In today’s episode I am reviewing the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock. I’ll be discussing some of the lock’s features and I will take you though the setup in SmartThings.
Ultraloq states that no wiring or drilling is required for the installation, which is an accurate statement. Ultraloq also states that installation is simple, and I would agree that the instructions are clear and process is straightforward.
My greatest concern when first viewing the lock online was the lock’s durability. I was pleased to find that this lock has ANSI Grade 1 certification. An ANSI Grade 1 certification is the highest commercial level of security and durability for lock sets in America.
This smart lock uses a standard Schlage C keyway deadbolt cylinder. It has undergone 250,000 high-strength tests and it was determined to be up to 35 times stronger than standard residential locks. It is rated for a 7 times longer lifespan than standard residential locks.
The external components of the Smart Lock are built to withstand heat and cold. The lock merits an IP65 rating being dust and weatherproof. The lock operates with the Z-wave Plus protocol which shields the Z-Wave signal using AES 128-bit encryption, so it is very durable and secure.
This smart deadbolt can be opened one of six different ways. By Fingerprint, by code via the number keypad, by the detection of your smart phone presence, by shaking your phone in front of the lock when you enable the Magic Shake feature, and if all else fails, you can use one of the provided mechanical keys to gain access to your home.
The keypad is glove friendly and it lets you to add random digits before and after your access code to protect your pass code from prying eyes. The keypad also has a bright backlight to allow you to view it in the dark. You can control the lock with voice commands using Alexa or Google voice assistants.
The four provided double A Alkaline batteries provide 3 to 6 months of battery life through regular use. You will receive a low battery notification via smart phone app. You can also use an external battery to activate your Smart Lock should the lock’s batteries expire.
You can control your Ultraloq Smart Lock remotely to lock, unlock, share access. The app keeps a log of who’s entered and exactly when they each person has accessed your home. You can share a unique, onetime code remotely to your family, guests or service people. An access code can be set for either temporary or permanent access. You can also designate specific dates or periods of time.
When using the provided door contact sensor, your door immediately locks when the door closes. If the optional auto unlock feature is enabled, your door will automatically unlock when you arrive at your door with your smart phone.
In addition to being compatible with Samsung SmartThings, the lock is also compatible the Hubitat and Vera Z-wave Hubs. The lock is also compatible with Apple Watch.
Let’s review the steps for installing the Ultraloq in the SmartThings App. Prior to installing the lock in SmartThings, first follow UltraLoq instructions to download the U-tec App from the iPhone App Store or the Google Play Store.
Once you have installed the U-tec App and setup your account then you will be set to begin the installation steps in the ST App. Open your ST App, begin by tapping the "+" sign in the upper-right corner. Next tap on the word ‘Device’. Next tap on the option to search ‘By device type’ and scroll down the list of devices until you find ‘Generic Z-Wave Devices’. Tap on Generic Z-Wave Device. Tap on the word ‘Z-Wave’ and then ‘Generic Z-Wave Device’.
At this point you need to open U-Tec app, and then tap on the setting gear. Now scroll down to the ‘Z-Wave Control’ setting. Tap on ‘Z-Wave Control’ and then Tap “Add to Z-Wave hub”. Tap ‘Start the Inclusion’ and the app will confirm that it is ‘Connecting to Z-Wave Hub’.
Keep the U-tec App running then return to the SmartThings App. Once back in the ST App, tap the ‘Start’ button, select your Hub and Room assignments and then tap ‘Next”. During this step, be sure that you remain in the ST app until the App asks you to scan the QR code or input the PIN code. Go ahead and Scan the QR code or enter the PIN code. You can find the QR code and PIN code on the battery cover. After scanning or entering the code, tap ‘Add Device’. The App should then confirm the setup as successful. You then find and view the new device within your device list.
At this point you can go back to you U-Tec app and you will find the status of Z-Wave Control reports that your lock is paired. You can now lock or unlock your Ultraloq in either the SmartThings or the U-tec app. The status of your lock will be mirrored between the two apps.
As mentioned previously, one of the reported capabilities of this lock is the ability to control the lock by voice via an echo voice assistant. This sounds fantastic on the surface until you consider that it may be possible for someone outside your home to ask your voice assistant to unlock your door. Amazon has considered this possibility. If you ask your echo device to unlock your door the echo will instruct you to change to either change your lock manually or go the app and change your device’s permission settings. The device’s settings give you the ability to grant the App permission to ‘Unlock by Voice’. If you enable the “Unlock by Voice” feature, you are warned that anyone speaking to an Alexa enable device associated with your account will be able to unlock the smart lock by voice, if they have your voice confirmation code. This is obviously Amazon’s way to minimize their liability for an unintended breach of your home. So having to remember confirmation code each time you need to unlock your smart lock makes this feature a little less exciting. However, although the Amazon App requires an access code to unlock your door, the code is not required when using your voice to lock your door.
So is this lock a must have smart home device? I don’t believe I have ever shared this publicly, but I have uncovered a tried a true way of discerning whether a smart device should receive a thumbs up or a thumbs down. My litmus test is whether or not my wife gets excited about a device. And I here to tell you that she has fallen in love with this smart lock. As I stated earlier, we have used it a couple of months and we both find it convenient and reliable. And you know what they say, happy wife, happy life.
Hey thanks for your time an attention today. Until my next episode, keep automating and God Bless!
Product, Instruction and Discount Links!
Use code "budssmart7" to get a 7% discount from the Ultraloq Amazon Store
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