Power keyless start

[britvette]

I was browsing around on the internet last night looking for info on what Keyless start systems there are out there. I figured it would be quite fun when I get around to building a rocket to have a push button start in it as opposed to a key. Anyway obviously I would need some kind of security system involved not just a push the button and away it goes as the rockets door locks are not to clever . I stumbled across this article among others http://http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/03/10/080303.htmlthat talks about a new keyless entry/start system that is availabe on the new focus/mondeo etc . It uses a fob that you carry in your pocket , the car senses when the fob is within 2 meters of the car , unlocks and then at the push of the button , starts the car . The security is in place in that the car only starts on the button when it senses the fob is within range .
So , anyone know if this system will work on older (donor ) focus setups or does anyone know of a similar after market setup ?? Cost ??

TIA
Paul

[Pagester]

i wouldnt expect that system to work with an older focus - but there has to be an system in the alarm market that mimics that functionality

[cordycord]

There are plenty of places to get the S2000 style of push button starter. All you need is a hidden kill switch for security--you could even use the race-style battery kill switch as your "key", if you take it out. There are also security systems that won't allow the car to start without having a unique key in place.

[cheapracer]

Those race style red safety keys are very common but generally Cord is right, just a hidden key and choose whatever button you want to use, the starting position only throws the starter soleniod out after all.

Millions of 60's Mini's can't be wrong.

[britvette]

Thanks for the replies guys , I had thought about a battery kill switch key type of setup but I figured like you that they are pretty common and fairly easy to bypass so not a great solution for security . Again a secret switch would work but these cars draw a fair amount of attention and often draw interest when you are trying to get into them and drive off ...... trying to quietly flip a secret switch in that situation might not be too easy to conceal.

I would be surprised if the new ford system could not be made to work , I am sure it is just plug and play on the new models but as you have said , the starting of the car is just switching a solenoid and the trigger system between the fob and the box of tricks is all self contained in that box so I would imagine that the box just makes the solenoid wire conecion from the box go hot when the button is pressed and the key is in range ?? All of the remote lock side of the system need not be connected.
Maybe now that it is starting to appear in mainstream cars , aftermarket suppliers will pick it up??

Thanks again

[Pagester]

found one: http://www.digitalguarddog.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DGD&Category_Code=a20000

and another: http://www.auto-hub.com/stardrive_push_start_ignition.html

[Karlo]

That cool Pagester :thumb2:

[golftdibrad]

simple way:
http://www.electrokits.com/electronics/security/119.htm

cut the piezo and use the relay trigger in series with the start button to engage the starter solinoid. You can mount this behind the dash and just carry a magnet on your keys; hold the magnet to the dash and press start :D

[Karlo]

Brad at $13 that is great alternative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[britvette]

Good find :thumb2:
I cant think of any need for an accessories switch part on a rocket though:D - maybe for the A/C I guess :)

The only issue I can see is the need to remove the steering wheel lock mechanism or you would still need to insert the key and turn it to unlock the wheel. I guess you would remove the steering column lock and the wheel locking mechanism as the need for the key hole on the column would no longer be needed.

What I am looking for is to have no key on the column , smooth over the column where the key hole would be and just operate via the keyless system...

Paul

[cordycord]

I'll probably be using a start button and will incorporate a two post ignition switch with barrel key, just like a Harley-Davidson. Half of the security is having the key mounted unobtrusively. On the other hand, anyone stealing an entire Sonic must know that they might as well be driving a car that's on fire--it WILL get noticed. I don't plan on parking mine at the front curb. :)

[cheapracer]

Brad at $13 that is great alternative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Cheapskate! :D