The bench test 1 - The way into access

"Prox-in-a-Box" sounds a bit like a fashion statement and indeed it could become one in the near future. It is the name chosen by VisAccess (a company in the Visonic Group) for its entry into access control systems. PIAB is a starter kit consisting of a control unit, which completely fills the packing box and contains one programming terminal (LCD keypad), two readers and 25 proximity cards, all neatly packed.

The packing box comes complete with carrying handle, ready for travel. Readers will note that despite its packaging slogan 'four-door starter kit' an additional two readers need to be purchased to make it so.

The PIAB control unit can support up to four CRD-2 readers and is programmed by the TRM-1 Programming Terminal to open a door at specified times when a valid access card is presented to the corresponding reader, within a range of approximately 8cm. Successful entry is indicated to the card holder by the reader tricolour LED

changing from amber to green; an unsuccessful attempt using an invalid card results in a red display. The system can be expanded to control up to 16 doors using a total of four PIAB control units.

Irrespective of system size, 3000 individually identifiable, credit card sized, cards can be programmed into the system.

Each lock is programmed separately at the programme terminal and has individual input terminal connections at the control box for Request-to-Exit (RTE) pushbutton or a PIR, door position sensor (D.POS) and two auxiliary inputs.

An auxiliary input can be programmed for one of a list of eight functions which includes external call buttons, tamper, external alarm system signal or for opening all doors.

The inputs can be programmed for either NO or NC operation and require the addition of a 4k7 resistor, giving EOL (end-of-line) supervision.

Power at 12v DC 0.5A (maximum) is provided for each door lock mechanism and its accessories, such as an RTE PIR. The lock output is controlled by a relay having dry (volt-free) NO, C, NC contacts, allowing connection for either fail-safe or fail-secure door strikes. This relay, with its 8A/30v AC or DC rated contacts, can be used for 24v lock mechanisms or high current devices, but will require an additional power supply.

The PIAB records and logs all events which occur such as: presenting an access card or a visitor's call button being pressed; lock status events, such as tamper or forced door; system status events, such as mains or back-up battery failure.

There is a list of 30 events which, in addition, can be programmed for instant presentation on the TRM-1 LCD display and to operate one or both auxiliary relays for alerting duty personnel, for example.

The PIAB log holds the last 1000 events which can be exported to a printer or PC via RS-232 terminals. Programming the access cards is reasonably straightforward, once the process of setting schedules is understood; it is further facilitated by initially creating a default access card.

A schedule is based on specific hours, days of the week and holidays. It is possible to create eight different schedules and each access card is assigned to one of them.

In common with the majority of manually programmed systems, it is easy when you know how! But unlike intruder alarm systems, feedback of programming errors with the PIAB may take much longer to become apparent, so it is more important to get it right first time.

A total of 16 four-digit passwords can be programmed at three different levels, ranging from an operator who can add, modify, delete access cards and create a printout, to the programmer, who in addition can program, to the system administrator who also has sole control over the passwords.

Construction

The Prox-in-a-Box control unit is housed in a massive 1mm steel box containing the PCB whose dimensions are 300 x 250mm, mains transformer and mains fused connector. The generous amount of spare space is needed for the two 7Ah 12v stand-by batteries required to meet UL specification. The cover is removable for ease of installation and held closed by a lock.

The base has a bracket for adding a lid tamper switch, if required, but on our test product the bracket fell off while removing cardboard packaging.

Clearly the quality of the two spot welds needs checking. The box is very rigid and adequately supports the PCB.

Plug-on connector blocks are used on the PCB – these may be useful at a later date, providing that they are replaced in the correct order; but more importantly, their construction is such that during installation there is very little strain imparted to the PCB pin soldered joints, unlike the more common block rigidly attached to the PCB.

The programming terminal looks very similar to the usual keypad, with membrane keys sandwiched between the front cover and the main PCB. Key action is positive, backed up with an on-board bleeper.

The cover is held on the base by four plastic latches; the latching action was not very secure on our sample, an indication that quality control should be improved. Quality of PCB construction is up to the high standard generally seen in security equipment.

The external proximity reader has all its components in an ABS plastic case completely sealed from the rear with a hard resin, hence the high IP65 water jet immunity rating. The only thing showing is the tricolour LED.

A very neat, attractively styled outer plastic cover, clipped into place, hides the two securing screws. The cover removal slot is well hidden, improving resistance to vandalism.

Installation

As with any installation, system planning is vital. In the instructions, advice is offered for siting the PIAB(s) and choosing a lock mechanism.

One piece of advice says: "When choosing a lock mechanism, always verify and adhere to codes and requirements defined by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), for example, the local fire department, and others".

No doubt they will tell you when to fit fail-safe rather than fail-secure door strikes – we tried to contact our local fire HQ for more detail, but are still awaiting a reply!

Maximum permissible cable lengths are specified. Two examples are given depending on the size of the cable used, 22 AWG (0.34mm squared, cross sectional area) and 18 AWG (0.8mm squared). It is important to note that both sizes are larger than standard alarm signal cable (0.2mm squared).

The manufacturer points out that these cables are carrying data as opposed to merely being a supervised loop, and recommends the use of twisted pair screened cables – particularly for the RS-485 network connections between PIAB control units in a system covering five or more doors.

Earthing the screen at one end only should avoid the chance of data being corrupted by interference.

Programming

Programming is carried out from the Programming Terminal TRM-1. Only one terminal is needed, irrespective of the number of PIABs installed.

When programming, all data is automatically updated from the primary PIAB to other controllers connected via the RS-485 data bus. If the system is extended at a later date, data is easily transferred to the new controller.

Time must be set aside by first-time programmers to become familiar with the terms used. We would recommend at least two half-days.

The only real difficulty we experienced was when setting holiday schedules. It was not clear in the instructions that holidays must be programmed on a daily basis so that a 14-day holiday requires 14 separate entries.

A telephone call to the patient technical person at VisAccess soon cleared up the confusion. They agreed to consider a revision of the instructions.

Various programming options for selecting event types, setting up readers and locks, setting schedules, adding, modifying and deleting access cards, were successfully entered and verified.

The PIAB system functioned correctly in all conditions tried out. The card readers operated reliably and were not sensitive to the angle of presentation, rate of travel or orientation of the cards.

Instructions

The instructions are supplied in two distinct parts: Installation Guide and Programming Guide. The installation guide is a comprehensive document with well-written instructions and clear accompanying diagrams.

It contains a ten-step summary presented after the introduction, specifications and component outline descriptions, each step clearly heading the appropriate subsequent sections – all very well presented.

The programming guide is similarly presented. Programming instructions are accurate with the appropriate LCD response shown. A couple of minor niggles with wording have been conveyed to the manufacturer.

Throughout both documents, relevant important reminders have been highlighted in the text.