M1 Newsletter

May 18, 2005

Limited Access Control System

The M1 Cross Platform Control^Ò can be used as a limited or small access control system.  The control can accommodate up to 199 users (requires firmware version 4.4.2 or later and ElkRP version 1.6.8 or later) and 16 keypads. This newsletter will cover some examples of how the M1 can be used for access control.

One 26 bit Wiegand proximity reader or keypad can be installed for each M1 keypad on the system.  The ELK-M1PR is an internal proximity reader that permits touchless reading of M1PRC proximity cards and M1PRF proximity fobs.   These cards and fobs are designed for use with the M1PR.  If an external proximity reader is used, use the cards and fobs designed for that particular device. 

Application Note:  When using an external proximity reader with proximity cards, considering the placement of the reader can offer the user added convenience.  The ideal height for the reader is approximately 36 inches.   At this height, the user can keep the card in a wallet or outside pocket of a purse, and the card can be read without the need to remove it from the purse or wallet.

Proximity cards and fobs are enrolled into a User Code location using the same procedures used to add/change User Code PINs. 

1. Access User Menu 6-Change User Codes.  A master user code will be required to access this menu.

2. Enter the three digit number of the desired User Code location (001 – 099) or use the UP or Down arrows to scroll through the codes.  Then select CHG by pressing the RIGHT arrow key.  The keypad will display any existing 4 or 6 digit code that is programmed for that user, along with any programmed name. 

3. Place a new (not previously enrolled) prox card or fob near the proximity reader.  If the code is accepted the Keypad will beep 3 times and display the 12 digit ID for that card/fob. 

If a card/fob is rejected, the keypad will emit a low error tone and display “Code Not Authorized, Redo.”  Ensure that the card/fob has not already been enrolled in a different User Code location and that the card/fob is designed for use with the proximity reader. 

Each user can be given user authorizations that determine what that user is allowed to do.  This is done in RP under each user, or can be setup through the keypad using Menu 2 under Installation Programming Menu 9.  These authorizations include Arm, Disarm, Bypass, Access, Temporary Code, Master, User Menu 1-5 Allowed, and Duress.  The Access authorization allows the code to activate the Access Keypad Events 1313-1328 for the keypad where the code was entered.  The Whenever/And/Then Rules engine is used to program what occurs when the event is activated. 

The rule below will activate Output 7 for 10 seconds when access is activated on Keypad 1.  This will cause the door strike to be tripped, allowing the user to open the door and enter the premises

By adding the AND statements shown in bold, the user will only be able to gain access between 7:30 am and 6:30 pm .

To give the user audible notification that the code was accepted, a miscellaneous voice message can be used.  In this example, Miscellaneous 4 (vm242) is programmed with the phrase “Access Authorized.”  By adding the THEN statement shown in bold, the system will announce this message each time a valid access code is entered.

The History Log stores the most recent system activity.  This can be used as a means of tracking when a user code is used for access.  This log includes the user name or number, the date and time the code was used, and the area and keypad where the code was entered.  To view the log in ElkRP, click the log button in the toolbar.  You can choose to view 20 events at a time or receive the entire log.  The log can be printed from this screen or by choosing print from the file menu, and then selecting ElkRP log.  To view the log from the keypad, access user menu 4. The newest event will appear first.  Use the up or down arrow keys to scroll through the log.

ELK RP Tip Of The Week

Modem Connection Methods 
Customer Will Force System To Answer

In this mode, ElkRP calls the system and someone with access to the system is responsible for making it answer.  The telephone number that ElkRP dials is located on the Account Details screen.

The customer or on-site installer has to be expecting the call.  ElkRP dials the number.  When the customer’s telephone rings, the person on-site uses the keypad to force the system to answer the call.  The details of how to do this differ from one system to the next.  Refer to the system’s instruction manual for specific information.  After the system answers, ElkRP connects to it.

The advantages to using this method are that it is very reliable because, if the person on-site answers on the first ring, it eliminates the possibility of an answering machine or some other device answering first.  It also provides security, because someone with access to the system must be present to allow a connection (thus the system’s auto-answer feature may be disabled if this method is the only method used).

A disadvantage to using this method is that it is not automatic.  It requires human intervention on the system’s side, and the person must be expecting the call.

Got Questions or Ideas?
Email me at amy.strickland@elkproducts.com