The Danalock has filled the last remaining hole in my smart home armory: a
smart lock.
You could say I'm something of a home automation fan. I had near-withdrawal
symptoms when briefly forced to
live without it for a while
after moving home back in 2017. Getting things
back up-and-running
was a great relief!
Lights and smart sockets were followed by
window blinds
(later given
HomeKit compatibility),
smart(ish) heating
(though more on that another day), and even a
control panel.
But I'd avoided a smart lock for three reasons .
First, physical security concerns. Smart features are no substitute for
mechanical security, and a lot of the early smart locks weren't compatible
with
high-security locks.
Second, cybersecurity concerns. It's one thing for a security vulnerability
to allow a hacker the ability to switch your lights on and off; something
else
entirely for them to be able to unlock your front door. I wanted a lot of
reassurance on that front, and I trust HomeKit security more than any
standard
created by individual companies (even if there was
a failure back in 2017).
Third, many smart locks have no key. While I personally would be happy with
a mix of Bluetooth and keypad control, my girlfriend is not of the same
view.
She's become a convert to most of our smart home technology, but does want
the ability to unlock the door the old-fashioned way.
But a new smart lock option addressed all three options. At present, it's
only available as
a conversion for an existing lock,
but there will be a complete package with handles and a high-security lock.
I got advance access to the complete kit.
Smart lock security
Danalock
The HomeKit version of the Danalock satisfies all three requirements.
The complete package (sold in the UK under the
Ultion Smart
brand) will include a Brisant cylinder lock with a molybdenum core and
20-point drill protection. This meets the 3-star TS007 and Sold Secure
(SS312)
Diamond standards, the two main security standards for cylinder locks. Both
mean that the lock is protected against 'snapping,' the most common method
of forced entry. Any attempt to do this automatically triggers a lockdown
mode, jamming the lock closed.
The HomeKit version means that it has to meet Apple's extremely high
cybersecurity standards. When you issue an unlock request, the Apple device
uses an
encrypted communication link to query the lock, asking it to prove it is a
HomeKit device. The lock then queries the Apple device, asking it to prove
it
is authorized to issue the request. Only when this two-way check
successfully completes will it unlock. (It is also smart enough to refuse if
someone calls
through the letterbox to a HomePod - it tells them that the instruction
needs to be confirmed on an authorized iPhone.)
Opting for HomeKit rather than Bluetooth does mean accepting some feature
compromises, explained below, but for me, these are offset by the
cybersecurity
assurance.
Finally, the lock cylinder is a keyed one, with a high-security key. Among
the protections offered by this is that copies cannot be made without an
encrypted
code. When a company is asked to copy one of these keys, they have to
request a code. The registered owner of the lock receives an email asking
them to
authorize the release of the code, and only then can the copy be made.
Compromises for HomeKit versus Bluetooth
Opting for the security of the HomeKit version does mean you get less
functionality than the Bluetooth model.
First, you lose the option of adding a Bluetooth keypad. This would allow
you to have up to 20 different PINS, which can be linked to a schedule (for
example,
only allowing a cleaner access on their regular day), but is not compatible
with the HomeKit lock.
Second, the Bluetooth version lets you send electronic keys to people, to
allow temporary or permanent access. With the HomeKit version, you instead
need
to add them in the Home app, which means they then get full access to your
complete smart home network.
Third, the Bluetooth model can be set to automatically unlock as you come
into range. With the HomeKit version, you can do the same thing with
presence-detection,
but that doesn't work when you live on the 18th floor of an apartment block.
I expected it to be triggered when I reached the building at ground level,
but it usually isn't triggered at all.
Fitting & setup
I'm a tech guy, but a complete klutz when it comes to anything mechanical.
My DIY skills are legendary - for their complete and utter absence. However,
even I managed to fit the complete system (new cylinder, new handles and
Danalock) in about ten minutes. It requires only a screwdriver to remove and
replace
three screws.
If you're just buying the Danalock itself, then it's even quicker as you
only need to replace the inner twist unit or keyhole. The unit is compatible
with
the three most common types of cylinders: oval lock Scandi cylinders,
drop-shaped Euro cylinders, and US deadbolt locks.
Once the hardware is installed, there's a HomeKit code slip. In the Home
app, do the usual Add Accessory process and that's it - no separate app
required for the lock.
Look and feel
The Danalock itself replaces the twist-knob or keyhole on the inside of the
door.
It extends further out from the door, at around three inches, but otherwise
doesn't look much different to the twist-knob it replaced. The part you
twist
is metal, while the rest of the cylinder is plastic, but does look much like
metal.
In use
For me, the single biggest benefit is the peace of mind of never having to
worry about being locked out.
Our apartment building has a keyfob for entry, but the entryphone system
connects to my iPhone, so for that I could buzz myself, answer on my phone
and
let myself in. Then at the front door, I can ask either my Apple Watch or
iPhone to unlock the door.
As someone who has been through the complete pain of waiting two hours at 2
am for a locksmith to let me in, that alone is worth the cost.
Having the ability to authorize other people to unlock the door is also
really handy. It means fewer spare keys needed, and less need to plan ahead.
If we're unexpectedly away overnight, for example, we can simply add a
neighbour to the Home app and they can let themselves in to feed the cats.
'Hey Siri, unlock door' is all that is needed. Using the iPhone, it's pretty
much instant - within a second. On the Watch, it's sometimes instant, and
sometimes delayed by a few seconds. I think ten seconds is the longest delay
I've experienced, but it's usually three or four. That's about as quick as
getting the key out of my pocket and unlocking the door manually.
Depending on your door type, Siri may also be able to lock your door. Our
lock requires you to lift the handle while turning the key, so it can't be
automated - which is a shame. Lifting the handle and then asking Siri to
lock the door does work.
One nice touch is that no screwdriver is needed to replace the batteries.
This shouldn't be a frequent occurrence, as the claimed battery life is 18
months, but you can simply pull off the cover and snap it back on.
An element less well designed is the option settings! There are a bunch of
options for auto-lock timings, and whether the latch on a Yale-type lock is
automatically held back, but these need to be activated by multiple presses
of a pin into a small reset hole on the top of the lock. This would be much
better done in an app. There is an app available, but it doesn't do anything
the Home app can't do, so there's not much point in even downloading it.
There has been one unexpected benefit: being alerted if we forget to lock
the door. This isn't something I would do normally, but coronavirus
precautions mean we have a new routine now:
* Open the door
* Immediately use hand sanitizer before touching anything
* Then take off outerwear
* Then wash hands with soap (as this is more effective than sanitizer)
* And then lock the door
That means it is actually easy to accidentally leave the door unlocked, but
keeping the control at the top of my favorites means it's very obvious when
I've done it, as the icon will be lit, with red text.
Danalock pricing and conclusions
At $249 for the Danalock element alone, it's a little pricier than some
other options, but it is good quality and super-easy to fit.
It may appeal most to those looking to upgrade the security of their lock at
the same time. The kit with the high-security lock will obviously make it a
more expensive undertaking, and pricing isn't yet known, but the entire
system is something anyone can fit in ten minutes.
For me, the combination of physical security and HomeKit means that I am,
for the first time, comfortable with a smart lock.
The Danalock HomeKit-compatible smart lock is <https://amzn.to/2JjbUlJ>
available on Amazon for $249. In the UK, it's available with handles
<https://www.ultion-lock.co.uk/ultion-smart/> as the Ultion Smart. A
complete package, bundled with a high-security lock cylinder as well as
handles, is on the way to both countries.
===========================================================
The fb-exchange mailing list
Manage account,
List Page: https://www.freelists.org/list/fb-exchange
Subscribe: mailto:fb-exchange-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?Subject=subscribe
Unsubscribe: mailto:fb-exchange-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?Subject=unsubscribe
Archive: https://www.freelists.org/archive/fb-exchange
Administrative contact: insight@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
===========================================================
