Everyone once in a while you run across a security device that is, well, just fun. One such device is the Knocklock made by the good folks at KnockLock.com.

Basically the Knocklock is a small computer that run on batteries (although an external power supply is supported) which listens for a series of knocks that you train it to recognize. Once the correct knocks are heard an internal relay in the device is activated. This can make all sorts of things happen, such as activating the electric strike* on a door. Even though the Knocklock can be programmed to recognize over one billion different codes, I really wouldn’t consider it ‘high security’ (especially considering that pounding out your combination could tip someone off pretty easily). However it could do any number of light security tasks, such as:

* Securing access to your kid’s treehouse (and it would probably make you the coolest dad/mom around)
* Give any secret passage or hidden compartment a real ‘haunted mansion’ feel
* A neat lock for your wine/spirits stash
* It would make a great Halloween display activator (just knock 3 times on the coffin and see what happens…)

The Knocklock

I put a Knocklock to work on the electric strike of a low security door in my office and it still makes me smile every time I tap out the code to open it. I must admit the Knocklock doesn’t work every time (you have to tap at a pretty fast and consistent rate) but even when it doesn’t open the first time, it is still probably quicker than fumbling for my keys (and lots more fun).

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* An electric strike allows a normally locked door to be opened because the part of the door frame which holds the door shut (the strike) has an electric release mechanism built into it.