Southco has introduced its Battery-Operated Single Output Bluetooth Controller, a self-contained access solution designed to provide secure mobile access for remote, retrofit and unpowered enclosure applications. Powered by four AA batteries, the controller is designed to simplify installation while eliminating the need for external power, wiring or additional electronics.

The company said the controller addresses deployment challenges associated with Bluetooth access hardware in tight spaces and complex security environments by offering a plug-and-play design with long battery life and mobile access capabilities.

According to Southco, the controller can operate for more than two years when driving a 12VDC latch using four AA batteries. The system uses internal buck/boost technology to optimize power delivery while reducing the number of batteries required compared with conventional battery-powered systems.

To help prevent downtime during battery replacement, the controller includes a power override port that is currently compatible with a 9V battery and is designed to support future power input options. The temporary power source allows users to unlock an enclosure, replace the batteries and restore operation without losing access.

Battery status can be monitored through Southco's Keypanion® app, which provides alerts before battery replacement is needed. For original equipment manufacturers developing their own mobile applications, Southco also offers a software development kit that enables integration with existing digital ecosystems.

The controller features a removable battery pod that allows users to replace all four batteries at once without working inside confined enclosure spaces. Installation is designed to require only battery insertion and latch connection, with no wire splicing or external power required.

Using the Keypanion app, users can activate, manage and share digital access from a mobile device without servers, IT infrastructure or wiring. Access permissions can be granted or revoked instantly, replacing physical keys with digital credentials.

Southco said the controller is intended for applications including remote and public installations without external power, retrofit upgrades for existing unpowered enclosures and critical infrastructure such as fiber optic boxes requiring secure, monitored access. By eliminating the need for solar panels, power drops and more complex security systems, the company said the solution can reduce material costs while expanding design flexibility for OEMs.

The company added that the controller's power override port also helps address mechanical override considerations by providing a method to restore power and gain entry when traditional power sources fail. Southco said the Battery-Operated Single Output Bluetooth Controller is designed to support the next generation of remote access solutions by combining self-contained power, Bluetooth connectivity and secure mobile access.