Now the new car (a Honda) can tell whether a keyfob is nearby. This means the keyfob is either constantly transmitting a low power "I'm here" signal, or it is constantly listening at low power for an interrogation signal.
This means it should be possible to "sniff" for the keys' presence. Only presence! Not whatever rolling unlock code would allow the car to be used. But this means one could have some help locating them in the house by just repeatedly transmitting the interrogation signal and listening for a reply.
Is there any knowledge out there to do this? With an RTL-SDR or a Flipper Zero or whatever? That is not tied up in criminal car thieving contexts?
Realistically though just put an AirTag on your keychain and don’t worry about it. You’ll get the benefit of finding it anywhere like in a jacket you left at a coffee shop.
We have a defined place (a box marked "keys") where we put things like that. but for some reason or other, it's not in there.
Any suggestions?