Firstech has offered several remote start touchpads over the years, but it’s newest model, due in July, now offers settings for car sharing without the need for a smartphone.
The maker of Compustar and DroneMobile, announced a new KP2 Keyless Touchpad that lets you grant access to your car for a set amount of time. It mounts on the windshield to let drivers lock, unlock, and share their vehicles without the use of a key, remote, or smartphone.
To lock/arm the vehicle’s doors, the driver holds down the “Lock” button on the touchpad. They can unlock the doors by entering their 4-6 digit PIN code.
The KP2 supports two separate PIN codes, one for the vehicle owner (“Master PIN”) and one for shared drivers (“Guest PIN”). The Guest PIN code is time-sensitive and will expire on the time/date appointed via the DroneMobile app. In order to enable Guest PIN codes, the KP2 must be installed with a KL1 KeyLocker, which Firstech released in Spring 2020.
Whether a vehicle owner is hosting out-of-town guests or using car-sharing services such as Turo or Getaround, they can share PIN codes with other drivers without revealing their Master PIN code.
The KP2 will eventually be included with every Drone KL1 KeyLocker. Installation requires only a single connection to a compatible Firstech remote starter, alarm, or KeyLocker. It can be programmed via desktop, smartphone, or Firstech’s proprietary “OP-500” option programmer.
KP2 is Firstech’s fourth touchpad release. Previous models include the KP1 and the RPS TOUCH, one of Firstech’s best-selling accessories over the past ten years. By comparison, the KP2 has a new “OEM”-style interface, unbranded design, and two additional digits for code programming. Internally, the touchpad’s memory and processor has been updated.
As a standalone accessory, KP2 will start at $49.99 MSRP. KL1 KeyLocker systems bundled with the KP2 will retail at $199.99 MSRP.
