Review: briidea Faraday Box Key Fob Protector – Remarkably effective in improving security of RF-enabled keys

Explore Faraday box experiments with keyless ignition tests across various car brands... Read more

Specifications

Brand	briidea
Special Feature	Key Unlock
Material	pu leather
Style	Modern
Color	Black

1.0 Introduction: Unleashing the Magic of Faraday Box

After experiencing the convenience a Faraday Box offers, it’s hard not to get magnetized by its magical allure. As someone with an RF-enabled vehicle, the peace of mind knowing my keys are protected from potential intrusion brings an inherent satisfaction.

1.1 Acquainting with My Second Faraday Box

Exploring this second Faraday Box, which is intended for my parents, the striking familiarity between its setup and that of my first one is hard to ignore. The design feels robust yet simplistic, with the box retaining its original charm while incorporating what appears to be strong protection against RF intrusion.

1.2 Comparable Experience: Unveiling the Similarities

As an owner of a 2011 Nissan Armada equipped with RF keys, I thought it fitting to indulge in a quick comparison. The setup, significantly similar, boasts similar features like unlock lock front door handles, a convenient push button lock that performs to expectations. But the real test with the Faraday Box was still upcoming. Will the box be able to successfully block the signal transmission? This next test run promises to shed more light on it.

The experience brings a sense of anticipation, a modicum of uncertainty, and an eagerness for positive outcomes. As consumers, we purchase products with the hope they will not only meet our needs but also offer added value. In the case of the Faraday Box, that value is two-fold: functional convenience and secure peace of mind.

Dissecting the Faraday Box

• Reversed latches on Faraday box increase flexibility
• Phillips head screws allow for customization
• Box can be adjusted for personal comfort

In the quest for a clearer understanding of what I’m dealing with, I decided to dissect the Faraday box, not literally of course, but just a surface understanding of its components and features. Now, let’s dive into what makes the Faraday Box tick!

Upside Down: Reversing Latches for Enhanced Comfort

First thing’s first , let’s talk about those latches. They were originally positioned at the top of the box. However, I noticed that this arrangement wasn’t serving me too well. I found it bothersome and slightly less practical than I would like, hence, I decided to flip them.

After a bit of tinkering, I managed to reverse the latches so they now sit comfortably at the bottom instead of the top. This is a complete win for flexibility and ease of use.

Making Changes: The Simplicity of Adjusting the Faraday Box’s Phillips Head Screws

Something else noteworthy about the Faraday box is its Phillps head screws. They are simple to adjust, providing an opportunity for a bit of customization. Thanks to this, I was able to flip the latches around.

In the spirit of constructive criticism , although this box is designed to be user-friendly, the necessity to adjust it to better suit personal comfort could potentially be viewed as a design flaw. However, in my experience, it simply added to the adaptability of the product. A tad inconvenient, yes, but also proving that this box can cater to your specific needs if required.

All in all, while analysing the Faraday box and its components, it becomes clear that it has been constructed with practicality in mind, even if it may require a bit of personal adjustment for enhanced comfort.

Test Run: The Faraday Box in Action

• Faraday Box effectively blocked RF signals from keys
• Box’s RF blocking capability reaffirmed in practical scenarios

Now that we’ve got a grip on all the main features of the Faraday Box, it’s only right that we put it to the ultimate test. Will it live up to our expectations? Let’s embrace the suspense, shall we?

Does the Box Seal Well Enough to Block RF Signal? Let’s Find Out!

First off, testing whether the box could block RF signals from my keys seemed to be a logical place to start. I mean, that’s what a Faraday Box is supposed to do, right?

I set up my Nissan Armada RF keys and ensured the box was properly latched. Not even the slightest gap visible. My fingers were crossed behind the camera, hoping the box would perform its purpose, but objectively, I was ready for any outcome.

I approached the vehicle, with the box holding the keys in hand, and gave the button a try. Nothing. No response from the vehicle whatsoever. Right off the bat, I have to say, the Faraday Box seemed to be doing an impressive job blocking the RF signals .

Testing Time: Will My Keys Unlock the Car While in the Box?

Next, I wanted to see if the keys could unlock the car doors while enclosed within the box. This might sound repetitive, but remember, this is a critical review. We’ve got to check every nook and cranny and give it the run for its money.

With the keys still nestled securely in the box , I approached the car door and pressed the unlock button on the handle. Again, zilch. Nada. No response at all. There were no signs of any successful communication between the keys and the vehicle. This reaffirmed the RF blocking capability of the Faraday Box. Talk about putting theory into practice!

All in all, based on this rigorous & hands-on testing, the Faraday Box seemed to be on par with its promised RF-blocking performance. Witnessing the vehicle remaining unresponsive, despite having the keys within close proximity, was indeed impressive. However, as with any product, it’s essential to always consider the bigger picture and evaluate it in diverse scenarios – which is exactly what we’ll do next!

Real-World Application: Keyless Ignition Test

• Keyless ignition tested with Faraday box
• No key detected with key in Faraday box
• Faraday box effectively blocks RF signal

Now for what might be an even trickier test, we’re going to test out the practicality of our Faraday box with keyless ignition. As we know, keyless ignition relies entirely on the RF signal of the key communicating with the vehicle. So, how does one fare when we add our little box into the equation? Well, let’s dive in and see.

Identifying the Ignition Process: How Does the RF Identify the Key?

This is where things get to be quite fascinating. To start the ignition without a physical key, my car uses its inbuilt RF to locate the car’s remote key. This is quite the modern convenience until you think about the potential for unscrupulous people to exploit it. In essence, the car will only start when it’s able to detect the signal from its corresponding key nearby. And without any further ado, let’s see whether or not the car can detect a key that is safely tucked away in our Faraday box.

Boxed In: Will the Car Start with Keys in the Faraday Box?

After understanding how my vehicle’s ignition works, I leapt at the idea of actually testing it with the Faraday box. Against my best hopes (since the effectiveness of the box is essentially the whole point), I placed the key inside the box, latched it up, placed it inside the car, turned the ignition, and…. nothing. The display immediately showed No Key Detected .

This was a thrilling revelation – even when the key (and by extension, its RF signal) was in such close proximity to the ignition, there was zero communication between the two, thanks to our metallic marvel of a box.

What struck me most about this test was that it highlighted the box’s ability to effectively serve its purpose, not just in theory, but in a very practical, real-world setting. This further installs my confidence in the product and its utility in cases like these, where one’s security is at stake.

So, does this Faraday box do what it’s supposed to? Well, based on my experience, the answer is a resounding yes! But yet again, this was my experience in a controlled setting, and experiences can differ considerably between different car models, RF signals, and even different boxes. Always remember to make sure this product suits your needs before purchasing!

Throwing in A Curveball: Testing the Faraday Box with the BMW

• Faraday Box effectively blocks BMW key’s RF signals
• Car model may slightly impact the box’s effectiveness

Just for a cheeky bit, I thought I’d step up the game by introducing another car into the mix – a BMW. The goal was clear, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Faraday Box’s effectiveness with different types of cars.

Little Box, Big Test: Do BMW Keys Fare Well in the Faraday Box?

Upon placing the keys to my BMW into the Faraday Box, I immediately felt a bolt of anticipation. Questions were spinning rapidly in my mind: Will the box be able to block the key’s signal? Will the car become non-responsive to the key while it’s tucked away inside the box?

While skeptics might think ‘just another car, same result’, I’d remind them that variables can alter results. The difference in car models and brands, including their RF key mechanisms can potentially bring different outcomes.

The Test that Makes A Difference: Let’s Start-Up the BMW with Keys in the Faraday Box

Now, with the keys safely lodged in the box, it was time for the ultimate interrogation: Will the BMW start up without its keys accessible?

I held my breath as I took my place behind the wheel, press the start engine button and….

If you’re placing bets on what happened next, you might want to hold on to your receipt because the start-up was a massive fail. The BMW, true to its reputation, didn’t start without its keys within its range, even though they were merely feet away, inside the Faraday box.

This experience accentuated a vital fact: The Faraday Box did its job remarkably well! Blocking RF signals effectively across different car models. However, a rider to this – your experiences might slightly vary based on the specific model or brand of your automobile.

Some key takeaways:

• Make sure your RF keys are properly stowed in the Faraday Box.
• The vehicle brand or model might slightly affect the outcomes. However, the general performance of the box remains the same – spectacular!
• Always take a second to confirm the box’s functionality before heading out.

Concluding the Unbiased Experiments & Final Thoughts

I’ve put the Faraday Box to the test in multiple scenarios involving two different vehicles with RF-enabled keys. Experiences were diversified, and the box’s efficacy was put under the microscope in a no-holds-barred fashion. Now, it’s time to give you my final thoughts on whether the Faraday Box is a worthwhile investment or not.

Making Sense of What I’ve Shared: Will this Little Box Help Secure your RF-enabled Keys?

When it comes to securing the RF-enabled keys, the Faraday Box certainly deserves a nod. My standardized tests were objective, and the box passed them convincingly. Neither of my two vehicles, Nissan Armada and BMW, could sense the keys when they were tucked inside the box; proving that it has an efficient RF blocking capability. However, remember that this is based on controlled conditions, and real-world experiences may slightly differ.

Should You Invest in a Faraday Box? Weighing the Benefits

The answer depends on your specific needs. With evidence from my hands-on tests and experiments, it’s clear that the Faraday Box delivers on its promise of RF signal blocking. In a day and age where car hacking via RF signals is becoming increasingly prevalent, having such a security measure in place might not be a bad idea.

On the upside, the box is versatile, handling keys from different car brands and showing equal proficiency. It’s also user-friendly; even the modification bit with the Phillips screws is easy peasy.

But, there’s a downside, too. The box only works when you, the user, ensure the keys are inside. You’ll need to form a habit of doing so every single time. Forgetting once might leave your vehicle exposed.

In conclusion, if you’re desirous of an extra layer of security for your RF-enabled entry system, the Faraday Box is certainly a potent contender. However, it’s not a silver bullet and needs consistent usage habits paired with its technical competences for maximum impact.

Should you buy the briidea Faraday Box Key Fob Protector?

Buy it if…

You’re Concerned About Car Security

The Faraday Box effectively blocks RF keys, keeping your car safe from potential car theft.

You Depend on Keyless Entry

If your vehicle relies on RF keys and you frequently use keyless entry, the Faraday Box could be a useful purchase.

You Value Ease and Simplicity

The Faraday Box is easy to adjust using standard Phillips head screws, allowing for personalized use.

Don’t buy it if…

You Don’t Own an RF Key Car

There’s no need for a Faraday Box if your vehicle doesn’t use RF keys.

You Prefer Light Objects

The box might be considered a bit cumbersome due to its size and weight.

You’re Not Keen on Self-Adjustments

If you’re not a fan of self-adjustment or DIY, the latch adjustment part might not be appealing for you.

FAQ

Is the Faraday Box easy to manipulate for comfort?

Yes, it’s easy to adjust. The review details reversing the latches and that it only requires Phillips head screws to make changes.

Will my keys still unlock my car if they are in the Faraday Box?

No, the box is designed to block RF signals, so the keys won’t be able to communicate with the vehicle from inside the box.

Can the box block the signal for keyless car ignition systems?

From the tests in the review, it appears that keyless ignition systems also cannot detect keys inside the Faraday box.

Does the Faraday box work with other brands and types of keys, like BMW’s for instance?

Yes, the box was tested with a BMW key and successfully blocked the signal, indicating it can work with different brands and types of keys.

Should I invest in a Faraday Box according to the review?

The review provides several instances of successful signal blockage with the Faraday Box. Despite this, it ultimately leaves the decision to the reader based on their unique needs and context.