Tag Archives: Arduino

Honda CRX, How to, Modifications

RFID/NFC with Engine Start Button

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A lot of people have been telling me that I should add RFID to my engine start button project. That’s exactly what I did. I’m using an Arduino Nano connected to a  RC522 RFID reader/writer. When the Nano recognizes a scanned RFID tag, it sends a code via serial to the ATMega328 that controls the ignition/accessories/starter motor.  When the ATMega328 receives the code, it enables the engine start functionality. If no RFID tag is scanned or if an incorrect tag is scanned,  pressing the engine start button will not start the engine.

MVI_1672-001
My first test of this setup.

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Honda CRX, How to, Modifications

How to Install a Start Button

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Here’s the best low-cost way to put a fully functional engine start button in your car! Absolutely no key needed to start your car! Just press the button and go!

You may have seen others put engine start buttons in their cars, but they still had to use a key! It’s like, “really, guys? You’re adding a step to starting your car“! You definitely don’t want to be like those idiots. You, you’re much smarter than those hook-it-straight-to-the-starter guys. You know there’s gotta be a better way… and there is!
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How to, Modifications

Make a 5V Power Supply For Arduino From a Car USB Charger

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This is what I did to power the Arduino which I used in my engine start button project. It’s a simple and cheap way to power an Arduino in a car. This will requires some basic soldering skills.

Step 1

But a simple USB charger – the kind that plugs into your car’s power outlet. They usually cost ~$2-5(USD). You can probably find them at most convenience stores, or maybe a box store of your choice.

USB car charger
USB car charger – As you can see, the output of this USB charger is rated DC 5 volts and 1 ampere.

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Honda CRX, Modifications

Start Button Install Progress (part 1)

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The first place that I was going to install the button was in the larger hole cover that covers the hole in the dash where accessory switches go, but were not used. However, I found a better location while solving the steering lock issue.  The key cylinder also operates the steering lock, but if I’m not going to use the key to start the car, the steering lock just inconveniences me. I had to remove it.

CRX key cylinder removed
CRX key cylinder removed

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Honda CRX, Modifications

Start Button Update 1

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I wrote a program for the Arduino, and put together a test circuit to see if it would work. I used LEDs to show the functions.  I wrote 6 different versions of the code until I finally came up with one that worked exactly how I wanted. I’m not a programmer, so this code is rather sloppy, and I’m sure there’s a much better way to do this, but, hey, it works.

Test circuit
Test circuit

I’ll post the code later, after I make the final version.