How does the Slate turn on?

[Snail]

I'm glad it isn't sit to start. My wife's iD.4 is and it turning off every time I hop out for anything is annoying. My Ioniq5 push-to-start is nice. I would have been good with it on the slate, but putting a key in the dash is wonderfully retro, error proof, and cheap.

 

[mrjameszmijewski]

Extremely reliable.

The RFID part of a key fob is passive (no battery required) and its ID is unique (tied to the specific vehicle).

The power comes from the radio signal provided by the RFID reader.

There are encryption and anti-cloning features.

I would prefer a metal key.

I know some cars you have to put in a certain location if the battery is dead -

 

[EVfun]

I know some cars you have to put in a certain location if the battery is dead -

It looks like that is how the Slate works all the time. I know on my wife's Tucson you can use the key in the remote to pop a cover off the drivers door handle and then use the same key to unlock the door. Once in the car you can push the start button with the front of the key fob and it will start the car even if the fob battery is dead.

When all is normal you can just leave the Tucson fob in your pocket. When you put your hand inside the door handle it unlocks. You push the dash start button to start and stop the engine, and when you leave the door locks if you touch the outside of the handle.

That's all pretty slick, but it is a lot of extra electronics just to leave the fob in my pocket. A button to unlock and then sticking the fob into the dash works just fine, and is a lot simpler. On my 2004 Tacoma there isn't even a remote to unlock the doors, and you have to put the key in the ignition switch and turn it. That works too, but really isn't up to modern security expectations (the key is not chipped).

 

[Moe]

I know some cars you have to put in a certain location if the battery is dead -

That’s essentially what you’re doing every time with the Slate, with the fob aligned precisely with the reader.

I will certainly defer to @kotaKat but I don’t believe the Slate and its fob are constantly communicating the way they are with a typical fob in the pocket/touch entry/push button start vehicle. I could be wrong but I believe the fob only transmits when a button is pushed.

 

[Moe]

The Slate Telematics Module supports cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Not only can it Remote Start (cab “precondition”), with the capability to offer a cellular source Wi-Fi hotspot, but it appears it’s Bluetooth offers digital key as well as maybe wireless app access to the vehicle. Whether that means you can put the vehicle in Drive mode without inserting the fob, I do not know.

 

[E90400K]

Meet the DV2 video still shows a key hole in the driver's door handle.

 

[nstrains10]

Even from the Cyber cogs drawings we don't know what the exact structure off the inside of the fob looks like... Maybe there's still room for a key to slide into the fob? It would be nice to be able to store the key within the fob so everything is together.

 

[E90400K]

Even from the Cyber cogs drawings we don't know what the exact structure off the inside of the fob looks like... Maybe there's still room for a key to slide into the fob? It would be nice to be able to store the key within the fob so everything is together.

It's not like what CyberCogs is doing is new. My 2006 BMW had the perfect key. A small, fob style key with a hidden sidewinder metal blade key. The fob had an internal rechargeable battery that was charged while the fob was mechanically latched into a key slot in the dash to the right of the steering wheel. It worked flawlessly, never failed in 19 years of use, and I never had to replace the battery.

To me it looks like what CyberCogs is offering with a user-replaceable battery is a step backward.

 

[AZFox]

It's not like what CyberCogs is doing is new.

It has similar form factor with different tech.

 

[Brabbit]

Honestly, I'd like it if the Slate could also be started with a physical key, but I understand their reasoning not to, and making the fob inserted to start is a very good security decision. For example, a standard Flipper Zero can unlock many vehicles if you have time and know how; in some cases you can even put them into 'accessory mode' but cannot start the vehicles (lacks ability to sustain or log certain crypto handshakes vehicles use). A highly modified and boosted version (will not go into details), is able to start a vehicle but it requires far, far more than just 'scan and presto!' Gone in 60 Seconds style. Unless someone has specialized equipment for boosting cars, I'd say the chances of theft of the Slate is far lower than the vast majority of manufacturers because of the way its built.

Ps: I love my happy little dolphin 🐬.. best tomagatchi there is.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

Honestly, I'd like it if the Slate could also be started with a physical key, but I understand their reasoning not to, and making the fob inserted to start is a very good security decision. For example, a standard Flipper Zero can unlock many vehicles if you have time and know how; in some cases you can even put them into 'accessory mode' but cannot start the vehicles (lacks ability to sustain or log certain crypto handshakes vehicles use). A highly modified and boosted version (will not go into details), is able to start a vehicle but it requires far, far more than just 'scan and presto!' Gone in 60 Seconds style. Unless someone has specialized equipment for boosting cars, I'd say the chances of theft of the Slate is far lower than the vast majority of manufacturers because of the way its built.

Ps: I love my happy little dolphin 🐬.. best tomagatchi there is.

I've already requested that the Flipper Zero be the official service tool. I'm sure they're working on it, lol.

 

[Brabbit]

I've already requested that the Flipper Zero be the official service tool. I'm sure they're working on it, lol.

To be honest it took about 6 months of trial and error along with several drop offs to the dealership ("hey guys somethings still wrong with the electronics... maybe the alternator?" 😆 ) to get it to occasionally start my dad's hyundai sonata. If it could be the official tool for Slate, that would be super handy and an incredible step for being able to work on your own vehicles systems.

 

[cadblu]

Interesting to note that the Slate key fob design is a retro / throwback to the early 2000s. At that time, BMW 3-Series and others required you to insert the key fob into the dashboard slot, and then press the start engine button. However for the Slate, once the key fob is inserted, the vehicle is turned "on."

 

[E90400K]

It has similar form factor with different tech.

Different tech, but not a new idea. Different encryption tech, okay. There is zero evidence the 20 year old tech in the BMW is any less secure to prevent theft. Virtually no reports early 2000's BMW were easy to steal via the key/ignition system.

If SLATE is concerned about cyber infiltratation of their lock/ignition (initializing) system, they could have just gone with a physical key for the door and steering column. Would have matched well with the manual windows.

 

[Moe]

for the Slate, once the key fob is inserted, the vehicle is turned "on."

I would distinguish that by specifying “the vehicle is placed in Drive mode.” It can be “turned on” (HVB contactors closed) with Remote Start from the fob or Telematics Module but in neither case has the ability to shift out of Park.