Maybe the firmware is hackable. Is it in a potted chip?
As an alternative, I have a pair of SureFlap catflaps on their way here. Those things are a bit more expensive - I scored them at 59 euros a pop - but highly hackable for use as access control devices: essentially, once you remove the catflap door and soldered a relay to the door latch line, you have a very good FDX and EM reader with 32 programmable authorized tags in a convenient case with a battery holder, and at least a year of battery life with 4 AA cells.
One of them will open my minivan soon. Iāll post a howto when I get them.
Ah right, I didnāt know that.
On the other hand, the convenience factor is huge: itāll open with many transponders out of the box without any programming
Havenāt seen the wedge format before! That is perfect!
After doing quite a bit of research lately, Iām starting to think the vivokey system is really a good spot for me. The spark doesnāt come in a flex option though, does it? I like the flex systems a lot.
And, for the flex vs x series performance. Iād like to think I know the limitations of it, of course I can still be wrong due to never seeing an implant in person and actually working with one before. I just would like the ease of the larger antenna that the flex is able to provide.
My biggest reasoning for the flex is actually the video that was uploaded by Amal on youtube showing the difference in range with the FlexNT vs the regular xNT.
IAR does have a āXā theme going on with their chips, but I donāt think he actively tries to create confusion with DT products. Also, they certainly aināt cheaper.
For the record, I got my two IAR implants before knowing of DTās existence. In any case, my go-to choice for new implants is certainly DT now, if only because I know exactly what I get before buying. With IAR, Iām still not quite sure exactly whatās in my hands: all I know is what the chips are and how they perform - which I had to find out by myself - and what hasnāt happened yet with them.
Yes, I probably should have done more research. Everybody can make mistakes eh
I am sure itās hackableā¦ chips are easily accessedā¦ the proc is an STC Micro 11F04E with a removable FT24C64A memory module in a DIP package in a socket connector.
They watch what we do very closely. I agree the naming convention wasnāt meant to confuse, but it definitely was meant to be an attempt at stealing eyeballs via SEO.
So likeā¦ anyone interested in working on an open source an updated firmware? We could invest in a programmer and update xAC v2s, even exchange already sold ones if updated firmware was desired.
Iād definitely be interested in contributing where I could. Iāve not got much experience in hacking firmwares, but Iād love to learn and contribute to other places if possible.
Thatās a great question, they are sitting on my desk now so I donāt know yet but this weekend Iām gonna program and wire it up. Will report back then.
Mine from elechouse took half a month (I love in new York) *live lol
Nice. I put mine behind my sideview mirror, and it still read fine. ElecHouse are the ones that DT used to sell, Iāve just had issues finding them anywhere closer than China.
I donāt think Iām gonna do the mirror for 2 reasons: im not even sure if the back housing comes off and I doubt itās waterproof.
(I also already drilled holes in the dash for windshield placement)
I threw a silicone layer on my electronics before installing them in the housing. I had just decided to put mine in the mirror because a lock you canāt see is more effective than one you can. I totally get not wanting to put it there though.
Itās super janky, but this is more of a learning project on a cheap car, so Iām not overly concerned.