INTERFERENCE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE SRD SYSTEMS
P Stockwell · 2001
There are estimated to be 28,500,000 SRD (short range device) systems in the UK. 11,500,000 are OE RKE (remote key entry) systems. A further 6,000,000 are aftermarket. Dolphin Telecom is licensed to operate their UK TETRA (terrestrial trunked radio) network using over 1,000 base stations and this will be expanded across Europe. Some RKE systems use wideband receivers that can be blocked by legal TETRA transmissions up to 200 metres from a site. This can lock the driver out of the vehicle. Initially they blame Dolphin, but once they understand what is happening they complain to the dealer or manufacturer. Other legitimate operators can cause blocking and some manufacturers have improved their systems. Others still have problems. Affected users can seek redress via complaints to manufacturers and dealers. They can seek a legal solution via Consumer legislation or use 'Fitness for Purpose' to seek redress for older vehicles. The legal issues are complex and should be assessed by each supplier. Dolphin's view is that this is a problem for which there is a technical solution and it is in everyone's best interests to solve the problem. Dolphin is prepared to co-operate with manufacturers who wish to determine their exposure to the problem and help them find solutions. For the covering abstract see ITRD E117033.