A few smartlock-related lessons in the past few weeks:
Lesson 1 - Don't attempt a smart deadbolt AND a smart handle
I've been using a programmable (but dumb) deadbolt for several years. I added a smart door knob a few weeks ago.
The Dato Home smart door knob had a lot of promise. It supports smartphone access, numeric code, finger prints, an electronic key fob, and a back-up traditional key.
- The main problem is that it would automatically re-lock 60 seconds after unlocking it. To keep it unlocked, I had to use the smartphone app every time, and it would only keep the door open for the day. Katie and Mackenley got locked out the first morning after install while I was sleeping. Brrrr.
- Pressing numbers on the keypad was unreliable because it's hard to tell if you've actually pressed the correct number. And it wouldn't reliably detect Katie's fingerprint.
- Programming it remotely was unreliable.
I quickly decided that relying on the deadbolt alone to be "smart" was the answer.
Lesson 2 - Don't test a smart lock from the outside (unless someone's inside).
As I was attempting to get the smart door knob working better, I made a rookie mistake by testing the reinstalled knob after shutting the door from the outside. The family was gone to Leavenworth, it was 22 degrees F, and I was in my cotton slacks and house clogs.
Turning the handle did nothing...
I had repaired the "smart" part of the lock but had failed to properly engage the mechanical part when reinstalling the knob.
On the hunch our back basement door was still unlocked, I attempted to make my way to the back door along the side of the house. Clogs and cotton pants aren't the best uniform for attempting a passage through 12 feet of untracked snow. After attempting to tread through the snow I ended up worming my way along the side the house to spread out my weight. After about 20 minutes, I managed to slither 40 feet along the side of the house, ending in an exhilirating head-first body surf 9 feet steeply down to the back door landing.
Thankfully, the back door was unlocked.
Lesson 3 - No exterior levers in bear country
Lesson 4 - Go with a reputable smartlock
Researching online, I determined to replace the front electronic deadbolt with an Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. Here's what sealed the deal:
- Supports fingerprints -- and works better than the knob did.
- Supports key codes with a numeric keypad where each button provides positive audible and touch feedback.
- Supports bluetooth phone unlock.
- Supports internet access so I can unlock remotely and can add temporary codes.
- Supports a mechanical key back-up.
- Gets top reviews by reputable publications.
(We still need to paint the front door.)
