety and Convenience Products” at the Mobile Electronics Group’s Knowledgefest show in Dallas, Texas.

The “Top Vendor” awards recognize industry’s top distributors, retailers, and manufacturers in various product categories. The award is based on a vote conducted by mobile electronics specialists across North America throughout the months leading up to the event. This marks the third consecutive year that Firstech has received this honor.

Firstech’s award followed the company’s many announcements made throughout the weekend at Knowledgefest. First, Firstech announced that it would be launching a recurring rewards program to incentivize retailers for the sale of DroneMobile connected car products. Also, the company unveiled a new low-current remote start platform called DC2 to its retailers that will be installable with most remote start t-harnesses manufactured by Automotive Data Solutions (iDatalink).

Wade Beebe, Firstech’s Head of Technical Support, commented on the company’s latest achievement, “We truly appreciate our retailers and support and acceptance of all of the things we do. We promise to continue exceeding expectations and to offer the best customer experience possible.”

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

November 1st, 2017 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, makers of Compustar and Arctic Start remote start systems, has publicly announced its “Drive for Coats” campaign, a national effort to collect coat
donations for those in need. 

Every winter, as temperatures drop, millions of Americans are forced to choose between warm clothing and everyday necessities, such as rent and food. Despite the improving economy, the U.S. Census Bureau still
reports that the poverty rate is 12.7%. A warm coat is a luxury that many families simply cannot afford. In response, Firstech has partnered with retailers across North America to hold in-store coat drives for
collecting new and gently used coat donations. In order to promote these coat drives in their local communities, retailers are offering discounts on remote car starters for customers that donate a new or
gently used coat. 

Firstech’s “Drive for Coats” campaign will run from November 1st, 2017 through December 31st, 2017. 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. “For the past 20 years, Firstech’s remote starters have brought warmth to millions of drivers,” shares Firstech’s marketing director, Justin Lee. “This holiday season, we are hoping to take our efforts a step further by partnering with our retailers and reaching out to those less fortunate.” 

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.

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.

Free Remote Start and Security Training for Installers of All Levels

Seattle, WA - January 30, 2024 - Firstech, LLC, the makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, is excited to announce new training dates for myFirstech Academy, a hands-on training program designed to equip installers with comprehensive knowledge and skills in 12-volt installations.

The upcoming training sessions are scheduled as follows:

• April 1-5, 2024 in Dallas, TX

• May 20-24, 2024 in Seattle, WA

The myFirstech Academy training events are open to installers of all levels of experience and will feature two days of intensive instruction at different skill levels. Attendees can expect an immersive learning experience covering installation fundamentals, advanced troubleshooting, and networking opportunities with installers from across the country.

"We are thrilled to offer these new training dates as part of our commitment to empowering installers with the latest industry knowledge and skills," shares lead instructor Doug Reed.

The training sessions will include hands-on 12-volt installer training, complimentary meals, entertainment, and a once-in-a-lifetime networking opportunity. Moreover, the trainings are free of charge with a $99 refundable deposit, making it accessible to installers looking to enhance their expertise in 12-volt installations.

For registration and additional details, interested individuals can visit the myFirstech Academy website at www.firstechllc.com/myfirstech-academy.

myFirstech Academy is an installer training program by Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, dedicated to providing comprehensive hands-on training and knowledge to every installer.

Stay updated on the latest news from Firstech, LLC by visiting about.firstechllc.com.

Convenient iOS and Android apps allow virtually any vehicle to be a shareable “smart car” so family members can remotely lock, start, secure and track each vehicle from anywhere.

SEATTLE, Wash., – Feb. 6, 2019 – Firstech LLC, a pioneer in after-market vehicle security and remote start, today announced availability of the newest version of its popular DroneMobile app in the Apple Store, with the update rolling out to Google Play later this month.

The DroneMobile app, part of the company’s overall Drone solution, allows almost any vehicle to be a shareable “smart car,” giving drivers the ability to remote start, secure and even GPS track their vehicle from virtually anywhere in the world. With the introduction of family sharing, users can share control of their vehicles and even receive push notifications and customized alerts in the event of a break-in, to monitor younger drivers and more.

“While teens will be thrilled to use the DroneMobile app to start their vehicle, parents can rest easy on weekends knowing they can check in on their younger drivers as needed,” said Justin Lee, marketing director for Firstech. “We’re excited to make drivers of all vehicles happier and safer; from the comfort of getting in to a perfectly heated vehicle to the occasional maintenance reminder, DroneMobile truly connects man, woman and machine.”

The DroneMobile app communicates over LTE with a cellular module installed in the vehicle. The cellular module works seamlessly with an after-market remote start and security system to provide virtually unlimited range control and tracking from a smartphone.

In addition to iPhone and Android, drivers and their families can control DroneMobile with the Apple Watch, Android Wear, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Drone features deliver:

Connection: Every member of a family or group can now be connected to vehicles through individual logins and configurable privileges.

Comfort and convenience: Remotely start or unlock a family car. No more getting into a freezing car in the winter or boiling car in the summer; even access your car if your keys are lost, stolen or forgotten.

Tracking: Locate your car, set geo-fencing alerts, receive push alerts on areas of interest, get curfew and speeding notifications and more.

Vehicle and driver insights: Check batteries or mileage, monitor teen driving, get maintenance reminders, etc. all through a convenient, configurable home screen.

Safety and security: Receive instant security alerts, track stolen vehicles, and start and unlock your car instead of fumbling with keys.

The DroneMobile app is free to download and service plans start at $5.99 per month. Hardware requirements include a DroneMobile cellular module and aftermarket remote start or security system, both of which are compatible with over 90 percent of vehicles. DroneMobile systems can be purchased and installed at over 2,000 retailers in North America, including Best Buy – all offering professional installers trained by Firstech. For pricing, location and compatibility, please visit www.dronemobile.com.

Firstech is an award-winning maker of automotive electronics. For the past 20 years, the company has focused on creating innovative solutions for enhancing driver safety, comfort, and convenience.As a pioneer in mobile electronics, the company has been first-to-market with several game-changing technologies, and has been honored with six CES Innovations Awards, three Mobile Electronics Top Vendor Awards, and an inclusion on Seattle Business Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Work.” To learn more please visit www.firstechllc.com.

Firstech Releases New Universal “Secure Push-to-Start” Accessory

[SEATTLE, WA, February 22, 2024] - Firstech, the makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, is excited to announce the release of the SPTS-U, a universal security accessory for preventing car theft from relay attacks.

With the rising popularity of push-to-start ignitions, car thieves across North America are exploiting a vulnerability with these vehicles through “relay attacks”. These attacks involve amplifying the factory key’s signal to the vehicle to unlock the doors and drive the vehicle away. Security experts estimate that 96% of vehicles with push-to-start ignitions are vulnerable to these attacks.

Firstech’s new SPTS-U accessory, also known as “Secure Push-to-Start”, directly blocks relay attacks by deactivating the push-to-start button until the driver is authenticated. Authentication can only be performed by disarming the alarm with an aftermarket remote (such as Compustar) or DroneMobile App.

This universal accessory, compatible with all Firstech alarms, can be installed on any vehicle with a push-to-start ignition system. It includes a compact module with integrated relays, eliminating the need for relay hardwiring to the ignition system. “We are proud to offer a simple but effective solution to a modern problem,” shares Firstech’s Technical Support Manager, Wade Beebe. “This small accessory presents a big upsell opportunity for all of our dealers in markets dealing with car theft.”

The SPTS-U (part #: FTI-SPTS-U-5PK) is available in a 5-pack on myFirstech.com and authorized Firstech distributors. The MSRP per item is $49.99. 

Firstech is a connected car company from Seattle, Washington that creates solutions for enhancing driver safety, comfort, and convenience. The company’s main brands include Compustar, DroneMobile, and Momento.

Stay updated on the latest news from Firstech, LLC by visiting about.firstechllc.com

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.