Alarm Lock created a whole new category of access control hardware with the introduction of the Trilogy Series many years ago. Alarm Lock was instrumental in bringing standalone security and access control from the gadget category into the sunlight of professional security solution, and Alarm Lock repeatedly brings sought-after features and exceptional value to the product category.
Trilogy essentially ushered out the era of the single coded mechanical pushbutton lock, and developed the technological bridge between keyed locksets and hard-wired access control systems with an electronic replacement that actually worked.
The Trilogy was the prodigy of Alarm Lock, an established developer of electrical door hardware whose parent company eventually became NAPCO, a pioneer in electronic security. So from its onset, the Trilogy's feature set reflected sophisticated mechanical lock options and advanced electronic control features, all in a unique battery powered standalone package. Alarm Lock continues to expand its offerings with one of the industry's largest variety of models and programming features.
The Trilogy has gained acceptance within the locksmith community for three good reasons:
1-The device has undergone upgrade and redesigns throughout its history and has been honed into a robust physical lock connected to a highly reliable electronics and durable metal button keypad
2- This product is designed to be repaired, not discarded. As we all know, any product can fail and when it does, you don't want to tell your customer the entire unit needs to be replaced just because one part has died. Alarm Lock has replacement parts and the tech support to tell you what you need.
3- You don't need a degree in electronics to program it. Unsolicited testimonials verify that old-school locksmiths embrace the Trilogy because when Alarm Lock says “ QuickStart ,” they mean it.
CASE STUDY
I recently got a call from a good customer, a facilities management company that manages a number of fraternity houses. We've had a lot of laughs dealing with the issues we've encountered on the front doors of these animal houses.
They had recently taken over the maintenance of a particular fraternity house, and there was a mysterious keypad on the front door. (All the other frats had other types of keypads, and our client did not know what it was.) I wasn't sure, but I had a hunch. He came into the shop and I showed him a Trilogy brochure. His face lit up, and he exclaimed, “That's it! But doesn't have the red and black things!”
So it was a Model DL2700, the basic unit without a computer interface, and he said they used one code for everybody. “Just please, make it work!”
I downloaded the programming instructions; grabbed some batteries and headed out. My customer met me at the door and displayed how the unit worked, and then didn't work. It looked to him like the unit was opening for any code entered into it.
I changed the batteries, defaulted the unit and took it for a test spin.
The Trilogy was definitely intermittent. It seemed to work. I replaced the cover on the back and it stopped working. Then it remained unlocked no matter what I did. What a mess!
I had another appointment, so I split and promised my customer. “I'll be back.” I returned and got a legal parking spot, and picked up where I had left off. The Trilogy was still staying unlocked.
How does a solenoid activated lock work? A servo is a motor. The servo in the Trilogy spins in one direction with the polarity of the voltage applied, and reverses direction if that polarity is reversed. So you start with the Trilogy locked. The lever is freewheeling, so turning the lever results in no latch motion.
Then you enter the right code or short out the REX wires. A pulse of voltage is applied to the servo and it spins and the lever becomes active. If you turn the lever, it retracts the latch.
After the programmed delay expires, the Trilogy applies a voltage pulse, only this time it he polarity is reversed, so the lever disengages and the lever no longer activates the latch.
My unit had an intermittent connection to the servo. Depending on where in the sequence the circuit opened; the lock would stay in that part of the sequence: always locked or always unlocked, or a little of both.
I fixed the connection and the connection to the servo and the Trilogy was as good as new! Remember my story whenever you're troubleshooting a servo type standalone and maybe it will help.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS:
1- Try to determine the model of the unit you are troubleshooting. Bring programming sheets for all the models if you are in doubt.
2- Check the batteries first. Bring your meter and five ‘AA' batteries. I usually replace the batteries, and then measure the ones I removed afterwards. Default the unit while you're changing the batteries. Be sure you know how you want the client wants the unit to operate when it's programmed.
3- Reprogram it and observe.
NEW PRODUCTS
Alarm Lock's three latest product releases are examples of this technological leadership.
The Residency Feature helps the end-user from unintentionally locking themselves out of their premises.
The Privacy Feature (“The Intruder”) allows the Trilogy to be shut down from within the protected area. This feature is ideal for classroom applications where it is desirable for an instructor to be able to lockdown a classroom without having to open the door, which is the situation with conventional mechanical classroom function locksets. The Trilogy affords the additional benefit of never having to leave the door in an unlocked condition, since the unit will allow the enrollment of each user (student) authorized to enter the area being protected. The Privacy feature has two modes, adding to its usefulness and flexibility.
The PDL 5300 features a double-sided keypad with PIN-code access on both sides of the door. It can accommodate up to 2000 users, and the audit trail can record 40,000 events, including indicating the direction of access.
The unit has a real time clock which can schedule user groups and locking and unlocking; that it has a remote release feature, and it has an on board relay output which can be used as an example to disarm an alarm system.
The Alarm Lock Trilogy DL System is a series of microprocessor-based programmable keypad entry security locks. The DL4100 and DL4500 combine an electronic keypad card reader and programmable real-time clock with a standalone mechanical lock, enabling the locksmith to suit the most exacting security requirements.
TRILOGY® Privacy / Residency Locks are ideal anywhere temporary sessions of privacy are required such as single-occupancy restrooms, dressing rooms, executive offices, confidential file rooms and darkrooms. They are available in cylindrical or mortise models in five finishes:
DL4100/PDL4100 – Cylindrical PIN Code Only or PIN Prox Privacy/Residency Lock
DL4500/PDL4500 – Mortise PIN Code Only or PIN/ Prox Privacy/Residency Lock
FEATURES
2,000 PIN or PIN/ Prox user codes with multilevel security - master, manager, supervisor, basic users and one-time service code. Total user lockout code. Keypad lockout after numerous attempts to “guess” codes.
Users are individually programmed to use a PIN or card only (PDL- prox models), or for the highest security - both card and code.
Total user lockout code. Keypad lockout after numerous attempts to “guess” codes.
Up to 40,000-event Audit Trail with printed time/date-stamped log of all electronic activity can be reported from the lock, including user entry, unlock/lock events, program mode changes, user entry, keypad lockout, remote release events, unauthorized code attempts, etc., by using the AL-IR1 (infrared printer), the AL-DTM (data transfer module) or PCI2 (PC interface). Program data transferred to lock via AL-PCII (PC interface) or (AL-DTMII data transfer module).
“First-Manager-in” controls three (3) different features: Passage mode, group of users and relay options
Programmable Form C Relay functions for schedules of manual control of CCTV, lighting, ambush function, alarm system, etc.
Iconic bilingual Privacy and Residency Instructional Signs supplied with lock For use on inside door to give operational use, in English and Spanish language.
Scheduled Events: Real time clock enables up to 500 scheduled events and holiday schedules. Program to lock/unlock; disable/enable users; 4 built-in time schedules.
Privacy Feature – pushbutton on inside of door to temporarily lockout keypad codes (programmable option).
LED indicator on front of the door will flash while privacy feature is active. Tri-colored LED indicator also shows code acceptance or denial (green or red, respectively), or low battery condition (yellow).
Programmable “Residency” feature allows users to close the door behind them and have the lock remain unlocked until it is physically relocked with PIN or Prox device.
Right or left hand, classroom or deadbolt function models
Fingertip (keypad) or Windows PC programmable
Weatherproof performance with temperature range of -31° to + 151°F (-35 degrees to 66 degrees C)
5AA Battery operated; 60,000 cycles, typical.
Available in five finishes and standard straight or optional curved Regal lever
Standalone rugged keyless locks with vandal-proof, all-metal keypad
No wiring. Key override with IC core option.
SPECIFICATIONS
Door Thickness: 1 5/8” to 1 7/8” standard. For 1 3/8” doors, use S6072 spacers. For other thicknesses, please consult factory.
Backset: 2-3/4” standard. 2-3/8” backset also available.
Door Prep: Standard ANSI A115 Series Prep modified by adding additional through-bolt holes.
Cylinder: Solid brass 6-pin tumbler cylinder keyed 5, SCI keyway, furnished in all K.O. models. Tailpieces for Schlage (HW580) & Lori (HW620) cylinders (furnished). Standard IC core models accept Arrow®, Best®. Falcon®, KSP® and Kaba Peaks® 6- or 7-pin IC core cylinders (not furnished). Alarm Lock tailpiece for use with IC core cylinders is furnished. IC core models prepped for Yale®, Medeco ®, Corbin- Russwin ®, Sargent ® and Schlage ® also available.
Strike: 1 1/8” x 2 3/4” T strike standard. With screws for wood or metal jambs. 1 1/4” x 4 7/8”. ASA strike also included.
Finishes: US3 polished brass, US26D satin chrome, US26 polished chrome, US5 antique brass, plus special order finishes (including Durondic US1OB).
Compliances: Grade I heavy duty cylindrical lockset. UL listed to the 1OC Positive Pressure Specification. Latchbolt is UL listed and 3-hour fire rated. FCC certified. ADA compliant levers.
For more information, visit www.alarmlock.com.
Tim O'Leary
Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.
