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SKS interference with another FOB?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by eurosteve, Mar 23, 2008.

  1. eurosteve

    eurosteve Member

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    I carry my Smart Key FOB in the same pocket as a FOB used to arm and disarm my home security system (Ingird home). I've noticed the home security FOB battery is getting weaker for no reason. This Lithium battery is supposed to last 5 years and I've only had it for 3 months. (I've only had my 2008 Prius for 6 weeks or so.)

    I'm wondering if the signal given off by the SKS FOB could somehow be negatively effecting the home security FOB? They sit next to each other in my pocket all day, every day. As I think about it, it seems highly unlikely that the SKS FOB could be causing the other FOB battery to drain because if that were true, the battery in the SKS FOB would be subject to draining as well - since they both take the same kind of battery I assume.

    One other variable. The home security FOB is a two-way FOB. It sends a signal to the home security system and it waits for an answer and then it dispalys a light and makes a sound to confirm the signal. I wonder if the SKS FOB isn't somehow draining the home security FOB based on signals the SKS FOB emits.

    Anybody have knowledge in this area?
     
    #1 eurosteve, Mar 23, 2008
  2. eurosteve

    eurosteve Member

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    Anybody knowledgeable about the smart key fob?
     
    #2 eurosteve, Mar 25, 2008
  3. bbald123

    bbald123 Thermodynamics Law Enforcement

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    It is definitely plausible that your two-way fob is being jammed by the SKS fob causing the two-way to be forced to retransmit more frequently than normal. It is also plausible that this would cause your two-way fob battery to die quicklly.

    I've never seen it. I've never heard of it. YMMV
     
    #3 bbald123, Mar 25, 2008
  4. Grunthos

    Grunthos Senior Azgoth Poetmaster

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    You said the home security fob is a two way fob, but is it always listening? You made it sound like it only listens for a little while after it transmits. I suppose if you really want to know what's going on you could use an ammeter to see how much juice it's using when the Prius fob is near it vs. when it isn't.
     
    #4 Grunthos, Mar 25, 2008
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The SKS fob sits and passively waits for a signal from the car. It won't transmit unless it hears a signal. It is possible for it to be triggered by a cell phone or other nearby transmitter, but that shouldn't happen with your other fob. If your other fob is transmitting all the time, it's going to run down its battery anyway. I suspect your trouble lies elsewhere. That said, there is a remote chance that once set off, the two fobs might sit there and talk for a while, going "what? what, what was that you say?, I didn't get that, what?..."

    Tom
     
    #5 qbee42, Mar 25, 2008
  6. eurosteve

    eurosteve Member

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    I think the home security fob only listens after it transmits - listening for some sort of response/ confirmation. But I don't know. And I suppose the SKS fob may be chiming in when the home security fob is looking for a response. It's interesting to learn that the SKS fob sits around wating for a signal from the car.

    Thanks for all of the info. I contacted the home security company and reported this defect in their fob. It's only 3 months old. They have offered to replace it. I'm getting a new one. I'll report back on any further problems.

    Steve
     
    #6 eurosteve, Mar 26, 2008
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