BioCert's Guardian biometric fingerprint door lock

So if an RFID-enabled lock doesn't strike your fancy, maybe a good old-fashioned biometric fingerprint lock will suit your style better. At least BioCert hopes so, as they're directly marketing their BioCert Guardian biometric door lock as a security solution for home and home office users. The $200 lock runs on 4 AA batteries that will apparently last for a whole year, and it'll hold up to 138 users, who can quickly be enrolled right at the door.

[Via Red Ferret]

[Matt Baron @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

sooooo... when the battery does go out, is there some sort of key or keypad override? How about a warning telling you the battery is low??

[Woolly Mittens @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Does it check if the finger is attached to a living owner?

[Cullen @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

does it check if the finger is a gummy bear?

[James Manning @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I burned my fingertips pretty badly during a cooking accident last year - I wonder how tolerant this beast is of deformities.

Cold winters in places like Minnesota would make this pretty painful too. "We'll let you in the nice warm office, but only after you take off your glove and grab this metal handle!"

Woolly's comments are also a concern, too, as Spaceballs, Demolition Man, Charlie's Angels, and many other movies have pointed out.

[mark davis @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Back in the day you could reset these by takign out the batetries and mashing the buttons for a few secconds. when you pop the batteries back in ther defualt code was somethign like 1234. My guess is no matter how many RFID, biometrics, robot arm wrestling technologies come out there will always be an easy way around the security. If not you can always strip the CEO naked and cut of his finger to use as a key.

[si @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

this one only �199.95ex vat looks better I think

[si @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

should i say http://www.fingerprintentry.co.uk/html/products/fp100.php

[Leboff @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

should I say
http://www.theregister.com/2002/05/16/gummi_bears_defeat_fingerprint_sensors/

[ming @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

to #1

what do you think the keypad is for you id10t.

[Anomaly @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I sure wish the link to the RFID lock was working. Anyone know where that is supposed to point?

[kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

where are my gummy bears!
http://www.theregister.com/2002/05/16/gummi_bears_defeat_fingerprint_sensors/

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

to #9
Then what the hell is the point of biometrics if you can bypass it with the keypad!? there's only 4 keys on that thing, so there's a finite number of combinations.. if someone is really board they could get into your "biometrics protected" areas...

[richmond @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

i already carry a security pass to get in the building at work. y doont they mass produce this so the ordinary home can have it as well. there's a renault car that uses a card instead of a key too. btw, the pin is probably like ur atm card, 3 times wrong and it locks you out!

[Nelson @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

To #12:

I have a five button lock, and there are lots of combinations, especially since pressing two buttons at the same time is a valid entry.

Biometrics would be nice as a convenience. It would also allow me to give temporary access to someone without creating a new code (and trying to remember which ones I gave out...). It would also be a great way to keep track of who's getting in.

As far as cutting off fingers goes, this is targetting home and home office users. What the heck are you all keeping in your homes?

It would be easier to break a window.

[James Childers @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

We are the manufacturer and US distributor for this product. We have sold over a thousand of these this year to home users - with very few problems.

1. Yes, there is a key override.
2. Yes, the lock will beep to let you know the battery is getting low.
3. With regard to gummy bears - http://www.biometricsdirect.com/Content/Gummy_Fingers.htm
4. Combination of keys is 11 digits for override and the first digit is a 1 then possible combinations are 11^3 or 1331 combinations for opening the door. 1/1331 is quite secure. Also after 4 incorrect attempts the unit locks and can only be opened by key. Remember to change the code from the factory default.
5. Burned fingers can be a problem. If there are enough visible minutiae points, you might be able to use it.
6. This type of lock is NOT designed for high security places like a gov't building or dr's office, but for home or small business user is quite secure.
7. Most home doors conform to the ANSI Class 2 spec which means that a good sized individual can open them just by using a battering ram or similarly sized object (even their shoulder) to break in.

[Christina Keeling - APSI @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Mr. Childers is not telling the truth. His company is not the manufacturer. Adel Lock is. Biometrics direct is merely a reseller.
For a low priced gadget it is OK But if you need security I would look at something a bit more rugged. Always remember that you get what you pay for.

[Dan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

to #15:

These locks are made by a company called Adel. It's a model LA9 and it's not made for outdoor use. There is a model that is essentially the same but made for outdoor use: http://www.fingerprintdoorlocks.com/products/SLM3000/SLM3000.php

[James Childers @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

We market these products under a joint marketing agreement with Adel under our registered BioCert Label. This is called an OEM agreement and is standard practice in the industry. The actual model is the Adel LA9-3 or ST370.

We have worked very closely with our valued partner Adel over the past 3 years to add features and help perfect the design and functionality of this product for use in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Let me say CLEARLY - Yes, Adel is the manufacturer and we are proud to represent this quality product as their authorized distributor in the US, Canada and Mexico.

As for Mrs. Keeling's comments above - she is an authorized reseller of ours and has purchased many of these under our reseller program from us for distribution to her customers. I cannot understand why she would make such a comment in this forum, and knowing her personally, sincerely doubt she was the one that made this post.

As for Dan's Comment above - the SLM-3000 is merely THEIR name for the LA9-2 from Adel. It also is NOT recommended nor warranted for outdoor use in direct moisture environments despite what their website says. BE SURE TO READ THE WARRANTY. Dan's company is owned by a gentleman named Scott Bosley and he too used to purchase these products from us as a reseller until he decided that he could get a better deal by buying directly from Adel. We wish them the best of luck.

Their lock is ALSO made by Adel and uses the same fingerprint sensor, electronics and latch mechanisms. If you look at the pictures on his website you will see the ADEL black box that these are packaged in from the factory.

Interestingly, their wholesale cost on the SLM3000 (LA9-2) is exactly the same as our wholesale cost on the Guardian (LA9-3) from Adel if purchased in any significant volume.

Why, then does he charge $100 more (50% more) for the SAME product? It is all pure profit. As Adel's largest US distributor and reseller, we have sold over 1000 of the BioCert Guardians in 2005 - I KNOW that his company does not have anywhere near this volume.

In addition we are now making a donation to the Unmet Needs Foundation for all locks purchased through our site at http://www.fingerlock.net. Please read our press release regarding this worthy cause.

Amazingly, and as a testement to the quality of the Adel product we have only had 2 returned defective out of 1000 sold - this yeilds a defective ratio of 1/4 of 1%. Very good quality for any electronics product.

Either of these products (LA9-3 or Guardian) will work well for any of the following environments -
- Garage door to house
- Master Suite
- Home Office
- Small Office
- Server Room
- HR Suite
- Executive Suite
- Front or Rear Main Entrance for home or office with appropriate covering protecting from water.
- Gun Room, or Reloading Room
- Hobby Room

If you have any questions on this product or our partnership with Adel or the Unmet Needs Foundation, please call me or email me directly.

[Samuel Lago @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Right firstoff should this be running off AA batteries, hmm this feature alone makes it sound like a toy. Secondly it does not work wirelessly with the home network and everyones gonna have one of those right!

This thig should work with Longhorn and log everyone that comes and goes and should also hold the profiles on the home server.

[steve @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

does any one know where i can get the instructions to the Adel La9? i need to program mine
thank you
steve

[steve @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

hi
i found Adel's phone number and they are sending the instructions
they were VERY helpful
thanks
steve

[CHRIS L. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

HELLO, CAN YOU TELL ME IF THE HANDLE ON THE LA9 IS REVERSIBLE ? OR WOULD IT HAVE TO BE USED FOR LEFT OR RIGHT HAND DOORS ONLY...THANK...CHRIS.........

[john halverson @ Feb 9th 2008 11:47AM]

Yes the ADEL LA9 fingerprint lock did lock me out of my home 2 times in the winter and when I went to use the backup key, NO LUCK, the inside of the key assembly shaved off due to soft metal used (not hardened)and that did not even let me in. I live in the Minneapolis Mn area with a cold winter. don't buy this model in the northern states. They being the factory rep will not even get back to me on this service problum. Not even the china office so BEWARE. No one call back to you.