Re: Simple access security setup for home

[hhcuriosity@xxxxxxxx]

The problem with proximity cards is that I wanted to avoid a meeting
with the tenants at the start of their stay. I was thinking using a PC
with a dedicated connection to the internet and receiving update
commands remotely and pushing new codes to the controller (with start
dates and expiry dates).

Frank Olson wrote:
> <hhcuriosity@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:1129430916.016730.241900@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Hi,
> >
> > I want to rent an appartment by the week and I need to conceive a
> > pretty neat setup to let people in.
> >
> > I want to have a keypad on the exterior door connected to an access
> > controller that has battery backup.
> >
> > I will hook up a PC to the controller and feed access codes
> > automatically to it with a program on the computer (probably a linux
> > box) through a serial RS-232 interface.
> >
> > Do anybody know of a cheap setup that could do this. I only found
> > bigtime solutions for business. Access controllers that handle
> > holidays, 500 codes and up, etc. I just need to feed it a couple of
> > codes (5 max). The computer would update the access controller's list
> > of codes.
> >
> > I found access controllers that cost 200$ US and keypads that cost 300$
> > US + electronic strike that cost 300$US.
> >
> > Are there residential grade components out there?
>
> No such thing as "residential grade components" when it comes to access
> control.  There's no simple *and secure* solution either, and placing a
> keypad outside the protected premise isn't a good idea particularly if it's
> controlling the entry door.  Better to go with a proximity reader and
> keyfobs.  You're still looking at paying between $750 and $1000 though.
> Make sure the controller is mounted *inside* the protected premise, or
> you're liable to find some savvy guy that'll be able to bypass the system.
> In other words, shy away from the "all-in-one" solutions that I know are out
> there.  If it's a "rented" premise, you'd best secure the controller in a
> well protected (*and inaccessible to the tenants*) area.