by linty » 22 Dec 2007 8:11
I'm sure others have posted their opinions on this already, but hey if you don't care, don't read it eh? :)
Finally got our rep to drop one of these off for us to play with. It's the first gen. version and apparently they are onto the second gen. now.
Aesthetically it is quite nice, the inside cover is plastic but was a very convincing venetian bronze. This cover must be removed every time you want to add / delete / fiddle with the lock and I don't really feel as though the system by which it clips on is adequate for that kind of use.
The scanner itself has 2 security settings, normal and high. It defaults to high. It can hold 50 users, each of which can be either admin or regular users. Every user can be either always allowed in, or only allowed in during certain times of the day, which can be different for each day of the week.
The programming is very easy and the interface is well thought out. You can actually store the users names in the system.
To close the bolt, you need to tap the sensor 3 times, anybody can do this even if they aren't programmed into the system.
It uses an RF scanner behind a glass plate to scan subdermally (as in slightly below your skin). So it has an inherent (albeit limited) ability to ignore dirt and cuts on your finger.
I have some experience with biometrics and had no problem whatsoever getting it to consistently recognize me on the high setting. However many of my coworkers were unable to open it without trying several times. The main factor here is consistency. Personally I think the way the lock is designed so you can "pinch" the sensor with your thumb and forefinger makes it easy to swipe consistently but because the sensor is small any significant variance in angle or speed with throw it off.
I noticed that the rep had programmed himself in 3 times, which basically gives the lock 3 similar templates for the same finger and gives him a lower chance of being rejected while demo-ing the product. The FAQ actually recommends enrolling the same finger multiple times if you have problems.
He was unable to supply me with actual figures on false acceptance and false rejection.
The key "override" and the thumbern are stiff to turn, much like the earlier powerbolt locks. This is because the key must turn the gears inside, which are plastic by the way. I would see a fairly high potential for breaking keys, especially since the keys supplied are the larger "compatible with smartkey" bow.
Battery life is 1 year at 10-15 uses a day. It has a battery life indicator and also a low battery warning beep. When the batteries are half dead, you can hear the motor getting weaker too.
All in all, it's not a bad product. I imagine some older or younger users may have trouble getting it to open consistently, but I personally have to problem getting it to open every time on high settings. Even though my fingers are generally dirty and scratched. I'll probably still recommend a unican for keyless entry to my customers but this is a major step forward in residential biometrics.
