I want to be able to tell if the door's deadbolt is open or closed. Can you suggest what would be the most effective sensor to accomplish this? I need it to be as small as possible. Magnetic door sensors are too big and clumsy.
The magnetic Switches I know are not "that" big... What is your space/size requirement?
Take a look at hall effect switches. They are really small, and easy to use.
PieterP:
Take a look at hall effect switches. They are really small, and easy to use.
I should have mentioned that I would preferably not install anything on the deadbolt itself. In case of hall effect switch I would need to install a magnet on the deadbolt. Any other ideas?
kashif_izhar:
I should have mentioned that I would preferably not install anything on the deadbolt itself. In case of hall effect switch I would need to install a magnet on the deadbolt. Any other ideas?
Then you'll need an optical sensor, an opto-interrupter, for example, or simply a laser and an LDR, if you need them further apart.
PieterP:
Then you'll need an optical sensor, an opto-interrupter, for example, or simply a laser and an LDR, if you need them further apart.
Opto-Interruptor does not work because the dead-bolt wont fit in between when turned. Laser/LDR is the next option but I really do not want two-part installation either. Is there a sensor which only detects physical presence within 1cm of is face. That would be ideal.
I assume that the hole into which the deadbolt slides is in a stationary door frame. How about installing say, a 1/2 in. long wire, top and bottom, extending into the hole? Select a wire gauge that allows the deadbolt to not quite slide in, then do a little filing to get a fit that will allow the deadbolt to operate, but will assure contact between it and the two wires. When the deadbolt slides in, you close a circuit.
jrdoner:
I assume that the hole into which the deadbolt slides is in a stationary door frame. How about installing say, a 1/2 in. long wire, top and bottom, extending into the hole? Select a wire gauge that allows the deadbolt to not quite slide in, then do a little filing to get a fit that will allow the deadbolt to operate, but will assure contact between it and the two wires. When the deadbolt slides in, you close a circuit.
Perhaps I am misunderstood. I am trying to check the position of the deadbolt handle/knob and not the bolt itself.
Surely there is a simple relationship between the deadbolt knob and the actual deadbolt position. Or is your deadbolt unlike most others?
Please provide a link to the deadbolt you are using.
Depending on make some of these have a provision for a microswitch for exactly this purpose.
EDIT
If the bolt is steel a hall sensor may suffice , if it is brass then possibly an optoreflective switch mounted in the striker.
jremington:
Surely there is a simple relationship between the deadbolt knob and the actual deadbolt position. Or is your deadbolt unlike most others?
Only if it is a simple deadbolt (perhaps).
If it has the option of being operated from a key from the outside the handle position could be irellevant to the position of the bolt.
If it has the option of being operated from a key from the outside the handle position could be irellevant to the position of the bolt.
If that is the case, then don't you wonder why the OP wants to know the position of the knob, rather than the deadbolt?
I am trying to check the position of the deadbolt handle/knob and not the bolt itself.
jremington:
If that is the case, then don't you wonder why the OP wants to know the position of the knob, rather than the deadbolt?
kashif_izhar:
I want to be able to tell if the door's deadbolt is open or closed.
Yes i am a bit confused.
The reason I want to tell the position of the knob and not the bolt itself is that it will be much easier for my users to install.