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 Access control systems come in many forms. From simple push-button locks to
sophisticated proximity based card reader systems. Some are battery operated and require
programming at the door, while others are distributed PC based systems allowing time
control, alarm monitoring, cctv integration and more. G.S.E. can provide the right system at
the right price.
Applications;
- Control access of tenants to common areas of apartments/condominiums. Eliminate the need
to issue new keys when a tenant leaves.
- Protect employees from unauthorized visitors. Determine when access is allowed, where it
is allowed, and keep a record of door usage.
- Re-key any access point in seconds without affecting current key/card holders
- Control access to garage doors, elevators, gates, any point of entry can be closely
controlled.
Products;
Keypad systems for access by code.
 single door keypads
multi door keypads
Card reader systems for access by card or key chain device
 single door readers
multi door readers
Card reader technologies
Single door keypads or "stand
alone" are typically used where only a few codes and/or doors are in use. Adding
or deleting codes is done through direct programming via the keypad keys. There
is usually no event or history log and no time zone control. There are basically
three types of stand alone keypads; wired with the electronics enclosed, wired
with the electronics mounted remotely and battery operated keypads built into
standard lock sets. There is a huge variety of styles depending on usage,
weather, mounting and simple esthetics. For example a heavily used keypad like
on the main entry of an office building would typically be an environmentally
sealed device with metal buttons. For an inner office door a plastic housing
with membrane or rubber keys would suffice. There are keypads designed for
installation on narrow metal frames, single gang electrical boxes, and gooseneck
posts. The list is long. To make sure you get the device that best fits your
situation and budget depend on our experts to guide you through the selection.
Multi door keypads use all of the same style
of keypads as mentioned above except they are wired to one or more controllers
which contain the electronics which control access. These systems become
required when there are so many codes or doors in the system that programming is
too cumbersome. Wiring them together in a network fashion allows programming and
history retrieval by a PC with the manufacturer's software. Other functions not
normally offered in stand alone systems are timed control of when codes will
work, temporary codes (by days or usage) and integration with other
systems.
Single door readers have most of the same
attributes as the stand alone keypads as mentioned above. Some have a keypad
built in for programming and extra security (code and card), others use some
type of portable device for programming. All require some type of electronic
credential to be swiped through or otherwise presented to the reader. There are
numerous card reader technologies available which determines what the
"credential" looks like so to keep it simple we'll call them cards. The majority
of cards in use have an internal id number which is communicated to the reader.
All of the numbers are unique to the site so any card can be allowed or denied
access individually. As with the single keypad system it becomes very hard to
keep up with card programming when there is a large volume but the lower cost of
these systems make them ideal for smaller projects.
Multi door readers use all of the same style
of readers as mentioned above except they are wired to one or more controllers
which contain the electronics which control access. These systems become
required when there are so many cards or doors in the system that programming is
too cumbersome. Wiring them together in a network fashion allows programming and
history retrieval by a PC with the manufacturer's software. Other functions not
normally offered in stand alone systems are timed control of when cards will
work, temporary cards (by days or usage) and integration with other
systems.
Card reader technologies for access control are
constantly evolving but the basic types in use today have been around for
awhile. Magnetic stripe (credit cards) were some of the first used for access
control and are still used today. Below is a brief description of the various
technologies in use.
Magnetic stripe: The main advantage with these cards is people are accustomed
to them and they are very inexpensive. The down side is is they don't typically
last very long and the reader requires cleaning periodically.
Wiegand: Similar to a credit card in size and thickness with a pattern of
embedded wires laminated inside the card. The card is swiped through a reader as
with the magnetic stripe, however the reader head is not required to touch the
card so it does not require any maintenance.
Barium Ferrite: These are similar to credit cards in size and thickness but
instead of a strip of material on the surface there are pieces laminated inside
the card. To activate the reader you place the card onto a stainless steel touch
plate. They hold up very well under use and the readers require no maintenance.
Proximity: Proximity cards are probably the most used access technology
today. The basic card consists of a small rf transmitter and hair thin wire
antenna housed in a plastic laminated card the size of a credit card. The
popularity is due to the ease of use in that no swiping or placing of the card
is necessary. Simply hold the card near the reader to activate it. The "read
range" varies depending on the size of the reader and antenna within from 3" to
24". There are 3 styles of proximity cards most manufacturers can supply. The
basic card is as described above, thicker than a credit card and not as
flexible. A more expensive version is as thin as a credit card and can be
carried in a wallet. The last option is a key tag. Slightly smaller than a car
alarm remote the key tag is made to carry on your key ring. This is the most
robust of the proximity credentials. All of the proximity devices as described
are passive devices, there are no batteries. Most manufacturers embed all the
electronics of the reader in an epoxy which makes them rugged and weather proof.
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