Clifford's G4 Technology

		Clifford'sG4 Technology www.clifford.com
		Clifford's newest generation of security systems offers the future of 12-volt security, today.
		by Barnet Fagel

		The automotive protection industry is not unlike other industries in that it is gauged by notable events that occur during the course of their history. These events have included reliable impact sensors, remote control, radar sensors, and remote key entry. Another milestone that has been touted for the near future is the IDB or ITS Data Bus as per the car manufacturers. Clifford Electronics sits squarely in the middle of the technology freeway. Clifford has spent the last four years developing what they endearingly refer to as G4. G4 is Clifford's representation of their own milestone in alarm history as their fourth product generation. What Does It All Mean? Clifford's G4 technology offers the ability for different alarm components and convenience modules to be integrated on a universal set wire harness that extends from one component to another. Similar to a computer's serial port that daisy chains accessories together, Clifford's G4 technology makes the job of installing a high-end security system an easier task for the technician while ensuring that all the system's features will operate to their expected performance levels. With this approach, G4 technology provides the user with a highly-functional, yet robust, means of security that can be analyzed by any skilled security technician. The G4 technology's companion Windows-based Wizard software brings out the best features of this new Clifford generation and matches the G4 hardware technology in advanced features. I had an opportunity to see Clifford's CliffNet Wizard software in use and it actually made the programming of the G4 product series easy and, most importantly, fun for both the installer and the user. The user is given the ability to see the available options and have them programmed right in front of them with a few computer keystrokes. This powerful combination eliminates the requirements of cutting jumper wires or trying to program through the valet or ignition switches with a long series of siren beeps, although traditional programming through the valet switch is still available. The G4 software/hardware combination sets a unique milestone by which other products will be judged. System Design The G4's two-way digital communication system comes into its own when a remote starter is added to the mix of security components. Instead of duplicating some of the security operations, the G4 technology shares common connections between the two, including starter interrupt, ignition, and accessory circuits. With Clifford's G4 technology, only the data cable needs to be connected between the alarm and the remote starter modules. Dubbed CliffNet, this digital domain conduit also allows, for example, a SmartWindows 4 module to be easily connected to any of the Clifford family of protection products. Another of the exciting security offerings from Clifford is their Wireless Immobilizer which differs from any other immobilizer on the market. Installed on either the ignition or fuel pump circuits, the Wireless Immobilizer interrupts the active engine circuit but does not have any tell-tale connection wires leading to or from it to give away its existence. The connection between the interrupt and the Clifford control module is done via multiplexed communications. The protected car will start, but will quickly be shut down if the interrupt module does not receive the proper multiplexed message. In addition, and unlike the majority of alarms that only interrupt the starter, Clifford offers dual-point immobilization for a more secure theft prevention device on all but their lowest priced model.
		For more details, contact Clifford Electronics at 1-800-Clifford, or visit them on the Web at www.clifford.com.