Keyless Car Theft.

[The PNP]

Now this falls within my field of expertise....Note first that there are two distinct types of screening, which are not to be confused.

1) Electrostatic: Formed by a metal screen that is NOT earthed.
This is often demonstrated with the 'Faraday cage'. E.g. static electricity in the form of a lightning bolt hits a car/plane etc - and passes harmlessly over the skin of the vehicle. Whilst those sitting inside remain completely unaffected. However, a radio receiver will still be capable of receiving signals within that screened area.

2) Electromagnetic: Formed by a metal screen that IS earthed. Only by completely encasing the device you wish to protect within a metal enclosure that is fully earthed, can you hope to keep out electromagnetic (radio) waves*.

*Bear in mind that the sea (being composed of water) is an excellent earth, yet despite this, certain types of radio waves can penetrate up to 60ft beneath the surface. Very long waves (very low frequencies) fall into this category and are generally used by military to communicate with submerged vessels. However, car-keys will use much higher e.g. vhf or uhf frequencies, so (at least in theory) should be adequately protected by a well-earthed metal box.

[carliol]

An interesting discussion. Thanks for the extra information, BigC and PNP

[Hamble]

Then try turning the microwave on and see if you still have a signal!

[Hamble]

Hamble, the way I understand it, this type of crime only occurs with keyless ignition and close proximity unlocking, i.e you don't press the button to unlock the car, you just have to have the fob near the car for it to unlock.
I'm guessing that you are either standing in various parts of your house and pressing the unlock button on a standard keyfob, or as carliol suggests you have the other type of fob and are in possession of the signal amplification device that criminal uses.

This explains it better and also warns again putting the fobs in the freezer or microwave!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephs.../#6196860e2442

Thank you for the article Big C.
I understand now.

Actually my father gave us a Faraday Credit Card Holder to protect cards against 'skimming'.

A Faraday Pouch seems the best answer for the car keys.

[Hamble]

Now this falls within my field of expertise....Note first that there are two distinct types of screening, which are not to be confused.

1) Electrostatic: Formed by a metal screen that is NOT earthed.
This is often demonstrated with the 'Faraday cage'. E.g. static electricity in the form of a lightning bolt hits a car/plane etc - and passes harmlessly over the skin of the vehicle. Whilst those sitting inside remain completely unaffected. However, a radio receiver will still be capable of receiving signals within that screened area.

2) Electromagnetic: Formed by a metal screen that IS earthed. Only by completely encasing the device you wish to protect within a metal enclosure that is fully earthed, can you hope to keep out electromagnetic (radio) waves*.

*Bear in mind that the sea (being composed of water) is an excellent earth, yet despite this, certain types of radio waves can penetrate up to 60ft beneath the surface. Very long waves (very low frequencies) fall into this category and are generally used by military to communicate with submerged vessels. However, car-keys will use much higher e.g. vhf or uhf frequencies, so (at least in theory) should be adequately protected by a well-earthed metal box.

Thank you pnp.


Do you think Keyless cars will be phased out?

The only useful time save I have appreciated really is the boot opening!

[Alikado]

Try putting the fob for the keyless ignition in a tin then see if you can operate the ignition whilst in the tin.

[The PNP]

A) Thank you pnp.


B) Do you think Keyless cars will be phased out?

The only useful time save I have appreciated really is the boot opening!

A) More than welcome. In my younger days I worked as a freelance R/O...and still know a thing or two about marine telecoms.

B) Would doubt that happening for some time. If there's an issue, manufacturers will likely make it more difficult for thieves, by increasing security of their keyless devices. In the longer term, who knows - I wouldn't be surprised if everyone gets microchipped. Enabling car/home/office/etc to open automatically and purchases in shops to be made, simply by sensing your presence.

[Knot wright]

I wouldn't be surprised if everyone gets microchipped.

imagine a night out . a spiked drink , and wake up with a hole in your arm and the chip missing , would not put it past anyone !!!

[The PNP]

I wouldn't be surprised if everyone gets microchipped.

imagine a night out . a spiked drink , and wake up with a hole in your arm and the chip missing , would not put it past anyone !!!

What a ghastly thought.....I guess the victim would need to phone in and put a block on their bodily 'reg no'!

[Hamble]

Try putting the fob for the keyless ignition in a tin then see if you can operate the ignition whilst in the tin.

I shall give that a whirl later and let you know.

[Hamble]

Try putting the fob for the keyless ignition in a tin then see if you can operate the ignition whilst in the tin.

Ignition still worked a few feet away.