Anyone have experience with these? Any recommendations or brands to stay away from? I found quite a few on the internet, but it seems all are "coming soon to a theatre near you" status. I was looking at Bluetooth and WiFi ones. Thanks.

Sorry i have no input, but wouldnt these things be able to be hacked?

If bluetooth i think you need the code on your phone (ie. i email it to my guest) and bewithin a few feet of he lock. so i guess if the email is hacked then yes, but they would have to know the address. With wifi, i would think they would need my wireless router password. not sure about his and you ask a good question which i need to explore more, thanks.

The one i saw on shark tank looked awesome.

They also have them in Z-Wave which requires a Home Automation package. But why would you want something like this? IMHO, they are too failable due to loss of signal, etc... Why not just get a Schlage Combo/Key entry system?

I have this one in Brass and you can also get it as a dead bolt only..

They work great..

 

Thanks guys. I am aware of both of these. It is for a rental property (weekly rentals) so remote access helps since it is not feasible to drive.

One option is to put in a small home automation system that you can monitor.

 

Something like a Mi Casa Verde Veralite  controller ($175-ish on amazon), compatible door locks (anything that uses Z-wave, kwikset and schlage do), and maybe even a wireless cam.... all controllable from your smartphone or the 'net. You can even get a compatible thermostat and switches and outlets and garage door openers and the list goes on....

 

You can automate most of a house nowadays for less than $1000 with a pretty decent system. (These systems won't have central monitoring beyond any alerts it can send to you... but there's no monthly fee either.)

IRIS from Lowes also supports these and other devices. I have the basic security package and it works well.

I have relatives with MiCasaVerde - it is worth looking into.

IRIS from Lowes also supports these and other devices. I have the basic security package and it works well.

 

My biggest problem with the Lowes system, and I looked into it before I decided on the Mi Casa Verde system for my own house, is that the "free" service doesn't really include the stuff you can do for free with something like the Mi Casa Verde.

 

The second you add a camera and want to record or save video or anything besides watching live cam stuff or want any of the other "premium" features of the IRIS system... you need to pay for their upgraded service.. which at that point you might as well pay someone who includes central monitoring service for approximately the same monthly price.

I use a Schlage Zwave with a Vera 3, kinda looks like the picture in a previous post. ( had a vera2 that was upgraded on one of their specials, otherwise probably would have went with a veralite, that was not available when I started with Zwave. )

 

Personally I'd say Zwave is addictive, and can get a bit expensive.

 

It is nice to be able to unlock remotely, give out temp access, get email/sms when door is opened.

 

Mainly got this because my forgetful dad kept loosing his keys, but had no problem remembering a code.

 

Added items like motion sensors, cameras, water leak sensors, light controllers, thermostats, it never seems to end.

 

Also programmed the lights on the front of the house to turn on from the buttons in the car. One for the garage, one for the lights.

 

If only they would sell Zwave smoke detectors in the US.

 

Went with Vera due to cost, no monthly fees, and low power draw.

 

Other products require a PC running all the time.