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AutoSecurityBox is a Micropython based security project geared towards enhancing the security of older vehicles that lack transponder keys or keyless ignitions by switching the starter solenoid wire immediately after the ignition switch inside the steering column by placing a logic-level switched relay in the circuit. Thereby preventing potential thieves easily accessing the starter circuit under the dash and bypassing the ignition lock cylinder, increasing the time, skill, and foreknowledge required to steal the car.
To do this I used a Raspberry Pi Pico 2020 board, LM2596 Buck Converter, Momentary Power Switch, RC522 Card Reader, a single 3V3 relay module, and an LED to display exit codes to the driver. Wiring is pretty straight forward. Refer to schema.png for wiring instructions. (PIN numbers listed may not correspond to actual physical location)
- Do not wire in a way that prevents vehicle operation during emergencies.
- Follow automotive electrical safety standards: fuse power lines, verify wiring before connection, and disconnect the battery before installation/testing.
- This is not tamper-proof security; it increases the time and skill required to steal the car.
- You are solely responsible for your safety and the functionality/warranty of your vehicle.
To get started, follow schema.png to wire board and modules. You may also refer to this page for detailed reader setup instructions.
After the board and modules are assembled, choose an enclosure and mounting location. I chose to mount mine inside the steering column, positioning the reader in a manner so that cards could be read through the plastic column. Then place main.py in the / directory of the board using a USB cable and your choice of IDE. See dependencies.
On the initial run, main.py will generate config.json in /. Using Thonny or your preferred IDE, run main.py again and wait for the reader to initialize (~7-10 seconds) and then scan the card you wish to register. The debug console will print the UID of the card. Copy it or write it down and then stop main.py. Then edit config.json and replace the JSON data keys c0, c1, and/or c2 with the UID of your card(s). Now run main.py one more time and verify that scanning the card results in an "Access Granted!" print statement.
This project depends on micropython-mfrc522.
After flashing firmware, place mfrc522.py and fileRW.py in the /lib directory of the board.
For instructions on flashing MicroPython to Pico or for other information, see its documentation
| Firmware Version | Board | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MicroPython v1.23.0 | RP2040/Pico 2020 | Tested, Working |
| MicroPython v1.28.0 | RP2040/Pico 2020 | Testing |
The goal of this project is to provide security for parked vehicles that lack native anti-theft systems. AutoSecurityBox implements a dual-mode approach to provide security when it is necessary and maintain simplicity and reliability when it is not, especially during active operation of the vehicle and while recovering from stalls.
- Standby Mode/Disarmed
- Auth Mode/Armed
By default config.json is generated with the mode (data key m0) set to standby (int 1010). When main.py runs it checks this data key and if in standby mode, it closes the starter relay for a duration in seconds equal to the value of the data key disarm_sleep. Then it opens the relay and initializes the reader for a duration of reader_sleep x ptickMax seconds to allow the user to arm the system. Finally it exits, and if a valid card was scanned, overwrites data key m0 with the value 3040.
When main.py runs it checks this data key and if in auth/armed mode, initializes the reader for a duration equal to the value of the data key reader_sleep x ptickMax seconds. If a valid card is scanned during this time, the system will close the starter relay for arm_sleep seconds, disarm and exit on "system-disarmed" and on the next power cycle it will return to standby-mode operation.
If no card is scanned, it will exit on "routine-timeout".
For added security: If three read attempts are made with an invalid card, it overwrites the data key m0 with the value 4003 and then resets the board. This puts the program into a tertiary mode that will refuse to initialize the reader or actuate the starter relay; Instead exiting on "system-panic" until m0 is updated to either 3040 or 1010.
Card UIDs are not encrypted or obscured in any way. The goal of this project is not government quality security. Instead, the hope is to increase the difficulty, time, and technical requirements for a potential thief to get away with the vehicle. In the future I plan to also control the fuel pump or ignition system. Though, this would require the board and relays to remain powered during operation of the vehicle.
Mode values are arbitrary and may be changed by the end user so long as each corresponding reference in main.py is also changed to match its partner. They exist solely to act as a magic number so that the Microcontroller can track state changes between power cycles without a backup battery.
You may notice a diode on 5v+_Vsys in schema.png. I added it between the supply and the microcontroller to isolate the converter output from the debug cable's 5v+ to prevent backfeeding of the buck converter during programming.
*This project could easily be adapted for electronic door lock cylinders and servo-actuated access panel latches.