Comments on: IR Deadbolt – A way to gain access to your home without a key

By: Michael Lee

Michael Lee — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:58:49 +0000

I am wondering where the number “1.6 billion” comes from in the advertising. I would like to know if it is using Keeloq from Microchip. If not, then it’s not that secure.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:59:40 +0000

I own two of these and to be honest, it’s the best purchase I made, however, I did get the Infra-Red ones at first, which was a mistake, the problem with infra-red, is not the security part, as it auto rolls 1.6 billion codes, rather the transmitting signal strength of infra-red. You have to have this within 10 feet (and in testing it, more like 6 feet) of the door, and the fob has to point directly @ the door, so if you have a storm door, like I do, it did not work until I opened the storm door. To John, the Fob which does not take 4 AA, rather 2 small watch batteries, for the comment about the fob being large, it is about 1″W x 1.5″L, smaller than a usual car key fob.

I live in Canada on the Prairie, and we have the most diverse climate in the world, -50C with windchills in winter, and +40 in summers, and this thing has operated for almost 2 years now with NO Problems, other than 1 change of batteries recently. To be honest, it’s been a god send with groceries not having to fumble with keys, as I open the door right from my car. I do have the RF unit which operates on Radio Frequencies so I have up to about 20 feet (I can open and close my door from my street) to use the fob. Personally, the review with having a child use this is accurate, as my 3 year old son loves to push buttons to help daddy get inside, however, I think the possibility of a younger child losing the fob, is just as likely as him losing a key. Regardless, this is an independant review from an outside sales guy working for an engineering company, so I do know quality. The Morning RF-01 (RF) would be the choice over the KF-01 (IR) as it’s better technology and more efficient, and I would recommend that type of unit to anyone…..Hope this helps

A satisfied customer,

Dave Parnell

By: Hugo

Hugo — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:22:40 +0000

“For individuals concerned about the safety of keyless entry, they can rest assured that IR Deadbolt features an infrared red, coding system that ensures that individuals without permission can not grab your code and gain access to your home.”

Really? In security industry we need facts. What strong crypto does it use?
Dan, stop removing my posts.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:39:26 +0000

I can assure you this is not a sales pitch. I have updated the post taking into consideration some of the points you have raised, and they seem valid too. I am all for constructive criticism, as long as its genuine.

By: John

John — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:38:34 +0000

I agree. This review/pitch is just off. I like the idea, but everything Spencer points out is what I was thinking as well. Not to mention FOUR AA batteries for the REMOTE? That thing must be huge. I was thinking it was much smaller, like a key chain device given the car unlocking analogy.

I have always enjoyed having you point out new and interesting products/technologies, but this one just doesn’t seem like you (ie. useful) and has to make us wonder about motive. Sorry.

By: Tech Slice

Tech Slice — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:13:41 +0000

Couldn’t people just as easily lose their remote?

By: Spencer Lavery

Spencer Lavery — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:01:36 +0000

Also, point 4 “Low maintenance” is hardly a benefit over traditional keys, for traditional keys require absolutely no maintenance, no batteries, nothing. Point 4 is in fact a drawback.

Are this company paying you for this review? Seems far less impartial and much more sales-speak than usual.

By: Spencer Lavery

Spencer Lavery — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:59:17 +0000

Surely you’re more likely to forget/lose this than you would your keys. Or otherwise, surely you’ll just place this IR remote on your keyring, thus losing it when you can’t find your keys.

To me, losing your keys has nothing to do with this product, they shouldn’t be using that to sell it at all. It’s a great convenience in so many other areas.

My main gripe with keys is the ill-fitting ones that require a little ‘jiggle’ to work. Following closely behind is trying to find the right key in the dark. This IR remote looks great but it still requires finding something in your pocket, which when combined with your car’s IR remote and theoretically your work’s IR door remote, you’re going to have exactly the same problems as with traditional keys.

I much prefer the RF implant and biometric solutions, much more elegant, much more secure, and don’t require you to carry anything on your person.

How secure is the IR frequency? My understanding of IR is that its frequencies can be scanned and locked onto when in use, thus rendering your home rather ill-secured to anyone possessing a scanner.