As illustrated in FIG. 6, the programmable electronic key 20 comprises a housing 21 and an outer sleeve 23 that is removably disposed on the housing. The housing 21 contains the internal components of the key 20, including without limitation the logic control circuit, memory, communication system and battery, as will be described. A window 24 may be formed through the outer sleeve 23 for viewing indicia 24A that uniquely identifies the key 20, or alternatively, indicates a particular server rack for use with the key. The outer sleeve 23 is removably disposed on the housing 21 so that the indicia 24A may be altered or removed and replaced with different indicia. The programmable electronic key 20 may further comprise a detachable “quick-release” type key chain ring 30. An opening 26 (FIG. 8) is formed through the outer sleeve 23 and a key chain ring port 28 is formed in the housing 21 for receiving the key chain ring 30. The programmable electronic key 20 further comprises a transfer probe 25 located at an end of the housing 21 opposite the key chain ring port 28 for transferring data and power to the security device 40, as previously described. The transfer probe 25 also transmits and receives the handshake communication protocol and the SDC from the programming station 60, as previously described, and receives power from the charging station 80, as will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.
