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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review

REVIEW – My father imparted many tidbits of wisdom to me prior to his passing a few weeks ago. One of his gems was, “Locks keep honest people honest.” How true this is. With Yale’s Assure Lock Deadbolt, my pockets have become a bit lighter and my home is protected in technological style.

What is it?

The Yale model YRD226 is deadbolt lock with an integrated keypad and wireless capabilities, enabling a homeowner to lock or unlock a door using a traditional key, user-programmable code, Bluetooth, Cellular or Wi-Fi.

Hardware Specs:

  • Installs in standard doors in minutes
  • Replaces existing deadbolt with just a screwdriver
  • Fits on doors 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″ thick (*1-3/8″ requires thin door gasket
  • Backset 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″
  • Face Bore Hole: 2-1/8″
  • Edge Bore Hole: 1″
  • Adjustable Latch
  • Create up to 250 keypad access codes using the August with Network Module or 25 codes without
  • Lifetime limited warranty for finish and mechanical, one year
  • Certified ANSI/BHMA A156.36, Grade 2
  • Finishes:  Oil Rubbed Bronze US3, Satin Nickel US15, Oil Rubbed Bronze US10BP

What’s in the Box?

  • Yale Real Living Assure Lock™ Touchscreen Deadbolt
  • August Wi-Fi Bridge module and Bluetooth lock module
  • Installation Guide
  • Mounting Screws
  • Door Template
  • 4 AA Batteries
  • 2 Keys
  • August Warranty card

Design and Features:

At 150 years old, Yale is no stranger to door locks, are several patents. The latest incarnation, provided is a testament to Yale’s legacy.

I received the well-packaged, brushed-nickel model which matched my current door hardware.

Since I was replacing an existing lock, I did not need to drill holes, save for the 5/16” hole for the door closed sensor magnet. Yale’s illustrated instructions are extremely well written and easy to understand.

Installing the lock took approximately 15 minutes using nothing more than a Philips screwdriver.

I opted to install the lock detection magnet in the door frame for a more polished appearance

The lock and finish is attractive and intimidatingly heavy, as a lock should be.

I was almost startled upon installing the four AA batteries into the lock because it talks! A pleasant female voice directs the remaining setup functions and made setup simple and efficient and, to be honest, rather fun.  There is a brief calibration process, opening and closing the door that worked flawlessly the first time.

Using the keypad, I was able to create a master entry code, allowing access to the remaining configuration functions. I added a few sub-user codes and tested the lock. My daughter’s friends are notorious for leaving the front door unlocked, so I was thrilled at the lock’s automatic lock feature which works like a champ. I set it to lock the door 30 seconds after the door has been closed.

Installing the August app, I was able to connect to the lock and set up the Wi-Fi bridge module in minutes. It should be noted that the bride module communicates to the lock via Bluetooth with a limited range of about 10 feet, so plan on having a nearby outlet.

The app is compatible with Apple’s Home Kit and Alexa and works perfectly. Setup was painless. It’s great to be able to order Alexa or Siri to “unlock the front door.” I was also able to add the lock to my Wink hub, configure some IFTTT Applets and use the lock functions to activate lots of cool home automation. The Yale lock is one of the most well-connected gadgets I’ve had the pleasure of using thus far. Other manufacturers are encouraged to take note.

The app is intuitive, allows configuration of the lock without using the keypad and can operate the lock anywhere there is an internet connection.

Lock settings and instructions are thoughtfully coded and the instruction videos are top-notch.

The activity log provides a record of when and how the door was opened.

What I like:

  • Quality manufacturing and workmanship
  • Outstanding installation documentation and illustrations
  • Easy hardware and app installation
  • Delightful voice prompts
  • Plenty of locking options
  • Excellent variety of connectivity options

What needs to be improved?

  • Expensive

Final thoughts

Yale’s Assure Lock YRD226 is an outstanding product, combining great quality, easy installation, fantastic connectivity, and was a genuine pleasure to install. Frankly, it’s rare to not run into some kind of hiccup installing new hardware and apps.  It’s my hope that other manufacturers follow in Yale’s footsteps with all of the possible connection options, making home automation choices plentiful. At some point, I will be adding more of these to the other exterior doors of my home.

Price: $279
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Yale. Please visit their site for more info.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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BoxLock smart padlock review

REVIEW – Road rage. PTSD. Spam. Phishing. You know something has become widespread when there’s a name for it that most folks recognize. Here’s a new one – Porch Pirate. Those are the folks who drive around behind delivery vehicles and grab packages from the stoops of the intended recipient. And, like any good contagion, there is a solution. BoxLock is a lock for a porch box that can be unlocked by your delivery person only with the bar code of the tracking number of expected packages. The Gadgeteer, of course, is on the case and have been testing one they sent us. Read on for the details.

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

What is it?

The BoxLock is a heavy-duty hasp-type lock with an integrated bar-code scanner. The software that you configure your lock with allows you to add package tracking numbers to the account. When the delivery person scans the tracking number from your package, the lock opens.

What’s in the box?

  • Lock
  • MicroUSB charging cable
  • USB 110V charger
  • Instruction sheet
  • Printed Master BarCode card

Design and features

The BoxLock is a bright yellow 1.25” triangular lock 5” long on the rear, and 3.5” long on the angle that faces forward. The hasp is 1.25” in diameter inside, and extends about that amount from the top in the locked position. One flat side is against the back of the hasp, the opposite angle faces out. When naturally grasped, your thumb falls onto that angle at the top, where a button is placed that, when pressed, engages a light and a bar-code scanner beam. When a package whose tracking number is entered into the lock’s account, the lock will open, and the owner of the account can get an alert. If the lock is left open for a set amount of time, another alert will be sent, warning the owner that the lock was not properly re-engaged.


Since the hasp is a pretty standard padlock size, it will fit into most places that can be secured by a standard padlock. This means you could even have your shed or backyard be the place the delivery person opens to leave your package. I had planned to move my rear deck box (which normally houses electric hedge clippers, electric blower, and a 100 ft. heavy-duty extension cord and various other garden implements) to the front porch to test the lock. BoxLock was kind enough to include a Step2 box, one of the models which they also sell from their website. This vented box came preassembled and ready to place on my front stoop. The deck box had to be assembled, which was not an easy task. The metal hasp fits the BoxLock perfectly, with the bright yellow of the box lock drawing attention to the “Deliveries” label molded into the box. This made no difference to drivers whose habits have become ingrained. But, if we can ever get deliveries there, it can be easily weighted and it would make walking off with packages a bit more problematic.

Setup

The lock will not work until it has been activated with an account, which is a good thing. You wouldn’t want a lock that you can’t control accidentally locked to something. Setup requires creating an account in the website or app and agreeing to the privacy policy of an unknown company (of course). Once you’ve fully activated your account, scanning or entering the serial number adds it to your account, and you’re in complete control. You can re-name the lock, or add anyone you’d like as a user by sending them a barcode that is their unique access code. You’ll get a notification (or at least a notice in your account) that they have accessed it.

Performance

Performance in unlocking with a package was perfect. Also, when I sent the signal from my account to open the lock, it immediately popped open every time. The one area that could use some work is when I sent the barcode to my Lovely Bride for her to be able to unlock the box using it on her phone. She was never able to get that to work. I could wiggle it around and play with the various distances and angles and finally get it to work with her phone barcode, but she hasn’t the patience for that. Printing out a card that I would expect her to have on her person every time she goes to fetch packages from the porch is a little beyond the pale. I’ve only just gotten her to see the need to carry her phone on such missions.

The lock, when used by the delivery companies, worked flawlessly. Through my video doorbell, I watched the first driver walk up on the porch, check the notes I had left on the delivery, and walk up to the lockbox. He swung the lock up and saw the scanner in the bottom, and then tested the button. He then grabbed the package he had set down, scanned it, and chuckled slightly when the lock popped open in his hand. He put the package in the box, locked it back, and gave the lock a tug to ensure it was secure. This was repeated with each driver who bothered to read the delivery instructions. Which brings up another issue. I’m lucky to get drivers to read that I want packages delivered to the front door, where they will be out of the sun and rain. (Our side door is south-facing and gets blisteringly hot.) It doesn’t matter how many times I call and ask, There is always some new driver who takes the route, and it’s not delivered to the correct place. The other issue is that the Post Office delivers many packages for other carriers. If it’s a package that meets the USPS parcel minimums, all of the shippers just have them fulfill the shipment. These are stuffed in the mailbox along with the rest of the mail. Even valuable packages like RAM or medicines are shoved in the mailbox with the mail and left to bake in the sun.

What I Like

  • Easy setup and entry of packages into account
  • Auto-recognizes the “Big Three” common carriers (UPSP, FedEX, UPS)
  • Allows adding other account users with their own custom barcode

What needs to be improved

  • Getting carriers to use it is going to take time
  • Using barcodes on phone screens in daylight is still problematic

Final thoughts

I love this product. It addresses a real problem that is growing, especially around gift-giving seasons. I think it would earn a permanent place on my front porch, except for two factors: having a strong-box on your porch is not very “welcoming”, and my Lovely Bride can’t get into it through her phone barcode. The other side of this is getting carriers to use it. Most of the prescription medicine deliveries are left in the mailbox, rather than delivered to the door.

Price: $129.00
Where to buy: Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by BoxLock.

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BoxLock smart padlock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 14, 2018 at 11:30 am.

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Gate Camera Smart Lock review


REVIEW – Being the technology geek that I am, I’ve been wanting to upgrade to one of these smart locks for quite a while. When the chance to review the Gate Camera Smart Lock came along I was more than willing to give it a try.

What is it?

The Gate Camera Smart Lock is a deadbolt lock replacement that features a keypad, camera, and two-way audio capability combined with a smart phone app (via WiFi) to deliver features that a normal keypad lock cannot.

What’s in the box?

  • Gate Camera Smart Lock
  • USB charging cable
  • 3 keys
  • Screwdriver
  • Spacers for thinner doors



Design and features

The Gate Smart Lock features a 720p 150 degree field-of-view motion activated camera with real-time video and audio, WiFi connectivity, LED lit keypad lock, physical key cylinder (standard key backup), 2-way audio communication, and connected features via a smartphone app.

The lock itself is really nice and seems to be well built. It’s simple in design, yet has everything you need. The lock operates on a rechargeable battery that is in the locking knob on the interior side of the lock. The battery is supposed to last 30 to 60 days, but that will vary depending on your wi-fi connection. The knob is held in place with very strong magnets, so you simply pull it off to recharge it with a standard micro-USB cable. The lock can still be operated manually when the battery is off/recharging.

The lock isn’t always accessible via WiFi when motion is detected the lock “wakes up” and connects to your WiFi. This is understandable because to be on all the time would require a very large battery. This means that you can’t just pull up the video feed in the app any time you want, only when motion is detected.

There’s a doorbell feature that will send a notification to the app, as well as an intercom feature for speaking to your guest from the app.

Installation

The Gate Camera Smart Lock replaces the deadbolt on your door, and as such requires installation. If you’ve ever replaced or installed a deadbolt lock, you’ll find the process very familiar. If you’ve never installed a lock like that, you might find the process varies from easy to frustrating depending on the door and your experience level.

The tricky part of the installation process is that doors can vary in thickness and design. There’s plenty of information about this on the Gate website. I had initially planned to install it at my residence but the pre-1900 doors were just not quite compatible, so I took it over to my brother-in-law’s house. That turned out to be a bit of a chore as the deadbolt hole in his door was a little small for the Gate lock. That was probably a non-standard hole, but it was still large enough for a standard deadbolt, but not large enough for the Gate lock. No problem, I have a tool for that. A few minutes later and I had a larger hole and everything installed without a problem.

Part way through the review process I was able to finally locate a new house so I moved across town and swiped back the lock. I had intended to put it on my back door for easy access for myself and family, however, that door has a window in it and the deadbolt was too close to the deadbolt for the Gate lock to fit.

Could not install on this door

So on to the front door. This is where I had issues. The door was the proper thickness and everything, I just did something wrong along the way and before the installation was complete I turned the knob on the back and jammed the lock. The screws weren’t all the way in and the lock was covering the screws making further installation or removal impossible. After a bit of messing with it, I finally got it unjammed and installed properly but this is something that Gate should address as the deadbolt was out which meant that I would not have been able to close the door and just fix it later.


Operation

Initially, I stood next to the door and verified that the lock had access to the wi-fi. I installed the lock and then found the wi-fi connection to be spotty. My router was in the basement about 30 ft away, with only the floor between it and the lock. I then moved my router closer to the door (about 12 ft away), but still had issues. Next, I raised the router up to about head height and that seemed to work fine. It seems as though the Gate Smart Lock has a very week wi-fi signal, so you’ll want to make sure you have a pretty straight shot from your router to the lock. I found the same issue at my brother-in-law’s house, where he only had two walls between the lock and his router and the lock had issues connecting. The lock will unlock using your code when there is no WiFi signal, so even when the power is out the lock will work.

The Gate Smart Lock smartphone app is pretty decent. It features built-in videos that walk you through the process of installation and connection. Setup and configuration was easy, it’s a well-designed app. Notification events are displayed with an animated icon and a summary like “Video while locked” and “Gate entering now”. When you tap the event you can play the video.

With the app, you can create users and assign access schedules. You can create one-time use codes or multiple use codes. If the user has a phone it will text them the access code. When that user uses their code to enter it will send you a notification like “Bob entered the front door”. You can also unlock the door using the app when there is motion at the door, an obvious but useful feature.

You can configure the motion sensitivity (Off/Low/Medium/High) as well as set a time period to auto-lock the door after 10, 20, or 30 minutes. This is a key feature since you can’t lock the door if there’s no motion at the door. This is due to the wi-fi connectivity “sleeping” when there’s no motion.

There’s no battery level indicator in the app or device, it will simply send you a notification when it gets low.

The video that the device delivers isn’t the best when compared to 1080p security cameras, however, you’re not going to be recording a movie with this device. It’s adequate for what it’s intended for which is to see who’s at the door. There were instances where the video showed compression quality issues, but that could be because of the weak WiFi connection I had.

The doorbell feature is nice, especially since my office is in the basement. If someone presses the doorbell button, I’ll get a notification and I can verbally announce through the app that I’ll be there in a minute. I do wish though that the doorbell button actually said “doorbell”, as the phone icon on it may not be obvious to some people.

Even though the lock works properly now, it still has a “WiFi connectivity is weak. You may not be receiving updates from Gate.” message on the main app screen, and there isn’t any way to make that go away.

One thing I really like is that when the lock detects motion, it lights up the keypad. This not only makes it easy to see the numbers but also lets people know that something is watching them, so it might act as a deterrent to would-be thieves.

UPS and FedEx don’t really knock on the door when delivering packages, so the notifications are really handy. Also, one added benefit for me is that my mailbox is next to the front door, so I get motion notifications when the mailman comes,  I really like that!

Here are a few screenshots from the app:



 



 



What I like

  • Simple to use
  • Guest access codes and remote unlock
  • Notifications tell you who/which code was used to open the door
  • Physical key backup, you can always use your key to unlock the door
  • LED lit keypad

What needs to be improved

  • WiFi signal strength
  • Improved video recording quality
  • Notification sound customization, the default sounds are not loud enough and can’t be customized

Final thoughts

I think if you have this lock installed close enough to your router I think you’ll find it to be a great lock. All of the features worked properly, and the few things that I would like to see improved probably could be addressed with an app or firmware update,  but they aren’t really deal breakers.

Price: $349.00
Where to buy: Gate and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Gate.

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Gate Camera Smart Lock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 11, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Masterbolt Travel Door Lock review

REVIEW – For near 30 years, I traveled the world for work. I’ve had cause to stay in some less desirable places, sometimes losing sleep worrying if someone might gain access to my lodging while I slept. On one occasion, one of my coworkers woke to find a hotel employee in his room in the middle of the night. I took to carrying a door wedge with me, but the Masterbolt Travel Door Lock is a far better option

What is it?

Masterbolt Travel Door Lock is a simple two-piece mechanism that when properly deployed, renders it extremely difficult to open a door from the outside, even when in possession of the keys.

Hardware Specs:

  • 7 x 3 x 1.1 inches
  • 4 ounces
  • Portable – Masterbolt is easily packable and comes with its own pouch to place in your suitcase or backpack to provide additional security when you travel
  • Installs in seconds – No tools required. Protects you from unwanted intruders
  • Travel security – Use at home, hotels, Airbnb, hostels, rentals, and anywhere you travel and need added security
  • Perfect for students – Use in your dorm, while travel, or for internship apartment stays during the summer
  • Protect tour children – Prevent toddlers and small children from leaving the house unsupervised

What’s in the Box?

  • Two-piece lock chained together
  • Storage pouch
  • Instruction sheet

Design and features:

The Masterbolt lock arrived in a simple white cardboard box. It’s refreshing to receive something that is not over packaged.

The design is elegant, simple and fiercely effective – two pieces, chained together is all that’s needed. After practicing a few times, it literally takes seconds to deploy and remove.

First, the long metal part’s tabs are placed into the strike plate on the door frame.

The door is closed and the latch bolt protrudes through the hole in the Masterbolt plate.

On the knob side of the plate, the sliding bolt on the red part is placed into the triangular hole in the metal plate. The edge of the red part rests against the door. That’s it – secure.

Once the Masterbolt is installed, the door is VERY securely locked, whether the door is locked using the knob or not. I tried, hard, to dislodge the Masterbolt. If the strike plate is properly anchored, only an extreme amount of force is going to breach that door.

Pulling on the doorknob in an attempt to open the door resulted in flexing and distortion of the entire door frame. The stronger the door and frame, the better the Masterbolt is going to work. I’m confident that nothing short of a sledgehammer, SWAT breaching tool, reciprocating saw, or vicious kick by a mule is going to get that door open.

What I like:

  • Small size
  • Simple, effective design
  • Easy to use
  • Inexpensive

What needs to be improved?

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

Masterbolt’s Travel door lock is one of those “I wish I had thought of that” products. It’s tough and, in my opinion, works better than described. I was genuinely shocked at the stability and security this lock provides. Gone are my days of frequent travel, but I’ll be using the Masterbolt Lock every time I will be sleeping in an unfamiliar location.

Price: $19.95
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Masterbolt.

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Masterbolt Travel Door Lock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 1, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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The Haven Lock Connect is the deadbolt that keeps you safe!

Over the past few months, I have written a few news stories about Bluetooth controlled door locks. Those locks either replace a part of an existing lock or install over an existing lock. In some cases, the installation can be a bit tricky and may require someone with a bit of experience to ensure that it is installed correctly. Since we live in a world where security should always be one of the priorities on our minds, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative security products.

The Haven Lock Connect is exactly such a device. It is installed on the floor at the base of your door, and according to the manufacturer, it is made of steel, nylon, and industrial strength polycarbonates, and is 10 times stronger than a deadbolt. It can be powered by either the included wall adapter or by batteries, and it can be controlled by the included key fob or a Smartphone app. Both the key fob and the app use Bluetooth to connect to the lock. Its features are similar to other Bluetooth locks, and it allows you to create temporary digital keys for visitors.

If you would like more information on the Haven Connect Lock, you can check it out on the Haven Lock website. You can also purchase one via their website for $349.

The post The Haven Lock Connect is the deadbolt that keeps you safe! appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

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The Haven Lock Connect is the deadbolt that keeps you safe! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 28, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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