←back to thread

The midwit home

(dynomight.substack.com)
416 points stacktrust | 3 comments | 12 Oct 23 16:31 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
Show context
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.

replies(10): >>37862267 #>>37863147 #>>37863208 #>>37863363 #>>37864729 #>>37864902 #>>37865392 #>>37865741 #>>37865960 #>>37874500 #
MattRix ◴[12 Oct 23 21:06 UTC] No.37863147[source]▶
I have somethint similar but it’s purely mechanical, no electronics or batteries to worry about at all. Even my kids can use it fine and it only takes a second to enter the combo.
replies(1): >>37863691 #
smegsicle ◴[12 Oct 23 21:55 UTC] No.37863691[source]▶
only a second? easier than a key?
replies(1): >>37864634 #
lazyasciiart ◴[12 Oct 23 23:44 UTC] No.37864634[source]▶
Much easier, for many of the kids I know, than keeping track of a key!
replies(1): >>37867357 #
acka ◴[13 Oct 23 06:21 UTC] No.37867357[source]▶
To all of you extolling the virtues of combo locks, I guess you live in pretty secluded houses in safe neighborhoods with zero visibility of the keypad from across the street.

If I had a combo lock, I'd be more worried about someone with binoculars or an ultra-zoom camera watching me key my lock without covering my hand than my physical key getting lost or stolen.

replies(2): >>37867484 #>>37872131 #
1. lazyasciiart ◴[13 Oct 23 06:39 UTC] No.37867484[source]▶
I live right outside downtown Seattle but I have a fence, so my door is not visible from the street. I don’t know why more people don’t try it.
replies(1): >>37867910 #
2. vladvasiliu ◴[13 Oct 23 07:44 UTC] No.37867910[source]▶
Aren't the keys you press visibly different from the others after a while? This is a failure mode I've noticed on several code pads. Even though you don't know the exact code, it gives the numbers so you now only have to guess the order.
replies(1): >>37872694 #
3. kirubakaran ◴[13 Oct 23 16:51 UTC] No.37872694[source]▶
Just change the code?