DIY Bluetooth Lock

[Timoh]

Hi folks,
The Kevo lock got me thinking if there would be a DIY approach to a Bluetooth doorlock.  Every Bluetooth doorlock I've seen to date seems to use BlueTooth LE/Smart.  This is not available on all devices, and only supported Android 4.3+, iOS.
 
I was wondering about the following DIY setup.
 
A BT to rs232 sensor.  There seem to be  plenty of these around on ebay, etc.  The sensor would be powered and wired with some spare pairs on my alarm keypad wiring.  This would place sensor very close to the front door.  The RS232 run would go back to my HA software and be alerted if a specific device was present.   If a device was present, it would beam out to my zwave door lock to unlock or lock as the case may be.
 
I think rather than using a plain ol' zwave lock, it'd be worth while investing in the new Dana locks with BT LE support.  That would offer future proofing if & when I get BT LE phone.
 
Thoughts?
 
Tim

 

[az1324]

Of course you can [try to] do whatever you want with bluetooth presence detection, but I don't think it is that reliable.  You have lots of situations to consider when writing rules about when to automatically unlock a door.
 
Kevo has a lot of mixed reviews on amazon.
 
Danalock still requires you to push the button in the app, doesn't it?  Plus I think there some bugs/issues with the product currently.

 

[tmbrown97]

One important aspect that most BT locks have accounted for is knowing which side of the door you're on - so the door doesn't open if you're on the wrong side.
 
Many of the bluetoothe locks are compatible with little keyfobs which could tie you over until you get a new phone - or this could be your excuse to upgrade now!
 
This one is pricey but I think it's my favorite offering at the moment: http://www.gojiaccess.com/ - and it's compatible with pretty much any smartphone so it can go via internet until you upgrade to one with BT LE.

 

[signal15]

What about an NFC tag that runs an android intent via Tasker?  The intent would call a scene in AuthomationHD, Homebuddy, or Imperihome.  This is how I was opening my garage at my last house.  I just put the tag in the sunglasses holder, and tapped my phone on the roof of the truck to open or close the garage door.
 
You'd just put it on your lock, and tap your phone on it to unlock.  

 

[Timoh]

I hadn't thought about "which side detection".   It's probably true that the rules to unlock, might be a challenge.
I was thinking something like a PIR sensor on the outside, combined with BT detection.  But then I had visions of the ex showing up (outside PIR tripped) and me walking to the door inside the house (BT tripped) to see who it was...  And the door unlocking.  Probably not a good idea depending on the ex. 
 
I think I'll put it onto a back burner for now and ponder it a bit longer.
 
I do recall seeing the GojiAccess....   That one does look cool. 
 
Tim