The electronic locks I was looking at some time ago could be preset to fail into either a locked or unlocked position. Just to double-check Jake, are you positive there's no way to change this as a setting of some sort?

I have also been quite impressed with the electronic lock but the fact is it doesn't have a track record of reliable operation in the case of a power outage, because most likely because the battery failed (as you say) negating the ability to test its operation during the length of outages experienced so far. All I'm suggesting is, can it hurt to just see if there aren't any other issues (besides the battery) before dispensing with any other means to enter?

Not being able to enter in the event of a power outage or any other emergency type situation, is also a liability issue for Omni.

I have to say replacing the battery and failing into an open position would for me at least seem to solve most of the issues with the electronic lock, and a keyed lock that cannot be left in an unlocked position would solve a lot of the issues with the non-electronic lock. 

Just my opinion

Dk

On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, Jake <jake@spaz.org> wrote:
On Tue, 5 Apr 2016, David Keenan wrote:

I say that only because: -  the current electronic lock system, while awesome and definitely vastly improved, does not yet have a good track record of reliability in the case of a power outage

The current system actually works perfectly with the caveat that the battery we are using is literally garbage we grabbed for the purpose.  Any decent 12v battery would run the system easily for 24 hours straight.

I am quite impressed with how reliable the system has been, and I have even done things to make it more robust a while ago, so once we get a decent battery I don't think we have to worry about it any more.

- Im not sure what the backup option is should the electronic lock fail with no other way to open the door. Ie, in the case of a typical non-electronic keyed lock, a locksmith / hacker can be called upon to pick it open. I guess my question would be, what is the equivalent backup means of entry for the electronic lock, short of breaking down the door etc?

I think you can open the front door with a flat piece of metal if you angle it right.  Also, I think we are quickly headed toward replacing the lock cylinder with a new key, which cannot be left in the unlocked position.

Also Jake, in the event that the battery for the electronic lock fails, it should probably fail the lock into an open, not locked, position, which might help things. Is this something you can set up on that lock?

there is no way to do this, since the electric latch release requires electricity to activate, and defaults to the "locked" position.

the obvious solution is to have a decent battery.  Marc has asked for a link to such a battery and will purchase one as soon as I send the link, which will be shortly after I measure the container the battery needs to fit inside of, tonight.

-jake