Leeroy Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 I'm off surfing in a couple of weeks and was wondering if it's OK to take the valet key in the sea? Is there any electronic gubbins to get wet? I don't fancy hiding the key in a bush which I usually do..... Quote
HaydnH Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 I'm off surfing in a couple of weeks and was wondering if it's OK to take the valet key in the sea? Is there any electronic gubbins to get wet?I don't fancy hiding the key in a bush which I usually do..... Wrap it in a waterproof bag?? EDIT: Something like: http://www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk/s ... 57541.html Quote
JetSet Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 There's what looks like a microchip in it. Definitely not waterproof as you can prise the chip out. Pete Quote
Fodder Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 [quote="Wrap it in a waterproof bag?? EDIT] I have one of these, the material seems very durable but i'd still be tempted tp wrap the key in something before popping it in just to elimante any sharp edges. The come in a few different sizes too and can be bought from any outdoor shop for around that price. Quote
Leeroy Posted July 4, 2011 Author Posted July 4, 2011 There's what looks like a microchip in it. Definitely not waterproof as you can prise the chip out. Pete Bugger, I've had keys previously that you can get wet and it's really handy for surfing - looks like it's waterproof bag time or sandy burial then Quote
CMR Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 Even if it gets wet the actual key will still manually open the door Quote
Ricey Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 Bury it in the sand +1!!! Just find a quiet speck, bury it and put a little marker above it.....................don't be surprised if you get back to the car and find that some chav crab as nicked your wallet though Quote
Lexx Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 I have a coded lock box with a magnet attached. I place key in the box, then clamp to underneath of whatever car I've gone in. I generally surf at quiet locations, so there isn't anyone around to watch where I have stuck it. Quote
JetSet Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 There's what looks like a microchip in it. Definitely not waterproof as you can prise the chip out. Pete Bugger, I've had keys previously that you can get wet and it's really handy for surfing - looks like it's waterproof bag time or sandy burial then Well, apparently one of the undocumented features is that the valet key should switch the alarm off when opening the door, mine doesn't so it must have been submerged at some time or the chip is damaged. The problem is that I don't see how the chip in the valet key can be powered up, no battery in there Pete Quote
Impressed Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 The chip thing is a passive transponder. Then you turn the key in the ignition there is a coil near the barrel which transmits a signal. The transponder picks these up in its tiny coil and uses the electricity generated to to transmit a code back to the car to disable the imobiliser. As for water damage? the small transponder package is encapsulate so should be water tight (you can see this if you remove the cover from your other key), however I would not risk it in salt water. The technology is the same as the passive key fobs that you hold against a small wall mounted panel next to a door, widely used for the lobby door in flats, apartments and offices. How about a short section of cycle inner tube, glued at one end and a food bag clip at the other. Quote
zollburgers Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 This valet key....well... I don't have one Both of my keys are identical and have the buttons on them. Did all cars originally come with one normal key and one valet key? Quote
HaydnH Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 Both of my keys are identical and have the buttons on them. Did all cars originally come with one normal key and one valet key? Should be 3 keys I believe. Quote
leonk Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 Put it in a condom and swallow it........... Only kidding , couldn't resist. If it's any help I dropped the van keys (transponder blip type) in a bucket of water and they worked fine after. Quote
zollburgers Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 Both of my keys are identical and have the buttons on them. Did all cars originally come with one normal key and one valet key? Should be 3 keys I believe. So someone somewhere has a key to my car Quote
HaydnH Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 Both of my keys are identical and have the buttons on them. Did all cars originally come with one normal key and one valet key? Should be 3 keys I believe. So someone somewhere has a key to my car Probably... but they can't get in your glove box! Quote
zollburgers Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 Hang on, the glovebox is more secure than the car I have an idea. I will keep something in there that will make their key useless. Such as........the steering wheel Quote
Leeroy Posted July 6, 2011 Author Posted July 6, 2011 The waterproof pouches look good, like this one .... http://store.magicseaweed.com/Aquapac-K ... tem/13571/ And you get a free car key, a tenner and a credit card, awesome. The other option might be to get a key blank cut which doesn't have a transponder, then leave the main keys in the car. Admittedly you'd have to leave the alarm off which isn't ideal Actually, to ensure the car is alarmed, could you ; a) lock the car/set alarm with the proper key throw the keys in the glove-box, close the door c) go surfing with your freshly cut key 'blank' d) come ashore and unlock with the 'blank', setting off the alarm e) Grab the proper key and turn off the alarm? f) Enjoy those awesome Cornish coast roads The lockboxes worry me a bit. And the thought of thieving cornish chav crabs getting hold of my keys scares me witless Quote
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