Standalone Card Access System

Standalone Card Access Systems comprises controllers with built-in reader and keypad.  They are generally designed to work independently and cannot be linked to a computer nor be linked to other controllers.

Programming is through the keypad using pre-determined codes.  Most standalone controllers can operate in the Card Only, PIN Only and Card and PIN mode.  That is, you can program the system to accept proximity cards, or to accept PIN numbers or to require Card and PIN before access can be granted.

Since these are standalone system, it normally does not have more advanced features like time-access grouping where you can program the system to allow access to certain groups during certain times; or to program card only during day, and to require Card and PIN during after-hours period.

Some standalone card access systems support an additional reader for implementing IN/OUT Reader configuration.  In such configuration, you will need to flash your card to get in, and to flash your card at the Exit Reader to get out.

Standalone Card Access Systems are popular with offices where you want to control only one door.  Typically this would be the office main door.  If you are controlling more than one door, then a network system would be a better system to install.

Standalone PIN Readers

Standalone Card Readers

Standalone Network Card Access System

Standalone Network Card Access systems comprises controllers with built-in reader and keypad with the capability of linking to a computer either via RS-485 or TCP/IP.  Some of these readers can also be configured as a reader for linking to Network Controllers.

Programming can be via the keypad using pre-determined codes or via a computer.  Like the standalone systems, these reader controllers can operate in card, pin or card and pin mode.  They incorporate more advanced features like time group access and door group access, normally set only via the computer terminal.

Typical applications includes offices where they want to keep track of staff movement as in time and attendance, or where they are controlling more than one door, and it is far easier and convenient to manage the database on a computer than to program individually at each reader. 

Standalone Network Readers

Standalone Network LCD Readers

Biometric Acccess Systems

There are several forms of biometric identification employed in access control:F

• Fingerprint
• Hand geometry
• Iris
• Face recognition

Using biometric technology increases the security level of the systems as it eliminates problems such as lost, stolen or loaned ID cards, and forgotten or guessed PINs.  For application of time & attendance, it prevents the problem of someone else clocking on another person's behalf.

All biometric readers function by comparing templates stored in its memory to the scan obtained during the process of identification. If the scan match the the template, the ID number of that person is sent to a control panel. The control panel then checks permissions of the user and makes the decision whether to grant access or not.

The communication between the reader and the control panel is usually done in the industry standard Wiegand protocol. The only exception is intelligent biometric readers that do not require any panels and directly control all door hardware.

Standalone Biometric Readers

Networked Controllers

Networked Controllers linked in a daisy chain or via LAN interface should be considered where the application involves more than 4 doors controls or where there is greater demand for security. 

Unlike standalone system which integrates the controller with the reader, the Networked Controller is a completely separate unit from the reader.  The controller can work with a wide range of readers, and because it is separate from the reader, tampering the reader will not breach the door.  Door sensors and reader tamper sensors can be connected to the controller, enabling the controller to sound an alarm.

Linked in a network, the system can be integrated with other systems like CCTV, Fire Alarm, Building Automation and Burglar Alarm Systems, and customised according to your need.  For example, you can program the system to turn on the air-conditioning unit in your office when it detected you coming in through the front gate when you flash a card to get in.  CCTV cameras can then be commanded to capture your movement as you walked into the lift lobby.

EntryPass Networked Controllers

Entrypass Platform 1 Access Control Systems

Entrypass Platform 1 Access Control System was developed with scalable capabilities in mind, it is a powerful client server based Windows application that provides fully integrated features required in the most demanding physical access control industry.

The system uses client server architecture based on industry standard operation system, networks and protocols to form a total integrated system that can support a small implementation which consist of a couple of doors to large scale, multi-location which consists of thousand of doors in a distributed manner. The controllers supported by the EntryPass includes:

MicroEngine Networked Controllers

MicroEngine Access Control Systems

MicroEngine xPortal Access Control System is specially design with proven and reliable advanced technology, with capability to integrate the security system with Alarm Monitoring, Car Park Management, Time attendance & Payroll System, CCTV and Lift Access Control.

This system contains multiple connectivity, multiple functions, large controller database, powerful controller settings, multiple reader configuration, multiple door controller, configurable security mode, alarm monitoring, lift control, event recording, software design with latest technology, multiple workstation, web server support, configurable remoting port, better system user control, finger print login checking, mobile device support, floor plan, database system, software user level control, visitor management, an who’s still in reporting.

RBH Networked Controllers

RBH Access Integra32 Access Control Systems

RBH Access Intergra32 Security Management System… seamlessly integrates Access Control, Intrusion Alarms, Elevator Control, CCTV & DVR, Photo ID, Building Automation, and ON and Offsite Alarm Monitoring, into an elegant and versatile building management and security system.

Ideal for medium and large application, the Integra32 support 10 simultaneous full function clients over LAN/WAN and can control an unlimited number of sites from a single location with complete database, graphics and history segregation. 

The system can support up to 128 access points, 512 inputs and 512 outputs, supporting 5000 cards per panels, expandable to 8,000.

Card Access Software

Card Access Controllers that are networked or can be linked to a computer either via a RS232/485 Communicator Card or directly via LAN usually comes with its own proprietary software.  Depending on the make and brand, the card access software can range from simple menu basic functional software to full fledge software for more sophisticated operations.

Soyal software is a more basic, functional software that can perform most of the functions including time & attendance and is ideal for small system of less than 10 doors. 

For bigger systems, EntryPass' Platform Software &  MicroEngine's XPortal 2005 can meet the needs with efficiency and speed.  If there is a requirement to integrate Video or other system-level integration, MicroEngine's XPortalNet rise to the occassion.

For industrial and mission-critical operations, the RBH Axiom software is a better choice as the controllers and software are designed for more robust operations.

Card Readers

Access control card readers are used for reading data embedded in cards to allows access through access control points, typically a locked door. An access control reader can be a magnetic stripe reader, a bar code reader, a proximity reader, a smart card reader, or a biometric reader.

Barcode Readers

A barcode is a series of alternating dark and light stripes that are read by an optical scanner. The organization and width of the lines is determined by the bar code protocol selected. Barcode Protocol 39 is the most popular in the security industry. Barcode is cheaper and easier to generate and can be easily applied to cards or other items. However the same affordability and simplicity makes the technology susceptible to fraud, because fake barcodes can also be created cheaply and easily, for example by photocopying real ones. Hence it is not commonly used for access control.

Biometric Readers

Biometric Readers may utilise fingerprints, hand geometry, iris or facial feature of a user to identify the user.  An initial scan is stored in a template and used to compare with subsequent scans to determine the identity of the user.  This method is generally preferred by most end users because it eliminates the need to carry ID cards or use PINs.

On the other hand this method is slower, because the reader may have to perform thousands of comparison operations until it finds the match, particularly for large installation with many users. Currently most 1-to-many readers are capable of performing 2000-3000 matching operations in one second. In the 1-to-1 mode a user must first identify himself/herself to the reader by either presenting an ID card or entering a PIN. The reader then looks up the template of the user in the database and compares it with the live scan. The 1-to-1 method is considered more secure and is generally faster as the reader needs to perform only one comparison. Most 1-to-1 biometric readers are "dual-technology" readers: they either have a built-in proximity, smart card or a keypad reader.

Magnetic Stripe Readers

Magnetic stripe technology encodes data on the stripe of magnetic oxide tape that is laminated on a card. The data on each of the tracks follows a specific encoding standard, but it is possible to encode any format on any track. A mag-stripe card is cheap compared to other card technologies and is easy to program. The magnetic stripe holds more data than a bar code can in the same space. While a mag-stripe is more difficult to generate than a bar code, the technology for reading and encoding data on a mag-stripe is widespread and easy to acquire. Magnetic stripe technology is also susceptible to misreads, card wear, and data corruption. 

Wiegand Card Readers

Wiegand card technology is a patented technology using embedded ferromagnetic wires strategically positioned to create a unique pattern that generates the identification number. Like magnetic stripe or bar code, this card must be swiped through a reader to be read. Unlike those other technologies the identification media is embedded in the card and not susceptible to wear. This technology once gained popularity because of the difficulty in duplicating the technology creating a high perception of security. This technology is being replaced by proximity cards because of the limited source of supply, the relatively better tamper resistance of proximity readers, and the convenience of the touch-less functionality in proximity readers.

Proximity Card Readers

A Proximity card reader radiates a 1" to 20" electrical field around itself. Cards use a simple LC circuit. When a card is presented to the reader, the reader's electrical field excites a coil in the card. The coil charges a capacitor and in turn powers an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit outputs the card number to the coil which transmits it to the reader.

A common proximity format is 26 bit Wiegand. This format uses a facility code, sometimes also called a site code. The facility code is a unique number common to all of the cards in a particular set. The idea is that an organization will have their own facility code and a set of numbered cards incrementing from 1.  To prevent duplication of cards, manufactures have created formats beyond 26 bits.

Proximity Reader Range

Proximity Keypad Reader Range

Long Range Reader

While the reading range of most proximity readers is sufficient for most applications, there may be applications where you will need to have a longer read range.  One common application is in car parks operations.  Here, a long range reader with reading range of 2 - 10m can read a vehicle transponder, open the barrier gate without the driver having to stop and get out of the car.  Other common application is in the warehouse where a long range reader picks up the tag of an employee as he approach the door, and automatically open the door without him needing to stop at the reader to flash the card.

Electronic Access Locks

An electronic lock (electric lock) is a locking device which operates by means of electric current.  There are various types of electric locks.  They are:

• Electromagnetic Locks (EM Locks)
• Electric Drop Bolts
• Electric Strikes (Electric Latches)

While most locks operates on doors, it is not always the case.  The card access system can be linked to open auto-gate, motorised automatic sliding or swing doors, turnstiles and car park barrier arms.

EM Locks

The Electromagnetic Lock (EM Lock) is the most commonly type of locks used with Card Access System. It is much cheaper and easier to install compared to other locksets. It can be used for glass doors, wooden door and even metal doors and gates. And with the correct mounting brackets, you can install on doors that swing out or swing in.

An electromagnetic lock is made up of two main parts: an armature plate made of a magnetic material and a metal plate surrounded by a coil of wire which can be magnetized. When current is passed through the coil, the metal plate becomes magnetized and strongly attracts the armature, locking the door.

The strength of an EM Lock is measured by the holding force in lbs. Typical range is 300 lbs, 600 lbs, 1200 lbs and 2400 lbs. A 300 lbs lock may be more suitable only for internal doors. Most doors uses a 600 lbs lock, including internal doors as the prices between a 300 lbs and a 600 lbs EM Lock is not significant. 1200 and 2400 lbs EM Lock are more typically used for metal doors and outdoor gates.

All EM Locks are "fail safe" meaning that in the event of a power failure, it will release the door. Therefore it is a common practice to connect the EM Lock to a power supply with a back up battery. The back up power will keep the lock energized for up to 4 hours.

From security perspective, it is better to mechanically lock the door after office hours even though you have an access system.  This is to ensure that even in a power failure situation, the door is still locked. 

Some people may question the usefulness of the card access system if you still have to depend on the physical mechanical lock.  The card access system ensures that only people who are authorised can enter and in the event of a networked system, the data of who enters and at what time will be stored for future investigation, provided there is power to keep it working.  The battery backup can sustain its operations for 4 hours and if needed, we can increase the battery backup capacity.  But if there is a sustained power failure or shutdown, and that time period exceeded the backup period, the door will still be left opened.  Hence it is good to lock the door mechanically particularly over the weekends or long holidays.

Alternatively, we should consider using other fail-secure locks such as the drop bolt and the electric latch. 

EM Locks Range

Electronic Drop Bolts

Electronic drop bolts are mortice electric locks that work differently from Electromagnetic Locks and overcome the two disadvantages of using Electromagnetic Locks. 

Electronic drop bolts can operate in either fail-safe or fail-secure modes.  Under the fail-safe mode, it will leave the door unlocked in the event of a power failure whereas under the fail-secure mode, it can keep the door locked when there is no power whereas the EM Lock will leave the door unlocked once there is no power.

With EM Locks, the door can only swing one way whereas with the electronic drop bolt, the door can swing both way.

The upper part of the bolt comprise the solenoid that drives the bolt and the lower portion comprise a door sensor with a guide hole.  For wooden door, the upper portion is installed into the door frame while a hole is bored into the top edge of the door to hold the bottom half.  When the door is closed, both upper and lower portion door sensors are aligned and the drop bolt is released into the guide hole, securing the door.  When a valid card is flashed at the reader, the card access controller will send a command to pull or retract the bolt, releasing the door.

Electronic drop bolt can be used for wooden doors, metal doors and glass doors.  For glass doors, suitable housing will be needed since the glass is too thin to embed the drop bolt. 

For the drop bolt to work properly, door alignment is crucial.  In many cases, the door alignment runs due to wear and tear, and the bolt is no longer in the dead center of the hole.  The bolt may have difficulty retracting or dropping, which may damage the solenoid coil. 

Electric Strikes

An electric strike replaces the fixed strike faceplate.  Like a fixed strike, it normally presents a ramped surface to the locking latch allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. However, an electric strike's ramped surface can, upon command, pivot out of the way of the latch allowing the door to be pushed open (from the outside) without the latch being retracted (that is, without any operation of the knob) or while excited the knob or lever can be turned to allow egress from the secured area.

Electric strikes generally come in two basic configurations:

•  Fail-secure. Also called fail-locked or non-fail safe. The strike would remain locked in a power failure, but typically the knob can still be used to open the door from the inside for egress from the secure side.
• Fail-safe. Also called fail-open. Applying electric current to the strike will cause it to lock and if there is a power failure, the door would open merely by being pushed/pulled open.

Electric strikes are sometimes equipped with buzzers which allow someone outside the door to hear when the door is open. The buzzing noise is typically simply a result of applying AC current to the strike instead of DC, keep in mind the "buzzing" varies depending on voltage, and the coil or solenoid, although the buzzing from the AC current is audible, it is not designed to be loud for everyone to 'hear'. Using DC voltage, one would have to install an actual buzzer if they would want to "hear" the unit.

Electric Strikes Range

Card Access Accessories

We carry a wide range of accessories that can be used with your card access systems. 

Digital Locks

Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock.  A pin tumbler lock is composed of a series of spring-loaded stacks called pin stacks.  Each pin stack is composed of two pins that are stacked on top of each other: the key pin, which touches the key when it is inserted, and the driver pin, which is spring driven.

When the proper key is inserted into the lock, all of the key pins and driver pins align along the "shear line," allowing the cylinder to turn. When the different length key pins are aligned at their tops by the insertion of the correspondingly cut key at their bases, the tops of the key pins and, consequently, the bases of the driver pins, form a straight line, so that the cylinder can be turned, rotating the key pins away from the driver pins. When no key or the wrong key is in the lock, pin misalignment prevents the cylinder from turning.

When bumping a lock, the key is initially inserted into the keyway one notch (pin) short of full insertion. Bumping the key inward forces it deeper into the keyway. The specially designed teeth of the bump key transmit a slight impact force to all of the bottom pins in the lock. The key pins transmit this force to the driver pins; the key pins stay in place. Because the pin movements are highly elastic, the driver pins "jump" from the key pins for a fraction of a second, moving higher than the cylinder (shear line of the tumbler), then are pushed normally back by the spring to sit against the key pins once again.

Even though this separation only lasts a split second, if a light rotational force is continuously applied to the key during the slight impact, the cylinder will turn during the short separation time of the key and driver pins, and the lock can be opened while the driver pins are elevated above the keyway. Lock bumping takes only an instant to open the lock. The lock is not damaged in any way. Certain clicking and vibrating tools designed for bumping can also be used. These allow for rapid repetition of bumping against locks that have advertised "bump proof" features. Only a rare few key-pin locks cannot be bumped.

Digital Locks are locks that provide additional protection using PIN Code.  There are two types of Digital Locks.  They are:

• Mechanical Digital Locks
• Electronic Digital Locks

Mechanical Digital Locks

The Lockwood Digital DX Locksets provide a mechanical method of keyless entry. For extra security when under forced attack, the inbuilt clutching mechanism allows the outside knob to rotate without operating or damaging the lock.  The factory set 5 digit code is easily changed to any 4, 5 or 6 digit code using the code changing kit provided with each lock.

Lockwood Digital DX Locksets are designed to control access into commercial areas, especially when frequent combination changes are needed to maintain security.  As the digital lockset utilizes mechanical operation, electrical wiring is not required. Selected locksets combined with digital access pads provide keyless entry.

Electronic Digital Locks

Yale digital door locks provide you with high security at greater convenience than the traditional mechanical products. These devices are secure while simplifying locking and unlocking.

While a digital door lock is typically a door lock that uses a digital code to open the lock, Yale extended the range to include products that uses proximity cards, remote control fobs and fingerprints for identification and entry.