A lock that provided intermittent and limited access?

March 1, 2007 9:54 AM

Access Control & Electronic Lock Filter: I'm working on a project that requires a method of controlling intermittent access to a small container, can you help?

I have a project that I am working on which requires a method of controlling intermittent and limited access to a small container. Its strength doesn't have to be that great, so long as it stays intact and is enough to withstand general tampering, if it breaks due to excessive force (ie a mallet or hammer) that would be ok.

In theory it's quite simple. All I need is a small pad like lock which can accept large key codes that expire after a certain number of hours after first entering the code. However making or finding a type of lock that does this is another matter.

For anyone that has experience in locks and access control could you suggest how I might go about making, or finding a lock that fits these requirements?

- - -

I'm hoping that if I could make or buy such a device I could give certain people the key code to open the device, and once they have used it for the first time it would expire after an hour or so.

I should also note that I only need one of these locks, so making a batch of locks at a cheaper price is not really an option for me.

Thank you for your time,
Kind regards,
Gavin

posted by Sevenupcan to Technology (2 answers total)

On a hunch I took a look at what McMaster-Carr had to offer, as they sell just about everything.

They have a few items that might work on page 2852 of their catalog (they use frames, so I can't link to it directly). You could also search their site using the term "locks" and pull up a bunch of hits.

This one looked like the closest match (p/n 1625A1):

"Proximity and Keypad Lockset
Lockset offers dual-level security—set to require a one- to six-digit code and a proximity card or key fob to verify authorization or program lockset to work with either a code or the proximity feature. Use the keypad to program lockset for up to 500 users.

The optional tracking software (sold separately) lets you program what time of day the codes and cards are in effect and tracks up to 1000 events (user code, entry time, unauthorized codes, etc.). Use software with the computer cable kit for software (sold separately) to plug into lockset for programming or downloading data.

Use on interior or exterior doors. Outdoor side of lockset can withstand temperatures from -40° to +135° F. Lockset is reversible for left- or right-hand doors. Lockset has a key cylinder with two keys for emergency override. The inside lever handle is always unlocked."
(picture, more info on McMaster-Carr site)

With the necessary accessories, this setup runs around $1200.
posted by mosk at 10:11 AM on March 1, 2007 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I never even knew this site existed. This is a great help thank you. I've seen a few locks that might be suitable for what I have in mind. Also there are so many types of locks I never knew existed.

Thanks again mosk.
posted by Sevenupcan at 8:04 AM on March 3, 2007