Nike+ hacked to create automotive keyless entry device
As unrepressed, unapologetic propellerheads, anytime someone takes two of our favorite things – cars and gizmos – and hacks them together, we take note. So when SparkFun's Nate decided he finally needed to get rid of the last key in his pocket, he took it upon himself to create a DIY solution.
Using an iPod dongle, a Nike+ shoe sensor, an Arduino Pro Mini (an open-source circuit board/software combo for electronic tinkerers), and far too many hours in the basement, he was able to create a key fob (or iFob, as Nate calls it) to unlock the doors on his Mazda3. Reading over his tutorial, the process isn't too complex, but it's not for the faint of heart, either. The only thing left for Nate to do is nix the ignition key entirely, so the next step is to install a push-button starter.
[Source: SparkFun via Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan 1:38PM (6/06/2009)
Why not just use a tennis ball? :-D
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noodlz 1:43PM (6/06/2009)
So does it do anything but open his doors? That's great and all, but he effectively eliminated a key with something larger if that's the case.
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LoneWolf 1:45PM (6/06/2009)
There's nothing like a good DIY Job.
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VW GTi 2:17PM (6/06/2009)
The only thing missing is Duct Tape!!!
Mehdi Cheddadi 2:44PM (6/06/2009)
wow, old news is old!
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/nike-ipod-gets-repurposed-as-wireless-key-fob/
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Erik 4:03PM (6/06/2009)
WTF is a shoe sensor?
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RyanK 5:07PM (6/06/2009)
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nike%2BiPod&oldid=293451628
Adam 5:05PM (6/07/2009)
I'm confused. The car's got to have power locks for this to work, which means a remote is standard equipment. So what's the point??
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theSAWzall 10:27PM (6/07/2009)
I'm thinking one less key to carry. It would come in handy when you've gone running or at the gym. You'd want your iPod and the special shoes for music while running, but he can leave the key in the glovebox now.
Fernando 12:29PM (6/07/2009)
So, what happens if he doesn't feel like wearing his Nike shoes one day? I guess he can't drive his car?
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a.colonna 4:20PM (6/07/2009)
I can't wait to see how the guy handles the transponder/immobilizer features, which I guess the Mazda 3 features, as well as any recent car.
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