"Beachcomber" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 28 Feb 2007 20:09:39 -0500, "AntiSkidKidd"
wrote:


"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
...
"Eigenvector" wrote in message
. ..
Has anyone ever installed swipe card locks on their home rather than
use
traditional lock and key? What about those cards you use in hotels?



For every 5 times I stay in a hotel, there's at least one incident where
the
card doesn't work and I have to go to the front desk for a new one.
Where
are you gonna go when your card doesn't work and you can't get into your
house?


swipe card systems are inferior to RFID based proximity
systems. many high tech buildings use them in place of
the swipe cards. they're recognizable by a rectangular
or square surface, usually with a red LED that will flash
green (accompanied by a beep perhaps) to acknowledge your
card was picked up the antenna.

the systems do require a host computer and the associated
installation expertise (UPS backup, etc recommended). if
you really want to go all out, get a biometric scanner to
grant/deny access.

of course, there's a point of diminishing returns. if i can
just smash in your living room window, it's pointless to
even consider anything beyond a simple deadbolt



Yes, and biometric sensors are not necessarily the top level of
security. The lower cost models (measuring thumbprints, etc.) have
been shown to be prone to fraudulent bypass with plastic/rubber
models.

Keypads alone are OK, but you have to realize that if you have a large
complex/multiple owners/tenants etc., it becomes too much of pain to
periodically change the code. People will forget, go on vacation,
complain that can't remember the new number etc. Also, after a
while, anyone who knows the code can get in and you just don't know
who knows the code. (The pizza delivery guy, the maid, her violent
ex-con burglar/grand theft boyfirend?) ( A lot of European apartment
access systems have this weakness).

Also, with all systems, who is going to buzz in the workmen, the
elevator inspector, the meter reader, delivery people, the people that
must be on the site to repair the common areas? An expensive human
presence is usually required onsite to let people in or issue the
security passes.

Beachcomber



I wish someone would invent something like this: A slim piece of metal with
a wide part for fingers to grip. The slim part would have little peaks &
valleys on one or both sides. You'd push it into a lock and turn it. Small
enough to fit in a pocket.