RFID-Based Auto-lock/unlock System

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Originally Posted by m2x0p9x

I think you could incorporate the always on SheevaPlug that someone used in a Volvo if I'm not mistaken. You might be able to write a very simple script if all you need is LOCK / UNLOCK state and PRESENCE of key fob.

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Is that what PaulF used? He had a rockin setup in his Volvo but said it was too hard on the battery & he was working on a new setup with less draw at idle.

I have this system in my car. PM me if you want one.

I have a pretty simple setup in my car. Cheap rfid reader from ebay wired into the central locking.
Reading distance is through metal/glass so the card/fob has to be within 10cm for it to unlock/lock but that is all I really need.

do you care to share any details?


i have really started thinking about this, and the obstacle i am running into is getting both lock and unlock functions from the modules.

i can easily get the module to lock, or unlock the car by presenting a different key, but am unsure how i could do it with a single key--i'm thinking of using a present2 or present3 rule to unlock the car, but i don't see any rfid stuff that works that way..(most of the expensive stuff i've worked with before uses a present3 rule to keep power applied to the door mechanism to keep it unlocked until another present3 event is actuated..)

looking at this redbee reader right now(link)-- that has the amount of outputs i need, and plenty of cards, and can operate in standalone, i just need to figure out the lock/unlock issue..

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Originally Posted by Ryven

My reasoning behind it is a little more complicated than what this RFID system, itself, will do.

Initially, I'd decided I really wanted to do a push-button start. This will involve going so far as to remove the key cylinder on the steering column. I'll have a rocker switch: neutral for OFF, down for ACC, up for ON, simple wiring into the ignition switch there. The Start button will also be simple as a press is like turning the key forward past "ON". Yes, it's a bit of a dummy system, but it's easy and my car has never had an issue starting quickly (it's a 2005).

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if you're going with the arduino why not program the functions into a single button. tap the button to switch the 'acc' relay, tap again to switch it off 'off', long press the button (with an input from your brake light to make sure you're pressing the brake) to engage the 'crank/starter' and the 'on' relay, release and have it disengage the crank relay but leave the 'on' relay engaged. tap again to shut off the car. it would be much cleaner and more professional looking

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Originally Posted by soundman98

do you care to share any details?


i have really started thinking about this, and the obstacle i am running into is getting both lock and unlock functions from the modules.

i can easily get the module to lock, or unlock the car by presenting a different key, but am unsure how i could do it with a single key--i'm thinking of using a present2 or present3 rule to unlock the car, but i don't see any rfid stuff that works that way..(most of the expensive stuff i've worked with before uses a present3 rule to keep power applied to the door mechanism to keep it unlocked until another present3 event is actuated..)

looking at this redbee reader right now(link)-- that has the amount of outputs i need, and plenty of cards, and can operate in standalone, i just need to figure out the lock/unlock issue..

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The central locking kit I installed had provisions for a single lock/unlock button. So I just wired the pulse output from the RFID reader to a relay to the button and it worked.
Next plan is to hook it up on a timer so that say 20 seconds after ignition is cut, doors automatically lock.

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Originally Posted by Dexamenus

The central locking kit I installed had provisions for a single lock/unlock button. So I just wired the pulse output from the RFID reader to a relay to the button and it worked.
Next plan is to hook it up on a timer so that say 20 seconds after ignition is cut, doors automatically lock.

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Do you have an eBay link to the RFID reader that you used?

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Originally Posted by DigitalVampire

Do you have an eBay link to the RFID reader that you used?

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Sorry, just had a look and can't find it anymore. It came from the US but was just a standard 125khz reader with a few keys and a master key to program other keys to it.

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Originally Posted by Dexamenus

Sorry, just had a look and can't find it anymore. It came from the US but was just a standard 125khz reader with a few keys and a master key to program other keys to it.

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Thanks... No problem... will try to find a similar one

Like this http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/135. The benefit of using the nike+ is the fact that it is really cheap, it is highly energy efficient since it is intended for mobile use and you get the quality associated with ape as opposed to no name eBay gear. The problem with passive RFID is the range is at most a foot and when thier is solid metal in the way I'd be suprised if you could even read the RFID chip at all. Th other benefit of Nike+ is it doesn't handle any of the logic relating to unlocking the car. It just passes along any valid Id's it gets to the serial line. This means you can have an arduino handle the alarm buttons and programming new Nike+'s that can unlock the car. Here in a couple months I'm going to be taking on this project but instead of the nike+ unlocking the car im gonna have a capcitive touch switch either in the door handle or on the window that unlocks the car and sets the ignition to on but only if the Nike+ is in range. Then when I get in I'll just have to press a button to start and not worry about where the key is at.