Morning Industry Deadbolts

By
Chris
 – March 27, 2009Posted in: First Impression, Recommend, Review
About a year ago I decided I wanted to install a dead bolt that would permit me to have “keyless” access to the house.  I’m a big fan of my X-10 system (not because of the technology, but because of the solution) where I can lay in bed, realize I left a couple lights on, and just hit an “all-off” button to sleep a little more peacefully.  I’ve been using “all-off” for about 10 years now (maybe longer) and I wanted to take it to the next level in Batcar like fashion with a “lock-down”.  The garage doors + dead bolts + window state are initial targets, with loop into an Elk panel for a whole home security system being a longer term target.So in comes the Morning Industries (warning, super cheesy website) RF-01AQ RF deadbolt.
The installation is pretty slick overall. I re-used my existing Schlage deadbolt innards, and slapped the outer mechanism along with the battery pack and main circuit board.

The overall quality of the product is high, my only complaint is that the “lock” LED was not placed well and came loose. There are couple of nice things they have done:

  • The backing plate, which contains the motor, features a spring mechanism to make open and closure of the deadbolt less stressful on the motor. This will definitely contribute to a longer life
  • Up to 15 seperate remotes can be used
  • The LED wires on the front of the lock are explicit for Lock and Unlock. This provides a good signal for catching discrete state changes in the deadbolt, which will make it easier to loop into home control. Despite the images on the web sites, the LEDs are actually different colours, Red for unlock, Green for lock
  • The RF remote has a discrete lock and unlock button. This will make it easier to hook up the relays to trigger the remote for the state changes
  • The product is RF based, which will allow the remote and accompanying relay boards to reside in the wiring closet and not be linked up with line of sight

I went with the antique brass finish, to match my existing door set. I’m happy with the finish of the product, and the little details they put in to make sure it is a nice end to end fit.

Now I just have to find 4 AA batteries and I can take it for a real spin…
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About the Author

A self described geek, Chris' curiosity into how things work is often the motivator for new habits and ventures. A drinker of scotch, beer and vodka, and eater of meats as much as those green things beside them, Chris is as much at home behind the kitchen counter as being a diner at a local hot spot.