Update O Disabled Persons Systems

[arfur mo]

Hi Guys,

a while ago i sought advice about operating a to be installed new front door, having multipoint locking for a severely disabled client.

i waited a while to post this update, i wanted the systems to have time to settle in, also there were delays as the door installer was very busy, then installation dates clashed with holidays, so some long delays were experienced. the door has been working fine now since mid November.

I mentioned to the client the final design was shaped by this forums members who posted comment in here, he wishes me to pass on his gratitude to all thse who aided, i also really want to thank those who posted.

while i did not use all of the ideas, this was in no way out of any disrespect to any member, i am very grateful for all the suggestions. They helped me pick or led me to track down the best options with all the criteria required.

It was a very interesting project, allowed me to see more of what a person in that position has to cope with on an hourly basis, both he and i were aiming to make what ever was to be installed above all safe, also that would look the same in any other house where possible and allow him independence and to plan for a time his perants are not available to be on hand 24/7.

the works did not go as smoothly despite meticulous planning, the time elapsed between initial design discussions with suppliers, and the works actually being carried out. a string of frustrating supplier mistakes, making it fortunate i followed any conversations with an email as proof od what was said, something I’d strongly advise anyone to do.

Door Locking

I used a Winkhauss EV2 - E replacement lock casing and actuators, this is a superb bit of kit. looks from any aspect exactly the same as any other 3 point lock, but has a mortised motor mechanism., so the only concession is a door loop for the power and commands.

It offered the much wanted 'normal' look of the door, with the practicalities of using standard door furniture. it operates the two hook tongues as well as withdrawing the lock latch when operated. If the key is used it can lock the door securely to stop it being opened by any electronics in error when the house is empty. It holds open untill the door shuts, and th shapes allow for alignment and the least effects of side pressure, highly recommend it for such projects.

While not fail safe in operation, there is a standard handle on the inside, and the key from outside for mechanical emergency override, I'd have preferred a fuly fail safe system, this had to be weighed against the users fears of intrusion as well as aesthetics. Maglocks presented all sorts of issues, shear locks being prone to adjustment issues, and a need for an override to release the door from the outside in case of electronics failure were decided against as you had to discard the 3 point locking.

I had the lock set sent direct to sit, at the time of order so had been on site to allow the door fitter to get on if i were delayed in traffic, being 2 hour run you have to be sensible. i got t site about 9:20 and the old door and frame is already out. so a combined effort we install the EV2 lock.

Cue 1^st supplier mistake

I’m so engrossed with fitting this expensive lock to realise late in the day we don't actually have the motor or the wiring loom, not knowing this lock I had thought the motor was within the casing just needed wring up, but no.

HAving bough the kit via an Essex based supplier for just such emergencies, but can't get any response from the guy initially spoke to, despite telling the company we have the new door in, but unsecured.

We secured it, and I return to site next day. Finally get a response having raised merry hell, fortunately Winkhauss are ony ¾ hour away from the site, and the clients Dad offers to go collect, so I can get on with other works.

I install the door motor, bought again from local Essex supplier, the lock and loom arrives I dismantle door and fit.

Cue Supplier Mistake’s 2 & 3.

So I open the box with Paxton Kit in (delivered a few days earlier and still sealed), to find a NET2 Controller and prox swipe cards, I’d ordered the stand alone VR unit and key fobs i.e. = useless.

So Install the GSM switch, and connect.

Cue Supplier Mistake 4.

The lock has to release before the door motor can swing it open, nothing odd about this but the motor don’t support a start delay, it has the terminals marked ‘LOCK’ but turns out motor is designed for internal double doors, and that’s a link between the two leaves. All thishaving discussed at great length about an external door, I even used the suppliers external dor as a ‘pattern’ to describe the restrictions. Ended up they got another pcb, the Spanish designer is away, so many phone calls to Spain finally via software update, we now have the output, but I have to run it via a small relay.

Cue Supplier Mistake 5.

No problem, I carry small relays and transistorised relays normally, i‘d bought the latest batch from a new local supplier, cheaper version of the handy relay’s and offering ac/dc operation – sweet. But had the maker actually tested them on 12 vac they woud have been useful!

I’m back to late and need to be away to early to swap them out, so I end up making my own, new Paxton Kit arrives on site

Cue Supplier mistake 6.

I open parcel to be confronted by now the correct reader – but another batch of prox cards, I mention here when ordering the replacement fobs and reader, I was later contacted to confirm I actually wanted prox fobs, so ask can I try any harder folks?

I now mount the internal REX, one of the big green buttons on a metal plate, but the chap has great difficulty in operating it. so I replace with swanky expensive touch switch, thinking that will be ideal only for him to say he was scared of static electricity shocks, eventually he accepts it having seen it being used by several people (and thus far no shocks).

Just shows the level of design you have to put in at all stages, and the curves such projects can throw you.

The door fitter who ordered the door, had not allowed for the door being opened from the outside via the handle, I suggested to shorten the shaft so the outer handle was ‘free’. This worked, but handle could rotate and hook up on the door frame, preventing the door from opening.

A split shaft was decided on, but had the same results and the client is now getting agitated. His view was “it’s just a ‘simple’ door”, which its not true due to his special needs electronics and the design constraints required.

But given the supplier mess ups, making me look bad, while door furniture used was down to the door fitter, nice guy but clueless on anything out of the ordinary. The door can’t be signed off over this handle problem. So now I go out ‘hunting’ for a solution at a locksmiths and get what is a short bit of spindle welded to a plate that fits inside the outer handle case and stops it rotating, just so simple = sorted.

Just an aside, he had 3 cctv cameras onto a switcher, I installed an Alien DVR and hook it up to his router, crazy thing is I can access it of the Iphone and Remotely via IE but not remotely via the supplied remote viewer program, it has stumped his friend, an IT engineer in a large bank. Decided it’s an IP propagation issue with BT.

Normally, a dynamic IP only changes occasionally; this site is changing 7 - 20 times a day, only one like it but glad I have the pro service .

End of the day, with all the return visits and time spent screaming down phones at suppliers, i don’t think I made any money, but at least I know that guys quality of life is much better now, and he might motorise some more internal doors later on.

Thanks again for all the help given guys

Arfur