Copying a RFID fob

[Andy Brown]

Hi,

I've just lost my keys along with the fob that gets me access to the building. Does anyone know if there is equipment available at Hackspace that will allow me to clone my flatmates fob? I've just had a quick look on google and read a few forums/blogs and I think this means a RFID reader/writer, but I've never done any RFID and very new to Hackspace so looking for some advice.

Thanks for the help.

Andy

[Nick Johnson]

There are many different RFID standards, so your first job is to establish which one. By far the most likely choice is 125KHz, frequently referred to as 'HID'. If the tag or the reader say 'HID', that's a fair bet that 125KHz is what you've got.

HID tags aren't natively writable - the tag simply echoes back its ID when prompted. You can get special writable tags and tag cloners off Ebay fairly cheaply, however. Bear in mind that if you clone your flatmate's tag, it will forevermore show you as your flatmate in access logs etc.

As far as I know, the hackspace doesn't have any suitable equipment.

-Nick

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[Andy Brown]

Thanks Nick. There are no markings on the fob. I'm not too worried about the logs.

Do you mean something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Cloning-Remote-Control-Key-Fob-Cloner-Electric-Gate-Garage-Door-433mhz-/261084211205

Andy

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[Nick Johnson]

Hi Andy,

No, that's another system - and it's active on both ends, so not strictly RFID.

I mean something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RFID-125KHz-EM4100-Card-Copier-Duplicator-with-Writable-Card-and-5-Keychain-tags-/290822397181?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item43b65d9cfd

[Nick Johnson]

Oops, note that specific one will work with other 125KHz systems, but not HID.

-Nick

[Richard Patterson]

I'm still waiting for the RFIDler Kickstarter to deliver: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1708444109/rfidler-a-software-defined-rfid-reader-writer-emul

Their updates are looking really good.

If you don't mind paying for it, go ask around at various locksmiths to see if they have cloning facilities.

I've had one done at the locksmith in the Canary Wharf mall (Canada Place section iirc).  I think it was bout £10 or £15 for the spare fob and the cloning service.

[Andy Brown]

Thanks Richard. I will go check out the locksmiths in Canary Wharf.

Thanks for the link Nick.

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[David Murphy]

hang on, do you mean a fob you were using for access to the hackspace or an apartment building?

If it's the space you can just add any new card to your account. If it's for an apartment I assume you want to avoid letting the building owner know you've lost the key?

[Mark Steward]

Or if you want to get a bit more hacky, check out both linked posts here:

http://hackaday.com/2011/05/20/using-an-avr-as-an-rfid-tag/

Mark

[Andy Brown]

Its my apartment not hackspace. I'm going to check with the management how much a replacement fob is but I assume it'll be a rip off.

Will also check out those links. Thanks.

Andy

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[Dave Mansfield]

They may well charge you the same anyway when you move out and can't replace it.

[Bunsen]

Hey, Andy...

I wanted to do a similar thing, but failed at the first hurdle, since the Hackspace RFID is a different system so won't even read my key fob..

Anyway, would be interested to know about the compatibility of your key - if there are a lot of key fobs out there incompatible with Hackspace, I'd be up for a pledge....

[Andy Brown]

Hey Bunsen,

I ended up going to timpsons and getting it copied. £15 for two copies. Needed them as I'd lost mine.

It would be cool if we could get a fob cloner at hackspace.

Andy

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[Richard Patterson]

Glad you got it sorted.

When the RFIDler Kickstarter delivers I'll build a box for it and perhaps look at leaving it plugged into Tesla at the space.  Assuming there aren't any concerns.

The next issue would be having the writable tags available.

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