Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: car-nut on 28 August 2011, 21:33:41

Title: Flip Keys
Post by: car-nut on 28 August 2011, 21:33:41
Hi, I am considering buying a genuine GM 3 button flip key (Used) and wondered if they are compatible with Omega's? My Omega is the Facelift model and my current fob has the 3 buttons on it.

Cheers
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Agemo on 28 August 2011, 21:37:40
I think this question has been raised before, and the answer is no. Martin Imber is the "Key man".  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: tunnie on 28 August 2011, 22:35:32
No they are not compatible with any Omega
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 29 August 2011, 01:14:26
Well, they are not (or not seem to be) "genuine GM" flip keys, but there are modified flip keys compatible with our Omegas:

(http://www.keymam.com/product/Opel_filpshell_3b(HU43A)_b.jpg)

I have turned both my keys to flip keys this way. The keys are exact clones from the Insignia flip keys (which are the only Opel/Vauxhall flip keys I've seen). You can't tell them apart. They are excellent.

They are modified in such a way that you just have to switch the electronics and transponder chip to the new flip key and that's it.

Of course, you'll have to cut the blade. There are stores that cut keys just with the key code. No need of mechanically copying the old key.

I've bought my keys from this foobay guy (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220808701979?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649), but later I've seen them for as low as 7$ in some obscure chinese page.

Beware of blade types and number of buttons. There are different kinds of blades. Mines where HU43A (they have "150" written on top of the blade). There are also flip keys to accommodate 2 button electronics.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 29 August 2011, 01:19:29
Quote
I've bought my keys from this foobay guy (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220808701979?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649), but later I've seen them for as low as 7$ in some obscure chinese page.

Here they are (http://www.sinosells.com/goods-5726-Opel+Modified+Filp+Remote+Key+Shell+3+Button+(HU43).html). 9.45$ (5.77£ as of today, according to Google).

Don't know if the page is thrusworthy.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: car-nut on 29 August 2011, 01:20:28
Thank you very much, I will be doing this modification soonish lol.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 29 August 2011, 01:22:26
Quote
Thank you very much, I will be doing this modification soonish lol.

You are welcome  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: TheBoy on 29 August 2011, 10:21:25
Remind me what the gain here is? You are still carrying something that is approximately the same length, but far more bulky  :-/
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: tunnie on 29 August 2011, 10:59:19
Quote
Well, they are not (or not seem to be) "genuine GM" flip keys, but there are modified flip keys compatible with our Omegas:

(http://www.keymam.com/product/Opel_filpshell_3b(HU43A)_b.jpg)

I have turned both my keys to flip keys this way. The keys are exact clones from the Insignia flip keys (which are the only Opel/Vauxhall flip keys I've seen). You can't tell them apart. They are excellent.

They are modified in such a way that you just have to switch the electronics and transponder chip to the new flip key and that's it.

Of course, you'll have to cut the blade. There are stores that cut keys just with the key code. No need of mechanically copying the old key.

I've bought my keys from this foobay guy (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220808701979?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649), but later I've seen them for as low as 7$ in some obscure chinese page.

Beware of blade types and number of buttons. There are different kinds of blades. Mines where HU43A (they have "150" written on top of the blade). There are also flip keys to accommodate 2 button electronics.

Great post, I did buy a Geniune GM one couple of years back with this intention, but was too much effort / impossible to get it to work.

This looks like it will.

Might give this a whirl  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Bob G on 29 August 2011, 11:08:07
knowing me as there seems to be no way to attach it to a key ring i would loose it within days ;D
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: car-nut on 29 August 2011, 12:04:39
Quote
knowing me as there seems to be no way to attach it to a key ring i would loose it within days ;D

There is a bit at the opposite end to the flip key bit the hooks onto your keyring.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Bob G on 29 August 2011, 12:43:23
Thanks for the reply, is that a hard cover over the 3 swiches rather than the soft rubber type on orginal fobs?
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: amba on 29 August 2011, 17:26:23
Martin Imber did that mod to 2 keys for me around year or so ago.

Mine are the 2 button type and the flip key works fine.We had slight issues with the key blade but Martin will advise if you do go that route.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 30 August 2011, 12:47:39
Quote
Remind me what the gain here is?

For me, one is aesthetics. Other is the convenience of carrying a rounded plastic square vs a metal key shaped thing.

Opinions like asses, I guess.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 30 August 2011, 12:49:20
Quote
Thanks for the reply, is that a hard cover over the 3 swiches rather than the soft rubber type on orginal fobs?

It's somewhat in the middle of both. Plastic is rather hard than soft, but there is a good clicking feedback from the buttons. A period of aclimatation is necessary, though.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 30 August 2011, 12:53:31
Quote
Martin Imber did that mod to 2 keys for me around year or so ago.

Mine are the 2 button type and the flip key works fine.We had slight issues with the key blade but Martin will advise if you do go that route.

Yep. Key blade is tricky. I went back to the store to recut the key 3 times. I guess that these H blades are all tricky. In fact, one shopkeeper refused to cut the keys because they might break the machine and sent me to another store.

But the uncut blades have the right measures. No nasty surprises on that side.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 30 August 2011, 12:54:28
Quote
Great post, I did buy a Geniune GM one couple of years back with this intention, but was too much effort / impossible to get it to work.

This looks like it will.

Might give this a whirl  :y

Do it. I'm very happy with them  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: feeutfo on 30 August 2011, 12:55:29
Quote
Quote
Remind me what the gain here is?

For me, one is aesthetics. Other is the convenience of carrying a rounded plastic square vs a metal key shaped thing.

Opinions like asses, I guess.
I have a fleece, that when I pick something up off the floor with omega key in fleece pocket, the blade sticks me in the side. Every single time.

Little gain to be had though. Although I go like the flip keys. The omega internals can be made to fit the flip case I believe....?
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 30 August 2011, 12:57:27
Quote
The keys are exact clones from the Insignia flip keys (which are the only Opel/Vauxhall flip keys I've seen). You can't tell them apart. They are excellent.

Sorry. I meant Vectra keys, not Insignia. This type of flip key is the one that Corsas, Astras, Vectras, etc. had till 2009.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 30 August 2011, 12:59:59
Quote
The omega internals can be made to fit the flip case I believe....?

Not exactly. The key internals are not touched. These cases we are talking about are made for the exact purpose of accomodating the electronics of our keys. They fit straight and quick without effort. Afterwards, they can be moved and fitted back to the original cases.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: TheBoy on 30 August 2011, 19:25:54
Quote
Quote
Quote
Remind me what the gain here is?

For me, one is aesthetics. Other is the convenience of carrying a rounded plastic square vs a metal key shaped thing.

Opinions like asses, I guess.
I have a fleece, that when I pick something up off the floor with omega key in fleece pocket, the blade sticks me in the side. Every single time.

Little gain to be had though. Although I go like the flip keys. The omega internals can be made to fit the flip case I believe....?
Seeing as I happen to know you can't drive with the steering wheel height adjuster in place, I'm guessing a massive bulk hanging out of the ignition is going to get on your goat far more than the occasinal stab from your fleece.

Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: GaryBC on 02 September 2011, 10:06:12
Quote
Remind me what the gain here is? You are still carrying something that is approximately the same length, but far more bulky  :-/


Pretty much what I was thinking.... Why?
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: car-nut on 02 September 2011, 10:34:48
Key doesn't jab you in the leg and I think it looks better.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: TheBoy on 02 September 2011, 10:59:19
Quote
Key doesn't jab you in the leg and I think it looks better.
Never suffered the former, and IMHO, latter looks worse due to the shear bulk of the key  :-/

Each to their own :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: speedy_ns on 02 September 2011, 16:29:51
Is there anyone that could take some pictures of this flip key, and mayby some pictures of transfering 3 button transponder iside of flip key. I would like to have one.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: car-nut on 02 September 2011, 17:20:59
I will take photo's as soon as I do the transfer.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: speedy_ns on 02 September 2011, 17:33:30
Thanks mate!
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Martin_1962 on 06 September 2011, 23:30:40
Putting a 3 button into a flip fob and converting it looks rather tricky - mainly on boot switch - would like to see the inside of these
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 08 September 2011, 14:32:10
Quote
Putting a 3 button into a flip fob and converting it looks rather tricky - mainly on boot switch - would like to see the inside of these

These cases are not the flip fobs you've seen. They are designed and built for the exact purpose of holding the electronics of older non flip keys. You just have to put the electronics in them. There is no need of converting anything.

The boot switch works as good as the other 2 buttons.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Jimbob on 08 September 2011, 14:34:02
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vectra-Astra-Omega-3-button-remote-flip-key-fob-case-/290606344730?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43a97cea1a

£14 job done....should you want one  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 08 September 2011, 15:50:16
Quote
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vectra-Astra-Omega-3-button-remote-flip-key-fob-case-/290606344730?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43a97cea1a

£14 job done....should you want one  :y

 :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 08 September 2011, 15:51:10
Quote
Quote
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vectra-Astra-Omega-3-button-remote-flip-key-fob-case-/290606344730?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43a97cea1a

£14 job done....should you want one  :y

 :y

What sticker did the key came with? Opel or Vauxhall?
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Jimbob on 08 September 2011, 15:52:07
no idea...havent bought one, and wont, pointless idea imho.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: WinRAR on 08 September 2011, 16:31:14
Quote
no idea...havent bought one, and wont, pointless idea imho.

Ok. Irony detector failed.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: hercules on 08 September 2011, 19:34:20
Quote
no idea...havent bought one, and wont, pointless idea imho.
;D 2nd that
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Stallion on 09 September 2011, 01:42:31
Quote
no idea...havent bought one, and wont, pointless idea imho.

 ;D ;D ;D ;D  ;)
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Jimbob on 09 September 2011, 07:29:57
and another...

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1315549485/0#1
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 September 2011, 09:03:16
I like them.

For me there great as I only ever have a car key (and no other keys on the same set) so the fact I no longer have a blade pushing holes in my pocket is a bonus.

But as always, each to thier own  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: Jimbob on 09 September 2011, 12:25:05
Quote
I like them.

For me there great as I only ever have a car key (and no other keys on the same set) so the fact I no longer have a blade pushing holes in my pocket is a bonus.

But as always, each to thier own  :y

That use I can see, esp working on trains etc...

But when you walk around like a jailer, the usefulness is not there imho.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: car-nut on 09 September 2011, 19:01:29
This mod is properly on hold as the Vectra has had a hissy fit and now wont start!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: tgm147 on 21 February 2012, 22:18:28
Holy thread bump Batman!

Bought one of these from Ebay not expecting much in the way of quality. Well I was wrong! Got the blade cut using the key code at the local place. Screwed it together and put a little blob of putty behind the PCB and on the transponder so it can't move, screwed it together and it was fine. Feels very solid, the plastic is good and thick and no more holes in my pockets! Only have the car key and one other little one on the keyring so the pockets will live to survive another day. Mine came with an Opel badge on it.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: jonny2112 on 21 February 2012, 22:41:54
I remember seeing on the bay little Vx badges for the fobs  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: feeutfo on 22 February 2012, 00:23:55
Quote
Quote
Quote
Remind me what the gain here is?

For me, one is aesthetics. Other is the convenience of carrying a rounded plastic square vs a metal key shaped thing.

Opinions like asses, I guess.
I have a fleece, that when I pick something up off the floor with omega key in fleece pocket, the blade sticks me in the side. Every single time.

Little gain to be had though. Although I go like the flip keys. The omega internals can be made to fit the flip case I believe....?
Seeing as I happen to know you can't drive with the steering wheel height adjuster in place, I'm guessing a massive bulk hanging out of the ignition is going to get on your goat far more than the occasinal stab from your fleece.


it was in the way a bit on that Astra VXR I drove.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: LFF64 on 22 February 2012, 13:38:30
They also do them for the two button type  :y
The only thing is mine came with the Opel/Opal badge ,but I had a couple of the small metal badges that are found on some of the older VX handbook wallets a bit of modifying and these can be used  :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: star_whites on 23 February 2012, 12:55:10
I did this about a month ago and find them much better. Like stated, no more holes in pockets and being stabbed in the leg. I also find that they are not that bulky compared to some other make keys but I guess its preference.

On using the keys I tend to find the signal is not quite as strong and I have to be closer to the car but this could also be the battery starting to go. I think the hardest thing is ensuring you get the right tension on the return spring inside the key otherwise it doesnt spring out.

Also you get a full set of instructions with these when ordering and all you need is a small precision screwdriver to carry out the mod!  :y :y
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: dbug on 24 February 2012, 19:51:49
Not got one for the Omegas, but the Jag key is a flip. 
Not much thicker/bigger than the plastic part of a standard Omega key, but without the metal part sticking out!! :y
Whist its a personnel preference, I much prefer the flip key style.
Title: Re: Flip Keys
Post by: MV6Danny on 25 February 2012, 21:41:58
I bought one for my two button key off the bay of e. Really happy with it would recommend them to anyone.
The link is: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-2-But-Conversion-Case-Zafira-Vectra-omega-/190608517692?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item2c61272a3c  :y