Stand-alone: Basic, low-cost, programmable access control

Dec 1, 1998 12:00 PM, GEORGE PARTINGTON

Stand-alone access control represents the most basic level of security systems. But for some applications, basic is better. For small-scale situations - satellite offices, bank branch locations - stand-alone systems offer convenient, programmable access control at a low cost.The term "stand alone" is commonly used to describe a door access system that is not continuously connected to a host system. Stand-alone systems secure one to 10 doors generally, and are controlled through a built-in keypad, a laptop PC hookup at each door unit or through connection to a panel.Stand-alone access control is inexpensive compared to networked systems, which are connected via wire, says Ken Butte, president of ClearNet Systems, Boulder, Colo. Installing the wiring can be a major expense, as much as 60 percent of system cost, says Butte. The difference is about $1,000 per door for a networked system versus $300-$400 for stand-alone, he says.James St. Pierre, director of marketing for Mercury Security Corp., Signal Hill, Calif., agrees that stand-alone, single-door access control keeps costs down. For instance, a company with a full-blown networked system that wants similar card access for a small satellite office can use a compatible, stand-alone system and save the expense of a leased telephone line for the connection to the network and more panels and other products to support the connection.Stand-alone systems with a dial-up connection over a standard phone line to a host system are another consideration, says Rob Zivney, vice president of marketing for Hirsch Electronics, Irvine, Calif. End-users with smaller sites can use systems that stand alone most of the time but also are occasionally networked over a telephone line to a central system for functions such as adding or deleting a user and pulling activity reports.With some stand-alone systems, end-users do not need a dedicated PC, or any PC, to program access; many stand-alone locks offer programming through a built-in keypad. The devices do not allow monitoring of each access event as it happens, but they do provide an audit trail to detail when individuals come and go. Ease of use is another advantage. "They are typically much easier to program and manage than networked systems," notes St. Pierre.Security and convenience come together with single-door access control. The vulnerability of the old manual lock and key system is eliminated. A coded credential, which can still look like a key but is most often a card, can be deactivated if privileges are revoked or if the credential is lost, thus eliminating the need to rekey locks and re-issue keys. Such basic features have made stand-alone access control devices the standard for hotels and college dormitories.Stand-alone systems offer straight-forward security. "From a technical standpoint, stand-alone is more difficult to circumvent, because it does one function," notes Ed Nemie, president of Ed Nemie and Associates Inc., a security training company based in Chesapeake, Va. As a networked system adds multiple points, it also adds points of access that could be violated. With networked systems, "you put all your eggs in one basket."

The Radio Key 600 has added a keypad for PIN entry. The proximity access control system, manufactured by Secura Key, Chatsworth, Calif., allows any of up to 600 users to be assigned either proximity key tag or a PIN to gain entry. The single-door access control solution is weather-resistant, says the supplier. With the addition of the RKAT Audit Trail Module, the Radio Key 600 can drive a serial printer or communicate with a PC using RK-LINK software, a Windows 95/NT program. The software allows users to print reports and program the Radio Key 600.

The VingCard 1050 stand-alone door lock requires no wiring, batteries or computers. It is recoded by replacing the code card in the inner compartment; a corresponding keycard unlocks the door. The locks, available in a variety of styles and finishes, are designed for long-stay properties, says VingCard Systems Inc., Dallas. Staff members use conventional keys to the door and a key that opens the mechanism for code card replacement.

The Integra3 electronic lock, powered by AA batteries, requires no wiring for magnetic stripe card-controlled access. Manufactured by Tesa Entry Systems Inc., Norcross, Ga., the system uses Windows 95/NT software to manage up to 65,000 doors or 65,000 active users.

The Tag-in-a-Bag proximity access control system does not require a computer or external reader for setup. Up to 250 tag access codes can be added with the reader's built-in keypad, according to supplier Visonic Ltd., Bloomfield, Conn. The keypad has a two-digit, seven-segment LED display, an on-board beeper and a built-in power relay. Reader programming includes adding and removing tags from the system, system setup and programming information display. The keypad allows users to increase the security level by requiring a tag and a PIN. For digital keypad stand-alone access control, Visonic offers the CL-80, which features 56 user codes, high-powered relay, programmable timer (0-98 seconds) or latching operation, request-to-exit input and auxiliary output.

The 4000 Series lock is powered by four AA alkaline batteries and is programmed through the keypad. Offered by Ilco Unican Corp., Winston Salem, N.C., the cylindrical lockset features a low-battery indicator; an ADA-compliant lever that requires a 45 degree turn to open; field-reversible levers, pass-mode, mechanical-key override; and optional hard-wired unlock. The lock fits doors from 13/8 to 21/2 inches thick and comes in three finishes: satin chrome, satin brass and bright brass. Another stand-alone product from Ilco Unican, the Solitaire 1000 electronic lock, uses an infrared light to read hole patterns in keys. Features include: 3,500 users with names, 2,000-event audit trail, multiple time zones, programmable holidays and battery operation.

The APN-10 stand-alone proximity access control system from Apollo, Newport Beach, Calif., does not require programming cards; instead, the system is programmed through the keypad. Other features include: 1,000 sequential cards, 100 random cards or 100 PINs; card-only, PIN-only or card-plus-PIN access; non-volatile memory for card/PIN storage; programming for four time zones, seven access levels and 20 holidays; clock with battery backup; reader-tamper monitor and alarm; door-strike and auxiliary output; and RS-232 printer interface.

The KE-350 single-door access control system features an outdoor, vandal-resistant, weatherproof keypad. The 500-user system has 16 programmable user groups, holiday scheduling and 750 stored audit transactions, according to supplier Essex Electronics Inc., Carpinteria, Calif. Additional features include latching, anti-tailgating, remote by-pass, temporary code, and tamper, duress and door-ajar warning. The system is programmed through the keypad; a printer interface is included for information retrieval

The SR-10K magnetic stripe reader connects with a power source and a door strike to control access with cards. The device supports more than 1,000 cards and 10 PIN codes, according to supplier Mercury Security Corp., Signal Hill, Calif. Card access rights are assigned when the card is activated. Block, add and delete commands are included. An auxiliary relay output is available for door-status annunciation and for alarm panel arming/disarming.

The T3 Trilogy stand-alone, electronic, digital lock features audit-trail capability that enables time- and date-stamped entry logging and real-time event and holiday scheduling. Offered by Napco Security Systems Inc., Amityville, N.Y., the device also generates reports through a wireless, hand-held, infrared printer or a PC using Windows software. The lock joins the T2 and T2 Waterproof in the Trilogy line. All feature lever or knob modes, hundreds of codes, long-life clutches, multilevel user hierarchies, ADA-compliant lever sets and interchangeable cores, according to the manufacturer.

Electronic, stand-alone card reader locksets are available in mortise and cylindrical versions from Forestville, Conn.-based Locknetics Security Engineering. The CM (computer-managed) Series battery-powered locks feature a keypad and a Track 2 magnetic stripe reader. They have the TorqDefender, clutch-controlled outside lever. As many as 500 users can be programmed with a portable PC or through the keypad. Time expiration and 500-event audit trail are also featured.

Control access through a single door for 1,000 users with a DIGI*TRAC Model 1N controller from Hirsch Electronics, Irvine, Calif. The controller is designed for a remote door, supervised over dial-up telephone lines. The controller, which is also available for two doors (Model 2N) or eight doors (Model 8N), has three alarm inputs and three alarm/control outputs and features an encryption for high-security transmission. Using Hirsch's ScramblePad as the access control reader/controller eliminates the need for a control panel or card credentials.

The PRC-1 Proximity Reader Controller can operate stand-alone or networked to form an integrated access control system operated by a host, according to supplier ClearNet Systems, Boulder, Colo. When in stand-alone mode, the system can operate a magnetic lock from an on-board relay and respond to inputs from a request-to-exit sensor and door sensor. The PRC-1 offers two TTL outputs and three monitor inputs. It can store up to 500 cardholders and 250 events. With Crystal Access software, the device can be networked and controlled through a PC running a Windows 95, 98 or NT operating system.

The ECS25 Entry Command System provides single-door access control for up to 25 people with a programmable keypad unit. The solution is part of a line of systems from Access Controls International, Freehold, N.J. All units use ComKey readers and keyfobs featuring iButton technology incorporating a computer chip in a stainless steel disk. The supplier offers three other ECS systems - models ECS100, ECS200 and ECS400 - for various levels of use. Models other than ECS25 also accommodate radio frequency remotes, proximity tags and biometric readers. The Windows-based ECSTurbo controls 128 doors and accommodates 2,500 users. The ECSManager software program allows configuration and control of multiple databases.

A proximity card reader is available with the V Series system of stand-alone electronic access products from Best Access Systems, Indianapolis. The V Series Proximity Card Lock is ADA-compliant and vandal-resistant, according to the supplier. Network features without hardwiring include viewing and editing access information from the lock and automatically locking and relocking doors to an established schedule. The system uses the reader's radio frequency signal to power the credential's microchip, activating the unique identification code. It is compatible with most proximity cards.Hotel Security

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

This month in Access Control

• Targeting The Customer
• Electronic Pedigrees
• One Hero Among Many
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• More from September's issue