Hey,
I have known about arduinos existence for quite a while but I never got into it because I'd have no idea of what to make. But recently I got an idea. In our building we got RFID tags to open the entrance ports, to book time in the sauna and laundry, but not for our apartments. I thought it would be cool to create something that would read my existing RFID tag (or a new one if the one I got now isn't readable) and unlock the door for me.
I'm renting the apartment, so I'm probably not allowed to drill in the door or outside wall. Also, I don't have these doorknob locks I've seen in other RFID lock instructables, but a doorhandle with a lock over it which you rotate to lock/unlock, much like this but without the upper keyhole.
I've tested a bit if I can put wires out the door and still being able to close it, and it seems like it's working alright.
I've checked this guide about connecting Arduino and RFID and this guide
seems to have a mechanism of turning the lockknob which maybe I can use? I don't know how I should create the parts though becuase I have no knowledge and no place to create them (I'm a web developer), but I guess I can check around town and with friends if they know a place that can create them for me.
So I have a couple of questions:
- Do you think an RFID lock mechanism would be safe? Could it be hacked with other RFID tags?
- What part do you reckon I need? Obviously an Arduino, an RFID reader, and some sort of motor to turn the lock, but I'm not really sure which.
- I should still be able to open/lock the door with a key if the system would fail. I don't want to damage the system in that case.
- How much do you think a project like this can cost?