keySOLVE Electronic Rim Lock Report

Independent evaluation by the Security Installer Magazine

keySOLVE electronic rim lock from CW Technologies Access control which may surprise you What our experts say … For users who would like the main advantages of proximity access control without the need for a control panel and associated wiring, keySOLVE may well be the solution. It is a self-contained system, which includes the locking mechanism and power, all hidden away under the rim lock cover. If your first reaction is that there can't be too much hidden away under that sized cover and it is probably a bit primitive in use, then you could be in for quite a surprise.

We tested the RL40B version of keySOLVE – a 40-key capacity unit – along with a standard reader (vandal resistant readers are available).

When an individually coded valid key is presented within 25mm of the reader, the lock mechanism is released and a green LED on the reader flashes, accompanied by an internal beep, for the duration of the lock open period – 3.5 seconds (fixed) for a normal user.

The lock mechanism then re-latches after the door is closed: that simplicity in use is one of the main features of the keySOLVE. Presentation of an invalid key results in a single flash and bleep only. The door can be opened, from the secure side, at any time using the handle on the keySOLVE.

During power up and commissioning, the key used automatically becomes the "programming key" which is used by the system administrator to add/delete keys and to designate all other keys as either management or user keys. During programming, each added key is allocated a slot number so that lost keys can easily be deleted.

Management key holders can set the "snib" to allow free access through the door, lock out user key holders or display the 32-event history log. Power is supplied from two sources, a 3v alkaline battery and a 3.7v lithium battery. Audible warnings are given after a number of lock/unlock cycles. The projected battery life is 60,000 operations but the manufacturer recommends a battery change at least every two years. An NVM (non-volatile memory) retains keys and set-up information during changeover.

The keySOLVE rim lock unit is very solidly constructed and assembled. The locking and latching mechanism, lock motor and gearing are housed between two 2mm thick steel plates separated by four support pillars. A further 1mm steel plate is sandwiched between the lock and the door while the 78 x 82mm PCB is supported on the other side of the "gearbox".

The PCB is protected by an ABS cover which includes an opening for the release handle, viewing window for the two seven-bar LED indicators and control buttons for programming and management functions. The high quality PCB is well supported and the standard of construction is good. The matt finish grey cover is held in place by two hooks and two screws, which are completely hidden from view when the door is closed, resulting in a very neat appearance. The design of the standard reader is such that it can directly replace a conventional night latch cylinder without modification to the door. Dimensions and outward appearance are very similar, so that the keySOLVE standard reader does not attract unwanted attention.

The locking plate assembly is a bit more involved than usual in that it comprises a 3mm thick plated steel striker plate, a striker arm and a striker peg. All the parts are assembled in and on the doorframe, resulting in a solid installation.

The manufacturer has provided a clear list of the main steps for successful installation. This starts with door preparation, which includes the removal of existing door latches, provision of a door closer and a separate pull handle to avoid misuse of the keySOLVE's release handle.

With all locks, careful workmanship generally pays off in terms of long-term reliability and keySOLVE is no exception.

The reader has 15cm of cable with connecting plug attached, which is routed through the door and the hole in the rim lock. The cable needs to be dressed around the edge of the space provided to make room for the larger of the two batteries.

If the reader positioning coincides with the horizontal centre line of the rim lock then the cable should be of adequate length and none of the lock securing screws will be in line with the reader hole, ensuring secure fixing of the rim lock. The reader is secured by a fixing plate, screw and locking washer from the inside of the door, maintaining a neat outward appearance.

Locking plate installation requires a bit more drilling than most and the manufacturer has provided a jig to ensure that the striker armhole is correctly placed. The jig is clamped between the striker plate, striker peg and the doorframe, making the hole positioning quite straightforward.

Unfortunately, the jig is not mentioned in the instructions and its quality was such that we thought it could be part of the fittings. Eventually, we phoned the manufacturer who guided us.

The rim lock is aligned with the striker plate using the paper-fixing template provided. All the necessary fixing screws are included in the kit, completing an easily installed package.

After power up, the display is set so that it reads the right way up whether the door is right hand or left hand opening, followed by mechanical clearance and functioning checks.

We would agree with the manufacturer that installation takes "less than one hour" – for the second and subsequent installations!

After introducing the first key, which automatically becomes the programming key, the installer turns it over to the system administrator. It is well worth pointing out at this stage to the person concerned, that only one programming key per system is permitted and the manufacturer recommends that it is kept in the safe, rather than used on a day-to-day basis – with good reason.

Should the programming key be lost then either a new (previously unprogrammed) key must be substituted or all keys erased and reprogrammed from scratch, which would involve recalling every key issued. To use an already programmed key, it would first need to be deleted from its existing slot, which can only be carried out using the programming key – Catch 22!

Administrator programming is very easy; the manufacturer provides a Quick Programming Guide along with a logsheet for recording user names against key slot numbers for future identification. As installers we consider it our responsibility to educate the users, which often entails the prior reading and perhaps even the understanding of (soon to be forgotten) detailed explanations and instructions. The User Guide proved to be very accurate and helpful in this respect. The only omission was that 20 seconds after programming activity ceases, the system reverts to normal operation. But it is stated in the Quick Programming Guide.

The Installation Manual is an informative well-written document with logical detailed steps for each stage. The actual installation diagrams are clear but as first time installers, we would have benefited from a diagram showing the locking plate, striker arm and striker peg assembled. After assembly it all became abundantly clear. So allow two hours for the first installation.

Overall assessment

The keySOLVE RL40 is a neat, cable-free, self-contained system. It uses a proximity reader which, in its standard form, will directly replace a conventional night latch cylinder without modification, resulting in a very neat, unobtrusive outward appearance. The standard of construction is high and it should perform reliably. The system administrator can add, delete or identify keys against a slot number at any time. System managers can set free access, lock out users or inspect the 32-event history log; so the keySOLVE is quite versatile and simple in operation. It should appeal to those customers who consider access control messy.