JC7
Posts: 31
Posts: 31
Posted:
Our HOA in California is considering installing a keyless entry system for our pool and tennis courts. Has anyone used this type of system at their HOA? If so please provide any information.
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Keyless Entry
Started by JC7 • 10 replies • 2931 views
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KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
JC7,
Yes, we have replaced our previous "hard key" pool & dog park gate access with keycards. They work well, can be turned off for non-payment (which works really well) and prevents key copying - which was the primary reason for our conversion, to lessen trespassing. Occasionally, it comes in handy for determining the culprit of bad behavior as it logs access to a data file.
Lower tier models are programmed using a remote transmitter you hold close the lock unit on the gate.
Higher tier models tie into Internet for desktop management from the office.
Yes, we have replaced our previous "hard key" pool & dog park gate access with keycards. They work well, can be turned off for non-payment (which works really well) and prevents key copying - which was the primary reason for our conversion, to lessen trespassing. Occasionally, it comes in handy for determining the culprit of bad behavior as it logs access to a data file.
Lower tier models are programmed using a remote transmitter you hold close the lock unit on the gate.
Higher tier models tie into Internet for desktop management from the office.
WillK1 (New Jersey)
Posts: 43
Posts: 43
Posted:
Here's an article about some of the issues surrounding keyless entry systems for an HOA.
http://www.hoaleader.com/public/661.cfm?sd=1
http://www.hoaleader.com/public/661.cfm?sd=1
CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563
Posts: 2,563
Posted:
Ours are effective for the same 3 reasons that Kelly gives. This issue of glassware in the pool area is discussed on a different thread, so a key card or fob system would unable you to identify the culprits's residence.
(We have the fob system to enter our buildings, gym, lounges, etc., too.)
(We have the fob system to enter our buildings, gym, lounges, etc., too.)
KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Carol,
I love the idea of using fobs over keycards, but since we issued all our properties free keycards to start operation, it was bit out of our budget.
If a local person is willing to lightly management the gate programming, after loading the database at initial startup, the keyless systems work great.
I love the idea of using fobs over keycards, but since we issued all our properties free keycards to start operation, it was bit out of our budget.
If a local person is willing to lightly management the gate programming, after loading the database at initial startup, the keyless systems work great.
BamaJ (Alabama)
Posts: 117
Posts: 117
Posted:
Our HOA community spent the extra money for the keyless (number keypad) entry locks for the pool and clubhouse/racquetball courts and it worked fabulously...for all the reasons mentioned in an earlier post. The "management" of the keyless system is simply a spreadsheet management program that allows the board/manager to change codes when needed, delete codes, select their own codes (for ease of memory), change out codes say quarterly or semi-annually to ensure current residents can use the amentities versus those that may have moved away but still come to use the pool, etc. And, honestly, over time, the extra costs pays for itself because of the cost of keys, replacement keys, etc. Of course when a new board and new inept manager took charge this past year they simply decided it was too hard to figure out (NOT!!!) and returned to the hard key system. It's a terrible shame because the keyless entry system was far surperior and had already "paid for itself" after three years of successful use. The system used there was KABA ILCO and was excellent. You should be able to google their website and find out a local or regional company that can install and service their lock systems.
LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099
Posts: 4,099
Posted:
The best system I ever used required both a card with a magnetic stripe and a PIN. One had to have both physical possession of the card and know the PIN to enter. If someone lost his card, the person finding it could not use it without also knowing the PIN and knowing someone's PIN without swiping the corresponding card would not permit entry.
Over the years I have observed that the best security systems are routinely defeated by good manners. That is, if I use my card to open the door I am not likely to slam the door in the face of the person following me. Being the well-mannered person that I am, I would likely hold the door open for the person behind me, especially if that person looks like they belong there, and I would be unlikely to question their presence. Of course, by holding the door open for someone else the system will show that I was the person who last opened the door before all the damage was discovered. Maybe the solution is to implant a microchip in every resident and install a reader to detect their presence.
Over the years I have observed that the best security systems are routinely defeated by good manners. That is, if I use my card to open the door I am not likely to slam the door in the face of the person following me. Being the well-mannered person that I am, I would likely hold the door open for the person behind me, especially if that person looks like they belong there, and I would be unlikely to question their presence. Of course, by holding the door open for someone else the system will show that I was the person who last opened the door before all the damage was discovered. Maybe the solution is to implant a microchip in every resident and install a reader to detect their presence.
KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Armchair directors will certainly undermine the proper operations of a community, so a board ending the keyless entry system in favor of copyable keys fits that bill.
No system is foolproof, including keyless entry. The best you can hope is a dramatic diminishing of risk. That is acceptable as opposed to 100% compliance, which will certainly drive you bonkers.
BamaJ (Alabama)
Posts: 117
Posts: 117
Posted:
Kelly you are so right. In our HOA's circumstance, the current clique, do-nothing, heads-in-the-sand, armchair board did take the HOA back to the dark ages by returning to physical keys...and disregarding the costs and greater ability for non-residents to breach the system.
The best deterrent to the endless trespassing and vandalism a past board installed was to remove a wooden privacy fence that kept the entire pool from view and install a beautiful tall metal fence system that allowed full view at all time and with the new keyless electronic entry stopped the key copying that was going on. The community went from weekly trespass and vandalism to almost none. It was the best "reduce risk" and "reduce crime" money this HOA has ever spent.
Now the board has taken it back to the dark ages. Why, because they were too naive or too lazy to realize that they already had the best system already...and it was paid for.
The best deterrent to the endless trespassing and vandalism a past board installed was to remove a wooden privacy fence that kept the entire pool from view and install a beautiful tall metal fence system that allowed full view at all time and with the new keyless electronic entry stopped the key copying that was going on. The community went from weekly trespass and vandalism to almost none. It was the best "reduce risk" and "reduce crime" money this HOA has ever spent.
Now the board has taken it back to the dark ages. Why, because they were too naive or too lazy to realize that they already had the best system already...and it was paid for.
JC7
Posts: 31
Posts: 31
Posted:
Thanks everyone for all the great information. I'm located in Southern California if you can please pass along a company name I can call for a quote on keyless entry. Thanks
BamaJ (Alabama)
Posts: 117
Posts: 117
Posted:
The company we used is KABA ILCO. Here is some info re KABA ILCO...
About Kaba Ilco
Kaba Ilco is a leading provider of Mechanical and Electronic Access Control solutions with an extensive line of electronic Hotel Locks, Keyless Locks, Key Blanks, Key Cutting Machines, Specialty Locks and Cylinders.
Here is the website link to KABA ILCO...
http://www.kaba-ilco.com/
Here is their contact email address...
[email protected]
If you write them they will tell you a dealer in your area or region and provide you with information, brochures, etc.
Good Luck...
BamaJ
About Kaba Ilco
Kaba Ilco is a leading provider of Mechanical and Electronic Access Control solutions with an extensive line of electronic Hotel Locks, Keyless Locks, Key Blanks, Key Cutting Machines, Specialty Locks and Cylinders.
Here is the website link to KABA ILCO...
http://www.kaba-ilco.com/
Here is their contact email address...
[email protected]
If you write them they will tell you a dealer in your area or region and provide you with information, brochures, etc.
Good Luck...
BamaJ
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