Arduino Combi-button Lock w/ optional iOS/Android support

Recently, I decided I would like to attempt to make a passcode lock with my newly acquired Arduino Uno, but all the tutorials I could find made use of a modified keypad, something that not every Tom, Dick and Harry has lying about. I therefore decided to set out and make a version using only things every Arduino user should have in their component box - buttons.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring to you - the Arduino Combi-button Lock!!

This example will cause only an LED to come on when the passcode is entered, but other features can easily be added, such as a servo, motor etc.

If you do not wish to use buttons, there is an alternative TouchOSC version for Android or iPad/iPhone/iPod touch. Just skip step 4.

This is an entry for the Microcontroller contest. If you think it's awesome, be sure to vote!

So let's get started!

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Step 1: Components - What you will need

Screenshot-sketch_jun27a | Arduino 0022~maverick1.png

Screenshot-sketch_jun27a | Processing 1.5.1.png

To make this lock, you will need:

Essentials

-> An Arduino board - in my case an Arduino UNO I purchased from oomlout.co.uk. I bought the starter kit, and I would highly recommend it - go check them out!
-> A USB type-A to USB type-B cable
-> The Arduino IDE - download from arduino.cc
-> A breadboard

Hardware version:
-> 4 x push buttons/switches
-> 4 x 10k ohm resistors

iPhone/iPod Touch OSC Controlled version:

-> TouchOSC app ($4.99 on AppStore, and I believe it is free on Android)
-> TouchOSC layout editor
-> The Processing IDE - download from processing.org

KGuy says: Nov 25, 2012. 10:43 AM

Hi! Good job on the instructable! I've been screening the site everywhere, trying different arduino projects. When I came here, I built the circuit with no problem (not the OSC version), but when it came to the code, nothing worked. Might have been the layout, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions?

blubberdubber says: Apr 6, 2012. 3:06 AM

Hi, thanks for the great instructable! I'm new to arduino and this is set to be my first project on the arduino board. I was planning to use the TouchOSC version of your project but I am not sure how to actually make this work as a lock. Please can you advise me on how to install this on a door and actually make a lock.

Also, being new to arduino I can't visualise your project. I am curious how (for the TouchOSC version) it would work. Do you type in the password on your phone and then the door opens?

Many Thanks.