Home » Tests » Connected Objects Tests » eLocky eVy 2: the smart door cylinder, to manage accessCédric Locqueneux14078 Connected Objects Tests8.9

329€

BuyeLocky eVy 2: the intelligent door cylinder, to manage access 329€ Buy Easy to install Discreet designVery comprehensive functionsAutonomySaveSaveDeleted 0

We have already tested several connected locks on the site, including the Nuki Smart Lock and the Yale Linus. Today we are going to discover another connected lock, the eLocky eVy 2, which has a totally different operation, since unlike the models seen previously, this one does not have a motorization. However, this does not detract from its interest, and its operation is extremely practical. At the same time, this French company is not at its first attempt, since the first version was launched via a Kickstarter campaign in 2016. The version in testing today is V2, which now uses a technology well grounded, as we will see in this complete presentation.

Unpacking the eLocky eVy 2 connected lock

As is often the case in the world of connected locks, on one side we have the lock itself, operating in bluetooth, and a bluetooth / wifi gateway allowing remote control of the lock. Indeed, on the one hand the lock cannot contain all the necessary electronics in a format which is necessarily limited, and on the other hand the Wifi connection would be much too energy-consuming compared to bluetooth. Note however that the gateway is sold as an option and is not mandatory, the lock being perfectly autonomous to operate locally.

Inside, we find the lock, NFC badges, a fixing screw, a small tool to mount the lock, and installation instructions.

The first thing you will notice: eLocky has opted for a cylinder here, and not a box that is superimposed on the lock, as is often the case. This is the first connected lock of this kind that I have had the opportunity to test, but the principle is not so surprising, since it is also the option that Netatmo has taken for its connected lock. .

The eLocky eVy 2 therefore comes in the form of a relatively classic lock cylinder:

The part that will be inside has a door “knob” to be able to lock or unlock it easily when needed:

It is the outer end which is however different: here there is no hole to insert a key, but a small block which notably contains an NFC reader, which will unlock the lock by passing your badge in front of it for example. It is also he who contains the electronics for bluetooth communication with the smartphone, allowing the adjustment of the lock but also its opening / closing.

The badges provided are relatively classic, since they are NFC 13.56 MHz mifare classic 1k badges.

To accompany this lock, I was also able to test the eLocky eZy box, which allows it to make the connection between the bluetooth lock and the internet (via Wifi or ethernet), thus allowing the lock to be controlled remotely if necessary. But the role of this box does not stop there, because it is also planned to manage beacons to detect break-in attempts on doors and windows, as well as cameras.

The eLocky eZy is simply delivered with its Usb cable and its mains adapter:

The “box” is relatively compact, since it only measures 10.5cm on each side, and 4cm thick.

Its design is quite original, since the entire lower part is in cork; Personally I like it a lot :)

The back offers an ethernet port for the network connection, a micro USB port for power supply, and a USB port whose usefulness is not known at the moment (maybe possible future developments?).

Important point: for security, whether of the cylinder or the case, everything is encrypted in AES 256 bits. Communications are indeed encrypted with frames that only the system is capable of generating. At each opening, a new encryption key is generated for a one-time opening code. The system is thus designed to resist various hacking attempts (brute force, man in the middle, etc.)

Also read: IoPool test for SPA: or how to enjoy your SPA without the fuss!

Now that the presentations are made, let's move on to the installation!

Installation of the eLocky eVy 2 lock

The cylinder having a block on each side, it will necessarily be a problem to insert it in place of the existing door cylinder… You must therefore use the small Y-tool to unscrew the outer cap, in this way:

Still using the Y-tool, remove the clip that holds the electronic part to the cylinder, thus allowing it to be completely removed:

On the door where the eLocky eVy 2 lock is to be installed, unscrew the screw on the edge of the door, which holds the current cylinder in place:

Then we completely remove the existing cylinder:

You can then insert the eLocky eVy 2 into the hole in the lock. Inside, the manual button must thus be flush with the door:

Outside, we only see the two contacts for the electronic part:

Replace the locking ring.

All that remains is to replace the electronic part on the cylinder, which will be maintained by replacing the clip removed above.

We replace the cap, which we screw back using the Y-tool: our cylinder is in place, and will have taken us 5 minutes to install!

On the outside, we therefore no longer have a hole to insert a key, but a small block that protrudes, which will allow the NFC badges to be read:

A small band around this part will light up in green to confirm access, or in red to indicate a problem.

This outer part can pivot freely on itself: as long as no badge is validated, this part rotates in a vacuum, and therefore has no effect on the lock. Once a badge (or a virtual key) is validated and the light is green, however, this part is “blocked” and allows the door to be unlocked. Here, no motorization, the door will be opened manually. After a few seconds, this block automatically deactivates, and turns again in the void, preventing anyone from entering.

Inside, we simply find our door button which will lock or unlock this one manually, without the need for any badge. We are inside, so access is secure (but a model with a sensor on each side also exists if necessary).

All we have to do is install the mobile application to configure the eLocky eVy 2.

This same application will be used to manage the lock, but also to use it in guest mode when you receive a virtual key.

We create an account using an email and password, and we create a “place”. This application can indeed manage several places, such as your home, your second home, and why not your workplace, which could be very practical for simplifying access.

We will have to start by adding our lock, by going to the “add an object” menu.

In the list, just select the type of product to add. The lock is automatically detected in bluetooth (it will of course be necessary to activate bluetooth on the smartphone and be within range of the lock).

The lock being added, we can adjust some settings, such as the delay before deactivating the lock:

Battery level is also tracked, along with usage time. In case of low battery, the icon will turn red, which will still leave 1 to 2 months of autonomy.

On the home page, we find our lock with its information. Note that the photo illustrating the house can be personalized.

It now remains to create the access rights, via an NFC badge or a virtual key:

The NFC badge can be added by scanning it directly with the smartphone (if it has NFC), or on the exterior part of the eVy 2 lock. The manufacturer offers various models of badges, which range from the NFC card to the bracelet , including stickers.

Each access can then receive different rights. It is thus possible to create a badge with permanent validity (family members), temporary validity (during certain time slots, such as for the cleaning lady for example), or for a limited period (for an AirBnB rental for example, this which will automatically deactivate access once the rental date has expired).

Access management is therefore very comprehensive. In the context of a rental, it is also very practical, because you can easily create a temporary virtual key that you can send to your tenant by email or SMS, without even having to meet him physically. All he has to do is enter this key in the application in guest mode. This key will be valid for the duration of his stay, and will expire automatically.

Also read: Mibro Lite: a complete smartwatch with an AMOLED screen at an ultra-aggressive price!

In addition, a history section keeps track of all events that have occurred on the lock: authorized and denied access, additions, etc.

Note that a partnership exists with the French company Aeklys, which offers the connected ring “Aeklys by Starck“, allowing you to make contactless payments, exchange your virtual business card, but also unlock your eLocky eVy 2 lock! No need for your key, your ring is your master key :)

From there your lock is perfectly functional. Be careful, however, the mode of operation is a little different from what we have seen so far. As a reminder, this cylinder does not have a motor, so it will not turn a key for you to move a lock. It's up to you to manually turn the cylinder knob to move the lock. If you left your home without manually activating the door lock, it is therefore impossible to do it remotely.

Then, if you want to deactivate the door lock, you have to turn the button of the eVy, as if you were turning the key to unlock the door. Except that if no card or virtual key has been presented to the cylinder, the button of the eVy will turn in a vacuum, making it impossible to unlock the door. You must present a valid badge, so that the lock lights up in green and “blocks”, thus allowing it to be turned to unlock the door. It's a bit surprising at first, but it works very well.

The principle is therefore totally different from a connected lock as we used to see. It would rather be an intelligent cylinder, so to speak.

This video shows how it works:

That's for local operation. To be able to manage the lock remotely, it is possible to add the eZy box. We also go through the addition of an object in the application, indicating “eZy”, which will also be detected via bluetooth. We then configure its connection, either ethernet or Wifi, in which case it will be necessary to enter the Wifi key.

This box is then associated with the lock already configured, to allow it to be controlled remotely:

From there, everything that was possible to do locally can also be done remotely. It is therefore quite possible to “unlock” the lock remotely for a person who appears in front of the door. She will only have to turn the door knob to be able to open it.

Also read: Ledvance Smart Flood Camera Wifi: a surveillance camera hidden in outdoor lighting!

But this box also adds the possibility of integrating the lock in other systems, directly in Homekit by simply activating the option in the application, or in other systems via the IFTTT service. We can imagine deactivating the alarm by unlocking the lock, turning on a light, etc.

An API is also available, which makes it possible to imagine its integration into other systems. Besides, a plugin already exists for Jeedom ;-)

This box can also act as a security system, by adding “beacons”, which can detect the opening of a door or window, or even motion detectors. But I have not been able to test these functions for the moment, which do not seem to be available yet.

Conclusion

This eLocky eVy 2 connected lock is surprising in its mode of operation, when we were used to motorized boxes coming to “turn” the key for you. But it is no less interesting! On the one hand, the absence of motorization avoids high energy consumption, and batteries to be changed every 6 months, which generally excludes them from professional use, maintenance being too restrictive. The eVy 2 is given here for 2 years of autonomy, thanks to its “small” CR2 3V battery, which will be much less restrictive.

On the other hand, it avoids having a big box not always very aesthetic on its door. Here we have a very classic door knob. It can also be easily installed on most doors, since all you need is a door cylinder (see compatibility). Whether simple, 3 or 5 points, with lift lock, etc. all this does not matter, since in any case the locking of the door is done manually. In the end, the eVy is only responsible for leaving the possibility of turning the lock or not.

Due to its operation, I will tend to speak here rather of “intelligent cylinder” and not of connected lock, this term now always leaving us to imagine a motorized box. And this cylinder is indeed intelligent, since it only authorizes the owners of a badge or a virtual key to turn it to unlock the door. And its very comprehensive settings allow very fine management of access, so that it can be used in residential, business, seasonal rental, hotels, campsites, etc. The possibilities are very wide!

In addition, different models exist, to secure a home, a rental, a garage door, a locker door, etc. and even padlocks using the same principle. Convenient to have a uniform locking system, and above all a unique way to open, whether via a badge, a card, or even its NFC ring. For the model proposed here, it will still cost 329€ (+299€ for the box if you want remote control).

8.9Total ScoreAn intelligent cylinder, which opens up many possibilities!

The eLocky eVy 2 cylinder does not only open doors: it also opens up many possibilities, both in the residential and professional environment. Despite an extremely simple installation, the functions are no less complete, with a very fine management of access, whether permanent, punctual, or ephemeral.

Quality9.5Features9.5Use9Price7.5 PROSCONS