Keypad with self heating for use in a unheated garage

[vbdino]

This is a setup I have been using successfully for some times now.

I park everyday in my garage which is unheated during winter. Temperature can drop between -15 to -20 celcius, so in order to protect a keypad from cold and high humidity, I used the following:

- large plastic electrib box (pvc gray)
- plexiglass front plate
- M1KP2 keypad (has temperature sensor)
- UltraProx weigand reader ELK-106055
- ELK-924 relay

I made a plate with 4 legs to fix the keypad on it and leave space behind for a 25 light bulb. The box is deep enough to fit all that in it. The front is closed with a plexiglass panel with a foam scellant and 4 screw.

On the side, I have the weigand reader.

I made two rules to monitor the temperature sensor from the keypad. At 6 degree, the light turns on with the ELK-924 relay. At 9 degree, it turns off.

So the keypad is working in a control environment and when I arrive, it is easy to disarm with my keyfob. During warmer days, I remove the front panel so that I can access the keypad to arm the system.

If I would do it again, I would only install the weigand reader and not worry about cold or humidity.

Only thing that I failed to get working, is to activate the system with my keyfob.

 

[electron]

Do you think heating the keypad is really needed? I can imagine the LCD acting a little funny in cold weather, but didn't think you would have to worry about operating temperature. Great approach tho!

 

[russban]

Do you think heating the keypad is really needed? I can imagine the LCD acting a little funny in cold weather, but didn't think you would have to worry about operating temperature. Great approach tho!

In MN in is not uncommon to go to -10 or -20 F at night and I have had problems with keypads in unheated warehouse areas, freezers, etc.. At certain temps the display blanks out and the keypad is unusable. Safety Technology International (STI) makes a nifty plastic enclosure that has a metal plate that you mount the keypad on that is heated. It has a control thermostat, an overtemp thermostat and a low temp thermostat with N/O contact for supervision. It works real well but it is pricey and does require a separate power source, which is included, but you would still have to run an extra 2 conductor wire

 

[drozwood90]

Maybe not a keypad, but I have a fingerprint reader I've been trying to think how to make it work in Winter, and have just about given up using it...as it's commercial rated...and I couldn't risk being locked out of the house..but this would let me give it a shot.

If it just wasn't on the bottom of my list of priorities.

--Dan

 

[vbdino]

Do you think heating the keypad is really needed? I can imagine the LCD acting a little funny in cold weather, but didn't think you would have to worry about operating temperature. Great approach tho!

I am harder on my outdoor cameras not rated for such cold temperature, but I felt it was better to be on the safe side to protect the keypad so that my entire M1 system remains in good shape.

I have finish installation of my new ekeypad pro on my itouch. Nice application. I can't access all my cameras but I have other apps to do it.