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The midwit home

(dynomight.substack.com)
416 points stacktrust | 1 comments | 12 Oct 23 16:31 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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dsr_ ◴[12 Oct 23 19:34 UTC] No.37862022[source]▶
We have a non-networked, non-remote electronic combo lock for our front door.

We are never locked out. There is no key under a rock. The phone cannot get unpaired, the remote cannot be intercepted and replayed. If we are on vacation, we can call up a friend and tell them a code so they can get in.

A 9V battery lasts about three years, then it starts flashing and beeping every time you open the door for a month before dying. If you already have the right hole in the door, it takes about 20 minutes to install.

And if you're intent on breaking in, well, the windows are made of glass. Please don't do that.

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dingnuts ◴[12 Oct 23 21:25 UTC] No.37863363[source]▶
I have a smart lock from Schlage that has all the features you just described, but also ZWave and so can be controlled over HomeAssisstant. We can both tell our friend a code to get in, but I can revoke a code remotely if I ever need to.

I also never get locked out. Usually I key myself in with the keypad, and there's a normal key slot too. It's also powered by a 9V -- but will also indicate to HomeAssistant what the battery level is

The key isn't that connectivity is bad, the key is that it should degrade gracefully when the more advanced features fail. Wireless is down? Can't unlock with my phone, but I can still use the keypad. Battery is dead? I can still use my physical key.

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1. 98codes ◴[12 Oct 23 23:01 UTC] No.37864282[source]▶
I have the same lock, with basically the same underlying rules: any automation should fail towards the old, "dumb", way. I automate light switches more than outlets, and most other things send control commands to those switches. The thermostat is added as well but works just as well as a walk-up-and-change-it touchscreen.

The other rule is that no cloud service ever be necessary. I want heat & lights, even if the internet is out.