RFID Lockbox

125kHz RFID Controlled Lockbox System

Project Overview

This project was a personal interest project of mine. RFID systems have always fascinated me, and I wanted to explore how I could use them to design unique solutions to problems. After delving into research into different RFID standards and chips, I decided to use a 125kHz system for ease of use and cost effectiveness. As I already had a T5577-based ring and a Proxmark3 easy RFID cloning/sniffing tool, I knew I wouldn't have any trouble making a system that would allow me to unlock a box with the wave of my hand. My first concepts started out on a breadboard, working with Arduino modules and displays until I was able to source a mass produced PCB that would perform most of the essential functions of my Arduino setup. From there, I refined the idea and added a few features that I thought would add to the project (mostly in a 'cool factor' way).

Prototyping and Development

Early Ideas

Using a breadboard and jumpers, I made the first prototype without any soldering or PCBs, and tested out a few different setups.

Off-the-Shelf PCB

After looking around a bit, I found a mass produced board that would do most of the major functions I needed, at a fraction of the cost of assembling my own.

Integrating a Solenoid

This is a proof of concept to make sure that the board would work as intended, and that the antenna's range would be acceptable.

Final Version and Enclosure

After refining the design some more, I printed a cover to both mount the circuitry inside a box and protect them with a snap-on lid. A normally closed switch was also added to enable the lights to turn on when the lid is opened.

Experiences and Responsibilities

Procured off-the-shelf components to reduce development time and cost for an RFID authorization system
Designed and produced with additive manufacturing a housing to contain RFID antenna and solenoid wiring, and wiring management components to secure power and date wires from interference or destruction
Integrated and wired a lighting system which allowed for system status detection and internal illumination based on lid position

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