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Smart lock for C4 - Yale Assure vs Kwikset Smartcode 916
This thread has 13 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Monday November 19, 2018 at 23:07
1234tech
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Recommendations of one over the other? Do either work with other devices outside of C4?
Post 2 made on Tuesday November 20, 2018 at 07:31
3PedalMINI
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I like kwikset because I can be keyed on site to their existing key (most of the time)
The Bitterness of Poor Quality is Remembered Long after the Sweetness of Price is Forgotten! - Benjamin Franklin
OP | Post 3 made on Tuesday November 20, 2018 at 08:21
1234tech
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Thanks for the feedback. Does it only operate in the C4 environment? No other app or integration? I liked the Yale 9v battery feature as a backup.
Post 4 made on Wednesday November 21, 2018 at 14:22
andrewinboulder
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I installed several of the Kwikset units and really don’t care for them at all - and had issues with them in general. It was bad enough that I swapped 3 units for Yale’s on a job and never looked back. Customers like them much better too. Now Kwikset seemed to have a newer model at Cedia that looked much better but not sure if that one is shipiping C4 model or not. I’ve had more than one locksmith tell me the Kwiksets are very easy to break into as well. I just use the keyless Yales.
OP | Post 5 made on Thursday November 22, 2018 at 10:23
1234tech
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If I understand Yale correctly, when I order from C4 it has a ZigBee module installed that only works with C4. It appears there is an option to swap out for a $129 network module in the Yale lock that works in the August app that then connects with other "controllers" through the cloud. But with the C4 version it will only work in the C4 environment. Do I understand this correctly?

There are much better reviews on Yale over Kwikset using Amazon as a proxy.

I like the 9v battery trick Yale offers and the ability to get rid of keys (but 3P notes a cool feature with Kwikset if trying to match keys to a home).
Post 6 made on Friday November 23, 2018 at 05:24
Don Heany
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Should you need to key to Schlage, the Yale units will accept a slightly modified Schlage cylinder, FYI...
Post 7 made on Friday November 23, 2018 at 08:01
BobL
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I would avoid that Kwikset model. I put two we got on special at my mom's house to test and they have been a pain especially the touchpad which doesn't like to wake up easily. it works OK with URC or Wink controlling it but my mom doesn't like to grab her phone and open up the app to unlock her door and just wants to hit her keycode. I have the Schlage at my house and have a few at installations with no problems. I haven't tried the Yale yet.
Post 8 made on Friday November 23, 2018 at 09:24
andrewinboulder
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On November 22, 2018 at 10:23, 1234tech said...
If I understand Yale correctly, when I order from C4 it has a ZigBee module installed that only works with C4. It appears there is an option to swap out for a $129 network module in the Yale lock that works in the August app that then connects with other "controllers" through the cloud. But with the C4 version it will only work in the C4 environment. Do I understand this correctly?

There are much better reviews on Yale over Kwikset using Amazon as a proxy.

I like the 9v battery trick Yale offers and the ability to get rid of keys (but 3P notes a cool feature with Kwikset if trying to match keys to a home).

It's my understanding the C4 Version only works with C4. It definitely comes with a C4 compatible zigbee module in the box. It's way more expensive than the same basic model that seems to be sold on Amazon.
Post 9 made on Friday November 23, 2018 at 09:26
andrewinboulder
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On November 23, 2018 at 08:01, BobL said...
I would avoid that Kwikset model. I put two we got on special at my mom's house to test and they have been a pain especially the touchpad which doesn't like to wake up easily. it works OK with URC or Wink controlling it but my mom doesn't like to grab her phone and open up the app to unlock her door and just wants to hit her keycode. I have the Schlage at my house and have a few at installations with no problems. I haven't tried the Yale yet.

Aside from the units just losing signal and not responding, this was the worst part of the Kwikset units. The virtual keypad makes you have to constantly re-press numbers to get them to register. Having said that, the hard button Kwikset units I've had no problems with.
OP | Post 10 made on Friday November 23, 2018 at 10:47
1234tech
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On November 23, 2018 at 09:24, andrewinboulder said...
It's my understanding the C4 Version only works with C4. It definitely comes with a C4 compatible zigbee module in the box. It's way more expensive than the same basic model that seems to be sold on Amazon.

thanks for the input.

I have the August IoT lock in my home and like the UX despite not liking the aesthetics of the lock on the inside of my door.

I haven't looked up the C4 price on Yale yet to compare, but if it is way more expensive I will recommend the user purchase the Yale version with the network/August module and use the August app to manage the locks. Seems like a lot more functionality and simplicity inside the August app over using the C4 app to lock and unlock doors.....
Post 11 made on Friday November 23, 2018 at 10:55
Rob Grabon
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For native Control4 Zigbee the module is special and has to be bought with the lock from Control4, added middleman, yup costs more. And then lock only works with Control4; maybe that's more secure than zwave or the cloud, personal choice.

I also prefer buttons to touchscreens. Much easier to press, works with gloves on, easier for long fingernails, and more resilient and less fingerprints/smudges left behind. Use different codes for different family and distribute the digits throughout so all buttons used periodically.

As to backup, have at least one door to the house work with a physical key also so if batteries fail, or gremlins, there's old school access. If they don't want to carry a key, keep it in the car, hide it, whatever.

We've needed both companies for device support, both equally helpful/responsive.
Technology is cheap, Time is expensive.
OP | Post 12 made on Saturday November 24, 2018 at 00:18
1234tech
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On November 23, 2018 at 10:55, Rob Grabon said...
For native Control4 Zigbee the module is special and has to be bought with the lock from Control4, added middleman, yup costs more. And then lock only works with Control4; maybe that's more secure than zwave or the cloud, personal choice.

Looks like this version supports not only the August app but Alexa and Google and Siri for $249 (Wifi connect module included) - on top of Bluetooth...

[Link: amazon.com]

And it appears Epic systems offers a C4 driver for $49.
Post 13 made on Saturday November 24, 2018 at 01:44
Fins
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Don’t do the touch screen locks. Stick with hard buttons, they are much more reliable. Personally, I don’t like the Yale because you have to enter the code then the * to get them to unlock. Ive used a lot of kwikset with elan and haven’t had any issues.

Btw, there’s no key on the lock you linked on Amazon. That seems like a really bad idea when someone forgets to change the battery.
Civil War reenactment is LARPing for people with no imagination.

Post 14 made on Saturday November 24, 2018 at 09:06
Don Heany
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On November 24, 2018 at 01:44, Fins said...
Btw, there’s no key on the lock you linked on Amazon. That seems like a really bad idea when someone forgets to change the battery.

9volt battery contacts at bottom for this scenario.

I have a Baldwin ZigBee lock that I’ve replaced the batteries in once over the past year. Besides the C4 alerts, there is a noticeable motor whine that accompanies failing batteries. Also, never use lithium ion as they tend to die with no warnings whatsoever.

Baldwin/Kwikset also have Zwave cards available so IF the system ever changes the lock can follow suit.


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