EVVA MCS non-magnetic mechanism

[scorche]

So, I recently got my second MCS and I noticed that the style of the non-magnetic bits on the top and bottom of the key were different than what I have seen in the past. See picture:



In the above picture, the top key is what I have usually seen on these MCS keys - that wavy line along with depressions here and there...the same pattern on both the top and bottom sides. However, the two lower keys are my "new" MCS. You will notice that there are just the depressions (no wavy slider lines) and that the "bitting' is different for the top and the bottom. I realize that I still need to disassemble these locks, however I have seen the top key MCS disassembled. Without me disassembling these locks, could anyone tell me the difference between the 2 systems? Also, I find it odd that both locks (though I lack the packaging) plainly describe themselves as "EVVA MCS" locks without any kind of suffix added to delineate the two different systems such as pro, plus, etc. Does anyone know what EVVA might call the two locks to differentiate the two of them? Lastly, if anyone might be able to provide any sort of reasoning for the change (refreshing the patent?), it would be nice..

[Legion303]

Your bottom two keys look very similar to the "control ball" system in mh's breakdown here: viewtopic.php?t=11912

As to why the difference in the different locks...could it just be a matter of key profile differences?

-steve

[scorche]

After doing a bit more research and talking with a few people, it is merely a first and second generation of the MCS system. mh's breakdown was of the first generation which is what my new (to me) MCS is. The second generation must just be quite a bit more prevalent than the first gen. There might be a third generation out there as well, however I have not seen one yet. What still puzzles me is why EVVA doesn't really delineate between the 2 on the lock itself or the name of the lock (like how they now have the 3KS and the 3KS-plus) though there is a slight change to the key bow. Hopefully next weekend or so, I will have my new macro lenses, a light tent set up, locks cleaned, etc so that I can start doing lots and lots of breakdowns/pictures of various locks that I own and I will disassemble both of them to show the difference side-by-side.

[mh]

I heard EVVA had some problems with the 1st generation locks catching keys at 30 degree angles - in master keyed systems where the people who designed the system apparently did something wrong with the profiles and control notches.
The slider system of the 2nd generation is clearly better.

I also never heard of different names.

Cheers,
mh

P.S. the MCS post was my very first post on LP101, I'm glad it's still around

[n2oah]

EVVA is strange because they don't rename their locks even after significant changes. The older EVVA DPIs had a pin tumbler plus profile configuration. The new DPIs have a sidebar plus the profile, and they're much more difficult to open than the older DPIs.

[scorche]

EVVA is strange because they don't rename their locks even after significant changes.

With the 3KS/3KS Plus being the exception, I suppose...

[dosman]

I know this is an old thread but I thought I'd add that the trap ball system on the older MCS is easily bypassed. If your "key" has the edge profiles ground off the top and bottom you can easily push the trap pins back in place and free the plug. I had a chance to talk with someone from EVVA once and while not admitting to anything, they just nodded when I showed them this. The part MH mentioned about problems with masterkey systems is interesting too. Also, of the small number I've seen, every 2nd generation MCS has had the same waves on the top and bottom of the key. It would be interesting to see other variations.

[mh]

Also, of the small number I've seen, every 2nd generation MCS has had the same waves on the top and bottom of the key. It would be interesting to see other variations.

All those that I have seen exactly resemble the patent drawing, with the one exception of the symmetrical key (that can be used upside-down as well), where the waves are of course symmetrical.

Did you guys hear of our presentation at HAR2009 about the MCS? A talk named "Unusual Lockpicking", with some details about the level of key control you can expect from this system

Cheers
mh

[jpb06080]

I heard that mcs can be bypassed by sending an electrical current through a key while tensioning the plug. No idea if there is any truth to it, but I thought that was kinda interesting. Anyone heard of this? I'd like to try it on mine but i don't want to mess up my only mcs!

[mh]

I heard that mcs can be bypassed by sending an electrical current through a key while tensioning the plug. No idea if there is any truth to it, but I thought that was kinda interesting. Anyone heard of this?

We have done extensive research on the MCS system and I am very sure that it is not as simple as that.

Sending an electrical current through a key will heat the key up, and a heating experiment has shown that some plastic parts inside the lock can be melted, yet this will not allow the lock to open.
This is ensured by design - to open, two sidebars must move, and while the parts that block them are made from plastic, so is the part that would move them and also their surrounding; so they will "stick" to the locked position.

Cheers
mh