A few weeks ago someone posted a article from Japan that shoed a VERY nice watch that acted like a SKS FOB. When I showed it to the wife she said if I could find that, it would make a perfect christmas present for me. I have searched everywhere and cannot find any more info on it. Has anyone here seen or heard more than that original posting on it? I think that would be the ultimate carkey
I fear it may have been lost in the crash. :angry: Anyone save that link? Aerometer didn't see the thread and he's our best bet for getting these things here in the US.
Gotta love Google: http://www.i4u.com/article4292.html Translated toyota page in japanese (I'm not sure if this link will work): http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=e.../nt05_0911.html If that link doesn't work, just enter http://www.toyota.co.jp/jp/news/05/Sep/nt05_0911.html into google and click "translate this page" to the right of the result.
That would be awesome. I hope they make it. Even better if they can make a nice chronometer watch or how about a solor or kinetic watch. Then you will not have to worry about the batteries running out. The one in their ad looks OK but oh well. It is about $380.
Thanks Evan for bringing this to my attention. I have just emailed my contact in Japan to see if he can get this or not. But I think the only way to see if this is programmable to use w/ our SKS is to try one out. I will ask my local dealership too. Keep informing me of these cool toys please. Edward aREOmeter (not aEROmeter)
I'm not positive, but I believe that: "The optical generation of electricity by the electric battery exchange unnecessary solar cell" Actually means "Solar powered, making the replacement of batteries unnecessary" If the dealer can program the car to recognize the watch (or vice versa) I'd get one.
I believe the solar power is only for the movement. The fob part still needs a battery. The line you quoted is under the heading: Clock Function. Item 5 under smart key function states: (5) Power source: Lithium electric battery (electric battery life: 1 - 2 years) and the like
Anybody hear more on this? The release said it would be for sale October 4 in Japan. Anyone know if this is now available? Nate
I would also be very interested in one of these. Even if it is in Japanese, I'd still buy one. Unless there are strange US laws on cryptogrphy and RFID FCC rules, I don't see how the Japanese SKS wouldn't work with a US Prius.
$380 is a bargain!! a replacement fob would be that much... makes me think that programming will be extra but how much can it be?
I would think something THIS cool, being out for almost a month, we would be able to find something pretty easily. I would pay 400 for this in a drop of a hat. Then I'd switch out my door to have one of those keypad's thingy's so I'd never have to carry a single key!
I sent the web page to a Japanese friend of mine to translate the katakana script that wasn't translated by Google. I should hear something back within the day.
I've been digging up some additional information by scouring the web: http://www.tokai-rika.co.jp/en/news/2005/051020_3.html Despite this, most of the articles I've read indicated that the watch was for the Japanese-only "Crown" luxury vehicles. I guess that means that it may or may not work with the Prius.
I believe the Crown to be a high-end luxury Totoya in Japan: http://toyota.jp/crownathlete/index.html
"Rich people sure are different!" wlk $400 for a watch just because it replaces a keyfob? A replacement SKS keyfob costing about as much? Folks, these things shouldn't cost this much! You can get a whole computer system for this much or a TV or any number of very useful devices. All the key fob does is unlock your car and activate your alarm. I guess the watch also tells time but how much extra should that cost? <_<
It is pretty expensive, but hey, being on the bleeding edge (although this shouldn't be considered bleeding edge) is always expensive.
$400 for a nice watch isn't all that expensive. Assuming it is a good quality watch with the ability to act as a FOB is a fantastic idea and a very reasonable price.