by Kassandra Garcia

Created on: August 26, 2008

Throughout history technology has gone from winding up a vehicle to now, with keyless entry and even remote starters. These systems are easily installed into newer vehicles and work with an existing alarm system or a post factory system. The keyless entry systems allow the owner to lock and unlock the vehicle at a distance. Some even have the ability to release the trunk latch, have a panic button, or remote engine start. The technology is concealed in a key fob which you would carry on your key ring. A key fob is a small remote that serves for different functions you can control with the touch of a button.

The remote to the systems uses radio waves that are programmed into it to fulfill its functions. These waves, in North America, run between 300MHz and 400MHz with an encryption to prevent theft. These key fobs are made with a small chip that contains a transmitter. The transmitter is what sends the command to the receiver in the vehicle. The chip holds a code that is 40 bits and also has function codes. The function code is what tells the system what you want to happen such as unlocking doors or popping the drunk.

The 40 bit command code in the keyless entry systems is known as a rolling or hopping code. This is to prevent a scanner from capturing your code and using it to reset your receiver and gain access to the vehicle. It does this by randomly selected a code that both the transmitter and the receiver expect. This selection is generated every time a command is issued to the car. This ensures that even if your code was received by a scanner it wouldn't allow that code to be used again. These systems are usually set up with an easy resetting procedure incase the transmitter and receiver were to become desynchronized. Following the instructions in the manual can fix it.

Most new cars come with this keyless entry system. Those that don't come standard with one, usually give you the option to have one installed. If you do have to purchase your system from a separate store you can find them at any car accessory store and they will install it for you. Selecting a system for your vehicle should be based on what type of functions you want to control from a distance. The more functions you want the more expensive the cost will be. Most people will tell you that a keyless remote system is good investment. However, it isn't neccessary to purchase one.

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