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Very Simple Arduino Electric Lock

Very Simple Arduino Electric Lock
This is a instructable for a very simple Arduino controlled electric lock.

The key idea here is to be very simple as this was more of a proof of concept prototype type of thing.

The Arduino is used as a switch to control the lock itself, and is set to interface with a Computer.

The Computer sends serial data to the Arduino in which allows the electronic lock to be opened.

The Computer itself allows many different ways of opening this lock such as just pushing a button, reading a bar code scanner, and even over Bluetooth with a Windows Mobile device.

I used this simple project as a fun way of learning the basics of a few different things,
such as Arduino programming, Bluetooth integration, Bar code scanners and Serial communication

 
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Step 1Parts

Parts
«
  • alock3.png
  • alock2.png
  • alock1.png
  • lock1.jpg
  • nolock.png
  • yeslock.png
Well first you need a Arduino, i used a Diecimila but any type would work.

The lock i am using is La Gard ENV 1300 type lock, i bought like 6 of them for 10 bucks on EBay.
You can not use just any type of lock, like a regular door lock, it must be electronic based.

It needs to work in the following manner: Inside this lock is a deadbolt, now what keeps this deadbolt closed is a very simple electromagnet. When you put power through this electromagnet it allows the lock to be open. If it does not have this simple electromagnet inside then it will not work . A simple door lock that uses a key and pins and tumbler will not work.

I included a picture of the inside of the lock where you can see how it works: Power goes to the electromagnet which pulls back a pin that releases and frees a wedge. This wedge then allows the door to be unlocked.

Theoretically you could create your own electromagnetic lock, or use a simple motor or something but that is for a different instructable.

You will also need a basic transistor: I used a 2N2222 from radio shack

Now if you want to open it through other means than just the computer your need:

A Bluetooth phone, i am using a Touch Pro with Windows Mobile

A bar code scanner, i am using a Symbol CS1504

In the last picture you see a door knob, this door knob has a wooden square knob glued to the bottom to fit in the square peg on the lock, its used to open the lock.

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22 comments
Feb 21, 2011. 12:33 PMnickstewartroc says:
Can you guys help me out, I can't seem to find the right lock anywhere! I've looked for a week now, and nothing, any that I do find are with keypad and 80 dollars, Thanks,
Nick
Jan 30, 2012. 8:13 PMtmhawley says:
This is the exact project i'm trying to do. However, I can not find any of the dang locks for under 20$ and as I'm trying to do this for multiple doors this would be pricey. By chance anyone has any recent links to cheap electronic locks? All i can find are electronic door strikes and expensive keypad all in one electric door locks. Thanks for suggestions!
Jan 13, 2012. 9:39 AMkelevra88 says:
How did you create the application ??
Sep 25, 2011. 1:44 AMfebbie says:
can you give us a more detailed connection of the transistor with the arduino...i am really confuse on where to connect the ground and as well as the wires going to the lock.i hope you could help us..
Oct 10, 2011. 4:03 AMfebbie says:
thank you for being so helpful..we deeply aappppreeciiateeee iiiittt!!
we'll let you know what happened to our project when the right time comes..:)
Dec 17, 2009. 2:22 AMraziiq says:
 Well First of all, its an amazing project. This is exactly what i am looking for.  I need a little of your help in this project.

I got the Arduino end of the Project, and the program is also simple, thanks for that. But i couldnt understand the Hardware part (The Lock part ) of the project. What actually going inside the lock is a bit fuzzy in my mind, can you please explain that in more detail.

Thanks in advance.


Dec 17, 2009. 7:52 PMraziiq says:
Thank you for that kind explanation. I thought you added something to that ordinary lock. So basically lock has got all the things like Spring and wedge by default and you are controlling the current using the pins of Arduino, so basically Arduino is acting like a switch here.

BTW do you know the actual name of this door lock??

I found this lock, but dont know if its gonna work like your lock or not?

cgi.ebay.com/Slightly-Used-Schlage-Deadbolt-Door-Lock_W0QQitemZ280437876852QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0
Sep 16, 2010. 9:35 PMfalcon74 says:
Hi RKlenka,

Firstly, thanks for sharing an excellent project, pretty neat and well done.
Just wondering however, as to are these the $8.99 locks that are found all over eBay now ? All of those other links do not show up, as they are obviously quite dated (9-10 months old).

cheers,
F74
Oct 17, 2010. 9:19 PMraziiq says:
After some hectic months with my Uni Study now i have some free time to try this project, but the problem is i still cant find myself an electronic Lock, the ones i searched on the internet are really expensive.
Dec 17, 2009. 8:24 PMraziiq says:
 Thank you for your instant reply. I ll look at these locks, thanks :)

Hoping for your kind support in future 
Feb 4, 2010. 7:32 AMshelley_fox says:
Hi, this is a great little project and I'm really looking forward to trying it out!  Could you please give me the specs for the transistor that you've got in there?  Also, is there any way that you could include a little schematic of how it is wired in, I can't quite make out how you've done your connections from the pictures.

Thank you!
Nov 23, 2009. 1:16 PMlemonie says:
Can you take the plate of to show the mechanics of the electromagnetic lock?

L
Nov 23, 2009. 11:27 PMlemonie says:
I see it - thanks

L

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Author:RKlenka(RKlenka.com)