Smart lock recommendations?

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MattEast

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#3120202 25-Aug-2023 20:04

Schlage Sense connected via Apple HomeKit, no bridge etc. PIN code if you don’t have your phone or Watch. This one doesn’t have the RFID unlock (with Apple devices ), the newer ones do. I did have an Android when I got it and had to use a bridge, not ideal, but it is cross platform. No issues with it, had it around four years.

Matt East

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itxtme

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#3120343 25-Aug-2023 23:01

We have an E-lok. Been excellent although build installed the clutch backward. It the best I have used and I have used a few. Most need a hub if you want wifi and this no different.

Main think I like about this is it disengages a clutch to lock. So when locked the handle can still turn but it does nothing. I think their app is the best (again used a few). I really like it. Caveat is its suited really for a new door so you install the mortice lock that's required.

With the WIFI hub we get about 12 months from the batteries, pretty good.

shanes

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#3120364 26-Aug-2023 09:02

Klathman:

I've had an August lock for a few years now. My version is Bluetooth only, but I have the connect WiFi hub to allow it to integrate with our HomeAssistant and Echo devices. The Connect range is pretty poor but the new versions have WiFi built in. That's really my only complaint with it at the moment. Sometimes the connect loses its connection with the lock even though it's only 2m away.

The auto-unlock works really well though despite any range issues.

I have been tempted to get the new version but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

I have both the old and new Wifi versions, they are great locks, but I am not sure I'd go with the Wifi version again.

The Wifi version eats batteries, I probably get 4-6 weeks from a set of CR123's, and they are not cheap!

jonathan18

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#3145349 11-Oct-2023 13:19

I’m also in the market for a smart lock, but have the frustrating situation of the lock being placed under the door handle, so not a lot of space for the more substantial ‘inside’ component that most of these locks have.

Has anyone got some recommendations for units that will work in such a space? Looking for one with WiFi (even if a separate hub), fingerprint and/or keypad, physical key back-up.

The model that’s most piqued my interest is the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, which seems to get good reviews, and has all these features. It’s not widely available in NZ, but a great price via Prime on Amazon at the moment: https://www.amazon.com/ULTRALOQ-WiFi-Keyless-Fingerprint-Deadbolt/dp/B0C61DKKL8/.

I saw they state on box it’s not compatible with handle-above-lock like our door, but wouldn’t that be more a matter of just ensuring there’s enough space for the internal unit? I can’t find the specific placement of the lock mechanism relative to the inside unit, but overall it’s 125mm high. As per the photo below, I have 65mm from the top of the current lock to the additional wooden piece, or if that bit is removed it’ll be 80mm.

Any advice on how feasible it may be to install this lock or similar ones in this location (or should I post this on the home workshop forum?)?

MattEast

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#3145364 11-Oct-2023 14:06

If space is an issue you could just order one for installation on the right hand side of a door, then just install it on your door inverted. Aside from the logo being upside-down, I'd assume it would still work.

Matt East

Obraik

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#3145365 11-Oct-2023 14:06

The smart lock would replace the deadbolt at the bottom. You could then replace the turn handle at the top with a new one that doesn't have a lock, or just confiscate the keys from everyone to that lock and leave it as it is :)

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jonathan18

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#3145373 11-Oct-2023 14:33

Yeah, I also thought about upside down installation, but I did read one company didn’t recommend installing one side the reverse of the other, due to the cabling that connects the two parts - this may be specific to that brand, and may be ok with the Ultraloq one I’m looking at. (As I ideally want one with a numeric pad as well, this type won’t work so well if both parts are upside down!)

As it happens, the original lock attached to the handle doesn’t ever get used - I’m not sure we even have a key for it - so it’s only the bottom lock that’s used.

I note they also make a Z-Wave version of the same lock ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Q5QTSQS/) - are there many advantages of this over WiFi? I imagine battery life is the obvious one. I have a Samsung hub sitting unused, which I assume I could use for this if it’s worth it - noting that the WiFi one is currently $50 US cheaper.

turtleattacks

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#3145375 11-Oct-2023 14:39

jonathan18: Yeah, I also thought about upside down installation, but I did read one company didn’t recommend installing one side the reverse of the other, due to the cabling that connects the two parts - this may be specific to that brand, and may be ok with the Ultraloq one I’m looking at. (As I ideally want one with a numeric pad as well, this type won’t work so well if both parts are upside down!)

As it happens, the original lock attached to the handle doesn’t ever get used - I’m not sure we even have a key for it - so it’s only the bottom lock that’s used.

I note they also make a Z-Wave version of the same lock ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Q5QTSQS/) - are there many advantages of this over WiFi? I imagine battery life is the obvious one. I have a Samsung hub sitting unused, which I assume I could use for this if it’s worth it - noting that the WiFi one is currently $50 US cheaper.

Can you take a photo of the other side of the door?

I think the Wyze lock will work.

You might need to go to the hardware shop to buy a stand deadbolt lock to replace it though.

jonathan18

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#3145411 11-Oct-2023 16:16

Photo of inside of door below. I have looked at Wyze; while the one your link took me to doesn’t have either numeric pad or finger print reader (though can add the latter, I think), there is the Wyze Lock Bolt, but I don’t believe that has WiFi?

What’s holding me off pressing ‘buy’ on the Ultraloq is the specs that say the bolt cavity needs to be 25mm across; I’ve measured the current bolt and that’s 21mm; the width of the plate over the bolt is 25mm. Noting this is a thread about smartlocks themselves, I’ll ask about this on another thread (here https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=141&topicid=309360).

jonathan18

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#3145441 11-Oct-2023 17:31

After being given some reassurance that the sizing of the lock should be fine I’ve gone ahead and ordered the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wifi - Amazon Prime price was $290 NZD including GST and with free delivery, whereas it’s $519 from Harvey Norman (the only site I could see selling it in NZ). That’s definitely less than I expected to pay for such a fully-spec’d lock. Here’s hoping the installation process goes smoothly, though!

jonathan18

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#3152571 27-Oct-2023 11:04

jonathan18:

After being given some reassurance that the sizing of the lock should be fine I’ve gone ahead and ordered the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wifi - Amazon Prime price was $290 NZD including GST and with free delivery, whereas it’s $519 from Harvey Norman (the only site I could see selling it in NZ). That’s definitely less than I expected to pay for such a fully-spec’d lock. Here’s hoping the installation process goes smoothly, though!

I installed the lock without any issue yesterday - it was actually much easier to install than the standard deadbolt it replaced! Digital set-up was a little more convoluted, primarily as it did have some issues with connecting to WiFi and also updating the firmware, but they seemed to have sorted themselves after a reset. In use, it's working really well; like most fingerprint readers it can be a bit fussy, but it's generally pretty accurate. PIN works perfectly, and I have set up location-based unlocking but not really tested it yet. Google Home integration was straight-forward; no more forgetting to lock the house at night anymore! Great to also reach the point of not needing to carry any keys - my car has an RFID card instead of a key, so the only key I needed was the house key, and now that's gone...

My wife's so keen on it she now wants one for the front door; I think I'll just order it off Amazon Au, as it seems to be the same or very similar product for $250sh (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BNM5FSZ3/), vs another listing for over $400 (https://www.amazon.com.au/ULTRALOQ-U-Bolt-Sensor-Keyless-Fingerprint/dp/B0C61DKKL8/).

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