Arrow Revolution: An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Nov. 2, 2011

It talks to you. Few locksets can make that claim. In addition to voice-guided programming, the Arrow Revolution lock also includes a touchscreen keypad in place of traditional mechanical buttons. The many high-tech electronic features included in Arrow Revolution locksets can set this lock system ahead of the competition.

Arrow Revolution locksets are available in two forms, a cylindrical lever lock and now a deadbolt version. This article will concentrate on installing and programming the Arrow Revolution touchscreen deadbolt.

Both versions meet ANSI A117.1 accessibility and ANSI/BHMA A156.2, series 4000, Grade 2 certifications. Finishes include US3 polished brass, US15 satin nickel and US10BP oil rubbed bronze. Key override cylinders are available with either Arrow (AR1) or SC1 keyways.

Installation

The door hole pattern requires a standard 2 1/8" crossbore while the bolt edgebore requires a 1" diameter hole. The edgebore hole may require enlargment when installing an Arrow Revolution deadbolt unit where existing door prep holes have been pre-cut for older deadbolt lock types.

The Revolution bolt unit is quickly adjustable for either 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" backsets. After using a small screwdriver to lift a black tab on the bolt unit, bolt sections can be moved inward or outward to set the proper backset.

A unique feature of the bolt is its unusual shape. The bolt is wedge-shaped in order to more easily be 'steered' into the strikeplate. This would have been a good idea for every old traditional deadbolt ever made, but the future belongs to electronics and this bolt shape is just one more addition to the wide variety of Arrow Revolution features.  

Touchscreen

Another outstanding feature of the Arrow Revolution is the Touchscreen. When inactive, the Touchscreen displays a blank, blackened screen. To activate the Touchscreen, lightly touch the screen either with the back of your hand or with several fingers at once. The Arrow Revolution will emit a two chime sound and the Touchscreen will illuminate. Ten numbers, 1-0 plus a pound sign (#) and star (asterisk) key will be displayed on the screen.

Any experimentation we tried by putting a business card or other large object in front of the screen would not make the screen illuminate. Apparently the Revolution seems to only recognize a combination of body warmth plus the large surface of several fingers or the back of a hand. In any case this precludes something such as a wet leaf or other wind-blown object from accidentally putting the Revolution into a functional mode. The touchscreen lives up to its name. Very little effort is needed in order to operate the screen buttons.

The asterisk key is located in the lower left hand corner of the screen. An alternate method for illuminating the screen is to press one finger on the display screen in the general area of the asterisk key, even though it is not on display. The Arrow Revolution screen will quickly respond and illuminate. If the auto relocking mode is disabled, the asterisk (*) key can also be pressed to manually lock the door. Chimes will sound to indicate that the door is being locking.          

Programming

User codes can only be programmed by using the Master PIN code. The 8-digit factory default master is 12345678. An old locksmith trick in a lockout situation is to try the factory master PIN code, hoping that the lock owner never changed the factory code setting. The Arrow Revolution recognized this security problem. The default master PIN code must be changed prior to the initial programming of the Arrow Revolution.   This also prevents unwanted persons from pressing the default Master PIN code and either setting serreptitious user codes or changing any other program functions.

To begin programming, first press the blank screen to activate the Revoultion lock, then enter the existing Master PIN code followed by pressing the ( #) key. The Arrow Revolution will then respond, "Menu mode, enter number, press the (#) key to continue." By pressing "1", then pressing the (#) key, the Arrow Revolution is prepared for changing the Master PIN code. Enter a new Master PIN code of 4-8 digits, then press the (#) key. The new 4-8 digit code now becomes the Master PIN code. You cannot make a mistake. An automated voice guides you through every step.

A management sheet is included in the instruction manual. When changing the master PIN code or adding new user numbers, a good suggestion would be to write down any combination changes for future reference. There is a remedy, however, if the master PIN code is ever lost or forgotten. The solution is to remove the inside thumb turn unit from the door. A reset button is located on the inside surface of the thumb turn unit. To reset the Arrow Revolution to the default master PIN code, remove the batteries for a moment, then hold the reset button 'in' as you reinstall the batteries. The existing user codes and master PIN code will be erased and the original 12345678 factory master PIN code will be set. Just as when the lock was brand new, the master PIN code must be immediately changed before user code information can be installed.

There are six different programming features in the Arrow Revolution lockset. Once a feature is chosen, an automated voice will guide you through the sequence, and automatically stop the sequence if you make a mistake. Begin any programming sequence by pressing the existing master PIN code, then pressing the pound (#) key.

By pressing 1, then pound (#) key, you can change the master PIN number. Again press the pound (#) key to end the programming.

By pressing 2, then pound (#) key, you are then in the user registration mode. Up to 25 different user codes can be entered. The Revolution lockset will talk you through the inputting. Each user code is given a sequence number, 1-25. Press the pound key after each user code is entered. Press the pound key a second time to end the programming when the last required user code is input.

By pressing 3, then the pound (#) key, you are in the autoRelock mode. The screen will illuminate and the 1 & 3 keys will be displayed on the screen. Press '1' to enable (automatically lock) and press '3' to disable (will not automatically lock) the door.

By pressing 4, then the pound (#) key, you are able to set the speaker volume. Choices of high, low or medium can be set.

By pressing 5, then the pound (#) key, the speaking language can be changed to either English, Spanish or French.

By pressing 6, then pressing the pound (#) key, you are able to stop all user keys from operating. The user codes are not erased and function '6' can be used again to enable the user keys to be again operational.

Soft ringing of the Arrow Revolution chimes has attracted much attention in our office during testing for this article. A counter display in you store should be equally as effective in getting the message out about the intriguing new product.

For further information contact your local locksmith distributor or: Arrow Locks and Door Hardware, 800-839-3157, web site www.arrowrevolution.com.

To read additional Locksmith Ledger articles on Arrow Lock products, visit http://tinyurl.com/arrow1111.