“just depends if you want the controller in the lock itself or controlled by a computer somewhere…”
The problem I see with having a computer to control everything is that if something happens that makes the computer crash, or shutdown, then most people will be locked out of the space…
Very true. Well not having it linked to the computer cuts down on costs. The simple fingerprint deadbolt systems I was looking at earlier this year (was planning on using them at my house so my kids can get in after school w/ worrying about lost keys or the baby mammas using them… 
cost around $300-$500 iirc. They had auto-locking features too, so they automatically lock after they are shut. I can look up details but the home models stored 20 or so prints. We would probably want a commercial model but there are also override keys.
Yes they can be picked. But it’s the same fail closed rule. W/o external power like these models have they require batteries. They give plenty of warning when the batteries are going low but you still need a backup. 
Plus I’m sure the landlord would want a physical key. I’ll spec out some later to see if you guys think that’s an easier option.
Craig
True, they can be faked, but honestly, if someone is going to go all CIA on us and start trying to acquire our group member’s fingerprints so they can hack the lock… well… I think we might have bigger problems.
Also, as for a computer to control the lock, If we base it off of a laptop then it will have a built in backup power supply. And as a temporary solution it could be fun to put something together.
Common Biometric devices with feature list:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rEX6moE7cj871xXRtt7UkWA&single=true&gid=0&output=html
I like the $500 w/ network support
so, a 'duino and a stepper motor to run the deadbolt.
a serial cable to a PC to tell said duino to lock/unlock door.
software/internet magic to handle authorization
???
profit
the deadbolt could still use keys for landlord/doomsday override since the mechanism is physically turned instead of magnetically unsealed.
While we’re on the subject of security, I think we should totally hook this up to a set of nerf turrets with motion detectors on them, and maybe a potato gun. During the event of a break in, the asterisk PBX dials 911 and plays to them a recording:
"Hello!
This is the Hive13 (or insert funny AI name) at ($ADDRESS) reporting a break-in in progress. I have engaged my self-defense systems, but they consist of nerf turrets and a potato gun. Please send back up."
Just sayin.
i second!
we need digitzed kid voices for the turrets. like the robo turrets from portal:
“Hello! This is the HiveMind at…”
s/erf turrents/apalm/
Something simple with a non power based entry is always good, like a key
based deadbolt that is also controlled via tech.
make a dongle based key system with a cheap usb drive, and a usb port on
the outside of the door. system checks usb for some file/md5/hash
whatever and powers motor to unlock bolt. Key replacement simple as an
updated file.
Does the outer door to the loading dock need a key after hours or is it
always open?
Chris Anderson wrote:
@Guy I like the USB dongle with md5 hashed file. Person can pick the file they want, we hash it and store the hash, but then the problem becomes that they can just give the hashed file to anyone and that person gets access… Maybe there is a way to somehow tie a drives ID into it?
They do this really awesome thing now with metal. They form thin,
wafer like bars with it, then they chip away segments so that what are
called "teeth" remain. These "teeth" match required slots within
something called a "lock" that, with the wafer inserted to the proper
depth and turned, force the "lock" to release either a bolt or clasp
of something.
I think we should investigate into this new technology.
Sounds boring
Let's no make this to complex, it's not fort knox. Any access token
(key, usb drive, hashed file, password,) can be given to someone else.
That is where the trust part of security kicks in.
Really it's just using a usb drive vs a physical key, as the usb drive
is easier and faster to change then repining the lock and making new
keys. This of it as a hotel type key, but usb not mag stripe. And usb
can't be bumped to unlock.
Paul wrote:
unless you go biometric two factor, but it's a bit excessive.
The self defense robot is hilarious. I would like erik to help make a
replica of a Portal turret and have it talk human, dtmf and 10/100.
I think more likely than a break in- is a power outage. For all the
electronic solutions I think we want something that is very robust
from an access perspective. Last year the pwr was out for a couple
of days in some parts of cinci after the hurricane came through. That
was prime hack time - even an 'unpowered' hackspace there are all
sorts of fun things to do (silk screening, galvanic cells, pneumatic
projects, beer brewing, etc) It would be cool to set up a cascading
array of alternative power supplies for the access/security system
ideally getting to energy independence for the passive installation
systems; fuel cells, batteries (made in house of course), photovoltaic
systems (tough but gratifying to build in house), generators etc.
Ooooh, I like. Alternative power sources, energy independence and electric bill avoidance!
run multiple power sources into a bank of batteries and run the space an inverter attached to the batteries would mean that all outlets would be UPS backed and surge protected.