Re: biometric locksets -- experience?

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Yes... but the topic was biometric locksets.   The promise of not
> having to carry a key or worrying about losing a passcard.  The
> promise that the person being buzzed in is exactly and uniquely the
> person who has been authorized to pass.

Unfortunately, the current crop of consumer-grade biometric lock
sets don't fulfill that promise.  They are not sufficiently
accurate to guaranty entry to authorized personnel nor do they
reliably prevent unauthorized entry.

> Personally,  I like the reliability of numeric coded keypads.  They
> are biometric in the sense that the combination is "stored" in the
> users brain.  Of course, the downside is that anyone else can get in
> if they somehow discover the code.

True indeed.  There is one popular brand that comes with a
default code (which I happen to know) and this provided
opportunity for a bit of fun one day.  I asked to use the
lavatory in a pharmacy near Boston several years ago.  The clerk
said, "Sure.  It's in the office.  I'll let you in."  As we
approached the office door with her behind me I noticed the lock
and on a hunch tried the default code.  The door opened.

The clerk was astounded.  When she asked how I did that I smiled
and said something like, "It takes experience but after a while
you can read the code by looking at the buttons".  The moral is,
if you use a coded lock please remember to change the code.  :^)

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com

--

Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large
groups.