Unauthorized Access to Door Locks: Utilizing Pen Springs as a Hacking Tool
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In the heart of an 1890s Victorian house, Nathan has found a unique solution to a common problem: automating the door lock in his basement.
Nathan, a tech enthusiast, created a custom sensor to detect the position of the door lock using two ballpoint pen springs as compliant electrical contacts placed in the door frame. These springs come into contact with the deadbolt, acting as a switch to signal the lock's position electrically.
The springs, being flexible, allow for some leeway in their placement. If the springs are slightly too close, they simply compress more. When the deadbolt engages with the springs, it allows conductivity between them, signalling the lock's position to a repurposed BeagleBone Black.
However, the project presented some challenges. With the sensor wiring over 15 feet from the BeagleBone Black, high-frequency noise was introduced into the lines. To combat this, Nathan crafted an RC filter to reduce the noise and implemented software debouncing in the code to handle the inherent noisy signals from the springs.
This combination allowed reliable sensing of the basement deadbolt's lock status despite the challenges of wiring and noise.
Nathan's home, with its age and unique architecture, is not very conducive to using off-the-shelf home automation devices. His innovative solution demonstrates the spirit of DIY ingenuity, making technology work for him in the face of adversity.
technology has been incorporated into Nathan's home-and-garden lifestyle through his sensor-based solution for automating the door lock in his basement, demonstrating the adaptability of sensors in modern homes. Despite the challenges presented by the Victorian house's architecture, this project showcases the integration of lifestyle, technology, and innovation in home-and-garden settings.
