August Lock: Fixing 'Losing Handing' Issues - Smart Home | digitalhomefaults.org

Technical Background:

The August Lock uses a magnetic door sensor and internal motor to determine door position and lock state. 'Handing' refers to the lock's understanding of the door's swing direction (left or right). This relies on precise motor control, sensor readings, and firmware calibration routines. Zigbee or Z-Wave signal strength impacts communication reliability with the Connect bridge or hub.

Symptoms:

The August Lock frequently recalibrates, provides 'handing lost' errors in the app, or exhibits inconsistent locking/unlocking behaviour. Observe the LED ring: flashing red often indicates a recalibration failure. Check app logs for specific error codes related to the door sensor or motor calibration.

Possible Causes:

Low battery voltage, especially in cold weather (-20°C to -40°C), impacting motor performance. Lithium battery impedance increases significantly at low temperatures.
RF interference (900MHz/2.4GHz) from nearby devices, causing dropped Zigbee/Z-Wave packets during the calibration process.
Mechanical binding due to door frame warping from seasonal temperature changes, preventing smooth bolt movement.
Incorrect door sensor placement or a faulty sensor providing inaccurate position data.
Firmware glitches or corrupted calibration data within the lock's memory.
Weak Wi-Fi signal to the August Connect bridge impacting communication reliability.

Solution:

1

Replace batteries with new, high-quality lithium batteries. Ensure correct polarity.
2

Verify door sensor alignment. The sensor and magnet should be within specified proximity (typically <5mm) when the door is closed. Refer to the August installation guide.
3

Check for mechanical obstructions. Ensure the bolt moves freely without binding against the strike plate. Adjust the strike plate position if necessary. Use a file to remove any burrs on the strike plate.
4

Recalibrate the lock via the August app. Follow the in-app instructions for door handing setup. Cycle the door several times during the calibration process.
5

Check the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) between the August Connect/hub and the lock using a Wi-Fi analyzer app or hub diagnostic tools. Aim for a signal strength above -70dBm. Relocate the Connect/hub closer to the lock if needed.
6

Power cycle the August Connect bridge by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
7

If using a Zigbee or Z-Wave hub, ensure the hub firmware is up to date and that the August Lock is properly paired to the hub. Exclude and re-include the lock if necessary.

Safety Warning:

Do not attempt to disassemble the lock beyond battery replacement and door sensor adjustments. Unauthorized modifications can void the warranty and compromise security. Secure your August account with a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.

Prevention:

- Replace batteries annually, preferably before the onset of winter. - Regularly check the door sensor alignment. - Periodically lubricate the bolt and strike plate with a dry lubricant (e.g., graphite). - Keep the August Connect bridge firmware up to date. - Consider assigning a static IP address to the August Connect bridge within your router settings to improve network stability.

Expert Tip:

If recalibration repeatedly fails, try a factory reset of the August Lock (check the August support website for the specific reset procedure for your model). After the reset, re-pair the lock with your August account and recalibrate the handing. For Rogers Ignite users experiencing connectivity issues, ensure the Rogers modem's firewall isn't excessively restrictive and that the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band is enabled and broadcasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How cold is too cold for my smart lock batteries?

Lithium batteries start to exhibit reduced performance below 0°C. Below -20°C, expect significant voltage drop and shortened lifespan. Consider using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries for extreme cold applications, though compatibility should be verified.

•What's the best way to improve the Wi-Fi signal to my August Connect?

Move the August Connect closer to the Wi-Fi router. Minimize obstructions like walls and metal objects. Consider using a Wi-Fi range extender to improve coverage in the area of the lock. Ensure your router's firmware is up-to-date.

•My door frame warps a lot in the winter. What can I do?

Consider adjusting the strike plate to compensate for the warping. Loosen the strike plate screws slightly to allow for some movement. You can also apply weather stripping to minimize drafts and temperature fluctuations around the door frame.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

•How cold is too cold for my smart lock batteries?

•What's the best way to improve the Wi-Fi signal to my August Connect?

•My door frame warps a lot in the winter. What can I do?

Related Questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: