Summer is less than a month from its offical start date, but we've been lucky to have some beautiful, warm days already. With the warmer weather also comes the cookouts, bbq's, and the basic enjoyment of your yard and being outdoors with family and friends. While often times we are aware of our home and its safety, there are always mistakes that happen and it is easy to head out while unintentionally leaving windows or a screendoor open or unlocked. The unfortunate reality is that it is very easy for intruders to slip in through a backdoor off of a deck, push the screen out of a window, or use other tactics. While we all hope that our homes remain safe and burglar-free, Artery Lock also strongly urges each home-owner to be sure that all locks are in working condition and are used daily, and we even suggest security system installations in order to ensure that your home and family are protected to the highest level possible. Be sure to evaluate all possible entry routes around your home, measure the safety level of your locks and keys, check that all door hardware is fully functioning, and call us for any and all questions related to these matters that you may have.
We wish everyone a wonderful and safe spring and summer!
CHIP KEYS…about the transponder car key
Function-Added Security
When the correct mechanically cut key is turned in the ignition, the engine control unit (ECU) on the car sends an electronic “coded message” to the key, and it will only allow the car to start if “coded message” on the key matches. This additional security is intended to reduce the risk of auto-theft.
How Does it Work?
In basic terms a transponder is a miniaturized electronic chip that has what is called non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is the type of memory that does not need constant energy for retention. Along with that electronic chip is a set of windings; very fine wire coiled around a tube. These windings look similar to the windings you would find in an electric motor.
Automobile manufacturers utilize magnetic coupled transponder systems. Magnetic coupled transponder systems are passive in nature. This means they do not require constant electricity and do not need a power source of their own. They operate in the frequency range area of 125 kHz. Since magnetic coupled transponders do not have their own power source they are very limited in range of communication and generally operate in the range of ½” to 6”. Since this is a radio frequency it can penetrate materials that would make the transponder not directly visible, such as the plastic or rubber in the bow of a key or fob.
The process of key identification is similar in most automotive transponder systems. Once a key is inserted into the ignition lock and turned to one of the ‘on’ or ‘run’ positions, the induction coil that is mounted around the ignition lock sends out an electromagnet field of energy. The windings in the transponder chip absorb that energy and power the electronic chip to emit a signal. The signal is usually a unique alpha-numeric sequence which is considered the identification code. The induction coil reads the signal and sends it to some type of computer device to recognize the signal. If the signal is recognized as being already in the computer’s memory the signal is accepted and other electronic components in the vehicle are set into motion to allow the starting of the vehicle or the continuation of the engine running.
Programming requires Specialized Equipment & Training
Remote keyless entry fobs emit a radio frequency with a designated, distinct digital identity code. In as much as "programming" fobs is a proprietary technical process, it is typically performed by the automobile manufacturer but trained and qualified technicians may be found at many locksmith, hardware and even battery supply businesses (In point of fact it is a computer in the car which is programmed in the process, not the fob itself.) In general, the procedure is to put the car computer in 'programming mode'. This usually entails engaging the power in the car several times while holding a button or lever. It may also include opening doors, or removing fuses. The procedure varies among the various makes, models, and year of the vehicle. Then, once in 'programming mode' one or more of the fob buttons is depressed to send the digital identity code to the car's onboard computer. The computer saves the code and the car is then taken out of 'programming mode' and the vehicle is ready to go.
ARTERY LOCK SERVICE, INC. Duplicates Chip Keys While You Wait
Spring is here and warm weather is finally on the way! Are you ready to tackle that Spring cleaning that so many people dread? Though it can be a nuisance, it is always nice to get things tidy, in order and free from the Winter clutter. You also never know what you might find buried in that closet, attic or garage. If you happen to find yourself with forgotten items that are of monetary and/or sentimental value, call us at Artery Lock and we will help you choose the perfect safe or vault to keep these precious belongings in. We have an option for everyone and we will happily travel throughout the Greater Boston, MA region to your residential or commercial building to install the perfect secure storage for you.
Drop Safes are one of the best and most reliable ways to make deposits quickly. The access of these safes can be from different areas, such as the front or the side. Places such as stores, bars, restaurants, theaters, clubs and even churches all often depend on drop safes. Limiting access to excess cash or checks, credit card receipts, gift cards, coupons, tickets and vouchers, Drop Safes reduce the risk of theft and loss.
Drop Safes provide secure interim security storage for contents whether mounted under the counter, to the wall, on the floor and through the wall for ease of deposit access. The size can also vary depending on the amount of storage the user might need.
At Artery Lock Service, Inc. our experts can walk you through the options and identify the right Drop Safe for your needs.
For more infomation on safes and your security options, click here.
Electronic Key Cabinets and the ongoing management is a systematic method of controlling access to individual keys by individual key holders by date, time and status permissions.
The primary benefit is the ability to track and provide written audit reports of key possession activity and to generate notification alarms when keys are not returned as intended. Today these systems are typically networkable, web based, and IP addressable and very much part of the overall physical security strategy.
While electronic access control by way of card, biometric or keypad gets the primary attention of security directors and managers as well as facility managers, it is a fact in most cases, the majority of doors in most facilities are controlled by key due to cost and convenience. Since the desire is to control and manage access to rooms and assets within a facility, keys are still a vital component yet at once a strong and weak link!
Tracking and holding key holders accountable in any system limits the security risk. When keys are controlled and managed, preserving the integrity of lock and key system as well as maximizing the return on investment is more likely.
Electronic Management of Keys complements the effort to secure property and people.
Electronic Management of Keys reduces cost in a variety of ways. Typically entities employing the use of an electronic key cabinet, as a matter of policy do not allow keys for the premisis to leave the property for any reason. This limits risk for lost or stolen keys, increases accountability on-site, and discourages unauthorized key duplication.
Electronic Management of Keys Applications minimizes risk for property management companies, government, auto dealerships, law enforcement, and institutions, colleges and universities, assisted living centers, casinos, research facilities, health care, precious metals, as well as product development centers, in fact virtually any place where controlling access to each door increases security.
You can have security and access control. Artery Lock Service, Inc. Promotes the C.Q.R.I.T. electronic key cabinets. For details click here and provide your first name and e-mail address.
Do you have your valuables and most prized possessions protected should any unfortunate situation occur where your home or office is compromised? If not, perhaps it is time to consider investing in a safe, and Artery Lock Service has the resources and professional services to help.
The use of safes, though not as complex and reliable as the ones that exist today, dates as far back as 1835 and were produced by several English inventors. It is amazing to see the transformation of safes throughout the years and how their size and complexity can vary.
Whether you are in need of a small lock box, a larger gun safe, or even a tricky, hidden wall safe, we are happy to help you through the sale and installation processes. Whether it is commercial or residential, Artery Lock Service can even provide repairs should your safe need any maintenance.
Call us today and make this investment- you won't regret it!
How many times has a Family Member had to wait for you to get home because they lost their key, left it at school or work, had them stolen or locked their keys inside the house? Does it happen when the weather is perfect? Does it happen when you are just moments away? We never know when it will happen, and the risk runs from personal safety to lost time to unexpected expense if you are not nearby.
When someone is locked out, the range of emotions runs from panic and anger to laughter. It just depends on which side of the door you are on. How can you solve this potential problem?
You can eliminate all the issues and provide peace of mind security by installing a quality mechanical or electronic push-button lock on just one door of your home. Perhaps a side door or entry into the garage, or even the front door.
There are many options available from self-latching decorative lock-sets to deadbolt locks. You can have a single code to open the lock by everyone or individual codes for each user. Individual user codes can be added or deleted easily.
The knowledgeable staff at Artery Lock can help you choose the right product for your situation. Contact me at joeyd@arterylock.com, I'll help you find the right product today.
Artery Lock Service, Inc. is proud to have a longstanding, respected reputation as a locks, keys and security systems company. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and our timely and professional service throughout the Greater Boston, MA area. We are excited to use our Blog to keep you updated with the latest security-related news as well as any announcements about the business.