remote controlled lock

[ARF-GEF]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking for a remote controlled lock. Or more precisely something like a latch or a deadbolt.
It will be for a friend's sons's "secret stash" situated behind a small bookcase on hinges, in a little brick alcove (God knows why that's there...). So there should be no keyholes or any sign of the lock outside.

Since this is a child's project I'm not looking for high secure things, of course it should fulfil the function of a lock, but the key is being battery operated, easy to install and reasonably reliable.
There is no need for many fancy functions, time locks, various users etc, just a remote controller and some kind of latch like thing it operates. 2 keys are needed or 3 tops.

It shouldn't be too expensive and should be available either world-wide, or in Europe or at least be bought online.

I've also though of RFID based solutions, but the wood is around 2 inches thick, not sure if that would be an issue, plus I don't want too much assembly and complications. Simplicity and ease of installation is a focus
I also don't want to hassle with electric cables because A.) I'm lazy, B.) It shouldn't be dangerous to the child and C.) I don't want to undertake serious modifications to the place apart from drilling a few holes and putting some screws in.

I hope some of you will have some kind of handy solution

Thanks for your help

PS.: this is the "unhinged" end of the bookcase and the other pic is the part of the wall which is next to bookcase.

Pics of the situation:
http://i.imgur.com/j0LN8FO.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/u9fJK7t.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/vHEMVpU.jpg

[Squelchtone]

1 or 2 of these

www.ebay.com/itm/381073421541

or a round bolt if you prefer

www.ebay.com/itm/221482811672

pull on a book to activate the switch, hear the solenoid pop and open the secret door.

cool project, I always wanted to do something like this!
Squelchtone

[Zenophryk]

Instead of a book, which is indeed cool, you could use a simple remote control switch, http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12v-10A-rela ... 338583b51d
I used one to activate a small nitrous cylinder in a tractor carburetor. worked pretty well.

-Zenophryk

[MrAnybody]

I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions, but definitely sounds like a cool project for sure.

I just wanted to stop by and say hi, ARF Long time no see. Great to see you around, my friend.

[billdeserthills]

Having made hidden places before, I have used the magnetic "baby" locks and they do work very well. No batteries makes them easy to install,
but You have to remember just where the magnet must be placed on the outside of the "door" to unlock it. I like to use two magnetic locks, so
there won't be any accidental openings, with just one magnetic key. You can find them on Amazon under "magnetic lock"

[dll932]

I'm not sure how much you want to spend, but:

http://www.gokeyless.com/product/1388/2 ... binet-lock

Wood won't interfere with RF.

[billdeserthills]

I'm not sure how much you want to spend, but:

http://www.gokeyless.com/product/1388/2 ... binet-lock

Wood won't interfere with RF.

You forgot to tell the o/p just what happens to this special electronic lock, after the batteries go dead,
which I think is the dumbest idea Ever. Why even bother hiding the battery box inside the compartment?

[dll932]

I'm not sure how much you want to spend, but:

http://www.gokeyless.com/product/1388/2 ... binet-lock

Wood won't interfere with RF.

You forgot to tell the o/p just what happens to this special electronic lock, after the batteries go dead,
which I think is the dumbest idea Ever. Why even bother hiding the battery box inside the compartment?

Every electronic lock I ever saw gives plenty of warning when the battery is getting low.

[billdeserthills]

I'm not sure how much you want to spend, but:

http://www.gokeyless.com/product/1388/2 ... binet-lock

Wood won't interfere with RF.

You forgot to tell the o/p just what happens to this special electronic lock, after the batteries go dead,
which I think is the dumbest idea Ever. Why even bother hiding the battery box inside the compartment?

Every electronic lock I ever saw gives plenty of warning when the battery is getting low.

Plenty of warning if You are around to use it. My safe tells me every day that I am supposed to change the battery, however when the battery really does go dead I won't have to destroy my safe lock, just to change
batteries, unlike this crummy lock.

[allan501]

If it is a bookcase leave two exposed nail heads wired parallel to the battery. If the battery goes dead you can stick an external battery against the nail heads for power.

[allan501]

A quick google says the latches are designed to shear if forced without damaging anything else. So the latch could be replaced inexpensively.

[billdeserthills]

A quick google says the latches are designed to shear if forced without damaging anything else. So the latch could be replaced inexpensively.

Wowie, a lock that has a built-in latch that is designed to be easily forced open...
That sounds Super Hi Tech, is that what security is all about these days? I thought we put locks on to Secure the contents, guess I was wayyy off

[Squelchtone]

Alright, so this thread went from help a member out to plain old bickering. Everyone has their own opinions, but please try to be civil to each other.

I'm also going to PM the OP to actually show up and reply with any additional info that may help, or close the thread if he is all set with his project.

Squelchtone

[nick08037]

It would be interesting to know what solution the OP decided was best suited for this project from the suggestions here or other options found elsewhere.

[dll932]

Ramsay Electronics sells kits that could be put to use for this application, as does Velleman and a bunch of other sources.