Kronos anti-theft system

[Aziz1008]

Don't think it is too wise to share this, as thieves obviously can read this post too, but anyway.

I've found a way to make a simple GPS tracker to be built in Kronos. Nowadays Windows Mobile used communicators on a second hand market are really cheap. Here in Russia you can get one (Glofiish x500+) for 15$ or less.

So the idea is to use that PDA, which can charge itself via Kronos inner usb port, and place it near plastic/ wooden cheeks so GPS will receive satellite signal, and install any of the GPS / gsm tracker software.
You can also install any other security software, making an alert when device is moved or when there' s a sound outside Kronos. It could ring alarm or tell in human voice a prerecorded message - "you have 1 minute to run away, police is on its way here"))

Another option would be using iphone 3g, or any cheap android based smartphone with a GPS chip. With Google Maps installed and launched, any of these devices will turn into a GPS tracker, as G. Maps can be set to constantly monitor your moves and display it on its website.

[GregC]

Don't think it is too wise to share this, as thieves obviously can read this post too, but anyway.

I've found a way to make a simple GPS tracker to be built in Kronos. Nowadays Windows Mobile used communicators on a second hand market are really cheap. Here in Russia you can get one (Glofiish x500+) for 15$ or less.

So the idea is to use that PDA, which can charge itself via Kronos inner usb port, and place it near plastic/ wooden cheeks so GPS will receive satellite signal, and install any of the GPS / gsm tracker software.
You can also install any other security software, making an alert when device is moved or when there' s a sound outside Kronos. It could ring alarm or tell in human voice a prerecorded message - "you have 1 minute to run away, police is on its way here"))

Another option would be using iphone 3g, or any cheap android based smartphone with a GPS chip. With Google Maps installed and launched, any of these devices will turn into a GPS tracker, as G. Maps can be set to constantly monitor your moves and display it on its website.

just a thought- is there any RF interference between the Kronos and a smart phone ?

[Aziz1008]

Well, it could be. I didn't test it yet. Only tests will tell. The solution can be writing a program to schedule GSM connection, so most of the time PDA is not interfering. This will also save battery..

[Sharp]

A clever idea, but I think putting anything mobile phone related into the KRONOS will result in an interference problem with either the KRONOS or whatever else is around it. Even sitting at my KRONOS with my mobile phone in my pocket can be heard from time to time through my speakers.

It would be great though if KORG did officially implement some level of security. We lock everything else with a password, why not the KRONOS?

Regards
Sharp

[Aziz1008]

Thanks Sharp) May be it is not Kronos who catches interference, but a connected amplifier system? Because my computer audio system always catches gsm interference and thus I know that someone is trying to call or sms me. And with headphones connected to Kronos, I've never heard any GSM-related noises.
Kronos balanced inputs/outputs should suppress any interference.
Also, we can simply plug in a smartphone to its external usb port and check for interference when they are connected.

But GPS tracking should be coupled with an Assisted GPS, because even indoors or in a car satellites are hardly visible. May be better protection will give Wi-Fi hotspots triangulation. Because I think today many WiFi spots are mapped to a specific locations and are visible even indoors.

That's all too complex and inefficient if thief will keep Kronos jailed in a basement or in a metal hangar, or take it apart and remove the tracker. The most efficient protection would be OS personalization (name, phone and email of the owner) and a bios startup lock.

[Aziz1008]

But I think Korg will never improve security of Kronos - just because each stolen Kronos is a sale increase of new Kronoses. While Korg R&D department would be eager to implement this, marketing department won't allow this ever. Thieves boost sales!)) Sorry Korg, correct me if I'm wrong. Only if Korg competitors will offer this feature and advertise their keyboards as "most protected" theft cases will reduce sales of unprotected Korg keyboards.
So it's up to us to mod Kronos this way.

Another not breaking warranty way to protect Kronos is using a special outlet with an alarm, checking if power cord is plugged in or not. And when someone unplugs Kronos trying to carry it away, it will ring alarm or sms owner.
This can be built from cheap surge protectors, which has a led indicating that the load was connected. We can use that lead to trigger alarm device.

[savont]

The kronos is basically a computer, Korg just need to have an Option in the software to password protect on startup. If you dont enter the pin, it doesnt start. no one can use it without a pin.

[BobTheDog]

I just keep a hungry Alsatian chained to mine.

[benny ray]

My German Shepherd says hello and she howls when i hit high notes on the keyboard just like when dogs hear sirens.

[Falcon2e]

My luck would be loosing my Kronos and a cell phone.

[Aziz1008]

Yeah, the dog guard / alarm is certainly the best system!)

[Fatherofone]

Open it up a put a tile inside it...with Velcro
https://www.thetileapp.com/