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TimNeedsCoffee10's RFID Disabler

timneedscoffee10

Go Kart Champion
Background: A few years back, I had low-frequency (125 Hz) RFID tags implanted in my hands. They sit between my thumb and forefinger in either hand, and I mostly use them to authenticate to my computers. I've had it in mind for some time, though, to integrate my RFID chips into my car as well. I'm starting this thread to track my new project - building an RFID Disabler for the starter motor. Hopefully there's be some interest and input as I go along! This project should be repeatable by anyone, and you can just use a regular RFID card or key tag instead of implanting one in your hands, haha.

Project goals: Require an RFID authentication from the driver before allowing the driver to start the engine.

Project status: Off The Ground! I just ordered the parts I'll need to prototype the circuit, and as soon as they come in I'll start the build. I put the parts-list below.

Parts
  • Altera DE0 Nano FPGA Prototyping Board
  • ID Innovations' ID-20 RFID Reader and Breakout Board
  • Breadboard and mint-tin from AdaFruit
  • Mini DC/DC 5V 1a Step-Down converter
  • Misc breadboarding wires and 3" jumper cables

All in with shipping is about $150.

I'm going to implement the project in VHDL using an Altera FPGA because I had the prototyping board already. You could do this project using any Arduino as well, but I'll document the process in VHDL here.

ID-20 reader has a 200mm (7") read-range, and will be enclosed in an altoids mint tin. I hope to be able to read through the tin and interior trim - but can add an external antenna if needed later. The tin will be mounted under the trim below the dash on the driver's left hand side; the FPGA controller will go there too as long as there's room, otherwise I'll route that into the glove-box if needed. The system requires 5V DC power, so I bought a step-down converter that takes 6-36V in, and puts out a steady 5V 1amp supply.

The initial plan is to add this as a relay on the existing switch that the clutch triggers when depressed all the way. I believe there's a similar switch on the brake for DSG cars, but I'm not sure? I want to research that before I install into the vehicle to ensure anyone can do this project, not just manual owners.

The controller will support a "master tag" and some number more "driver tags". The master tag is needed to add/remove driver tags from the system. A valid driver tag will be required to start the car.

So that's my project outline - I hope you guys are interested :). I'm going to reserve the first several replies for (1) hardware information, (2) programming / coding, and (3) install into the vehicle.
 

timneedscoffee10

Go Kart Champion
The initial prototype for the FPGA controller consists of a NIOS2/e soft processor, with 8k on-chip memory, and a UART for serial I/O to the ID-20 chip, and an EPSC16 flash device for program and data storage

Once my RFID proto board arrives, I'll post schematics.

I think I may implement this in Arduono as well - would be easier for a novice DIYer to follow and obtain.

reserved for hardware
 
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idriveastick

Ready to race!
Interesting. You're a down and dirty cyborg!

This is basically, from my perspective, another "key" for your ignition. Without the proper key (or RFID tag in this case), the thing won't start. Implanting the local RFID reader in the side of the steering wheel would be cool. Basically, you'd be required to grab the steering wheel at a certain position, then turn the key/push the button, then the car would start.

Similar concept to how 007's guns only worked in his hands, except this is RFID and not fingerprints.
 

timneedscoffee10

Go Kart Champion
Interesting. You're a down and dirty cyborg!

This is basically, from my perspective, another "key" for your ignition. Without the proper key (or RFID tag in this case), the thing won't start. Implanting the local RFID reader in the side of the steering wheel would be cool. Basically, you'd be required to grab the steering wheel at a certain position, then turn the key/push the button, then the car would start.

Similar concept to how 007's guns only worked in his hands, except this is RFID and not fingerprints.

Pretty much - yes. I gave some initial thought to tapping into the existing RFID security system in the key's... they're actually very similar to the chips I have implanted. I can scan them with my reader, but they are encrypted so I don't get any useful data. I figure no good can come from mucking with that system, though - so I'm leaving it be!
 

VWTiger

I am the Stig
cool idea, in for results
 

idriveastick

Ready to race!
Pretty much - yes. I gave some initial thought to tapping into the existing RFID security system in the key's... they're actually very similar to the chips I have implanted. I can scan them with my reader, but they are encrypted so I don't get any useful data. I figure no good can come from mucking with that system, though - so I'm leaving it be!

What's your profession? I'm sensing engineer or IT?
 

timneedscoffee10

Go Kart Champion
you really had RFID tags implanted in your hand? Are you some CIA NOC operative?

I did -- my friend Tat2Pauly implanted them for me. He's a professional body piercer, certified in infectious disease and sterilization - so everything was done properly! While I'm not CIA, Pauly did go around telling everyone he was running specials on government implants. Here's a picture of the RFID chip itself, it's 2mm in diameter, and 12mm long

47961988_9c955f8cc4_z.jpg


What's your profession? I'm sensing engineer or IT?

I'm a software engineer (bachelor's degree) and electrical engineer (master's degree and PHd work in digital systems design), but work as a mainframe software IT Specialist. A jack of all digital trades.
 

idriveastick

Ready to race!
I did -- my friend Tat2Pauly implanted them for me. He's a professional body piercer, certified in infectious disease and sterilization - so everything was done properly! While I'm not CIA, Pauly did go around telling everyone he was running specials on government implants. Here's a picture of the RFID chip itself, it's 2mm in diameter, and 12mm long

View attachment 31584




I'm a software engineer (bachelor's degree) and electrical engineer (master's degree and PHd work in digital systems design), but work as a mainframe software IT Specialist. A jack of all digital trades.
A fellow geek. "Database Admin" is my official title. However, I am also a jack of all digital trades. It seems that I let the cat out of the bag too early at my current place of employment, and now I feel like Brett Favre. Quite annoying sometimes. Of course, I am not bragging, but that's how it goes. Once your skills are known to the "public," all bets are off.

Can't wait to see this project develop.
 

socal87

Drag Race Newbie
I personally would stay away from RFID...it's relatively easy to defeat. Someone would just have to read your tags, which could be easily done in passing, unless you have foil lined gloves...and if someone's already targeted you, all it takes is a little social engineering to figure out where you probably use your tags.

Cool idea, though.
 

timneedscoffee10

Go Kart Champion
I personally would stay away from RFID...it's relatively easy to defeat. Someone would just have to read your tags, which could be easily done in passing, unless you have foil lined gloves...and if someone's already targeted you, all it takes is a little social engineering to figure out where you probably use your tags.

Cool idea, though.

Agreed, generally. My tags are programmable and support encryption, though. In particular, I can control what code is transmitted when they are scanned, so if I feel they've ever been compromised, I can just change my tag ids. The reader I bought for this project only reads the manufacturer's hard-coded ID though, which I can not change -- but you still need my key to get into and start the car. This is just a supplemental layer to show off the chips, really.

The RFID reader could easily be substituted for a magnetic swipe, or any other kind of input, though - for more secure applications.

In general - if someone wanted to steal my car so bad they build an RFID scanner to clone my tags - let them have it. As for security on my computer, nothing beats physical security either -- with physical access to my laptop, all bets are off regardless of wether you have my chip's code or not.

I use RFID as a convenience and hobby - not a security layer :)
 

socal87

Drag Race Newbie
Agreed, generally. My tags are programmable and support encryption, though. In particular, I can control what code is transmitted when they are scanned, so if I feel they've ever been compromised, I can just change my tag ids. The reader I bought for this project only reads the manufacturer's hard-coded ID though, which I can not change -- but you still need my key to get into and start the car. This is just a supplemental layer to show off the chips, really.

The RFID reader could easily be substituted for a magnetic swipe, or any other kind of input, though - for more secure applications.

In general - if someone wanted to steal my car so bad they build an RFID scanner to clone my tags - let them have it. As for security on my computer, nothing beats physical security either -- with physical access to my laptop, all bets are off regardless of wether you have my chip's code or not.

I use RFID as a convenience and hobby - not a security layer :)

Understood, I was just saying that if someone DID have physical access...well, to the average car thief or unauthorized PC user, it does present a layer of security, as who would know whether you're using RFID? Good to know you have programmable tags, though...if they were read-only, you'd be screwed if they ever were compromised.
 
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