DEcosse
If it's no Scottish it's CRAP!
This is just a feasibility study at the moment ........ I'm looking at alternative hands-free triggers for my key-less ignition.
Ultimately I'm going to have to find something to replace the 2102T RF Detector I currently use - not because of its capability, which I think is absolutely perfect - but just because of availability.
I just came across a phone-actuated device.
@barbagris had actually suggested some time back he would like to see a keyless system use a phone - I poo-poo'd the idea, saying if you had to actually dig the phone out to operate the arm/disarm function, it wasn't much of a convenience.
Well, lo & behold - there IS such a device that operates on a phone and in hands-free mode too!
Enter the Directed DSK100 - it is a Bluetooth actuated Detector, that is linked your smartphone - apps are available for download for both Android and i-Phone.
Unlike the sweet little Directed 2102T RF module I currently use, it has an initial detractor in that it does not immediately have a constantly active armed/disarmed state, only Lock/Unlock functions (plus couple of Aux manually operated switches which are for trunk, Start or whatever you choose); so the first part was to design a circuit that would convert the momentary door 'Lock' or 'Unlock' pulses into a constant 'Armed' or Dis-Armed state. I actually had that knocked out - both design and prototype - before the module even showed up! If ultimately employed, that interface would insert into my current version controller/power-module (got ahead of myself again and even designed the artwork for the PCB for that to be sure I could actually fit everything!)
Here is the DSK100 hooked up to my Prototype to test its functionality:
The first observation is the lag - From the range at which it should be activating it takes 5-10 seconds or so to actually toggle (and realize several of those seconds are actually consumed in just getting to the bike) - I think that might be 'livable' on a bike,where you might be putting helmet & gloves on prior to actually turning on - but it's certainly not as 'quick' as the 2102T module.
I think I could probably live with the lag (what do you guys think?) - but there are other considerations:
The app - at least the Android version was really poor.
There is (supposedly) an adjustable range setting for the detected zone - per the set-up instructions, it should show the lock/unlock markers move to represent the selected position; not only did they not move (whether I tried 5' or 20') neither did the apparent applicable range!!! It always seemed to toggle at about the same distance (not accounting for the lag time). And on the 'set range' page, it instructs tap one to set; then says accepted and tap again to reset - well the second tap does nothing. And if you exit that screen and come back to it, THEN it is as-if it has been reset (I'm wondering if this is the issue with the seemingly non-adjustable range)
There is a selectable 'sleep' mode whereby it puts the module in a low-current state, vs continuous polling for the phone - sounded great in principle and actually very attractive to save drain on the bike's battery! But once I entered 'sleep' NOTHING I could do could get it out - even after re-activating the Bluetooth, so it was communicating, the Sleep-ON Icon, remained in the 'On' state - the only way I could get it off that was to delete the vehicle and enter it as a new vehicle. It is supposed to go into that state after 14 hrs anyway I believe - will have to see what happens then. (I'll test this out overnight - I think that is likely in the device hardware/firmware rather than the App - if so it might be a very nice feature)
Here are the User Instructions for the system -
https://www.directeddealers.com/manuals/OG/Avital/QRGDSK100 2014-02 web.pdf
The App itself uses confusing jargon - there is a Smart-Key mode - which you enable to have the hands-free detection for Unlock & Lock;
then there is Smart Lock - this is described as hands-free Lock - but essentially this DISABLES the Smart-Key mode - supposed to be used when maybe unloading groceries or whatever and you as you go back & forth it doesn't keep locking/Unlocking. VERY confusing label I would say - initially I thought OK, we want Smart Locking on (seems intuitive does it not?) and had to read carefully as to what it REALLY does.
And the Bluetooth control - at least with my Samsung S10, is very limited (I think this is the issue with the 'Sleep' command - you are supposed to be able to re-activate it from the App, but there is no control to do so - Bluetooth is completely automatic on that phone and you can only switch on or off - but there is no 'connect' control for an individual device.
The manual control is pretty much instant - it is only the hands-free mode that causes some lag.
There are other nice features too, like GPS embedded within the App.
This product is discontinued - although there is no shortage of them available. I think on paper it has the potential to be a really nice product but I'm not yet convinced the nuances are worth it, especially if it is not going to be developed further.
I'm undecided - probably a little disappointed, more with the App than the device itself I would say.
I might have to try the Mrs i-phone and see how that goes.
Thoughts?
There's actually a Chinese variant of same I can see on AliExpress - might have to get one of those to try - see if it is any better. The only reluctance there is reliance again on App support - with a piece of hardware, it is what it is and you don't really care so much about ongoing development/support.
Ultimately I'm going to have to find something to replace the 2102T RF Detector I currently use - not because of its capability, which I think is absolutely perfect - but just because of availability.
I just came across a phone-actuated device.
@barbagris had actually suggested some time back he would like to see a keyless system use a phone - I poo-poo'd the idea, saying if you had to actually dig the phone out to operate the arm/disarm function, it wasn't much of a convenience.
Well, lo & behold - there IS such a device that operates on a phone and in hands-free mode too!
Enter the Directed DSK100 - it is a Bluetooth actuated Detector, that is linked your smartphone - apps are available for download for both Android and i-Phone.
Unlike the sweet little Directed 2102T RF module I currently use, it has an initial detractor in that it does not immediately have a constantly active armed/disarmed state, only Lock/Unlock functions (plus couple of Aux manually operated switches which are for trunk, Start or whatever you choose); so the first part was to design a circuit that would convert the momentary door 'Lock' or 'Unlock' pulses into a constant 'Armed' or Dis-Armed state. I actually had that knocked out - both design and prototype - before the module even showed up! If ultimately employed, that interface would insert into my current version controller/power-module (got ahead of myself again and even designed the artwork for the PCB for that to be sure I could actually fit everything!)
Here is the DSK100 hooked up to my Prototype to test its functionality:
The first observation is the lag - From the range at which it should be activating it takes 5-10 seconds or so to actually toggle (and realize several of those seconds are actually consumed in just getting to the bike) - I think that might be 'livable' on a bike,where you might be putting helmet & gloves on prior to actually turning on - but it's certainly not as 'quick' as the 2102T module.
I think I could probably live with the lag (what do you guys think?) - but there are other considerations:
The app - at least the Android version was really poor.
There is (supposedly) an adjustable range setting for the detected zone - per the set-up instructions, it should show the lock/unlock markers move to represent the selected position; not only did they not move (whether I tried 5' or 20') neither did the apparent applicable range!!! It always seemed to toggle at about the same distance (not accounting for the lag time). And on the 'set range' page, it instructs tap one to set; then says accepted and tap again to reset - well the second tap does nothing. And if you exit that screen and come back to it, THEN it is as-if it has been reset (I'm wondering if this is the issue with the seemingly non-adjustable range)
There is a selectable 'sleep' mode whereby it puts the module in a low-current state, vs continuous polling for the phone - sounded great in principle and actually very attractive to save drain on the bike's battery! But once I entered 'sleep' NOTHING I could do could get it out - even after re-activating the Bluetooth, so it was communicating, the Sleep-ON Icon, remained in the 'On' state - the only way I could get it off that was to delete the vehicle and enter it as a new vehicle. It is supposed to go into that state after 14 hrs anyway I believe - will have to see what happens then. (I'll test this out overnight - I think that is likely in the device hardware/firmware rather than the App - if so it might be a very nice feature)
Here are the User Instructions for the system -
https://www.directeddealers.com/manuals/OG/Avital/QRGDSK100 2014-02 web.pdf
The App itself uses confusing jargon - there is a Smart-Key mode - which you enable to have the hands-free detection for Unlock & Lock;
then there is Smart Lock - this is described as hands-free Lock - but essentially this DISABLES the Smart-Key mode - supposed to be used when maybe unloading groceries or whatever and you as you go back & forth it doesn't keep locking/Unlocking. VERY confusing label I would say - initially I thought OK, we want Smart Locking on (seems intuitive does it not?) and had to read carefully as to what it REALLY does.
And the Bluetooth control - at least with my Samsung S10, is very limited (I think this is the issue with the 'Sleep' command - you are supposed to be able to re-activate it from the App, but there is no control to do so - Bluetooth is completely automatic on that phone and you can only switch on or off - but there is no 'connect' control for an individual device.
The manual control is pretty much instant - it is only the hands-free mode that causes some lag.
There are other nice features too, like GPS embedded within the App.
This product is discontinued - although there is no shortage of them available. I think on paper it has the potential to be a really nice product but I'm not yet convinced the nuances are worth it, especially if it is not going to be developed further.
I'm undecided - probably a little disappointed, more with the App than the device itself I would say.
I might have to try the Mrs i-phone and see how that goes.
Thoughts?
There's actually a Chinese variant of same I can see on AliExpress - might have to get one of those to try - see if it is any better. The only reluctance there is reliance again on App support - with a piece of hardware, it is what it is and you don't really care so much about ongoing development/support.
