RFID for Gate Control

[heffneil]

I hope you guys can help! I am looking for a RFID reader that will close a contact when the token is in range. I want to place these on / in my cars and open our gate to our house when it is in range. What is the typical range of RFID? I would like something with some distance (20 feet maybe). Anyone know of any hardware to do this?

Thanks!

Neil

 

[fwd03]

Our community installed RFID for the car entry gate. It can detect a car coming in about two cars distance. The transciever is about a size of a time magazine. The RFID sticker on the windshield is about the size of address label those sold for envelop.

 

[heffneil]

Where is that? Can you provide a link possible please?

Thanks!

Neil

 

[chedemefedeme]

That's cool. I too would be interested in hearing info about hardware with that kind of performance.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Bet it's something like a TransCore solution (industrial grade and pretty expensive). If not, I'd be interested as well!

 

[fwd03]

The brand installed on our gate and cars is SIRIT:
The transmitter/reader at gate is similar to model 4100 showing on this page:
http://www.sirit.com...FID_Readers.asp
They did not show the tag taped to the car windshield on their site.
I dig more, it looks like this might be it:
http://www.sirit.com/Inlay_Spec_Sheets/RSI-674.pdf
IN-74(DRY).

 

[Del91574]

We use Transcore for all our stuff like this, we service the airports in state as well as multiple garages and toll booths, including the casinos.

They work well, however they require a premade cable with an AMP connector, thread on, which I think is something like a 25 pair (memory). They also are very power hungry, requiring power be located near them. When they start picking up a tag, they're also somewhat loud, making lots of clicking sounds as they start their "dance" when a tag comes in range.

They're not really asthetically pleasing and need to be installed high up to really work properly. Also, any car that has a metalzed windshield, for either tinting or radio antenna purposes (IE: Fords are notorious) they don't work as well as most would intend...passable at best I'd say.

 

[chedemefedeme]

I'm sure I couldnt afford such a system as that for home use but..now i'm just curious. Why on earth does the system make any noise when a tag is approaching? Most of the (admittedly lower budget) RFID stuff I've seen is completely solid state and silent.

 

[heffneil]

I am looking for something that is reasonably priced. I only have a few cars and don't want to add a hoop over my driveway so I have to drive under it. Something a little more diagonal and level with the transponder. I had found something several years back but lost the link I thought the guy was selling stuff on ebay but I need something residential based. The original responder said it was done here but I can't find it and I don't think anyone else has either. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Neil

 

[AlexCuster]

There may be an inexpensive workaround available if you have an automation processor such as an ELK or HAI...

Do you have any home automation equipment already installed in your house?

 

[heffneil]

Yes I have an Omnipro II.

 

[heffneil]

There may be an inexpensive workaround available if you have an automation processor such as an ELK or HAI...

Do you have any home automation equipment already installed in your house?

Anxiously awaiting a reply?

 

[tmbrown97]

So not RFID, but have you looked at Flash2Pass? It's a simple thing that wires into your car under the hood - and to activate it, you just flash your highbeams as you approach (it doesn't use the light but the flashing of the highbeams triggers the transmitter). That way there's nothing you need to install visibly in the car.

I can also think of a way to mimick behavior using a driveway sensor combined with a remote relay - basically the driveway sensor detects when there's a car in a certain place, but doesn't do anything unless your ignition is on and you're in range.

 

[heffneil]

Can anyone use their lights? I don't even want to flash my lights - I know im being lazy but I need something totally non interactive.

 

[tmbrown97]

No - as I stated above, it doesn't trigger by light - it triggers by a transmitter hooked to your highbeams - flashing the highbeams causes it to send an RF signal.

How much $$$ are you willing to spend to avoid having to touch *anything* ?

Another option I like is one where you have a remote in the car that's rigged a little bit through a 12V relay tied to the car's ignition -- basically whenever the ignition is on, it is sending the signal as if the button is pressed. It'll be semi-short range. Whenever the car is on and within range, and a car is detected by the vehicle sensor, the gate opens. It'd work a lot like RFID but not nearly as expensive. A single receiver and a transmitter for each car would get the job done. Depending on how much you care, you might even be able to skip the vehicle sensor, and whenever the car is on and you're within range, the gate opens.