Morninglinc and multiple locks

[mitch236]

I read that if I want multiple Morning Industry locks that the RF device will unlock all the locks it can communicate with. I would like to have control over each individual lock. If I buy a Morninglinc RF device with each MI lock, can I control each lock individually through the ISY?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello mitch236,

 

That's a question for SmartHome. If MorningLinc locks/unlocks all doors then there's basically nothing we can do to prevent it.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[fitzpatri8]

The MorningLinc has a single transmitter device id, so while you can link multiple locks to it they would all respond (lock or unlock) to its signal. So far as I know, you *can* use multiple MorningLincs in the same installation for discreet control of multiple door locks.

 

Michel, is there any prohibition against using multiple MorningLincs on the same ISY?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Tom,

 

Thank you for the clarification.

 

There are no restrictions: you can add as many MorningLincs as you would like.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[brad77]

fitzpatri8 is right. The MorningLinc plug-in transmitter is basically just a fancy RF remote. Just like with the keyfobs, you must enroll it with your lock or it won't respond to it.

 

You can link multiple locks to the same transmitter and they'll all respond if they're in range. Alternatively, you can set up multiple transmitters associated with multiple locks for discreet control.

 

Now if we could just get confirmation that the lock has actually closed...

[fitzpatri8]

In my home, the beeps from the lock can be heard faintly from the master bedroom, so we've got an audible confirmation that the bolt is in the secure position before we go to sleep. When we leave the house, the lock offers both audible and visual confirmation as the Away program runs and secures the front entry. But right now, if you command the door from beyond visual and audible range, just a MorningLinc and and Morning Industries remote lock won't give you any useful confirmation.

 

Ideally, for remote use we would get feedback that the door has truly been secured. To accomplish that now, you need to install an IOLinc or a TriggerLinc attached to a plunger switch in the door frame. That kind of setup is more expensive and requires a bit of additional mechanical aptitude to get everything aligned just right. Perhaps they could offer the package of components as an additional IOLinc kit.

[WayneW]

Ideally, for remote use we would get feedback that the door has truly been secured. To accomplish that now, you need to install an IOLinc or a TriggerLinc attached to a plunger switch in the door frame.

 

The MorningLinc (I meant Morning Industries lock) mechanism itself should be able to determine the deadbolt is extended. But that leaves a question because the door could be physically standing open/ajar.

 

So the logic combination of "deadbolt is extended" and "door is closed (via a standard door security sensor)" would yield the "door is locked" answer.

 

I believe that one of the Z-wave locks actually has two way communication so you can confirm lockage... but I don't know if they are really smart enough to know the door is closed/locked or simply that the deadbolt plunger is extended.

[brad77]

The MorningLinc mechanism itself should be able to determine the deadbolt is extended.

That's what I was thinking. In some cases, I have found that the deadbolt binds up in the door frame (usually when the door isn't properly/fully shut), causing it to retract.

 

I have an ELK, so I know the door is closed. Positive lock confirmation from the MorningLinc would be the missing link in my scenario.

[fitzpatri8]

If the Morning Industries deadbolt cannot extend or retract in response to a signal, it will emit a fast, multi-beep error tone, but as mentioned previously that requires that you be somewhere where you can hear it--it wouldn't help if you were locking the front door from the back of the house or from work unless you were listening to the confirmation tones over an intercom or phone interface.

 

Rather than having a door lock reporting feature where people are *sure* to misinterpret extended bolt for meaning secure door, I'm still thinking the best option is to have some sort of positive confirmation that the bolt is extended into the door frame. A mechanical plunger IOLinc kit would even let you get accurate status with the less-sophisticated SmartLinc and absent an Elk or other remotely-accessible security system.

[brad77]

I'm picking up what you're putting down, fitzpatri8. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to start tearing apart my door jambs!

 

At any rate, my point is moot. The feature doesn't exist, so your method is really the only viable option.

 

It is a real need, though, in my opinion. With a troublesome door, I really can't lock it remotely with any degree of certainty as it is. It is a major shortcoming of this setup, IMO.