Electromagnetic Lock Control

[backinthelab]

I'm in the process of building a secured room of sorts and have been researching electromagnetic locks as one of the means. Most "kits" being sold come with an RF receiver and transmitter, typically Seco-Larm.

 

I'm curious to know if the IO Linc could integrate into this and, if so, how would I go about wiring it? My intent would be to disable the lock via either Mobilinc or a series of KPL buttons. I would assume that it would be along the same lines as the wiring to my garage door opener, however, if anyone has some (detailed) insight it would be appreciated. Wiring these kinds of things isn't one of my strong suits!

 

PS I've already looked at Morning Industries, however, this will be a pocket door so a normal deadbolt won't work.

[backinthelab]

Nada, huh?

[Vyrolan]

That's a pretty specialized question dealing with a specific device that nobody else may have...can't expect super faster answer. Without some familiarity with those kits and how their RF receiver/transmitter works, it's hard to say how (or if) you can control it with an iolinc.

[backinthelab]

I understand that it's not a typical request, but the way I see it (Insteon gurus please correct me if I'm wrong), is that it's similar to the function of a garage door opener. You have a key fob transmitter that activates a receiver that, in turn, switches a relay. I can probably figure out the wiring if the lock, it's just that the IOLinc always seems to rack my brain in its wiring and operation.

[Vyrolan]

I understand that it's not a typical request, but the way I see it (Insteon gurus please correct me if I'm wrong), is that it's similar to the function of a garage door opener. You have a key fob transmitter that activates a receiver that, in turn, switches a relay. I can probably figure out the wiring if the lock, it's just that the IOLinc always seems to rack my brain in its wiring and operation.

But there's still subtle variations. SECO-LARM sells a great many models of locks, receivers, and transmitters. Looking at a few of their RT transmitters, it looks like they operate with a Normally-Open (NO) relay...so you could use them the NO and COM terminals. The few SECO-LARM transmitter manuals I looked at have a wiring diagram that shows an example with a simple push button. The IOLinc simply takes the place of that button. Turning on the IOLinc's Relay (via any Insteon controller) will close the relay and thus activate the RF transmitter.

[oberkc]

is that it's similar to the function of a garage door opener.

I can probably figure out the wiring if the lock, it's just that the IOLinc always seems to rack my brain in its wiring and operation.

Perhaps it is similar to a garage door, but I am with Vyrolan on this. To offer an opinion on how well the IOLinc could integrate with a device that few around here have used (likely, in my estimation) would be speculation (educated or otherwise). I, for one, would hate to offer an opinion, have you spend your money based on that opinion, then find out I was wrong. If your question is now more to gain a better understanding of how an IOLinc works, allowing YOU to decide whether to try to integrate it with another device...that is a slightly different question.

 

I use an IOLinc. Basically, it has one input and one output. The input is for a relay or sensor. The sensor input is either on (closed, shorted) or off (open). I don't believe the IOLinc cares as to the brand or configuration of the sensor, so long as it is a simple open/closed circuit from an electrical standpoint. The IOLinc can take this sensor condition (open or closed) and convert it to an insteon status or command (on or off). Once connected, this sensor can be used as can any other insteon device: as a controller in a scene.

 

The output basically emulates a contact button similar to a simple garage door button or doorbell button. It can be configured to mimmick the closing of a contact, opening a contact, or momentarily doing this (mimicking a press of the garage door/doorbell button). This output can then be connected to any device that operates from momentary contact button type device, such as a garage door opener or doorbell. If your Seco-Larm kit can be connected to a momentary contact button, then I would expect that the output of an IOLinc could be used in this capacity.

 

The IOLinc has the ability to configure much of the way it reacts to sensor input, the type of output (momentary or "latching") it provides, and the relationship between input and output, to suit a variety of uses. One common use for these relationships might allow one, for example, to operate a garage door ONLY if it is already open (thus providing some level of security against a door opening when not intended.

 

Hopefully, this will allow you to decide if an IOLinc can be integrated with your prospective device.

[RichTJ99]

I was thinking about doing this too for a media room in my home, in the end I ended up just getting a lock with a keypad. Its not as integrated as an insteon solution but I figured I could put a Triggerlinc on the door for the insteon reporting part.

[backinthelab]

I found an easy way around it, until I get another IO Linc and find time to test it. The Seco relay has to have it's own power source, so I just plugged it into an Appliance Linc and programmed it from there. A combination of buttons on a nearby Keypad Linc turns the relay on and off. The only downside I see with this configuration is when I want to integrate the lock relay into the Elk with a battery backup, but it's been working fine thus far with txt notifications and such so I'll keep it as-is for now. Thanks for your help, everyone.

[RichTJ99]

I ended up adding a second door with a second electromagnetic lock. This time I have an older appliancelinc that is linked to a trigger linc. I put the magnets together & it opens and a text message is sent.

 

I have been having an issue with the appliancelinc 'hearing' the commands. I tend to open & close the trigger linc a few times, get a bunch of emails & only one open from the appliancelinc.

 

I am debating buying a dual band lamplinc or a dual band outdoor on/off applaincelinc (not sure why the non-outdoor appliance linc is not dual band).

 

I am wondering if i will get a better response with a dual band product.