- Receive email or text notifications
- Install and set up the system with ease
- Access your home from anywhere
- Remotely monitor access to your home
- Monthly subscription fee required for remote access
Schlage makes a plain version of this lock, without the "LiNK Wireless". It's a fine product in my opinion. But there is a problem converting it to a wireless product the door cannot be locked REMOTELY. It's a fundamental problem for a "remote" product, and Schlage chooses to skirt around the issue.
If you forget to lock your door, or you decide you want to lock it remotely, you're out of luck, unless a burglar is kind enough to turn the knob for you. The deadbolt cannot be thrown electronically. Instead, an electronic "clutch" is engaged, which then allows you to manually operate the deadbolt knob. When "Locked" the knob spins and accomplishes nothing. "Unlocked" means the knob is engaged (temporarily) so you can turn it and throw the deadbolt. It's a novel concept. But notice, that you can't throw the deadbolt unless somebody is there to turn the knob.
The advantage of this type of mechanism is battery life. The battery is not spent throwing the deadbolt. The real work is done by you turning the knob, therefore battery usage is minimized.
What gets me is Schlage's marketing. The product description on their website claims you can "remotely lock or unlock the door" It's simply not true.
You can't excuse this as an oversight, since it is paramount to their design. In fact, the electronic clutch is the single feature that distinguishes it from other electronic locks!
My advice is to try the regular version in one of the big box stores, they all have them on display. You will then understand how the lock functions and you can decide if it suits your needs. Personally, I like the lock, but find the wireless functionality useless. So why pay extra for it?
----
Product description on Amazon...
Schlage LiNK Features and Benefits: Remotely lock or unlock the door
Schlage website(product features)...
Remotely grant access to the homeDeadbolt requires manually turning the bolt to lock and unlock the door when activated remotely
Translation: You CANNOT remotely lock the door.
----
Buy Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Add-on Deadbolt, Bright Brass Now
I installed these locks on my front and garage door a week ago and surprisingly it has been working flawlessly. I am using (Support Challenged) Micasa Verde Vera as Z-Wave gateway since it's too difficult for me to understand why to pay monthly costs to a service provider when I can do it for free with little or no learning but some patience. Here's my feedback and ovservation so far
Looks: Nice, I have brass and matches with other locks in the house from Schlage
Built: Typical Schlage good
Adding it to Z-wave network "With Vera": Easy enough but I have go through an upgrade and plug-in
Adding Codes: I can add codes "4 Digit" only with names including the ability to control the day and time when the code will be active example Maid Service or a Nanny who is about to retire. You cannot edit/modify the code but you can remove and re-add.
Lock/Unlock: From outside all you have to do is to enter your code, making sure, no one is watching with binoculars and you will hear a click and green LED. Turn the knob and it will open. To Close just hit the "Schlage" button after you turn the knob to lock. And yes it does not rotate the knob by itself like other model of Schlage but that is non-Zwave device. You can also use traditional keys to open or close. At night you can press the Schlage button first to illuminate the keys before entering the code helpful.
Battery and battery life: It comes with 3xAA and 1x9 Volt battery and advertized life is too long to believe but so far I did not see even 1% drop after a week's use.
Status and Remote Operation: You can always see the status of the lock as "Lock" or "Unlock" from any web-browser/iPhone etc. Operate it from anywhere to let someone in.
Notification: You can program using Zwave gateway to send you notification Via SMS/Email alert case a particular code is used OR wrong code is used.
Fun/Programming: Being Z-wave you can trigger several events when a particular code is used including but not limited to switching on lights case it's dark or start thermostat to cool/heat your home. Each of these events require additional hardware/device or a module.
Security: Schlage lock and your Z-wave gate will secure the transmission over RF (Radio Frequency) using encryption keys (digital keys something similar to when you access your bank over SSL/https web browser). This is from what I have read so far before purchasing and so far I am convinced that it is easier to find someone's keys under the doormat as compared to hacking the security of the lock with the exception of those binoculars or being careless to use easy numbers like 1234 (as my 5 year suggested me :-) for his code)
Elderly/Disabled: Terrific use to avoid going to the door to let someone in. Can combine with a motion sensor and an IP Camera to know who is at the door before clicking unlock.
Cons:
Not a motorized lock. Case you forget all you can do is to program Z-Wave gate to remind you that door is still unlocked
Incoming traffic is logged and you know when someone is coming in but there Is no way possible to know when someone leaves
One more thing in life to make you couch potato especially when you combine with a motion sensor and an IP Camera at your front door.
Hope you'll find what you're looking for. Additionally Kwickset also announced series of upcoming product based on this technology. Competition may bring the price down possibly.
Read Best Reviews of Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Add-on Deadbolt, Bright Brass Here
So I bought this with the intention of NOT using the Schlage Z-Wave bridge to control it. I am glad I chose this route, because the Schlage Bridge has received very poor reviews regarding the limited Z-Wave device support for devices other than a select few Schlage chose to support.
What surprised me...
The lock is NOT motorized, so locking your door after you forgot to when you have left home is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN without someone there to turn the knob. You will have to turn the lock after you hear the knob engage (a soft but definite click will be heard). You will need to explain this to whoever is going to be the one using the deadbolt when you aren't home.
Ease of Physical Installation 5 out of 5 Installs almost like a typical deadbolt.
Ease of Keypad Programming 5 out of 5 Easy Instructions that a non technical person could follow.
Want Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Add-on Deadbolt, Bright Brass Discount?
My initial plan was/is to use this as a stand-alone keyless entry device. I bought this one because I plan to hook it up to allow remote access at some future point. At this time I can provide no comments on that part of the functionality.
Installation was as easy as advertised. Just popped the old deadbolt out and this one slid in. No more than 10 minutes and it worked first time with the factory programmed code. It was a pleasant surprise that all required batteries were included in the package.
The only negative I came across is that nowhere in the printed directions that come in the box does it tell you how to program the device to add new codes (or delete codes). I was installing this at a new vacation property and did not have easy access to the internet. I called the help line number found in the box and waited for about 10 minute before I got to a live person. The first offer of help was to email me the instruction sheets, but given that I did not want to read the directions on my BB, I had them walk me through adding a code over the phone. The actual process is fairly simple, my only complaint is that it would be nice if the instructions came in the box. I have since found them online and now have a copy.
Save 60% Off
Great quality lock!
Z-Wave allows me to program and monitor the lock activity remotely. Customizable pin codes allow you to identify who is entering the house or you can have your Z-Wave system send you a text message.
The lock is of very good quality and eliminates the need for a key. I started using combination locks when my children would come home and needed a key to get in. No more hiding a key or losing the key that was in the backpack.
I have a Vera2 system and am not using Schlage link. The Vera2 works well with the lock.
