Remote keyless entry facts and fun
Four facts you did not know about remote keyless entries.
1. Remote keyless entry was invented in 1983 followed by the invention of the completely automatic SMART key in 1986. The first SMART key patent was filed by NDC systems, a company that actually specializes in high-technology measuring systems for the metals industries. We don’t know the circumstances surrounding the invention of radio frequency technology for remote unlocking but we’re pretty sure it wasn’t alien technology and we’re willing to bet that, like a lot of great technology, there was a certain aspect of "accidental" in the invention of the remote keyless entry.
2. Many key fobs contain an RFID chip. While conspiracy theorists are at least wary of these, the fact is that these add a lot of benefit to your key fob. For example, the chip can be used in asset tracking, as in the case of your key fob and vehicle being stolen. This combines with the fact that many SMART keys entail the requirement of the RFID-inlaid key to be present for the ignition of the vehicle. Your car can only be stolen if the traceable chip is present with the car.
3. Key fobs cannot be easily hacked, contrary to some reports. It has been rumoured that thieves can spoof the signal of your key fob. Today’s remote keyless entry uses an encryption method that changes the signal after every use so that the signal is virtually unspoofable.
4. Remote keyless entry systems operate on a unique radio frequency that can be different based on the origin of the vehicle’s manufacture. For North American-made vehicles, the broadcast frequency is 433.92 MHz, while most of the rest of the world makes key fobs that operate on a 315 MHz frequency.
Keyless entry is an ever-expanding, ever-improving technology. In fact, remote starters are now a norm and very handy if you live in a cold climate. Contrary to what some people like to think, security is almost always improving and we are safer in our culture than we have ever been at any time in the past. This certainly applies to vehicles, which were once easy to steal but, as reported, the national vehicle theft rate in the United States declines annually.
Keyless locks are a step on the road to making vehicles that are completely theft-proof. Biometrics, complex encryption, ubiquitous surveillance and a host of other changes in both society and technology virtually assure that the day of theft-proofing will come soon.
Finally on a lighter note, here’s one last look at why remote keyless entry technology is necessary and is an improvement on human-based solutions to problems.