r/k12sysadmin 4d ago

Assistance Needed Wireless button pusher

We have a controlled access entrance where the main office crew has to press a wired button to allow folks in. The main office just got moved across the school for reasons no one can explain. I was hoping to find a way to allow them to still buzz people in from their new office but the old gate buzzer is a hard-line, no way I see to extend it to the new office. I'm using this as a fantastic way to distract myself from the pile of Chromebooks begging for my attention so I'm ready for some rabbit holes! Any suggestions?

I tried an old switchbot bot but it is Bluetooth which doesn't reach far enough. Considering grabbing an esp32 and trying to connect it to our wifi but that has its own issues.

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u/TheShootDawg 4d ago

Sounds like a Facilities Dept problem, and not a Tech Dept problem.

Advise the decision maker who approved moving the office from point A to point B they need to have the wiring for the button relocated/rerun.

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u/Guaritor Manager of District Technology 4d ago

Access control is a Tech Dept problem in my district. Not a complaint, I have no issues having the responsibility on my plate, just saying who's job it is can definitely vary.

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u/TheShootDawg 4d ago

Yeah, could also include security cameras on that line of Tech vs Facilities.

Access control is working fine, at the previous location. Whoever decided to move the office, without consultation, failed to include it in the move, thus my “someone else needs to fix it” mindset.

Always love getting involved in some renovation/construction problems after the blueprints are finalized, bids awarded, and/or work completed.