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Tired of expensive disposable batteries and rechargeable AA suck. So I made a 10k mAh pack for my deadbolt. (thelemmy.club)
submitted 3 days ago* by to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
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Eneloops would only last about 3 weeks. And disposable last 2 months. This door is used a lot and since it has Zwave and a door open sensor it sends info on every open.

Bonus, since it can handle the lipo AA batteries that put out 1.8v and it gives the motor more oomph I made the battery pack give 7.2v and it never sticks anymore.

This is a garage-door so its not critical access but is used a lot.

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[–] 30 points 2 days ago (9 children)

Hey I haven't used this model specifically but a PSA to anyone with a motorized lock:

If your battery is dying seemingly too fast (and it's not an old battery), your deadbolt is probably misaligned. The friction takes a huge toll on the motor and battery life. They should last MONTHS at minimum.

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  • [–] 6 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    and it's not just vertical alignment, but horizontal too!

    the problem with mine was that the weather stripping was pushing the door inwards, not that the hinges needed adjustment. had to move the latch plate inwards / file clearance into it so the deadbolt would catch where the knob latch let the door sit

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  • [–] 4 points 2 days ago

    Great point. The deadbolt should move with no external Resistance.

    Sound is a good indicator. The motor doesn't just "get bad" over time like that unless it's struggling so if it's louder than when you got it, reassess the installation

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  • [–] 4 points 2 days ago (6 children)

    This is why I haven't replaced mine. There's no real "fixing" this door. It needs to be replaced. That being said if you shoulder check it hard enough it will break open. Ah the fun of inheriting a house that sat vacant for 3 years and had no maintenance for longer than that.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago (5 children)

    I take it the frame is busted? If not you might be able to just adjust the hinges. I was amazed when I learned how many door problems can be fixed by shimming and carefully smacking the hinges

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  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago (4 children)

    The frame is rotting. Thank fuck we have a roof over it because you can see through it a bit. Well, you could before I temp fixed it with spray foam. Gotta get the roof leak fixed first then that.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago (3 children)

    Oh the joys of homeownership lol

    Pretty sure my foundation is sinking and I'm just not prepared to deal with it. Hopefully it holds for another year

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  • [–] 3 points 1 day ago (2 children)

    We just discovered a wide ass step crack in ours. Did I mention ive been jobless since April? 🤣😭😭😭 I just accepted a job offer thank god but the on boarding process is loooong

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