Impro SupaKey

BPT Security Systems (UK) Ltd, of Hemel Hempstead, is pleased to announce that it is the sole distributor of Impro's SupaKey, an affordable, simple to use and effective access control system. Designed to utilise passive transponder proximity technology, SupaKey can be used in homes, offices, apartment blocks and hotels as an efficient method for up to 80 users to access a single door. Access can be provided with a combination of tag and code, or tag only.

Once SupaKey is installed, the master tag is allocated to the supervisor or porter of the building. Following this procedure, up to 80 additional tags can be added, deleted, or re-allocated at each SupaKey unit.

A choice of tear drop tag or credit card style can be used on this versatile system which provides the ideal solution to the costly installation of a new lock following a change of tenant, or lost key.

SupaKey consists of a keypad unit (which doubles up to provide both the optional four-digit pin code and also as controller to programme the system), an electronic master tag, a relay unit, cable and mounting equipment.

Added security is provided by the separate secure coded relay, which is installed on the secure side of the door.

So therefore unwanted tampering can never cause the door to release.

The simple LED displays three messages for uncomplicated use: 'Present Tag', 'Access Denied' and 'Access Allowed'.

The internal buzzer has three volume settings to adapt to different environments. A compact size and aesthetic, slender design make SupaKey an elegant yet cost effective alternative to the conventional key.

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAY...

Once again, specialist access control specialist BPT Security Systems (UK) Ltd has imported an excellent access control system from the South African manufacturer Impro Technologies (Pty) Ltd.

Following on from the Multi-Scan two door access control system by this manufacturer which was Bench Tested in the September 1998 edition of Security Installer, the Impro SupaKey is a single door unit operated by the same range of Impro proximity tags.

It features a keypad, enabling tag only operation, or tag and PIN number.

The standard of construction and presentation is excellent, the installation is simple and straightforward, and the programming is easy.

SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE

SupaKey is a simple but effective single door access controller, allowing up to 80 tag holders to gain entry, using button, tear drop, thick card or ISO thickness card from the Impro range.

Also, for added security, a four digit PIN number can be set for each individual user.

One tag is allocated to the master user, who controls the addition or the deletion of user tags.

A six digit security code is programmed into the reader and relay unit by the manufacturer. If these do not match, the system becomes inoperative. Unauthorised replacement of the reader is therefore impossible, protecting the security of the door.

The combined keypad and card reader unit is water-proofed to IP53, and although one would not classify it as vandal resistant, it would be impossible to bypass or defeat the system by cutting or shorting cables, or tampering with the equipment installed outside the protected door.

The keypad has three LEDs, to indicate 'Present Tag', 'Access Denied' or 'Access Allowed'. A variable volume buzzer indicates that access is allowed. The volume of this buzzer can be programmed, and so can the latch release time.

CONSTRUCTION

The combined keypad and tag reader is moulded in a single unit from grey flecked ABS, measuring 60 mm x 88 mm x 23.5 mm deep, with soft rubberised finish buttons. The unit is a snap fit onto a similarly moulded back plate.

All the components in the keypad are potted, to provide water-proofing and tamper-proofing. The keypad is provided with a 3m flying lead for connection to the PSU and relay unit.

The unit Bench Tested by the team included a combined power supply unit with the relay unit pre-installed.

Housed in a grey powder coated steel cabinet measuring 305 mm x 305 mm x 85 mm deep, the roomy enclosure has plenty of space for the small relay unit and a standby battery, but has no leads for the latter.

The power supply is rated at 1 amp, and provides both 13v DC to operate the reader and 18v AC to supply the lock release.

We were pleased to see that the manufacturer had included a MOV (metal oxide varistor) with the kit to provide arc suppression on the lock release solenoid.

PERFORMANCE

The SupaKey was set up on the bench, using a test lamp to indicate door unlocked. Wiring was simple and straightforward, and we had the system powered up and running very quickly.

Programming the tags and PIN numbers is also an easy operation, following the instructions provided.

Various combinations of lit or flashing LEDs indicate the unit status throughout the programming sequence, reverting to the amber 'present tag' LED once programming has been completed.

Impro includes a table detailing tag detection range in the user's manual, and we found the figures to be accurate or a little understated.

INSTRUCTIONS

With the keypad mounted on a non-metallic surface, tags were detected at a distance of 100 mm, which was an improvement of 10 mm on the manufacturer's own figures.

Comprehensive instruction manuals are included for both installer and user.

The installer's manual includes unit specifications, instructions for mounting and connecting both keypad and relay unit, arc suppression techniques, plus how to programme and test the installation.

Tables, diagrams and text are all used to good advantage, with a lay-out which is both clear and logical.

However, the index needs to be re-constructed to match the page numbers of the text. The user's manual includes tables to provide step by step instructions on replacing and deleting the tags, authorising the PIN numbers, changing the buzzer volume, and also gives a general overview of the system.

A useful feature on the back page is a blank table to fill in the details of tags issued to users.

As is usual with Impro access control products, we found the manuals to be well written and very easy to understand.

We would feel confident that nearly every end user or system manager would have no problems whatsoever in understanding the user instruction manual.