Wireless remote control of door locks
It’s time for bed, but did you lock the door? You can see who’s at the front door on your smartphone with a video intercom, but can you unlock the door to let them in without getting out of bed, out of the comfy chair, or off of the sofa? Those two of many other scenarios where remote access to an electronic door lock would be convenient.
The cost and simplicity of installing remote door locks is coming down, but this project is still more expensive and costly than simple lighting controls. Still I post this article with a video and press release of HAI control of Kwikset ZigBee wireless door locks.
Press Release
HAI Releases Stand-Alone Remote Functionality with Kwikset ZigBee Door Locks
March 29th , 2012 — Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), leading manufacturer of integrated security and home automation products since 1985, announced stand-alone integration with an HAI MicroControl and Kwikset ZigBee wireless door locks.
HAI’s MicroControl, (part number 81A00-2WHZB), is a standalone remote control for ZigBee wireless door locks. This functionality means that a home or business owner, without any other automation equipment, can wirelessly lock and unlock individual doors with a simple button push. They can also use the same MicroControl to coordinate all of their wireless energy management devices, including thermostats and load control modules for compressors, generators, chillers, water heaters, pumps, fountains, and more. The MicroControl provides homeowners or building managers a status of each lock and the ability to lock or unlock specific door locks.
In addition to stand-alone functionality, the MicroControl and ZigBee wireless door locks can be fully integrated into an HAI Omni or Lumina home control system means increased access control with cutting-edge electronic locks from various manufacturers. Users gain the ability to lock and unlock up to 16 doors from HAI Ethernet Touchscreens, keyfobs, and remotely via mobile Apple/Android devices. The HAI controller can lock and unlock the locks, in addition to monitoring the state of the locks. HAI systems may even be configured to automatically set lighting, music, and temperature based on the locked/unlocked status of the door.
The ZigBee integration has been specifically verified with the Black & Decker Kwikset SmartCode locks, but it should work with other locks that support the standard ZigBee Home Automation profile lock cluster.
HAI ZigBee lock integrations are available now. The door lock integrations are compatible with all Ethernet-enabled Omni and Lumina controllers, including Omni Pro II, Omni IIe, Lumina Pro, and Lumina, utilizing firmware version 3.10 or later. The ZigBee integrations require usage of HAI’s MicroControl, HAI part number 81A00-2WHZB, or the HAI Zigbee Interface Module, HAI Part Number, 81A00-3ZB, running firmware 14.08 or later.
“HAI has lots of customers using the MicroControl as a stand-alone energy management system,” explained Jay McLellan, HAI President & CEO. “The ability to use the same infrastructure to integrate security in the form of wireless door locks is an affordable option for many retrofit situations or new construction.”
HAI products are available through a worldwide network of Distributors and installing Dealers in over 80 countries. For more information on HAI, please visit www.homeauto.com or email sales@homeauto.com.
About HAI (www.homeauto.com): HAI (Home Automation, Inc.) is a privately held manufacturer of integrated automation and security products for residential and commercial use based in New Orleans, LA. Incorporated in 1985, HAI has developed a full line of award-winning automation products, including home control systems, programmable communicating thermostats, smart light switches, Whole Home Audio systems, video surveillance equipment, access control products, Touchscreen interfaces, and software that allows access and control of an automation system over the Internet. All products are sold through HAI’s worldwide network of Distribution Partners and installed by trained dealers in over 80 countries.
My front door already has an electric release. I want to
install a wireless system by which my people can see who is at the door — 5
locations, video and audio to each station — and buzz them in from any of the
5 stations. Audio and video as part of the system — not smartphone-based, if possible.
Do you have such a system, and can you direct me to a dealer or installer north of Boston
MA? Email please — no phone calls.
Thanks for your question, Eli. While I no longer work directly with home automation and control systems, let me make some suggestions besides searching on Google, SmartHome.com and HomeToys.com. (I used to write for them.) You’ll probably get your best answers from speaking with local installers, and to find them I’d start with CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association). You can search by topic, zip code, etc. at http://www.cedia.org/find-a-cedia-professional.
With that said, I do want you to know the security risks, first from giving so many people remote access to your home, and because of the relative ease in breaking Wi-Fi encryption. But if it’s a health need, you’ll probably accept those risks.
Webcam monitoring doesn’t require fancy cameras. Instead your old, unused webcams can be put to good use, by setting them up as security cameras. There are a bunch of webcam software options like GotoCamera available online, that will help you use their service for this purpose.