August Lock: Calibration Resetting Fix - Smart Home | digitalhomefaults.org

Technical Background:

The August Lock relies on a magnetic Hall effect sensor to determine lock position. The internal motor drive circuit (typically 5V DC) experiences increased impedance in cold weather, reducing torque. Zigbee or Z-Wave communication channels (900MHz or 2.4GHz) are used for remote commands. Calibration stores the magnetic field strength thresholds for locked and unlocked positions. Weak RF signal can interrupt calibration.

Symptoms:

Frequent recalibration prompts, indicated by flashing red LED patterns (specific sequence per August model, consult manual). App logs showing "Calibration Failed" or "Motor Overload" errors. Inconsistent lock/unlock behaviour observed, particularly during rapid temperature changes.

Possible Causes:

Low battery voltage causing insufficient motor torque, especially below -20°C.
RF interference from other 2.4GHz or 900MHz devices (microwaves, cordless phones) degrading Zigbee/Z-Wave signal.
Misalignment between the lock and strike plate due to door frame warping in Canadian winters.
C-wire connection issues (if applicable) resulting in inconsistent power delivery.
Internal sensor drift requiring recalibration.
Firmware bugs causing false calibration triggers.

Solution:

1

Replace batteries with fresh lithium AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity. Test battery voltage under load (engaging the lock motor) with a multimeter. Voltage should not drop below 4.5V.
2

Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone to check for 2.4GHz or 900MHz interference. Reposition the August Connect bridge or router to improve signal strength (RSSI should be better than -70dBm).
3

Inspect the door frame and strike plate for warping or misalignment. Shim the strike plate if necessary to ensure smooth bolt engagement. Apply silicone lubricant to the bolt.
4

If using a C-wire, verify the connection at both the lock and the HVAC system. Use a multimeter to confirm a stable 24VAC voltage.
5

Perform a factory reset of the August Lock (refer to August’s support documentation for the specific procedure) and re-pair with the app.
6

Ensure the August Lock firmware is up to date. Check for updates within the August app.
7

Consider using a Zigbee or Z-Wave repeater to extend the network range and improve signal reliability, especially in larger homes.

Safety Warning:

Avoid disassembling the August Lock beyond battery replacement. Tampering with the internal components can void the warranty and potentially compromise security. Back up all lock settings and access codes before performing a factory reset. Securely manage guest access credentials and revoke access when no longer needed.

Prevention:

- Replace batteries every 6 months, especially before the winter season. Choose lithium batteries for better cold-weather performance. - Regularly check the door frame and strike plate for alignment. Address any warping or misalignment promptly. - Keep the August Lock firmware up to date. - Monitor battery health within the August app. Replace batteries when the app indicates low battery levels. - Consider assigning a static IP address to the August Connect bridge to prevent IP address conflicts.

Expert Tip:

A rapid triple-tap on the August Lock logo will often force a manual calibration. This can sometimes resolve intermittent calibration issues without a full reset. For Bell Giga Hub users experiencing Zigbee interference, try switching the Giga Hub's Wi-Fi channel to a less congested channel (channels 1, 6, or 11 are usually best).

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the optimal Zigbee channel for August Lock in a congested urban environment?

Channels 11, 15, 20, and 25 are generally less congested and offer better performance. Use a Zigbee scanner app to identify the least used channel in your area.

•How do I test the C-wire connection for an August Lock?

Use a multimeter to measure the voltage between the C-wire and the R-wire at the August Lock. You should see a stable 24VAC voltage. If the voltage is low or unstable, check the wiring at the transformer and HVAC system.

•What type of lubricant is best for the strike plate to prevent binding in cold weather?

Use a silicone-based lubricant, as it won't freeze or become gummy in cold temperatures. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and debris.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the optimal Zigbee channel for August Lock in a congested urban environment?

•How do I test the C-wire connection for an August Lock?

•What type of lubricant is best for the strike plate to prevent binding in cold weather?

Related Questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: