Subscriber Discussion

Add A Keypad To An HID Reader

SD
Shannon Davis
•Sep 01, 2017
IPVMU Certified

I have an HID mullion mount reader that a customer wants to add a keypad to. Our techs have tried a few different other manufacturers but none seem to work properly. All of them send out a 26 bit facility code. Now I am almost positive years ago you could add a plain 8 bit keypad in parallel to an HID reader and then set a system up for card and pin or card or pin. I know I have done this with bio-metric units as well. Or at least my fading memory says I have or I may just be on the start of going stupid. Any suggestions for this would be great. 

 

A little background on this topic. The reason for the mullion mount is that next to the door is textured decorative brick. We could use a grinder and carve out a section for a standard card/keypad reader but we would rather not do that. Even if we do go that route I still want to know if my memory of adding a keypad in conjunction with a reader is right or not.

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Brian Rhodes
•Sep 01, 2017
IPVMU Certified

8-bit protocol is a common keypad option, so you're not crazy.  I am not sure how feasible it might be to knock one up and interface it to an existing reader, even if it is only a 26-bit Wiegand connection, but the pins on the back certainly <physically> would allow it.

Those pins are a security vulnerability, BTW, so they may not be wide open as they have been in the past.  From our Vulnerability Directory For Access Control Cards note, there are several 'key dumping' schemes that use them: 

RL
Robb Larsen
•Sep 01, 2017

We do a lot of multi-family housing and they use quite a few of the prox/keypad combos. Not sure if I can help you on the parallel keypad, but if you're just looking for a standard 26 bit mullion prox/keypad:

Mullion

I typically use the Essex TPX-26 series. They're not perfect, but I haven't had too many problems with them and only one failure. Just make sure you're using shielded cable as these seem to be more susceptible to EMI. Not sure why, but with the drain attached at one end, you won't have a problem. 

I haven't tried the Axis A4011-E, but I think it's just a rebrand (sorry can't remember the manufacturer), if you need a smaller form factor. If you can find the OEM you can also pick it up a little cheaper.

Switchplate

If using a standard style keypad, I use the HID 5535 w/ (14) option or "Card or Pin". Just make sure you have a reformatting card from HID (free). In the past year, at least half of the (14) option readers I buy come set as (00) or "Card+Pin". 

For multi-class standard switchplate, HID RPK40. I will tell you though I've had more of these fail in outdoor applications than any other reader I've installed. Checked instructions, tech support, my tech's wiring...no answers as to why. 

 

More info than you wanted, but hopefully you can use something out of it.

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SD
Shannon Davis
•Sep 01, 2017
IPVMU Certified

The Farpointe Data guy called me and told me a model that will work. It is the P-620-H. Thanks Fransicso.

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Scott Lindley
•Sep 01, 2017
Farpointe Data, Inc.
In reply to Shannon Davis

Hi Shannon-

FYI - Our Sales Manager West now has a new nickname, "The Farpointe Guy!"

Thanks best!

Scott

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Mark Jones
•Sep 05, 2017

We also use the Essex and have for years and years.  The output is 26 bit and you push the pound key to send the string.  They are tough as nails.  Your memory is not wrong, just dated.

DF
David Fogle, CSEIP
•Sep 05, 2017

They do make a mullion keypad card reader. Secoalarm (DOLXMIHIDEM) about $80

Search on "Mullion Keypad readers" in your browser click on the shopping tab.

I appreciate you want to make it work the way you believe it could, but why make life hard for the service techs. keep it simple and it should just work.

 

 

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