Successfully Integrating Nuki with BFT-210 System: A Hardware Hack Journey

General
1

Hey everyone, I wanted to share my exciting journey of integrating my Nuki Smart Lock with the Elcom BFT-210 door station system. This wasn’t a straightforward process, but with some research and a bit of DIY magic, I managed to make it work! :tada:

The Challenge

Initially, I struggled to connect the Nuki directly to the BFT-210 system through software. After some digging, I decided to take the hardware approach. The goal was to enable the doorbell ring signal and allow the Nuki to control the door opening mechanism.

How It Worked Out

Doorbell Ring

This part was surprisingly simple. I used the RSR 210 relay module to extract the ring signal from the doorbell. By connecting the BUS+ signal to one terminal and the yellow ring wire to the other, the doorbell now rings just like magic! :musical_note:

Opening the Door

This was the tricky part. The BFT-210’s capacitive touch plate works differently from other systems. Instead of directly bridging the button, I needed to create a physical disconnection to avoid short circuits. Here’s what I did:

  1. Identify the Touch Plate Connection: I located the touch plate’s connection point and added a grounding point nearby.
  2. Install a Relay: To discharge the capacitor safely, I installed an additional relay. This relay is triggered by the Nuki, ensuring the system works without any hiccups.
  3. Custom PCB Solution: To simplify the setup, I designed a small PCB that bridges all necessary connections. This makes the installation cleaner and more reliable.

Hardware Setup

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • RSR 210 Relay Module for the ring signal
  • Additional Relay for the door opening mechanism
  • Custom PCB (I have a few spares if anyone is interested! Just PM me.)

The Process

  1. Solder two wires—one to ground and one to the touch plate.
  2. Connect BUS+ to the relay and the yellow Nuki wire (RING) to the appropriate terminal.
  3. Use the PCB to streamline the connections, following the color-coded labels.

Results

After a bit of trial and error, everything works seamlessly! The doorbell rings when someone presses the button, and the Nuki locks/unlocks the door effortlessly. It’s such a satisfying feeling to see everything come together! :hugs:

Final Thoughts

This project was a great learning experience, and I’m thrilled to share it with the community. If you’re considering a similar setup, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or parts. Let’s keep the DIY spirit alive! :rocket:

Happy hacking! :wave: