Insane empeg over-security?

Posted by: FireFox31

Insane empeg over-security? - 12/04/2004 22:16

(been just dying to use the "crazy" icon)

I'm starting to wonder of my empeg security is getting a little overboad. After all the thiefts from cars, I never leave it alone in my car anymore. That always means bring the Pelican 1400 case into restaurants, friends' houses, etc. So far, only one comment about it, but enough odd looks.

But I not only secure it from my unattended car, I secure it from unattended ANYTHING. The example in question is the gym. I work at a university with gym facilities which I use a few nights a week after work. But I won't bring my empeg in and lock it in a locker with my clothes (and what rare computing marvel should be locked up with smelly socks and shoes anyway?). No, instead, I leave it in my office; in a locked cabinet, in a locked office, in a locked suite, in a locked building with a guard at the front door.

Problem is, it takes me an extra 30 minutes to go from the gym, back to work, and get back on the road JUST to get my empeg. That's 30 minutes more sleep, or 30 minutes earlier to eat dinner, or 30 minutes more time to climb the rock wall at the gym.

I've justified it for months and months now. "Secure the empeg, it's worth it. No shortcuts!" But... 30 minutes gone 3 days a week? I don't... mind, but does anyone have other thoughts for security in the car, in the gym, or wherever I have to bring it but leave it unattended? Short of using padlocks in the Pelican's two padlock slots and chaining it to a workout bench...
Posted by: canuckInOR

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 13/04/2004 01:54

Ever seen a locker at your gym that's been broken into? If no, then I'd say put your pelican case in the bottom of your bag before going to the gym, so that no-one knows your bag has anything but sweaty socks.

For good measure, you could leave a jock-strap on top of your bag in your locker.
Posted by: eliceo

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 13/04/2004 09:16

does the gym prohibit you from taking a bag with you in the workout area? I know some don't like it. I usually take a backpack or duffel and take the empeg inside the serpac case. Then just go about my gym workout with the backpack never leaving my sight.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 13/04/2004 10:54

First, let me applaud you for taking theft-prevention steps. An empeg is a terrible thing to lose.

For starters, I'd find a smaller, less obtrusive case than the Pelican. Ideally one of the original empeg bags if you can get your hands on one. That'll make it a lot less trouble to carry into restaurants and stores and such. Something with a handle instead of a shoulder strap... the only time I seriously dropped my empeg was when I had a bag with a shoulder strap and it slipped off my shoulder.

I wouldn't worry about putting it in the gym locker as long as there are actual locks on the locker doors. I guess this depends on the gym, of course. If there is a history of theft at your gym, I'd be looking to find another gym pronto, otherwise, I wouldn't sweat it. (Ba-DUM.) I also wouldn't worry about leaving the empeg on my desk at work unless there was a history of theft there. But I don't know what your work environment is like...
Posted by: FireFox31

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 13/04/2004 22:44

Thanks for the tips all. A friend of mine bought a used MkII, so I either need to con the bag off him or buy my own. Haha, kidding, I'll find my own.

Yeah, I hate walking into the locker room with a huge grey case and having everyone watch me as it fills up half my locker. Nope, doesn't fit in my bag (though, before my Pelican, I used to put the bare empeg in my gym bag and walk it in. I was ALWAYS nervous about that).

And what's 30 extra minutes in the face of a lifetime of lost music. Or something...
Posted by: larry818

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 08:37

Do what I do, drive a Volvo 240. No one ever looks at this car, ever, so I don't need to take the empeg out. I know that most folk here will think I'm crazy, but given that I would have definitely dropped it a dozen times in those years, it makes sense to leave it there.

I do move it to the trunk behind the spare tyre when I'm parking in questionable places, tho.

A short story... I used to live in an apartment with a parking structure. About every two months, all the Toyotas and Hondas would get broken into and their stereos stolen, but they would never touch my Volvo, which had, at the time, about the best car stereo you could get. My neighbour's Honda would always get a window busted during these raids, even tho she didn't even have a stereo and you could see that thru the window. Once, I had left the car in the parking lot with the entire back end full of high end stereo equipment that I had bought at auction (this was a 240 wagon (estate) at the time) when one of these raids happened, and my car wasn't touched.

Volvo 240, no one steals them, no one breaks into them.
Posted by: eliceo

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 09:49

After almost dropping the empeg from a loose bag I figured that hard case was the only way to save me from myself. Waterproof was a big priority after a waiter nearly spilled all sorts of beverages a few feet away from my empeg in a loose bag. The serpac case works well for my needs, and although you get strange looks I think its easily worth the hassle.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 11:18

I wonder if someone with access to a vacu-form machine and a way of cutting foam neatly could make a good alternative to a pelican case... Something that isn't much bigger than the empeg bag, but yet has enough foam to protect it if dropped. Something that isn't overkill like a pelican case. Hm...
Posted by: Skunk

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 12:22

I was going to wait until I got a hold of a good camera to take these but oh well.
This is what I use for my baby.
The case is by Vanguard.
Very rugged, aluminum case with foam inserts.
Nice sturdy aluminum handle.
Spill/water proof but not submersible.
I can fit the empeg, remote, mini to RCA cable, RCA cable, and original mini PSU. All in a small, stylish, lockable (protected from honest thieves only) hard case.

For about $24.00, it's a great empeg accessory.

Posted by: eliceo

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 14:04

What is the black surface on that case like, can you put stickers on it? I mean thats what I did to my serpac case to make it look less conspicuous, I put a bunch of stickers on it. For the most part spill proof should be adequate, but waiters can goof up bigtime and spill a pitcher of something all over your stuff.
Posted by: belezeebub

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 14:35

other then bringing it up to update or download new music to it, I have never removed my empeg from my car, I have an alarm(Yes I know alarms only keep honest people honest) but I havn't had anyone steal it yet, car has been broken into once and the alarm went off and all they got was the first thing they could grab (100 sears tool kit) Sitting right next to a FLuke 683 lan meter, boy people are stupid 7000 dollar lan meter or 100 dollar tool kit, )

No one has ever bothered my empeg and I have good insurance so I don't worry about it too much.

Posted by: Skunk

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 14:42

here is a close up of the black surface.
It's plastic with little raised diamond shapes on it so no, stickers would not stay very well.
Posted by: schofiel

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 15:37

It's WORTH IT - on Saturday, I got out of my car leaving my phone in the hands-free, walked to the shop 100m away, bought two resistors, walked back and the window had been smashed, phone gone. Much blue air: the dopey b******s had however not noticed the computer and monitor on the back seat. Wha????

Before I left, I had a moment of doubt about picking up the little blue bag at the door - "Naah, I'll only be 20 minutes", so I didn't take it with me. Phew. What a bloody wake-up call.

You worry about the 30 minutes loss: however, the empeg gives you hours of pleasure in return. Do you really want to flip that the other way - ie., save 30 minutes but spend hours afterwards, sad and regretful at the loss of your empeg? Surely not!

No, not paranoid. You're one of the exclusive club - STAY that way. And damn it, I feel *great* walking into a restaurant swinging that little blue bag!
Posted by: FireFox31

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 21:26

larry:
In reply to:

Do what I do, drive a Volvo 240.


Haha, close, I drive a 2000 Volvo V70 (which currently looks like a bag-lady cart because it's full of junk mail and cardboard for the recycling depot). Not AS retro as the 240 though. And the storage above the spare tire is too shallow to fit the Pelican. I'd put it there, but then people would see me doing it in the parking lot, raising suspicion.

Posted by: FireFox31

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 14/04/2004 21:35

In reply to:

It's WORTH IT


Sold. Phew, all I need is a horror story like that to wake me up every once in a while. Haven't seen one recently, but that did the trick. Empeg stays locked in the office! Oh yeah, and I've learned to love joking around about bringing my bulky Pelican case into restaurants and stuff.

But, I still can't get it into movie theaters, can't easily take it on hikes or bike rides, can't take it into concerts (rock, folk. or symphony). Those are the things I drive far distances for, and thus need to bring my empeg to.

So, eliceo; what's the model number of the serpac case and where can I get one?
And skunknumber1; that case is SO perfect. Vanguard; any model number or measurements?

Thanks for the tips all!
Posted by: schofiel

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 15/04/2004 05:15

How about this? I know here that the national car club I belong to (the ANWB) offers a "car safe", an armoured box that bolts onto the chassis under the driver's seat. I measured it up and found that the empeg *just* fits. The only reason I have not bought one is the thought that if the CAR is stolen, then the empeg goes with it.

If you are interested, I can enquire for you and sort out a price - this would let you leave your player safely in the car, out of sight.
Posted by: eliceo

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 15/04/2004 09:18

serpac thread
take a look at this thread for model number, I got mine from Mouser also.
Posted by: Skunk

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 15/04/2004 10:25

VANGUARD VGP3200
Here you go, and at $17.15, even better.
Posted by: az_max

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 15/04/2004 10:27

I use a Pelican 1200 case, though my Empeg has only recently started leaving my car. I moved from a location with a secure garage to a townhouse with an open covered parking space. My Empeg comes in with me at night, and the decoy face plate goes into the dash. Trips to the store/work I just leave the empeg in the dash.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 15/04/2004 11:09

But, I still can't get it into movie theaters, can't easily take it on hikes or bike rides, can't take it into concerts (rock, folk. or symphony). Those are the things I drive far distances for, and thus need to bring my empeg to.
When I use the empeg bag, I have no problem bringing it into movie theaters or concerts. Haven't tried hikes or bike rides.

What sort of troubles do you have with theaters and concerts?
Posted by: schofiel

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 15/04/2004 14:08

...that's when my phone got nicked....
Posted by: canuckInOR

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 16/04/2004 01:24

How about this? I know here that the national car club I belong to (the ANWB) offers a "car safe", an armoured box that bolts onto the chassis under the driver's seat.
I've often wondered if something like that existed, and I would love to have one. Sadly, there probably isn't sufficient room under the driver seat of my truck, any longer, as the only place I could stuff my amps was under the seats.
Posted by: image

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 16/04/2004 01:38

something like this?
Posted by: canuckInOR

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 17/04/2004 01:10

Yep, something like that. Only it'd have to horizontal, with the opening on the front. The way that thing is set up with the door as such, there's no way I could put it in my truck -- there's barely enough room for knees behind the front seats, let alone swinging open the door to the safe.
Posted by: Major_Sarcasm

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 17/04/2004 03:04

VANGUARD VGP3200
Here you go, and at $17.15, even better.


Any ideas where I can get one of these in the UK? Bloody perfect little case!
Posted by: FireFox31

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 17/04/2004 14:40

tony: Honestly, I haven't tried bringing my Pelican 1400 case into theaters or movies. I assume they'd tell me to leave it in the car because it could be a recording device which is prohibited.

There are a few other situations where I've had to make other arrangements for my empeg case; such as a wedding (though I probably could have claimed to be the photographer and said it was my fancy camera). Usually all the special events I have a far drive for, I can't reasonably bring my case in. I just can't think of any others right now.
Posted by: FireFox31

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 17/04/2004 14:42

Rob, elicio, and skunknumber1: Thanks for the specific security product references. I'm pretty psyched about all of them and want to check them out.

Rob, actually, I want to put an amp under my drivers seat and currently have one under my passanger seat. So, a box wouldn't fit. And like you, if the car drives off without me in it, so does the empeg. But..... there would be a good spot for it in the trunk. Let me see how it works. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 18/04/2004 04:11

tony: Honestly, I haven't tried bringing my Pelican 1400 case into theaters or movies. I assume they'd tell me to leave it in the car because it could be a recording device which is prohibited.
I've never tried a Pelican case, but my empeg bag doesn't even get searched when I go to rock concerts. Even if it did, by opening the bag it's obviously a pullout car stereo (remember those? How quaint...) even if the fascia looks slightly different from a pullout CD player.

I've taken the empeg, in its empeg bag, lots of different places and situations where you'd think it would be a hassle, and it just hasn't ever been one. No one ever gives it a second glance.
Posted by: MHC

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 19/04/2004 02:05

Hey, have you ever thought about putting it.... IN THE TRUNK?

-Christian
Posted by: pgrzelak

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 19/04/2004 04:45

<runs and ducks for cover at the approaching storm...>
Posted by: FireFox31

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 21/04/2004 23:21

Haha, no approaching storm. I drive a wagon, so the trunk is totally open (and I don't use the silly vinyl pull-over cover thingey). I *do* put it in my friends' trunks if I meet them somewhere and I can't bring it in.

There's a storage bay un my trunk, but too shalow for the full Pelican case. A shame. And when (if) I get a custom fiberglass (bling bling) mounted sub in there, no room will be left.

Oh, and Tony, I did manage to bring it into a concert last weekend. A classical music concert at my old college where everyone knew me. And at the afterparty, it DJ'ed for probably 6 hours with only 1 intervention; to change the mood when it got to 3am.

And I remembered the #1 thing that forced me to leave my empeg in the car. The hospital. I never even dared try to bring it into the hospital during my daily visits throughout the 6 month period when a family member was in there. So, I still need enough nerve to bring it in hospitals, nursing homes, (fancy) restaurants, movie theaters, hikes, and on a date with a girl who doesn't already know I'm clearly insane.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 22/04/2004 10:53

I never even dared try to bring it into the hospital
I'm curious why?
Posted by: PaulWay

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 22/04/2004 22:45

I think there are two things to consider about empeg security:

Firstly, ask yourself what you would do if you had a pile of cash the same value of the empeg, tied up in a neat bundle. For me, leaving even a $20 note showing in the car is a no-no, so leaving something worth over $1000 is absolutely crazy.

Secondly, ask yourself how you would get a new one. Sure, you might not worry if your sunglasses were stolen - they might cost $200 (for top-quality Oakleys or something like that) but you can go down to a local store and get a new pair. Try - just try - looking around for a second-hand empeg and you'll realise these now have far more value in your hand than what you might have paid for it originally.

OK, so it might be an inconvenience. There are always ways of optimising time - such as taking it to the gym and putting it in your bag which you put beside your bike or whatever. But always remember the inconvenience of not having the empeg will always outweigh these other minor problems.

JM1.5cW,

Paul
Posted by: FireFox31

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 22/04/2004 22:51

Paul: So true. And if I DID have to get a new one, I'd have to wait ALL that time as it uploaded nine hundred hours of PaulWay mixes!!

Tony: I don't know why I never *try* to bring it in these places. Like the hospital, I'd hate to have any of the many staff potentially question me and cause a big scene. They are worried enough about cell phones disrupting their machines, I think they'd get pretty freaked out if they saw me walk in with some high-tech-lookin' instrument case. Ah, well, next time I have to visit someone in the hospital, I'll suck it up and try to bring it in.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 23/04/2004 08:24

I went to the hospital recently, and despite the fact that they are or at least used to be concerned about cell phones, they now have pagers a la restaurant pagers to let you know when to go somewhere. It was nice, but it seems hard to believe that they wouldn't also cause problems. I mean, I can come up with answers, but it still seems odd.
Posted by: jmwking

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 23/04/2004 09:12

I went to the hospital recently, and despite the fact that they are or at least used to be concerned about cell phones, they now have pagers a la restaurant pagers to let you know when to go somewhere. It was nice, but it seems hard to believe that they wouldn't also cause problems. I mean, I can come up with answers, but it still seems odd.
Not really that odd: the pagers they give you most likely don't have a transmiter, and receive signals from antenae operating on a known frequency with a known power level.

I know that my two-way pager will cause disruptions on my monitor and noises from my computer speaker when it calls out to the system. I imagine they're concerned with what might happen with much more sensitive hospital equipment. Probably nothing, but they certainly don't want to take that risk.

Of course, if people would use cell phones in a more considerate manner, they'd probably open up a few safe areas in the hospital to use them.

-jk
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Insane empeg over-security? - 23/04/2004 10:49

Like the hospital, I'd hate to have any of the many staff potentially question me and cause a big scene.
 Exactly. And the point I'm trying to make is... I've never had anyone question me about the empeg, no matter where I took it. You're thinking that employees at these places are more nosy than they really are. For the most part, they couldn't care less.

And if someone does question you, you can simply say "it's my car stereo". If they want proof, then it takes about 3 seconds to open the case and politely show them that it's just your car stereo and nothing to be concerned about.

(Or you could look at it as an opportunity to show off your toy, depending on what kind of mood you're in. )

Now I'll agree that a pelican case might get more attention than an empeg bag (or a gameboy bag or a camera bag or whatever kind of softcase you've cobbled together). So if you're truly concerned about not being able to bring it into hospitals or concerts, then get a soft case and be done with it.
Posted by: elvis

Trunk! - 24/04/2004 13:58

Funny, I used to be NUTZ about my empeg, but after 2 years (holy crap, has it been that long?!) I'm a little more casual about my security.

At home I take it inside. When I'm at the gym or some other 'questionable' location I'll put it in my trunk (it's a fairly tough trunk, and I tend to avoid places that have more 'serious' break-ins. My car doesn't have a 'trunk release' in the passenger compartment.

Come to think of it, I don't know of a single E36 3 series owner having had their stereo stolen from a locked car....
Posted by: tfabris

Re: Trunk! - 24/04/2004 15:20

I've had thieves pry into the trunk area of my hatchback with a crowbar, even when the stereo was pulled out of the dash. They got the rear speakers and amp that way.

There are also thieves who will "case" a parking lot, watching who's going in and estimating the amount of time they will spend inside. They watch you store that thing in the trunk and it's all over.

You get lax about security, that's when they'll get ya...
Posted by: canuckInOR

Re: Trunk! - 24/04/2004 21:20

You get lax about security, that's when they'll get ya...
Sure hope not... I keep forgetting to lock my front door.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Trunk! - 26/04/2004 09:18

Remind me not to move to California.
Posted by: davec

Re: Trunk! - 26/04/2004 09:54

Sure hope not... I keep forgetting to lock my front door
I'll go one better, more than once I have forgotten to close the front door at 3AM when I left to go fishing...
Posted by: canuckInOR

Re: Trunk! - 26/04/2004 23:07

I have forgotten to close the front door
My comment was actually a just meant as a tongue-in-cheek reference, but I've been duly one-upped.
Posted by: JeffS

Re: Trunk! - 27/04/2004 07:19

I'm actually lax comparitively as well. I NEVER leave the empeg in my car for a whole day, but if I'm going into a resturant for a few minutes I often put it in the trunk. I realize that some here have had theives get them while they were only gone for a few minutes, but I don't hear of many people around here having many problems with stuff getting stolen from there cars. If I'm at all comfortable I take it inside, but there are loads of places I just can't see theives breaking in my window, much less taking the time to get into the trunk. Of course, I believe Texas has the death penalty for car stereo theft these days . . .

What it comes down to is that I've made a decision that in some instances, the risk is low enough that it is not worth it to take the empeg with me, especially considering what a clutz I am. I know there's always the potential for it to get stolen, but there's also the potential for it to get banged up or dropped, especially if I'm going somwhere rough. And if I'm going to speak to a client in a formal meeting it's really hard to imagine taking in any kind of case and feeling comfortale about it. And for those who met me at the Texas meet last year, I DO finally have a case for it!
Posted by: canuckInOR

Re: Trunk! - 27/04/2004 23:47

I've made a decision that in some instances, the risk is low enough that it is not worth it to take the empeg with me, especially considering what a clutz I am. I know there's always the potential for it to get stolen, but there's also the potential for it to get banged up or dropped
Or, as happened in one case noted on the forum somewhere, left behind!