Recent content by codemonk

Sue the condo board. Might sound crazy at first but you might have a case.

Sorry to read about the passing of your Grandfather. Was he by any chance member of the CVMG ? I would highly recommend selling the bikes on the CVMG site. I'm sure that they would go quick. I ride a 1972 R75/5 so I think I can commend on the pricing of that. Barn finds can go as low as...

A 1972 R75/5 rider here. There are a surprising number of BMW airheads in the Thornhill area .... G.

First of all I want to thank everyone the constructive comments and the civilized tone in this thread. Lets keep it nice and friendly. This is just a theoretical system but perhaps it can lead to something practical in the future, so do not hold your breath that your condo will be able to...

The beauty of these fobs is that you can tell their distance in almost real time up to 150 feets. This means that the gate can be locked even before they get near to it. So if the thief's try to get out by following another car closely both of them get blocked. So now the prosecutor have at...

In a true emergency you do not drive a car but call an ambulance. If you are able to walk down to the garage and drive your car then you are capable to make alternative arrangements such as calling a cab. You example would play out like the following: Thief steals bike in the middle of the...

I don't understand this legally , but I'm just a stupid software guy The system needs probably at least 10-20 users to be financially viable. The good thing is that it is not limited to just bikes. Fobs can be placed in cars or bicycles too. Also extra money can be made by renting fobs to...

Yes, this is one of the hardest part: Computers and systems are easy. Forcing people to do what they supposed to do is much harder. This is the reason why the owner is notified also via email. Also consider this: If you are thief and you are sitting in front of a closed door waiting for 5...

Yes exactly. This is a well established protocol in other industries. Contracts and legal papers should be written very carefully and prior precedents researched of course. Have you ever read the terms and conditions of you home alarm system ? Not really. These fobs are so small and innocent...

Yes , this would be the biggest challenge. I would aproach this from an insurance angle something like this: - Does not cost anything to the condo as it is paid by monthly fees - Decreases theft , (mention statistics here....) - Condo might save some money on insurance if the insure would give...

The default failure mode is open the door. No life is worth any motorcycles The system would prevent exiting only if it is fully functional and positively identified a stolen vehicle. Safety would be absolutely the first priority - including the life and well being of the thief(s).

Of course the idea can be further developed. I just optimized it for the low cost and used one fob but lets double up the fobs and we have some extra convenience and a way more idiot proof system: - One fob (ID Fob) is semi-permanently placed on the bike. Only replaced when battery replacement...

Patents are expensive and time consuming - trust me I know. At this point nobody can patent this idea as my public post would be "prior art". If somebody would offer enough money I would consider building this but I do not think that I would give up my day job for this.

And this is why cost and financial viability is important. It is easier to convince a board to have something installed if that does not cost them anything (monthly fees cover the cost of the system)

It is just an idea at this point - commercialization would take some time and iterations to make it idiot proof. I can see making a smart phone app that warns you if your tile is not removed when leaving or warns you if your battery is low.