Just to play Devil's Advocate a little, how do we know for sure that there is no wireless or Bluetooth access?
That brand of meter was recalled from all the drivers who had it installed,and the remote access removed.The article cites the theft was carried out using a 'remote control'?
You'd wonder about what kind of validation process Applus go through to ensure that approved meters don't have any external connection.That brand of meter was recalled from all the drivers who had it installed,and the remote access removed.
AFAIK It was the only type of meter that did allow this access,but not anymore.
You could have a read of their blogs or ask them yourself. They develop some pretty advanced testing equipment.You'd wonder about what kind of validation process Applus go through to ensure that approved meters don't have any external connection.
Just to inform you,the remote control in this case just added €1 extras in increments.This is exactly the same as me pressing button 4 on my meter.(valid extras are extra passengers,booking fee).You'd wonder about what kind of validation process Applus go through to ensure that approved meters don't have any external connection.
Thanks, some interesting details there.You could have a read of their blogs or ask them yourself. They develop some pretty advanced testing equipment.
I suppose I'm wondering they they can evaluate how any particular device is going to work in the longer term. There is obviously some kind of interface on the meters, whether wired or wireless, to allow them to be reprogrammed for price changes. I'm wondering how they can look at any electronic device, and confirm that there is no wired interface available that would allow communication over Bluetooth or wifi or LORA type networks or whatever. How can they be certain that there is no interface, whether through a clicker like the case mentioned here or a phone app or whatever.Just to inform you,the remote control in this case just added €1 extras in increments.This is exactly the same as me pressing button 4 on my meter.(valid extras are extra passengers,booking fee).
The 'scam' was that the driver had the remote hidden in the arm rest and could add extra €1s without being seen to touch the meter and alert the passenger that something was going on.
If passengers understood the charges on their receipt,and actually asked for a receipt,they would easily have seen that they were being overcharged on the extras.
There is no other way to manipulate a meter ,so if passengers asked for the receipt,they could query the padded extras on the bill.
It's very easy to confirm the presence of wired connectors when you have the device open. Then, if you know what you're looking at you will know whether the device has an antenna or a chipset that provides wireless communications. The majority of consumer electronics is made up of off-the shelf components, know enough about the components and confirming all the above is easy.I suppose I'm wondering they they can evaluate how any particular device is going to work in the longer term. There is obviously some kind of interface on the meters, whether wired or wireless, to allow them to be reprogrammed for price changes. I'm wondering how they can look at any electronic device, and confirm that there is no wired interface available that would allow communication over Bluetooth or wifi or LORA type networks or whatever. How can they be certain that there is no interface, whether through a clicker like the case mentioned here or a phone app or whatever.
And if it's not an off-the-shelf wireless component?It's very easy to confirm the presence of wired connectors when you have the device open. Then, if you know what you're looking at you will know whether the device has an antenna or a chipset that provides wireless communications. The majority of consumer electronics is made up of off-the shelf components, know enough about the components and confirming all the above is easy.
It will still require an obvious antenna and it would push the cost of the meter to to the point where no one would buy it. You can buy RF units in surface mount packages for 40c each over the counter in Ireland, manufacturers will be paying significantly less in bulk. Costs to develop new silicon start at around $20 million, and that's if you can find a facility with the capacity to take on new work.And if it's not an off-the-shelf wireless component?
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