Advanced Diagnostics Acquired by Kaba Group
Kaba Group has acquired Advanced Diagnostics Ltd. of Nuneaton, UK and its related company, Advanced Diagnostics USA Inc., based in Las Vegas, NV. The companies specialize in developing programming equipment for the automotive industry. The equipment is used to program transponder-based replacement keys.
Change the Default User Name and Password
Feeds from more than 73,000 Internet Protocol (IP) cameras from around the world have been made public by Insecam.com, an aggregator. This was possible because the installers and/or the users did not change their default passwords. Insecam.com came up with the idea to download the available feeds off publicly accessible servers. Video output includes homes, offices, cafes and parking lots, making it viewable for anyone with Internet access. In addition to the video, there is information including the web cam brand, the location and zip code of the feed.
The website claims it had been created in order to show the importance of the security settings. To make each of the 73,000 cameras feeds private, the password has to be changed. At this time, there are 10,642 surveillance video cameras operating in the United States with their default user name and password.
Warranties Extended
For Schlage Residential Electronics products sold after August 2014, Schlage extends the limited one year electronics warranty to three years. My reading of the warranty is a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty and a limited three-year electronics warranty to the original end user against defects in material and workmanship as long as the original end user occupies the residence where the product was originally installed.
For more information, contact Schlage at Web Site: www.allegion.com.
Arctic Cat Code Series
The 2014 and 2015 models of the Arctic Cat off-road vehicles locks are using the C201-C350 and the D201-D350 code series. The "C" code series uses the Cole KA-22, Ilco X256, EZ YM47 and JMA YAM-12I key blanks. The "D" code series uses the Cole KA-23, Ilco X257, EZ YM49 and JMA YAM-14I key blanks. These shoulder stop double sided, convenience keys have three depths of cut and five spaces. The cut-to-cut is .0984".
Spaces:
1-.118" 2-.217"
3-.315" 4-.413" 5-.512"
Depths:
1-.295" (no cut) 5-.266" 4-.236"
Codes can include cuts 1-4 and 4-1.
These two key blanks have been used with motorcycles and 4-wheelers since the late 1980's. Note: When originating these keys for different makes and models, some code series have different spacing and four depths.
Signaling Switches and Sensors
Mechanical locks that are electrified as well as electric strikes and electromagnetic locks can be equipped with specialized switches and sensors to increase the level of security. They can include latch monitors, bolt monitors, Request-to-Exit switches, door status and armature and solenoid sensors. Unfortunately, there is no standardized terminology and many manufacturers have their own names (acronyms). To simplify things, I have not included the names and just included an explanation of some of these methods to increase the level of security.
Depending upon the lock mechanism and the options for switches and sensors, more than one switch and sensor may be applicable for the installation.
- Electric strikes can be ordered with latch or bolt monitors that signal when the door is closed and the latch or bolt is extended into the keeper.
- Mortise locks can be equipped with latch monitors, bolt monitors, switches that indicate if the door is closed and switches that alert the control panel the door is about to be opened from the secured side.
- Cylindrical locks can be equipped with a switch that alerts the control panel the door is about to be opened from the secured side.
- Exit devices can be equipped with latch monitors and a switch that alerts the control panel the door is about to be opened from the secured side.
- Exit trim can be equipped with a switch that alerts the control panel the door is about to be opened from the unsecured side.
- Electromagnetic locks can be equipped with a door status switch that indicates if the door is closed or open. A sensor that monitors the surface of the armature to insure it is in place and the electromagnetic lock has the appropriate voltage. Solenoid monitoring switches are available for solenoid equipped lock mechanisms. These switches send a signal to the control panel to monitor the position of the solenoid.The switches and sensors available can vary by the lock manufacturer and modifier. When uncertain, ask.
CompX SlamCam
The CompX SlamCam mechanism converts CompX National C8051 through C8075 cam locks into self-locking drawer and cabinet door locks. With the SlamCam mounted onto the cam lock, the latch mechanism retracts as the door or drawer is closed, extending to secure the opening. The key operation retracts the SlamCam latch to permit the door or drawer to open.
The SlamCam mechanism (Part # C7017) is designed to slide onto the rear of the standard CompX National cam locks replacing the cam and screw. Once the SlamCam is in place, use the provided screw to secure the unit. The screw is threaded into the cam hole in the plug. To insure proper operation, there are four widths of black spacers that properly position the spring loaded latch mechanism.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or CompX National, telephone 864-297-6655, web site www.compx.com/slamcam
Communicating Bathroom System
Dortronics Communicating Bathroom System is designed to control access when a double-door, single-user bathroom is occupied. The system works with cylindrical or mortise storeroom function locksets that require a key for access and free egress. For this configuration, an electric strike or electromagnetic lock is installed for each lock.
Both bathroom doors are normally unlocked when the bathroom is not occupied. This is accomplished by having the electric strikes or the magnetic locks in the unlocked condition. Entry may be gained through either door. When someone enters, the system can be activated when both doors are closed, creating a privacy function by locking the doors. Pressing either of the privacy switches energizes the electric strikes or electromagnetic locks and illuminates the occupied lights or indicators on the exterior of the bathroom adjacent to each door.
When either door is opened, the 43211-CB controller unlocks both doors ending the privacy function. At the same time, it turns off the “occupied” lights or illuminates the unoccupied light or indicator. An emergency release push button can unlock both doors. In case of a fire alarm or loss of power, both doors will automatically unlock to allow immediate egress.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Dortronics Systems, Inc., Web Site: www.dortronics.com
Car-Opening Techniques: 2007-2012 Dodge Nitro
This month we will offer car-opening tool manufacturers’ recommended techniques for opening the 2007-2012 Dodge Nitro. This compact SUV has modular door construction that shields the vertical linkage rods and locking buttons.
Important: When attacking the inside door release handle or the lock/unlock buttons, it is a good idea to cover the tool's tip with electrical tape to prevent marring. It is also a good idea to using some diluted dish soap to prevent damage to the weather stripping.
Use the following opening methods to unlock the 2007-2012 Dodge Nitro:
Use the High Tech Tools Strip Tool #57 and a strip saver to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the strip saver along the rear edge of the passenger window. Insert the #57 tool through the strip saver into the passenger compartment. Maneuver the tool to hook the vertical locking button. Once contacted, carefully raise the locking button in order to unlock the locking mechanism.
Use the Pro-Lok AO-42 “Long Reach Tool” car-opening tool, the AO65-A1 Wedge Starter and an inflatable wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the AO65-A1 at the top corner of the front passenger doorframe. Insert the inflatable wedge into the gap created by the "Wedge Starter." Remove the "Wedge Starter." Inflate the wedge. Insert the AO67 "mini Rubber Wedge" into the vertical gap between the door and the vehicle. Press wedge firmly into the gap. Insert the AO42-SL "Tool Sleeve" at the top edge of the doorframe. This creates a gap large enough for the tool to slide into the passenger compartment. To attack the inside pull handle, the AO-42-LA "Long Reach Tool" must be bent at the tip. Once modified, carefully insert the AO-42-LA through the opening into the passenger compartment with the tip facing down. Continue to slide the car opening tool into the passenger compartment towards the front passenger pull handle. Slide the tool into the passenger compartment 38" until the tip of the tool seats behind the pull handle. Carefully pull the handle towards the rear of the vehicle to unlock the door locking mechanism.
Use the Slide Lock Mercedes Strip™, a wedging mechanism and Wedge Shield along the “B” pillar to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Carefully wedge the window frame open to provide a slot for the Mercedes Strip. Insert the Wedge Shield to protect the paint and the weather stripping. Insert the banded end of the Mercedes Strip into the opening behind the rear edge of the front door against the Wedge Shield. Slide the tool into the opening far enough to loop the vertical locking button. Once the button has been looped, carefully pull up and out to trap the button. Maintain pressure and pull up on the tool to raise the vertical locking button to unlock the locking mechanism.
Use the Steck Manufacturing BigEasy “Glo” and a wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the plastic wedge or inflatable wedge into the top of the door. Insert the BigEasy tool into the passenger compartment. Manipulate the tool to position the ninety degree bend tip against the lock release button or pull out on the inside handle to open the door.
Use the Tech-Train Productions Jiffy-Jak Vehicle Entry System and an inflatable wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by levering the rear edge below the corner of the front passenger door outward slightly to accommodate an inflatable wedge. Once the inflatable wedge has been properly inserted and inflated, insert the Jiffy-Jak into the created opening to the passenger compartment. Remove the tip and use duct tape to cover the threads to avoid damage to the trim. Work the end of the Jiffy-Jak between the handle and the handle trim being careful not to scratch the interior. Pull out on the handle to unlock the door locking mechanism and open the door.
The direction to rotate the door lock plug to the unlocked position is counterclockwise.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or following car-opening tool manufacturers:
Access Tools (High Tech): Telephone 800-323-8324 Website: www. AccessToolsUSA.com
Pro-Lok: Telephone: 714-633-0681. Website: www.pro-lok.com
Slide Lock Tool Co. Inc.: Telephone: 800-336-8812 . Website: www.z-tool.com
Steck Manufacturing, 800-227-8325 Web site, www.steckmfg.com
Lockmasters Inc. (Tech-Train): Telephone 800-654-0637 Website: www.lockmasters.com
We are interested in printing opening methods from other car opening tool manufacturers. Contact Jerry Levine, Telephone: 818-700-0640. E-mail: [email protected].
