Archive for category: Lab Notes

Who should do electronic access control? An IT company, a fire company, a security company, a locksmith, a general contractor? Short answer is someone who is qualified, licensed, and insured. But who is typically qualified? Who can install the required physical hardware, run wires, manage a WiFi network, and program everything in? Our answer, an alchemist.

I’m actively involved in many online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to security, locksmithing, computer networks, access control, alarm systems, and surveillance cameras. Yes, it’s a lot to keep up with. The gaps between what different groups of folks know, what they think, and how they complete their installations vary widely. In access control groups, I’m amazed by the basic questions people ask about lock and door hardware. In locksmith groups, I’m surprised by some peoples’ total lack of interest in electronic access control.

One of my friends said it best, “I think it’s easier to teach locksmiths how to wire things than teach IT people how to deal with locks.”

Our core belief is that the physical infrastructure has to be on point. Be that the locks, doors, frames, wiring, connectors etc. I’ve heard a statistic, that I kind of doubt the validity of, but that 80% of networking issues are rooted in physical problems: wiring, failed components, walls obstructing WiFi etc.

I’ve always had a passion for IT. I ran my first Cat5 cable when I was 12. I did and still do computer programming. I love Linux. However, when I started Lock Alchemy in Cleveland, I wanted to just to physical lock and door hardware. The Ring door bells and wireless locks came around every once in a while. Often times requiring door and lock knowledge to work properly. Then I met someone in access control and security that changed everything. He subbed all his lock work out. Everything to do with the physical door – the barrier protecting businesses and homes. The only obstacle physically stopping someone. The point of electronic access control is to “control the opening.” Perhaps we should focus a little on the physical opening.

Many access control companies actually sub out their lock and door work. Door closers, physical locks, cutting door strikes, hinges. In order for an electronic access system to work – the lock and door hardware have to be at least functional. A system can easily be compromised by a failure in the physical infrastructure. IT people don’t know how to diagnose hinge issues, problems with a door closer, or strike alignment. These can cause a door not to latch. An unlatched door is not a secure door.

Understanding why they do this is two fold. 1) There’s a lot of expensive equipment someone needs to purchase to be a real locksmith. 2) There’s a lot to know to be a good locksmith. I’ve invested thousands of dollars in key machines, keys, door hinge tools, jigs for cutting doors and strikes, and have a massive inventory of different style locks. The monetary barrier to entry to be a locksmith is high. Getting into access control, alarms, and cameras is much less. A few thousand dollars in cable, tools, and a ladder and you’re in. Most security professionals don’t carry an inventory and rightfully so. There’s no telling what a customer might need and there are too many products. Aside from some standard latches and maybe a spare camera, even larger operations carry a small inventory. Point two, knowledge. There’s a lot to being a locksmith. It can be hard dirty work. And a lot of people can’t or don’t want to do it. People that recognize their limitations and don’t do it should be commended. People who do sub-standard work should be reprimanded.

Technology is great but it’s not a panacea for security problems. After a door is functional with a closer, strike, and sensors it still needs a key. A think electronic access controls dirty secret is that locks still have keys. They still have keys for many reasons. They’re a pretty failure resistant backup, they allow emergency personal to gain access, and systems do experience problems. Often times these can be fixed quickly but in the meantime you want a viable solution – like a traditional physical key. The problem is that people don’t keep track of these keys. They get used to fobs and their system. They don’t think about their keys and their access control people don’t either.

Here are at Lock Alchemy in lovely Cleveland we like to mix it up and do the unusual. The latest thing to come out of the Lab is a DIN rail for fast prototyping, experimenting, set up, and trouble shooting.

What is a DIN rail? A DIN rail is a metal rail of a standard type widely used for mounting circuit breakers and industrial control equipment inside equipment racks.” (Wikipedia).

They’re used for PLCs (programmable logic controller) and other industrial applications. They’re a convenient was to connect different devices, remove / modify connections, and allow for modular expansion. The also happen to look over cool, especially when they’re neat and have ferrule connectors (something many equipment manufacturers actually require).

They can be used for complex light and automation controls but are typically not seen in completed access control systems.

Learning and buying DIN rails can be confusing but it’s not so difficult. Amazon has a great kit that comes with 20 terminal blocks, ground blocks, ends, and a rail.

What’s the point of using a DIN rail? For my purpose it’s like a wire but, beanie, dolphin connector, wago connector etc. It’s a great way to easily connect components, switch them around, and disconnect them.

For example: I have a new reader and want to test it or I’d like to make a change in the settings before installation. I can hook up wires from the panel to the blocks. Then hook up the reader to the blocks. All this with no cutting or adding connectors. I can insert the wires and screw down the terminals. When I’m finished, I can just disconnect them.

Here at the Lab, we have lots of wired pre-cut door testing. For example, I have 22/6 wire with farrules on both sides of wire. I can run the from the panel to the terminal blocks and then swap out different readers.

It’s easy to experiment when you can easily switch things out. I can also clearly see which color wires are being connected. It’s not a mess of different color wires in a bundle.

This entire system has a lot of uses. I can bench test every reader, strike, sensor, etc before deploying it in an install. Manufacturer defects aren’t common but this would help identify any. Also, it eliminates a step in field troubleshooting. I know the product works and know there’s a different issue in the system.

This set-up also makes it very fast to program components like readers. If I need to change on board settings such as lockout time, turn off a buzzer, or change a light setting on 5 readers going in for installation I can program them on my test bench.

Sure, one can change these settings at a door but there are reasons not to if you don’t have to. The gain is in saving time. I’d much rather spend an hour programming at my test bench instead of at the door. One, I can program them during an off hour late night and use my day hours for something more productive – things that can only be done during the day. Two, standing at a door isn’t always fun. People see going in and out and you might not want to deal with the interuptions at the door. Three, if someonthing isn’t going go to to go smoothly – I’d rather figure it out on my own time not in view of a customer.