How to install a RFID door lock?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency identification. It is the use of electromagnetic fields to tracks tags attached to objects to automatically identify them. The tags have electronically stored information embedded in them. This form of identification is used in numerous industries. From pharmaceuticals, livestock tracking, even furniture. For furniture it could be rfid locks, or even rfid cabinet locks. RFID is a guaranteed way of keeping track of products and also enabling easier identification system.

Installing a RFID lock on your door makes accessing your door i.e. opening and closing easier. With the RFID lock even with your hands full you can open or close your door. The electronic door lock can be controlled with ,say a circuit Arduino chip and ID-20 RFID reader. A simple circuit can consist of three separate parts. It will have an electronic door lock, reader to read RFID tags and a controller to accept data from the reader in addition to controlling the output.

A RFID door lock works with the use of electromagnet. With the use of a plate embedded in the lock, the door gives way when it is pushed. When there is no electromagnetic current, the plate keeps the door locked. The reader on the other hand, isn’t inside the lock but outside. This way both circuit and reader are protected. This makes for better security of the door without the fear of comprise to the system.

How a rfid works is through  the connection of two major components which the system works on. The first is the transponder also called tag which will be embedded in the item we want recognized and a reader which will read the item recognize it and grant access. In the reader lies the main job because this is where the radio antenna lies even the antenna coil. These are used to produce high frequency magnetic fields which connects to the tags or transponders and grants access. The job of the tag is just to be recognized via the microchip in it or the antenna in it when it comes in contact with the reader.

So, what do you need to install a RFID lock? You will need some parts. You will need power supply, hook-up wires, breadboard. These are the basics which you will need to build the Arduino. There are some parts which you need to build the Arduino; Triple Output Led RGB-Diffused, Resistor 10k Ohm 1/6^th Watt PTH, Mini Push Button Switch, Capacitor Ceramic, Crystal 16MHz and  an ATmega 168 with Arduino Bootloader. For the RFID, you will need RFID Reader ID-20 which offers a better range than an ID-12. You will also need RFID Reader Breakout, Break Away Headers- Straight, RFID Tag-125kHz. Other things needed are TIP31A transistor and a door lock.

The first step which you would have to take is building the simple Arduino with a beard board. What needs to be done is the connection of an LED digital output with the ATMega 168 chips to ensure everything is in working order. With that out of the way, a master tag has to be made.  This is important because if an unrecognized card is scanned, access would be denied. The master tag is used to be able to add or remove any unrecognised tag from the system. Automatically, once the door closes it locks.

Now, we won’t bore you with the source code needed to program the door to recognize or reject tags, but this is a crucial step when building a rfid door lock. Although, if you are only installing an already preprogramed rfid door lock, you would have no need to engage in any form of programming.

If you are installing an already programmed rfid lock , all you need to do is install mortise, install side plate, install mechanical key lock part, connect the wires, install a square shaft, affix the panel and load your batteries and cover up. This kind of installation goes for rfid door locks that use batteries. The process to follow towards getting this rfid door lock up and running will come with the manual for the door. If you are not adept at carpentry, it might be prudent to get a professional to cut the hole for your door lock, so you get the best fit.

Before you are done with the installation, make sure you test the door. Make certain the handle opens correctly, the tag works correctly also. Once the lock is installed, test all tags which will be used on the door and ensure the tags are always with you and not locked in. Whatever tag will be used for the door lock should be tested to ensure they are in perfect working conditions.

The convenience of rfid cannot be overemphasized. The versatility of use in different ways makes it the right kind of security measure for your entrances especially doors. Lets paint a simple scenario. Getting back home from work at night and you have a bag of groceries in one hand, your bag slung over your shoulder on the other, some files which couldn’t go into your bag and you have to open your door. If you use traditional key and locks, well, either you develop a ‘third arm’ or you place some things on the ground, while you open the door. With rfid, you don’t need to place anything on the ground. With your tag, you just need to push the door open especially when there is an Arduino chip or circuit in the lock.

The down side is your doors might easily be hacked into if it is a simple system which could easily be bypassed. Nevertheless, rfid is a great way to keep your doors safe and secure with the added advantage of granting you easier access to different parts of your home especially your garage. It is also used in tolls to, makes for fasters access as you don’t have to slow down to pay the toll fee.

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