The Changing Face of Access Control

There’s no denying the fact that access control has come a long way since the days of punch cards and other, similarly archaic systems.  Like most things in this modern age, the trend in access control seems to lean towards the sleek and the compact, while still offering superior security, usability and functionality.   Modern access control systems also need to be multi-faceted, providing an all-encompassing topology that can be shaped to suit the unique requirements of different sites.

However, security should still be at the core of an efficient access control infrastructure as this is an area where technology can truly be used to create a formidable barrier and can almost be viewed as a safety net, protecting people, information and assets.  There have been remarkable advances in this ever-expanding field, with everything from network integration to data logging forming part of a very exciting microcosm the potential of which has yet to be fully exploited.

In recent years, keypad access control has taken the world of security by storm – the obvious benefit being that authorised entrants don’t have to carry anything with them that could potentially be lost or stolen – all the information they need to gain access is stored safely in their heads.  Some keypads, such as the CENTURION SMARTGUARD and its wireless sibling, the SMARTGUARDair, can be interfaced with a host of peripheral devices such as gate motors, electric locks and alarm panels for a fully comprehensive access control system.  Furthermore, introducing facilities such as free-exit and panic pushbuttons to keypad access control systems further enhances the overall security of the installation.

While keypad access control is undeniably powerful, there is still much to be said for proximity readers; especially when it comes to functionality and expandability.  The CENTURION Lattice proximity access system, for instance, can start out as a single reader and be seamlessly expanded to a networked system consisting of up to 32 readers.  In addition, the system can be interfaced with a PC via a simple RS-458 connection and, using the unique LatticeWARE software, the user can upload transaction logs, selectively add and delete users as well as edit all functionality associated with particular readers.  This is one system that still packs a very powerful punch when it comes to expandable, user-friendly and fully comprehensive access control.

SMARTGUARD, SMARTGUARDair and Lattice are all available from Centurion Systems and leading security outlets.

Common CENTURION Gate Motor FAQs

In today’s post, we’ll be answering some frequently asked questions with regards to CENTURION gate motors and access control products, including ancillary equipment such as beams.  We’ve consulted our technical support crew in order to amass a database of the most commonly encountered technical queries. Please feel free to post your own questions in the comments sections and we’ll try to answer them as speedily as possible!

D2 Turbo

Q:  How do I connect infrared beams to the D2 Turbo?

A:  Always connect the transmitter negative to the SAF COM terminal.  This is to facilitate the beam test functionality.

Q: Can I fit steel rack for the D2 Turbo to run on?

A:  We prefer nylon rack as it runs more quietly and is more cost-effective, but you can fit steel rack. 

Q:  Can I fit a 7Ah battery or must it be the special 5Ah that is not as common as the 7AH?

A:  Yes you can.  The 5Ah gives us the desired result and keeps the initial purchase price as low as possible.

Q:  If I replace the controller, do I have to reprogram the remotes?

A:  You can use the same memory module that is used for the D5-Evo, D10 and SECTOR, to back up the memory.  This will not only restore your remotes, but any special settings you may have had on the unit.

Q:  How do I restore the D2 Turbo to factory defaults?

A:  1) Remove power from the controller. 2) Remove all wire links.  3) Reapply power while holding down the black run button. 4) The SAF OPN, SAF CLS and LCK LEDs will be illuminated to indicate that the controller has been successfully defaulted.

G-SWITCH-22 and G-WEB

Q: On G-WEB, my SMS credits have run out. How do I synchronise?

A:  There are two ways.  You can either SMS the word “connect” to the module you want to synchronise the website with, using any mobile phone, or you can purchase G-WEB SMS bundles directly from Centurion Systems.

Q:  How do I default my G-SWITCH-22?

A:  Power down the unit, bridge inputs 1 and 2 to Ground and bridge the set link, then power up the unit.  Remove all the wire links as well as the jumper.  The unit is now defaulted.

Q:  In what format should the mobile number be when I assign a module on G-WEB?

A:  The number must be entered in the international format.

A10

Q: During setup, how do I get the gate to start by opening?

A:  CENTURION gate motors must always start a limit setup by opening first.  With most operators, you can simply swap the motor wires around to change the direction of travel.  However, with the A10, you need to adhere to the following procedure to change the direction should the gate start by closing:  1) Fit the jumper and press the reset button.  2) Press and hold the test button until L1 has flashed once, then release. 3) Press and hold the test button until the status LED has flashed twice, then release.  The gate will now start by opening.

XTrac

Q: How many cycles can the XTrac do in standby mode, i.e. when it goes into the battery low state?

A:  As soon as the mains fail, the operator will start to beep once every 30 seconds to indicate the transition into standby mode.  In this state, you can do 12 to 30 operations depending on the size of the door, door balance, and duration of the power failure.

When the batteries are close to being drained, the unit will start to beep twice every 30 seconds and the unit will be able to do about two to three cycles before being completely shut down.

Q:  If the batteries are fairly flat, how long does it take them to be restored to full voltage?

A:  It can take up to 15 hours to fully recharge the batteries, assuming that they started from shutdown voltage levels.

NOVA

Q:  How do I program a NOVA remote control to latch?

A:  Power down the receiver, momentarily bridge the erase pins, reapply power and press the desired transmitter button.  Remove the bridge. 

Q:  How do I know if the battery in my NOVA transmitter is flat?

A: The LED will flash rapidly whenever a button is pressed.

We will of course be back with more product FAQs, but until then please feel free to post your questions here or contact our Technical Support Team on 0861 003 123 (Sharecall.  RSA only).

The Maths of Access Automation

Believe it or not, there is a certain degree of geometry as well as basic algebra involved when automating your home.  Intimidating as this may seem, all that is needed is to keep a few elementary numbers close at hand and you should have an installation worthy of Pythagoras (if he had been an installer of gate automation equipment, and not a mathematician).  In this blog post – our fifteenth for 2012! – we will be looking at a few distances and measurements to keep in mind when performing your installation.

·         When installing a sliding gate motor, mount the origin magnet 500mm away from the sensor in the closing direction

·         The distance between the magnet and the sensor should be no more than 20mm

·         When preparing to install a roller-door operator (RDO), first ensure that the springs are balanced by opening the door halfway.  The door should not move of its own volition for more than 20mm in either direction

·         Install ground loops 30mm to 50mm beneath the road surface

·         Loops should typically have 20 turns per metre and there should be a minimum distance of 1 metre between opposite sides

·         Mount external receivers as high up as possible for maximum range

·         The maximum number of daily operations is 150 for the D5-Evo and 750 for the D10

·         The D5-Evo can handle loads weighing up to 500kg while the D10 can effortlessly move a gate weighing up to a ton.  Lighter gates can be automated with the D2Turbo (250kg with a top speed of 24 metres per minute) or the super-fast D10Turbo (240kg with a top speed of 50 metres per minute)

We hope this post has been helpful – please feel free to leave comments and suggestions in the comments section!