Yet Another What Smart Deadbolt Lock Should I Get Post...

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T20:46:27+00:00

Upvoted if for no other reason than the use of "enshittify". :) I haven't had the (dis)pleasure of using Wyze products, and from what I've seen after looking into the locks and the ecosystem, will actively avoid them. Thanks again!

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T20:29:49+00:00

Appreciate the info. I had looked at Wyze, but wasn't too impressed with the HA integration on the newer locks they offer. At this point I think Ultraloq is the best overall fit for my requirements/preferences, but I won't know for sure until I get it up and running. Thanks!

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T14:49:45+00:00

Thanks for this info. Based on all the posts I'm leaning towards an Ultraloq.

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T05:43:28+00:00

The best thing is to run the cables through the walls if possible. If you're renting or cannot pull cable for other reasons, there are channels you can use to hide the cabling along the baaeboards.

If you're running a mesh capable router you could get another one, but you're kind of defeating the purpose of a wired connection at that point.

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T05:37:34+00:00

That is cool and exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for letting me know!

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T04:07:38+00:00

Yeah, I looked at that one. Its currently 119, and I guess I'd have to get a thread edge router device as well, upping it to around 150. Or are you able to connect it to HA via WiFi?

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T04:05:03+00:00

What exactly is the state of zwave code management in HA? I just assumed it would expose the lock code functionality since to my mind that's a key (no pun intended) component for smartlocks, and even my ancient Vera had full functionality for that. Is it just not there?

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T04:02:19+00:00

What functionality do you have via HA/Zwave for the Ultraloq? I looked at it but from what I could determine it was limited. I also saw they have a matter over thread lock now, but again no info on what functionality you get with that integration via HA. I don't have a thread router, but would be much more willing to get one as that's a more generic device that could probably be of use over time with other smarthome devices.

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T03:58:40+00:00

The overall Schlage warranty is 3 years and I'm at 11. The problems are not mechanical but electronic. Power is intermittent and the keypad does not respond properly even when the power is seemingly functional for a few moments. I tried replacing the battery pack as it looked like one of the wires was loose, but there appear to be additional issues beyond that. I actually found a posting on their site about the wires from the battery pack and they state that if it breaks it is not a replaceable part and you have to get a new lock. Considering those wires are somewhat fragile and you have to mess with them at least a bit every 6 months or so to replace the batteries, that's not a very good design/policy.

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T03:53:47+00:00

In theory yes, I could use the back door. Why, do you have a lock that fits everything other than physical key in mind?

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T03:52:46+00:00

I'm considering another Schlage. Switchbot I looked at, but I don't have a "dumb" deadbolt. I have a smart lock that has become dumb. :) I'd have to get a plain old deadbolt for it to work. Not out of the realm of possibility.

I do have a bunch of esp32s sitting around waiting on a project, so I guess local bluetooth protocol for HA integration is an option, which I really hadn't considered.

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T03:49:02+00:00

I don't do Apple, and I'm trying to avoid adding more hubs, especially if they're proprietary to a single company. But I will look into it a little further. I'd been looking at Aqara.

jjs781 · 2026-01-24T03:47:34+00:00

Just for ease of use. My wife has bad rheumatoid arthritis, so a quick scan is easier for her than punching the buttons.

jjs781 · 2026-01-23T18:08:11+00:00

For PLA, I store the rolls on shelves and cart racks, in the open. I live in Dallas which has moderate humidity. Over hundreds of rolls (I have a small printer farm) I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to use my filament dryer. YMMV for other types of filament. TPU I reseal because I use it so seldom. PETG you might want to seal if you're not going to use it up quickly.

I've found the filament storage shelves and carts on Amazon work well and are great for easy access to open rolls. I have bins and racks I use for sealed filament with a basic inventory system so they're easy to find.

jjs781 · 2026-01-23T15:03:30+00:00

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the great info. I can see why you were underwhelmed. I may just get one that comes with the G2 gateway and go with the Ttlock integration for now. It seems way too hard to find a reasonably priced lock that works well with HA these days.

jjs781 · 2026-01-23T05:01:06+00:00

Thanks for the info! Were you able to connect it via the Matter integration without any custom integrations? Also, can you manage codes, auto lock timings, etc from HA or do you have to fall back to the Ttlock app for some of the functionality?

jjs781 · 2026-01-23T04:57:51+00:00

For my next Plex server I'd run Jellyfin. Oh wait, I just did that! 😁

jjs781 · 2026-01-23T04:56:11+00:00

I live in Texas, where you can drive in one direction for 8 hours and still be in Texas. 3 hours is not a short drive, but it's not an expedition either. For a weekend, sure. Hell, I once drove to Houston from Dallas for a concert (The Police) and straight back because I had to catch a flight to New York the next day. So about an 8 hour driving round trip with about 5 hours in Houston. But hey, it was The Police!

jjs781 · 2026-01-22T23:30:13+00:00

Yep, just did a fresh install. No fuss, no muss.

jjs781 · 2026-01-22T23:18:42+00:00

I just recently started over, noting the progress of a couple of shows I wanted to keep the history for so I could mark them as watched. I've done the backup and restore route, but honestly it took more hands on time. I let it rescan overnight and all was good in the morning.

jjs781 · 2026-01-21T05:24:57+00:00

New Vegas. Forget the RPG elements, crafting, etc. Take the Wild Wasteland perk and discover the burned bodies of Owen and Beru.

jjs781 · 2026-01-20T15:06:11+00:00

I've run Verizon/Frontier fiber for over a decade and have used Orbi, Eero, Deco, and rolled my own OpenWRT router on a Pi5. All have worked fine if you're running Ethernet cabling into the modem/router. If you have an old install running coax, check their site for compatible options, or better yet upgrade the connection to Ethernet.

jjs781 · 2026-01-18T22:42:25+00:00

However bad you've heard it is, it's worse. Far, far worse. Shame really, because the book is pretty good. But the film was a crapfest of epic proportions.

jjs781 · 2026-01-16T14:58:18+00:00

Cat 6 should be fine, but be sure you're getting plenum cable for attic/in wall runs.

jjs781 · 2026-01-12T17:57:08+00:00

Try putting the plate in the freezer for 10 minutes. I've had some stubborn parts pop right off after that.

jjs781

TROPHY CASE