Home News Southco launches a battery-powered Bluetooth® controller for mobile access...

Southco launches a battery-powered Bluetooth® controller for plug-and-play mobile access to unpowered cabinets.

Powered by four AA batteries, Southco's new Bluetooth® controller offers secure mobile access, Plug-and-Play installation and long battery life for remote, retrofit and off-power cabinet applications.

Traditionally, power limitations, confined spaces, and complex security configurations have hampered the deployment of Bluetooth® access hardware, especially in mobile, integration, or remote environments. Southco's new single-output wireless Bluetooth® controller eliminates these barriers with a fully self-contained, plug-and-play solution that offers long battery life, easier installation, and secure mobile access.

Powerful performance with just four AA batteries

Powered by only four AA batteries, the controller offers over two years of operation for a 12V DC shutoff, drastically reducing maintenance compared to typical battery-powered systems. Its internal, high-efficiency step-up/step-down technology ensures optimal power with lower battery consumption than conventional methods.

Redundant power supply for critical access points

Southco has designed built-in redundancy to prevent downtime when batteries need replacing. A power override port (currently compatible with a 9V battery and adaptable to future power inputs) provides temporary power so users can unlock the enclosure, replace the batteries, and quickly restore full operation.

Intelligent monitoring via the Keypanion® app

The battery status is continuously monitored via Southco's Keypanion® app, which alerts users well before the batteries need replacing, reducing the likelihood of emergency access situations.
For original equipment manufacturers creating their own mobile applications, Southco also offers a software development kit (SDK), which enables seamless integration between the controller and customers' existing digital ecosystems.

Designed for real enclosures
A removable battery compartment allows for quick and easy battery changes, which is especially useful in tight and hard-to-reach installations. Users can remove the cartridge, load all the batteries at once, and reinsert it without having to work in confined spaces.
The controller also features plug-and-play installation. Simply insert the four AA batteries, connect the lock, and the system is ready to use: no wire splicing, external power supply, or additional electronic components required.

Mobile access without security infrastructure
With the Keypanion® app, users can activate, manage, and share access directly from a mobile device. No server setup, IT expenses, or cabling are required. Permissions can be granted or revoked instantly, and physical keys are replaced with secure digital control.

New possibilities for remote and unpowered applications

This combination of self-powered operation, Bluetooth® connectivity, and mobile access expands what designers can do in environments previously considered too complex for electronic access. Ideal applications include:

  • Remote and public installations without external power supply
  • Unpowered enclosure upgrades
  • Critical infrastructure, such as fiber optic boxes that require secure and supervised access

By eliminating the need for solar panels, voltage drops, or complex safety systems, Southco's battery-powered Bluetooth® controller reduces material costs and gives original equipment manufacturers greater design freedom.

A flexible and future-proof solution

Beyond immediate use cases, the power override port helps engineers address mechanical override considerations by providing a reliable method for restoring power and gaining access when traditional power sources fail; an important advantage noted by early customer feedback.

The battery-powered, single-output Bluetooth® controller provides a solid foundation for the next generation of remote access solutions, offering convenience, efficiency, and security in one streamlined device.

For more information, visit the website of Southco.