TVR meta alarm - the work of a genius
Discussion
I had the afternoon off today - to go and see the genius of a man that is Carl Baker, at is home business near Petersfield. Carl is a TVR meta alarm specialist bar none. [url]www.tvruk.tv/[/url]
Why? Bear with me for a moment whilst I fill in some background...
Last November following an interim service at a certain well thought of TVR independent, they managed to (unwittingly) short out my meta alarm. This was completely the garage's fault - which has made me realise that as servicer's and tuner's of TVR's (and indeed as a taxi firm) they are excellent - but as auto electricians evidence points to them NOT being so great...
The numpty mechanic that attempted to 'fix' my silent alarm cut straight through all four wires at the siren unit - one of which is a permanent live... so introducing a steel pair of pliers across the four wires caused a short on the alarm's PCD board (understandably). End game for the alarm then.
Having read on PH about Carl's reputation for being a superstar, I dropped him an e-mail last week. We then had a 20 minute phone call where he diagnosed the fault.
This afternoon saw Carl carefully remove the Chim's dash, repair the short on the PCB board, thread new wiring through the bulkhead over the wheelarch and down to a new siren unit - better positioned from the elements than even the original factory fitted unit was.
An hour and a half later with me a little lighter in the wallet saw the job done. An A1, totally professional job performed by a man outstanding in his field. The tea was great too!
If anyone has a problem with their TVR meta alarm, then Carl is the man to solve it for you on the South coast. Accept no substitute!
Cheers Carl 
Why? Bear with me for a moment whilst I fill in some background...
Last November following an interim service at a certain well thought of TVR independent, they managed to (unwittingly) short out my meta alarm. This was completely the garage's fault - which has made me realise that as servicer's and tuner's of TVR's (and indeed as a taxi firm) they are excellent - but as auto electricians evidence points to them NOT being so great...
The numpty mechanic that attempted to 'fix' my silent alarm cut straight through all four wires at the siren unit - one of which is a permanent live... so introducing a steel pair of pliers across the four wires caused a short on the alarm's PCD board (understandably). End game for the alarm then.
Having read on PH about Carl's reputation for being a superstar, I dropped him an e-mail last week. We then had a 20 minute phone call where he diagnosed the fault.
This afternoon saw Carl carefully remove the Chim's dash, repair the short on the PCB board, thread new wiring through the bulkhead over the wheelarch and down to a new siren unit - better positioned from the elements than even the original factory fitted unit was.
An hour and a half later with me a little lighter in the wallet saw the job done. An A1, totally professional job performed by a man outstanding in his field. The tea was great too!
If anyone has a problem with their TVR meta alarm, then Carl is the man to solve it for you on the South coast. Accept no substitute!
Cheers Carl 
I have to agree with all thats been said. Was going to post myself in the next day or so.
I went to see Carl a couple of days ago for a replacement immobiliser unit and also to have the key conversion carried out on one of my keys, (this now looks so much better than the crummy opel one).
He's extremely welcoming, friendly and professional. He carried out a fantastic job on my car and his knowledge is fantastic.
Anybody with any problems with their TIV alarms or stereos then I can't recommend him enough!
Theres even a mad dog and cat to keep you company whilst the works being carried out.
Cheers Carl
Tony (Blue Chim)
I went to see Carl a couple of days ago for a replacement immobiliser unit and also to have the key conversion carried out on one of my keys, (this now looks so much better than the crummy opel one).
He's extremely welcoming, friendly and professional. He carried out a fantastic job on my car and his knowledge is fantastic
. Anybody with any problems with their TIV alarms or stereos then I can't recommend him enough!
Theres even a mad dog and cat to keep you company whilst the works being carried out.
Cheers Carl
Tony (Blue Chim)
Echo everyones comments.
Carl Baker is the "man" when it comes to Meta alarms.
Last year he fitted a new siren, fixed the alarm control box itself, did some rewiring, reprogrammed the alarm with a new code, upgraded my key to the all-in-one, supplied some extra "plippers", and fitted a new Pioneer Head Unit.
Very pleased with his work, absolutely top notch, and his prices are very reasonable.
My "local" TVR specialist had pronounced the whole system "dead" and "you need a new alarm system sir, £450 plus fitting and VAT
if you please".
Definitely work the trip, plus some of the roads getting to him are worth the trip in their own rights (well coming from the South West they are any way
).
Simon
Carl Baker is the "man" when it comes to Meta alarms.
Last year he fitted a new siren, fixed the alarm control box itself, did some rewiring, reprogrammed the alarm with a new code, upgraded my key to the all-in-one, supplied some extra "plippers", and fitted a new Pioneer Head Unit.
Very pleased with his work, absolutely top notch, and his prices are very reasonable.
My "local" TVR specialist had pronounced the whole system "dead" and "you need a new alarm system sir, £450 plus fitting and VAT
if you please". Definitely work the trip, plus some of the roads getting to him are worth the trip in their own rights (well coming from the South West they are any way
). Simon
brilliant!.... just keep it to yourselves.....eh! :shakesheadsmiley: 
Woody_450 said:
Does anyone know if he could do the alarm fob attached to key thingy via the post?
Rich
I think that depends on which remote you currently have. If yours is compatible then yes, if not then you'll need a new remote that has to be coded into the car (I think.)
Give him a call to check.
CharlieAlpha66 said:
better positioned from the elements than even the original factory fitted unit was.
FWIW, I have discovered that if you remove the air filter duct it is possible to mount the siren on top of the flange in the bodywork. I admit it was easy whilst the headlights are out, but I reckon it may be possible to do with just removal of the filter & pipe.
I looked round whilst my headlights were 'opened' up and decided this was the ultimate position for security and reliability (sheltered from the elements) yet still accessible.
Dave
IPAddis said:
Does anyone know if he could do the alarm fob attached to key thingy via the post?
Rich
TVR Dealers can get you a new combined key.
They can supply the key, which you then have to get cut and transfer the inners from your current remote too. That is if your current remote is compatible.
Check on costs yourself but carl will, I believe, do the job better and cheaper.
The Surveyor said:
Colin
Did the dealer who shorted the alarm in the first place pay??
Sounds like the cost of the repair should not come from your pocket.
Hi Paul - no they did not. You are quite right though that it would be fair if they had paid for the repair. I toyed with going into battle over it - but concluded I could live without the hassle.
However, I am voting with my feet and will not be going in their vicinity again, nor sending any other TVR owners their way.
Edited to say it was not a dealer but an independent TVR specialist...
>> Edited by CharlieAlpha66 on Thursday 14th April 13:53
diddyman said:
2 new remotes plus a Pioneer AVIC-X1 satnav/tunes combo thingy wotsit
Can I ask a question about your AVIC-X1?
When you go to your menu, if you go:
"Traffic info" > Traffic settings" > "Traffic information"
An option of a speed camera type icon comes up, what's that for?
Thanks
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