Hey everyone! I work a government job and rely heavily on my work badge for access. Sometimes I wish I could use that same badge at home instead of just having my usual door lock. Is there a way to set up a badge reader at home that works with my PIV/CAC card? I know I could go with a basic combo lock, but I'm curious about making it a little more fun and using my work badge for a different system. Any thoughts or insights on whether this is feasible?
4 Answers
Why not look into using smartphone tech instead? You could set up geofencing so your locks unlock automatically when you get close. I read about this online; it could be a cool alternative!
I looked into this for my work badge, and there are some standards for how these cards communicate. If yours fits one of those standards, you can find the right scanner, set it up with a relay, and add your badge to the list of authorized cards. I found the setup pretty complex, though, which is why I gave up. Alternatively, a company could handle it, but they might not let you use your badge. They quoted me about $1500 for my house setup. Seems like a lot of hassle!
Interesting! It does sound like more trouble than it’s worth, but it could be fun. I’d have to go with a third-party since we have our own TechOps for these things.
Absolutely, it’s possible! You might need to wire things up yourself, though. Check out places like Sparkfun or Adafruit for the parts you need—like a Raspberry Pi or Arduino, an RFID scanner, and some coding in Python. You’ll also need a relay and a servo for the lock mechanism. It sounds like a fun DIY project!
Thanks! I hadn’t heard of Sparkfun before, but it looks like they have some cool stuff.
You could consider using an RFID-activated lock designed for commercial use. Just ensure it’s a closed system since security is critical here. Just be careful about using it with your work badge, as there are strict protocols to follow regarding ComSec.
That’s interesting! I’ve heard of geofencing but never thought to use it for this. Unfortunately, I work in an environment that doesn’t allow phones, so they’re not as reliable for me.