Why this unit?

We started this keyless experience with the cheapies ordered from JC Whitney -- ICD brand. They were about $30 each as I recall, and I became familiar enough with them to troubleshoot the fobs, reprogram them, and work on their receivers. They were maintenance intensive -- especially the plastic buttons on the fobs becoming jammed and the 12V battery contacts wearing right though the plating. An annoying need to rap the fob on the rain gutter to get it to make good contact again was a frequent occurrence.

At some point we bought a high priced unit from an auto parts store -- maybe $60 -- to see if it would be any better. It was Bulldog brand. Later we had them in two cars. Both quit working within a year of installation, but I never really determined why.

A few years ago a friend Oleseahorse sent me one he was using, which became our new replacement keyless. It is pretty snazzy and works great in all the cars we've put it in. It is still available and below I compare it to these $11 BigHawks units just recently found on line.

Testing on the bench to be sure I understand its operation.

Below is a comparison of the 3-button and 4-button keyless units. Unfortunately the receivers are not pin-for-pin plug compatible.

The transmitters are where I notice the most differences. The 3-button fob uses a 3V lithium coin cell. I believe the connections to this type of battery are more durable than to the stacked button 12V cell used in the other fob.

Also, I am hoping I will be able to better memorize which button unlocks the car and which locks it using the in-line 3-button fob. But the 4-button fob I need to get my readers on to see the icons -- it has a nice heft with its metal frame. Very sturdy feel.