Compustar
Compustar, a brand of Firstech LLC founded in 1995, designs and manufactures remote car starters, vehicle security systems, and LTE-connected telematics (DroneMobile) sold exclusively through 2,000+ authorized dealers across North America to individual vehicle owners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersKent, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Compustar does
Compustar is a flagship brand of Firstech, LLC, a privately held Washington LLC founded in 1995 by Jason Lee in Anchorage, Alaska and relocated to the Seattle, Washington area in 2003. The company designs and manufactures aftermarket remote car starters, vehicle security systems, and connected car solutions, and sells exclusively through a network of 2,000+ Authorized Dealers across the United States and Canada who provide professional installation.
The product portfolio centers on universal and vehicle-specific control modules (CM900-S, CM-X, CM-DC3, CM2500, CM7000-AS, plus BMW/Mercedes and VW/Audi-specific variants) paired with a broad remote lineup ranging from entry-level 1-way remotes to PRO-tier 2-way LCD remotes with up to 3-mile range and IPX-7 waterproofing. Underlying technology includes spread spectrum (SS), FMX, and Digital Spread Spectrum (DSST) radio communication, LTE telematics via the X1/X2 Drone modules operating on AT&T's network, and the proprietary KLON and BLADE-AL (iDatalink Weblink) platforms that extend compatibility to push-to-start vehicles and over 4,000 vehicle models from 1997 onward. The DroneMobile smartphone app, Shock Sensor II, E-LOCK starter-kill relay, and the SPTS-U anti-relay-attack accessory round out an integrated security and connectivity ecosystem.
Revenue is generated through three streams: one-time hardware sales (control modules, remotes, antennas, sensors, and pre-configured PRO bundles), recurring DroneMobile smartphone-control subscriptions following a 30-day free trial, and professional installation services performed by authorized dealers. Entry-level alarm installation starts at approximately $249.99, with premium PRO bundles quoted through dealers. Marketing is content-driven via the Compustar blog, SEO-optimized vehicle compatibility pages, and social channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), with the dealer locator and online Shop Online checkout (Stripe-powered) closing the funnel. The company has earned six CES Innovations Awards and seven Mobile Electronics Top Vendor Awards and operates with 11-50 employees.
Compustar firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Compustar
- Legal name
- Firstech, LLC.
- Website
- https://compustar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Compustar, a brand of Firstech LLC founded in 1995, designs and manufactures remote car starters, vehicle security systems, and LTE-connected telematics (DroneMobile) sold exclusively through 2,000+ authorized dealers across North America to individual vehicle owners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Compustar industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aftermarket Vehicle Electronics
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Communications Equipment Manufacturing (3342), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Automotive Infotainment, Telematics & Connectivity Hardware Manufacturing (TCU/V2X/GNSS) (IMACAJAH)
Keywords
Where Compustar is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kent
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Compustar business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel
Revenue model
- Remote Start & Security Hardware: One-time sale of control modules, remote transmitters, antennas, sensors, and bundled system kits. Products are sold exclusively through authorized dealers and installed professionally. Includes both entry-level and premium PRO-tier systems.
- DroneMobile Smartphone Control: LTE telematics modules (X1-LTE, X2-LTE) bundled with remote starter kits include a free 30-day trial of DroneMobile. Ongoing subscription revenue from DroneMobile smartphone control app for unlimited-range remote start, security, and GPS tracking.
- Professional Installation Services: Installation services are provided by the network of 2,000+ authorized Compustar dealers across North America. Installation pricing varies by vehicle and is quoted through dealers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | PRO T13 Bundle (RFX-P2WT13-SF) — 3-Mile Range with LTE |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | PRO R5 Bundle (RFX-P2WR5-SF) — 2-Mile Range with LTE |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | CSXP9913-AS — PRO All-in-One Remote Start + Security with LTE |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Entry-Level Alarm Installation |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
Compustar product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Compustar designs, manufactures, and distributes aftermarket remote car starters, vehicle security systems, and combined remote-start-and-security systems, along with the DroneMobile LTE-connected smartphone control platform. Hardware includes control modules, two-way and one-way RF remotes with up to 3-mile range, telematics modules, shock/tilt sensors, alarm sirens, and bypass modules supporting over 4,000 vehicle models from 1997 onward. Products are sold exclusively through 2,000+ authorized dealers across the U.S. and Canada who perform professional installation.
Product overview
Compustar, manufactured by Firstech LLC, is a leading manufacturer of remote car starters, vehicle security systems, and connected car solutions. The product portfolio centers on Control Modules (including CM900-S, CM900-AS, CM-X, CM-DC3, CM2500, CM7000-AS, CM7200-S, and vehicle-specific modules for BMW/Mini/Mercedes and VW/Audi) as the core brain of the systems, paired with a comprehensive line of Remotes ranging from 1-way (G15, G17, G18 series) to 2-way LED and LCD variants (Q9, T9, T11, T12, T13, R3, R5). The ecosystem includes LTE/GPS connectivity modules (X1-LTE, X2-LTE) enabling DroneMobile smartphone control, vehicle security accessories (Shock Sensors, Alarm Sirens, Starter-Kill Relays, Temperature Sensors), bypass modules (BLADE-AL), and the SPTS-U Secure Push-to-Start anti-relay attack device. Systems are sold as individual components, pre-configured All-in-One Bundles (CS750-A, CSX2WQ900-A, CSX9900-AS, CSXP9913-AS), or Remote Upgrade Kits. Professional installation is available through 2,000+ Authorized Dealers across North America.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DroneMobile: Award-winning connected car solution that adds LTE connectivity to any Compustar remote start or security system
- DroneMobile App
Products and services
- Remote Start Systems Aftermarket remote engine start systems allowing users to start their vehicle from extended distances (up to 3 miles on PRO models) using 1-way or 2-way remote transmitters with FM, spread spectrum, or digital spread spectrum radio. Compatible with manual transmissions, diesels, hybrids, and push-to-start vehicles.
- Security Systems Aftermarket vehicle security systems including car alarms, dual-stage shock sensors, tilt sensors, starter-kill relays, and 105+ dB alarm sirens to protect against theft, intrusion, catalytic converter theft, and unauthorized starting.
- Remote Start & Security Combined Systems All-in-one systems that combine remote engine start convenience with full vehicle security protection, including shock/tilt sensors, sirens, starter-kill relays, and 2-way confirmation remotes.
- Vehicle-Specific Remote Start Systems Remote start systems designed for specific vehicle makes including BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, VW, and Audi, with built-in bypass modules and t-harness installation for select model years.
- All-in-One Bundles Pre-configured bundles combining control modules, remotes, antennas, sensors, sirens, and accessories for complete installation packages such as the CS4900S-KIT, CS2WQ900-AS, CSX1900-S, CSX4905-S-KIT, CS752-A, CSX2WQ900-A, CSX9900-AS, and CSXP9913-AS.
- DroneMobile App Award-winning smartphone application that pairs with the Drone X1/X2 LTE module to add unlimited-range remote start, security monitoring, door lock control, and GPS vehicle tracking to any Compustar remote start or security system. Available on iOS and Android with a 30-day free trial followed by subscription.
- X2-LTE Drone LTE/GPS Module LTE connectivity module that adds smartphone control and GPS tracking to any Compustar remote start or security system. Utilizes AT&T's LTE network in the United States for vehicle connectivity.
- SPTS-U Secure Push-to-Start Universal anti-theft integration harness for all push-to-start vehicles. Blocks relay attacks by deactivating the push-to-start button until the driver is authenticated via a Compustar remote or the DroneMobile App.
- BLADE-AL Universal Bypass Module Universal bypass module that works with over 4,000 vehicle models from 1997 to date using iDatalink's Weblink solution for flashing vehicle-specific firmware.
- CM-X Universal Remote Start Module Universal remote start control module with upgradeable security via FT-ALARMIT-KIT. Available in low-current and high-current variants (FT-CMX-LC / FT-CMX-HC).
- CM-DC3 Control Module Universal remote start and keyless entry control module with built-in bypass, supporting hardwire installation with FT-HRN-DC3 or t-harness installation with compatible iDatastart t-harness.
- CM2500 Control Module Vehicle security and keyless entry system control module compatible with most vehicles.
- CM7000-AS Control Module Universal remote start and security system with DAS-II security sensor, siren, and theft-deterrent LED. Works with manual-transmission vehicles.
- CM900-S Control Module Remote start and keyless entry control module for most vehicles. Operating temperature range of -22°F to 176°F with 16 mA idle current draw.
- CM900-AS Control Module Remote start and security control module supporting shock sensor, siren, and LED theft-deterrent.
- CMBMXA0 Vehicle-Specific Module (BMW/Mini/Mercedes) Control module with built-in bypass for select BMW, Mini, and Mercedes-Benz models from 2003-2016.
- CMVWXA0 Vehicle-Specific Module (VW/Audi) Vehicle-specific remote start control module for select VW and Audi vehicles; installation requires a compatible ADS T-harness.
- PRO T13 Remote Premium PRO 2-way LCD remote with up to 3-mile range, IPX-7 waterproof rating, proximity unlock, and USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- PRO R5 Remote Compact PRO 2-way LED 1-button remote with up to 2-mile range.
- T9 LCD Remote 2-way T9 remote with LCD screen capable of 2-way alarm notifications and paging. Operating temperature -4°F to 140°F with up to 3,000 feet range using FM with 128-bit encryption.
- T11/T12 LCD Remote 2-way T11/T12 LCD remote with 3-mile range using Digital Spread Spectrum Technology, IPX-7 waterproof, and USB rechargeable battery.
- Pro G18 and G17 3-Button Remotes Refreshed 3-button remote design (G18 2-way and G17 1-way) with slimmer, more compact form factor compared to previous 4-button remotes.
- EZ GO II Proximity Remote Compact proximity unlock fob that auto-unlocks the vehicle when within 6 feet. Single tap for lock, double tap for unlock, hold for remote start.
- Drone XC Dash Cam 2K QHD front vehicle dash camera with LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi capabilities that integrates with the DroneMobile connected-car ecosystem.
- SmartKey Starter for Mercedes-Benz Compustar-compatible remote start accessory for compatible Mercedes-Benz or Volvo vehicles. Works with DroneMobile smartphone control and does not require bypass modules. Automatic transmission only.
- Shock Sensor II 2nd-generation dual-stage impact and tilt sensor for all Compustar systems. Plugs directly into most Firstech control modules with adjustable sensitivity dial, triggering detailed alarm alerts to paired 2-way LCD remotes or DroneMobile when activated.
- E-LOCK Relay Engine starter-kill relay that prevents a vehicle's ignition from being started without disarming the aftermarket security system, even if the factory key is present.
- 105+ dB Alarm Siren Alarm siren included with most Compustar security and remote start + security systems. Plugs directly into all Firstech control modules and can be muted for commands and alarm triggers.
- Blue Security LED Signature theft-deterrent LED that blinks brightly while the system is armed, indicating the vehicle has extra security protection and monitoring.
- FT-TEMP Temperature Sensor Thermistor that detects internal vehicle temperature and connects directly to most Firstech control modules to provide temperature feedback to 2-way LCD remotes and DroneMobile.
- Professional Installation Services Professional installation of Compustar remote start and security systems performed by the network of 2,000+ authorized dealers across North America. Installation pricing varies by vehicle and is quoted through the dealer.
Quantifiable outcome
- Remote range up to 3 miles (15,840 feet), compared to factory fob range of 20-50 feet
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Compustar
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Compustar technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature10 records
Compustar partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- iDatalink / Automotive Data SolutionscoreiDatalink provides KLON technology (a trademark of iDatalink/Automotive Data Solutions) used by Compustar for push-to-start vehicle compatibility. Additionally, the BLADE-AL universal bypass module uses iDatalink's award-winning Weblink solution for flashing vehicle-specific firmware. iDatalink t-harnesses (ADS-AL CA, ADS-THR series) are compatible with Compustar control modules.
- AT&TcoreThe X2-LTE Drone module utilized by Compustar operates on AT&T's LTE network in the United States, enabling LTE connectivity for remote start and security systems.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Compustar competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- iDatalink / Automotive Data Solutions (ADS): iDatalink is both a Compustar technology partner (Weblink, KLON) and an emerging player offering its own Compustar-compatible remote start solutions (iDatastart) and Fortin bypass modules, creating partial overlap and a partner/competitor dynamic.
- Mid City Engineering: Mid City Engineering develops vehicle-specific remote start interfaces (e.g., SmartKey Starter for Mercedes-Benz) sold as Compustar-compatible accessories, operating as both a supplier and a narrow competitor in European vehicle niches.
Broad incumbents
- Voxx International: Voxx International is the publicly traded parent company of Viper, Clifford, Avital, Python, and Crimestopper - a portfolio approach to the same aftermarket remote start/security category in which Compustar operates as a focused specialist.
Direct peers
- Clifford (Directed Electronics / Voxx International): Clifford is a premium-tier aftermarket vehicle security brand from the same parent as Viper, competing directly with Compustar's PRO line in car alarms, 2-way remotes, and shock/tilt sensor-equipped systems.
- Viper (Directed Electronics / Voxx International): Viper is Compustar's most direct head-to-head competitor in aftermarket remote start and vehicle security, offering 2-way remotes, smartphone control (Viper SmartStart), and broad vehicle compatibility through a similar dealer/installer network in North America.
- Scytek Electronics: Scytek manufactures aftermarket remote starters, car alarms, and keyless entry systems distributed through the same 12-volt dealer channel that Compustar relies on, with overlapping product features (2-way remotes, smartphone control).
- Avital (Directed Electronics / Voxx International): Avital is the value-tier sibling of Viper/Clifford, competing with Compustar's entry-level CS and RS series on remote start systems with dealer-installed support.
- Crimestopper Security & Remote Start: Crimestopper offers aftermarket remote starters, car alarms, and keyless entry systems distributed through similar 12-volt retailers, directly competing with Compustar's mid-range bundles.
- Python (Directed Electronics / Voxx International): Python is another Directed Electronics brand that competes with Compustar's mid-tier remote start and security bundles in the North American aftermarket.
- Code Alarm (VOXX): Code Alarm is another Voxx-affiliated aftermarket security and remote start brand targeting similar value-conscious consumers and dealers as Compustar's CS-series products.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Compustar social profiles
Digital presenceCompustar financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Compustar leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Compustar funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Compustar M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Compustar
What does Compustar do?
Compustar designs, manufactures, and distributes aftermarket remote car starters, vehicle security systems, and combined remote-start-and-security systems, along with the DroneMobile LTE-connected smartphone control platform. Hardware includes control modules, two-way and one-way RF remotes with up to 3-mile range, telematics modules, shock/tilt sensors, alarm sirens, and bypass modules supporting over 4,000 vehicle models from 1997 onward. Products are sold exclusively through 2,000+ authorized dealers across the U.S. and Canada who perform professional installation.
Is Compustar a public or private company?
Compustar is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Compustar founded?
Compustar was founded in 1995. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Compustar based?
Compustar is headquartered in Kent, United States, in the North America region.
How does Compustar make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Remote Start & Security Hardware is the primary driver. The others are droneMobile Smartphone Control and professional Installation Services.
Who are Compustar's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are iDatalink / Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) and Mid City Engineering. Voxx International is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Clifford (Directed Electronics / Voxx International), Viper (Directed Electronics / Voxx International), Scytek Electronics, Avital (Directed Electronics / Voxx International), Crimestopper Security & Remote Start, Python (Directed Electronics / Voxx International) and Code Alarm (VOXX).
Does Compustar have an API?
No public API is recorded for Compustar.
What industry is Compustar in?
Compustar's product category is Aftermarket Vehicle Electronics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAJAH, Automotive Infotainment, Telematics & Connectivity Hardware Manufacturing (TCU/V2X/GNSS). Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3600.