Electronic Locks - Wireless Or Wired Are Not A Very Green Oriented Product

 It seems that wireless or wired electronic locks are all the rage today in this rapidly progressing tech-electronic age we are in. Products like the Lockwood 001T, pictured here use a battery pack to offer keyless access control options.

But in recent years, many discussions continue to be held about green, ecological alternatives that cause no drain on power or grid electricity supplies.

Many customers seem to be considering the use of wireless battery powered products or even hard wired lock systems to add so called "convenience" to their lives.

While it is understandable that some systems can add convenience and access control to our homes and offices, the available products are not really "green" alternatives.

 The August Lock, came out a little while back, offering the ability to have a keyless/smartphone connected access control solution.

The product is very intelligently designed and may offer concerned customers the alternative they are seeking, however it is worth remembering that batteries require replacing every so often. What happens when your smartphone battery has run out? What happens when the products battery pack loses power?
How do you operate the product without a mechanical "keyed" back up?

The increasing evidence of smartphone theft and the quantity of known hacks, presents problems that many consumers may not have considered.

 At least Kwikset, are including their mechanical "keyed" cylinder in many of their Bluetooth and wireless battery powered products, even though the Kwikset Smartkey product has a poor track record of quality and is too easily compromised.

The Kwikset Kevo product was released last October. It is a Bluetooth, battery powered deadbolt that can be operated by a connected Bluetooth device (smartphone). It also comes with the Kwikset Smartkey cylinder, enabling a mechanical backup solution, even though there are many published records of the Smartkey problems, in the news.

Certainly there are many and varied options for wireless, keypad controlled, keyless solutions, but the quality of manufacture still leaves much to be desired in terms of quality and sustainability.

Many manufacturers continue to bring out ever increasing product options to whet the appetites of consumers.

But not too many are including the necessary mechanical keyed component as a backup.

I realise that many customers are impressed with the ability to grant access to certain people and then change that access on the fly, but the use of electronic products is not a "green" consideration, is it?

Creve Coeur MO Crime Statistics 30 Days to August 18 2010

I reside in the town of Creve Coeur, MO. My town, like most other regions across the country is not immune to crime.

This month we report the latest statistics reported by the Creve Coeur Police Department.

Theft - 44

Alarm Response - 120

Break & Enter - 3

Robbery - 2

We display the incidents listed above. This does not include all incidents, but just an example of the types and quantities of incidents requiring police attendance.

The surprising high quantity of alarm calls includes fire alarms and burglar alarms. Many of these incidents may include false alarms, but this indicates that either the alarm systems may be faulty or people accidentally set off their alarms and did not call their security company to cancel.

The police do not attend for nothing. Often there is a significant charge to the resident for police attendance and fire service or emergency service attendance, on top of the already steep taxes we residents pay to these departments.

For precise locations of the incidents, click on the source.

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Breaking News: Ring Acquired By Amazon

Ring, the IoT (Internet of Things) company who manufacture a unique doorbell product in the Smart category of home furnishings products space, have announced their acquisition by Amazon.

Amazon continue to diversify their portfolio of companies, in attempt to upgrade their delivery services, with the purchase of Ring. Amazon developed a system recently called Amazon Key to help with the delivery of orders to customers without leaving packages outside homes or offices.

We recently wrote an article about Ring and their relationship with Skybell, the inventor of the technology and holder of integral patents that form the basics of the technology. The article describes a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Skybell, that now increases the interest in this story with this news about Amazon's takeover.

We have written a few articles articles over the last 10 years, informing about various peepholes and camera products aimed at the entry door markets. Some of these products have seen market success, but few on the level that Ring have achieved.

The IoT phenomenon has seen a great many new products enter the marketplace over the last few years and the physical and electronic security industry has become an area that many new producers are flooding the markets with all kinds of products, aimed at simplifying our lives.

A great many manufacturers are producing many varieties of digital electronic deadbolts and door locks, many of them battery powered and wireless. The functions and appearances of the various products vary considerably and likewise the quality.

Products like Yale, Lockitron, August, Kevo, to name a few have made deciding on the appropriate product for your home or office use, tricky indeed.

New wireless and battery powered products appear to be coming to market almost everyday lately. The Smart Lock industry is valued at $30 Billion + and it stands to reason that many providers are aiming for a slice of the pie.

Not to devalue the burgeoning industry, we have found that many of the available battery powered lock products suffer from power issues. Specifically the continuing requirement for end users to regularly replace batteries to keep their products in perfect continuous operation. We find that a great many customers, who installed the latest battery powered products, tend to replace batteries about twice in the early use of the products and then revert back to using the mechanical key portion (override) because they get tired of the constant need to change batteries, adding significantly to the cost to maintain their products, effectively diminishing the value of their expensive battery powered lock product. Mechanical and key operated products are largely maintenance free.

Other issues not considered before purchasing can include, door and frame weathering, where doors and frames move with the changes of season preventing their motor driven products from aligning correctly into the strike hole (frame), adverse weather conditions - hot or cold temperatures affect battery life of externally mounted products.

Many users enjoy the ability to continually operate their locks, manually (mechanically) by using the mechanical operating key.

Many locksmiths across the world continue to supply and install great quality hardware that stand the tests of time and continue to provide almost maintenance free operation.

I realize that many homeowners like the idea of keyless lock systems, but in reality a keyed lock system provides increased security over combination entry systems especially when you cannot control the number of people who may have shared or continue to share your door entry codes.

What type of product have you on your doors?

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Home Security Invention Contest $10,000 Grand Prize

Jordan Frankel of Global Security Experts Inc Announces Home Security Invention Contest $10,000 Grand Prize - SOPL Members to Review All Submissions 05/30/2013 0 Comments Jordan Frankel, world-renowned security professional and founder of Global Security Experts, today announced the opening of the company’s first home security invention contest. The inventor with the most innovative security-related creation or concept will be awarded with a $10,000 cash prize. Professional and amateur inventors are invited to submit innovative security-related inventions or development concepts to the Global Security Experts Inventor’s Contest. There are only two requirements for submissions: all invention and concept submissions must be related to home security, and the inventions must retail for $99 or less. “We’re looking for the next best home security product or concept – something that will really make an impact by making homes safer and more secure” Frankel said. Invention submissions can be either physical security or electronic security products, like door locks, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, lighting systems, and more. Entries may be in the form of sophisticated concept drawings, basic concept descriptions, or photos or descriptions of actual prototypes. The deadline for entry submission is August 31, 2013. Entries must be submitted electronically to Mr. Jordan Frankel at Inventions@Globalsecurityexperts.com.

Today Marks Our 12th Birthday

We started our business December 26, 2006 and being our 12th birthday today we have decided to offer a special deal for the next 12 months.

Here forward, for the next twelve months we will offer a 12% discount on any and all parts purchased through us. The 12% discount will apply only on the 12th business day of the month.

January - Wednesday January 17th, 2019
February - We will be closed. Apologies.
March -  Monday March 18th, 2019
April - Tuesday April 16th, 2019
May - Thursday May 16th, 2019
June - Tuesday June 18th, 2019
July - Tuesday July 16th, 2019
August - We will be closed. Apologies.
September - Tuesday September 17th, 2019
October - Wednesday October 16th, 2019
November - Monday November 18th, 2019
December - Tuesday December 17th, 2019

The special 12% discount will apply before tax and is in addition to any other discount offered.
The discounts apply to all purchases of parts (not labor) whether online or offline.

We take this opportunity to thank our many customers for their trust and their custom. We look forward to your continued custom.

Warm Regards,
Danny Gurvis
President
Master Key Systems America LLC
https://locks210.blogspot.com/
314-266-1533

Annual Vacation

We will close August 30, 2011 for vacation. We will reopen September 8, 2011. We apologize for any inconvenience.

As we will be traveling abroad, we will be completely out of touch for this time.

Your custom is important to us. Please contact us to schedule future projects.

Breaking News: Schlage To Discontinue Securekey Line

August 1, 2011 - Schlage manufacturing have announced they will discontinue the Securekey product line Deecember 31, 2011.

According to an Ingersoll Rand manager involved, Schlage will replace all their product line with the tried and tested conventional pin tumbler system in use for over 90 years.

Securekey will continue to be supported until December 31, 2011.

There have been reports in the media, over the last couple of years, of a patent suit brought by Kwikset against Schlage for infringing certain aspects of the Smartkey technology.

Perhaps this contributed to Schlage's decision to dump the product in the face of mounting criticisms about the insecurity, ease of bypass and bumping that this product was supposed to have countered.

Consumers might begin to see big box hardware chains discounting the product to clear the shelves.

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Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - New Inventory Just Arrived And Available For Purchase Now

UPDATE: Our fabulous and in-demand product, the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is now back in stock, with new inventory having just arrived.

We just updated the purchase page and thank our  customers for their patience.

The new model, tailored to suit thicker doors of 1-3/4" (45mm) has not been released yet, although we are informed that they will be available about August. We expect to have new supply of this new model shortly thereafter.

The quantity of inquiries we are continuing to receive for the in-stock Lockwood 7444 continues to surprise us. The recent inquiries for the new 1-3/4" door model is exceeding our expectations.

Many customers across North America have 1-3/4" thick doors and some have purchased the 1-3/8" version, thinking they could just adapt it to suit the thicker doors. They can, although installation requires a little modification to your door for perfect fitting.

Until the newer model is released, we suggest purchasers who wish to install to the thicker doors, countersink the crossbore holes about 3/16" from each side. This will enable the lock body to seat correctly in your door and make connecting the screws simpler, with the activation mechanism correctly activating the bolt mechanism.

To purchase, simply click on the product image at the top left of this page and be directed to our sister site with purchase and shipping options.

Thanks again for the continued interest and your patience.

New Inventory of Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Locks Coming In About A Month

Breaking News!

The Fabulous and in demand Keyed Pocket Door Lock by Lockwood, the 7444 SPDP and it's cousins, the passage 7450, the passage latching 7410 and the privacy 7450 have all been updated to enable installation to thicker doors, meeting demand from around the world.

This means that the new model will be able to be used on doors from 32mm thick to 45mm thick.

Persistent and continuous inquiries have been flooding in requesting this lock to be used for 1-3/4" thick doors.

Until now, we have only been able to sell the 1-3/8" thick version, which typically works on standard pocket/cavity doors found more often across the market.

As a SPECIAL to our customers we will be reducing the price of the older version from the current $125 plus shipping to $80.00 each (plus shipping) to clear our excess inventory. we expect this change to occur, early next week.

The new model we expect to make available toward the end of August and expect the price to return to the current level.

Thanks for your interest.

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Amazon Key - Now Operable With Multiple Brands Of Hardware

We have previously written articles about the Amazon Key service and various products included therein.

See Amazon Key

Many homeowners are choosing to allow Amazon access to their private dwellings, to enable more secure delivery of products ordered through the Amazon marketplace.

We previously discussed the failings of this endeavor, including our opinions that having and using this service, reduces any security of your home or office. While using the camera, can be advantageous in identifying the delivery person and whomever entering your premises, do you really want almost anyone enjoying unfettered access to your private abode?

Also, subscribing to this service involves monthly access fees for connecting cameras and door locks to the Amazon Cloud. You can opt to not pay a monthly access fee, but images are stored only for 24 hours.

According to the website (in the source below), Amazon Key products need to be a single cylinder deadbolt (electronic) and separate from the operating handle hardware.

Amazon suggest on their website that to be able to use and operate the Amazon Key system, a would be user must use the product on a door that is 1-3/8" - 2" thick, be only a deadbolt (electronic) and separate from the handle hardware. You cannot use the service with French (double) doors, Rim (surface mounted) locks or mortise locksets.

The lock compatibility diagram above is a little misleading because it shows the deadbolt with a lockable lever handle lock. That scenario means that you must leave your handle lock unlocked, when allowing the Amazon Key service to operate. Will you remember to leave the handle unlocked?

The most suitable option here, would be to change your operating handle from a lockable version to a passage version, to ensure the handle remains unlocked and not lockable.

Amazon are suggesting that the Amazon Key program be operated using one of the following types of locks.

Kwikset Smartcode 916

Kwikset Obsidian

Kwikset Smartcode 914

Yale Assure 216

Yale Assure 226

Yale Assure 256

Each of the models above must be the Amazon Key edition of those locks.

To convert your existing deadbolt lock to a compatible Amazon Key serviceable lock, you would first require to already be using a Kwikset brand deadbolt on your door. And use the Kwikset Convert kit installed in place of your existing turn button. The Kwikset Convert kit is Amazon's version of the popular August Lock and similar to the Lockitron product.

Apparently, the Amazon Key service is also designed to operate with the Alexa Smart Home Speaker, which allows you to voice control your connected devices.

The Kwikset SmartKey system is well know across the market for it's shortcomings and problems. Our most popular post Kwikset Smartkey Problems has gone viral, chalking up over 100,000 views to date and is lately averaging 97 views a day.

Not mentioned in almost every article we read online, is the troubleshooting issues including but not limited to weathering, battery failure, house movement/building construction issues and improper door alignment issues that affect continued operation of electronic operated deadbolt locks.

As door repairers and locksmith technicians, we specialize in repairing and adjusting a great many doors around our geographic region. Most common, is the occurrence of door alignment, where the door will move and the lock does not line up with the strike plate. While repairing this issue is often straightforward, the inconvenience to the consumer, by being unable to lock their doors becomes a recurring nightmare. Many of our customers, who purchase battery powered door locks will often replace the batteries about two or three times before deciding that the added cost and inconvenience becomes too much of a chore, especially when they can not be confident and assured that their door is actually secure. They will most often revert to mechanically locking the deadbolt with their mechanical key, ensuring they "know" their door is secure.

It seems like a great idea to enjoy the experience of keyless and wireless operating door locks, except for the long term implications of poorly fitted doors and insufficient manufacturing quality of hardware aimed at securing our homes, families and lives.

Crime Statistics Maryland Heights 7/13/09-8/13/09

The current crime statistics for Maryland Heights area July-August 2009 are listed below.

Assault - 10

Break & Enter - 4

Homicide - 1

Sexual Offence - 6

Theft - 68

Theft From Vehicle - 4

Vehicle Theft - 5

To improve your security protection call us today.

314-266-1533

Lock Industry Mergers - HES And Securitron Combine To Form Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware

Breaking News: Two companies already owned by Lock Industry monolith Assa-Abloy, have decided to merge and form the start of Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware.

HES are a well known manufacturer of electric strikes and electronic access control products that have dominated the access control industry for over 40 years. Their continued wide ranging use in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial markets, cemented their market dominance.

Securitron, began operations in 1977 with the release of their patented "E Profile Magnetic Lock", a game changing product that dramatically increased physical security protection for entry points.
Throughout their years, Securitron have continued their impressive research and development initiatives and released market changing products including, but not limited to, "Touch-Sense Panic Exit Devices" among other products.

Assa-Abloy recognized the important and unique research and development by these two companies and separately, bought them out at different times in the last few years.

Assa-Abloy has maintained a policy of limited interference in a company it has purchased, allowing many of those companies to continue their business models, but with the strength of the Assa-Abloy Conglomerate, propping up and supporting them, keeping them financially viable and producing.

This decision, by the two companies to merge their operations under their parent company Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware, comes as no surprise to market players.

Assa-Abloy recently completed the acquisition of August, the startup company who produced a market leading residential security add-on, that converts an existing residential deadbolt lock into a bluetooth/WiFi controlled access control point, but (as it's unique selling point) without requiring a user to replace their existing deadbolt lock.

Market observers are keenly keeping eyes on Assa-Abloy to see which other companies (already under their umbrella) will be added to this new Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware division.

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