TPMS for car proximity detection?

[dBeau]

I really doubt I am the first to think of using the TPMS system in my car to determine when it has arrive or is leaving from the garage. But, I've searched the interwebs a bit havent come up with much. Can RFXCOM decode the signals? How about some other receiver.

 

[electron]

Those sensors tend to be very expensive, you would be better off using something that uses X10RF, or the CheaperRFID stuff.

 

[dBeau]

But the point is that I already have the sensors... five of them in fact! Not that I really wanted them, but as of 2008, the US government requires them! Since they broadcast on 315mhz or 433mhz I figured that something like RFXCOM should be able to decode them. I've found that each sensor sends a unique ID along with some data (tire pressure). Im sure the receiver in the dash will do a fine job of letting me know if there is a problem, but I would get much more use out of the sensors if I could use them to let the house know that I am home.

 

[electron]

Ah I see what you are saying. I know the range is very limited, so you would need a receiver very close to the vehicle (I tested this). I guess it all depends on if the signal is encrypted. Great idea for sure.

 

[mariomp]

I know this thread is ancient but the problem statement is still accurate and I'm wondering if anyone came up with something that works over last few years.
If now, are there any long range RFID tags (cards/fobs) and detectors that I could install on the side of driveway to tell me when my vs. wife's car arrives?

 

[LarrylLix]

Tracker Tasker on her Android phone.
 
There has been extensive talks about this on the UDI (ISY994i) forum.

 

[pete_c]

Today you can utilize your telephone / cloud applications for tracking.  There are now a multitude of tracking devices you can purchase for use.
 
That said here I started with wireless X-10 stuff in the late 1990's and in the 2000's went over to a little wireless device which is just a simple two part system. 
 
My personal preference here is to remain cloudless and not dependent on my cellular phone for said technologies; but that is me.
 
Its just a receiver and longer range RFID transmitter (tiny things that work).  Its a closed system.
 
The website source for these devices is here:
 
http://www.ananiahelectronics.com/

 

[LarrylLix]

Tracker Tasker requires no "cloud" service. It can use your cell provider or It can send out signal via your Wi-Fi to notify a home automation system like ISY994i and open your garage door, unlock your doors and turn on your lights.
 
Most HA guys don't like the cloud service dependency. The alternative is to monitor and track your dynamic IP address changes though. It can get annoying and happen to change at unfortunate times. 

 

[pete_c]

Ah...didn't catch your post about Tracker and Android dependency. 
 
and
 
was offering up another methodology of RF ID stuff which is non cellular phone OS dependent.

 

[LarrylLix]

Those anania devices you linked to look cool!  For ISY use people want a dry contact to avoid another CPU to translate though. Doesn't look possible as it is an ID system made for multiple devices with unique IDs. That would preclude the usage of a computer decision I think.
 
Homeseer people could make easier use of it, with appropriate drivers, as they are running a more open system and full o/s anyway.

 

[mariomp]

Tracker on her Android phone.
 
There has been extensive talks about this on the UDI (ISY994i) forum.

 
Not sure that would work; Half the time she forgets her phone, the other half the phone is dead or the app would be closed.

 

[mariomp]

Tracker requires no "cloud" service. It can use your cell provider or It can send out signal via your Wi-Fi to notify a home automation system like ISY994i and open your garage door, unlock your doors and turn on your lights.
 
Most HA guys don't like the cloud service dependency. The alternative is to monitor and track your dynamic IP address changes though. It can get annoying and happen to change at unfortunate times. 

 
Are you talking about an activity that needs to be peformend on the phone to unlock gates, doors, etc?
I want to find something that the user doesn't have to do anything about. In other words, drive the car up the driveway and the garage door automatically opens since it knows my car from yours.

 

[LarrylLix]

I think we sort of hijacked this thread. My guess is if somebody approached the manufacturer of this equipment they may consider making a home automation receiver with a dry contact or Wi-Fi output that plugs into a receptacle.
 
Vehicles are starting to all come these devices so this would be a natural evolution.

Are you talking about an activity that needs to be peformend on the phone to unlock gates, doors, etc?

I want to find something that the user doesn't have to do anything about. In other words, drive the car up the driveway and the garage door automatically opens since it knows my car from yours.


No. Tracker Tasker is an app on an Android phone that you set a geographic location and a radius. When that "zone" is triggered there are many options of what you want it to do. Those include: turn on /off your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, send a text message, email, run a URL etc... These things can trigger events in a HA system (like ISY994i) and that system can do all the rest of the things.
 
I do not have this installed yet. I tried a cheap version of it but wasn't happy with the options. I think tasker runs about $3.95.
 
Some use it without the GPS (running on tower triangulation only) and then when less than say 2km from home they turn on their GPS to get more accurate tracking within a few metres that triggers a zone of about 30-50m from their home. Another zone with a radius of 10m may unlock doors and/or turn on lights if it is dark. When you drive away Tracker can turn off your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS circuitry to save battery power.

 

[mariomp]

Today you can utilize your telephone / cloud applications for tracking.  There are now a multitude of tracking devices you can purchase for use.
 
That said here I started with wireless X-10 stuff in the late 1990's and in the 2000's went over to a little wireless device which is just a simple two part system. 
 
My personal preference here is to remain cloudless and not dependent on my cellular phone for said technologies; but that is me.
 
Its just a receiver and longer range RFID transmitter (tiny things that work).  Its a closed system.
 
The website source for these devices is here:
 
http://www.ananiahelectronics.com/

 
What stuff specifically from X10 do you recommend?
 
Also, I looked at ananiahelectronics' website and I see many products. I see some things that might work, but if you have a specific parts list that would be of great help.
As an FYI, I'm using HAI controller so contact closure, X-10, UPB, Lutron, or serial (RS232) message would all work.

 

[pete_c]

Yup the thread got a bit hijacked. 
 
 
I think there is a post relating to the use of wireless X-10 relating to vehicle tracking.  Its old, easy and very cheap.
 
It worked fine for me in the early 2000's.  I used it for automobile proximity status only.
 
The mentioned RF ID stuff is and is not proprietary.  The receiver just spits out an ID via RS-232.  Very simple stuff that can work with anything.
 
The single switch / single ID thing would work with an HAI controller using zones making it work with no additional software.
 
Here I have one RF ID receiver buried inside of my irrigation controller box in the garage (old rainbird box with 2 rain8nets, seagate dockstar running mcsSprinklers, 1-wire connections and the RF ID stuff).
 
My stuff is old.  IE: the transmitters are buried in the headliners of the vehicles and I haven't paid attention. 
 
I do have a box o stuff and will look at what I have collected over the years.
 
I started to write a blog about it and have been doing other stuff lately so have not been able to get to it. 
 
On homeseer user has mentioned a flaw relating to the design of the aforementioned devices in the TTL=>RS-232 pieces and modded the receivers with a new TTS-RS-232 chip (max232).