Does your knocklock not retain the pattern you programmed? Does it have this problem with the lock mechanism un-wired/disconnected from the knocklock? A couple of the symptoms may be solvable by installing a wire jumper from the AUX terminal to the (-)/GND terminal as per the "Addendum" sheet, especially if switching an inductive load such as a solenoid or coil-based device.

The power source should also be looked at. Is it the right voltage? Is it a DC voltage? If the unit is being powered externally (i.e. not batteries), you should ALSO consider installing a set of AA batteries as well to ensure the code is retained in the even external power is lost.

Does it give a beep back before your sequence is finished? The "beeps back mid way through the knock sequence" may revolve around the pickup element not picking up knocks correctly either due to the sensitivity being set too low, the sensor too far away from the knock source, or too much "ringing / reverberation" in the knocking surface / material in combination with the sensitivity set TOO HIGH. (i.e. a large metal screen security door)... Try putting your ear up to the surface of the structure where the sensor is mounted or listening, and listen as you knock. If the knocks "drag out" then that may be confusing the knocklock. In cases like that, it is better to lower the sensitivity and move the sensor closer to the knocking surface. The good mechanical mount between the sensor and surface is important as well, as the sound has to travel through the housing of the pick-up element or knocklock housing depending on pick-up method. If it is mounted "near by" the surface, or held on by foam sticky tape, it may have problems.

And of course, there could be an internal part failure or loose solder joint on the PCB or general defect... etc....which may be covered by the warranty.

Please note Addendum:
the AUX terminal should be jumpered to the negative (-) terminal with a small gauge 2 inch length of wire when not being used in an automotive kill switch application. Not doing so may cause erratic operation when switching inductive loads.

Description

Simply speaking, if you can count and knock on a door, you can operate a knocklock. The KnockLock is a device that is SIMPLE TO USE and capable of "sensing" a special and unique pattern of knocks. The knocklock easily interfaces to "unlocking" devices such as Car Power door locks, Door-Strikes, Door actuators or Electric Garage Door openers allowing you to unlock or open the door simply by knocking a "special" way.

This is done by using a vibration sensor that senses "knocking" on or near the item or area and sends the "knocking" information to a processor that is capable of recognizing a SPECIFIC and UNIQUE pattern. Once the "unique knocking" is sensed (for example: KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK (pause) KNOCK-KNOCK (pause) KNOCK) the KnockLock then activates an internal relay that can switch power to a lock mechanism (such as an electric door strike, electric car door lock or electric garage door opener for example). The "knocking" pattern that is required to activate the KnockLock can be as simple as one knock or as complicated as six different groups of knocks, where each group can be from one knock to 63 knocks (resulting in over 1 billion possible combinations). The combination must match EXACTLY before access is granted and is completely programmable by the user. The internal relay is rated at 2 Amperes at 30 volts DC Max.

Features

The KnockLock can hold TWO different combinations with each being from one knock to six groups of knocks. The KnockLock has a built-in PICK-UP element so the unit can be attached directly to a door or wall. For installations requiring the KnockLock to be mounted away from the "knock area" an external pick-up element is provided which simply plugs into the "external input" jack on the KnockLock.

Dual power Input

The KnockLock can run from four AA batteries or an external power source from 9 - 15 volts DC or BOTH (i.e. Batteries could be used in conjunction with external power for "combination" retention in the event that power was disrupted to the external power source) Note: Many "wall adapters" deliver a higher output voltage than the stated voltage when under a "light load". This "higher voltage" may exceed the ratings of the KnockLock and cause damage. It is always best to use a "regulated" power supply.

PROGRAMMING

The KnockLock combinations can be set before OR after mounting. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the operation of the unit before putting it into service.

To program COMBINATION #1:

STEP #1 Insert paper clip or toothpick into CODE hole (Fig. 3), pressing and holding the internal push-button through the entire programming process. You will hear three tones indicating that you are in "CHANGE-CODE" mode.

STEP #2 While continuing to hold in the toothpick/paper clip, tap the KnockLock the number of times you want the FIRST digit to be. After the last tap, the KnockLock will then verify what you tapped in by responding with a short "BEEP" for EACH tap. For example, if you want the first digit to be FIVE, tap the KnockLock five times. When you stop tapping, the knock-lock would then "BEEP" five times. The first number is now entered.

STEP #3 Repeat STEP #2 by tapping in the SECOND digit for the code. Once again, the KnockLock will verify what you tapped in by "BEEPING" back the number of taps. This process can be repeated for UP TO SIX digits.

STEP #4 When the LAST digit is "tapped" in, release the toothpick/paper clip from the program-hole, and the KnockLock will signal with two quick beeps that it is ready for normal operation. The code setting is complete.

To program COMBINATION #2:

NOTE: The first digit of COMBINATION #2 MUST BE DIFFERENT than the first digit of COMBINATION #1. Other wise, COMBINATION #2 will be disabled.

Step #1 Just as in setting the first combination, you must insert a toothpick/paper clip into the programming hole. You will then hear 3 tones indicating the KnockLock is in "CHANGE-CODE" mode. BRIEFLY remove toothpick/paper clip, and then RE-INSERT toothpick/paper clip and you will hear six quick tones indicating that it is ready to set COMBINATION #2. Continue to hold in the toothpick/paper clip through the entire programming of COMBINATION #2.



Step #2 Follow steps 2 through steps 4 in "CHANGE-CODE" example above. When finished, remove toothpick/paper clip from CODE hole.

MOUNTING

The KnockLock should be installed in a dry location with temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees F. It should be securely mounted on a surface capable of conducting sound (such as wood, metal or plastic for example). Poor mounting will result in poor sensitivity to the knocking. If the external sensor is being used, plug the 1/8" connector into the "REMOTE" hole (Fig. 1) and make sure it is mounted securely to the knock surface as well. The sensitivity control (Fig. 3) can be adjusted to fit the mounting environment. This is done by turning the sensitivity control left or right with your thumb. On surfaces that are more "resonating" or surfaces that lend themselves to reverberation, the sensitivity may have to be decreased to reduce false "additional" sound pulses. Experiment to find the ideal sensitivity setting.

NORMAL OPERATION

When batteries are installed, the KnockLock will emit five short beeps. Pay close attention to the speed of these "beeps" as they occur at the recommended "knock" rate for operation. During normal operation, the KnockLock is always listening for knocks. The rate at which the knocks should occur is approximately 5 to 6 knocks per second. The knocks can be as fast as 12 times per second, or as slow as 4 times per second. For our example, we will assume the code to be: 5 - 3 - 1 - 4 Knock five times and wait for the response BEEP. Immediately after the BEEP, knock three times and wait for response BEEP. Immediately after that BEEP, knock one time and wait for response BEEP. Immediately after that beep, knock four times and STOP.

Note: If too much time goes by after a response BEEP, the KnockLock assumes you are done knocking. You have up to one second MAX to knock the next number after a response beep.

If the procedure was done correctly , the KnockLock will play 9 tones very quickly, and engage the internal relay, activating the lock mechanism it is connected to. If the KnockLock did not recognize the code, it will respond with four tones, reset and wait for another attempt.

Hint: Additional digits can be added in FRONT of the combination, and so long as the sequence ENDS with the correct combination, the KnockLock will still activate. For example, if the combination is 5 - 3 - 1 - 4, the user can "knock in" 3-1-2-4-2-4-10-1-2 - 5-3-1-4 and the lock would still engage. This is useful if someone is standing nearby, and you do not want them to easily figure out what you are doing, or to make the code seem much more complex than it really is.

When the correct combination is entered, the KnockLock’s normally-open relay contacts engage for a period of 2 seconds by default.

BATTERY LIFE

Fresh AA alkaline batteries will last from two to five years under normal use (3 to 4 times per day). Actual time varies from manufacture to manufacture. The internal current draw is 13 micro amps. External power draws approx. 5 mA.



WIRING

The KnockLock has five screw-wire terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 are the normally-open switch contacts that close when the correct combination is entered. Terminal 3 is an auxiliary input for "special" applications and should be tied to the negative ( - ) terminal if not being used. Terminal 4 is the NEGATIVE connection for an external power source and terminal 5 is the POSITIVE connection for an external power source (from 9 to 15 VDC). Note: Many "wall adapters" deliver a higher output voltage than the stated voltage when under a "light load". This "higher voltage" may exceed the ratings of the KnockLock and cause damage. It is always best to use a "regulated" power supply.

To attach a wire to these terminals, simply loosen the screw with a small screwdriver, insert the wire in the terminal hole and then tighten the screw down on the wire. For the application of connecting to a garage door opener, simply parallel the two switch contacts of the wall mounted garage door opener switch with the switch terminals on the KnockLock. The KnockLock would then simulate the garage door switch being pressed when the correct combination is entered into the KnockLock.

The KnockLock’s relay switch contacts are rated at 2 Amps/ 30 VDC maximum. If higher current requirements are needed, the KnockLock’s relay can be used to drive the coil of a heavy-duty relay, which would switch a much heavier current load.

MODIFY RELAY CONTACT TIME

The "contact period" can be extended by pressing and holding the "CODE" button when FIRST installing the batteries or applying power. After the five short start up beeps, you will hear a lower pitch beep, approximately once per second. Each beep represents an extra SECOND of "contact" time. Release the "CODE" button when the desired "contact period" has elapsed.