biometric locksets -- experience?
Dennis
most likely to have experience with these items.
Smarthome has been sending catalogs with fingerprint reading locksets and
deadbolts. Anyone have any experience with these? I'm wondering how good
their discrimination is -- do they always read a valid fingerprint and
always reject an invalid one? Also wondering about the battery life -- any
experience as to how often the batteries have to be changed? Finally, how
about the locksets and deadbolts themselves? Are they good quality
hardware?
Any experience, hearsay, whatever that anyone can offer will be appreciated.
Dennis M
Robert L Bass
> thought folks here might be most likely to have
> experience with these items.
Your post is not off topic. Biometric locks and access controls
are part of automation in general and are an occasional component
of home automation systems.
> ...fingerprint reading locksets and deadbolts.
> Anyone have any experience with these? I'm
> wondering how good their discrimination is...
Fingerprint locks on the whole are not 100% reliable. If you
want to be more certain that only an authorized person is able to
operate the lock, consider one that combines biometrics with a
code pad in a logical AND mode. Note that the Smarthome model is
dual tech but in a logical OR mode, which makes it weaker -- not
stronger.
OTOH, most residences are so easy to break in without
compromising the lock that a dual technology lock is probably
overkill.
> -- do they always read a valid fingerprint and
> always reject an invalid one?
No and no. Even the fingerprint readers we sell to military
customers are not absolutely reliable. They are better than most
keyed locks and better than simple code locks but anything really
critical still requires manned supervision. Reasonably secure
fingerprint readers cost over $500 without a lock. Anything of
the sort that you can buy for $180 is almost certainly a toy.
> Finally, how about the locksets and deadbolts themselves?
> Are they good quality hardware?
I haven't examined the Smarthome model directly but my nephew
bought one that looked identical to it on eBay. It was pretty
flimsy. He tried it on his college dorm room and tossed it after
one semester.
--
Regards,
Robert L Bass
Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
--
Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large
groups.
E. Lee Dickinson
"Robert L Bass" <sa...@bassburglaralarms.com> wrote:
> OTOH, most residences are so easy to break in without
> compromising the lock that a dual technology lock is probably
> overkill.
This has been a driving factor for me in designing my security system. For
the longest time, I wasn't going to get electric strike plates, as I've
always insisted on deadbolts. Electric deadbolts bring up the problem of
"fail safe" vs. "fail secure."
People have also advised me against using RFID and other wireless
technologies to disarm and unlock.
I finally decided, anything more difficult to defeat than "rock through
window" isn't worth worrying about. A guy with an RFID sniffer is going to
get into my house a lot less often than a guy with a rock. Best I can hope
to do is provide barriers to the casual thief, and hope to ensure the alarm
goes off on an unauthorized entry.
Beachcomber
Yes... but the topic was biometric locksets. The promise of not
having to carry a key or worrying about losing a passcard. The
promise that the person being buzzed in is exactly and uniquely the
person who has been authorized to pass.
Personally, I like the reliability of numeric coded keypads. They
are biometric in the sense that the combination is "stored" in the
users brain. Of course, the downside is that anyone else can get in
if they somehow discover the code.
Beachcomber.
Robert L Bass
> window" isn't worth worrying about. A guy with an RFID sniffer is going to
> get into my house a lot less often than a guy with a rock. Best I can hope
> to do is provide barriers to the casual thief, and hope to ensure the alarm
> goes off on an unauthorized entry.
Precisely! A brief dissertation on home security follows. Hope
some find this helpful.
There are a few things you can do without incurring considerable
cost to enhance your home's security. The obvious stuff about
keeping shrubbery trimmed and the exterior well lit has been
mentioned hundreds of times but it still bears repeating.
Good locks should have at least a 1" (preferably 1-1/2") throw
deadbolt. The strike plate should be set with 4" long, hardened
screws so it ties into the framing member instead of just the
thin pine of the door jamb. Self-locking door locks should have
an anti-shim device so they can't easily be opened with a credit
card.
The above should be part of your first line of defense. Bob
Campbell, a friend from Canada who sells physical and electronic
security systems has a wealth of information on ways to make your
home physically secure in his website at
http://www.homemetal.com/
Side note: Like me, Bob has a bit of a burr under his saddle for
certain less-than-honorable members of the alarm industry and he
uses his website as a forum to express those views.
An electronic security system should be your second line of
defense after physical security. You might want to consider
doing a full perimeter system, consisting of magnetic door and
window sensors (called "contacts") backed up by acoustic glass
break detectors in rooms where a thief is likely kick in a glass
door, etc. Glass break detectors are not 100% reliable though.
They are an enhancement but should not be considered primary
protection.
If you don't have lots of animals running around, consider a few
strategically placed motion detectors as well. These can serve
double duty as alarm and occupancy sensors.
Look into smoke detection as well. It's an inexpensive
enhancement that can save your house if the alarm is monitored.
Note: I didn't say it will save your life because most modern
homes in the US already have 110VAC smoke detectors that can save
your life.
Chub
"Robert L Bass" <sca...@bassburgeralarms.com> wrote in message
news:mtkl12101nvaeuofs...@4ax.com...
> Side note: Like me, Bob has a bit of a burr under his saddle for
> certain less-than-honorable members of the alarm industry and he
> uses his website as a forum to express those views.
>
this coming from an ex con with a BBB report as long as your arm.
http://www.bbbwestflorida.org/commonreport.html?bid=41001663
meethinks thou dost protest too mightily.
Robert L Bass
> having to carry a key or worrying about losing a passcard. The
> promise that the person being buzzed in is exactly and uniquely the
> person who has been authorized to pass.
Unfortunately, the current crop of consumer-grade biometric lock
sets don't fulfill that promise. They are not sufficiently
accurate to guaranty entry to authorized personnel nor do they
reliably prevent unauthorized entry.
> Personally, I like the reliability of numeric coded keypads. They
> are biometric in the sense that the combination is "stored" in the
> users brain. Of course, the downside is that anyone else can get in
> if they somehow discover the code.
True indeed. There is one popular brand that comes with a
default code (which I happen to know) and this provided
opportunity for a bit of fun one day. I asked to use the
lavatory in a pharmacy near Boston several years ago. The clerk
said, "Sure. It's in the office. I'll let you in." As we
approached the office door with her behind me I noticed the lock
and on a hunch tried the default code. The door opened.
The clerk was astounded. When she asked how I did that I smiled
and said something like, "It takes experience but after a while
you can read the code by looking at the buttons". The moral is,
if you use a coded lock please remember to change the code. :^)
Byron Hynes
only opinion of him is formed from reading here for the last few months.
I've seen him post what seem to be informed, reasonable posts, and share
his knowledge. I have not seen him spit venom at people he doesn't like (not
to say he has never, but not that I've been online to see). Yes, he has a
business and he mentions it or gives links to it. In my opinion, he is upfront
about that and does so in a profressional manner. This is not a new idea.
Why do you think Microsoft sponsors free Technet events or Proctor and Gamble
has sponsored soap operas for 50 years or more.
On the other hand, Mr "chub", you are just rude.
You have a problem with him -- Fine. Guess what: I DON'T CARE. I don't like
reading your vitrol in the morning. What do you think you are accomplishing?
Stopping people from buying from him? Hurting him? (Sounds like revenge and
a weak attempt at vindication.) Educating people? Well, you're not.
If he had something small I needed, I'd probably buy from him in a minute;
given logistics of delivery and pricing. Were it to be a major purchase,
I'd do my own due diligence and research and make my own decision, because
I am a grown-up who is responsible for my own decisions. To be frank about
it, if you and he were both selling something, I'd be much more likely to
by from him just because of the way he posts and the way you post.
Lastly, Mr. Robert L Bass, like me, posts with a full name (that I assume
is his own), and with a real way to contact him. I doubt you'll understand
this concept, but this means that he is standing behind what he says. I've
posted some things in the last 20 years that I really wish weren't still
in Google. But, I haven't changed my name or started hiding behind fake names.
It's part of being part of a community, my flaws are out there along with
my successes (and I hope there is more of the latter than the former). There's
accountability in that, that someone with a one-word psuednym and fake email
address will never have.
I suspect I am wasting my keystrokes, but it was either that or do work.
- Byron
RoughRider
"Byron Hynes" <b...@byronetta.com> wrote in message
news:50cb70803e5ea8...@newsgroups.comcast.net...
Dennis
before plopping money into it. Though it also sounds like not many folks
have actually tried these devices yet. Obviously one would still probably
have to carry a key for those times when arriving home one found the
batteries had given up the ghost, so it would have just been a matter of
convienience when loaded down with packages to not have to fish around for
one key of many on (in my case) three different keychains. There's work
keys and house keys and a couple of cars worth of keys and motorcycle keys
and church keys and various padlocks and luggage and, and, and --- suffice
it to say that a grab into the pockey seldom brings up the right ring, let
alone the right key.
Robert L Bass
There is at a more mature technology which you might want to
consider. Proximity readers can detect a card or key fob in your
hand or in your pocket and unlock the door as you approach.
These vary in price, functionality and operating range. There
are numerous good quality, highly reliable models around, several
of which I handle. If that's of interest, please let me know.
--
Regards,
Robert L Bass
Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
--
Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large
groups.
> Thanks to all for replies. Sounds like I better let this stuff mature
alarmi...@aol.com
tell us again what a well-mannered person he is. Mention his name in
the rec.aviation group and see what a fine fellow they find him to be.
Con artists are always the nicest people you could ever meet.
His "knowledge" of the industry comes from reading manuals and not from
hands on experience.
The only reason he doesn't act up in here is because he trolls these
waters for customers, and the bait he's using seems to be working
because you oblivious knuckleheads actually support him.
Don't confuse yourself with the facts, Byron. Apparently your opinion,
based on what you READ, has more validity than the files of the Better
Business Bureau, the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida
electrical board, the State of Connecticut's Department of Consumer
Protection, etc, etc, etc. His entire business is based on lies but hey
why should anyone care? Who needs laws anyway?
Oh, if you have a problem with my reply, Guess What: I don't care
either. If you ever decide to visit reality please stop by and say
hello. My name is Tom Fowler and I'll be your tour guide.
Hey Chub, nice post. You'll have a hard time trying to get these jokers
to see what a crock of crap bAss is. All these geeks care about is
turning their ceiling fans on with a wristwatch to impress their
friends. It's an illness, and they get what they deserve.
chub
"Byron Hynes" <b...@byronetta.com> wrote in message
news:50cb70803e5ea8...@newsgroups.comcast.net...
> only opinion of him is formed from reading here for the last few months.
get ready to be educated
>
> I've seen him post what seem to be informed, reasonable posts, and share
> his knowledge. I have not seen him spit venom at people he doesn't like
> (not to say he has never, but not that I've been online to see). Yes, he
> has a business and he mentions it or gives links to it.
In opposition to the group faq, how special. Birds of a feather flock
together.
>In my opinion, he is upfront about that and does so in a profressional
>manner. This is not a new idea. Why do you think Microsoft sponsors free
>Technet events or Proctor and Gamble has sponsored soap operas for 50 years
>or more.
>
> On the other hand, Mr "chub", you are just rude.
bingo
>
> You have a problem with him -- Fine. Guess what: I DON'T CARE. I don't
> like reading your vitrol in the morning. What do you think you are
> accomplishing? Stopping people from buying from him? Hurting him? (Sounds
> like revenge and a weak attempt at vindication.) Educating people? Well,
> you're not.
no just disrupting this newsgroup like he does in others and then saying
tuff sh_t if you don't like it because you can't stop me, exactly like he
does in other groups I frequent. As long as he is a bAss in ASA others will
follow him and disrupt wherever he goes. That is the kind of impression he
has made. He stops and we will stop. Deal?
>
> If he had something small I needed, I'd probably buy from him in a minute;
> given logistics of delivery and pricing. Were it to be a major purchase,
> I'd do my own due diligence and research and make my own decision, because
> I am a grown-up who is responsible for my own decisions. To be frank about
> it, if you and he were both selling something, I'd be much more likely to
> by from him just because of the way he posts and the way you post.
You can't buy from me because I have nothing to sell. I suppose you didn't
check out the BBB report. Have fun buying from bAss
>
> Lastly, Mr. Robert L Bass, like me, posts with a full name (that I assume
> is his own), and with a real way to contact him. I doubt you'll understand
> this concept, but this means that he is standing behind what he says. I've
> posted some things in the last 20 years that I really wish weren't still
> in Google. But, I haven't changed my name or started hiding behind fake
> names. It's part of being part of a community, my flaws are out there
> along with my successes (and I hope there is more of the latter than the
> former). There's accountability in that, that someone with a one-word
> psuednym and fake email address will never have.
I assume that is your name, I don't care, if so you get a star.
>
> I suspect I am wasting my keystrokes, but it was either that or do work.
I suspect you're correct on this idea.
chub
<alarmi...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1142670135.2...@u72g2000cwu.googlegroups.com...
> Spend all of about ten minutes reading what bAss posts in ASA and then
> tell us again what a well-mannered person he is. Mention his name in
> the rec.aviation group and see what a fine fellow they find him to be.
> Con artists are always the nicest people you could ever meet.
> His "knowledge" of the industry comes from reading manuals and not from
> hands on experience.
> The only reason he doesn't act up in here is because he trolls these
> waters for customers, and the bait he's using seems to be working
> because you oblivious knuckleheads actually support him.
> Don't confuse yourself with the facts, Byron. Apparently your opinion,
> based on what you READ, has more validity than the files of the Better
> Business Bureau, the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida
> electrical board, the State of Connecticut's Department of Consumer
> Protection, etc, etc, etc. His entire business is based on lies but hey
> why should anyone care? Who needs laws anyway?
> Oh, if you have a problem with my reply, Guess What: I don't care
> either. If you ever decide to visit reality please stop by and say
> hello. My name is Tom Fowler and I'll be your tour guide.
>
>
> Hey Chub, nice post. You'll have a hard time trying to get these jokers
> to see what a crock of crap bAss is. All these geeks care about is
> turning their ceiling fans on with a wristwatch to impress their
> friends. It's an illness, and they get what they deserve.
I am not trying to get these birds of a feather to unflock with bAss. Just
doing here what he does in ASA. Alittle tit for tat.
Childish, huh.;) He can run but he can't hide.
thanks
Bill Kearney
ASA is a cesspool. Don't waste your time in it.
Bill Kearney
Yeah, there's a whole legion of these nitwits. None of whom seem to have
enough integrity to actually post with anything other than forged addresses.
Cowards, really.
Dennis
How about a lock, that is a dead bolt, uses keypad input, and
absolutely would never require you to carry a backup key, not to
mention it is impervious to power outages. In terms of this forum it
does have one big draw back, it can not be incorporated into a HA
system because it is not electronic, <GRIN. A friend of mine uses
these mechanical push button combination locks on his house. They come
in a variety of styles and really are a cool and secure alternative to
the key carrying dilemma. The codes can even be set to require
combinations of keys to be entered together as part of the entry code.
I don't have the brand information at hand, but if your interested I
could contact him to get it.
Dennis
P.S. Love your name! <GRIN.
Dennis wrote:
> Thanks to all for replies. Sounds like I better let this stuff mature
> before plopping money into it. Though it also sounds like not many folks
> have actually tried these devices yet. Obviously one would still probably
> have to carry a key for those times when arriving home one found the
> batteries had given up the ghost, so it would have just been a matter of
> convenience when loaded down with packages to not have to fish around for
Nick Hull
> "Robert L Bass" <sa...@bassburglaralarms.com> wrote:
>
> > OTOH, most residences are so easy to break in without
> > compromising the lock that a dual technology lock is probably
> > overkill.
OTOH, some places are easier to get into than to get out of ;)
--
Free men own guns, slaves don't
www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/5357/