FAQ
Straight answers
The questions we get on the phone most often. If yours is not here, call the shop and ask.
Remote start
Do you install remote starters on any vehicle?
We install remote starters on most vehicles. Compatibility depends on year, make, model, and trim. Send us your vehicle details and we will confirm fitment and give you options before you commit to anything.
What's the difference between a 1-way and a 2-way Compustar remote?
A 1-way remote sends the command and that is it. A 2-way remote confirms back to you that the vehicle actually started, locked, or unlocked, and it usually reaches a lot further. If you park where you cannot see the vehicle, the 2-way is worth the difference.
How long does installation take?
Most remote start installations are done the same day. Two-way radio installs and programming depend on the vehicle and the setup. We confirm the timeline when you book and we call you if anything changes.
Does a remote start void my factory warranty?
A properly installed remote start should not void your factory warranty. We install to manufacturer specification and we do not cut corners on the wiring. If your dealer has raised a concern about a specific vehicle, call us and we will talk through it before you book.
Two-way radios
What is the difference between a two-way radio and a 2-way remote start?
They are unrelated, and the wording is genuinely confusing. A two-way radio is voice between two people, radio to radio, and every radio we sell is one. A 2-way remote start is a key fob that gets a confirmation back from your vehicle after it starts, which is the difference between the PRO 1WG15 and the PRO 2WG15. One is communication, the other is a confirmation.
Do you install radios and antennas in trucks and tractors?
Yes, and that is most of what we do on the radio side. A handheld works out of the box, but an in-cab mobile needs to be mounted, wired to vehicle power, and given a proper external antenna to be worth the money. We do the mount, the wiring, and the antenna, in trucks, tractors, combines, and the shop.
Why does the antenna matter so much?
On a mobile radio the antenna does more for your range than the radio does. A good antenna, mounted in the right spot with a clean ground, is the difference between reaching the next quarter and reaching the far end of the section. It is also the part people most often get wrong when they install it themselves.
Can you help me choose between VHF and UHF?
Yes. We recommend VHF or UHF based on where you use the radios, how much ground you need to cover, and what your neighbours or crew already run. As a rough rule, VHF carries further across open field, UHF handles buildings, bins, and yards better. We also handle setup and programming so the radios arrive ready to use.
Do the radios come programmed?
Yes. We program every radio before it leaves the shop so it matches the channels you already run. If you are starting fresh, we will set up a sensible channel plan with you.
Will these work with the radios I already have?
Usually. Icom gear programs to standard analog frequencies, so it will normally talk to whatever is already in your trucks. Tell us what you are running now and we will confirm before you buy.
Do I need a licence to run two-way radios on the farm?
It depends on the frequencies you use. Some are licence-free, others need a radio licence from ISED Canada. We will tell you straight which category your setup falls into so there are no surprises.
The shop
Do you do regular vehicle repair too?
Yes. N3 Sales is a repair shop first. We handle maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on cars, trucks, and work vehicles for people in Rathwell and the surrounding communities.
How do I buy? Is there a cart?
Give us a call or send the form. Because radios need programming and remote starts need a fitment check, we would rather talk to you for two minutes than have you buy the wrong thing online. Pricing on this site is what you pay.
Still not sure?
Two minutes on the phone beats an hour of reading. Call the shop and tell us what you are trying to do.