first unit I got from Amazon warehouse deals was non functional, perhaps it was the reason someone had returned it, no backlight or bluetooth signals detected from it even after changing the batteries. I did however notice what seemed to be after damage on the circuit board inside the unit. So just be aware that if you buy one from Amazon warehouse to make sure it works, and that it's not tied to someone else's account still, at you won't be able to add it to yours until they disconnect it from theirs and type in the unique reset code that August app sends you when this is done. (I know only from research as I thought this was the issue, but it wasn't until I got it exchange through Amazon warehouse that I realized it was just that the unit was not functional as soon as the replacement lit up in its brilliant red backlight when I put the batteries in.)
ever since I got the exchanged unit from Amazon I've had no real issues. The unit reports low bluetooth signal but has never had an issue connecting quickly and reliably, I imagine it's very difficult to connect via bluetooth Low Energy spec and being in the difficulty position of attempting to communicate with a lock that is behind a (in my case metal, metal reflects RF energy) door, plus a wooden frame (wood absorbs RF energy, as does any organic compound) and a cinder block or brick wall plus insulation material (reflections from radiant barrier insulation and stone based building materials including drywall, and lead based outdoor paints which all reflect RF, and interior and interior wall paints which absorb rf as they are typically organic based (oil is organic and absorbs rf energy) with a double whammy because paint is also designed to be fire retardant making them semi reflective rf wise, then and in a humid Florida environment (water absorbs RF energy the best/most and people are mostly water so your hands near the keypad after entering the code will hamper connectivity too. not to mention that's how microwave ovens work which just the exact same frequency band range of 2.4GHz, and WiFi is also 2.4-2.49GHz so there's that constant noise coming from every device and WiFi router and bluetooth device) I imagine this is why the keypad is made of such a lightweight plastic as anything sturdier would require an external antenna, or a more powerful radio which would make it not possible to be battery powered. As it is, bluetooth le devices are typically powered by coin batteries, think Tile. Which get a year or life via bluetooth le or more. So 2 AA is definitely in there because they had the space to do so, to overcome the above difficulties stated above, and for longevity.
SUGGESTION: I believe that if it were possible to refresh the design in such a way where the antenna(s) were printed on the edge of the device or somehow located behind the batteries this may improve communication as the batteries themselves may be reflecting some of the signal away from the lock perhaps. Or making the keypad slightly larger so it could be used with gloves on more easily, further separating the distance between the users fingers (which absorb bluetooth) may allow for better use ability and transmission. Also the size would make typing in codes take a fraction of a second longer, thereby fixing the issues I've read others having with entering the codes in quicker than the keypads power effecient cpu can process them.
| Brand | August Home |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | One-Touch Lock |
| Lock Type | Keypad |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 1 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Recommended Uses For Product | lockerroom lock |
| Style | Smart Keypad |
| Color | Dark Gray |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Finish Type | Brushed |
| Included Components | August Smart Keypad, 2 AAA Batteries, 2 Screws, 2 Wall Anchors, Double-Sided Tape, Getting Started Guide |
| Controller Type | iOS, Android |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Item Weight | 68 Grams |
| Control Method | App |
| Connectivity Protocol | Bluetooth |
| UPC | 863246000056 |
| Model Name | Yale Smart Keypad |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00863246000056 |
| Manufacturer | August Home Inc |
| Part Number | AK-R1 |
| Item Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 1 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches |
| Item model number | AK-R1 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Оne Расk |
| Finish | Brushed |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | One-Touch Lock |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | 1 year limited manufacturer |
