Wondering if any of you guys could help us out with some knowledge. Cincy Coworks is interested in installing some sort of electronic keypad lock on our door for better access control. We've been making due with physical keys for full-time members, but part-time access is a major pain right now because it requires a full-time member to be present.
Requirements: assign different codes to different members, and restrict those codes to certain times of day, or at least track usage after the fact. I would love to have a web interface to manage codes, but I'm okay with dealing directly on the lock itself.
I've been looking over <http://www.nokey.com> (also found from the thread) and the various locks. I also came across the Schlage LINK system <http://amzn.to/lP0999> which seems nice, and cheap (bad thing?). It has web access, but only thru Schlage which charges a monthly subscription fee.
I guess I'm looking for help with the following questions:
- Can someone recommend a lock type based on your guys' experience?
- How does Hive's keypad lock work now? Does each member have a code?
- How hard is it to install these things?
- Know of anyone in town that does these things where I could outsource the whole thing?
Sorry for the long email. Any extra info would help much, as I am not a lock expert. Thanks and best regards.
1: Do you need auditing capabilities? You said you’d be fine with knowing who accessed after the fact if you couldn’t do time-restricted codes, but is having a record of access a requirement?
2: Do you want a mechanical bypass? Specifically - do you want to be able to use a key to bypass the keypad?
3: Assuming 2 is a yes - do you need the lock to track when a key has been used instead of the keypad?
4: What’s your price range and is subscription-based a turn-off?
I’m traveling at the moment, so I only have limited email access until Saturday, so my apologies if I can’t get around to a proper recommendation before then.
BLAM - talked to one of my guys at FALE (FALE Association of Locksport Enthusiasts) and guess what they just built for their hackerspace?
An access control solution that has RFID/Keypad access. Multiple codes, etc. They are working on timed access right now, but suggest that if you guys have a solid programmer you might be able to beat them to the punch on that aspect.
1: Do you need auditing capabilities? You said you'd be fine with
knowing who accessed after the fact if you couldn't do time-restricted
codes, but is having a record of access a requirement?
No, I don't think so. It would be a nice-to-have, but not a requirement.
2: Do you want a mechanical bypass? Specifically - do you want to be
able to use a key to bypass the keypad?
From what I've read, this is a must-have, in case the power goes out or the batteries get neglected.
3: Assuming 2 is a yes - do you need the lock to track when a key has
been used instead of the keypad?
Nope.
4: What's your price range and is subscription-based a turn-off?
I'm hoping for a few hundred dollars solution, $1000 max.
Subscription is not necessarily a turnoff. The Schlage is $19/mon. or something, and I'm okay with that level.
I'm traveling at the moment, so I only have limited email access until
Saturday, so my apologies if I can't get around to a proper
recommendation before then.